Community Engagement

Celebrating the role of ‘dad’ on Father’s Day

On the first Sunday of September, we celebrate and give thanks for the dads, grandads, family members and special friends in our students’ lives, including those wonderful father figures no longer with us.

‘Father’s Day gives us a strong reminder about what we are trying to achieve at Trinity – to grow good men,’ Principal Adrian Farrer said.

‘The joy of fatherhood can be balanced by the challenges at times, so while Father’s Day can be seen as a commercial event in this era, it is valuable nonetheless to take the time to reflect on, simply, being a good father.’

To bring some TGS spirit to the at-home celebrations this year, the Community Engagement team shared a set of recipes from The Mitre Cookbook for families to create and enjoy together. The Junior School also provided some beautiful Trinity cards for students to colour in and gift to their loved ones.

The role of ‘dad’ looks different for every family, which is part of what makes it so special.

Junior School Captain Sidney Johns, who lives with his two mums, has a very special relationship with his dads.

‘Whether it is kicking the football with you, or assisting you with homework, dads are always there supporting you, commonly with some advice,’ he said.

‘I don`t live with my dads, but they have still managed to share their love of biking and food with me, and most importantly, they have shared their dedication to the North Melbourne Football Club. No matter what impact dads have on you, big or small, they are always there to encourage and support you.’

Mark Toner, father of School Captain Will Toner, feels that his role is ‘forever in transition’. ‘Those earlier years when we were idols to our kids, they’d literally believe anything we told them. They were fully dependent on us, for their wellbeing, entertainment and love. In those mid-teenage years, the word “dad” is often synonymous with “taxi” (to basketball, footy or a friend’s house) and “money printer” (for the orthodontics, school fees and the latest Apple i-whatever). And now in these early adult years, we become a driving instructor, a friend and mentor.’

‘It’s the perfect role and I wouldn’t swap it for any other,’ he said.

Copies of The Mitre Cookbook can be purchased for $25 (or two for $40) via

www.trybooking.com/YIOL

All proceeds go to the Trinity Parents’ Association for distribution to the Mito Foundation, which supports people affected by mitochondrial disease.

Junior School Captain Sidney Johns with his dads, Andrew and Paul School Captain Will Toner with his dad, Mark

Donor Story - Kenneth Tse (OTG 1961)

Earlier this year we received a significant gift directed to our Indigenous Scholarship Fund. The donor, Kenneth Tse, is a member of our OTG community who had lost connection with Trinity once he left his old school. However, after reading an article in The Trinity Grammarian, he was impressed with our Indigenous program and decided to show his support in the most immediate way, by making a major gift to the Indigenous Scholarship Fund.

The power of gifts like Ken’s enable us to change the lives of so many boys and strengthen important education learning journeys and programs. We are grateful to all our donors for continuing to support Trinity and our students, especially in these ever-changing times.

‘I left Australia after my internship in 1969, and I have been living in Canada since 1971. A few years back, when I visited Melbourne, my cousin, Laurence Law, who is also an OTG, took me to the school for a visit. I could hardly recognise the place except for Roberts House where I boarded. Since then, I have received The Trinity Grammarian, and one issue discussed the Indigenous student scholarship. I thought that was an excellent way to provide Indigenous students a chance to advance their education and hope that they can finish a tertiary education and return home to serve their community. That is what triggered my little contribution. I was fortunate that my family sent me to Trinity, because I was an average student and I do not have a good memory. When I was taking British History, Mr Leppitt told me that remembering dates are not as important as understanding the social, economic and political conditions. After that, it opened up my mind and I was able to get past the memory part of medicine, and excelled in my profession as a specialist.’

Ken in Myanmar

$61,517.26

2021 Annual Giving Total

Many Trinity students have been supported over the years by the ongoing generosity of our philanthropic community. Whether these gifts have been an annual contribution or a Bequest, every gift has an impact, and we thank our regular and new donors for their most generous support.

2021 TOTAL DONORS 41

YOUNGEST DONOR Year 10 Student

OLDEST DONOR OTG 1944

LARGEST GIFT $20,000

AVERAGE GIFT $1,500.42

SMALLEST GIFT $20

BEQUESTS RECIEVED 1

TUNGA SOCIETY MEMBERS 37