From the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association

I R T D VIRILITER AGITE

O

NITY L G RAMM A R I A NS

A key element of the school’s new constitution is to conduct the TGS Community Forum which was held in Arnold Hall on 24 March. It was fantastic to hear such an in-depth and insightful update from our Chair of School Council and Principal on the school’s current position and strategic plan. It was also useful to be able to provide the Trinity community with an update on the activities of the OTGA alongside the Parents’ Association. The level of positive engagement facilitated by the Forum will undoubtedly hold the school in good stead as we navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the years ahead.

As part of the OTGA update, I provided an overview of activities aligned with our strategic pillars of Community, Connecting, Careers and Clubs. These have certainly kept the OTGA and other OTGs busy in recent months.

To support the Career aspirations of our OTGs in tertiary education, we held the OTGA Careers Evening on 26 April. This was well attended virtually by a number of OTGs and our friends at the Old Ruytonians’ Association. We were fortunate to have two excellent speakers in Chris Braithwaite (Senior Partner PWC, TGS School Council Deputy Chair and current parent) and Natalie Perks (ANZ Institutional Graduate Program) who shared their knowledge and unique insights into what makes a university student successful in the job market. Many thanks to Mike Azarnikow (OTG 2011) for his efforts in making the event a success and for facilitating the discussion. We hope the Careers Evening will return as an annual event and complement the participation of OTGs in the school’s annual Career Expo (to be held this year on 21 July).

From a Community perspective, I had the pleasure of meeting with Tom Purcell (Director of Outreach) and Nick Molnar (OTG 2020) during the term to hear about the fantastic outreach and community service programs of Harambee and the plans for the Harambee Sundee event (please turn to page 10 for more on this event). Nick is the OTG representative for Harambee and it is always impressive to see passionate OTGs dedicate their time and efforts to worthy endeavours; it is fantastic to see the strong OTG connection with the school on this important program. The OTGA believes the ongoing involvement of OTGs in school life is an important part of Trinity’s history and culture, and we were pleased we could contribute to the fundraising and be part of the successful event with a number of OTGs hitting the bikes, treadmills and table tennis tables late on the Sunday afternoon.

Another important aspect of the OTGA involvement with the Trinity community is through the Stakeholder Member Group. We were pleased that Ryan Landgren (OTG 2009) was confirmed by School Council as the second OTGA Nominee, which formalises the OTGA representation on this important element of the school’s governance structure. Ryan is a valued member of the OTGA Committee where he shows a high level of engagement and dedication and a true love for the school. We are confident he will be a valuable contributor to School Council.

Term 2 is always an exciting time for the OTG Clubs as the winter season kicks off, even more so in 2021 after an interrupted 2020 season.

Alexander Hasiotis and Andrew Kyriacopoulos with Blake Meadows at the 2011 10-Year Reunion Najee Siddiqui, Gabriel Ng and Jonathon Monasso at the Class of 2001 20-Year Reunion

Timothy Cheong, Will Darlington, Simon Shaddick, Paul Clemson and James Ellis at the Class of 2000 20-Year Reunion Ted Mitchell, Andrew Coughlin and Dom Tyson at the 2011 10-Year Reunion

There has been a lot of excitement and activity, particularly given the re-establishment of the OTGA Hockey Club and the development initiatives of the OTGAFC which added a new team and achieved record player registrations. On 26 May, we held the OTGA, TGS and OTG Clubs meeting, attended by representatives of the clubs, the school and the OTGA. It was a highly engaging meeting during which a number of important topics were discussed, including the impacts on Bulleen of the North-East Link, fundraising objectives, social media, and engagement with outgoing Year 12s. The level of collaboration and goodwill was pleasing and further discussions on certain topics will continue over the coming months.

Connecting OTGs with each other and the school is a key priority for the OTGA and the Kew Business Breakfasts make a very welcome return in 2021. Having such high-quality speakers in Professor Michael Kidd AM (OTG 1977) on 16 July and Leigh Clifford AO on 10 September means they are events not to be missed!

In June, Eddie Gibbons (OTG 1994) focused our Men’s Health Initiative on the 2021 Push-Up Challenge, when OTGs, students and staff came together to get fit, learn more about mental health and connect with each other. It was fantastic to see so many motivated members of our community get active for such a worthwhile event. On page 35, Eddie interviews Jon Gillies (OTG 2005).

Please take a moment to follow us on our social media platforms. We welcome members of the community who may be able to assist in practical ways getting in touch with us at

otg@trinity.vic.edu.au

James Brown (OTG 1992)

President

WOMEN OF TRINITY GRAMMAR

The Women of Trinity Grammar (WOTG) enjoyed a lovely social afternoon at Sidedoor Wine Bar, Kew, in early May. Spoiled with a perfect autumn day, everyone relaxed and enjoyed one another’s company, revelling in being able to engage socially without facemasks.

There is always plenty to chat about and there were some similar shared stories and experiences about teachers, camps and projects and, of course volunteering at the Fair, the canteen and the uniform shop. The underlying sense for all was that their time at Trinity was extremely special, evoking fond memories.

Each month, our group continues to grow. To further assist with making connections, we have created a Facebook page – please search ‘Women of Trinity Grammar’ and request to join. Please note that this is a private group for eligible members only.

The Victorian lockdowns have had a profound impact on everybody – WOTG is designed to offer an avenue for communication, networking and support. We hope to arrange a day visit to an olive grove or vineyard (or perhaps both) in the not too distant future, so please consider joining the group to receive your invitation.

Please use this link surveymonkey.

com/r/women_of_trinity_

grammar to register your contact details and join WOTG. There is no joining or membership fee.

Donna Cameron and Carolyn Crouch, Co-Convenors

Liz Beasley and Sue McNally, Patrons