THE TRINITY
GRAMMARIAN Vol 37 No 1 | April 2022
In this edition
4
From the Principal
13 From the Junior School
6
From the School Council
16 Sport’s back! 18 Together again
24 From the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association 26 Reunions 27 Gold Mitre Lunch 28 OTG Clubs
8
Congratulations to the Class of 2021
19 House Performing Arts Festival 2022 20 OTGs bridge the Charles Street gap for music students
30 News of Old Boys
21 Uniform Shop
34 A gift to create a spiritual home
32 In Memoriam
10 From the School Captain
22 From the Parents’ Association
35 Back page interview
12 From the ELC
Front cover photograph:
Back cover photograph:
Principal Adrian Farrer officiates at the Year 7 House Tug-of-War
Year 4 student Aidan Ballesty is enjoying being back in the playground Many thanks to the staff, students, parents and other members of the Trinity community who provided photographs used in this publication.
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Editor: Siobhan Latham e: lathams@trinity.vic.edu.au OTG News: Sharon Kendall e: kendalls@trinity.vic.edu.au Admissions: Kathy Byrne e: admissions@trinity.vic.edu.au
Welcome to the April 2022 edition of The Trinity Grammarian! The excitement was palpable: students (and staff!) were anxious to get back into school life and determined to start the year embracing all Trinity has to offer. Outdoor spaces in the Senior School, Junior School, Prep playground and the ELC were full of students running, shouting, throwing, playing, connecting, climbing, digging, building, creating, enjoying being among their peers. On pages 10 and 11, our School Captain for 2022, Oscar Brown, looks forward to the year ahead and articulates his aspirations for all our students. Harambee Sundee was the first major opportunity for all sections of the Trinity community to come together and their efforts epitomise Oscar’s hopes. School sport resumed and with it the AGSV competition in which Trinity plays a key role. On Pages 16 and 17, we focus on sport. Our Year 12 Captain of School Sport, Ben Lindeman, reflects on what school sport means to him. Trinity is well known for its tightknit and inclusive community and there are many ways parents and families can become more involved. In this issue, President of the Parents’ Association, Heidi Pfeffer, outlines the myriad groups and sub-committees – and there is something for everyone – as well as upcoming activities and events. In addition, anyone who has spent time this term at Bulleen or in the McIntyre Gym could not have failed to notice the multitude of parents keen to support their children and connect with other families and staff. Those incidental friendships that develop as a result of windy (or sweltering) Saturdays on the sidelines are just as important to parents as they are to students. Our Old Trinity Grammarians (OTGs) have also been busy. Many of the reunions postponed over the past
Lachlan Smit and Roy McNab can’t wait to slide into Year 11!
two years were rescheduled and, now people can travel more freely, our OTGs are enthusiastic about catching up. Reading about what our former students are doing and seeing how they are keen to continue their association with the school shows the positive impact Trinity has had. As always, if you would prefer to read this magazine online, please let us know by emailing trinity@trinity.vic.edu.au
You can keep up to date with all things Trinity at: trinity.vic.edu.au (where you can also access the digital version of this magazine) trinity.grammar @trinitygrammarkew We hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Trinity Grammarian. Siobhan Latham Editor April 2022 | 3
The Junior School Captains, together with Mr Farrer, Mr Nalder amd Mr Vedelsby enjoy a funny joke in between photographs
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From the Principal At a recent Open Morning, during which students take prospective families on a tour of the Kew campus and we meet around the cakes and cups of tea afterwards, I was asked while in the centre of a circle, ‘What do you expect of a Trinity student?’ It is a great question. It is a positive variation on questions around a point of difference or ‘Why choose Trinity?’. I suppose that there are many answers that could be offered – think great citizens, high achievers, good people or any variation of those – but my immediate thought was one that I had experienced years earlier when the prospect of me coming to Trinity was first suggested. But more on that later.
*** If you note the lift out education pages in the mainstream papers that appear every six months or so, you tend to see picture after picture of smiling children in different uniforms. Understanding the spirit, intent and value of a school setting can be a challenge for parents, and articulating those elements can be challenging for schools. Similar schools to ours are, like us, aspirational. They seek to give their students a really good run up at life across all of their pursuits. Academic success is prized, authentic opportunity to compete on the sporting field is valued and performance opportunities are cherished. Insight into cultural and spiritual understanding is sought after. It can feel like it is a crowded marketplace. It isn’t. The strategic planning process which has been the work of the last 18 or so months, has been revealing on a number of fronts. It has been able to reflect the worth our community places on a values education. Since our inception in 1903, we have been notable for a more understated
manner than other prominent schools and we have reflected Headmaster Frank Shann’s words from 1929 accurately: ‘Trinity differs from other independent schools chiefly in one particular. The aim has been to emphasise the value of moral training as distinct from merely intellectual.’ Our enrolment data reflects this idea keenly. Trinity people place creating good people as our most important work. Our forming strategy will capture that idea. In our strategic planning process so far, I have been lucky enough to engage with many students, with all staff, with the committee members of the Parents’ Association, Class Reps and OTGA, and repeatedly with School Council as we seek to form the pathway into our imminent future. At our recent TGS Community Forum, I was also able to invite any members of our school community to engage with our process and proposed form and content. I am grateful to those who have been a part of the process of discernment up to this point as we look ‘towards 2030’. I look forward to providing more opportunity for engagement in the next term as our planning sharpens appreciably. The context of our planning is that we have been surrounded by COVID’s realities. Moving from wholesale lockdowns to family-specific ones enabled a broadly consistent term for students and staff, and their efforts to work together to best effect has been impressive to witness. It has again highlighted our community’s resilience and the preparedness of all to swiftly move to the latest iteration of teaching and learning at all levels. I am very grateful to students, to the tireless staff and to all families for the approach. It is taxing, though. Our strategy will
reflect that as we have created ‘two horizons’. The first will get us through and beyond COVID’s impact, the next will be ‘towards 2030’ and will reach further. Of course, if our strategy were to require of us that we provide a contemporary approach and curriculum, top grade sporting experiences, highly visible performance opportunities, committed and innovative staff, and worthy facilities, then we are already going well! This term’s return to so much of that which we value – an enjoyable HPAF, a Cricket Premiership, successful productions and so much more – reminds us that a significant part of the plan should be to honour what we already do and care about. We will.
*** In January of 2013 my wife and I were driving towards Wangaratta, away from Melbourne, and we were about to embark on a new life with our children in the country. I was about to start as Principal of Cathedral College. Despite the conviction we had about this direction, during the trip she asked me if I there was a school I would come back to Melbourne for. My response was, ‘Trinity’. When pushed on why, I told her that I felt like it was the school at which I felt I could absolutely be me. A number of years later I can say that I was right. And I can also say that is the best answer to the question I received during that Open Morning. What I expect of a Trinity student is that they can feel, and be, themselves. The best version of themselves. Now that is a plan. Adrian Farrer Principal
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Trinity provides a supportive community within which our young people can strive to achieve a sense of purpose and agency – and they can have a lot of fun too!
Living life to its fullest One of the first teaching roles that I had back in the late 1970s was in a government school located in a community north of Perth. Many of the students came from families who were experiencing significant social and economic disadvantage. A number of them would arrive at school in the morning without breakfast and having had little sleep. Before they could even begin to think about schoolwork, they would need to be fed. It would be reasonable to say that for many, school was the stable centre of their lives: it was the community where they felt safe, where they connected positively with others and where they were valued as individuals. Unsurprisingly, therefore, it was this formative experience that impressed upon me the importance of schools – all schools – in providing models for positive community. Underpinning this view was a particular theory I had studied at university with which I am sure many
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of you will be familiar: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. A conceptual idea first proposed in 1943, Maslow’s Hierarchy is a simple five step psychological model designed to represent the different and particular needs that Maslow felt should be fulfilled if an individual is to be ‘self-actualised’ – that is, capable of living life to its full potential as a human being. The model has been challenged for its simplicity and for the inherent assumption that one level of the hierarchy must be completely achieved before being able to progress to the next. Nevertheless, Maslow’s model has been a very useful tool in assisting schools. Young people cannot be effective learners unless their physical needs are attended to and that they feel safe; a sense of self and purpose cannot be generated unless an individual feels a confident identity within a broader social context.
I have always felt, however, that Maslow’s model – by the very nature of its hierarchical structure – undervalues the critical importance of the collective, or communities, in ensuring that fundamental needs of the individual – physiological and safety – are initially met. There is an organic and dynamic interrelationship between the three hierarchical levels – physiological, safety and social connections – that challenges false segmentation. And for me, too, it is community – with its shared identity and common values – that provides both the cultural framework and practical support that enables individuals to flourish. Of course, within this, it is the values – the things that matter, the things that are of critical importance – that are the heart of a community’s culture.
At Trinity, I would suggest, we are very clear about what matters, what our values are: •
We believe in the importance of truth and in seeking what is right;
•
We understand that we should honour the importance of service in our community and be generous and compassionate by putting others first;
•
We know that we should act with courage in endeavouring to always be our best;
•
We recognise that connecting and learning together enables us to build relationships and connections, and enhances inclusion, belonging and engagement in a cohesive community.
One of the primary functions of the School Council is to ensure that every decision made for and on behalf of Trinity is consistent with these values and aligned with the school’s culture. Protecting what
matters at Trinity is Council’s core responsibility.
the Principal in leading the school community.
Certainly, Council has many fiduciary responsibilities too. It is the Board of Directors of Trinity and must ensure that the school complies with all the relevant legislation and is responsibly and effectively run as a large not-forprofit enterprise – and this covers everything from oversight of the teaching, learning and caring programs, to the financial side of the organisation, to the MasterPlan for the built form, to assuring the continuing quality and excellence of the school staff.
I am pleased to say that Trinity has an extraordinary School Council, each one of whom brings with them a breadth of governance experience and professional expertise. All have a passion and commitment to the school and give unstintingly of their time; all are volunteers. I encourage you to follow the following link below to see the details of our School Council: trinity.vic.edu.au/school-council
Council is also responsible – in conjunction with the school’s Senior Leadership Team and the broader community – for establishing and sustaining the school’s strategic direction. This work has been ongoing for the past 18 months, despite the interruptions of the pandemic. And, finally, and in some ways perhaps most importantly, Council is responsible for selecting, appointing, and then supporting
Eighty years ago, Maslow described a linear model to represent his perception of an individual’s hierarchy of needs. As I have suggested though, I do not believe that any individual can adequately meet their needs in isolation; they can only do so in a supportive community. Trinity is such a community, one in which our young people can strive to achieve a sense of purpose and agency in the world, vested in the values that sit at the heart of our culture. Simon Gipson OAM Chair of School Council
A visual representation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
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Trinity’s 2021 VCE High Achievers pictured with Principal Adrian Farrer. From left to right: (back row) James Liu, Samarth Goel, Dihan Wiggett, Kevin Nimalraj, Will Toner, Alex Paysen, Cinque Howells, (front row) James Carlyon, Laurence Armstrong, Larry Pang, James Greenwood and Hadyn Tang
Congratulations to the Class of 2021 The 2021 cohort, despite experiencing two years of challenges due to the pandemic, achieved a set of outstanding results in the VCE. The median ATAR score of 86.65, median Study Score of 34 and eight perfect Study Scores (including from one Ruyton student in our Coordinate Program) are testament to their resilience and perseverance. The results show that 76% of Trinity students scored in the top 25% of the state, 40.1% received an ATAR of 90 or above, and 22% achieved 95 or above. Principal Adrian Farrer extended his congratulations and noted that the results of every student in the Class of 2021 are worthy of acknowledgement and celebration. He also recognised ‘the many people who supported and encouraged our students throughout their education – the parent community, the teachers and support staff here at Trinity, and the wider TGS family. We are proud of this cohort, not just for
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their academic performance and co-curricular achievements, but for their courage, compassion and contribution to the community throughout their time with us.’
The School Council Prize for the 2021 Dux of the School was awarded to Larry Pang
Throughout his time at Trinity, Larry was involved in many different aspects of school life, including the House program, as a Vice-Captain of Hindley House; the cross-age mentoring programs, leading Year 7 students during their Outdoor Education camps; the Mitre Editorial Committee, which produces the school’s annual magazine; sport, as co-captain of Firsts Badminton and a member of the First Table Tennis team. Larry also established the Physics Society, a student-led cocurricular club for all year levels. A keen scholar, Larry represented the school in a number of academic competitions, receiving many awards and honours over the years. In 2021, Larry was a member of the Trinity team awarded a silver medal in the University of Melbourne School Maths Olympics. In 2020, Larry received the Trinity Grammar School, Kew H G L Palmer Prize for Mathematical Methods.
Larry Pang
Larry achieved an ATAR of 99.95.
Where to now? Trinity’s Head of Careers, Katherine Ward, notes that the tertiary destinations of the Class of 2021 reflect the diversity of skills, interests, passions and aspirations of these students. Here Katherine also offers an insight into the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and why the ATAR required for entry to particular courses can change from year to year: ‘The ATAR is an overall percentile rank reflecting a student’s Year 12 achievement compared to the age group in a given year. The
ATAR allows tertiary institutions to competitively rank students who have completed different combinations of VCE studies. It is calculated by VTAC solely for use by institutions for admission into some tertiary courses. The ATAR can be used with a combination of other factors to determine the selection rank that is used in a particular year. It does not indicate anything about the course but rather the number of places available, the ATARs of the students who applied and the demand for a course. The pandemic has certainly resulted in an increased level of interest
in courses in health, resulting in the selection rank used for those courses to increase. The courses haven’t become easier or harder. It suggests that students who achieved high ATARs are choosing to apply for different types of courses than they have in previous selection cycles. At an individual level, students should be aware of previous years’ selection ranks but should also be mindful that they are subject to change, some modest and some more substantial.’ The graph below, showing the selection rank used in three courses, illustrates this point:
Information here is based on data taken from vtac.edu.au/reports in February 2022
86.65
Eight* students achieved a perfect score of 50 across a range of subjects.
34
Accounting James Carlyon Ruyton Student
English Alexander Paysen Dihan Wiggett
Specialist Mathematics Larry Pang
Chemistry Hadyn Tang
History Revolutions Olek Beavis
Physics Larry Pang
Median ATAR score
Median Study Score
99.95 Dux ATAR score
(Coordinate Program)
*Including one Ruyton Student from the Coordinate Program
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A year of connection, community and opportunity Whilst it would be redundant to comment any more on the difficulties faced by many of the school community due to the pandemic, it is important to reflect on what has changed because of it. That is, what comes next for us as students, teachers, and as a school? In this piece I thought I would share some of the hopes and aspirations I have for myself, as well as for the Year 12 cohort of 2022; this is the year level that in many ways has the greatest opportunity to influence a new ‘normal’ for life at Trinity. The predominant reason for this, put simply, is the connection afforded us by the return to on-site learning. We have the ability to ask questions and follow up with teachers after class directly, and we are able to spend lunchtimes outside, or at different locations around the school, including in the Cafeteria and Tudor Centre. If we choose, we can run around, kick some sort of ball, or chat about nothing in particular with our mates. Whilst the essential nature of human connection is at the forefront of many of our minds due to our prolonged deprivation, I hope that as we spend more time together, we can all strive to remember its importance by supporting those around us. So, with some work and a little play, the graduating Class of 2022 hopes for a year that rejects dullness and
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embraces connection, community, and opportunity. Of course, as a cohort we want to be remembered fondly. The question we must ask ourselves therefore, is for what do we wish to be remembered? The aspirations of the student leadership group this year, as well as the senior year level in general, revolve around Trinity maintaining its celebration of difference. This is the inherent quality of being in a place where you need not try to ‘fit in’. All those who individually constitute the school, whoever those individuals may be, will be supported, included, and find belonging within our gates. This idea was reinforced to the Year 12s by General The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove at the Stephen Jones ‘Be Glorious’ Leadership Breakfast, when he suggested that leadership is not about standing above, below, or beside others, but rather it is standing with them. As Rudyard Kipling wrote in his poem ‘If’ in 1895: ‘If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch…Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, and – which is more – you’ll be a Man my son.’ As a group of students, we aspire to have the whole school community walking together. This vision of an inclusive community is encapsulated in the work of the Harambee team. Their efforts were on display at the
Harambee Sundee event. Running, riding, rowing, reminiscing – we did it all on Sunday 6 March when we gathered for the second annual Harambee Sundee. Working together as a whole school community, encompassing the ELC, the Junior School, Senior School, Ruyton students in the Coordinate Program, parents, staff and OTGs, we raised funds to support Harambee’s mission in Australia and overseas. The organisers of this event created an inclusive experience which demonstrated our willingness as a school to raise others up and connect with those around us through our actions. Earlier, I mentioned the students’ desire to enjoy the engagement that comes with a return to onsite learning; it seems that we have embraced the work of our outreach programs as one way to experience this. As a community, it is an entrenched goal to look out for everyone we encounter. As a cohort and a school, we must continue to challenge the way we think and question the reasons behind what we do. The shared effort displayed at Harambee Sundee serves to highlight the strong sense of service to which the Class of 2022 aspires and which we will take with us into the future, far beyond the Charles Street gates. Oscar Brown School Captain 2022
School Vice-Captains (l-r) David Fang, Torren Arthur, Aden Wilmshurst and James Blanch, with School Captain Oscar Brown (centre)
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Tate Hillas, Jay Goel and Charlie Wei learn through play
Play is the way we learn together Early Childhood is a time for young children to wonder, explore, discover and make meaning of the world around them. Our students in the Early Learning Centre are presented with these opportunities through our educational program. Encouraging our students to live in the moment, to enjoy the here-and-now and to spend unhurried time using processes such as exploration, investigation, collaboration and problem solving underpin all aspects of the Early Learning Program.
and negotiate the world around them.
Learning and teaching in the early years is holistic. Play reflects the holistic and authentic way in which children explore, grow and learn. It focuses on the cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth and wellbeing of our students.
Our students develop understandings of themselves and their world through active hands-on investigation. It is important they are provided with many opportunities to play, explore and discover using all their senses. This is how they start to construct their understanding of the world around them, as well as building their understanding of concepts, creative thinking and inquiry processes, which are foundations for life-long learning.
Skills relating to language, symbolic exploration and expression, literacy and numeracy are also developed through play. With these skills, children can explore, respond to,
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Our students are naturally curious to learn. The sounds and sights of children exploring, wondering and making new discoveries is evident to see throughout the ELC. Our aim is for the children to become confident and engaged learners over time, enabling them to develop and increasingly take responsibility for their own learning and personal regulation in the social environment.
Young children are naturally drawn to one another and seek out the company of others. All our students have been through a period of time when they were not able to interact with their friends which was incredibly challenging for them. Currently, our students are relishing the opportunity to spend time with their friends and peers and engage in dramatic and imaginative play, creating and participating in games inside and outside, talking and laughing in small groups and working on small group collaborative projects together, as well as having opportunities to share and negotiate. Watching our students engage in social opportunities and collaborative learning is truly wonderful to see. Naomi Wright Director of the ELC
From the Junior School Roaming a little more freely During Term 1, there was much delight as the children broadened their horizons beyond the classroom to disengage from technology for a little while, roam a little more freely, and engage with expanded communities of peers. Students had plenty of opportunities to involve themselves in all that the Junior School has to offer. Close to 250 of our students enjoyed the challenges and mateship of school camps. As our Year 4 and 6 boys headed off to Camp Rumbug, they were filled with anticipation and excitement. They participated in a range of adventurous outdoor activities, covering themselves in mud daily. The Year 6 students provided encouragement and support to their younger peers, while being guided through activities by Year 9 group leaders.
Year 6 on a hike
To conclude the week, the Year 6 boys continued their camp experience for two nights at Waratah Bay. They had the opportunity to swim in the surf, participate in
numerous beach games, hike along the beach at Wilson’s Promontory and appreciate the beautiful coastal environment.
Year 4 students with Mr Vedelsby at Camp Rumbug
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Returning to the regular rhythm of excursions Our Year 5 boys enjoyed the beach life that the Portsea Camp has to offer. Spending three jam-packed days snorkelling, body boarding and sandcastle building was marvellous – while a trip to Queenscliff on the ferry was the cherry on top. Term 1 also marked a return to the regular rhythm of excursions, intertwined throughout the school curriculum. Our Year 1 children enjoyed a day at Rayner’s Orchard with one of the greatest highlights being the bus ride with friends. Only a day previously our Year 5s had set off to the city to spend time exploring the Melbourne Aquarium. For our Year 6 students, the term started with a day of classmate bonding at Bulleen, as they participated in the Project Rockit program. Even our Prep boys enjoyed their first ever excursion this term, walking all of 200m to the Alexandra Gardens to enjoy a morning of games followed by a picnic lunch with their parents.
Year 5 exploring the Mornington Peninsula
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Nicholas Elliot and Fletcher Gerard at
Preps enjoying their excursion
Portsea
Playing makes you hungry!
Year 5 at the Melbourne Aquarium
Looking forward with hope Our sporting events returned with gusto this term. During the Year 3 to 6 House Swimming Carnival, the enthusiastic cheering could be heard as far away as Cotham Road! Regardless of swimming ability, students were involved in races ranging from butterfly to a kickboard race. Over the course of the term, many students had involved themselves in after school swimming sessions as part of the co-curricular activities offered at Trinity. The Prep to Year 2 children enjoyed their own swimming display; they were keen to show their parents the new skills they had been practising in their school swimming lessons. A defining sporting highlight, however, was the return of Friday sport at Bulleen. This term, students participated in Frisbee golf, touch rugby and cricket, as well as peerbuilding activities with their buddies. There is no doubt that what lies before us in 2022 is still largely unpredictable and for many of our children, the memories of lockdowns remain forefront in their minds. However, we owe it to our young people to look towards the rest of the year with hope and an emphasis on looking forward. We welcome the return of the simple things: the routines of school life, school sporting events and the simple excursion, even if it is only 200m up the road! We encourage our students to continue to involve themselves in the myriad of activities Trinity has to offer. Jump in and get involved and be a part of it! Samara Madden Deputy Head of the Junior School
We are so excited about jumping into the Prep to 2 Swimming Display!
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Year 12 students enjoyed their final season of summer hockey
Sport’s back Welcome back to school sport! The past two years of the pandemic have been challenging, and we have all missed out on so many opportunities. For many of us, not being able to play the games we love was almost unbearable. School sporting fields, gymnasiums, courts and swimming pools have been the breeding grounds of many professional athletes, but for the rest of us team building, making friends, fresh air, respect and resilience are the greatest rewards. I have always loved school sport, and when I started at Trinity in Year 7, I was so excited to get involved with everything that was on offer. I am a very competitive person, but I have grown to understand that people use sport in many ways. For some, it can be an outlet from study, while for others it can be a means to improve health and wellbeing. And for those like me, the opportunity to test my skills against another
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competitor is one of the greatest feelings.
body and mind, and consolidating connections with those around us.
At Trinity, there are many opportunities to be active and participate in sport. From House competitions to representing the AGSV, all students are encouraged to give everything a go. Being part of a team, even if your sport is an individual one, such as swimming or cross country, is a chance to build strong friendships and learn valuable life lessons about commitment, discipline and resilience.
Ben Lindeman Captain of School Sport
Former professional ice hockey player and coach Wayne Gretzky recalled his father telling him: ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ During our time at school, this could also apply to making the most of the opportunities offered through participation in sport. Every time we work hard at training, support our teammates, give our all in a game – win or lose – is a shot at building our character, strengthening our
Touch Rugby
Firsts Basketball
Cycling
The 7A Cricket team with their coach Nich Hildebrandt
Tennis
Cricket
Futsal
Rowing
Year 7 table tennis
April 2022 | 17
Together again
The student organisers of Harambee Sundee
Term 1 was filled with activities; it was wonderful to do these in person, rather than via our screens. The images on these pages showcase Harambee Sundee, the first day of Prep, the mascots at House Swimming, and the Year 7 House Tug-of War.
Noah Chan helps Teddy read the sign
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Running for Harambee
Kent Hughes House working hard
Harrison McDonald and Evan Zheng
Sutton staying strong at the House
became friends on their first day!
Tug-of-War
All the House mascots at House
Students of all ages supported
Swimming
Harambee Sundee
This year’s winner of the House Performing Arts Festival was Henty House!
A truly collaborative learning experience
Henty House performed Batman
There is a noticeable frisson in the Kew air each year as the date for the annual Trinity House Performing Arts Festival – affectionately known as HPAF – draws nearer. Pity the poor cast of Hamilton Australia that they had to share their opening night with such a wealth of talent as graced the ‘stage’ in Trinity’s Peter McIntyre Gymnasium.
HPAF has had many locations – Dallas Brooks Hall, the Plenary, and, in COVID times, the McIntyre Gym. The moveable feast of venues has never dampened the enthusiasm of the performances though, and the ability of the event to ‘pivot’ with the times highlights its true value. I am sure we have all seen iterations of House Music performances at other schools – wall-to-wall neat blazers and carefully curated voices harmonising in songs of praise. HPAF is not that. It is so much better. This is, uniquely, a truly student-led event. The talented student bands are directed by a pragmatic student conductor. The erudite studentwritten scripts are acted by student thespians. The lissom dances are choreographed and performed by
eager student artistes. The process is gently guided by the wise and patient Heads of House, but the show itself will live or die on the efforts of the students themselves. And that is student(s) plural, for every member of the House from Years 7 to 12 is expected to be on stage together – not just the obviously talented few! In an increasingly restrictive and risk-averse world, an event such as HPAF is truly to be celebrated. Enjoy the wonkiness of some of the props, the occasional out-of-tune note, the improvised dance steps – knowing that all of it represents a genuine collaborative learning experience for our students, not the least that the show must go on! Kate Fewster Co-Head of Year 12
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OTGs bridge the Charles Street gap for music students
Toby Thornton, Benjamin Yang-Gaillard and Joshua Loftes pause for a moment
For a number of years now, Old Trinity Grammarians have been ‘bridging the gap’ between the Junior School and the Music School. Gap Walkers collect Junior School students from their classes and walk them along Charles Street to their instrumental music lessons, and
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vice versa, throughout the school day.
called a “home away from home” for the better part of six years,’ he said.
Old Trinity Grammarian and Trinity Music Assistant Toby Thornton (OTG 2016) has been part of the Gap Walkers program since his graduation.
Year 6 students Benjamin YangGaillard and Joshua Loftes, a pianist and cellist respectively, have been part of the program for several years now.
‘Before me there was a general rule of thumb that the role would only last a year,’ Toby said.
Joshua says that his favourite aspect of the Gap Walkers program is the interaction he has with the walkers and being able to build relationships with alumni.
‘But I think I changed the status quo so to speak because I simply loved the job way too much.’ Each year, several OTGs are involved with the Gap Walkers program. ‘As an OTG, I think the best part about it is that we can keep connected with the place that we
Benjamin says that he likes the program because it reminds him of when his lessons are. If you are an OTG who would like to get involved with the Gap Walkers program, please write to employment@trinity.vic.edu.au
Connecting with the community through the Uniform Shop The Trinity Second Hand Uniform Shop is often one of the first places families visit when they begin their journey at TGS. And, as shirts are inevitably outgrown and blazers become a little snug, it is the place to go to pick up great quality pieces in the years ahead. The Trinity Second Hand Uniform Shop sells a wide selection of high quality pre-loved Trinity uniform items from the Early Learning Centre to the Senior School, including Trinity blazers sold on consignment.
school community by getting to know each other,’ Annette said. ‘Whether it is touching base with other parents, sharing a funny story of the week, providing a listening ear, or clarifying what the boys need to wear, it all makes being involved such an enjoyment,’ Yasmin added. The shop moved to its current larger location at 62 Charles Street in 2021, which Annette says has been particularly useful in maintaining
a COVID-safe environment. It is located next door to the Cotham Road Centre on Charles Street and can be identified by its large ivycovered fence. If you would like to get involved with the Trinity Second Hand Uniform Shop, please contact the Community Engagement Office at 9851 9558 or email communityengagement@trinity. vic.edu.au
The current Convenors are Trinity parents, Annette and Yasmin. Together, they sort donations, support a roster of volunteers and assist parents and students in selecting uniform items. It is also a space to connect and engage with other parents. ‘I love being part of the community and giving back,’ Annette said. ‘I’ve met some great people and absolutely love sharing this role with Yasmin. We have a lot of laughs together.’ Yasmin says she particularly enjoys being able to assist new parents navigating Trinity for the first time. ‘Just providing a sounding board or some parent advice is really rewarding,’ she said. The Trinity Second Hand Uniform Shop is always on the lookout for volunteers, which, as Annette and Yasmin attest, is a great way to get involved. ‘It offers parents and guardians the opportunity to be part of the wider Pop in and stock up at the Trinity Second Hand Uniform Shop
April 2022 | 21
A beautiful setting for a beautiful day!
From the Parents’ Association As we begin the 2022 school year, on behalf of the Parents’ Association (PA), I extend a warm welcome to new families and to those families returning to another year at Trinity Grammar School. Once again in 2021, we were separated from each other due to lockdowns and we have been reminded about the importance of human connection. Those of you who were able to volunteer your time at the Founders’ Day Fair provided our community with a feeling of belonging and offered comfort in tough times. The Fair demonstrated, by the incredible level of attendance,
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the importance of being together at community events. OTGs, grandparents, parents, carers, students and staff were involved in both the preparation and the various activities throughout the day, as well as turning up and enjoying the many things that the Fair has to offer. A microcosm of all that goes on is the Fine Foods stall, whose organisers begin getting ready early in the year. Cooking days are planned when fabulous chutneys and pickles and jams are prepared using the fresh produce that is generously donated over many months. Look out for dates in the Trinity News.
The 2022 annual Founders’ Day Fair will take place on Sunday 13 November. The Fair Committee looks forward to the involvement of all in our community, whether it is taking ownership of an existing stall or coming forward with the new ideas which make this community event different every year. More than 125 mothers and carers from across all year levels were treated to a fantastic spring Oaks Day Luncheon. An enormous thank you to the committee: Louise Burnett, Melissa Gallace, Mandy Warren, Suzanne Smith, Fiona Evans and Jo Harris. The event evolved and the timeline was amended as they worked through the challenges of the pandemic. The opportunity for the community to come together was well received. Highlights of the day included door prize raffles, which were made possible by the generosity of our partners and Trinity family businesses. To top it all off, entertainment was provided by a fantastic DJ and a surprise Flash Mob!
Parents’ Association Subcommittees:
Famous faces drop in to the Fair. North Melbourne player Todd Goldstein chats with Principal Adrian Farrer and some young fans
In 2022, we look forward to the Mother’s Day Breakfasts for Year 7 on 29 April and the Junior School on 6 May, both of which will be held in the South Room. Other annual events are the Green and Gold Ball which will be held on 21 May at the Park Hyatt, the Oaks Day Luncheon at Leonda on 21 October, and, of course, the Founders’ Day Fair on 13 November. All these wonderful events would not be possible without the partnership between the school and the parent and guardian volunteers – without their support the PA would not be able to operate. The PA encourages the sense of community that exists within the Trinity Grammar environment. Activities throughout the year are aimed at providing opportunities for families to socialise and contribute
Everyone’s a winner at the Trinity Fair
to our school. The key fundraisers for the PA are the Green and Gold Ball and the Founders’ Day Fair. Once a month during term time, the PA Committee meets. The agenda includes discussions on how to support the school; the Principal or sometimes the Deputy Principal provides updates on the school; and there are also regular contributions from the PA sub-committees. Meetings are online and in person – details are advertised in the Trinity News. On behalf of the PA Committee, I warmly invite you to attend our meetings. There is an extensive range of sub-committees (listed here) and we would love you to get involved.
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Class Representatives
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Communications
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Cowey Club – Rowing
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Founders’ Day Fair
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Friends of Music
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Friends of Visual Art
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Friends of Drama
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Friends of F1 in Schools
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Friends of Harambee
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Friends of Snowsports
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Green and Gold Ball
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Oaks Day Luncheon
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Second Hand Book Sale
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Second Hand Uniform Shop
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Trinity Kayaking Supporters
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Trinity TLC Community Support Group
There are many ways for parents and guardians to become involved in the life of Trinity if they choose to do so. Help is always welcome and received with gratitude. Please contact us at pa@trinity.vic.edu.au Heidi Pfeffer President of the Parents’ Association
Volunteers feed the hungry and are the oil in this machine
April 2022 | 23
There was a great turnout for the Gold Mitre Lunch
From the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association A new year brings a sense of optimism, excitement and anticipation that the year ahead will allow us to build on past successes, correct previous missteps or discover new opportunities to grow. After a challenging couple of years, there was always going to be heightened anticipation and expectations about 2022. Whilst the year has not been without its own challenges, it has been fantastic to see the community together again, getting involved and enjoying the experiences of on-site learning, school camps, working from an office, social interactions without masks and sporting endeavours outside our living rooms! This energy has been evident within the OTGA Committee as we look forward to a big year with enthusiasm. The committee has been refreshed in 2022 as we farewelled Tom Hudson (OTG 2006), Denis Curnow (OTG
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2017) and Will Murphy (OTG 2019), welcomed Will Toner (OTG 2021) and welcomed back David Constantinou (OTG 2002). Tom, Denis and Will, who stepped down due to work, education and travel plans, were highly valued members of the committee and the OTG community and we thank them for their significant contributions. The committee continues to have OTG representation from across six decades, ranging from the Class of 1976 through to the Class of 2021, ensuring we remain focused on supporting the ~8000 OTG members. At the end of 2021, the Old Trinity community gathered at the Marles Playing Fields at Bulleen to celebrate the career of Rohan Brown at Brownie’s Big BBQ. It was fantastic to see so many OTGs of all ages come together for an enjoyable afternoon under a blue sky. Rohan was often in his favourite spot
behind the BBQ, connecting with the crowd and ensuring everyone was well fed. Rohan has been an active and integral part of the Old Trinity community and the OTGA for many years and we thank him for his tireless efforts and support. Thanks also to Jon Carnegie (OTG 1984) and the OTGAFC for their efforts in making the day a big success, and to Luke Power (OTG 1997) for an entertaining and touching speech. Being able to connect with a number of Old Boys at the venue of so many great sporting memories was excellent and really highlighted how, as a community, we are better together. This theme was further reinforced at the Stephen Jones ‘Be Glorious’ Leadership Breakfast in February. In its second year, it has really cemented itself as an important event in the Trinity calendar that acts as a fitting tribute to a great Trinity man (Stephen Jones OTG 1996),
Eddie Gibbons, Leigh Hodges, Murray Verso, Don Campbell and Andrew Kennedy with Adrian Farrer at the recent Gold Mitre Lunch
delivers valuable leadership advice to our students and brings together the broader school community. The crowd included Stephen’s family, OTGs, current Trinity and Ruyton students, business and sporting leaders, as well as teachers and staff, which made for a truly engaging and entertaining morning. It was lovely to hear from Fiona Jones and the stories of how the Trinity community supported her and her family during such a challenging time. Congratulations to Clint Hillas (OTG 1996), his committee, and all involved in the event. On 18 March, the 30-Year Reunions for the Classes of 1990, 1991 and
1992 were held as a combined event at the school following an interrupted reunion calendar in 2020 and 2021. The event was a big success with close to 100 Old Boys and teachers from the era in attendance. There was a really positive energy as Old Boys connected with not only old classmates but also friends from the other year levels who were part of their Houses, social groups or sporting teams. The unique situation of combining reunions across year levels necessitated by COVID in fact enhanced the experience and added a silver lining to a challenging couple of years. The festivities continued on at the Skinny Dog Hotel in Kew,
which was a favourite venue during the 1990s for many in attendance. For the remainder of the year, the OTGA will continue to focus on our four strategic pillars of Connecting, Clubs, Careers and Community. An exciting development that will assist us to deliver on these strategic pillars will be the implementation of Old Trinity Grammarians Online (OTGO!), a digital alumni platform powered by Graduway which is a powerful networking platform used by more than 2,000 schools across the globe. Lucy Cohen, Trinity’s Director of Community Engagement, has been fantastic in supporting this initiative. We are confident it will be a game changer in terms of how we can connect with our OTGs and provide them with valuable services and information. Stay tuned for more details on this in coming months. 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
A table of Year 12 students at the Stephen Jones ‘Be Glorious’ Leadership Breakfast
April 2022 | 25
Reunions It has been wonderful to move forward with more certainty for our Reunion program. In March, we welcomed the Class of 2017 for their Five-Year Reunion, held at the Marles Playing Fields, Bulleen. We were fortunate that many members of this cohort, as well as current and former staff, were able to join us on the night and there was lots of reminiscing about their time at school. After two years of postponements we were finally able to get together for the 30-Year Reunion. The night included the 1990, 1991 and 1992 cohorts and it was fantastic to see how much these three year levels had in common. On the night, we heard from our Principal Adrian Farrer, as well as James Brown (OTG 1992 and current President of the OTGA), who spoke on behalf of the three groups. Former staff members also joined us on the night, including Jo McCoy, Kate Hall, Marg and Mike Beazer, David Mansour (OTG 1971), David Bevan and Noel Boys. Rohan Brown, who is enjoying long service leave, also joined us.
Patrick Gaffney, Rish Mishra and Charlie Dixon at their Five-Year Reunion
Luke Jervis, Sam Hindi and Sean Gleeson with former staff member Noel Boys at the 30-Year Reunion
Upcoming Reunions 1980/81/82 40-Year Reunion
2012 10-Year Reunion
2002 20-Year Reunion
Friday 13 May
Friday 5 August
Thursday 18 August
6.30pm – 8.30pm
6.30pm – 8.30pm
6.30pm – 8.30pm
Kew Campus
Kew Campus
Kew Campus
In 2022, gatherings are also planned for Sydney and the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas. To ensure you receive an invitation to your reunion, please keep your details up to date by emailing any change of address or email details to the school: otg@trinity.vic.edu.au or contact Sharon Kendall, Alumni and Community Engagement Coordinator on 9854 3600.
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Gold Mitre Lunch On March 30, 150 OTGs gathered for the annual Gold Mitre Lunch at the Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts. It was wonderful to see so many there, especially those who travelled from regional Victoria and interstate to join us and catch up with old friends. On the day, 1972 School Captain
Professor Don Campbell spoke on the modern meaning of our School Motto, Viriliter Agite, and discussed some of the work our School Council has been undertaking. We also heard from our Principal Adrian Farrer, who updated the group with news from the school, his vision
Ian Farquhar, Andrew Robertson, Graeme Ireland and Robert Hyndman
Peter Clarke and Stuart Stockdale
Peter Pullar, John Leaper and John Weisheit
for the future and the strategic planning process. We were joined by members of the OTGA and many noted the pervasive sense of happiness that everyone was able to gather once again.
Trevor Fiander and Peter Whitehill
Peter Vander Sluys, Anthony Blake, Ian Farquhar and Graham Harris
There was much catching up to do at this year’s Gold Mitre Lunch! April 2022 | 27
OTG Clubs OTG Cricket Season 2021-22 proved to be another mixed bag for the OTGCC. After succumbing to its 10th consecutive semi-final defeat last year, our Division 1 team decided that the best way to break its finals curse would be to endure a seasonlong form slump and miss the finals altogether. Hard to lose a semi when you finish 7th! Fortunes were slightly better for our Second XI who, on the back of an injection of youth and enthusiasm, enjoyed a consistent season that netted them their own finals berth. Naturally, being part of the OTGCC meant they were no chance of progressing past the semi-final and were summarily smacked by eventual premiers East Malvern/ Tooronga. Off the field, however, the club went from strength to strength, with record numbers ensuring a thriving social scene. We held a number of dinners and functions, and even managed to get our mid-season weekend trip to Torquay back up and running after a COVID-induced hiatus. As much as we all love the club and love our cricket (well, most of the time), the off-season will be welcomed with open arms before we gear up for another big year in 2022-23.
OTG Cricket
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If you would like to be a part of the OTGCC, please get in touch with me at sebnicolosi15@gmail.com or make contact with anybody else you know at the club. We have a great culture both on and off the field and are always looking to welcome new players into the fold. Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012)
Wright and Roger Gurney. We still have one or two coaching spots available if you would like to help. Pre-season training has been fantastic, with the players eager to get onto the grounds. We are very grateful to Ed Beasley who is looking after Football Operations this year – a very large task. Our women’s program has become an integral part of the club. After a number of challenges in the past 12 months, we are focused on bringing the program back to the strength of its first couple of years. For this to occur we need volunteers. I am sure with the right people in place, we’ll be back to where we were very soon.
Christos Manoussakis (OTG 2012) playing for OTGAFC
OTG Football Welcome to the 2022 season! With the pandemic having interrupted the momentum of community sporting clubs, more than ever, it is the selfless volunteers who will drive the success and viability of these clubs. There is a multitude of roles to be filled to enable our sportsmen and women to concentrate on what they need to do on the ground. If you have some capacity and want to get back to grassroots sport, please reach out – we have roles for everyone! Our men’s program is going gangbusters! We have appointed a new senior coach, Jamie Cassidy-McNamara, while former Collingwood player Tim Broomhead will oversee the whole program. They will be supported by senior coaches Terry Mason, Andy Roberts, Tom Beasley, Clinton
While the club is in a re-build phase both on and off the field, it is crucial that we nurture and maintain strong relationships, and make sure that the club lives its core values. This includes driving a culture that respects all those involved, and ensuring our relationships with the school and the OTGA flourish. It is vital that we have input from previous school leavers, families and friends of the OTG community. NOW is the time to get on board and get involved – each side usually needs five to six volunteers each week just to get out on the ground. To watch our young men and women go about their game is fantastic, but to actually be a part of it is even better. So, don’t think about it, DO IT, and join in! Please contact me on 0400 144 433 if you want to be part of our great community. See you on a footy field! Tony Mulcahy President
OTG Soccer After a long break, the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Soccer Club (OTGSC) enjoyed pre-season training and looks forward to the rest of the 2022 season. It is not too late to join us as we are always looking to bring more members of the OTG community into the club! The club is delighted to announce that Tony Briggs has joined our coaching staff as the Reserves Coach. Our players enjoyed working under Tony during the pre-season, and they look forward to tapping into the wealth of experience he gained through coaching at various clubs, including, most recently, Berwick City Soccer Club. Tony will be coaching alongside Murray Ovens, who will lead the Senior team. In early March, we welcomed our Sunday men’s teams, including some new faces, back to training. This year is an important one for OTGSC as it marks 20 years since the club’s formation. Over the course of the year, we will be hosting several events to reconnect past players and members with the club and celebrate the success that has been achieved. These events will be advertised in The Trinity Grammarian, on social media, and through the club’s website. In early March we will host our annual Amazing Race, a player-focused event designed to enhance the camaraderie between our teams. Other events to look forward to include the Games Night, Family Trivia, Winery Tour (del Rios Winery) and Presentation Night (20th Anniversary Celebration). All members of the OTG community are invited to join us at these events!
OTGSC vs Old Melburnians 2
Currently, the OTGSC supports five teams: Senior/Reserves Men (State League 5), and Sunday Thirds/ Fourths/Fifths Men (Metropolitan League). If you are interested in joining one of our teams or becoming involved in the club in a different capacity, please contact Jeremy Neylon on 0407 580 045 or jeremyneylon1@gmail.com Jeremy Neylon (OTG 2013) President
Women of Trinity Grammar (WOTG) The WOTG membership continues to grow and we look forward to welcoming eligible women from the 2021 year level. WOTG is an informal social and networking group for women to retain friendships and connections, after their youngest son has graduated from TGS. OTG Otters at Portsea for Polo by the Pier
OTG Otters (Water Polo) The Old Trinity Otters Water Polo Club is thriving in the post-lockdown period. The club sent a team to the 2022 Polo by the Pier tournament in Portsea, where we reached the final before losing in a hard-fought match. Nevertheless, all players had fun and enjoyed the interesting experience of trying to play in the ocean. Led by team captain Sam Bennett (OTG 2019), the State League 3 team is sitting on one win and three losses. Despite some tough results, everyone is grateful to be back playing and improving their skills during training in the Trinity pool. New players are always welcome to join our positive and friendly club of water polo enthusiasts. Edward Smith (OTG 2017) President
We hope to plan an event and come together for Mother’s Day this year. If you would like to join WOTG, please use the link below to register your contact details. Please note, there is no joining or membership fee involved and new ideas and suggestions are always welcome. surveymonkey.com/r/women_of_ trinity_grammar We are also seeking some assistance to administer a Facebook page for the group. Please contact Carolyn on 0413 357 685 if you are able to help with this task. Likewise, if you would like to assist with the Mother’s Day event, we would love to hear from you. Donna Cameron & Carolyn Crouch Co-Convenors and Liz Beasley & Sue McNally Patrons
April 2022 | 29
News of Old Boys David Alexander (OTG 1949-60) lives with his wife in France. David enjoys painting and continues to write. He has recently published another book Camel through the Ages for the King Abdulaziz Library in Riyadh and before that Islamic Arms and Armor in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. David and his wife Dorothy have three children and five grandchildren. Congratulations to David Constantinou (OTG 1994-02) and his wife, Olivia, on the safe arrival of their third child, Beau Edward.
Beau Edward Constantinou, with big sister Lulu and brother Archer
Wonderful news for the Hopkins family! Nicholas (OTG 1994-99) and James (OTG 1994-01) were both blessed with daughters in 2021. Nicko and Stacey had daughter Lola Grace in Melbourne in May, then in August, James and Wendy had daughter Rita Rose in London (where they live). The families were able to get together over Christmas when James, Wendy and Rita Rose travelled from the UK.
Congratulations to Zachary Bunston (OTG 2011-16) joint recipient of the Leon van Schaik 25th Anniversary Peer Assessed Major Project Award at RMIT. This award celebrates Leon’s arrival as Head of Architecture at RMIT 31 years ago. All Architecture Major Project students voted for what they viewed as the most adventurous and futureembracing project of the semester. To see the Major Projects, visit bit.ly/3ceug5G Anthony Alexander (OTG 198691) has been living in Kenya since January 2020, working for Oxfam International supporting their financial response to COVID, which he describes as an ‘incredibly rewarding and challenging experience’. Anthony and his family are grateful to be able to experience the local Kenyan hospitality and the amazing landscapes and wildlife. A recent highlight was seeing the World Rally Championship return to Kenya for the first time in 20 years and the passion the local communities took in celebrating this unique event
Kenya
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We congratulate Chris Weinberg (OTG 2003-09) and his fiancée, Grace, on their recent engagement.
Chris and Grace holidaying on the Gold Coast – Grace said yes!
Congratulations to Billy Syme (OTG 2006-11) who recently married Alyssa. The wedding party also included Billy’s twin brother Alex (OTG 2006-11) and Joel Sansom (OTG 2008-11).
Billy Syme with his wife Alyssa Anthony Alexander with his family in
The Hopkins families on Boxing Day
Judy for 57 years; they have three children and seven grandchildren.
John Ryder (OTG 1954-56) retired to Safety Beach after selling his engineering business. When he left Trinity, he commenced an apprenticeship at GMH and studied for a mechanical engineering diploma. John has been married to
Well done to Felix Barnett (OTG 2011-16) who recently directed an advertisement for the TAC. To view it please visit youtube.com/watch?v=f1chrUr1xlg Frank H B Turner (OTG 190506) must have been quite the sportsman, as he played Firsts Cricket and Football and was the
School Champion for Athletics and Sports Open Champion. Now, 125 years later, Frank’s granddaughter got in touch to donate Frank’s pristine and lovingly cared for
trophies to our archives. Pictured is the TGS Kew Champion Trophy (the vase) and the TGS 1st Place Long Jump Trophy (the egg cup).
We understand Frank was a grazier, who served in the AIF in both World Wars. He was also a serving member on the Committee of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association. We are very grateful to Frank’s family for getting in touch and making such a generous donation – these trophies are a wonderful addition to our archive collection. Charlie Simondson (OTG 201116) will soon depart for the United Kingdom where he will be playing county cricket with the Otley Cricket Club in Yorkshire (playing in the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League). Charlie’s role will include batting at Number 5 and leading the spin attack. He will captain the team in the 20/20 series and will also be coaching some of the junior sides.
Charlie Simondson
April 2022 | 31
In Memoriam he kept in touch and we remember him speaking fondly of his family and grandchildren. Bruce Larkin (OTG 1940-46) passed away just before his 94th birthday. His service was held at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. The Larkin family connection continued through sons Tim (OTG 1968-73) and Andrew (OTG 1975-80) and grandsons, including Sean (OTG 2014-19).
Chapel of the Holy Trinity
We were saddened to learn of the passing of the following members of the Trinity community. On behalf of the school and the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, we offer our condolences to their families and friends. Our thanks go to those who have submitted articles and images for publication. Desmond Bright (OTG 193142) was the son of Alfred Bright (Headmaster 1943-59). Des was Captain of Arnold House and Dux of Mathematics and Science in 1941 and 1942. He was also involved in athletics, cricket, cadets, scouts and the Mitre Committee. After leaving Trinity, Des served in World War Two and attended the University of Melbourne. Until recent years, he visited Trinity whenever he came to Melbourne from Sydney where he lived. Des is survived by his wife, Ruth, and two children. Geoffrey Burridge (OTG 193338) passed away in 2021. Geoff cherished his connection with Trinity and spoke regularly about his time at the school. Julian Coker (OTG 1943-54) was a member of Arnold House (Captain in the Junior School and Vice-Captain in the Senior School) and enjoyed football, swimming, music and cricket.
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William Cumming (OTG 1950-51) was a member of Merritt House. Bill resided in Glenmaggie, Victoria, and we were notified by his wife that he passed away in 2021.
Alex McLeod (OTG 2001-04) passed away in 2021, far too young. His family was comforted to see many of Alex’s old Trinity friends at his funeral.
John Davies (OTG 1943-46) died peacefully in September 2021. John and his wife Ruth sent their sons, Robert (OTG 1978-84 dec) and Martin (OTG 1980-85), to Trinity. Grandson Max (OTG 2011-16) also attended the school.
Scot Palmer (OTG 1951-53) passed away at 84 after a long and distinguished career as a journalist. At Trinity, Scot was a member of Henty House. Post-school, he was well known in sport, particularly AFL. His newspaper columns carried the catch cry ‘Keep Punching’ and kept generations of sports fans entertained and informed. After 50 years in the media, Scot retired in 2008. He is survived by his wife and children.
Alan Griffiths (OTG 1943-53) was a member of Henty House. Alan’s father, Harold (OTG 1913-22), and uncle, Geoffrey (OTG 1912-14), also attended Trinity in the early days of our school. Alan had a career as a mechanical engineer and is survived by his wife, Lynda, and their three sons and grandchildren. Leslie Hooper (OTG 1951-57) was a member of Henty House, First Football and the swimming team. His sons David (OTG 1979-84) and Peter (OTG 1980-85) also attended Trinity. Donald Maxwell Kemp (OTG 194048), known as ‘Max’, was a member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, cadets, Merritt House and the Mitre Committee. Max’s brother Graham (OTG 1939-43) also attended Trinity. In recent years, Max was not able to attend all our Trinity events but
Lewis Plumridge (OTG 1962-63) passed away in September 2021. After attending Trinity, Lewis studied at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. While undertaking National Service, he became a clarinettist in the Royal Military College Band, Duntroon and assistant organist in the chapel there. In 1972, he returned to Trinity as Director of Music. Many OTGs will remember Lewis for his music classes and also for the many performance opportunities he organised, including choirs, orchestra, instrumental ensembles, many musicals and concerts, events at St Paul’s Cathedral and Carol Services at Holy Trinity, Kew.
Following five years in London as an organist, teacher and performer (with his wife, soprano Carole
McKenzie), Lewis returned to Melbourne as Director of Music at Mentone Grammar School, a role he held for 27 years. Lewis is survived by Carole and sons, Christopher and Richard.
Arnold Ryder (OTG 1946-51) passed away just before his 88th birthday. After a successful career at APM as a senior electrical engineer, Arnold had retired to Coolum where he enjoyed playing bowls.
John A Rogers (OTG 1962-64) died in September 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. After school, he travelled extensively and was a devoted father to his three daughters and grandfather to his seven grandchildren. John was proud of his Trinity education and of being an Old Trinity Grammarian.
Peter Williams (OTG 1976-82) was a paramedic and an extraordinarily skilled outdoorsman who died far too early in September 2021. The recording of Peter’s service can be viewed here: bethel.etributes.com. au/etributes/peter-williams/ Our condolences go to Peter’s family, especially his sons, Laurence (OTG 2009-16) and Timothy (OTG 2016-21).
He was a regular attendee at Trinity events, including the annual Gold Mitre Lunch and Founders’ Day events. Peter’s sons Andrew (OTG 1969-75) and David (OTG 1971-76), and grandsons Peter (OTG 1999-04), Michael (OTG 1998-05) and Nick (OTG 2003-08), all attended Trinity.
swimming pool (in 1980) and Chapel of the Holy Trinity (in 1992) were constructed.
Lewis Plumridge (OTG 1962-1963)
Peter and James Birrell We were saddened to hear that brothers Peter and James Birrell had passed away within days of each other. The Birrell family has a long association with Trinity. Peter and Jim’s father, Bill, was a member of School Council from 1945 to 1974. The Birrell Oval was named as a tribute to the family to acknowledge their contribution to the school. We offer our condolences to all the Birrell family. Peter Birrell (OTG 1936-47) Peter was involved in all things Trinity and will be greatly missed.
At school, Peter excelled at football and athletics and epitomised the Trinity motto ‘Act Manfully’ by striving for excellence with humility, good humour and kindness. Over many years, Peter also made an extraordinary contribution to the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Amateur Football Club where he played, captained and was an active member on the Committee.
In this image of the 1949 Old Trinity
Between 1974 and 1997, Peter served on our School Council, including as President from 1986 to 1989. During this time, decisions and acquisitions were made which greatly benefit our students today. These include the purchase in 1979 of the school’s outstanding playing fields at Bulleen, and, in 1996, the former Kew Council Municipal Offices (now the Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts). Also during Peter’s time on School Council, the Lake Eppalock Outdoor Education Centre was developed, and the
Grammarians’ Amateur Athletic Club E Grade Premiers, Peter Birrell and Desmond Bright are seated second and third from the left in the front row.
James Birrell (OTG 1937-44) passed away aged 94, within days of his brother, Peter. Like Peter, Jim was also very involved in the school and attended many events, including the Gold Mitre Lunches. Jim’s sons, Rodney (OTG 1958-71) and Mark (OTG 1963-73), also attended Trinity. After school, Jim worked as a specialist anaesthetist.
James Birrell and Alan Fookes at the 2013 Gold Mitre Lunch
April 2022 | 33
Archbishop Philip Freier and Bishop Lindsay Urwin follow Trinity’s new Senior Chaplain, Reverend Bryn Jones, into his commissioning service
A gift to create a spiritual home The beautiful Chapel of the Holy Trinity, which this year will celebrate its 30th birthday, exists as it is today because of one generous member of our school community. Carl Hornemann (OTG 1914) was an Honorary Life Member of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association and served as its President from 1930-1931. Upon his passing, he bequeathed an amount to the school that enabled the construction of the Chapel in the south-west corner of the Birrell Oval. Designed by internationallyrecognised architect Peter Crone (Crone Architects) in 1993 and awarded the Victorian Architecture Medal that same year, the special space is a testament to the power of a bequest and how, by leaving a gift in your Will, you can not only a create a remarkable visual representation of your relationship with the school but also something that will
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positively impact the lives of others for decades to come. In March this year, the Chapel hosted the commissioning of Trinity’s 16th Senior Chaplain, Reverend Bryn Jones. The event was a simple but distinctive ceremony that reflected not only the ethos of our new Chaplain, but also the Chapel itself. With the 30th anniversary of the Chapel this year, it is a great opportunity for us to reflect on the
Chapel of the Holy Trinity
importance of Carl Hornemann’s gift and perhaps consider ways you too might be able to leave your legacy. To learn more about leaving a bequest to Trinity, please contact advancement@trinity.vic.edu.au or phone 9854 3600. Lucy Cohen Director of Community Engagement
Back Page Interview
Rupert in Doha
Professor Rupert Maclean AO (OTG 1961-64) After undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, Rupert Maclean commenced his career as a teacher of History and Economics at Dandenong High School. Rupert went on to work for the United Nations, and various universities worldwide. In 2011, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia, and in 2017 was inducted into the Trinity Gallery of Achievement for his contributions to education internationally. Tell us about your experience at Trinity Grammar School, Kew. I undertook my secondary schooling at Trinity after my family moved to Melbourne from South Australia. I had a wonderful learning experience at Trinity. I enjoyed everything about the school, in particular the excellent teachers who were very caring, positive and student centred in their approach to education; the wide range and high quality of teaching and learning content; materials and facilities at the school: and the great camaraderie amongst students and the Trinity school community as a whole. When you were at school, what sort of career did you imagine you would have? Probably as a result of my positive and thoroughly enjoyable experience at Trinity, I decided I wanted a career in education. At the beginning I didn’t have clear,
specific ideas about what precisely I would like to do in education, although even at that early stage the idea of working internationally with and for developing countries, and also possibly undertaking education research and teaching in universities, was in my mind. Tell us about your work with the United Nations. I worked with the United Nations agency UNESCO in the area of education. I held senior postings over two decides in various UNESCO offices in Yangon, Bangkok, Paris and Bonn. My work involved helping developing countries improve, strengthen and upgrade the relevance and effectiveness of their education and schooling systems with particular reference to promoting educational innovations for development. The program areas I specialised in personally were the reform of teacher education, secondary education reform and ways of improving the bridge between education and the world of work. I also worked in various universities worldwide, including in Oxford, Hong Kong, Doha, Melbourne and Hobart. You have lived and worked around the world. Where was your favourite place to be, and why? The world is such a varied and interesting place that I do not really have one favourite place. In my work I travelled to and worked with most developing (and many developed) countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Africa, and to a lesser extent with countries in Latin America. I enjoy working in different cultural settings and do not have one favourite country. Where did your passion for education stem from?
and my later tertiary studies at the University of Melbourne and at Monash University. I have come to realise, through my personal experience working for UNESCO, the enormous power of education and schooling to transform individual lives and whole societies. My work has shown me that if we educate a population, help them become literate and provide them with a chance to develop their talents to the full then society will be richer, and individuals will be empowered to contribute to developing a more equitable, sustainable and peaceful world. What is the most important lesson or value that you took from Trinity? Trinity taught me the importance of following your interests when choosing the type of work you want to do. Also, the importance of being goal orientated and working hard in a disciplined way to achieve those goals. To those students interested in international development and education, any advice? The important thing to do is to work out some clear goals, and then develop a realistic strategy to achieve those goals. For students interested in working in international development there are several worthwhile possibilities and career pathways such as working for the Australian Government in Foreign Affairs; for United Nations agencies, such as UNESCO or UNICEF; for development banks, such as the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank; or for nongovernment organisations (NGOs), such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International and Doctors without Borders.
My great interest in education stemmed from my time at Trinity,
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