From the Principal

Important information for our Cathedral Service that will help families with their arrangements on Sunday 21 February can be found in the different sections of Aspectus but I did want to make families aware of some key points. Firstly, this year we will be commissioning our new Chaplain, Reverend Alison Andrew during the Cathedral Service. This is a most significant day for both Reverend Alison and the School and I am sure many of our community will want to be there to support her for it. Second, while our uniform expectation for students at formal events is now full winter uniform for both boys and girls, I don’t think this is sensible for mid-February, so uniform for all students will be summer with Year 3 to 12 boys to wear ties please. During the hymn in the middle of the service, there will be a collection for the people of Nepal, for whom we also collected last year. Our community is a very generous one for others in need and I am sure this will be reflected in our collection to support the people of Nepal, who have undergone so much trauma recently.

Having attended last year’s service as a guest, I am very much looking forward to going this year as a leader of the School. I hope to see you there on the day and after last year, can we all please pray for temperate weather!

Our start to the school year has been remarkably smooth and purposeful with obvious application and industry in every classroom I visit. I am so pleased to see our students begin the year so strongly and I know that in teaching my Science class, I can barely keep up with the enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge of my students!

Factis non verbis

Brad Fry

Principal

Welcome

Welcome back to the 2016 school year. We have started the year with marvellous weather, which augurs well for a bright and exciting year ahead. It’s great to meet up with friends, old and new, after the summer break. No doubt some of the friendships formed in the weeks ahead will prove to be lasting.

We express a hearty welcome to all our new girls.  This newsletter includes photos of them all. I walk around the ELC and Junior School, I was delighted to see all our new students looking settled and happy. A very special welcome also goes to our ELC classes for 2016.

These special new members of our community are…

• Amy Gillman –  Early Learners B
• Scarlett Mackie – Early Learners B
• Mason McDowell – Early Learners B
• Charlotte Pevitt – Early Learners B
• Charlie Van Winden – Early Learners B
• Alexandra Witherow – Early Learners B
• Abbie Hu – Early Learners B
• Liam Adams – Early Learners A
• Mitchell Allen – Early Learners A
• Ariella Barby – Early Learners A
• Will Callow-Sussex – Early Learners A
• William Chiang – Early Learners A
• Elena Fisher – Early Learners A
• Chloe Fox – Early Learners A
• Matilda Murdoch – Early Learners A
• Jasper Wilson – Early Learners A
• Oscar Chen – Early Learners A
• Ananya Chekka – Early Learners AB
• Gus Graham – Early Learners AB
• Vincent Kong – Early Learners AB
• Olivia Park – Early Learners AB
• Jared Swartz – Early Learners AB
• Evelyn Trollope – Early Learners AB
• Ila Valluri – Early Learners AB
• Joyce Zhu – Early Learners AB
• Katelyn Britten – Pre-Prep B
• Emily Chen – Pre-Prep B
• Oliver Smith – Pre-Prep B
• Ethan Webb – Pre-Prep B
• Sarah White – Pre-Prep B
• Riya Yogesh Kumar – Pre-Prep B
• Harkunwar Singh Bhasin – Pre-Prep A
• Tara Shaw – Pre-Prep A
• Adnana Thienpont – Pre-Prep A
• Ella Whitfield – Pre-Prep A
• Ocean Yang – Pre-Prep A
• Jess Davis – Prep
• Stephanie Gillman – Prep
• Ruby Chen – Year 1A
• Evie Hupfield – Year 1A
• Zara Cuthbert – Year 2A
• Anika Hutchinson – Year 2A
• Holly White – Year 3A
• Chloe Butterfield – Year 4A
• Sarah Fisher – Year 4A
• Katherine Howell – Year 4A
• Ananya Khatry – Year 4A
• Sophia Li – Year 4A
• Sophie Riddell – Year 4A
• Saskia Jackson-Smith – Year 5A
• Grace Jenkin – Year 6A
• Madeline Hupfeld – Year 6B
• Reese Stevens – Year 6B

A warm welcome to our returning staff. Our school greatly benefits from the dedication and talents of our wonderful team. Together with our new staff, they will bring new initiatives and enthusiastic ideas. Our existing teachers will support and guide both our new staff and current staff who take on new roles:

Natalie Martin – Pre-Prep A Assistant

• Maria Bigg-Wither – Pre-Prep B Assistant
• Karen Worland – Library Years 1-6
• Jan Wagner  – Library ELC-Prep (as well as music ELC-Year 6)
• Anna Riddell  – French Years 1-3
• Ashley Viney – Physical Education (Pre-Prep-Year 6)
• Lisa MacFarlane – Year 3 Teacher Term 1
• Sandi Gaskin  – on medical leave.  We really wish Mrs Gaskin a quick recovery!

Emma Amory – It is sad for us to say goodbye to staff that we know so well.  Emma is moving onto a full time job in the city and will be finishing at Tintern this week.  Emma has been a wonderful support to students, parents and staff at Tintern during the last year. In her role as an Early Learning Centre lunch time assistant, she has formed a close bond with the students, while being a great support to our busy staff. Her professionalism and  warm manner has also meant that she has been an instrumental part of the atmosphere and high levels of care in our After School Care program. Emma has a multitude of skills which has also shown through in her administrative support role. We wish her all the best in her new work place.  We will miss her greatly!

Music Matters

Tintern Students at Music Summer School 2016

Some of our Tintern Grammar Student Musicians spent a week of their recent holidays (11-15 January) at the Victorian College of the Arts making fabulous music at the Melbourne Youth Music 2016 Summer School. Josephine Owen (Year 11 Violin), Tara McAsey (Year 10 ‘Cello) and Siobhan Muirhead (Year 10 Viola) made the trek into the city each day to join with hundreds of other participants to warm up together, learn lots of music and, finally, perform at a showcase concert. Ms Constable had the pleasure of hearing the students perform at Showcase on Saturday 16 January at the Melbourne Town Hall.

In the summer holidays, we went to music camp in the city held by Melbourne Youth Music for a week. On the first day we were told what the plan for the week was and who our tutors were going to be. Next we jumped right into it and started learning our pieces. It was amazing how quickly the orchestra managed to pick up the notes and put everything together in under 3 hours. The second day was about us getting used to our conductor and our orchestra. We were starting to make sense of the pieces and Michael, our conductor, taught us some tips and tricks we can use to make us spatially aware of our place in the orchestra. Our tutorials were exciting as we all went off into our sections with our tutors and broke down our pieces in order to learn the more difficult passages. On the fourth day of the week, we had conductors-in-training attend rehearsals to conduct our Beethoven piece and try out different things like changing the tempo and dynamics. Soon enough the concert came around and we had to perform our prices. The concert went very well and it was a very enjoyable week.

by Tara McAsey and Siobhan Muirhead, Year 10

Concerto Festival 2016

Tintern’s Concerto Festival is a biennial event. The Concerto Festival is an event for experienced musicians currently attending Tintern Grammar. The Festival provides a valuable performance experience for all students who enter. All students are eligible to participate whether they learn their instrument at Tintern Grammar or outside the school.

The preliminary event will be held in the CM Wood Centre on Wednesday 25 May. Students are required to perform one movement only from a concerto, or for singers, a recitative and aria, with piano accompaniment. An external adjudicator will choose the top four performers from the preliminary evening. These students will then be invited to perform their concerto movement, or recitative and aria, accompanied by orchestra (or other appropriate ensemble) at the Final Showcase on Thursday 18 August. Students may enter and perform in the preliminary event on (no more than) two different instruments.

To enter the Concerto Festival, students should complete the entry form (available from the Music Office) and return it to the Tintern Music Office by Friday 11 March. Please note that a copy of the music, including piano accompaniment, must be attached to the entry form. Please speak to Mrs Feenane if you have any questions about the Festival.

Music Dates for 2016

Music Students and their parents should note the following Music Concert Dates for 2016 in relevant diaries & calendars:

Term 1

Friday 19 February                Cathedral Service Rehearsal (Choirs and TGCO)

Sunday 21 February              Tintern Grammar Cathedral Service

Wednesday 16 March          Oklahoma Preview Performance, 6.30pm, Karralyka Theatre

Thursday 17 March               Oklahoma Performance, 7.30pm, Karralyka Theatre

Fri 18 & Sat 19 March          Oklahoma Performances, 7.30pm, Karralyka Theatre

Term 2

Wednesday 27 April             Twilight Concert, 5.00pm, Kelson Room (Yrs 7-12)

Fri 29/Sat 30 Apr/                   Weekend Music Camp (at Tintern)
Sun 1 May                                    

Saturday 14 May                     Friends of Music Jazz Night, 7.00pm, CM Wood

Tuesday 17 May                      House Music, 11.30am, CM Wood

Thursday 19 May                    Small Ensembles Concert, 7.30pm, CM Wood

Wednesday 25 May              Preliminary Concerto Concert, 7.00pm, CM Wood

Thursday 9 June                      Tintern Grammar Annual Music Concert, 7.30pm, CM Wood

Term 3

Thursday 28 July                     Junior & Senior Piano Concerts, 5.00pm & 7.00pm, CM Wood

Thursday 11 August              Singing Soiree, 7.00pm, Area C, CM Wood

Thursday 18 August              Concerto Showcase, 7.30pm, CM Wood

Thursday 25 August              Senior Woodwind Concert, 7.30pm, CM Wood

Tuesday 30 August                Brass & Percussion Concerts, 7.30pm, Kelson Room & CM Wood

Tuesday 6 September          Senior String Concert, 7.30pm, CM Wood

Term 4

Wednesday 5 October         VCE Performing Arts Showcase Evening, 7.00pm, CM Wood

Wednesday 19 October      Twilight Concert, 5.00pm, Kelson Room (Yrs 7-12)

Sunday 20 November           Friends of Music ‘Munch with the Musos’, 10.00am, CM Wood

Ensembles 2016

Music Students are reminded that most music ensembles are now up and running for 2016. Refer to the link (below) for day and venue details. New students (and those who wish to join an ensemble) – you are most welcome to join an ensemble. Please speak to the ensemble leader or Mrs Feenane in the Music Office if you have any questions, or simply turn up to a rehearsal and give a try for one week before you make the commitment to become a fully fledged member.

Please click here for the Ensembles timetable 2016.

Sport Matters

National Mountain Biking Cross Country Series

Adam Blazevic has been competing in the National mountain biking Cross Country series and has been doing very well. His last race at Thredbo he placed sixth in the junior Men’s competition (under 19) where he was only just over 2 minutes behind the leader which took his series placing to 13th in Australia! Well done Adam!

Community Matters

Welcome to the first edition of Community Matters for 2016. It is through this section we keep you informed of the events and achievements of the various Community Groups as well as the many and varied activities in which they participate. If you would like to be involved with any of the Community Groups please contact the Community Relations team on 9845 7877 or email communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au. Keep your eye on the Tintern Portal as Community news will be updated regularly so you won’t miss out on any important information. If you would like to contribute to Community Matters, email your submissions to the Community Relations Office and we will incorporate your news wherever possible.

 2016 Parents Welcome

Friday 19 February – New Community Hub (weather permitting)

Please join with the Principal, Mr Bradley Fry along with members of the Tintern Grammar Executive and volunteers from our Parent community groups for nibbles and drinks. It would be terrific to see you, whether yours is a new or current family. This evening is an excellent opportunity to meet other parents in your child’s year level; chat with Heads of School and find out more about the diverse community groups we have at Tintern.

Volunteers are an integral part of our Tintern Community and we value their involvement as a whole School. Over the years our community groups have initiated and undertaken many outstanding projects which complement and enhance your child’s experience at Tintern. Some of these projects include our Biennial Fair, Movie Under the Stars and raising the funds for the purchase of a new Grand Piano.

During the evening, there will also be an opportunity to meet the 2015 School Captains and listen to their school experiences. You will also be treated to a selection of musical performances from a number of our very talented Musicians.

Friday 19 February 2016

7.00pm – 8.30pm

New Community Hub (weather dependent)

As this event will be catered, please RSVP before Monday 15 February via this link: http://www.trybooking.com/KHNX

All enquires can be directed to Mrs Di Lacey in the Community Relations Office on 9845 7877 or by email: communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au

Parking will be available in the Transport Centre (Corner of Loma and Morinda streets) and Bush car park (entry via 55 Alexandra Rd, East Ringwood)

We look forward to seeing you on the night.

2016 Movie Under the Stars – Inside Out – book your ticket now!

Saturday 5 March is the first big date for our parent run events. Bookings can be made through trybooking now:  http://www.trybooking.com/KGEV

This event will be held on the Tintern Oval from 6pm, offering a variety of stalls including sausage sizzle, popcorn, Choc tops, drinks, lollies, fairy floss and glow in the dark novelties.

If you would like to find out more please contact the Community Relations Office on 9845 7877 or email communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au

Parent Representatives and Community Volunteers

Thank you to those parents in our community who have already put up their hand to be Parent Representatives and Community Volunteers. If you would like to discuss the role please call the Community Relations Office. Parent Representatives and Community Volunteers are a vital link between the parents in your year level and other community groups. The work that Parent Representatives and volunteers do for the School is very highly valued by the School Board, Principal, staff and students. Parent interest and involvement in the life of the school has a very positive effect on your children. We thank all those parent representatives and volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents. If you would like to register to be a community volunteer or a parent representative please download a form here Parent Involvment Form and return via your child’s class/ form teacher or email directly to communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au

Tintern Grammar parent and special interest groups

Tintern Grammar has parent and special interest groups who are all recruiting now for 2016. Events planned for Semester 1 include: our Biennial Movies Under the Stars, Victorian Horse Trials, Jazz Night and Mother’s Day stalls. These events provide our community opportunities to socialise and feel part of the Tintern Grammar family. Some events fundraise for specific projects while others enhance our community connections. If you would like to be involved in the planning and coordinating of any of these activities, please call the Community Relations office. These events are all run by parent volunteers and would not take place without your vital contribution.

All Welcome!

Community Committee dates

• The Tintern Association (TTA) – Next meeting: Thursday 18 February, 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services  President: Amanda McKenzie
• Southwood Parents’ Club (SPC) – Next Meeting: Tuesday 23 February 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services President: Loraine Allender
• Friends of Music (FOM) – Next Meeting: Wednesday 17 February 7pm CM Wood Common room President: Tim Oldmeadow
• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next meeting: Tuesday 1 March 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services. President: Joy Ashfield               
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – Next meeting: Tuesday 16 February, 7.30pm Please contact the Community Relations office for venue details. President: Kevin Jones

2016 Presentation Ball Saturday 10 September 2016 

Year 11 families, please note the 2016 Presentation Ball will be held on Saturday 10 September. The Presentation Ball is a wonderful opportunity for young people to receive modern dance instruction whilst having fun and experiencing a formal presentation to family and friends. This is often their only opportunity to have access to such an event. More details will be available shortly. Please contact the Community Relations Office if you have any questions.

Presentation Ball helpers

If your Son or Daughter is in Year 9 or Year 10 and they are thinking about participating in the next couple of years – why not join the coordinators this year to see how it all works? Please contact Di Lacey in the Community Relations Office for more information.

Friends of Equestrian (FOE)

The Friends of Equestrian group will once again be running their very popular Victorian Horse Trials on the Anzac Day weekend Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April. If you have a child that rides or just a passion for all things equestrian, our Friends of Equestrian team are looking for new members to help with their Annual Horse trials and other events throughout the year. If you would like to find out more please contact the Community Relations Office for more details. Please share and like the facebook event through this link. https://business.facebook.com/events/1825111344382069/

Introducing Anita Harris to the Community Relations team

Welcome to Anita Harris, who has joined Di Lacey in the Community Relations office. Anita’s main responsibility is to our past students by managing the activities associated with their reunions. Our parent and special interest groups will also get to know her as she may assist them from time to time with their administrative requirements. Anita has been working at the school for the past 2 years in a number of administrative roles. You can contact Anita on 9845 7877 or aharris@tintern.vic.edu.au if you have any comments or questions regarding our community events and activities. Next time you are passing the Community Relations Office (double storey cottage beside the pool/tennis courts) please drop in and say hello.

Thank you to Julie Ennor who was assisting in the Community Relations Office and has now moved to senior college to expand her existing role as IB and Careers administrator.

Lost and found items!

Just to let you know that there are a number of un-named items in the Lost property, kept in the Junior School Administration office. If you realise you are missing one of these items, it might be worth your while coming in to check if it belongs to you.

• 1 x rugby jumper 
• 1 x sport top 
• 1 x pink hoodie 
• 3 x ELC jumpers
• 2 x spray jackets
• 1 x casual jumper 
• 1 x blue lunch box
• 1 x “Catch that Kid” dvd
• 1 x Lego movie in Turkish
• 1 x winter navy scarf 
• 1 x pink lunch container
• sneakers and socks
• 1 x boy’s hat
• 1 x library bag
• 1 pair black Velcro school shoes
• 1 x music folder
• 1 x small Country Road bag

Lucy reaches State times!

Congratulations to Lucy Fairhurst (Year 6) for her mention in the local newspaper during the holidays.  Her hard work is paying off as she has achieved 4 state swimming times!  This is a fantastic outcome.

Welcome

Welcome back to the 2016 school year. We have started the year with marvellous weather, which augurs well for a bright and exciting year ahead. It’s great to meet up with friends, old and new, after the summer break. No doubt some of the friendships formed in the weeks ahead will prove to be lasting.

We express a hearty welcome to all our new girls.  This newsletter includes photos of them all. I walk around the ELC and Junior School, I was delighted to see all our new students looking settled and happy. A very special welcome also goes to our ELC classes for 2016.

These special new members of our community are…

• Amy Gillman –  Early Learners B
• Scarlett Mackie – Early Learners B
• Mason McDowell – Early Learners B
• Charlotte Pevitt – Early Learners B
• Charlie Van Winden – Early Learners B
• Alexandra Witherow – Early Learners B
• Abbie Hu – Early Learners B
• Liam Adams – Early Learners A
• Mitchell Allen – Early Learners A
• Ariella Barby – Early Learners A
• Will Callow-Sussex – Early Learners A
• William Chiang – Early Learners A
• Elena Fisher – Early Learners A
• Chloe Fox – Early Learners A
• Matilda Murdoch – Early Learners A
• Jasper Wilson – Early Learners A
• Oscar Chen – Early Learners A
• Ananya Chekka – Early Learners AB
• Gus Graham – Early Learners AB
• Vincent Kong – Early Learners AB
• Olivia Park – Early Learners AB
• Jared Swartz – Early Learners AB
• Evelyn Trollope – Early Learners AB
• Ila Valluri – Early Learners AB
• Joyce Zhu – Early Learners AB
• Katelyn Britten – Pre-Prep B
• Emily Chen – Pre-Prep B
• Oliver Smith – Pre-Prep B
• Ethan Webb – Pre-Prep B
• Sarah White – Pre-Prep B
• Riya Yogesh Kumar – Pre-Prep B
• Harkunwar Singh Bhasin – Pre-Prep A
• Tara Shaw – Pre-Prep A
• Adnana Thienpont – Pre-Prep A
• Ella Whitfield – Pre-Prep A
• Ocean Yang – Pre-Prep A
• Jess Davis – Prep
• Stephanie Gillman – Prep
• Ruby Chen – Year 1A
• Evie Hupfield – Year 1A
• Zara Cuthbert – Year 2A
• Anika Hutchinson – Year 2A
• Holly White – Year 3A
• Chloe Butterfield – Year 4A
• Sarah Fisher – Year 4A
• Katherine Howell – Year 4A
• Ananya Khatry – Year 4A
• Sophia Li – Year 4A
• Sophie Riddell – Year 4A
• Saskia Jackson-Smith – Year 5A
• Grace Jenkin – Year 6A
• Madeline Hupfeld – Year 6B
• Reese Stevens – Year 6B

A warm welcome to our returning staff. Our school greatly benefits from the dedication and talents of our wonderful team. Together with our new staff, they will bring new initiatives and enthusiastic ideas. Our existing teachers will support and guide both our new staff and current staff who take on new roles:

Natalie Martin – Pre-Prep A Assistant

• Maria Bigg-Wither – Pre-Prep B Assistant
• Karen Worland – Library Years 1-6
• Jan Wagner  – Library ELC-Prep (as well as music ELC-Year 6)
• Anna Riddell  – French Years 1-3
• Ashley Viney – Physical Education (Pre-Prep-Year 6)
• Lisa MacFarlane – Year 3 Teacher Term 1
• Sandi Gaskin  – on medical leave.  We really wish Mrs Gaskin a quick recovery!

Emma Amory – It is sad for us to say goodbye to staff that we know so well.  Emma is moving onto a full time job in the city and will be finishing at Tintern this week.  Emma has been a wonderful support to students, parents and staff at Tintern during the last year. In her role as an Early Learning Centre lunch time assistant, she has formed a close bond with the students, while being a great support to our busy staff. Her professionalism and  warm manner has also meant that she has been an instrumental part of the atmosphere and high levels of care in our After School Care program. Emma has a multitude of skills which has also shown through in her administrative support role. We wish her all the best in her new work place.  We will miss her greatly!

Parental Involvement

All parents are very much encouraged to participate within the life of our ELC/Junior School as volunteers.  Please don’t forget to sign in our special volunteers’ book so we know you have visited us.  We would also encourage all volunteers to obtain their Working With Children (WWC) check.  If you do not have a WWC, the Junior School Office or your daughter’s/son’s teacher will be able to give you further details.  There are so many ways you can assist us and take part in our busy school community.  Some of these ways include the following…

• art activities
• farm visits
• mathematics, craft and cooking sessions
• discussions
• reading tasks
• book fairs
• sporting events
• excursions

Participating in The Tintern Association, Friends of Music and as a Class Representative are also some other ways of serving within our community.   If you are interested to assist in any way please do not hesitate to contact your son’s or daughter’s class teacher, the Community Relations Manager, Mrs Di Lacey or myself.  

Dr Seuss welcomes us back to school

It was with much excitement that our Junior School boys returned to Tintern Grammar for 2016. And just coincidentally, Tintern Grammar has the same initials as Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr Seuss.

Whilst his books contain lively use of words and fun stories and characters, Dr Seuss books also contain many valuable themes and words of advice. And so it is that our theme for our Junior School boys for 2016 revolves around the quotes of Dr Seuss.

In our first day assembly, every boy received a copy of the very original Dr Seuss-type book, The First Day At School, which highlighted not just the fun and characters to which they could look forward, but the important quote “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you”.

After lunch on our first day, every Junior School boy participated in Dr Seuss activities, such as the ‘I Wish I had Duck Feet” relay, ‘Yertle The Turtle” stacking, and making Marshmellow and strawberry ‘Cat In The Hat’ skewers. It was a fun way to finish the first day at school.

Our Junior School offers so many opportunities for our boys, and engages them in an environment in which we celebrate them being themselves, without them feeling fear or pressure from others, or the need to conform. It is going to be another exciting year in our Boys’ Junior School as we immerse ourselves in the creative world of Dr Seuss.

Pancake Day

Our Junior School boys celebrated Shrove Tuesday, and Uniting Care’s Pancake Day fundraiser, by eagerly consuming more than 250 pancakes (in total, not each!), cooked with loving care by an expert group of mums and dads.

As Bruce McAvaney would say…”It was a delicious morning”

Boys Middle School News

As a parent, the holidays can seem to drag.  As a teacher they seem to fly by! Like all well intentioned people, I spent time pre-Christmas planning all of the things I would like to do over the summer in terms of preparation for school and had every confidence that when I returned to work on the 18th of January that I would have ample time to do it all! How wrong I was. The last two weeks prior to the students returning just flew by and before I knew it our new Year 7s were in for the afternoon on the Monday and Tuesday saw the return of all the boys.

The noise on Tuesday morning was amazing. There was a buzz of real excitement from the boys as they spent time catching up with friends, discussing what they did on holidays as well as going out of their way to say hi to their teachers. New rooms, new lockers, new classmates and new teachers; all things that are just part of the new year for the boys and to see them adapt to all of these this week was fantastic.

A theme for our boys this year is ‘The Best You’ and this will be discussed with our boys regularly regarding all aspects of their day-to-day lives. This includes their approach to their learning, relationships with their peers and others, as well as their own personal growth and development. Their pastoral mentor, who will play a large role in your son’s school life this year, will help guide and mentor him throughout this year to help ensure that the ‘best him’ is being applied in all of these areas and will also be your main point of contact in regard to your son’s progress this year. Tim Cork has presented a Ted Talk on this topic and it is well worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWpx1lkmgMo

As parents, please communicate with us; ring, email, come and visit. It is so important that the channels of communication are there and that your son’s journey through school is one that is a team effort involving you, us and above all him. Be involved with what he is doing, ask him about school, encourage new activities and ideas and if ever you are unsure about anything then ask us. If you have questions regarding uniform, homework, record books, sport, music lessons, excursions, etc, please contact your son’s Pastoral Mentor as they are there to help you and your boy and to ensure that the year is a successful one for all. The list of Pastoral Mentors is below:

• 7D: Mrs Jan Wheaton (jwheaton@tintern.vic.edu.au) – Jan is currently away from school after suffering a major break of her arm. She hopes to be back at school as soon as possible and apologises for not being there at the beginning of the year. Aptly filling in for her is Mrs Anthea Watkins (awatkins@tintern.vic.edu.au) who is also the Year 7 Co-ordinator.
• 7E: Mr Luke Mansour (lmansour@tintern.vic.edu.au).
• 8D: Mrs Naomi Baulch (nbaulch@tintern.vic.edu.au).
• 8E: Mr Rowan Kidd (rkidd@tintern.vic.edu.au).
• 9D: Mr Ros Jurey (rjurey@tintern.vic.edu.au).
• 9E: Mr Matthew O’Brien (mobrien@tintern.vic.edu.au).

If a first week is ever an indication to judge a year by then 2016 promises to be an amazing year. There is an air of real excitement from the students and from the staff and as I walked around the campus in these first few weeks, it was great to see both the focus in the classroom and the positive interactions in the yard. I look forward to a wonderful year.

Maths Assist – Cross Age Tutoring at Tintern

This year, the Mathematics faculty will again be running the Maths Assist program. Competent Mathematics students from Years 10, 11 & 12 will again volunteer their time to support students from Years 7 to 10 in their development of mathematical skills and increase their confidence in this subject. Observations have shown that both the student tutors and the student tutees benefit from the cross age tutoring experience. Tutors can improve their understanding through teaching and become more responsible while doing something worthwhile to help others, as well as further develop their social, communication and leadership skills and the time volunteered can contribute towards their Community Service or CAS hours. Tutees can improve their levels of self confidence and mathematical aptitude as a result of receiving individual assistance from their peers.

Maths Assist will be conducted in the Cullen Library on Wednesdays from 3:40pm to 4:30pm, beginning on Wednesday 17th February (Week 3). Booking sheets will be located at reception at the Cullen Library. Year 7 – 10 students who wish to become involved are asked to write their name in the booking sheet by 3.30pm of the Tuesday prior so that Tutors can be notified. The program should not be viewed as a homework club. Mathematics staff will be in attendance to monitor the program and provide support where necessary. It should be stressed that, as always, students are encouraged to seek assistance from their Mathematics teacher when difficulties arise in class.

It is hoped that Maths Assist will provide an additional opportunity for support and a positive experience for all those involved. For further information, I can be contacted by email at gcollins@tintern.vic.edu.au

by Gary Collins, Head of Mathematics

Financial Assistance for Parents

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

The “Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund” (CSEF) is designed to assist families who hold a valid means-tested concession card. For primary school students the amount available is $125 and for secondary school students $225. Parents should be encouraged to lodge an application form before the end of Term 1 each year so that payments to schools are able to commence as early as possible, however applications are able to be accepted and processed up until the end of Term 2.

Application forms and information about the program are available at – http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/csefflyer.pdf; http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/csefapplicationform.pdf

Alternatively please contact Debra Urquhart on 9845 7814 or via email durquhart@tintern.vic.edu.au to request an application form.

Girls Middle School News

What a fantastic start we have had in the Girls’ Middle School this year! We always enjoy welcoming new students and during our first week we have had the opportunity for new and returning students to settle in and feel comfortable.

I’ve been so pleased to see students extend their friendship groups and over the coming weeks girls will have the opportunity to further involve themselves in the many co-curricular offerings we have in the Middle School. During assemblies last week there has been much talk and encouragement for students to approach the year with a positive mindset and embrace new opportunities and challenges. In the weeks ahead I hope to see students make the most of the opportunities our wonderful school has to offer as they look to discover new passions and interests.

The main focus at this time of the year is on developing positive relationships for girls with their peers and with their staff. Girls have had opportunities to ‘Get to know’ staff and their classmates during Pastoral sessions. Year 7s have celebrated their own individuality and personality in designing their ‘keys to me’ to put on display in their form rooms; Year 8s have been focusing on motivation and inspiration and Year 9s took part in an initiatives and team building afternoon.

Our theme in the Middle School is Change and Challenge and this is particularly evident at this time of the year. I have been witness to many students embracing challenges such as Year 7s, who are adjusting to secondary schooling; meeting new friends and staff, familiarising themselves with their timetable and managing combination locks. They’ve also been having lots of fun in the classroom as they begin new subjects. Year 8 and 9s have been enjoying participating in their chosen electives and also preparing for EISM Interschool Sport matches. Next week our first camp for the year is taking place for 9A as they head off for a 3-day bushwalk to the beautiful Wilsons’ Promontory.

Thank you to all parents who attended the Middle School Information Night on Tuesday, it was fantastic to see so many of you there. It was a great opportunity to share information about the upcoming year and for staff to meet the parents of the girls they will be working so closely with this year. If you were unable to attend, information presented is available through the Year Level pages on the myTintern Portal.

Senior College News

Our Senior College students and Pastoral Mentors have been delighted to return to school this year to a revitalised and modernised Anderson Centre (the focus of the Senior College precinct). The building has been redesigned internally and features private and group study areas, a separate kitchen area for Year 12 students and a shared kitchen area for Years 10 and 11 students. An additional teaching room, a new interview room and a new conference room, as well as more light and more spacious open spaces are also new features of the building.

Senior College Information Evening

Tuesday 2 February was the first full day of school this year and teaching commenced by 10.25am after a pastoral session with the Form Mentors and a Secondary School Welcome Assembly. On the evening of Tuesday 2 February the Senior College Information Evening was held and our Year Level Co-ordinators (Mrs Jennifer Tsai Bove (Year 12); Mr Nick Stefanac (Year 11) and Mrs Heather Ruckert (Year 10)), the five Pastoral Mentors at each year level and I were delighted to greet the many parents who took the opportunity to attend and hear about the programs and special features of their daughter’s/son’s year level. Each family was able to collect a copy of the Senior College Handbook to keep at home as a back up for information in the student’s copy which we expect will remain at school for “ready reference”. A copy of each of the Year Level Co-ordinator’s presentations is available on the Portal.

Inaugural Tintern Grammar Foundation Service

Last Friday 5 February we held our inaugural Tintern Grammar Foundation Service to celebrate and signify our first year under the banner of our new School name. All students from Prep to Year 12 attended and we were joined by a large number of parents, as well as members of the School Board and Life Governors.

Tintern Grammar’s Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying Policy

This week our Senior College students have been given a paper copy of Tintern Grammar’s Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying Policy. It is expected that students will bring this home for discussion with their parents/guardians, as we require families to sign the student’s Record Book to indicate that the policy had been read at home. The policy is referred to in the Handbook but is not contained within the handbook in its full 4 page version. A copy of the Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying Policy will shortly be placed on the Portal for parent access.

Chinese New Year

On Monday 8 February we celebrated Chinese New Year – 2016 being the year of the Monkey – with thanks to our senior International Students, our Chinese teachers, and our International Students Co-ordinator, Mrs Anne Potter. The Anderson Centre has been adorned with beautiful Chinese decorations and staff and students attending a celebration at lunchtime could participate in such activities as: drinking Chinese tea, sampling Chinese food, testing themselves at picking up smarties with chopsticks and trying to write their names using Chinese Calligraphy.

Valentine’s Day Celebrations

This Friday 12 February the Anderson Centre will be transformed with decorations to signify the approach of Valentines’ Day (Sunday 14 February). Our School Leaders and their Year 12 peers use Valentine’s Day as a theme for raising money for the Heart Foundation through enjoyable activities such as love song dedications and serenading and baking treats.

Sporting Achievements over the holidays

We have had some wonderful sporting achievements in a variety of sports across the Summer holiday period. Some that we are aware of at this stage are:

Madeleine Wright, Year 12 – Cricket

Maddie captained the East Metro team throughout the rounds of the U18 VicSpirit Championships in December and the team was undefeated going into the Grand Final played at the MCG on Sunday morning. Their opponents for the game were the Mallee Murray team from the Mildura Region and included three of her Victorian team mates.

Maddie writes that “I lost the toss and fielded first, which was not what I had planned for the day. Our bowlers did a great job of making sure that runs remained hard to come by and we kept the Mallee Murray to 5 wickets for 80 runs off their 20 overs. I then opened the batting with my batting partner Zoe and many would say that the runs flowed easily for us although it was tougher than it seemed. It took us only 14 overs to pass the score and win the competition with the final runs coming from my first six on the MCG! This was our second consecutive win in the U18 Championships and my third consecutive state title having also won the U16 title in 2014. In addition I was named joint player of the Championships which is based on umpire votes and my performance in December when I scored a total of 240 runs with an average of 80 and also six wickets at an average of just 6.33 runs per wicket. Captaining the team to another Championship win was fantastic and I am very proud of my team’s efforts with everyone contributing well.”

Well done Maddie and we wish you every success in your future cricket endeavours.

Courtney Snowball, Year 10 – Mountain Biking

Courtney has been doing marvellously well in the recent Nationals in Mountain Biking and is currently in 3rd place in her event, Under 17 Womens’ Cross Country Mountain Biking. Courtney had competed so far in events in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia; the finals of the event will be held in March in Melbourne.

We wish Courtney all the best as the final stage of the event approaches.

Alexandra Eadie and Talia Webb, both of Year 10 – Sport Aerobics and Fitness

Alex and Talia competed in the FISAF (Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness) World Championships in Martinique (an island in the Caribbean) and placed a wonderful second in their event, Petite Junior Fitness (5 man team) in December 2015.

On the way, Alex and Talia and their team won both the State and National titles to qualify for the World Championships. This was truly an international event, with the Czech Republic placing first and Russia placing third.

Adam Blazevic, Year 11 – Mountain Biking

Adam Blazevic has been competing in the National Mountain Biking Cross Country series and has been doing very well. In his last race at Thredbo he placed sixth in the junior Men’s Competition (Under 19) where he was only just over 2 minutes behind the leader. This result has taken Adam to a current series placing of 13th in Australia. The finals are in Melbourne in March.

Matthew Dellavedova, Year 10 – Tennis

Matt has earned selection into Australia’s Junior Davis Cup team – more detail on Matt’s achievements will be provided in our next edition of Aspectus.

School Photographs

Secondary School (Years 7 – 12) photographs are scheduled for Thursday 18 February and all families and students are requested to be mindful of this in ensuring that full Summer Uniform including blazer is worn to school on the day. If the temperature on the day is forecast to be 30°C or above, students are still asked to ensure they bring their blazer for their individual, Form and Group photos which will be taken on the day.

Year 12 Induction Assembly

The Year 12 Induction Assembly is scheduled for Friday 19 February in our Secondary Principal’s Assembly, which will run from 1.40 – 2.20pm. At this Assembly, with its focus on Leadership, all Year 12 students are presented to the secondary school; in addition the School Leaders, House Captains and Middle School Leaders and Middle School House Leaders will be presented with their badges. Semester 1 Form Leaders will also be announced at this Assembly.

 Cathedral Service

A reminder for all families and students that the Tintern Grammar Cathedral Service is scheduled for Sunday 21 February at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne. The service will commence at 2.30pm and all families are advised to plan to be at the Cathedral by 2.15pm. It is an expectation that all students will attend and students are asked to ensure that they have their name marked off by their Pastoral Mentor at the Cathedral. This is one of only a few compulsory “out of school hours” events that the school expects students will evidence their commitment to the school by attending. Full Summer Uniform is to be worn, including the blazer, which may be removed inside the Cathedral if the temperature is 30°C or above. All boys are asked to wear ties on this occasion – if a tie is being purchased especially for the Cathedral Service, our advice is to buy the striped boys’ tie from the uniform shop.

Year 10 City Experience

Our Year 10 families should by now have received information on the Year 10 City Experience which is scheduled for Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 February. Year 10 students have also commenced an  introductory session on the City Experience and have been advised of room allocations. The City Experience provides many opportunities for students to enjoy experiences in the City of Melbourne, many of which they may not have participated in before – even if they have lived in Melbourne for all of their lives so far.

From our School Leaders

So here we are again at the beginning of another school year. For the Year 12’s, it’s their final year before leaping into whatever lies at the end of a gruelling year of hard work and study, and it is also a big year for all other Tintern Grammar Students who have begun a new journey in their new year level, especially the new students who have started at Tintern this year!

Many changes have occurred in the school over the holidays including a brand new Senior College, which all students are very pleased about, new leisure spaces for the use of all students outside the library, and the old name of “Tintern Schools” has been replaced with “Tintern Grammar”. Already, planning and preparing has begun for the annual Cathedral service, and many other fun events for this term such as Valentine’s Day, Athletics day and the World’s Greatest Shave. For the students, and the teachers, we are looking forward to having Mr Fry with us for his first whole year, and for the many ideas he has for our school. We hope that Term 1 is a great one and we look forward to seeing what Tintern has to offer us this year.

Our Leadership team certainly made a splash at the assembly on Day 1 with this dramatic entrance.

by Gen Barclay and Michael D’Addazio, School Captains

Chinese New Year

February the eighth. If you ask me what this date is about, I would gladly tell you — It was the day in 2016 to celebrate Chinese New Year.

As I am an international student from China, I feel so contented to have an opportunity that I didn’t expect for to engage in the Chinese New Year decorations of our senior college, because it was my actually first time to put on lanterns. Just like the majority of students might have noticed, our senior college and canteen was decorated by all the traditional Chinese things, such as Kongming lanterns, couplets and lots of Chinese characters like ” 平”, “乐 “, ” 喜”, which meant peace, joy and happiness respectively. The great atmosphere did play a big role in contributing the best on this significant day. 

A very interesting ”detail” that I like to mention here is that when the lantern accidentally fell on the ground downstairs, a senior college boy came along and picked it up for us. Then what happened was when I thanked him, he said “That’s all right” in Chinese in return. I did feel moved that Chinese was valued and respected quite a lot.

Also, I consider that it’s been a special day that not only brings surprise to the Chinese students, but also to the local students and staff. Lots of people did swarm into the celebration at noon. Some people were playing the chopsticks, others were drinking Jasmine tea that was in those adorable pottery tea cups, and the majority of students and staff were trying their calligraphy very hard, holding the Chinese brush firmly, concentrating to write “龙 “, which meant ”dragon” . I was quite wondering if this character was easy for them or just because it was the symbol of China. Fried prawn crackers and Chinese candies were everywhere on the table, which made me a little bit homesick as they are the special desserts to eat on holidays; and I would love to mention that our Principal was eating the Chinese fried rice –It was one of my favourite foods.

I really appreciated that Tintern gave us such a magnificent opportunity to gather together to share our cultural essence and have fun, which formed a specially-linked internationalised community of Tinternites. In the end of this article, I want to quote some lyrics that was adapted a little bit here :

 you and me
 from on world
 we are family
 travel dream
 a thousand miles
 fated to meet
 in Tintern.

by Maria Ruan, Year 10

IB Visual arts exhibition

You are invited to attend the opening of the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts exhibition 2016. Friday 12 February 6.30 – 8.30 pm. Tintern Grammar is proudly represented by 2015 graduates Sabrina Widjaja and Rachael Sheehan. Their exceptional artwork was selected from a range of Victorian and Tasmanian IB Diploma World Schools, and represents the highest achieving work in the state. The exhibition is open each day including Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 pm) until 28 February 2016.

Please click here for more information.

Key Dates Term 1

Wednesday 17 Feb – Girls Junior School Investiture Assembly followed by Morning tea

Thursday 18 Feb – Secondary School Photos

Friday 19 Feb – Year 3 – 6 Swimming carnival

Friday 19 Feb – Parent Welcome, Visual Art/Café Space, 7pm

Sunday 21 Feb – Annual Cathedral Service, St Paul’s Cathedral, 2.30pm

Monday 22 – 24 Feb – Year 10 City Experience

Wednesday 24 Feb – Junior School Photos

Thursday 25 Feb – Club Tinwood – Swimming

Friday 26 Feb – House Athletics, 8.30am – 3.30pm, East Burwood

Monday 29 Feb – Boys Year 3 – 6 Back to School Morning

Wednesday 2 – 4 Mar 2016 – Year 11 Conference

Thursday 3 – 4 Mar 2016 – Year 12 Conference

Friday 4 Mar – Boys Prep – Year 2 Back to School Morning

Monday 7 & 8 Mar – Middle School Parent Teacher Interviews, 4-8pm

Wednesday 9 Mar – Year 7 Information Evening, 7pm

Wednesday 9 – 10 Mar – Gateways

Friday 11 March – Grand Prix and Funky Hair Day

Monday 14 Mar – Labour Day Holiday

Tuesday 15 & 16 Mar – Prep – Year 6 Parent Teacher Interviews, 4-8pm

Wednesday 16 Mar– Junior Boys House Athletics

Wednesday 16 Mar – Oklahoma Preview Performance, 6.30pm, Karralyka Theatre

Thursday 17, Friday 18 and Saturday 19 Mar – Oklahoma Performance, 7.30pm, Karralyka Theatre

Thursday 24 March – Term 1 Finish

Oklahoma

Students are busily preparing for their upcoming musical, Oklahoma. Ticket sales will shortly commence, but we ask you to keep some time in your diary to attend one of the performances:

Wednesday 16 March (Preview Performance) at 6.30pm
Thursday 17 March at 7.30pm
Friday 18 March at 7.30pm
Saturday 19 March at 7.30pm

Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood

Foundation Service

On Friday 5 February all students from Prep – Year 12 gathered for the Inaugural Tintern Grammar Foundation Service. It was a wonderful occasion where we were able to reflect on the wonderful 139 years of history associated with our school.

Rev. Alison Andrew opened with a welcome, before Rhys Kaigg (Year 12) and Annabelle Guscott (Year 6) read the School Psalm. Corey Robinson (Year 12) ably led the School in the singing of the Southwood Boys song, whilst Grace Edwards (Year 12) led the School in the singing of the Tintern Girls song.

We then reflected on our history, with Nora Scanlan (Year 9) sharing facts on the Hawthorn Era, Kailia Van Der Wert (Year 12) talking about the move to Ringwood East, Aidyn Malojer (Year 9) reflecting on the opening of Southwood Boys Grammar and Cassie Jones (Year 12) and Andrew Basil-Jones shared stories since combining as one school.

Prayers of Thanksgiving for the past, present and future were offered by Justin Bacon (Year 6) and staff members Vanessa Rich and Liz Cutter, before our Principal, Brad Fry talked about the great history of our school and the bright future ahead.

We closed the service by singing ‘God Gives Us a Future’, again led by Grace Edwards and with a blessing from Rev. Alison Andrew.

Thank you to the many parents, past students and community members who were able to attend.

If you were unable to attend, we invite you to watch this short video which depicts a short history of the school.