From the Principal

Please view the Video Blog below from our Principal, Mr Bradley Fry.

Excellence in Education

There has been much in the press over recent years about Australia’s fall in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) world assessment tables which assess scientific literacy, reading and mathematical literacy. The most recent PISA results for Australia have had the media, commentators and government stridently decrying dropping standards in Australian education. This has occupied many column inches and megabytes online and is in danger of being accepted as gospel for every child in Australia.

However, what isn’t reported is that in the Australian independent sector our students are among the top performers in the world. In the graphic below published by the Independent Schools Council of Australia, you can see that in the last PISA testing, the results for students in Australian independent schools are remarkably high across world scores: 2nd in Scientific literacy, 1st in Reading literacy and 5th in Mathematical literacy. Additionally, we are performing at some 8% above our nation’s average scores.

These are truly impressive results. It is also interesting to note that the scores in Australian independent schools have risen through the PISA cohort since the last test, particularly in Reading literacy, where we have moved from 2nd overall to 1st overall. Given Tintern Grammar’s ranking within the independent sector nationally, it is heartening to see this means our students compare well on a world scale.

Comparative rankings on league tables does not tell the real story either, though. As each student is at a different stage of development and our aim at Tintern Grammar is to help each achieve their own personal excellence. So what is more relevant to our students and families, the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) has cited research that shows that on average students in independent schools gain a ‘value add’ of 8 points on their tertiary entrance score, even after allowing for Socio-Economic Status (SES) and student ability.

While some commentators point to the selective nature of some independent schools, AHISA also provides evidence that students of middle and lower ability demonstrate greater gain in independent schools. At Tintern Grammar, a genuinely open-entry school, we track the growth in literacy and numeracy through standardised testing such as NAPLAN, Progressive Assessment Tests (PAT) and the VCE for students in the upper, lower and average achievement bands to check that our students outgrow the benchmarks in these bands. To us these measures of optimal growth, and those of our teaching staff who work with the students every day, are the most important as we strive to ensure every student gets the most out of every moment in our learning community.

What is the secret to this excellence? According to AHISA, in all successful schools, the key element to explain this ‘value adding’ is the creation and fostering of an Academic Ethos where achieving ones best is the ‘norm’ and everyone collaborates to make it happen for each student. There are other features of excellent schools that also support strong academic performance and we feel confident that we do these areas particularly well.

Good relationships between teachers and students, where pastoral care is the responsibility of all staff in the school, and students’ social and emotional skills are also developed to support wellbeing and academic performance. Family support and parental engagement supports positive attitudes towards education and therefore achievement.

Quality teaching is shown to be the most powerful influence on student achievement within a school. Our outstanding teachers and professional development program, helps staff to model to the students our commitment to continuous improvement, to be the best we can be.

Structured co-curricular programs where staff can build relationships, foster broader life skills and aid student engagement and therefore motivation.

Pronouncements on the results of educational data can make for an eye-catching headline but there is usually more to the story than can fit in a click-bait or sound-bite. What is clear is that Australian Independent Schools, and Tintern Grammar in particular, are well placed to ensure that every student in our care can be confident in their achievement of their own excellence.

Research sources are listed on AHISA’s website: https://www.ahisa.edu.au/resources/ahisa-infographics/ahisa-infographic-1/

Music Matters

String Quartets brave the elements to perform for Old Girls and Old Boys

The Clementson and Kelson String Quartets made a delightful contribution to the Reunion event (YG 1994-2006) in the Community Hub last week. Their music added to the ambience of the occasion on what was a very warm Thursday night. They conducted themselves with skill and aplomb and there were many compliments from our guests about their performances.

Music Staff on tour in China

During late December and early January two of our itinerant music staff were part of an orchestral tour to China. Vicki Stanko and Lisa Clarke are members of the Melbourne Opera Orchestra and travelled to China where they performed over 10 days for very appreciative audiences in both small regional centres and in larger cities. The 65 members of the orchestra travelled to Zhoushan, Yancheng, X’ian and Wainan, playing to full houses much of the time and in lovely venues, during what was a highly successful tour. Their repertoire included famous arias by Mozart, Rossini and Puccini, Strauss waltzes and Opera Overtures. A highlight of the tour was performing to a full house at the X’ian Concert Hall, which some of the world’s most famous orchestras visit on a regular basis, and receiving a standing ovation and two encores. What more could you want on New Year’s Eve? The tour included a lot of eating, a little sightseeing and shopping, a trip to the Terracotta Warriors and a walk around the ancient walled city of X’ian. The orchestra has been invited to return to China for what will be their third year of touring performances.

by Mrs Lisa Clarke, Woodwind Teacher and Bands Leader

Mrs Bezaire would love to hear about any musical adventures which Tintern students had during their holidays too!

Introduction to Barbershop Harmony

Those who attended the wonderful Choral Concert in September last year may remember the members of East City Sound entertaining the audience with their wonderful a cappella singing and joining our Chamber Choir girls for a few numbers. The students certainly enjoyed singing in this style and now there is a chance for you, mums, grandmas, aunts and sisters to try this out too!

“Looking for something to do for yourself
That just so happens to be good for your health?
Come join us this March for some learning and fun
Great four-part harmony – best, bar none!!”

East City Sound is running a 4-week Workshop. Check out this flyer for further details.

Music Theory Club

All instrumental and voice students should commence theory tuition within six months of starting their practical lessons. To facilitate this, our Head of Keyboard, Ms Heather McKenzie and the Senior Music Leaders are available in the Music Lab (Room S111) at lunchtimes on Mondays to assist with Grades 1 and 2 theory tuition. Students should bring their lunch and theory book – if they have one – if not, we have them available for purchase. Parents – this is a great way to save on the additional cost which extra theory lessons would invite and will also inform and enhance the student’s learning in their instrumental lesson. Please note: in order to receive a Grade 6 certificate for an instrumental/vocal exam, a student must have passed Grade 2 Theory with credit. This makes starting Theory tuition early highly advisable, to avoid the disappointment of having to rush to catch up with the required level once it becomes a prerequisite.

Middle and Senior School Music Concert & Camp Dates for 2017

Music Students and their parents should note the following Music Concert dates in relevant diaries and calendars. Further details about which students are participating in each event will come out closer to performance dates. Please call the Music Office 9845 7837, if you have any queries about upcoming concerts:

• 22-25 March – Hairspray Performances, Karralyka Theatre
• Saturday 22 April – School Fair, 12.00pm – 7.00pm
• Thursday 27 April – Twilight Concert, 5.00pm, Kelson Room
• Sunday 7 May – Cathedral Service, 2.30pm, St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Wednesday 17 May – Tintern Grammar Small Ensembles Concert, 7.30pm, CM Wood
• Saturday 27 May – Friends of Music Jazz Night, 7.00pm – 11.00pm, CM Wood
• Wednesday 31 May – Singing Soiree, 7.00pm, Area C, CM Wood
• Thursday 8 June – Speech & Drama Performance, 5.00pm, Lecture Theatre
• 21-23 July – Music Camp, CM Wood (Times will be published late term 2)
• Thursday 27 July – Junior Piano Concert, 5.00pm, CM Wood
• Thursday 27 July – Senior Piano Concert, 7.00pm, CM Wood
• Friday 4 August – Tintern Grammar Annual Music Concert, 7.30pm, CM Wood
• Thursday 31 August – Brass & Woodwind Concert, 7.30pm, Area C, CM Wood
• Tuesday 12 September – Percussion Concert, 7.30pm, CM Wood
• Thursday 14 September – IB Music Recital, 7.30pm, CM Wood
• Tuesday 19 September – Senior String Concert, 7.30pm, Area C, CM Wood
• Wednesday 11 October – VCE & IB Performing Arts Showcase Evening, 7.00pm, CM Wood
• Wednesday 18 October – Tintern Celebration Evening, 7.30pm, Robert Blackwood Hall
• Wednesday 25 October – Twilight Concert, 5.00pm, Kelson Room
• Sunday 26 November – Friends of Music Munch with the Musos, 10.00am, CM Wood

Music Ensemble Rehearsals

All Tintern Grammar instrumentalists, whether they learn music at school or privately, should join a school ensemble as part of their musical development. It is a great way to get to know like-minded students across a range of year levels. Aspiring singers should join our choirs to strengthen their voices and hone their ensemble skills. A list of rehearsal days and times of our musical groups appears below. Further smaller ensembles are still finalising rehearsal times around other extra-curricular commitments.

MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

Please feel free to visit the Music Department to check out the “Ensembles Noticeboard” or speak with Mrs Feenane in the Music Office about your options. All newcomers welcome! 

by Alison Bezaire, Director of Music

Sport Matters

Tintern House Athletics 2017

Our Senior School House Athletic Carnival will be held on Friday 24 February at Bill Sewart Athletics Track in East Burwood. As always, it is a compulsory, whole-school event for students and the program will consist of a range of both traditional and novelty events designed to engage as many students as possible. Students are to wear clothing suitable for competing, preferably in House colours, and should bring ample food and refreshments to last the day. A canteen with limited hot and cold food will be operating. Parents are most welcome to attend and support their student/s on the day.

EISM Summer Sport

Interschool sport is underway for Year 8 – 12 students after what has been a busy few weeks with limited lead-up time. Most teams have been well supported and results indicate that most will also be very competitive. The move of St Joseph’s College (a large all-boys college) from the EISM into the ACC Sports Association will make for a more even boys competition this year. Summer sports include softball, tennis, basketball, indoor cricket, Ultimate Frisbee and boy’s hockey.

Lilly Trevorrow scores National Pentathlon Championship

A huge congratulations to Lilly Trevorrow (Year 8), who competed in the Modern Pentathlon Australian Championships last weekend, and took out the gold medal in her age group. Lilly had to compete in five disciplines: run, swim, shoot, fence, ride. The Championships took place across a variety of locations in Melbourne this past weekend. Lilly qualified for this event by competing successfully in a number of events run by Modern Pentathlon Victoria last year and achieving qualifying times across all disciplines.

This photo shows Lilly receiving her Medal from Kitty Chiller, Australian Chef de Mission at the 2016 Rio Olympics and former Australian Olympian. Well done, Lilly!

Lilly also wins Tetrathlon State Championships in her age group, in December

Competitors from all over the state came together to compete at Gladysdale in the State Championships for the relatively new Pony Club sport of Tetrathlon.

Lilly was one of the keen competitors in this event. She started the day with a good swim and a solid run. Lilly’s shoot was near perfect giving her a narrow lead moving into the final leg, the ride. The final phase for the day was a hickstead, a mix of show jumps and cross-country elements that included a slip rail. Lilly did a perfect round for maximum points securing her 1st place and State Champion title for the 12-14yo Girls 2016. Congratulations Lilly!

What is Tetrathlon?

A Tetrathlon has 4 Phases:

1. Run: A cross country run, length depending on age, between 1 & 3km

2. Swim: 4 minutes. The further you swim in 4 minutes the more points you earn.

3. Shoot: Laser pistol.

4. Ride: Horse ride, show jumping or cross country with a gate or rail element

How can I become involved?

Modern Pentathlon Victoria will be holding a time trial day at Tintern Grammar on Saturday 25 February starting at 9.00am. This day will not include the riding element, but will give participants an idea of how the event runs and an opportunity to practise the shoot phase. The times recorded on the day will be used to select the Victorian team which will compete in the Pony Club Nationals in Toowoomba in September this year. The cost for the day is $15 and refreshments will be served. All are welcome to come along and participate, riders and non-riders alike. Please find further information here: Tetrathlon Nationals Team Tryout, or speak to Lilly or contact Mrs Karen Trevorrow on 0438 858 353 to learn more about this event and how to enter.

Alumni Sporting News

Three past students have recently been in the news and we congratulate them for their sporting achievements.

Scott James recently won the Half Pipe Snow Boarding Championship at the X-Games in Aspen, Colorado, USA. Scott, who is the current World Champion, defeated the past two world champions in winning at X-Games. He will defend his world title in Sierra Nevada, Spain in March and is setting his sights on the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea next year. What made Scott’s achievement all the more significant was that he won the event on Australia Day wearing his red boxing kangaroo gloves. Scott competed in his first Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada in 2010, whilst a student in Year 9 at Southwood.

Congratulations to Matthew Gilling who recently finished third in the famous Lorne ‘Pier to Pub’ swim. Matt competes in both pool and open water events but prefers open water swimming and surf lifesaving. Matt has had a very successful season in open water swimming, winning both the Point Roadknight ‘Rock to Ramp’ 2.5km swim and the Point Lonsdale, ‘Rip View’ 3.8km race. Back in October, he combined all his surf lifesaving skills to win the ‘Coolangatta Gold’ 41.8km event, an event involving ski paddling, board paddling, swimming and running. The event was made famous by Grant Kenny and made into a movie. Matt has recently moved to Queensland to join Northcliffe SLSC and Miami Swim Club where he hopes to further his career in both forms of swimming and surf lifesaving.

Keely McGovern was one of our top three IB students in 2016, scoring 40 out of a possible 45 for her IB and receiving an ATAR of 98.30. Throughout 2016 Keely worked hard and made many sacrifices in order to focus on her studies, including spending less time riding her horse. All the hard work paid off and Keely has been accepted into her first choice of tertiary course, Advanced Pharmaceutical Science with Honours at Monash University, Parkville.

Once exams were over, Keely was able to get back into her riding and decided to compete in the Wonthaggi Tetrathlon. This was Keely’s first attempt at this type of event. Keely’s horse is named Zoe, and it was her first time to compete as well. A tetrathlon involves Cross Country running (1500m), a 4 minute swim, Lazer shooting and Cross Country/Show Jumping on a horse. Points are accumulated for each event, similar to a pentathlon. The event was held in Wonthaggi over the weekend of 21-22 January, 2017. Keely was in the 12-25 Open section with 7 other competitors and she won!

Well done, Keely and Zoe, on your amazing effort!

Community Matters

Welcome to the first edition of Community Matters for 2017. 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 will not miss 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.

Tintern Grammar Community Groups

Look out for the dates and times for all the Community groups’ AGMs. This is a wonderful chance to meet fellow parents and become involved with the School community. The AGM is the official meeting for the year and provides the committees with office bearers and a direction for the year. Visitors attending the AGM are given a broad understanding of the wonderful contribution these groups make to our School. The events and activities run by the various community groups represent a vital contribution to the enhancement of the school experience for our students and in fostering a community atmosphere across the school in support of parents. Everyone is welcome. For more information on how to be involved please contact the Community Relations Office on 9845 7877 or communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au. We look forward to many new faces joining the committees.

TPG Tintern Parents Group AGM: The Tintern Parents Group will be holding their AGM on Thursday 9 March 2017 and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information on how to be involved please contact the Community Relations Office, Mrs Leeza Crowe on 0497 826 626 or Ms Haidee Wallace on 0417 052 273. Please click here to download AGM Agenda, nomination form and last year’s AGM minutes.

Tintern Parent Group news

Thanks and appreciation are extended to Jessica Adam who has recently stepped down as the president of the Tintern Parents Group. Jessica will remain on the committee to continue to support the events and activities of the TPG. Leeza Crowe and Haidee Wallace have very kindly agreed to share the responsibility in their shared vice president roles until the AGM on Thursday 9 March.

Victorian Horse Trials

The Friends of Equestrian (FOE) group will once again be running their very popular Victorian Horse Trials on the weekend Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April. This event is now an official qualifying event for the Australian Interschool Horse Trail Championships. 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 on 9845 7877 or communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au.

Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) news and dates

The first FOYF meeting for 2017 will be held on Monday 20 February at 7.30pm in Kennedy Cottage. Come along and find out what happens at the agricultural shows. The first agricultural show for 2017 is the Berwick Show, scheduled for Saturday 25 February. Please save the date for Wednesday 15 March at Chapter Too, Canterbury Road, Heathmont. FOYF invite all parents who have a child new to Young Farmers to come along and meet the team and learn about the program. Please RSVP to Joy Ashfield at joyashfield5@bigpond.com or 0418 304 020. Lastly, our AGM will be held on Tuesday 9th May at 7.00pm in Kennedy Cottage. All Welcome. 

by Joy Ashfield, President FOYF

Tintern Rose

The Tintern Rose is now available for sale to celebrate our 140 year anniversary. This compact floribunda rose, exhibits orange-red buds unfolding to fragrant 10cm orange flowers, ageing through shades of pink. The Tintern Rose is ideal for larger patio pots or garden plantings. 2017 also marks the 15 year anniversary of the Tintern Rose, developed for our 125 Year anniversary in 2002. Roses can be purchased for $20 and are available from the Community Relations Office. Please call 9845 7877 for pick up and payment details.

Towel fundraiser

Tintern Parents Group is proud to offer you personalised swimming towels from Sheridan. These high quality, quick dry towels will launder well and last for years. Each towel comes embroidered with the school logo and school name. Add your child’s full name or family name at no extra cost. Orders need to be placed through trybooking before Friday 17 March. Please click here to for all the details or visit the portal.

Photo album

The TPG is also continuing to offer beautiful quality made customised ‘buckram’ binders for only $70. A saving of $20 as they normally retail for $90. The albums are available in both Navy and Burgundy and feature the school crest and name printed in silver on the front cover and come complete with 10 transparent sheet inserts.

The albums are great for storing:
– The official school photos
– Certificates
– Naplan results
– ICAS results
– Sports and performer ribbons
– Artwork
– Programs from concerts, sports days and special assemblies
– Photos
– Newsletter clippings
– Your own scrapbook creations (as the pages are 30cm x 30cm standard scrapbook size)

In fact, if you think of it like a filing cabinet of memories, over the years it builds up into quite a treasure! Samples can be viewed in the uniform shop and all orders are now taken at this link through trybooking. 

Return to Tintern

Thursday 9 February was Return to Tintern day.

Our 2016 leavers and their parents returned to the Hawthorn room to catch up with each other and celebrate the beginning of a new era.

At the other end of the school at our Community Hub, year groups 1994 through to 2006 gathered for drinks and nibbles. The weather cooled down just in time to enjoy good company and the beautiful setting. Thank you to our School leaders who took the tours and members of the Clementson and Kelson string quartets for providing a beautiful background ambience.

Tintern Grammar Fair 22 April 2017

If you have not already done so, please like and share our Fair Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TinternGrammarFair/

Please click here to read up on all our Fair News.

Tintern Grammar Footy Tipping is back!

Footy tipping will be back again this year – keep an eye out in the next edition of ASPECTUS for all the details to sign up and join. We can’t let the Principal win two years in a row!

A trip to the Theatre

Year 8 families enjoyed a special treat, meeting two of the lead performers from Kinky Boots following a recent show. Thank you to Year 8 mum, Heidi Victoria for organising this community event.

 Community Group Meeting dates

• The Tintern Parent Group (TPG) – Next meeting: Thursday 23 February 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services Vice Presidents: Haidee Wallace & Leeza Crowe
• Friends of Music (FOM) – Next Meeting & AGM: Wednesday 15 February 7pm CM Wood Common room President: Tim Oldmeadow
• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next meeting: Monday 20 February 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services. President: Joy Ashfield
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – Next meeting: Tuesday 14 February 7.30pm CM Wood Common room. President: Gabby McCallum
• FAIR – Next Meeting: Tuesday 14 February 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community Services. President: Amanda McKenzie.

Key Dates – Term 1

Thursday 16 February – Secondary School Photos

Thursday 16 February – Parents and Guardians Drinks with the Principal – ELC to Year 2 – Community Hub – 6.00pm. RSVP now.

Friday 17 February – Girls’ Junior School House Swimming

Wednesday 22 February – ELC – Year 6 School Photos

Friday 24 February – Secondary School House Athletics

Wednesday 1 March & Thursday 2 March – ELC Parent Open Morning – Early Learning Centre – 8.30am – 12.00pm

Wednesday 8 March – Parents and Guardians Drinks with the Principal – Year 3 to 6 – Community Hub – 6.00pm. RSVP now.

Wednesday 15 March – Boys’ Junior School House Athletics

Thursday 16 March – Parents and Guardians Drinks with the Principal – Middle Schools – Community Hub – 6.00pm. RSVP now.

Wednesday 22 March – Hairspray Performance – Karralyka Theatre – 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased through the Karralyka Theatre’s website.

Thursday 23 March, Friday 24 March & Saturday 25 March – Hairspray Performance – Karralyka Theatre – 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased through the Karralyka Theatre’s website.

Thursday 30 March – Parents and Guardians Drinks with the Principal – Senior College – Community Hub – 6.00pm. RSVP now.

Saturday 22 April – Tintern Grammar Fair – 12.00pm – 8.00pm

More dates can be found on the Tintern Grammar website and in the upcoming Aspectus.

Tintern Fair 2017

Stall Coordinators

Many thanks to all who have already offered to assist as Stall Coordinators. We are still looking for Coordinators for the following stall: Year 6 Games, Chocolate Toss.

For a full list of the Stall Coordinators and other information, visit the Tintern Grammar Fair Page.

Donations, please!

It’s a great time for a clear-out, and to start the year feeling fresh and light. We would love to receive your donations of any of the following:

• Secondhand Books
• Secondhand Clothes (& hangers too!)
• Pre-loved Toys & Sporting Goods
• Items for Auction or any items of value that may be used as prizes.

Where to deliver your donations:

• Secondhand Clothes (& hangers too!) – The building opposite Finance
• Pre-loved Toys & Sporting Goods – The building opposite Finance
• Secondhand Books – Community Relations (Kennedy Cottage, near secondary school tennis courts behind the pool)
• Items for Auction or any items of value that may be used as prizes. – Community Relations (Kennedy Cottage, near secondary school tennis courts behind the pool)

For items of significant value, please contact us first before delivering. Enquiries to: Amanda McKenzie Phone: 0419 313 279 Email: fair@tintern.vic.edu.au

AUCTION – Going, Going, SOLD!

We are running the very successful auction again and need items of interest to auction. Can you help with a donation of goods, services, holiday home accommodation, restaurant vouchers, sporting goods, white goods (with certificates/warranties), or any other goods/services you feel would be suitable, sporting memorabilia, gym equipment/memberships, etc. Able to assist?

Enquiries to: Amanda McKenzie Phone: 0419 313 279 Email: fair@tintern.vic.edu.au

What can you fit in a jar?

Junior School students are invited to provide jars for the Lucky Jars stall which has always been a winner.

Jars (clean & dry please) may be filled with items like toys (suitable for boys and girls), puzzles, wrapped sweets, hair clips/ties, soaps, small teddys, cosmetics, stationery items, textas, pens, erasers, marbles, bouncy balls, stickers, etc.

Please keep these things in mind:
• Value of contents at least $3 please
• Because of health regulations – please no fresh or baked food items
• Lollies/sweets must be purchased wrapped before being placed in the jar.

Students may hand their filled jars in to their form teacher or the Junior School Office.

Food Handling Qualifications

Do you have a Food Handling Certificate?
We are looking for a Food Handling Coordinator to join our Fair Planning Committee and assist us with all our food stalls on Fair Day. Please get in touch if you can help; this is an important role for the success of our Fair Day.

Enquiries to: Amanda McKenzie Phone: 0419 313 279 Email: fair@tintern.vic.edu.au 

Responsible Serving of Alcohol

Do you have an RSA certificate?
If so, we would love to hear from you. We are hoping to set up a roster of certificate holders to oversee the Bar. Your help is appreciated.

Enquiries to: Amanda McKenzie Phone: 0419 313 279 Email: fair@tintern.vic.edu.au

Car Club Member?

We are hoping to host a classic car display next year as a part of the fair, and would love to hear from you if you have contacts with anyone in a car club, or have a historical car yourself… We might not go back quite as far as 140 years, but we’re hoping we can create a wonderful display of cars over the years to help celebrate the long legacy of our school.

Enquiries to: Amanda McKenzie Phone: 0419 313 279 Email: fair@tintern.vic.edu.au

Quilt-makers!

Tintern Old Girls Association (TOGA) will be running a Quilt Exhibition at the Fair, and we would love for you to contribute your masterpiece!

Enquiries to: Amanda McKenzie Phone: 0419 313 279 Email: fair@tintern.vic.edu.au

Would you like to Sponsor a Stall?

Details on how you can sponsor an individual stall, and other ways you can help will be sent home with your raffle tickets, and are also available on the Portal on the Tintern Grammar Fair Page.

Rides Special Offer

Pre-Paid Rides Wrist Bands – Save when you pre-pay!
Details for pre-paid rides wristbands will be arriving home with your raffle ticket books in the coming weeks. Be sure to keep an eye out for it. Get your application in early and enjoy the savings!

Receipts will be issued and need to be presented at the ticket booth on Fair day to receive your wrist band

Can your location help?

Do you live on a main road, and are willing for Tintern Grammar to advertise our School Fair with a Real Estate Billboard in your yard?

Get in touch

If you can assist with any of these items, or even just to share your ideas, get in contact with the committee at Fair@tintern.vic.edu.au or call our Fair Convenor, Amanda McKenzie on 0419 313 279.

Please like and share our Fair Facebook page.

SAIL

We set SAIL in 2017

We have raised anchor and set SAIL in the Boys’ Junior School.

Whilst continuing to use  the Tintern Compass to steer our values, every year we use a different theme in which to immerse our boys, and to provide a new context through which we can share and discuss different topics and events relevant to our boys’ development.

This year we SAIL, encouraging our boys to further develop themselves by being Selfless, Aspirational, Independent and Lion-Hearted.

There are many interesting ways to present and discuss each of these, and already we investigated what it means to be selfless, and how we do indeed need to be self-ish on occasions.

On 24 March our Junior School boys and girls will demonstrate selflessness as they participate in a Wheelathon, raising money to build wheelchairs for greatly disadvantaged children overseas.

On the last day of term, our Year 3-6 boys will SAIL the bay on the tall ship, the Enterprize, while our Prep-Year 2 boys will spend time on the Polly Woodside….hands on ways to complement our SAIL theme.

It’s all hands on deck as the SS Junior School heads towards new horizons.

Lunchtime farm visits

On Wednesday Mrs Lumsden and myself had our first lunchtime farm visit with 14 boys from Year 2 – 6. The boys had a fantastic time as they met and patted Ollie, one of the farms Maremma sheep dogs, hunted for sheep in the paddocks and patted a soft and downy duckling. They were amazing as they trudged back up the hill in the heat of the day and were thrilled when Mrs Lumsden showed them the special trick to keep cool by dampening your hat with a little water from your drink bottle.

by Mrs Michelle Gluskie, Year 2 Teacher

Boys Junior School Year 6 Induction Assembly

On Monday the 6th of February we held our Year 6 Induction Assembly in the Southwood Centre. Our School Captain, Alistair Howley, although a little nervous, made an excellent start to the year by presenting his first Bible Reading. Mr Kenny then inspired us with a presentation focusing on leadership and the compass point of commitment. Following this, the Year 6 boys were introduced and presented with their Year 6 badge, by Mr Fry. Although some boys do have specific leadership roles for 2017, we acknowledge that all of our Year 6 boys are leaders within the Junior School. Congratulations boys, we look forward to your wonderful contributions throughout the year.

by Mrs Ros Neilson, Year 6 Teacher

Belle

Belle has come into school for some short visits. The boys and Belle are really enjoying the pats, cuddles and chance to get to know each other. She will keep returning to school for increasingly lengthy visits as she and the boys are managing the process really well. If you get the chance come and say hello to her when she is here. It is obvious that both the boys and Belle are really loving the time they spend together.

by Mrs Jenny Steffens, Year 5 Teacher

A terrific start for our Prep boys

The Prep boys have had a terrific start to their journey through Junior School. They are enjoying playing with their friends, exploring new things and learning new things along the way. They have really enjoyed spending time with their buddies, both in the classroom and in the playground at recess. The Year 6 boys are doing a great job of looking after them! One of their favourite activities is spending time on our Tinkering Table where the boys pull apart old computers and electrical appliances to discover how they work. They have also enjoyed building circuits, dressing up and building with the big blocks. The end of Week 2 sees them all a little bit tired, but excited about what the next week will bring.

by Mrs Claire Macdonald, Prep Teacher

Boys Junior School Art

Splat the Cat

The Prep class listened to the story of the clever cat called Splat. He was very nervous about his first day at school. He soon discovered it was great fun and couldn’t wait to get back there the next morning.  These are the Preps paintings of Splat the Cat.

Tintern Junior School Banking Program

School Banking Program is now open for 2017. Banking day is Wednesday.

Information packs are available from both the Junior School Reception and Southwood Centre.

Here is a handy link outlining the Program: https://www.commbank.com.au/personal/kids/school-banking.html

The School Banking program provides a fun, interactive and engaging way for young Australians to learn about money and develop good saving habits.

Run nationally since 1931 through participating primary schools, School Banking encourages children to regularly deposit money into their Youthsaver account and earn silver Dollarmites tokens, which can then be redeemed for an exciting reward through our Rewards Program.

It’s also a great fundraising activity, with participating schools receiving 5% of every individual deposit made at school (up to $10), along with other benefits.

Common Cents Challenge

 Zoos Victoria has a challenge for schools. The Common Cents Challenge is an on-going initiative aimed at raising awareness and money for the endangered animals such as Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

The idea is that we collect 5c and $2 coins, mark them off the zoo’s poster found in each Boys Junior school classroom and at the end of term 1 we will donate the money to the zoo.  

Not only are we raising money for a very worthwhile cause, but it’s a nice little maths activity too.

by Mrs Kylie Newman, Year 3 Teacher

Team Tintern on Coastrek Walk

On Friday, 26 May a team of four Tintern teachers (Anne Bortolussi, Maureen Fraser, Trine Ord and Ash Viney) will walk 60km around the Mornington Peninsula as part of the Melbourne Coastrek Walk which raises money for the Fred Hollows Foundation. The walk starts at Cape Schanck and finishes at the Quarantine Station at Pt Nepean.

Coastrek was established in 2010 by ‘Wild Women On Top’ CEO and Adventurer, Di Westaway, whose vision was to help more women get fit and see magical places. Wild Women on Top has run 9 successful events and has raised millions of dollars for the Fred Hollows Foundation.

The Fred Hollows Foundation imagines a world where no person is needlessly blind and Indigenous Australians exercise their right to good health. Over 32 million people are blind, but 4 out of 5 don’t need to be… This foundation was inspired by the work of the late Professor Fred Hollows, internationally acclaimed eye surgeon and social justice activist. Fred worked tirelessly overseas and in remote Australia to end avoidable blindness.

Team Tintern has 10-18 hours to complete the walk and between now and 26 May these determined teachers will train both individually and as a team. If you would like to support their efforts please click on the link below to view their fundraising page:

https://melbourne.coastrek.com.au/fundraisers/TeamTintern765 (tax deductible receipt are emailed immediately)

Year 7 Boys

The boys of Year 7 have made a most pleasing start to their Middle School journey. All have approached the first weeks of school with a positive attitude and a willingness to undertake all there is to be life in Middle School.

By the end of Week 1, the boys had become seasoned veterans in dealing with the tricky combination codes on their locks, and masters of interpreting their timetables. They are getting to know each other and their teaching staff better and are becoming more used to ‘travelling’ around the school to different classrooms.

The boys are to be congratulated for the way they have conducted themselves in the first few weeks of the year. We look forward to a continued positive start to their life in Middle School at Tintern Grammar.

by Matthew O’Brien, Year 7 Co-ordinator

Boys’ Middle School News

Despite enjoying the holidays (and I mean really enjoying the holidays), there is nothing better than having the energy and excitement that the Middle School boys bring with them when they return to school. The corridor is now filled with the laughter, the accidental bumping and the noise that it misses whilst the holidays are happening. It was great to welcome our Year 7 boys along with our new Year 8 and 9 boys back on the first Tuesday, allowing them a bit of extra time to settle into school before everybody returned on the Wednesday.

2017 is the year in which Tintern celebrates its 140^th year as a school and there will be many events throughout the year that help celebrate the journey the school has been on since Mrs Emma B Cook formed the school in Hawthorn in 1877. Our Foundation Assembly held on the 10^th of February was the first of many important events. 2017 also provides the opportunity for our boys to set new goals, to have new dreams and ideas, and to be challenged both personally and academically. I am really excited to see what our Middle School boys can achieve both for themselves and as a collective this year.

I re-read a great book over the holidays by Dr Arne Rubinstein called ‘The Making of Men’ (highly recommended) and in it he refers to the benefits of giving boys rites of passage during the adolescent years and how this can help them to navigate their way through the challenging years of pre and post puberty. He also talks about the importance of having a tribe mentality and this can provide them with a sense of belonging, a sense of acceptance and as being a part of a great team. This is something that throughout the year we will be reinforcing with the boys in terms of them understanding that they are a part of a number of great tribes here at school; their pastoral group first and foremost, their year level next, their House and then as a member of our wonderful Middle School. They have done a fair amount of work already in their pastoral groups which will also be extended this term when each year level ventures out on their respective camps.

The first House event this year for our boys is the athletics carnival on Friday 24^th of February at Bill Stewart Athletics Track in East Burwood. This is a wonderful day for all students from Year 7 to Year 12 with a fantastic sense of fun, excitement, competition and House (tribal) spirit. As parents you are all very welcome to attend the event as we would love you to come and help support and encourage your boy and all other competitors.

On Tuesday the 7^th we held our Middle School information evening and I’d like to thank all families who were able to attend. The turnout was excellent and it provided an opportunity for you as a parent to meet your son’s Pastoral Mentor and hear some information about the year ahead. I understand that there were a few families who were unable to attend and I encourage you to touch base with your son’s Pastoral Mentor and/or Level Co-ordinator should you desire as they will be a key person in the journey of your boy throughout 2017. The list of staff are as follows:

• Year 7 Co-ordinator: Matt O’Brien (mobrien@tintern.vic.edu.au)
• Year 8 & 9 Co-ordinator: Brett Trollope (btrollope@tintern.vic.edu.au)
• 7D: Mrs Jan Wheaton (jwheaton@tintern.vic.edu.au)
• 7E: Mrs Urho Redcliffe (uredcliffe@tintern.vic.edu.au)
• 8D: Mr Rowan Kidd (rkidd@tintern.vic.edu.au)
• 8E: Mrs Naomi Baulch (nbaulch@tintern.vic.edu.au)
• 9D: Mr Mansour (lmansour@tintern.vic.edu.au)
• 9E: Mr Acebron (jacebron@tintern.vic.edu.au)

I’d like to wish everyone every success for 2017 and I look forward to watching our Middle School boys continue to grow into the fine young men they are becoming.

Mia Heinrich – 4A

Congratulations to Mia Heinrich (4A) who competed on her pony Axel last weekend in the interschool section. She did extremely well and represented Tintern beautifully. 

Welcome to our new Junior School Students!

On Wednesday 1 February (first day of school) there were lots of new students who started in the Junior School. A very warm welcome to all our new families.  I am sure you will enjoy our nurturing and caring community.

There is nothing more exciting than to witness our Preps start formal school on their first day. See photo of Juliette (Prep) (proudly sent by Mum).  With excitement, nerves and the beginning of a new day and chapter in life, Juliette proudly walks into school.

Welcome to the following students:

Mackenzie Bailey – Prep

Alessia Ferraro – Prep

Abigail Hsiao – Prep

Sarah Ibrahim – Prep

Juliette Monti – Prep

Evelyn O’Connor – Prep

Charlotte Robson – Prep

Jessica Van Lierop – Prep

Sarah White – Prep

Elin Yeoh – Prep

Riya Yogesh Kumar – Prep

Erica Zhang – Prep

Erin Gao – Year 1A

Lucy Dauparas – 2A

Sidonie Keogh – Year 3A

Amelia Sprake – Year 4A

Elisha Sze – Year 4A

Emma Cooke – 5A

Ashley Honan – 5A

Drishya Karthik – 5A

Olivia Beaton – 5B

Charlotte du Blet – 5B

Ainsley Light – 5B

Anika Mulemane – 5B

Caitlin Tainton – 5B

Aria Ma- 6A

Tiffany Mirabile – 6A

Elaine Sze – 6A

The Amazing Race

The first day of term all students in Year 3-6 enjoyed a fun community activity organised by Mrs Wagner. The girls competed in their Houses over a series of activities.  The Winner in the end was Gordon. 

 The results were…

1. Gordon

2. Watt

3. Somner

4. Mansfield

5. Cross

Solving puzzles and codes, making a marshmallow popper and working as a team, kept all the Year 3/6 girls involved and entertained in their first house event of the year. Well done to the house captains for leading their teams so well.

Congratulations to all the girls for a brilliant start to the year!

Girls’ Middle School

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. This week the Social Justice Group held their first meeting and it was great to see many Year 7 students signing up to be involved in this wonderful group. 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.

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. We started on day one of the year with a fun, getting to know staff ‘Kahoot’ which entertained the girls as they discovered a great deal about their Pastoral Mentors for 2017 from whose favourite food is cucumber to which member of staff is a twin. Our Middle School Captain, Ashleigh Dowling and Vice-Captain, Audrey Middleton hosted their first Middle School Assembly where they encouraged students to ‘step outside their comfort zone’. On Friday we had our Foundation Service and celebrated 140 years of Tintern. The birthday cake was a real hit with all students at recess!

The main focus at this time of the year is on developing positive relationships for girls with their peers and with their staff and there will be a number of Pastoral sessions in the coming weeks that will focus on this.

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 8s and 9s have been enjoying participating in their chosen electives and also preparing for and competing in EISM Interschool Sport matches.

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.

Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) news and dates

The first FOYF meeting for 2017 will be held on Monday 20 February at 7.30pm in Kennedy Cottage. Come along and find out what happens at the agricultural shows. The first agricultural show for 2017 is the Berwick Show, scheduled for Saturday 25 February.

Please save the date for Wednesday 15 March at Chapter Too, Canterbury Road, Heathmont. FOYF invite all parents who have a child new to Young Farmers to come along and meet the team and learn about the program. Please RSVP to Joy Ashfield at joyashfield5@bigpond.com or 0418 304 020. 

Lastly, our AGM will be held on Tuesday 9th May at 7.00pm in Kennedy Cottage. All Welcome.

by Joy Ashfield, President FOYF

Welcome to our new leaders for 2017!

End of last year we selected our Leadership team for 2017. Our new captain Zara Bicknell gave a most polished speech at the Investiture Assembly. Rachel Adam became our Vice-Captain and should also be very proud of her appointment.

Congratulations to all the Year 6 girls who presented themselves beautifully when receiving their Year 6 badge. They have already proven to be excellent role models and support to the younger girls in the Junior School. Given the quality of our Year 6 girls this year, it is fortunate that there are still other opportunities for others to take leadership roles during the year. Special congratulations also go to the Semester 1 Years 3-5 Class Captains.

2017 Year 6 Leaders

• School Captain – Zara Bicknell
• School Vice-Captain  – Rachel Adam
• Leader  – Ruby Crowe
• Cross Captain  – Natasha Gillam
• Gordon Captain  – Saskia Jaskson Smith
• Mansfield Captain  – Maya Hutchinson
• Somner Captain  – Mayunie Munasinghe
• Watt Captain  – Chelsea Tonna

Semester 1 Class Captains

• 5A Class Captain  – Chloe Chiu
• 5B Class Captain  – Olivia Beaton
• 4A Class Captain  – Abbey Van Bremen
• 3A Class Captain  – Etienne Meddings

Best wishes

Speak up and Get Along (written for the students to also read)

Each year we have a new theme in the ELC and Junior School. For 2017 we are already enjoying the theme of Speak Up and Get Along. It’s based on a book written by the American author Scott Cooper who is a social skills expert.

School can be a lot of fun. It is great to learn new things and hang out with friends. School can also be hard and present with some tricky situations. Not just because you need to learn new things, like work with fractions or learn how to play C# on your musical instrument but also because you have to work, play and spend all your time (almost all of your time) with other kids and adults.

You have to get along with people!

Where do you need to get along with people?

• In class
• In the corridors
• Out in the playground
• On the bus
• Just about everywhere you go

Everyone has his or her own thoughts, feelings and needs. One way to get along with others is to show respect for others.

Respecting other people means…

• You are thinking of them as important individuals
• Accepting them
• Treating them the way you would like to be treated
• Showing respect for yourself is just as important as having it for others
• ALWAYS remember you are an important person
• If you treat others and yourself with respect, people will usually treat you with respect too.

This year we will teaching you to SPEAK UP for yourself and others in a respectful way…so you can GET ALONG with others AND yourself!

What do birds have to do with getting along?

Part of respecting others is not judging people before you know them. Some people think of bird watchers as people you wear high socks, funny looking hats and binoculars hanging from their necks. However, if you delve into this world more, we can discover that bird watching is an exciting world for us.

We are going to use birds to help us this year. Since learning about birds, I learned that most are good at communicating or telling each other things because they live in flocks or small groups. In other words they need to communicate to get along! They don’t use words but they use calls and songs that tell each other what they need and don’t need. All the songs and sounds are tools birds need to help them get along and take care of themselves

You know what?

Kids also need communication tools to help them get along with others and take care of themselves.

Over the year we will learning a different set of tools to help you with a different part of speaking up and getting along. Each topic is named after a different bird that is good at that set of tools.

Our first bird is the Blue Jay bird. Can you work out how he/she is a good communicator?

Speak up and Get Along (read to your child)

 Each year we have a new theme in the ELC and Junior School. For 2017 we are already enjoying the theme of Speak Up and Get Along. It’s based on a book written by the American author Scott Cooper who is a social skills expert.

School can be a lot of fun. It is great to learn new things and hang out with friends. School can also be hard and present with some tricky situations. Not just because you need to learn new things, like work with fractions or learn how to play C# on your musical instrument but also because you have to work, play and spend all your time (almost all of your time) with other kids and adults.

You have to get along with people!

Where do you need to get along with people?

• In class
• In the corridors
• Out in the playground
• On the bus
• Just about everywhere you go

Everyone has his or her own thoughts, feelings and needs. One way to get along with others is to show respect for others.

Respecting other people means…

• You are thinking of them as important individuals
• Accepting them
• Treating them the way you would like to be treated
• Showing respect for yourself is just as important as having it for others
• ALWAYS remember you are an important person
• If you treat others and yourself with respect, people will usually treat you with respect too.

This year we will teaching you to SPEAK UP for yourself and others in a respectful way…so you can GET ALONG with others AND yourself!

What do birds have to do with getting along?

Part of respecting others is not judging people before you know them. Some people think of bird watchers as people you wear high socks, funny looking hats and binoculars hanging from their necks. However, if you delve into this world more, we can discover that bird watching is an exciting world for us.

We are going to use birds to help us this year. Since learning about birds, I learned that most are good at communicating or telling each other things because they live in flocks or small groups. In other words they need to communicate to get along! They don’t use words but they use calls and songs that tell each other what they need and don’t need. All the songs and sounds are tools birds need to help them get along and take care of themselves

You know what?

Kids also need communication tools to help them get along with others and take care of themselves.

Over the year we will learning a different set of tools to help you with a different part of speaking up and getting along. Each topic is named after a different bird that is good at that set of tools.

Our first bird is the Blue Jay bird. Can you work out how he/she is a good communicator?

Welcome to our new ELC Students!

On Wednesday 1 February (first day of school) there were lots of new students start in the ELC. A very warm welcome to all our new families. I am sure you will enjoy our nurturing and caring community.

 A warm welcome to all our new students:

Ayden Barby –  Early Learners AB

Analise Ferraro –  Early Learners AB

Serina Thienpont –  Early Learners AB

Mackenzie Wain –  Early Learners AB

Angad Upreti –  Early Learners AB

Charlotte Buttner – Early Learners A

Claire Chan – Early Learners A

Juliette De Vos – Early Learners A

Alia Friend – Early Learners A

Miles George – Early Learners A

Harrison Gracey – Early Learners A

Evelyn Jiang – Early Learners A

Deni Kazantzis – Early Learners A

Hazel Nicholls – Early Learners A

Melinda Qin – Early Learners A

Oliver Stedwell-Shaw – Early Learners A

Lucy Tran – Early Learners A

Olive Cant – Early Learners B

Olivia Hutchinson – Early Learners B

Lucas Ma – Early Learners B

Canice Yan – Early Learners B

Milla Dingle – Prep-Prep A

Ayuni Dissannayaka – Prep-Prep A

Carter Ji – Prep-Prep A

Flynn Milton – Prep-Prep A

Jonah Bettiol – Prep-Prep B

Harrison Moody – Prep-Prep B

Luka Potocnjak – Prep-Prep B

Isabella Rodda-Hopkins – Prep-Prep B

Pre-loved wooden chairs needed!

The Visual Art and Design Department are looking for donations of pre-loved wooden chairs for an upcoming art project. All donations are welcome and can be delivered to the art area, outside the art office. Please bring your chairs in by the end of week 1, Term 2. For further details contact Rachel Waud rwaud@tintern.vic.edu.au.

Secondary Mathematics

The Mathematics Department has been hard at work this term to help students develop their understanding in mathematics and find suitable resources, support and inspiration in the wider community.

Maths Online

Firstly, a 2017 subscription to Maths Online has been offered to Tintern students in the Secondary School for the price of $20 per student. Notices have already gone home to families and reply slips need to be returned to the Senior College Reception by 28th Feb. Visit the Maths Online website for a free trial or ask you maths teacher. http://mathsonline.com.au

Maths Assist

The Maths Assist program is due to start this term. Because of the usual camps and conferences that take place in Term One, the first Maths Assist session for the year will be held in the fifth week of term on Wednesday 1 March (3.45- 4.45pm in the Library). Middle School students who would like maths mentoring from a senior student (Years 10-12) will need to sign up at Library reception. Senior students wishing to tutor younger students are encouraged to register their interest with me or their maths teacher asap. The Maths Department is also looking to re-brand Maths Assist. If you have any suggestions for a new name (and logo), please vote on the Maths Portal page (more on the portal page below).

Hidden Figures

This inspirational film is due for release at the cinemas. Hidden Figures is based on the unbelievable true-life stories of three women, known as ‘human computers’, who quickly rose in the ranks of NASA. Worthy of a place alongside many of history’s greatest minds, these women were tasked with calculating the momentous launch of the astronaut John Glenn into orbit, and guaranteeing his safe return. Hidden Figures is a highly acclaimed film and I urge you and your family to take the opportunity to see it.

The local movie house: Croydon Cinema in Hewish Rd offers very reasonably priced tickets

HOME

Maths Portal Page

Very soon the Tintern maths portal will be functional. Parents should be able to find general resources, dates and information relating to Maths at Tintern. Please stay tuned, but for now the following link should get you there.

http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/14850

Maths Captains

Finally, I would like to introduce Emily Cowin and Josephine Owen as the Maths Captains for 2017. Emily and Josephine will be a great support to me and will be fine role models to the younger students. They will be promoting and helping out at Maths Assist and hoping to encourage the Tintern Community to engage in Maths in and out of the classroom.

All the Best.

by Vanessa Rich, Head of Mathematics

Senior College Report

Senior College Information Evening

Wednesday 1 February was the first full day of school this year and teaching commenced by 10.35am after a pastoral session with the Form Mentors and a Secondary School Welcome Assembly. On the evening of Wednesday 1 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.. A copy of each of the Year Level Co-ordinator’s presentations is available on the portal.

Tintern Grammar Foundation Service

Last Friday 3 February we held our Tintern Grammar Foundation Service to celebrate the rich history of Tintern which spans 140 years. All students from Year 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.

Valentine’s Day Celebrations

Today Tuesday 14 February the Anderson Centre was transformed with decorations to signify the Valentines’ Day. 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.

School Photographs

Secondary School (Years 7 – 12) photographs are scheduled for this Thursday 16 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 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 and 2016 Duces’ Assembly

The Year 12 Induction Assembly is scheduled for this Friday 17 February in our Secondary Principal’s Assembly, from 8.40 – 9.30am. 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. We will also have the opportunity to congratulate and hear from our 2016 School Duces.

Year 10 City Experience and the Years 11 and 12 Conferences

All Senior College families and students should have received all the necessary information on the Year 10 City Experience and the Years 11 and 12 Conferences which are all scheduled for next week from Monday 20 – Wednesday 22 February. I wish all students and staff attending these events an enjoyable time in terms of favourable weather conditions and the chance to participate in activities which are themed to the requirements of each year level

 House Athletics Sports

On Friday 24 February our House Athletics Sports are scheduled at the Bill Sewart reserve in East Burwood. Parents are welcome to attend. All secondary students are expected to attend and to contribute to their House by either participating in individual and group events or by providing support to others in the House or assisting with official duties. The House Athletics event is an especially enjoyable day thanks to the outstanding commitment of our House Captains support who expect and need the support of all our their House peers.

Council By-Laws relating to turns and “dropping off” students

Finally, a reminder to all parents/guardians of the need to obey traffic signs and by-laws in the streets outside the School. Of particular importance are the road signs that prohibit right-hand turns from Loma Street into the Bus Bay area and from Victoria Street into the ELC Car Park. In addition, I am aware that local Council By-Laws Officers swill be keeping a close eye on the cul de sac outside the Administration entrance where signs prohibit “dropping off”.

News From Year 12

The start of the academic program has been an exciting yet daunting prospect for the Year 12 students. They are all currently settling into their role as leaders of the school and adjusting to the increased demands and workload that this year brings.

The School Leaders along with a number of other Year 12 students have been busy organising one of the Senior College’s most anticipated days – Valentine’s Day! The inclusive, fun and respectful celebrations that occur in the Senior College on this day are a credit to all Year 10, 11 and 12 students. The day is a thoroughly enjoyable one and most importantly all proceeds of the day’s activities will go to Heart Kids Australia.  

The Year 12 Conference is a compulsory school event that is designed to help students to navigate their way through their final year of schooling as well as promoting independence, social and self-awareness. The conference is to be held on the 20th-22nd February. By now, all families should have received letters in the mail detailing the program and costs. If you are yet to receive this information, please do not hesitate to contact me on jtsaibove@tintern.vic.edu.au.

Regards

by Jen Tsai Bove, Year 12 Co-ordinator

News from Year 10

The Year 10s have settled in well to the Senior College and we have been busy preparing for our City Experience camp next week from Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 February. The camp booklets will be given out on Thursday to the students and provide comprehensive information about the program. I do encourage families to discuss arrangements and I will be meeting students at Ringwood East Railway Station at 7.30am to ensure that all travel groups leave safely. The remainder of the staff will greet the students in the city opposite CYC City in Collins Street. It is important that the school receives the reply form which is due back to Reception in the Senior College on Wednesday 15 February. The Senior College celebrated Valentine’s Day and it was good to observe how the Year 10s mixed with the older students during the serenades.

City Experience is a wonderful opportunity for the staff to interact informally with the students and already it is evident that they have busy lives that complement their studies at school. Jack Martin who is new to Tintern has been competing in the Australian Kart Championships in Newcastle recently and I acknowledge his determined efforts to compete in 50 degree heat at such a high level of competition. Jasmin Liew has been accepted into a three week Summer Intensive Program run by the Bolshoi Ballet in New York City at the end of June after a successful video audition. She will join three students from the En Pointe School of Ballet to work with this internationally renowned and prestigious Russian ballet company. Jack and Jasmin are both congratulated on their outstanding achievements.

by Mrs Heather Ruckert, Year 10 Co-ordinator

News from the Careers Department

CareerNews

The school subscribes to two publications called ‘CareerNews’ that collates information about tertiary courses, upcoming events and vocational insights that assist students with their career planning. Copies will be added to the Careers tab on the Portal. Senior College students are also emailed a copy of the CareerNews content each fortnight so that they can easily access material from the hyperlinks. The first edition is now available.

Career Chats…. 

During the year, the Careers Department will be holding regular Career Chats for Senior College students and the first one will be held at lunch time on Tuesday 28 February with a focus on Year 12 applications overseas.

Work Experience Program

Year 10 students will be participating in the Work Experience Program from Monday 19 to Friday 23 June. Students are required to organise a placement before the end of Term 1. If additional time is required then please contact Ms Julie Ennor (Work Experience Co-ordinator) or myself in the Careers Department.

Students are required to return the initial form no later than Friday 31 March, which is the last day of Term 1. An official Work Experience package will then be prepared and sent to the employer for their signature.

Changes to Obtaining a Tax File Number

A reminder that The Australian Taxation Office has altered the application process for obtaining a Tax File Number. Schools can no longer process applications for students. The following link provides details about the new procedures that are similar to applying for a passport.

Please select https://www.ato.gov.au/Forms/TFN—application-for-individuals/

by Mrs Heather Ruckert, Careers Consultant

News From Year 11

The Year 11s have started the year with a positive attitude and great enthusiasm. The Senior College continues to provide students a venue for the majority of their classes, as well as a place to work throughout their study periods and socialise at lunch, creating learning and socialising avenues throughout the day.

Next week is the Year 11 Conference at Phillip Island so all students are reminded to review the checklist for what they need to bring. A wide range of activities are on offer, providing many opportunities for personal development.

Kind Regards

by Nick Stefanac, Year 11 Coordinator