From the Principal

Well, term holidays have finally arrived and I must say, our term certainly finished with a bang, not a whimper!

The Boys’ Junior School production, “Seussical”, celebrated all things Dr Seuss most impressively and was admired by the Girls’ Junior School students who were fortunate enough to attend the matinee performance! Although there were some outstanding individual performances, it was the collective that was most impressive and I thank Mrs Casey for her commitment and energy that resulted in such a terrific event!

Our Girls’ Junior School’s “Tintern’s Got Talent” was conducted over the last three weeks of term as a social service activity as well as a performance opportunity. This was a student-led showcase of singing, dancing, and art and really adopted the 2017 GJS themes of “GRIT” and “Growth”. Many of the girls were clearly nervous, some performing for the very first time and all showed real bravery in completing their piece despite this. The standard of performance by some students was certainly very high but the courage required was impressive from every single one! Perhaps most significantly, the efforts of Elizabeth, Tahlia and Ella resulted in the girls raising an impressive amount for brain cancer research.

Monday of the final week saw the first of our Orientation Days for 2017 Year 7 students. Although many (both from other primary schools and our own Junior Schools!) began the day uncertain and more than a little anxious, a number of current and future parents later reported to me that by the end of the day, their children were already looking forward to the next Orientation Day! Based on Day 1, all signs are that we will have a terrific Year 7 cohort joining our Middle Schools next year!

In the secondary school, the highlight of the final week was definitely our final Principal’s Assembly; student-led and with the theme of “Expect the Unexpected”! Our school leaders created and ran this event most impressively, managing the difficult combination of terrific humour, appropriateness and aplomb; much of it was certainly unexpected! While certainly funny and engaging, there were also messages of significance, particularly continuing our exploration of diversity and inclusion within our school and in broader society.

Although everyone was definitely looking forward to the holidays by 2.00pm on Friday, there was no shortage of attention during the Assembly and I thank the School Leaders and staff, particularly Mr Acebron and Mr Lo, for their great work in making it happen.

I offer best wishes for the break and hope you are all able to enjoy an enjoyable, refreshing and safe holiday and we look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday 4 October ready to throw themselves into Term 4 with renewed vigour!

Factis non verbis

Bradley Fry
Principal

Music Matters

Brass Concert

On Tuesday 30 August, Tintern Grammar held its annual Brass Concert. This event is a brilliant way to introduce new musicians to performing in front of an audience, as well as being a great opportunity for the more experienced musicians to perform. A number of students chose to perform an exam piece in preparation for their AMEB music exam the next morning. The audience of parents, friends and teachers were very friendly and supportive, making it less nerve-racking for the students. There were more than ten items, including solos, duets and trios, with students from Year 3 to Year 12 playing various styles. For some of the 15 students, it was their first time playing in front of an audience, including Jonah Fleming on French Horn, Mitchell Gerin and Oliver Huang on Trombone and Jay Jensen and Abbey Van Bremen on Trumpet. For the Intermediate Brass Ensemble, it was also their first time playing at a concert and the group played confidently and extremely well. Overall, the students did a fabulous job and thoroughly enjoyed the night. We would like to thank Ms Pisani and Mr Bathgate for helping to prepare us for this evening.

by Maya Watt, Year 12

Percussion Concert

On Tuesday 30 August, percussion students from all year levels were given the opportunity to perform a piece they had learnt during the year. The members of the Percussion Ensemble who practise together on a weekly basis also performed. With background music and a supportive audience, students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For some percussion students, it was their first opportunity to perform. There was a range of difficulty presented in the pieces. Hopefully, the younger students were able to look up to the more experienced players and be inspired to keep practising! Overall, it was a fun and enjoyable night and a great way for us to perform to our parents and members of the Tintern Music community. We thank Ms Nalini Scarfe for teaching us and preparing us for this concert.

by Gemma Bettess, Year 9                                                                                              

String Concert

This year’s Senior String Concert, held in the CM Wood Centre on Tuesday 6 September, was a grand event that showcased many of our Year 7-12 students. The evening featured over 30 performances covering a range of styles and instruments including violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. In addition to this, there were performances by three string quartets, a cello ensemble and a staff ensemble featuring Mrs Clementson, Mrs Mackie, Mr Veldman and Mr White. This was certainly a highlight of the evening. All students are to be congratulated on their performances which were thoroughly enjoyed by a supportive audience.

On behalf of all the students, I would like to thank the string teachers for their commitment, dedication and support that made this event possible. A special thank you must be extended to Mrs Clementson for accompanying such a large number of performers, as well as our student accompanists, Rita Chen and Victor Tran.                       

by Corey Robinson Year 12                                                

World Music Incursion: Salaka – the Music of West Africa

Tuesday morning (12 September) brought a tide of excitement across the Year 7 and 8 students, who were privileged to be the audience for the performance by the West African ensemble ‘Salaka’. ‘Salaka’ is the Ghanaian word for ‘sharing’ and the group members shared with us their culture through music and dance, using the traditional drums of West Africa. The band’s skill and command of their instruments took everyone’s breath away. We were introduced to the ‘djembe’, the ‘aslator’, the ‘ashakai’ and many other traditional instruments. We were given an opportunity to play the drums ourselves, accompanied at times by an ensemble of slightly dubious teachers! Many of us had studied African drums before, but this performance was a chance for us to witness a live performance of the cultural music of Africa, at the expert hand of the Salaka ensemble. Overall, we enjoyed this engaging and invigorating incursion.

Afterwards, classes 8A and 8D were invited to participate in a workshop with the African drummers, where we developed a closer relationship with the djembe drum and explored new ideas and rhythmical patterns. The material we were taught by the talented Salaka drummers will become the springboard for our Year 8 Performing Arts later this year and we look forward to showcasing this unique work that captures the spirit and culture of West Africa. We would like to thank the Salaka ensemble for their incredible performance and workshop, and Ms Bortolussi for giving us such an amazing opportunity to experience the music of Ghana.

by Ashleigh Dowling, Year 8

Choral Concert

On Wednesday 14 September the Music Department closed their concert program for the term with a Choral Concert in the CM Wood Centre. This was the first time we have staged a purely choral event and it was designed to showcase the term’s work of all our choirs. The evening began with a hauntingly beautiful song called the ‘Night Wind’ sung by the Intermediate Girls Choir and concluded with all choristers performing the uplifting and joyous ‘Oye’, a Mexican inspired work about hope for the future. The special guests for the evening were a Barbershop Quartet from the East City Sound Chorus who performed three A cappella works prior to joining with the Senior Girls Chamber Choir for two numbers they had prepared at workshops earlier in the term. The Senior Boys Chamber Choir reprised their repertoire from their notable performance at the H. R. Stevens Memorial Concert at the end of July and the Intermediate Boys Choir entertained all with their vocal rendition of the Pink Panther. A highlight of the evening was the performance of two beautiful works of Mozart – the Ave Verum and the Laudate Dominum. Both these works were accompanied by portable organ and a small chamber orchestra. The Laudate Dominum featured Heidi Ruckert as the soprano soloist.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all music students and their families a restful and happy holiday. I thank all the students for their ongoing commitment and contribution to the music program and I thank the parents for their continued support of their children and all our events.

by Ms Anne Bortolussi, Acting Director of Music

Sport Matters

EISM Cross Country 2016

Congratulations to all students who competed in the EISM Cross Country held at Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster last week.

Our students did extremely well to finish in fourth place overall, immediately behind the three largest schools in the EISM. Our U/16 Girls finished 1^st and the Open Girls 2^nd in their age groups.

Tintern had podium finishes in four events, Ella Trevorrow (3^rd U/14 Girls), Paul Haasbroek (1^st U/14 Boys) and Karly Rosenbrock (1^st U/16 Girls), and the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Open Girls where we finished 1, 2 & 3 courtesy of Maddy Button (1^st), Sarah Lloyd (2^nd) and Kirsty Clark (3^rd), a feat rarely achieved in EISM Cross Country.

A special thanks to Connor Muirhead, Mr Mansour and Erin Jones who ran all the early morning and afternoon training sessions and to all students who worked hard to develop their strength and endurance prior to this event.

Top Finishers:

U/13 Girls 

Hannah Taylor                   11

Lilly Trevorrow                  19

Alison Gatt                           29

U/13 Boys

Julian Amiet                        33

U/14 Girls                 

Ella Trevorrow                     3

Tara Carson                           4

Tess Power                          16

Julia Rosenbrock              25

U/14 Boys 

Paul Haasbroek                   1

Finn Cussen                         22

Alex Jenkin                           28

U/15 Girls  

Breanna Turnbull                6

Olivia Adkins                       21

Rose Russell                         29

U/15 Boys               

Vishnu Pillay                        14

Joel Pearce-Schmidt       20

Ben Rudd                               22

Lachlan Stuyfbergen       28

Alex Wilson                          29

U/16 Girls

Karly Rosenbrock               1

Jessica Reid                            6

Mae Eadie                               7

Rosemary Addison            8

Alex Eadie                            14

U/16 Boys    

Matt Evans                         10

Open Girls    

Maddy Button                    1

Sarah Lloyd                           2

Kirsty Clark                          3

Madi Jones                         17

Grace Power                     19

Sophie Paul                        20

Adele Bicknell                  21

Stacey Kern                       23

Emily Cowen                     25

Open Boys 

Daniel Chesney                14

Michael Gao                       29

Community Matters

Tintern Spring Garden tour – 6 of Toorak’s finest Gardens Thursday 20 October

Plans are now finalised for the 2016 Spring Garden tour. Please note the date change to Thursday 20 October. This year will be a very special Spring Garden Tour as we join the National Gallery of Victoria’s Tour of 6 of Toorak’s private gardens many of which have never been open to the public before. For only $70 the Spring Garden Tour includes bus transport, hot drink on arrival, entry to each of the gardens, light lunch at The Stables of Como and our regular bus raffles.

As places are limited bookings will be taken on a ‘first in first booked’ basis through trybooking at: www.trybooking.com/NCAH

A flyer can be downloaded here through the portal with all the information. Please note the locations of the gardens are not revealed until the day of the tour and some gardens may not be suitable for walking frames.

For any further enquiries please contact Lisa Vecchio 0427 112 253 or email lisa.vecchio@gmail.com. Alternatively you can contact Di Lacey in the Community Relations Office at Tintern Grammar on 9845 7877 or email communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au

Spring Garden tour Donations for our famous bus raffles

We are seeking ‘Garden’ type donations from our community for our famous ‘Bus Raffles’. If you have contacts in the Garden or nursery industry we would love to hear from you. Please contact the Community Relations office if you can donate goods for our 2016 Spring Garden Tour.

Tintern Grammar Towels

Tintern Parent 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.

Bath Towel (69 x 140cm) – $65 Bath Sheet (91 x 167cm) –  $70

Orders must be placed via Trybooking before Monday 3 October 2016 for delivery mid Term 4.

Simply visit https://www.trybooking.com/MVDC

For more information, please contact Roshini Higgins at Roshini_higgins@bigpond.com or the Community Relations office at communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au

Tintern Grammar Fair 22 April 2017

Stall Coordinators needed for various year levels

Many hands make light work, and we need many hands to make our Fair work! Each year level has been allocated a stall, and each stall is best run by one or two Stall Coordinators.  Can you help? Please review the list here on the portal to see which stalls are associated with your year levels, and get in touch with the Fair Committee if you can help by being the Coordinator for your stall.  Your assistance makes a big difference, so thankyou to our wonderful Stall Coordinators.

Do you live on a main road?

To help with our advertising of the school Fair next April, we are looking for sites where we can put up Billboards advertising the Fair. Please contact the Fair Committee if you live on a main road, and are willing to have a Billboard placed in your front yard for 6 – 8 weeks prior to the Fair. We are fortunate to have a number of Real Estate agents with connections to our school community, who generously print and erect the billboards to promote our day.

Harrison Verschuur (YG 2013)

Harrison Verschuur from Year Group 2013 is excited to announce and invite the Tintern community to his first solo exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery (322 Brunswick St Fitzroy) opening on 16 September, 6pm-9pm. The exhibition runs for two weeks and closes at 3pm on Thursday 29 September 2016. His exhibition explores the idolization, corruption and rise and fall of Hollywood stars and is aptly titled “Hollywood Infected my Brain”.

An Enchanted Evening

The ‘Presentation Ball’ lived up to its expectation as a major event on the Year 11 calendar last Saturday night in the Grand Hall at The Centre Ivanhoe. Over 400 guests witnessed the presentation of 59 young men and women to the Federal member for Deakin, Mr Michael Sukkar and our Principal, Mr Bradley Fry. The young ladies and gentlemen who participated can be congratulated on a wonderful evening that showcased tradition, sophistication, elegance and style. A very special thank you to the Ball coordinators who work tirelessly throughout the term and earlier to bring this event to fruition: Mrs Sharyn Frisby, Mrs Kerrie Maywald and Mrs Kylie Spears. Thanks are also extended to the volunteers on the night who assist the smooth running of the evening: Mrs Amanda McKenzie, Mrs Ruby Nagendran, Mrs Roshini Higgins, Mrs Fiona Whitbourn, Miss Caitlin Spears & Emily Maywald. The night was definitely an enchanted evening.

Friends of Equestrian News

The Friends of Equestrian are pleased to report that Darcee McCallum from Year 8 rode for Tintern Grammar in the 2016 Boneo Park Cup Show jumping last weekend. The Boneo Park cup showcases the future of Australian Show Jumping. Set in the grounds of Boneo Park on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Boneo Park Cup attracts riders and spectators from across Australia in what is now considered to be the unofficial warm up to the Australian National Jumping Championships. Darcee was placed 6th in the 90cm School Rider section. This is a wonderful achievement for Darcee and we congratulate her on her success.

Tintern and Southwood Music Banners for sale

This is your last opportunity to secure an old Tintern and Southwood Music Banners at a cost of $50 each. All funds raised will go to the Tintern Grammar Friends of Music who, in turn, support the ongoing work of the Music Departments across the school. Should EOI outnumber the banners available, a ballot draw of successful bidders will be held at the Friends of Music Meeting on 11 October and successful bidders will be contacted and published in ‘Aspectus’ and on the School portal. To lodge your EOI, please email the Community Relations Office communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au, giving your name and contact details, and nominating which banner you would like to purchase (Tintern or Southwood). All Expressions of Interest inquiries to 9845 7877.

Entertainment book 2016/2017

Buy now in time for school holidays!

All hard copies of the Entertainment book have now been returned but there is still time to purchase a digital membership or request free delivery of a hard copy when you book online

Thank you for supporting this fundraising initiative.

Community Committee dates

• Tintern Parent Group (TPG) – Next meeting: Thursday 13 October 7.30pm CM Wood Common Room President: Loraine Allender
• Friends of Music (FOM) – Next Meeting: Tuesday 11 October 7.00pm CM Wood Common room President: Tim Oldmeadow
• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next meeting: Tuesday 4 October 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services. President: Joy Ashfield              
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – Next Meeting: Tuesday 18 October 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services. President: Gabby McCallum

Children Resourcing their Own Learning

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework encourages ‘children to resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials’. This term we have been encouraging this by asking children…

• ‘What is it you want to play today?’
• ‘What will you need to play that?’
• ‘Where will you get what you need from?’

These questions encourage and invite the children to be the agents of their own learning. As Early Childhood educators we can provide a range of activities and experiences, but it is through the children’s self-selected or initiated experiences where the greatest motivation for learning lies. It is then our job as educators to support and extend this learning, thus creating a meaningful and engaging cycle of play and learning.

Would you like some chocolate cake?

A small group of children are making cakes in the sandpit. As often happens, a lucky educator is offered a piece. A conversation ensues as to the ingredients in the cakes. The educator asks ‘Is there flour in your cake?’ Some of the children laugh and say ‘No! We don’t put flowers in our cake, you can’t eat flowers!’. The following day the children are invited to the kitchen to make a real chocolate cake. The children now know what flour is as well as the existence of homophones; meaningful learning that was unlikely to have been conceived without child initiated play.

I want a necklace like Mrs Bissett

An educator suggests collecting gumnuts from the outdoor play area. Children are enthusiastic and go on a nature hunt together. Once collected the items are decorated with paint. The children resource the paint themselves, choosing their own colours and using their developing strength to squeeze the paint onto a paint tray. The educator suggests that a glue gun might be the best way to attach the gumnuts to the string. The glue gun is a new experience for the children. One child holds her hands over her ears as it is plugged in. She expects a bang; this is her experience and understanding of guns. She is assured that glue guns don’t make a noise. She continues to cover her ears. We talk about why it is called a gun; the shape, the trigger and that something comes out of the end. She takes her hands away and asks to hold it. We look at the glue sticks before they enter the gun and discuss how energy is used to make the glue melt and that the energy makes the glue hot. After watching the educator demonstrate, the child confidently manages the glue gun to attach her gum nuts.

The following day another educator picks up the theme. She takes a small group to the kitchen to make bi-carb soda dough. The children helped to mix the dough, discussing the changing state of the ingredients in the mixing process. Vocabulary such as liquid and solid were used. The children then use their developing fine motor skills to form the dough into beads and, once cooked (another conversation about changing states of matter), they decorate them and thread them onto string. Patterning is discussed, introducing mathematical language such as ‘repeating pattern’. Yet another series of learning events that would not have been so meaningful had they not begun with the children’s ideas.

When talking to your children about their learning day you can support their idea development by asking ‘What are you thinking you might do at school today?’ ‘What will you need for this and where will you get it from?’ Encouraging ideas and creativity is a great way to switch your child into growth mindset thinking and give them a head start to an engaging day of learning.

by Amanda Cooke, Pre-Prep B Teacher and ELC Coordinator

Paralympian Paula Scott visits the Girls’ Junior School

Last week we had a visit from Paralympian Paula Scott who attended four Olympic games. She was very impressive and told the Years 3-6 girls her story and how she lost her leg in a car accident.  She ended up being the Captain of the Gliders Women Basketball team and won a number of medals! Thank you to Abby (Year 4) and her Mum Miranda for helping to arrange for Paula to visit us.

Camp Benefits

At Tintern we offer a program of outdoor education for all students from Year 3. They are also sequential in nature, each camp building on the experiences of the year before. The experiential learning that occurs at these camps allows the students to clarify their personal values in a social setting. In addition, they can explore a variety of natural environments and are challenged to consider the effect of their actions upon their surroundings. Outdoor education promotes personal growth in a co-operative team environment and assists in our understanding of working towards a sustainable future.

Year 3 and 4 girls have just enjoyed a three day visit to Camp Adanac in Yarra Junction. This camp is an introductory experience for the girls, with the major emphasis being placed on social activities in a comfortable, scenic, forest environment. Enjoy some of the recent photos! (See attached photos)

Next term the Year 5 girls will enjoy a four day stay at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat while staying on a property called Nambool. Here, they experience first-hand the lifestyle of youngsters living in an 1850’s goldfields location. The girls role-play the lives of such youngsters and learn to appreciate the social rules of that era. The girls are accommodated at a purpose-built Earth Studies Centre at “Narmbool”.  This two day outdoor addition to the Sovereign Hill experience adds an exciting component to the trip  – it is in fact two camps in one!

The Year 6 camp  was in Canberra. It is primarily a curriculum-based activity, focusing on our compulsory Civics study of Government and Decision-Making. The girls were away for five days in May this year. They attended parliament in session and visited places of national importance such as the War Memorial and Questacon.  Many of the girls reported that this has been their highlight so far this year. 

All of these camps have been developed with the girls’ health and welfare as our highest priority. The experiences offered are multi-layered and are intended to complement the educational program at school.  It is our view that these camps are of primary importance to the growth and development of each girl. 

Outdoor education can make a very positive impact…

There is substantial research evidence to suggest that outdoor adventure programmes can impact positively on young people’s attitudes, beliefs and self-perceptions in terms of independence, confidence, self-esteem, personal effectiveness and coping strategies.  Students also benefit from developing their interpersonal and social skills such as communication strategies, group cohesion and teamwork.  Outdoor education and recreation promote active learning through direct personal experience and offer excitement, fun and adventure within a framework of safety.

An unexpected visit!

Just as Footy Day proceedings started this morning, Junior School received a phone call from Farmer Wall to say two ewes were well on the way to delivering their lamb/s  Were we interested in coming down to Tinternwood Farm to witness the births?  Of course we were interested. Quick conferencing and it was decided Year 3, 4 and 5 would be able to make it down in time hopefully.

Both ewes were first time mothers and labour can be a bit longer. Such was the case with the first ewe. We watched her for a while and then let her be for a while. Meanwhile Farmer Wall was working hard to try and coax the first lamb out (he was fairly certain it would be a multiple birth). Suddenly it all happened and lamb number one arrived. A bit of a chat around the open fire and a kick of the footy or a game of tiggy later and number two lamb was on the way. The girls were all very impressed at the different stages they had seen and had many questions to ask. As we were preparing to leave, Farmer Wall looked over at the other ewe and realised she was much further along than first thought. She had the text book labour, quick and unassisted! Lamb number three had arrived and among lots of oohs and ahhs we watched both new mums clean their new offspring and begin that magical bonding process. Nature and Tintern both have much to offer us all.

by Helen Kirkland, ELC and Girls’ Junior School Learning Enhancement Coordinator

Snowsports success

Congratulations to Reese Stephens (Year 6) for her terrific performance in the recent Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships at Mt Buller.  She was fortunate enough to meet Olympian freestyle skier Anton Grimus.  Great work Reese!

Junior Schools String Concert

More recently, we were entertained by a large contingent of Junior School students at the Junior Schools String Concert.  Some students had only been learning a short time, while others had been learning for a number of years.  One item was performed by the staff which proved to be a terrific opportunity for the students to see the masters at work.

Many thanks to Mr Veldman and Mrs Mackie for their major part in organising the concert and giving the students this terrific opportunity to perform and gain the valuable confidence needed for an musician. Each and every student did very well and made us proud.

Years 7-12 Celebration Evening

The 2016 Celebration Evening (Years 7-12) is scheduled for Monday 10 October at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, Clayton Campus. This is a compulsory annual event  which highlights the achievements of students from all secondary levels across the year. In addition, it gives the secondary school families and students the opportunity to farewell our Year 12 students as they begin preparation for their final examinations.

Tickets are now available online, please click here to make a booking.

News from Boys’ Middle School

End of term is here and an opportunity for the boys to relax, reflect and rejuvenate for a great last term. It’s a great opportunity also for you as parents to continue your challenge of trying to understand teenage boys and come to grips with the potential differences you now see and have, from what was once a sweet, pre-adolescent boy! Communication is still the key, despite only receiving the odd grunt, eye roll or one syllable response to your questions.

Nathalie Brown, childhood behavioural consultant from Easy Peasy Kids (www.easypeasykids.com.au) talks about ways that as parents we can look to continue building connections with our teenage sons or even begin developing them. She says to “ask about their day”, be passionate about what they’re passionate about and be interested in what they’re interested in. This is so important. They are a full generation in front of you so they are going to like new things, want to do different things, potentially not want to ride a bike with friends like we did as kids, not want to play football or basketball with their mates. They may be into different types of music, different types of computer games, etc., whatever it is, endeavour to find out more about it – get them to teach you. It will provide invaluable opportunities to connect with your boy even more.

Nathalie goes on to say that you need to often be careful with conversations with teenage boys. Getting them to start talking past a grunt is a challenge but some tips she gives would be to listen first and ask questions to them related to what they’re talking about. Make time for one-on-one with your son (the coming holidays are a perfect opportunity – a walk, bike ride, jog, spring gardening, etc.), eat together as often as possible (at the recent conference I was at this point was raised about the importance of families having meal time together, as well with a connection between this and success at school). She also states the importance of getting to know their friends and getting to know your way around things such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat – ask them to teach you!

I certainly hope the school holidays are a great time for all of you and I look forward to seeing the boys upon their return ready to finish their year off strong. Enjoy the next couple of weeks.

For a bit of light entertainment, click on the link below to watch comedian Peter Denahy sing about the grunting teenager with his song ‘Sort Of Dunno Nothin’ – very amusing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_veIGGP1Uh4

It’s a wrap!

We have much to celebrate as we reflect on the last term.  At the beginning of Term 3, it always strikes me as a less busy time at school…not so it seems as we have been busier than ever. What with Olympics Day for both ELC and Junior School, Footy day for us all, Year 3 and 4 Camp, a visit to Matilda, Father’s Day Celebrations and interschool gymnastics for our girls plus much much more we have been very busy.  I think that everyone deserves a very good break. Thank you to our parents for your ongoing support. Once again I hope you will share my sense of pride in what our girls and boys have achieved over the past few months The coming break is a great opportunity for everyone to re-charge to prepare for Term 4. Don’t forget that our first day of Term 4 is Tuesday 4 October.

Some special photos during the term are the recent District Athletics and Bookweek!

It’s a wrap!

We have much to celebrate as we reflect on the last term.  At the beginning of Term 3, it always strikes me as a less busy time at school…not so it seems as we have been busier than ever. What with Olympics Day for both ELC and Junior School, Footy day for us all, Year 3 and 4 Camp, a visit to Matilda, Father’s Day Celebrations and interschool gymnastics for our girls plus much much more we have been very busy.  I think that everyone deserves a very good break. Thank you to our parents for your ongoing support. Once again I hope you will share my sense of pride in what our girls and boys have achieved over the past few months The coming break is a great opportunity for everyone to re-charge to prepare for Term 4. Don’t forget that our first day of Term 4 is Tuesday 4 October.

Eastwood Primary School Twilight Market

Gymnastics

On Tuesday September 6 Tintern had 2 teams of girls competing in the Primary Inter school Gymnastics Competition at BTYC Gymnastics Centre in Donvale. Both teams performed very well on the day and achieved some fantastic results on each apparatus.

Team 1 who competed in the morning session was: Rachel Adam, Annabelle Guscott, Charli Kilworth, Madeline Hupfeld and Molly Cussen. They finished 2nd overall which was a fantastic result and the best that we have achieved at the competition so far. Congratulations girls.

Team 2 who competed in the afternoon consisted of: Mayunie Munasinghe, Genevieve Gough, Alexandra Kavanagh, Ella Callow-Sussex and Ruby Crowe. They finished 5th overall and performed very well on the day. 

Congratulations to both teams and a big thank you to Sarah Gardner from BTYC for coaching the girls on the day.

by Ash Viney, Junior School PE Teacher

Father’s Day Fun Evening!

Prep-Year 2 girls did a marvellous job welcoming their Dads to a special event of activities and a sausage sizzle.  The Dads really enjoyed the evening. They were impressed with the STEM related Bee Bots robots which really promote the new coding skills learnt by the girls. It was a great demonstration of how committed the school is to equipping the girls with the necessary skills for the 21st century.

Thanks goes to the staff Mrs Whitcher, Mrs Yardley and Mrs Campbell, along with Mrs Healey for their hard work to organise the event  – it was certainly a great success!

News from Girls’ Middle School

Transition from Primary School into Secondary School is a significant time for families as students look forward to a new school (or school section), new teachers, new friends, subject and opportunities. There was great excitement throughout our first transition day last Monday. 2017 Year 7 students spent half a day with each other, getting to meet new people, try out new activities and discover what opportunities lie ahead of them next year. 

In our final week of term we were spoilt by some great events. On Monday as part of ‘World Music’ there was and incursion for Year 7 and 8 students with some West African drummers from Ghana. There was great energy and excitement throughout the performance and workshop. On Wednesday it was a pleasure to attend the Choral Concert featuring the Girls’ Intermediate Choir amongst many choral groups. Not only were our girls singing but there was also some impressive accompanists, adding to the wonderful performances. Earlier in the day the secondary school gathered for our 2nd Battle of the Bands competition and it was great to see Middle School student represented in three bands, each of which had their own style.

As most staff and students begin their school holidays we have a group of Young Farmers representing Tintern Grammar at the Royal Melbourne Show. I hope families enjoy a well-deserved rest after a very full and fulfilling Term 3 and I look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 4 October.

Tintern Stories Volume 3

The journey for our Year 8 published authors began in Term 2 when they attended the Writing Workshops run by Creative Write-it. Now in their fourth year of running these workshops, Amy Han and Vicki Renner guide the students through the process of generating ideas, developing plot and characters and polishing stories. This year an extra challenge was limiting all writing to 1000 words, resulting in a sophisticated publication of Tintern Stories Volume 3. Thanks to our dedicated Library staff, the books were presented to our students during an inaugural Book Launch, which included an address from Vicki Renner, Amy Han and Mr Fry, as well as light refreshments. Congratulations to all involved in what has been a most valuable learning opportunity.

by Anthea Watkins, Horizon Co-ordinator

Business Management Marketing and Year 7

 As part of the Year 11 Business Management course, student develop a product in a team, devise marketing strategies and then test their products. Many Year 7 boys (and girls) were fortunate enough to view these products, have their questions answered and then decide which products they would purchase with their imaginary $32. Products being marketed included a Face Time Party Snoozer, The Hydro Case, a stress-ball key-ring and a hat which doubled as a game.

by Anthea Watkins, Year 7 Boys’ Level Co-ordinator

Year 8 Academic Training Day

Preparing for the Academic Challenge Day in October had a particular focus on the ‘impromptu’ on-minute speech. This event is a feature of this event; students are told of the theme for the round, then choose a number which reveals a one-word topic for them to discuss, with no preparation time. Another unique characteristic of this occasion is that students work in a team with one other member of their school, while the other 6 members of the team are pairs from 3 other schools. Students are required to be collaborative with strangers of like-mind, working on challenging tasks all of which have a time limit in what is truly an Academic Challenge Day.

by Anthea Watkins, Horizon Co-ordinator

Orientation Day #1

The transition journey for our 2017 Year 7 students began on Monday 12 September. The goal for each of these sessions is for our young learners to feel comfortable and safe in their new environment. While the program included a balance of academic and fun activities, sessions at the beginning and conclusion of the day gave the opportunity for the boys to hear the research-based ‘big’ concerns students have when beginning Secondary school, as well as air their own apprehensions. Many smiles were seen on the faces of the boys throughout the day, as they made new friends and experienced classes in the Middle School for the first time. The success of the day was enhanced by four of our Year 8 boys who provided great leadership and guidance to the new students. They were a wonderful demonstration of our Compass points.

by Anthea Watkins, Year 7 Boys’ Level Co-ordinator

Congratulations to Swannie Award Winners Kavya Karthik (Year 8) and Rose Russell (Year 9)

Tintern Grammar has been fortunate to enrol such talented students in the DAV 2016 Debating season hosted by Tintern Grammar. The Swannie Awards are named after Alan Swanwick, a long time member of the DAV and a pioneer of debating in Victoria.”Swannies” are awarded to the speaker in each region and grade who has the highest average speaker score after competing at least three debates during the year.

Their achievement is particularly impressive as both students have only just begun the careers in DAV debating. Kavya and Rose will be presented at the 2016 “Swannie” Award Ceremony on Monday 17th October at MLC.

by Vanessa Rich, Debating Co-ordinator

Chaplains Corner

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.

⁸ The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and for evermore.

What are things you keep? If you had to leave where you live, what would you take with you? What would you leave behind?

How would you keep the items? And where would you keep them and why would you keep them?

In these two verses from our school psalm, Psalm 121, the word ‘keep’ appears 3 times.

In what sense is it used? In the Hebrew it means to guard, observe, to have charge of, to watch and ward, protect, save life, to wait for, to retain, treasure up, to preserve and protect.

It speaks of a relationship between the keeper and the kept.

In this case of this Psalm we are kept, by no less that the Lord, the keeper of the universe.

And the promise is that it is our life that is kept. Our going out and our coming in.

Going out and coming in, often when this Psalm is put to music these words get reversed, to our coming in and going out.

However, the word order here is essential to the sense of the Psalm and the circular notion we find in Hebrew Scriptures, that yes we are to go out but then we are to return, we are always essentially on our way home, home to God.

When our children leave our home, we want them to return, just like QANTAS recognises that there is no feeling quite like coming home.

So what is that coming home? Is it resting in God? Is it coming home at the end of a long journey?

This psalm concludes, with a return home and a promise of being kept in God forevermore.

by Alison Andrew, Chaplain

Third place for Tintern at the State-wide Maths Games Day for Year 7

On Monday, 5th September, two teams of four Year 7 students packed into the bus and headed to Mt Hira College, to participate in the annual Maths Association of Victoria’s State Competition. With the participation of 48 teams in total, the day was filled with of course maths games, that were played both one on one against students from other schools and games that were worked on as a team. The team activities included a problem solving relay and a problem solving worksheet that was hoped to be completed in 45 minutes. As for the individual games, they were based more on strategies.

In total, there were four activities, not including the practise logic puzzles in the beginning. The first of the four activities was an individual event, where each person played a game of Tic Tac toe, with a twist; instead of a three by three grid, filled with squares, the game’s grid was filled with pentagons, placed in such a way that all pentagons formed a large pentagon itself. After 45 minutes of playing this unique game for two players, the scores were counted, and each point contributed to each team’s total score. After this activity, students were called out for a short recess.

The second activity was problem solving, where each team worked together to solve a total of 29 questions, each of them varying in difficulty, the first question being moderately difficult, and the last being exceedingly perplexing. Both Tintern teams did extremely well, both teams finishing many of the questions. The amount of points earned from each puzzle was based on difficulty, and the scores tallied up from this compilation of problem solving questions was added onto the scores of each team.

The third of the activity, and probably the most difficult, was another individual event, in which Tintern students faced off against students from other schools. This game’s point system was much like the first individual game, but the rules were slightly changed. Again, the overall scores of wins and losses were added for each person in their team, and their individual scores contributed to their total points. At that moment, as students checked their team’s scores, one of Tintern Grammar’s teams were second place, with a total of 200 points, following closely behind the first team’s score, which was 230. Then, students were called out to a short lunch break.

The fourth and final of the four activities each team participated in was a team problem solving relay. The fastest runner from each team ran to fetch questions for their team to solve. This activity was very similar to the problem solving activity, but students solved the problems under pressure from a lack of time. However, both teams did very well, both boys and girls teams scoring very high marks on the event. This event was the last one, and after this, the scores were added up, and the day concluded.

Each school’s teams were crowded around the computer screen in which the scores of each team were written. Each team waited intensely, waiting to know their final score and how well they did in representing their school. After five or so minutes, which felt like an illusion of forever, the scores were marked and added up, and the first pleadings of teams were announced. One of Tintern Grammar’s teams had come third! We celebrated, as coming third in a total of 48 teams was a phenomenal effort! After congratulating first and second place, Tintern Grammar students boarded the bus, en route back to school. This Maths Games Day was indeed a success, for both teams, and everyone knew they had tried their best, as well as having lots of fun taking part in each game and we were all winners.

by Joshua Choong and Holly Whitfield 

Throughout Term 3

It’s always fulfilling to finish the term in a manner that brings our whole Community together for a positive and memorable event.

In a year in which we are utilising the creativity and wisdom of Dr Seuss to inspire and guide us, it seemed only appropriate that our biennial Prep-6 production should be ‘Seussical Junior’.

Last night, our boys performed an energetic, spirited and highly entertaining version of this production.

I am always lost for words when our boys take to the stage; they have a level of resilience, confidence, spontaneity and presence that is remarkable. There is no doubt that, with smaller numbers in our school, we are always able to ensure that every boy has a significant part and time, on stage, and the positive impact this has upon their confidence is very much visible.

Whenever we have rehearsals, and we endeavour to keep them to a minimum, in our staff, someone will trot out the cliché, “It’ll be alright on the night”, because we know our boys so well, and we know that they always rise to the occasion…we find that with boys, if we practice and practice and practice, our boys can start to decline in their performance…leaving them room to peak on the night is an important aspect of our boys’ productions.

From our Preps in their opening, original ‘Things’ item, through to the superb lead acting of Lorcan, Elliott, Mark, Xander, Justin and Oscar, so ably supported by all of our boys, there was such a sense of excitement and togetherness…..it was a wonderful way to finish the term, and not only do we thank our boys, but we were so appreciative of the large audience who supported and encouraged our boys throughout the term.

It has certainly been another enjoyable and busy term for our boys…Fathers’ Day Breakfast, House Basketball, Book Week, Olympic Celebrations, First Aid courses….as always, it is best summed up in our latest Dr Seuss book….   throughout-term-three-at-tintern-grammar-school

Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

Sovereign Hill camp is a terrific camp with plenty of hands on experiences for the boys and a chance to show independence as they walk the Main Street to buy souvenirs. Between the Red Hill Mine tour, gold panning and gold smelting we had such a great time being truly immersed in the 1850s experience.

This is one recount from Bailey Hanna;

The shiny gold was gleaming in my eyes. The gold was quite heavy but I was too in awe to realise how heavy it was because out of fifty people he picked me! It was me who stood up and held a real bullion of gold! That was my favourite moments. If only I could have taken it home!

That was one of my favourite moments at the Sovereign Hill camp but I also loved watching Blood on the Southern Cross with my favourite part of the show was the light used during the show.

Another one was exploring Main Street. It had thousands of shops, lolly shops to soap shops. Lollies obviously being my favourite!

Overall it was the best camp anyone could experience and the Year 4s next year are in for a treat.

by Lee White Year 5 Teacher

House-Sitting request

A Tintern Grammar family is looking for a house-sitting opportunity close to school for Term 1 2017.

Please contact Annie Fairweather (Secretary to the Vice Principal – Senior College, Administration & Students) by e-mail at: fairweather@tintern.vic.edu.au if you are aware of the availability of a suitable nearby property or if you need more information or have any queries.

Tintern Grammar Fair 2017

Tintern Grammar Fair – your chance to get involved

The Fair Committee is in progress making fun plans for a great community day next year, as part of our school’s 140 years celebrations. Now is the opportunity for our parents and guardians to get involved too!

Here are just a few ways you can help right now:

• Offering donations of goods or services
• Joining the Fair Committee as the Stage & Entertainment Coordinator
• Become a Stall Coordinator for your year level (see below)
• Sponsoring a specific stall
• Do you live on a main road? Could we please place a Fair Advertising Board in your front yard in the weeks leading up to the Fair next year?

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.

Stall allocations to year levels:

Third place for Tintern at the State-wide Maths Games Day for Year 7

On Monday, 5th September, two teams of four Year 7 students packed into the bus and headed to Mt Hira College, to participate in the annual Maths Association of Victoria’s State Competition. With the participation of 48 teams in total, the day was filled with of course maths games, that were played both one on one against students from other schools and games that were worked on as a team. The team activities included a problem solving relay and a problem solving worksheet that was hoped to be completed in 45 minutes. As for the individual games, they were based more on strategies.

In total, there were four activities, not including the practise logic puzzles in the beginning. The first of the four activities was an individual event, where each person played a game of Tic Tac toe, with a twist; instead of a three by three grid, filled with squares, the game’s grid was filled with pentagons, placed in such a way that all pentagons formed a large pentagon itself. After 45 minutes of playing this unique game for two players, the scores were counted, and each point contributed to each team’s total score. After this activity, students were called out for a short recess.

The second activity was problem solving, where each team worked together to solve a total of 29 questions, each of them varying in difficulty, the first question being moderately difficult, and the last being exceedingly perplexing. Both Tintern teams did extremely well, both teams finishing many of the questions. The amount of points earned from each puzzle was based on difficulty, and the scores tallied up from this compilation of problem solving questions was added onto the scores of each team.

The third of the activity, and probably the most difficult, was another individual event, in which Tintern students faced off against students from other schools. This game’s point system was much like the first individual game, but the rules were slightly changed. Again, the overall scores of wins and losses were added for each person in their team, and their individual scores contributed to their total points. At that moment, as students checked their team’s scores, one of Tintern Grammar’s teams were second place, with a total of 200 points, following closely behind the first team’s score, which was 230. Then, students were called out to a short lunch break.

The fourth and final of the four activities each team participated in was a team problem solving relay. The fastest runner from each team ran to fetch questions for their team to solve. This activity was very similar to the problem solving activity, but students solved the problems under pressure from a lack of time. However, both teams did very well, both boys and girls teams scoring very high marks on the event. This event was the last one, and after this, the scores were added up, and the day concluded.

Each school’s teams were crowded around the computer screen in which the scores of each team were written. Each team waited intensely, waiting to know their final score and how well they did in representing their school. After five or so minutes, which felt like an illusion of forever, the scores were marked and added up, and the first pleadings of teams were announced. One of Tintern Grammar’s teams had come third! We celebrated, as coming third in a total of 48 teams was a phenomenal effort! After congratulating first and second place, Tintern Grammar students boarded the bus, en route back to school. This Maths Games Day was indeed a success, for both teams, and everyone knew they had tried their best, as well as having lots of fun taking part in each game, and we were all winners.

by Joshua Choong and Holly Whitfield 

From the Head of Senior College

Year 12 Subjects – Practice/”Mock” Examinations

A final reminder to all Year 12 students and families and all Year 11 students undertaking a Year 12 subject and their families that it is crucial for students to attend the Practice/”Mock” examinations which are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 26 September – the second week of the Term 3 holidays.  Please note that there are scheduled examinations on the public holiday prior to Grand Final Day – Friday 30 September.  Students will have received the schedule for these practice examinations from their program co-ordinator – Mrs Brotchie our IB Co-ordinator and Mr Cho, our VCE/VET Co-ordinator and should advise these staff if any re-scheduling is required. The practice/mock examinations crucially enable students to experience first-hand the conditions, examination length and standard of questions that will occur in the final external examinations which are scheduled roughly a month later. Feedback from subject teachers will be available in the first week of Term 4. 

School Holidays

As we commence our Term 3 holidays it is timely to remind all Senior College year levels that this time provides and opportunity for students (and staff) to “recharge the batteries”, catch up on sleep and spend some time relaxing before the final term commences. For Year 12 students, in particular, the holiday break is effectively only one week with the scheduled “Mock”/Practice examinations as outlined above occurring in the second week. Certainly during the first week of the holidays it is crucial to, at the very least, ensure that some opportunities for relaxation are enjoyed before more intense study time “kicks in”.

School Uniform

With the commencement of Term 4 on Tuesday 4 October we move into that part of the school year when full summer uniform is required. The exception to this being any special more formal celebration days when full Winter Uniform is officially specified. Families are asked to assist the School by ensuring that the above uniform requirements are met.

My best wishes for an enjoyable holiday time to all students and staff. We look forward to greeting all students back on Tuesday 4 October.  Please note we commence this first day back at 8.30am with a practice for our Massed Singing Celebration Evening item.

News from Year 10

In our recent level assembly the end of year program was outlined to Year 10s in terms of the compulsory events such as examinations and transition classes but also the optional events including the METEC driving and Level 2 First Aid courses. A letter with the relevant reply slips will be given to students at morning roll call on Friday 16 September. A copy of these key end of year dates can also be found at: http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/13409/

Congratulations to Jimmy Cox who was awarded the Runner Up in the Victorian School based Apprenticeships for VET Certificate III in Agriculture at the recent Award Ceremony at Crown Melbourne. This is an outstanding achievement and we are all proud of Jimmy’s work in this important field of study.

by Mrs Heather Ruckert, Year 10 Co-ordinator

News from Year 11

Adam Blazevic, a Year 11 student at Tintern Grammar, finished in first place at both the 2016 Australian National Cyclo-Cross Championships on August 20, and the 2016 Victorian State CX Championships on August 14.  Adam has been training and competing for several years and his hard work, dedication and passion for his sport has led to his impressive victories.

Nothing worth achieving is easily attained, and Adam has demonstrated that with great commitment the path to success is much more achievable, even if it is a muddy, rocky, obstacle-strewn trail. This is a message that is worth reminding all of our students of as they approach their final examinations for the year and are making more precise choices regarding their potential future pathway.

by Mr Nick Stefanac, Year 11 Co-ordinator

News from Year 12

As Term 3 comes to an end for Year 12 students so has the majority of their SACs and other internal assessment. This will come as a great relief and perhaps some sadness for many students as it means their Year 12 journey is nearly finished. Although most examinable content has already been covered in class, in the first few weeks of Term 4 teachers will be providing students with valuable revision work, examination tips and techniques.

Whilst this revision period is crucial for their academic success, it is also an important time for students to enjoy the company of their friends and peers at school. They should make the most of this final opportunity to see their school friends on a daily basis and to reflect on their good times at Tintern Grammar.

All Year 12 families should have recently received information regarding ticketing for Celebration Evening on Monday 10th October at Monash University (Robert Blackwood Hall). Please ensure that you purchase your tickets before Monday 19 September to ensure you are allocated preferential seating with other Year 12 families. Bookings open for families of other year level students on 19 September.

by Mrs Jennifer Tsai Bove, Year 12 Co-ordinator

Key Dates Term 4 2016