From the Principal

Maths, Science and great news!

In the 2016 National Maths Talent Quest, two Tintern Grammar students were ranked best in Victoria and competed at the National MTQ, with both doing very well indeed. Ashleigh Dowling (Year 8) and Eddie Yu (Year 9) both acquitted themselves terrifically in the rarefied air of the best mathematicians in Australia! Indeed, occasionally judges award ‘Highly Commended’ to projects that really stand out, but do not win and I’m delighted to announce that Eddie’s project received this rare accolade.

In addition, our Year 7 mathematicians have also been competing; for them it was in the Mathematics Association of Victoria’s Year 7 students’ ‘Games Day’. Out of the 48 teams competing, our boys came 2^nd overall and our girls came 18^th (and 7^th of all girl’s teams). These were both terrific efforts and I commend both teams as a top 20 placing is something to be very proud of indeed! The schools present was a ‘who’s who’ of Victorian schools, so these are results for our students to be very proud of!

The Science Talent Search is a very long running science competition, offering students an opportunity to express their scientific creativity. This year Tintern students entered right across the secondary school and amongst a group of very high standard entries from our school, some of our young men and women achieved remarkable accolades:

• Of our four Year 7 students, Lydia Tan, Joshua Choong and Alex Higgins were all awarded Merit Certificates for their creative writing entries and Christabelle Sriratana was awarded a Minor Bursary for her Working Model.
• Our Year 8 entrant, Annabel Cowin, entered in the Photography section and also won a Minor Bursary.
• In Year 12, our six entries were all in the Experimental Research section. Jack Church, Grace Edwards, Heidi Ruckert were all awarded Minor Bursaries and Sanya Bhatia, Keely McGovern and Maddy Button achieved Major Bursaries. All bursaries were also accompanied by not insignificant financial prizes.

All of these awards and prizes speak of the hard work of the students who had the courage to enter these competitions (and the staff who supported and assisted them), and their achievements are truly remarkable.

We also have many, many students who are working very hard in their own school studies, and often in areas outside this too. Students who work for others in social justice, in tutoring other students, in fund-raising for charities and many other fields. These students are striving for their best in every way and it is this ‘personal best’ aspiration that will serve them particularly well in the world outside school, when they get to it.

So our congratulations go to not only our award and prize winners, but to all the other students in our school who are making positive contributions to our academic and social culture, which in turn, assists and supports all of us as members of our community.

Factis non verbis.

Bradley Fry
Principal

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

Sport Matters

Equestrian Team Training Day

On Friday 30 September, during the school holidays, eight members of Tintern’s Equestrian Team went to the Australian Sporting Equine Academy for a training day. In attendance were Jimmy Cox, Olivia Garland, Darcee McCallum, Brooke Thompson, Ella Trevorrow, Lilly Trevorrow, Zoë Classon & Jessica Van Bremen. Darcee’s little sister, Odette was there watching on too!

We broke into small groups and all had two lessons each. Our show jumping lesson was with Adam Wootten on the indoor arena, and the course he had us working on was both technical and fun. We had some very big jumps and some tight tricky turns. We also had a Dressage lesson with Charlotte Dekkers. In this lesson, we got to work on some dressage moves. We all joined together at lunch time and Adam’s dad (from ASEC) cooked a barbecue for all of us. There was plenty of yummy food and we all had a chance to talk about our super lessons. We would like to thank the parents in the Friends of Equestrian Committee for organizing this day for us. We all had a super fun day learning new skills with our horses.

by Lilly Trevorrow, Year 7

Tintern House Swimming Carnivals 2016

Tintern House Swimming Carnivals were held on October 18^th (Boys) & 19^th (Girls) in Tintern Pool. Both carnivals were well attended and the mix of traditional and novelty swimming events ensured that everyone was involved in an action packed day.

The newly appointed House Captains did a wonderful job of getting events filled and ensuring that competitors were on time for their events. The day started with House chants and a high level of House spirit was evident throughout each day.

A special thanks to all staff who helped with carnival duties across the two days and to those students who also helped with jobs on each day.

Congratulations to McKie Boys and Watt Girls who were the respective House Champions for 2016.

Results:

Boys House Swimming

Year Level Champions:

Year 7 – Kaidin Dalzotto

Year 8 – Jeremy Yuen-Love

Year 9 – Joel Pearce-Schmidt and Ben Rudd

Year 10 – Joel Williams

Year 11 – Patrick Kenna

House Results:

1st Place
Mansfield/McKie – 2000

2nd Place
Gordon/Grant – 1826

3rd Place
Dann/Watt – 1790

4th Place
Somner/Stewart – 1683

5th Place
Butterss/Cross – 1673

Girls’ House Swimming

Year 7 – Lily Donoghue

Year 8 – Georgia Hargreaves

Year 9 – Ella Ritchie

Year 10 – Rosie Addison

Year 11 – Sophie Paul

House Results:

1st Place
Dann/Watt – 2196

2nd Place
Butterss/Cross – 2060

3rd Place
Mansfield/McKie – 1948

4th Place
Gordon/Grant – 1893

5th Place
Somner/Stewart – 1891

Music Matters

Middle School Quartet

The Middle School String Quartet has gone from strength to strength in its inaugural year of formation. The group, which is comprised of violinists Clarisse Liew and Lydia Tan, violist Joshua Choong and cellist Molly Fleming, provided some beautiful moments of prelude music on the stage of the Robert Blackwood Hall prior to the Celebration Evening earlier this month. 

More recently, the ensemble presented themselves in a highly professional manner as they provided a delightful accompaniment for the opening of this year’s Art Exhibition. The ensemble received an unprompted rousing round of applause during the speeches.

Thanks to Mr Alex White for rehearsing this group of dedicated students on a weekly basis. We look forward to hearing many more performances from this promising young group of musicians. 

by Mr Tim Veldman, Head of Strings

Final Twilight Concert for 2016

What a wonderful variety of solos and ensembles was heard at our final Twilight Concert for 2016 on 19 October. Students from Years 7 to 12 provided musical offerings ranging from delightful orchestral string, wind, guitar and piano solos, to duets on flutes, clarinets and harp with flute. There were two very impressive string quartet performances and a lively performance by ‘Blanc’, the contemporary Band most recently heard during the Prelude session at Celebration Evening.

As usual, our Head of Keyboard, Mrs Barbara Clementson, was on stage more than she was not, providing wonderful piano accompaniment for many of the performers. Mrs Clementson is retiring at the end of 2016. Her amazing contribution to music at Tintern over 16 years was duly noted and honoured at this concert, when the students in the year 8/9 String Quartet announced that they have requested to rebrand their ensemble the Clementson String Quartet, following in the strong tradition of other Tintern string ensembles in recent history such as the Walton Trio, the Colebrook Quartet, the Hamilton Quartet and the Kelson Quartet. I am sure there are scores of students and families who will be joining us in the coming weeks in wishing Mrs Clementson a lengthy, happy and healthy retirement.

It is most gratifying to see students practising hard for these performances, and many are in the throes of preparing for upcoming instrumental examinations, so a performance opportunity such as this provides valuable experience during this preparation period. Congratulations, also, to our student composers and arrangers who were featured at this event. Ron Chen arranged ‘Young’ by the TF Boys for the Clementson String Quartet and the concert concluded with a captivating performance of an original composition by Josephine Owen (Year 11) of a Minuet and Trio in Baroque style performed by the Kelson String Quartet. This work will form part of Josephine’s composition portfolio for her IB Music Course.

Saxophone Ensemble and Concert Band to perform at the Maroondah Festival

Our ensembles have, once again, been invited to perform at the Maroondah Festival on Sunday 6 November. If you would like to support the students in our Concert Band and our Saxophone Ensemble, come along to the Youth Stage at the Croydon Town Park at 10.00am on the 6^th to hear them in action!

Community Matters

Friends of Music Munch with the Musos – Sunday 20 November 2016 10am – 12.30pm

Bookings now open

Munch with the Musos is Tintern’s Friends of Music fabulous end of year social event. It is a fundraising brunch which brings the Tintern community together to celebrate the end of the year with a Christmas themed concert from the school’s talented ensembles. Sandwiches, buns, tea, coffee and juice are provided and you may bring your own snacks. Bookings are now open through trybooking: http://www.trybooking.com/NPTO

This event is not to be missed. Online bookings made before 17 November will ensure table and seating priority.

Tintern Grammar Fair 22 April 2017

Please like and share our Fair Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TinternGrammarFair/

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE!

Its time again to start thinking about the fair, and to us an opportunity for a spring clean! Keep in mind we will be gratefully receiving donations in the new year of:

• SECONDHAND BOOKS
• SECONDHAND TOYS
• SECONDHAND CLOTHES
• SECONDHAND SPORT EQUIPMENT

 RAFFLE PRIZES & SILENT AUCTION ITEMS are also being sought, so if you have a product or service that could be donated as an appropriate raffle prize or as a fabulous silent auction item, we would love to hear from you! Some ideas could include:

• CAR DONATION
• HOLIDAYS
• B&B ACCOMMODATION
• TECHNOLOGY
• SHOP VOUCHER

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?

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their home to advertise our 2017 Fair. We are looking for further sites to widen our reach. 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, please contact the Fair committee Fair@tintern.vic.edu.au 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.

Volunteer thank you evening – Thursday 3 November 7pm – 8.30pm

It is not too late to RSVP to our Volunteer Thank You Evening tomorrow night. Mr Bradley Fry warmly invites all our volunteers and supporters to join him for drinks and nibbles in the Hospitality Dining Room (**please note new venue** Entry via Oval pathway near upper hockey oval) Thursday 3 November from 7pm to 8.30pm.The school recognises that volunteers are an integral part of our Community and the whole school values your involvement and participation.  Please email communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au for RSVP’s.

Tintern Parent Group news

A heartfelt thanks to Loraine Allender, Kate Jones, Clare Jensen and Lee Elliott- Bruce who have stepped down from the Tintern Parent Group this month. These ladies had been members of Southwood Parent Club for many years and were instrumental in bringing the two parent groups together to form the new Tintern Parent Group. We thank them for their commitment and time spent at many community group meetings and events. Without their involvement many activities would not have taken place. The whole school community thank them for their contributions. We congratulate Jessica Adam who has agreed to take on the presidency for the remainder of the constitutional year and Leeza Crowe who has taken on one of the vice President positions. Jessica can be contacted at jessicaladam@gmail.com or 0423 223 296 and Leeza at leeza@zabeccaliving.com.au or 0497 826 626. New members are always welcome and the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 10 November in the CM Wood common room at 7.30pm. You are warmly welcome to come along to see what goes on!

A Little bit of History: Tintern School song

The School Song was written by Miss Agnes Cross, Headmistress (1911-1918) in 1913 and set to music by Miss Jean Ritchie (music teacher) in 1917. The third verse was updated to suit the ‘Modern times’ in 1967 by Miss Mary Slater (French and Music teacher 1957 – 1965) as it was thought the third verse was no longer appropriate. The new version was first sung on Speech Day, October 1967.

Original third verse:

Far away o’er the seas, yet how near to our hearts,

Lies old England, so strong and so free,

‘With her destinies mighty to make or to mar,

Ever guarding her sons o’er the sea.

And by deeds, not by words, will we show our true pride,

So we’ll give loyal service, whatever betide,

To our School, and our Homeland, and Empire.

Tintern Song as is sung today:

Come Tinternites all young and old, near and far.

Lend your voices and swell our school song.

Our school with its burdens well borne in the past,

Its foundations laid steady and strong.

‘Tis by deeds, not by words, that we stand or we fall;

So we’ll work with a will. Yes we’ll work one and all,

For the welfare and honour of Tintern.

Of our homeland we’ll sing, young Australians are we,

And in love of our country we’re one.

In our minds be the breadth of her wide rolling plains,

In our hearts the glad warmth of her sun.

‘Tis by deeds, not by words, that we stand or we fall,

So whenever she needs us we’ll answer her call.

And we’ll work for our own land, Australia.

To be true to our God, to our country, our school

And repay the great debt that we owe,

Let our joy be in service with no thought of self,

So that all those who meet us may know

‘Tis by deeds not by words that we offer our praise

To the school, and to those who, in earlier days,

Helped to build the traditions of Tintern.

Year Level Functions

Thank you to all our parent reps who continue to organise social opportunities for our families. Please show your support and attend the organised functions when you can, it is a great way to catch up on all the news in your children’s year level.

Year 7 out to Dinner

On Saturday 15 October the Year 7 parent reps organised a dinner at the Mitcham Hotel for families across the whole year group. It was a great evening where we were able not only to catch up with old friends, but also make new ones and put some faces to the names of friends our children often speak of. We had a fabulous turn out with 50 being able to make it, so we split ourselves into tables of adults and children for the facilitation of good conversation for all! Interestingly, the kids further split themselves into a table of mostly boys and a table of mostly girls, taking Tintern’s parallel learning feature a step further to ‘parallel eating’.  By the end of the night, however, they seemed less bothered about sticking to the parallel paradigm!  

Thanks to all those that could make it, and for making the evening a success. It was a fun night.  

Kesta Fleming (Jonah, 7D) Vickie Liew (Zoe, 7B) Roshini Higgins (Alex, 7E)

2016 Spring Garden Tour

We were blessed with beautiful weather for the annual parent group Spring Garden Tour held on Thursday 21 October 2016. A full bus travelled to Toorak where we joined the NGV Women’s association annual garden day and stopped to wander through the first half of six of the finest and largest private gardens in Toorak, opened exclusively for this event. We then we boarded the bus for a short drive to Como House, South Yarra, where we were treated to a scrumptious picnic lunch from the ‘Stables of Como’. After lunch we were able to wander around the gardens of Como before boarding the bus again to see our final 3 gardens which included the transport giants’ Lyndsay Fox and Paul Little. A big thank you to Lisa Vecchio for organising such a lovely tour. Thanks are further extended to following sponsors who donated wonderful gifts to our very popular bus raffles. Please show your support where you can.

Second Hand book sale @ Lilydale Books

The Tintern parent group are unable to offer a second hand book sale this year but if you would like to sell any of your child’s text books or buy any second hand for next year we have sourced a reliable trader who will be able to provide more buy and sell opportunities than we could at school. (Cas Calculators included)

Lilydale Books offer a local, extensive second hand service and all information can be viewed at this link on their website: http://www.lilydalebooks.com.au/Second-Hand-Books. More information will be available when the 2017 booklists are distributed.

Lilydale books are located at: Unit 1, 25-27 Hightech Place Lilydale VIC 3140

Mango Fundraiser is here again

The Tintern Parent Group are continuing to offer a Mango fundraiser for the end of year. Fresh North Queensland Mangoes direct from the farm to you! Order forms and information can be downloaded here.

Community Photo Albums

The Tintern Parents Group have now updated a limited number of photo albums, large enough to hold the school photos provided by SchoolPix. They feature the Tintern Grammar Logo printed in silver on the front cover and come complete with 10 transparent 30cm x 30cm sheet inserts, plus a CD holder insert which holds 8 discs. These quality-made, customised, “buckram” binders and inserts are offered at a saving of $20, as they retail for $90. Cost per album is $70 (GST inclusive) Albums come in Navy and Burgundy and samples can be viewed in the uniform shop. Orders can be made through trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/NPYV

Community Committee dates

• Tintern Parent Group (TPG) – Next meeting: Thursday 10 November 7.30pm CM Wood Common Room President: Jessica Adam
• Friends of Music (FOM) – Next Meeting: Tuesday 8 November 7.00pm CM Wood Common room President: Tim Oldmeadow
• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next meeting: Please contact the Community Relations Office for next meeting details. President: Joy Ashfield              
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – Next Meeting: Please contact the Community Relations Office for next meeting details. President: Gabby McCallum

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

Please select the following links for more information on the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.

Information for Parents

Application Form

Application forms should be completed and lodged by 3 March 2017, as payments are made from March. However we will be able to accept and process applications up until the end of term two each year.

Regional Softball Final

I told the boys’ softball team that it is not about winning. It’s all about being victorious! So with this singled minded motto is mind the boys went into battle it out in the Regional Softball Finals against Croydon Hills Primary School.

Once we saw the opposition batting we knew we had a battle on our hands. However, it didn’t perturb us. It didn’t disturb us. It made as focus and push for the win right up until the game was over.

The boys picked up their strategies very quickly and we slowed their run rate right down keeping them pegged on the bases, making it hard for any home runs.

The end result was 4-7. Yes, we weren’t victorious or winners for that match, but to get to the finals undefeated is an exceptional achievement.

Croydon Hills were a very challenging and well trained team but I’m pleased to say we certainly didn’t go down without a good fight.

Each boy is to be congratulated on such great sportsmanship and their ability to remain focused and driven in the face of adversity.

There is always next year…..      

Go Tintern!

by Mr Lee White, Year 5 Teacher

Flight

This term the Year 6 boys are studying Flight. We were very lucky on Wednesday to have Paul Reilly, father of Nick and Zach, come and speak to us about flying. Paul has been a pilot with Virgin Airlines for 13 years so he had many experiences to share with us. We watched a flight from Melbourne to Brisbane (in fast time) and saw all the things a pilot must do during a flight. Paul explained about the thickness of glass in aircrafts, how the cockpit these days is bullet proof and the importance of heat and oxygen control when flying at high altitudes. He also told us about some of his personal encounters while flying. As well as this Paul took us through the aerodynamics of flight, thrust, drag, lift and weight and explained how important it is to have these forces in harmony to avoid stalling and avoidable accidents (which he reassured us don’t happen very often at all, especially in Australia). We watched a few, short but very interesting clips about flying, some safe, some not so safe, which we really enjoyed. Paul also explained the importance of wind direction during take-off and landing procedures and explained to us what we might expect to see and be asked to do when we actually go to Coldstream Airport to fly the Piper Warrior aircraft in November. Something all the Year 6 boys are extremely excited about. We will be sure to share our experiences with you after we fly.

by Mrs Ros Neilson,  Year 6 Teacher

News from Boys’ Middle School

The last couple of weeks continue to be jam-packed of activities for our boys as they head toward the end of the year. Our House Swimming sports was held on Tuesday 18th October and it was a fantastic day with so much enthusiasm and effort put in boy our boys. The House spirit was certainly on display with costumes, chants and friendly rivalries. The efforts in the pool were exceptional both from a team perspective as well as individually. At the end of the day it was McKie House that came out on top, just ahead of Grant House. Individually we have year level champions and this year they were:

• Kaidan Dalzotto at Year 7.
• Jeremy Yuen-Love at Year 8.
• Joel Pearce-Schmidt and Ben Rudd at Year 9.

Well done to these four boys and to all boys who competed on the day.

At a recent assembly we spoke to the boys about a few key areas, one being respect. This was mentioned in light of our Year 12 students who are beginning their exam period for their final year of school and the importance of showing the respect to them as they prepare and then sit their examinations. Our boys themselves in the Middle School, will also be preparing for end of year assessments for certain subject with our Year 9s sitting exams for English, Maths and Science, whilst Year 7s and 8s will also sit end of year tests/assessments in certain subjects. They will be spending some time in class and in Pastoral revising and preparing for these assessments.

A campaign we are supporting this month is ‘A Polished Man’. It is an organisation that raises money and awareness around physical or sexual violence toward children. Sadly, 1 in 5 children before the age of 18 will fall victim to this. Our new school leaders this week were painting one finger nail on a person’s hand to represent 1 in 5, this is a way to start conversation and donations that hopefully one day lead to prevention and protection ( www.polishedman.com ).

Year 9 & 10 Co-production

On Thursday night (and also on Friday night) we saw the performance of our Year 9 & 10 Co-production. This year the performance was title ‘The Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 & ¾’ and the performance itself was exceptional! It’s the story of a young boy who experiences the troubles of being a teenager including personal issues, peer relationships, family breakdowns and girlfriend problems.

This production is one that begins back in Term 2 where both the boys and girls audition for roles and then begin the many hours, days, weeks of rehearsals that lead into having the performance ready for the actual day.

A lot of this show, including backstage, choreography, etc. is directed by the students providing them with a wonderful experience around teamwork, time management and stage performances. The students really enjoy working with each other and developing great friendships across both year levels and the different genders providing them with an increased network of friends as they head into the Senior College next year.

Night of the Notables

As in previous years, Night of the Notables was again a most rewarding event not only for the Notables, but for all who attended. We had a large variety of famous people in attendance, including artists, explorers, scientists, sporting heroes, movie stars, inventors and more. As an educational activity, this one ticks all the boxes, requiring students to be creative, conduct research, prepare items of interest, decorate a presentation space and communicate their knowledge while pursuing someone of their own choice. It is a truly valuable and enjoyable experience for all, especially our Notables.

By Anthea Watkins, Year 7 Boys’ Co-ordinator

Year 9 Rafting Camp

From 24 – 26 October a group of our Year 9 Outdoor Education boys went on a canoe camp to Lake Eildon. When the boys arrived at Eildon they packed all their gear, food, clothes, etc into dry bags and then loaded these onto their canoes as well as wood, tarps, tents and anything else they deemed necessary. They then paddled for approx. an hour and a half to a place called The Island Campsite. Here the boys set up their sleeping arrangements for the night as well as the evening campfire. Dinner on the first night was pizza cooked on the campfire followed by bed under tarps.

The next day we woke up early to pack up, have breakfast, re-load the canoes and set off to our next campsite. Our next campsite was Owen’s Hill which took us over 3 hours to paddle to. It was windy and choppy which made the paddling quite challenging. When we arrived we unpacked our canoes and set up our sleeping arrangements once again and then decided to ascend a the large hill and the pine forest next to it. By the time we returned from this adventure it was dinner time and this time we cooked our dinner on trangias and again enjoyed a beautiful campfire around which we sat and talked for some time before getting to sleep.

The final day saw us wake up before 5am in order to see the beautiful sunrise over Lake Eildon. Despite being hidden by cloud cover, it still was an awesome sight. That morning we packed all our gear and canoes back into the trailer and bus before settling in for the long journey home. The camp was great fun and provided some real challenges as well as some wonderful sights.

By Jake Hauser, 9D

News from Girls’ Middle School

We’ve certainly settled into Term 4 and as we near the halfway mark there is a buzz of activity about the Middle School. Our House Swimming Carnival was well attended with many girls swimming (sometimes splashing) as they fought for points in a variety of events. What is particularly great about events such as these is the support shown by all House members, not just the competitors. There were many students who assisted with duties – taking pictures, assisting with results etc – as well as the encouragement and cheering belted out from the stands. Congratulations to all girls who competed on the day!

We’ve had students out and about in the community as they build on the coursework studied at school. Year 7s enjoyed their Chinese Excursion whilst Year 8 Geography students visited Hanging Rock and Year 9 Outdoor Education students experienced river sledding on the Yarra River. These are excellent opportunities to live, breathe and interact with environments, exhibits and cultures.

Year 7 Night of the Notables

Tintern hosted over 50 ‘Notable’ characters from history at our Year 7 ‘Night of the Notables’ last week. It was a fantastic evening during which parents, staff and students enjoyed learning more about each individual ‘notable’. The Year 7s have been investigating their chosen person throughout second semester and each student had to introduce themselves to the audience, a daunting task for many, and then head to their displays. The creativity on display was excellent with many visual, interactive and tasty items for the audience to explore. From astronauts to actresses, dancers and pilots, there was a great deal of variety and it was clear that each student had chosen someone from a field they were passionate about.

Year 9s on stage in the 9/10 Production – Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾

The 9/10 Production was held on Thursday and Friday of last week and was the culmination of many, many rehearsals held over Term 3 and 4. Congratulations to the cast and crew on a very high quality production. It was terrific to see students involved in all aspects of the production whether acting, performing on instruments, and singing, managing the stage and controlling sound and lightning. The energy and standard of performance was high and it was particularly enjoyable to see the different roles taken on by the cast over the two nights.

Trangia MasterChef

Our Year 9 girls were cooking up a storm during our Trangia MasterChef competition as part of Challenge. Girls were split into teams within their House groups and were given an hour to prepare, make and present a main and a dessert dish. They were given recipes and could choose from a variety of ingredients to make their dishes. The difficult part of the task was that they had limited equipment with which to cook with as they were given two chopping boards, two knives and a Trangia stove. The aim of the session was to have girls thinking about the possibilities when cooking in the outdoors using this camp stove and not limit themselves to using packet or pre-cooked food but instead using fresh ingredients. The results were very impressive and it was quite difficult to choose the winning dishes. Each House presented their food beautifully and the food was super tasty! As the girls prepare for Summer Expeditions, they can now consider making a ‘bush carbonara’ or vanilla slice…not exactly the same as want they might eat at home, but giving their camping experience some flavour, interest and variety.

First Aid in Year 1

The Grade One Boys have been doing some First Aid sessions to look at how to treat a cut, how to bandage an arm or a leg and how to ring for an Ambulance. They all took home their own first aid kits which they have been using to look after themselves and others

By Mrs Jenny Steffens. Year 1 Teacher

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child was a great opportunity for the year 8 girls to get involved to help with under privileged children. It started out with Ms Ross showing us videos and talking to us about the whole idea of the mission we were about to undergo. Basically, Operation Christmas Child is putting together shoe sized boxes of gifts suitable for the gender and age group that we, as the students chose. The items included in the boxes had to be suited for long distance travel, therefore nothing that would melt, leak or break. Making sure that would not happen, we selected something to love, create, clean or wear. After buying the presents, wrapping them and bringing them to school, we worked together as a team to prepare them for delivery. The boxes are now on their way to the children in need and we hope that they will love them as much as we loved helping them.

By Emily Vandenbroeck and Phoebe Young

News from Year 10

The Year 10 students have received a copy of their Semester 2 examination timetable. The students have also received an invitation letter to the Year 10 Social at Alfred’s Homestead on Thursday 17 November commencing at 7.00pm. Both documents, including the reply slip for the Social, can be accessed from the Year 10 page of the Portal.

Year 10 students are currently participating in a Community Action Project as part of our pastoral program for Term 4. On Wednesday 12 October, I accompanied Daniella Cosentino, Ruby Wensor, Caitlin Howley and Haddie Hill (all pictured below) to meet Sally Dusting-Laird, the Community Development Worker from Coonara Community House in Ferntree Gully. Sally is a great advocate for mentoring young people and she has developed an impressive career working as both a newspaper journalist for the Herald Sun and a television reporter for Channel 7. The girls have volunteered to submit articles for ‘The Foothills’ magazine. Part of this process has been experiencing the demands of deadlines and the requirements of the Editor to hopefully have their work go to print in the December edition. This opportunity has provided each girl with a real understanding of Journalism in terms of the interview and writing processes. Sally provided feedback about their ideas and commented positively on their insightful questions.

It was another eventful afternoon on Wednesday 19 October during our visit to the Knox Community Space in Knox Shopping Centre. Stefan Bennett, Charlie Dugan, Jack Reid and Joel Williams enjoyed an indoor game of beach cricket while promoting water safety. Joel was also able to utilise his experiences as a Lifeguard during an interview with Sally Dusting-Laird. Mrs Waters and Dann-Watt raised approximately $400 from their bake sale at the swimming sports and they must be congratulated for their well organised and promoted event.

Ms Kropp and a group of students visited the Mercy Place Aged Care Facility in Montrose on Wednesday 26 October to undertake a card making activity with the residents. Kate Astin, Niamh Lewin, Miranda Molnar, Elizabeth O’Dell, Will Snibson and Isabella Wright all made such a positive impression that the residents were requesting a return visit. I look forward to providing further updates as each project continues to evolve.

Mrs Heather Ruckert
Year 10 Co-ordinator

News from Year 11

As the Year 11s enter the “home stretch” for their classroom studies prior to their semester examinations, it is advisable that they utilise every resource available in order to prepare themselves for these upcoming assessments. Taking pertinent summary notes, making appointments to speak to teachers, effectively using study sessions and ensuring all work is up-to-date are all examples of good advice and structured preparation.

Thursday 10 November is the last day of formal classes for Year 11 this year; with Friday 11 November being a Study Day for both Years 10 and 11. The following week from Monday 14 to Friday 18 November inclusive is when the examinations are scheduled. VCE students are reminded that they need to be aware of any clashes with their Units 3/4 and Year 11 examinations and to see me about these as soon as possible. The Year 11 Examination timetable should be finalised and distributed by the middle of next week and will be placed on the Year 11 page on the portal. All Year 11 students are also reminded that Transition classes involving preparation for Year 12 will run from Tuesday 22 – Monday 28 November.

Nick Stefanac
Year 11 Co-ordinator

News from Year 12

On Tuesday 18 October the Year 12 students were finally able to celebrate the completion of formal classes with a festive and delicious breakfast followed by a very moving Valedictory Service which will be remembered by the students for many years to come. The Valedictory Service was our final opportunity as a whole school community, including Prep to Year 11 students, as well as staff members and parents of Year 12 students, to celebrate the journey of our Year 12 class of 2016 at Tintern Grammar. It was a time to reflect on what has been and a time to embrace moving forward.

After the celebrations, students quickly moved into ‘study mode’. It has been most pleasing to see the immense dedication that the students and the staff have applied to examination revision and preparation.

The Examination period for VCE Year 12 students began on Wednesday 26 October. Several of the larger examinations (English, Psychology, Biology and Further Mathematics) have taken place over the last few days, which means some VCE students will have finished their examinations before the IB students have even started! The IB students are due to commence their final examinations on Wednesday 2 November. All VCE and IB examinations will have concluded by Tuesday 22 November. This is also the date for our final event for the Year 12 Class of 2016, the Valedictory Dinner.

Mrs Jennifer Tsai Bove
Year 12 Co-ordinator

From the Head of Senior College

As is referred to in the articles written by the Senior College Year Level Co-ordinators, many Year 12 students have commenced their final examinations already and our remaining Year 12 students and our Years 10 and 11 students will shortly commence their examinations.

It is thus a timely reminder for all Senior College students and their families to be aware of the advice we provide on sensible and successful study habits in our Senior College Handbook, as follows:

Study Hints – Practical Study Suggestions for all Students

Conditions for Study

• Adequate light, ventilation, heat/cooling and space
• Use of a consistent workplace
• Sitting on a comfortable chair at a desk or table, not on the floor
• Keeping both noise and visual distractions to a minimum
• Working while you are fresh

Fitness

• Physical fitness is important in order to work well
• Nutritious food, exercise and leisure are essential
• Adequate sleep is a must

Organisation

• Plan your study time; not only WHEN you will study, but WHAT & HOW you will study
• Work out a study timetable, allotting time so that each subject is well covered – this will overcome the tendency to spend too much time on any one subject at the expense of others
• Do not sit down to study and then try to decide what you will do – this is a sure way of wasting valuable time; plan beforehand
• Break study time into blocks allowing for 5 – 10 minutes break after each hour
• Use an efficient reading method, for example the SQ3R – survey, question, read, recall, review

It is the expectation that all Tintern Grammar Senior College students are consistently working across the year towards improving their academic achievement level to achieve to their very best at all times. Clearly at this time of year we expect all students to be focussing on their academic studies.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation of our Years 10 and 11 students who have been very mindful of the Year 12 students commencing their final examinations and have kept noise in the Anderson Centre to a bare minimum.

Marc Pittonet visits After School Care!

On Thursday 20 October After School Care was lucky enough to have our own training session with an AFL player, Marc Pittonet from Hawthorn (number 43). Marc showed us all how to hold the football when bouncing the ball and also to handball. We had a competition to see who could handball the football into the bin on the basketball court. On the oval we tried to kick the ball the longest we could and got some pointers on how we could improve our kicking skills.

Marc answered all our questions about football and the Hawthorn Football Club. We were amazed at his height of 201cm  – this is why he is a ruckman! He has only played a few games for Hawthorn but we are all sure that next year we will see more of him on the field. Thank you Marc for coming to After School Care  – we had an absolute blast learning new skills and asking questions. We wish you luck for next season!!

by Kate Woods, After School Care Assistant

Prep-Year 2 Swimming Carnival

Last Friday the Prep-Year 2 Swimming Carnival was a fabulous conclusion to our Intensive Swim Program. Whilst there were understandably a few butterflies in tummies before we started, it was all smiles as the events commenced. As we discussed with the girls, it was great to take on a challenge and try something new, whilst knowing the swim teachers and Year 6 girls would be in the pool as ‘engine power’ backup if needed! We suspect there will be some weary swimmers, very timely with a four day break ahead. You can enjoy photos on the portal. Thank you for Mr Viney, Mrs Yardley and Mrs Campbell for their support to run the program, as well as Mrs Worland and Mrs Wagner for their help on the day.

Mary Whitcher

Prep-Year 2 Coordinator and Prep Teacher

G.A.T.E.WAYS Team Challenge

Tintern has once again hosted a large number of regional schools to attend the G.A.T.E.WAYS Team Challenge competition.  G.A.T.E.WAYS engages presenters who are expert in a given field or fields; passionate about their field and able to convey this enthusiasm to children; excellent communicators who love children; knowledgeable about the special needs of gifted children and  how they learn; creative, flexible and skilled in terms of curriculum development and delivery. Their programs are inquiry based, with hands-on activities, problem solving and higher order thinking skills. The challenges are indeed difficult in name as well as in nature with some material which is normally for middle school age students.  Our students spent a lot of time to prepare for the challenges with a lot of work in the background to understand the material and themes being used for the challenges.  Thank you to Karen Dang and Sandi Gaskin for generously giving up so many hours to support these teams and assisting with the preparation.

Girls involved were:

Year 3 Team – Lucia Cockrell, Kaitlyn Law, Monica Shi, Emily Manton

Year 4 Team – Emily Menagh, Jessica Fettell, Katherine Howell, Melody Ch’ng

Year 5 Team – Mayunie Munasinghe, Chelsea Tonna, Ella Jones, Saskia Jackson Smith

Year 6 Team – Amber Wild, Aleisha Paul, Kelsey Paterson, Ella Callow-Sussex

A very big congratulations to our Year 3-6 teams.  The should be very proud of all they have achieved. Our Year 6 team were particularly delighted and came 2nd on the day.  They will compete in the grand final in early December. Good luck girls!

T20 Blast Cricket was a blast!

On Thursday October 20 Tintern Grammar participated in a T20 blast cricket tournament at Silcock Reserve in Croydon. The boy’s A team played extremely well throughout the day and won the grand final to progress to the Regional Finals. Congratulations boys!

The girl’s team competed hard during the tournament and unfortunately lost the grand final by 18 runs in a very close match. Well done girls on your fantastic performance throughout the day! The boy’s B team continued to develop their cricket skills throughout the day and they finished in 7th position. Congratulations to all of the boys and girls on a fantastic day of cricket.

Ash Viney

Junior School PE Teacher

Club Tinwood Christmas Party

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Belinda Hocking – Australian Olympian Visits the Girls’ Assembly

Belinda Hocking, Olympian veteran who has taken part in a number of Olympics including Rio, came to speak to the Year 3-6 girls in Assembly. Belinda told us her life story and how she became a national swimmer.  She spoke about her hardships and triumphs.  She talked about the level of determination and girt needed to succeed.  She talked about her dreams and emphasised to the girls that through hard work anything is possible.   After achieving fifth in the backstroke finals at Rio she has thought about retiring but has now decided to work through to the Commonwealth Games in 2018. . It was inspiration her talk as she was a talented and natural speaker.  She is training o become a primary teacher so we we have invited her back to Tintern in the future for a placement. Her home swimming club is Nunawading Swimming club. We are grateful to the club who supports us so well as they helped to organise this special visit. If you would like to read more about Belinda you may like to try this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Hocking

Club Tinwood Christmas Party Mon 21 November

Ho Ho Ho  Club Tinwood Christmas party!! Tabloid activities & McDonalds afternoon tea

For those who haven’t been to our Club Tinwood Christmas Party, every year we make a donation to to The Smith Family.

We see the process of this as an important part of our community Christmas Spirit: children giving to someone less fortunate than themselves

The Smith Family is most grateful for the continuing support of Tintern Grammar students and families, especially at this important time of giving and sharing.

xmas-party-2016

Fresh North Queensland Mangoes direct from the farm to you

The Tintern Parents Group are offering Fresh North Queensland Mangoes direct from the farm to you! Delicious, healthy and raises money for Tintern.

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Year 5 Camp – What a success!

The girls attended a most successful camp in Week 2.  They enjoyed a four day visit to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat and stayed on a property called Narmbool. Here, they experienced 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 norms of that era.  The girls also experienced two days of outdoor activities including a long hike of about 10km!  See below some comments from our girls.

Blood on the Southern Cross

As the introduction came to an end, the screens opened and the cool night breeze flooded through the auditorium. When we stepped outside in the vast darkness, the Light and Sound show came to life. The unknown voices shared their story with us as we watched and listened intently at the Goldfields. Then we scurried to board the modern trams which took us to the outskirts of Sovereign Hill for the rest of the show. From there we entered a remarkable theatre where the screen opened to reveal the outdoors! We then watched the lead up and the battle of the Eureka Stockade which was an extremely gripping and tense representation of the rebellion. The loud gun shots came to an abrupt end and we trod back onto the chilled seats of the tram, the events still reeling in our heads.   Natasha and Rachel

Cabins and Quiet Time

The cabins at Narmbool were great quality and they were very welcoming and had a home like feeling. I loved it when we snuggled in to our warm comfy beds at night feeling safe. We all felt warm and at home at Narmbool. Personal time was a good way to unwind and calm down. It was also a great way to spend time with our fantastic friends. The amazing view from the cabins was outstanding and beautiful. When we woke up in the morning the sun shone through our curtains on to the fuzzy carpet and we could hear the Banjo frog croaking and calling its friends. We had an amazingly, fantastic time in the cabins and in front of the fire in the lounge room at Narmbool. Maya and Ciana

Dressing up

As we slipped into our dresses we started to really feel in role. Ma’am got us to wear long, white pantalets, a cotton dress, a blue apron, a wide brimmed straw hat and a heavy woollen cape. The dresses were old and ragged and some of them had patches and rips. We got to walk around the main street and a lot of people asked to take our photo.  When we were dressed up we felt like we were in the 1850s and we were really poor and lived on the Goldfields. We felt like we were a child actually going to school back then in 1850s. Alana and Brooke

The Doctor Pays a Visit

Cow poo on your chest to cure a cough? What an absurd idea! It’s Tuesday and The Doctor has arrived to fix all of our ‘problems.’ So far, Brooke has to go on a trek to find mouldy apples under a tree and bring them back for Natasha and Ruby’s eyesight. It is ‘supposed’ to cure their eyesight problems. She also has to bring back some cow poo to put on Zara and Natasha’s chests to fix their raspy coughs. When The Doctor gets to Niah’s fidgeting problem, he thinks that it may be caused by lice and so the result of that is all the Year 3’s and 4’s have to have their hair shaved off to rid themselves of any traces of lice!   It was a hilarious lesson and I think that everyone enjoyed it.  Saskia and Ella. 

Hiking

The morning was cold and fresh as we set off for the hike, all bundled up and excited about what was to come. As soon as we got to the wet paddock it started to drizzle steadily. We pulled on our coats and slushed through the mud. By now our shoes and socks were wet through and as we got further and further into the hike our legs started to get really sore and we felt like we could go to sleep, but we kept trudging through the rain regardless.

We approached the wedge tailed eagles nest. We were really excited and desperate to see the eagle as it sounded wonderful. We could hear lots of sheep and we saw them run across the paddock. Once we had left the nest we were hyped up to keep moving as we wanted to see everything else.

Next we got to Bowers property and we were wondering about what had happened there in the pioneer days, where everything was placed and what the family was like. It was all silent except for the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. As we clambered up the hill towards the sacred aboriginal site the cold air was brushing against our faces and the sun was starting to come out. We touched the silcrete rocks that were believed to be created by Bunjil. It was a special moment.   Zara and Gevie

Testing Water Quality

I was the first in our group to collect a water sample. I gently threw out the net and I saw a dark shape in the murky water! I jerked my net to towards it to capture the dark shape. Yes I caught it! Yuck it was a dead frog! Disgusted, I threw the corpse back into the water. I decided to go to the reeds to try my luck there. Unfortunately I caught a spider.

I took our bucket and net and I ran up to the science room, (mainly because it was raining) to identify what I had caught. As I rummaged through the murky water I saw a bright glowing red dot racing through the gunk. I took the plastic spoon and the ice tray and tried to corner the bright red dot. Wow! It was fast! I scooped once more. Yes, yes! I had caught it! Again I saw something that looked like a black dot that could swim really fast. I had a lot more trouble trying to catch this one! But eventually I had got it into the ice tray.

The next stage was to make a presentation on your chosen bug, so our guide could hold it under the microscope. Our team decided to choose the black dot that we identified as a water mite. I researched what there was to know and our team found it was sensitive, this means the pond’s water was in good condition. Everyone’s bugs were interesting.  We both loved this activity!  Emmy, Niah and Charlotte

Sovereign Hill School

Ma’am stopped us outside one of the little cottages and asked Miss Ava to go and pick some flowers with her. They came back with some Lavender and then it was off to school. At school we started writing on slate boards. When it was time for play Miss Chelsea and Miss Rachel carried out a crate of very simple toys, skipping ropes, quoits, cups and balls. We played quite happily and it was fun. We lined up to come back inside when Ma’am rang the bell. We did some reading and some writing with ink and then before we knew it was time for lunch. We made sure we were back on time as nobody wanted to get the cane!    Ruby, Chelsea and Mayunie

The Barn Owl came out of its cage with the most beautiful white and grey feathers. The Barn Owl was the first to come out of its cage because it was so impatiently hungry. She gave Martin almost no time to introduce himself. The Barn Owl started with feeding right away. Her practice was to fly to a pole and come back to him to get food. For a reward at the end he got given half a mouse! Then the Barn Owl got put back and out came the little shy Boo Book Owl! It was smaller than the Barn Owl and it had a very angry look on its face like all Boo Book Owl’s call is basically the sound of its name; it sounds like boo book. When Martin put it back he let us feel the barn owl feathers. They felt like a cloud and were extremely soft. It was a great experience to learn about owls and overall it was amazing. Jade and Ava

T20 Blast Cricket was a blast!

On Thursday 20 October Tintern Grammar participated in a T20 blast cricket tournament at Silcock Reserve in Croydon .

Both boys and Girls teams developed their cricket skills throughout the day. The boys  A team played strong all day and won the Grand final to progress to the Regional final on 28 November .

Congratulations to all of the boys and girls on a fantastic day of cricket .

The Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad 2016

On 6th September, two of our Year 10 boys, Hollis Huang and Gavin Choong participated in the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad. A total of 405 extremely talented students from Australia, Vietnam and Singapore attempted a series of particularly challenging and complex mathematical problems within a 4 hour examination. This competition is highly restrictive and only the most mathematically capable participate. I wish to announce that Gavin achieved a Credit award (1 mark short of a Distinction) and Hollis achieved a High Distinction. These results are highly impressive, particularly considering the calibre of questions attempted and the talent of the students who also competed.

by Gary Collins, Head of Mathematics

Chaplains Corner

‘Simon Says’ is a game we all know, where the leader says an instruction and everyone is to follow, and when you don’t, you are out.

Imagine if in life it was that simple, and instruction and we follow. Unfortunately, (or fortunately), our lives are far more intricate and complex. However, there are many times when it would be handy to have a clear instruction as to what to do, what to say, or what decision to make.

So in our world today what would our ‘Simons be’ and are they worth following? When Jesus came over 2000 years ago, he wanted it to be very clear what people should do, what rule of life they should follow, and he summed it up in what called the two great commandments. And they are found in one of the books in the Bible written about Jesus’ life called Matthew.

Jesus said,

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  

This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it:

‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’

In other words instead of wishing sometimes for ‘Simon Says’ type of guidance, how about replacing it with ‘Love Says…’ and from there working out the best way forward. What would that look like in your life? What choices would that change?

Love says…

by Alison Andrew, Chaplain

Maths Talent Quest Awards

The Maths Talent Quest Awards Ceremony was held at La Trobe University on 20^th October. Nine students, Ms Tillyer and Mr Kirkwood went along to collect our certificates and prizes on behalf of the team. We won the following awards:

Tintern Grammar: Most Outstanding School Award:

Eddie Yu (Year 9) received a High Distinction, best in Victoria for Year 9 and a Highly Commended for the National MTQ;

Ashleigh Dowling (Year 8) received a High Distinction and best in Victoria for Year 8;

Holly Whitfield and Amelia Kenny (Year 7) received a High Distinction;

Nicolani Susanto (Year 9) received a High Distinction;

Joshua Choong (Year 7) received a Distinction; and

Kiki Argyros, Oscar De Jong, Adam Choong, Oliver Huang, Connor Nancarrow, Jake Stubbs (Year 7) all received Credits.

There was a presentation about the Mathematics behind Pokemon Go from a lecturer at La Trobe University. We had the opportunity to read through the best State and National winner investigations. After the Ceremony Ms Tillyer gave a tour of the University, including viewing the Sylvia Walton Building, a lecture theatre, Union Hall and lunch in the Agora Square. On the way home we celebrated with ice-cream from a drive-through!! Photo credits go to Eddie’s Mum Ying Jia and Ms Tillyer.

by Julie Tillyer, Teacher of Mathematics

Maths Talent Quest Awards

The Maths Talent Quest Awards Ceremony was held at La Trobe University on 20^th October. Nine students, Ms Tillyer and Mr Kirkwood went along to collect our certificates and prizes on behalf of the team. We won the following awards:

Tintern Grammar: Most Outstanding School Award:

Eddie Yu (Year 9) received a High Distinction, best in Victoria for Year 9 and a Highly Commended for the National MTQ;

Ashleigh Dowling (Year 8) received a High Distinction and best in Victoria for Year 8;

Holly Whitfield and Amelia Kenny (Year 7) received a High Distinction;

Nicolani Susanto (Year 9) received a High Distinction;

Joshua Choong (Year 7) received a Distinction; and

Kiki Argyros, Oscar De Jong, Adam Choong, Oliver Huang, Connor Nancarrow, Jake Stubbs (Year 7) all received Credits.

There was a presentation about the Mathematics behind Pokemon Go from a lecturer at La Trobe University. We had the opportunity to read through the best State and National winner investigations. After the Ceremony Ms Tillyer gave a tour of the University, including viewing the Sylvia Walton Building, a lecture theatre, Union Hall and lunch in the Agora Square. On the way home we celebrated with ice-cream from a drive-through!! Photo credits go to Eddie’s Mum Ying Jia and Ms Tillyer.

by Julie Tillyer, Teacher of Mathematics

Celebration Evening

On the 10th of October was one of the most excitingly breathtaking but saddest nights of the year since that was when we said our goodbyes to the year twelves and welcomed the new leaders of the school for 2017 who are about to bring another unique experience to the community. Although, we will no longer have some important people of the community, the leaders who graduated are going to start a new alluring adventure in their life. Who knows when we will cross paths with them again but at least we know that Tintern is sending amazing people out to the world who will spread the compass values.

Throughout the night we enjoyed the lovely and enchanting music from our Tintern orchestra that was produced from students who had worked undoubtedly hard towards it and some of them who are looking into music as a profession. Additionally, students from years 7 to 12 proudly received astonishing accomplishments from their endeavouring work. Such as the compass, academic and overall awards.

This night didn’t only give the parents and staff a chance to acknowledge the achievements of the students and to say our goodbyes, but also to remind us of the unique talents that each person has and how they have contributed and made an ecstatic experience to Tintern.

This was yet another wonderful and unforgettable night.

By Camila Franco 8A

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:

Duke of Edinburgh Award Presentations

The Duke of Edinburgh program is an internationally recognised award that invites young people aged 14-25 to realise their ambitions and to change their world. Run in over 130 countries, the Duke of Ed is designed over three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. To achieve each level, young people create their own unique program of activities over a set length of time across four sections:

• Service
• Skill
• Physical Recreation
• Adventurous Journey

Young people challenge themselves by choosing activities that spark their interest in each section and setting their own goals.

This program is about individual choice; young people tailor their Award, develop their career aspirations and push their own boundaries and comfort zones as they forge skills that go beyond academic success and help carry them from adolescence to adulthood.

Many students in Years 9 and 10 in a school such as Tintern Grammar would engage in some form of physical recreation and skill based activity and may find it quite easy to commit to the minimum of 1 hour a week over 3 or 6 months to complete these particular aspects of the award. As one gets older, however, academic studies often take precedence and, whilst a student may continue with a sport or music, it becomes more difficult to maintain both on a regular basis. The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to demand commitment to both.

The real value of the Duke of Ed awards program lies in the community service and adventurous journey sections which challenge students both physically and mentally. Five Year 12 students were recognised at Senior School Assembly on Friday 14 October for completing either their Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards. All students completed challenging hiking journeys over the Ballarat Goldfields Track, in the Grampians or along the Great Ocean Walk. In addition, they all gave their time to their immediate or wider community in a variety of community service activities.

Isabella Cosentino completed the Bronze level award which involves a 3-6 month commitment across the 3 activities of service, physical and skill. Isabella completed a 4 day journey along the Great Ocean Walk from Aireys Inlet to the 12 Apostles in the April school holidays this year and she was a voluntary swimming teacher to young children at Just Swimming in Nunawading.

Whilst the Bronze Award is the first level of the Awards program, this is a significant achievement for Isabella as she only commenced the award in March this year in the midst of her Year 12 studies.

The Silver Award involves a 6-12 month commitment across the 3 areas and 6 days minimum of Adventurous Journey.

Madison Button volunteered at the Croydon Community Church Opportunity Shop (Bargain Browser) in East Ringwood, over a period of 6 months and she committed to a gym program to improve her fitness and soccer skills whilst continuing to play competitive soccer. Her Adventurous Journeys were a 4 day hike along the Ballarat Goldfields Track and a 5 day base camp at Halls Gap with extensive day hikes in the surrounding Grampians environment.

Heidi Ruckert was also part of the Goldfields Track Adventurous Journey last December and then completed her qualifying journey this April on the Great Ocean Walk. She committed herself to improving her tennis coaching and playing technique as well as developing her vocal skills through regular lessons, practice and participation in local and regional eisteddfods. Many of you would have heard Heidi’s beautiful voice at Celebration Evening in the Mozart Laudate Dominum item with the Senior Chamber Choirs. Heidi’s community service was her service to Tintern as part of this year’s Leadership Team.

The Gold Award involves a 12-18 month commitment across the 3 areas and a minimum of 8 days Adventurous Journey. In addition, to achieve one’s gold award, each participant must undertake a residential week in an unfamiliar environment staying with unfamiliar people whilst committing to an activity for 6 hours a day.

Grace Edwards was our 2016 Choral Captain and a dedicated member of both the Concert and Senior Girls Chamber Choirs. In addition, she was a long standing member of the Australian Girls Choir. For her physical activity, Grace chose general fitness activities and her service to community was as a youth group leader at her local church. For her residential project, Grace volunteered as a youth camp leader during school holidays and was in charge of mentoring and looking after a cabin of 4 younger girls. Grace joined Madison at the Grampians base camp Adventurous Journey last December and then completed her qualifying journey with Isabella and Heidi this April on the Great Ocean Walk.

Jack Church volunteered at the Coldstream Animal Aid Centre for 12 months; a cause he was passionate about, having adopted 2 dogs from the centre himself. Like Grace, Jack continued to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle during the demands of IB by undertaking general gym and fitness programs on a regular basis. Jack’s residential project was spent at the New Hope for Cambodian Children HIV Orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, an experience that he will never forget and one that was both humbling and rewarding. Jack’s practice Adventurous Journey was the Ballarat Goldfields Hike and his qualifying journey was the 5 day base camp with strenuous and long day hikes around Halls gap with Heidi and Grace.

Currently there are 58 students in Years 9-12 enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh program at all 3 levels of the award. The Duke of Ed journey for each of these students is a personal one and only the students themselves, like Isabella, Heidi, Madison, Grace and Jack, will know how much they have challenged themselves and just how much they have achieved throughout the course of their award. We congratulate these senior students on their wonderful achievements.

Key Dates Term 4 2016