From the Principal

Our Admissions and Marketing Department, the (smiling) face of Tintern Grammar!

(from L to R, Michelle Lu, Heidi Howard, Lisa Dauparas, Brad Fry, Marion Cape and Di Lacey)

The public face of any school is its Admissions staff and Tintern have been very fortunate with the quality of its public face over the years. In recent weeks there has been substantial change in the department as Sarah Buchanan, who will have been the connection for many of your enrolments, has left us to seek a role in another area entirely. At the same time, we have had a restructure of the roles in Admissions to give the staff more School presence and the department a more public profile.

In the last fortnight, we have been fortunate to be joined by Marion Cape, the former Registrar at Caulfield Grammar (Wheelers Hill campus) as our Director of Admissions and Marketing, and Lisa Dauparas, as our Admissions Officer. Marion and Lisa join Michelle Lu our International Admissions Officer, Heidi Howard our Marketing Assistant and Di Lacey our Community Relations Development Manager to form our welcoming and very capable Admissions and Marketing Department.

On another topic, you should by now have received an email regarding our community forum, facilitated by Michael Carr-Gregg, entitled “Living Digitally in the 21st Century”, I certainly hope to see many of you there but this is more than just a Tintern event. Please encourage your friends and neighbours of Year 5 and up children to contribute a question and come along (RSVP is through the QR code or email address on the flyer you were emailed).

In line with the long-standing practices and traditions of Tintern, we are looking to empower our community in the challenging and confusing area of digital living and its attendant offshoots!

Factis non Verbis

Brad Fry
Principal

Please click on the Video Blog below from our Principal, Mr Brad Fry.

Music Matters

On 20 April, the Year 7 and 8 students, along with some Year 9 Percussionists and IB students gathered to watch Sergei Golovko, a famous Russian percussionist, who has given many live international performances. He played lots of pieces on a large instrument called a Marimba, which was like a large xylophone. We were all astounded at how fast he could play with four mallets! Another instrument which he played was the Scythe (a sword-like instrument used for cutting grass in the early days). He also threw in a few Russian dance moves, and made the performance very interactive by asking people to volunteer to play the instruments. The Year 8s then had an opportunity to participate in a workshop with Sergei, as part of our Global Music Curriculum. The girls in 8B played a wonderful piece written by him, called Gypsy Medley, on our individual instruments and the 8E boys also learned a medley of Russian tunes. We will be able to perform these for our families at our upcoming Performing Arts Night on 15 June. Overall, everyone loved the Russian incursion. I think it was Sergei’s passion for his music and his traditional Russian heritage, complete with a Russian outfit, which made it so thoroughly enjoyable!

by Kavya Karthik, Year 8

Gerard Barclay reports on his performance at the ANZAC March

Melbourne Youth Music (MYM) is based in the city, and rehearses at the Victorian College of the Arts. I am in an MYM band called the John Anthill Youth Band (JAYB) and we meet every Saturday for 3 hours to practise. The JAYB participated in the ANZAC march last year, and was invited to do so again this year. We played four pieces of music: Waltzing Matilda, Pack up your troubles, It’s a long way to Tipperary and Colonel Bogey. We only had one day to practise marching and playing, and it was my first time doing so. A marching band is very different from a regular band. You have to play while avoiding dropping your instrument, watching out for commands given by the Drum Major. He is the man at the front of the march with a special staff called a mace which he uses to give commands, which include stopping the music, starting it, stop marching, begin marching and turning. When the piece ends the drums continue a beat while the rest of the band changes the music on their lyre – a small music stand clipped onto instruments – without dropping it. All this they have to do while marching in time to the bass drum beat, which I was playing. There is no conductor, and if there were one, they would have to face the band and walk backwards. Instead, the whole band had to be kept in time with the bass drum, which never stopped beating, even when the rest of the band stopped to change their music. The bass and snare drums played a vital role throughout the whole march. We marched from St. Paul’s Cathedral up to the Shrine of Remembrance. There were several marching bands which played throughout the day, and they were still going three hours after they had started. Banners were paraded and classic cars were shown off while formations of planes flew overhead. This ANZAC day was the 101st anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. Lest We Forget.

by Gerard Barclay, Year 10

Music Camp 2016

Music camp was slightly different this year, with members of the school’s larger ensembles and choirs having rehearsals for the upcoming Jazz Night and Annual Concert this term. Over 170 students from Years 7 to 12 came together to rehearse our exciting finale for the Annual Concert, a Jersey Boys medley. It was great to see so many students enjoying the fun and camaraderie which participation in music ensembles provides. Along with the rehearsals, there were also games and quizzes held during the breaks. A big thank you to Mrs Bezaire and all the Music Staff who attended, Mrs Feenane and the Friends of Music volunteers, for their wonderful support and effort in making the weekend run so smoothly.

Community Concert at Olivet, a local Aged Care Home – Tuesday 3 May

A group of VCE and IB music students brought some music and joy to the clients at the Olivet Aged Persons Home this week, as they performed a range of songs and musical items for the patients and members of their families. VCE Music students, Justin Rocio and Tony Wang, and IB students Lovelyn Lim, Josephine Owen and Alison Yang, delighted with their array of works on piano, violin and voice. The residents were thrilled that the students gave so willingly of their time to entertain them on a cool and blustery morning.

Pure Talent Showcase did not disappoint

A number of Tintern staff members and interested students and parents were pleased to be able to attend the inaugural ‘Pure Talent’ Showcase at the Karralyka Theatre last Thursday. This initiative by the Maroondah Youth Arts Council showcased VCE (2015) Performing Arts students from Maroondah schools and Tintern was well represented by Brendon Green (Music Performance: Contemporary Guitar), Zoe Stephenson (Music Performance: Contemporary Voice) and Bailey Pyman (Drama).

Our students performed most creditably, alongside students from Yarra Valley Grammar, Norwood Secondary College, Melba College, Melbourne Rudolph Steiner School, Ringwood Secondary College, Luther College and Aquinas College.

There was an unexpected surprise on the night, when the Maroondah City Council aired the music video clip of Brendon, Zoe and Rory Shepherd performing Brendon’s original song, ‘Round Around’. Their band, ‘Little Archive’, won a recording session as winners of the FREEZA Battle of the Bands last year. You can check out the clip for yourself at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-efsudqhfE

Don’t forget – ‘Little Archive’ will be making a special appearance at this Saturday night’s Poverty Project Trivia Night!

Twilight Concert

Thank you to all performers at last week’s Twilight Concert. This was our first Twilight Concert for 2016 and we were treated to 23 engaging performances by students from Years 7 to 12 on a vast array of instruments, including piano, cello, bassoon, violin, viola and voice alongside a terrific opening number from our Chinese Boy Band, Blanc. Many thanks to Music Captain, Corey Robinson, for hosting the event.

Sport Matters

Tintern House Cross Country Carnivals

Tintern Middle and Senior School House Cross Country runs were held at Lillydale Lake over two consecutive days last week. Students competed on a 3km course around the lake and each day culminated with a free B.B.Q, lucky finishing spot prizes and a results presentation. We were blessed with fine weather on both days and students were supportive and encouraging of each other across all events.

Congratulations to the following students who finished in the top three placings and to all students who tried hard on the day to earn valuable points for their House.

Year 7 Boys                         Year 8 Boys                                         Year 9 Boys                                         Year 10 Boys

1^st Riley Turnbull               1^st Paul Haasbroek                         1^st Matt Evans                                  1^st Joel Williams

2^nd Jake Stubbs                 2^nd Corey Dickson                            2^nd Lachlan Stuyfbergen             2^nd Jay McKean

3^rd Julian Amiet                 3^rd Alex Jenkin                                   3^rd Vishnu Pillay                               3^rd Jack Read

Year 7 Girls                         Year 8 Girls                                         Year 9 Girls                                         Year 10 Girls

1^st Jaimee Jalocha            1^st Tara Carson                                1^st Sophie Cookes                            1^st Jess Reid       

2^nd Ellie Glasson                2^nd Tess Power                                 2^nd Breanna Turnbull                     2^nd Rosemary Addison

3^rd Katey O’Reilly              3^rd Charlie Johnson                      3^rd Erin Doupe                                   3^rd Alex Eadie

Year 11 Boys                      Year 11 Girls                                      Year 12 Boys                                     Year 12 Girls

1^st Adam Blazevic             1^st Kirsty Clark                                  1^st Gary Haasbroek                       1^st Sarah Lloyd

2^nd Ben Schneider            2^nd Lorna Clark                                  2^nd Daniel Chesney                       2^nd Maddy Button

3^rd Nick Spencer                3^rd Karly Rosenbrock                    3^rd Connor Reidy                            3^rd Tash Khan

The Overall Winning House will be announced at a full school assembly on 13^th May 2016

Tintern wins the EISM Division 2 Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all members of the Athletics Team who won the EISM Division 2 Athletics Carnival held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park last Tuesday. Tintern students performed extremely well all day in difficult conditions and represented the school exceptionally well. Tintern won the Open Boys, Open Girls and U/14 Boys age groups as well as the Overall Boys and Overall Championship. Special thanks to those students who stepped up to fill gaps and those emergencies who assisted with carnival duties on the day.

There were many exceptional performances across the day and some 42 students have qualified across 53 events for the Champions Meet to be held on Monday 9^th May at Lakeside Stadium. Congratulations to Gary Haasbroek who broke two EISM records in the Open Boys 100m Hurdles and Long Jump. All results are listed on the Portal in the Sport pages.

Community Matters

Friends of Equestrian Annual Horse trial event

 Approximately 280 riders from more than 80 schools competed in the 16th Annual Tintern Grammar Victorian Inter-School Horse Trials Championships held at the picturesque Wandin Park on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April. There were many personal bests achieved on the day, with many of our Tintern Grammar students achieving outstanding results. The overall winning team on the day went to Haileybury Gold followed by Toorak College Blue and Beconhills College in a close third. Our Tintern Blue team came in 6th place. Thanks are extended to the hard working Friends of Equestrian group and their equestrian coordinator, Mrs Alison Bezaire. Their dedication and commitment is evident producing a high quality professional equestrian event.

Music at the Horse Trials

Thanks are further extended to our Friends of Music group who supported our Friends of Equestrian by running the Egg and Bacon stall at the event, whilst raising some hard earned dollars.

Mothers Day stalls

A big thank you is extended to all volunteers who helped with the Mother’s Day stalls at both junior Schools. Special thanks to Katy Brumley, Haidee Wallace and Lisa Robson for their professional organising and planning of this special activity. All children were given the opportunity to purchase gifts for their Mothers and other special women in their lives. It is always a delight to watch the girls and boys take great pride and care in choosing their special gifts and the School Community is appreciative to the many volunteers who provide this opportunity on the stall or with the preparations.

STEM Robotics

The Tintern Association, through the generous fundraising of Parents and Friends, are pleased to be able to provide 2 new Lego Robotics Kits for the benefits of both the Girls Junior and Middle Schools.  The new Robotics Kits will be a great addition to the school’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) programs, which work to engage girls in STEM disciplines and build self-belief within those fields.

Here is an example of a competition:

Primary Rescue is designed for primary aged students. Robots compete by following a winding line on a series of tiles to a designated rescue area. On the way the robot could encounter obstacles, bridges and short cut opportunities that will challenge the most intrepid programmer. After negotiating the randomly selected path, the robot arrives at a green coloured area which indicates a chemical spill. While the clock is still ticking the robot must find “the victim” before pushing them out of the quicksand to safety.

We anticipate the girls to have great fun, and enjoy valuable learning through the use of these sets of equipment.

Fundraising activities such as the Mothers & Fathers Day Stalls, Movie Nights and Photo Album sales have helped to contribute towards these purchases, and we wish to express sincere thanks to all volunteers who have contributed towards outcomes such as this over the years.

by Amanda McKenzie, President TTA

Year Level Functions

Thank you to all our parent representatives who have organised some wonderful events so far. Please continue to support their efforts when you can.

Parent representatives also help to keep parents informed of class/school gatherings (i.e. – Community Relations and/or your class teacher may contact you asking you to help promote an event.)  Parent Representatives will be notified of upcoming school events through the Community Relations Office and are also encouraged to periodically check in with your the classroom teacher to see if there are any upcoming classroom events to promote or assist with.

If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, please contact our Parent Rep coordinator, Jessica Adam on 0423 223 296 or jessicaladam@gmail.com

Year 7 families will enjoy a get together at Chapter Too Café (3/110 Canterbury Rd) in Heathmont, on Wednesday 11 May between 9.30am and 11am.

Please RSVP to Kesta Fleming (7D class rep) kestafleming@optusnet.com.au or 0409 826734

Friends of Music Jazz Night Saturday 14 May

Bookings are open for the Friends of Music Annual Jazz Night. Click here to purchase your tickets through trybooking. Keep the date free and start putting together a table of family and friends. The theme is “Vintage Jazz”, so for those who want to get dressed-up the possibilities are endless. Jazz Night is a major social event on the school calendar for students, families and staff, as well as a major fundraiser to support our music students and staff, so make sure not to miss it. There will be plenty of fantastic entertainment from the New Melbourne Jazz Band as well as a number of talented students showing off their musical skills!  Friends of Music look forward to welcoming as many of our School and wider community as possible at the 2016 Jazz Night, so keep the date free and plan to come along.

Entertainment book 2016/2017

The Entertainment books are once again offered for purchase through the School. These books are full of discounts to be used for restaurants, entertainment, accommodation and a range of services and retail goods. The book is current from purchase until the end of 1 June 2017. Please click here to purchase your 2016/2017 book or download the order form here from the Portal and return to the Community Relations office and collect your book.  For more information please refer to the community news on the Tintern portal or contact the Community Relations Office. You can click here to have a look at what is inside.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

TTA & SPC coming together as one

It is official The Tintern Association and the Southwood Parents Club will be holding an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 19 May to vote on dissolving the current groups and uniting their groups as a single parent group.

Committees have been working hard to preserve the individual qualities that make both groups unique and valued within our community.

It is anticipated a new parent group will be formed following the Annual General Meeting of the Tintern Family Association Incorporated in late May.

The Tintern family association incorporated is the umbrella body which oversees all Tintern Grammar community groups.

If you have any queries regarding the change or about our community groups please do not hesitate to contact Di Lacey in the Community Relations office on 9845 7893 or email dlacey@tintern.vic.edu.au. Alternatively you can click here and be redirected to the Community Relations page with all the information.

Photo Albums; New and Old for your children’s School photos

The Tintern Association have a limited number of Navy and Maroon old style Photo Albums to offer at a reduced price of $60. These albums feature the old School name printed in gold on the front cover and come complete with 10 transparent 30cm x 30cm sheet inserts albums and are large enough to hold the school photos provided by SchoolPix. The Tintern Association are currently upgrading the album design to reflect the new Tintern Grammar name and logo and these will be available later in Term 2 to purchase.  Download an order form here and forward to the Community Relations Office for processing.

Community Committee dates

• The Tintern Association (TTA) –Next meeting AGM: Thursday 19 May 7.30pm CM Wood Common room President: Amanda McKenzie
• Southwood Parents’ Club (SPC) – Next meeting AGM: Thursday 19 May 7.30pm CM Wood Common room President: Loraine Allender
• Friends of Music (FOM) – Next Meeting: Tuesday 7 June 7.00pm CM Wood Common room President: Tim Oldmeadow
• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next meeting: Tuesday 10 May 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community services. President: Joy Ashfield              
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – Next meeting: Please contact the Community Relations office for next meeting details. President: Kevin Jones

Outreach Community Support

Mums Supporting Families in Need do amazing things for families escaping domestic violence, helping refugees, and various other circumstances. Each month they hold a different appeal, and April was their sleepwear appeal. Last week the Girls’ Junior School families generously donated money which has been used to buy new sleepwear to assist these families in need.  We were able to buy many items in a variety of sizes.  Thank you to all who contributed!

 Everyone loves a cosy pair of pyjamas!  

Invitation to a Spalding Information Talk

All parents of girls and boys in Years 3–6 are welcome to a Spalding Information Talk on Wednesday 25 May 2016. Helen Kirkland, our local Spalding guru, will speak about the program and how it fits in with the literacy program taught in the Junior Schools.  Helen will be very happy to answer any questions related to this method.

Date:      Wednesday 25 May 2016

Time:      9.30 – 10.15am

Venue:   3/4 Computer Room, Colebrook Wing

Who:      Boys’ and Girls’ Parents (Years 2-6)

Prior to the Spalding Information Talk you may like to attend our regular Girls’ Junior School Assembly, as well as a morning tea for families after Assembly. This will take place from approximately from 8.40 – 9.30am.

Lunchtime Chess Club

During 2nd and 3rd Term, students in Years 3 to 6 have the opportunity to participate in a friendly game of chess at Lunchtime Chess Club. The sessions are led by our Chess coach, Daniel. Students are introduced to and practise skills and strategies as they improve their personal game. In the initial warm-up Daniel frequently demonstrates amazing winning moves by world famous Chess Masters.

Each week the girls play games and accrue points to determine the ultimate Lunchtime Chess Champ. Chess is a game for all ages. Chess Club students are learning life-long skills and having fun in a cross-age, friendly atmosphere.

ELC Open Afternoon and Mathematics Talk

ELC Parents enjoyed two opportunities this week to learn about their child’s program.  The parents were invited to visit their child’s classroom to see some of the things the children are doing and to have a play. After school they were then able to attend an interesting Information Talk about our ELC Mathematics program and how children learn at 3 and 4 years old, particularly during playtime.  Many thanks to the ELC staff for providing such wonderful opportunities to the families. It was very much appreciated by the many parents who attended the sessions.

New life

As a symbol of rebirth and renewal, the Girls’ Junior School students are presented with a daffodil bulb just before Easter. We know there are many families with the beginnings of a daffodil patch in the garden at home and enjoy the delights it brings when the flowers bloom in July or August. Last year we started a new tradition where each student in the Junior School planted their daffodil bulb in one of the Junior School garden beds. We are sure you will enjoy admiring this wonderful show of nature’s cycle of life again this spring. See above Spring last term!

The Tintern ELC Big Breakfast

Dear ELC families,

The annual ELC big breakfast is our version of the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. We invite mums, dads, brothers, sisters and all family members to share with us in raising money for a charity. In previous years we have donated to the Cancer Council, last year a kindergarten in Vanuatu and this year the Jenelle Duncan Memorial Kids Learning Centre in the Phillipines.

When:     Wednesday 18 May

Where:    ELC foyer area

Time:        Come along anytime between 7.15-9.00am

Stay for as little or as long as you like.

Cost:        $7 per person or $20 per family

Menu:      A selection of fruit, muffins, croissants, cereal, toast, tea, coffee and warm Milo

RSVP:      Please RSVP for catering purposes on the sheet next to the sign in book or via your child’s record book.

Protect yourself and your family

Please click here to download the flyer on Protect yourself and your family – Wash your hands regularly.

Please click here to download the flyer on Protect yourself and your family – Cover your cough and sneeze.

2015-2016 Years 7 – 11 Annual Visual Art & Design Show

From 22^nd April until 20^th May – open from 8.30 – 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.

The Visual Art & Design department eagerly invite you to the Visual Art Gallery space to enjoy the works from Year 7 to 11 students from classes in Semester 2, 2015 and Semester 1. 2016.

Each year, the students amaze us with their creative and enthusiastic approach to making and creating visual pieces, in a variety of forms, exploring a range of themes and concepts. From woodwork to 3D printing, textiles to computer generated packaging design, painting and drawing, sculpture and installation works just to name a few.

The exhibition is an opportunity for students to showcase their efforts and wonderful final pieces, sharing their insights and skills developed over the past 12 months. Please come and join us to view this ‘visual feast for the eyes’ from the 22nd April.

We are offering a new experience this year with Guided tours for Students and Staff each Monday and Friday at lunchtime. 1.05 pm – 1.20 pm – Please meet near the spiral staircase and let the 2016 Art Captains introduce and explore the works on display.

by Rachel Waud, Head of Visual Art & Design

Senior College news

In the Senior College we are all hoping that Mr Geoff Connor is enjoying his travels overseas and look forward to hearing his news upon his return on Wednesday 18 May. Our student leaders joined senior members of the Tintern Grammar staff for the annual Ringwood RSL ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Memorial Clock tower. Our staff and students shared this special experience with representatives from other schools and members of our local community.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

Invitation to a Spalding Information Talk

All parents of girls and boys in Years 3–6 are welcome to a Spalding Information Talk on Wednesday 25 May 2016. Helen Kirkland, our local Spalding guru, will speak about the program and how it fits in with the literacy program taught in the Junior Schools.  Helen will be very happy to answer any questions related to this method.

Date:      Wednesday 25 May 2016

Time:      9.30 – 10.15am

Venue:   3/4 Computer Room, Colebrook Wing

Who:      Boys’ and Girls’ Parents (Years 2-6)

Prior to the Spalding Information Talk you may like to attend our regular Girls’ Junior School Assembly, as well as a morning tea for families after Assembly. This will take place from approximately from 8.40 – 9.30am.

IB Information Evening

Year 9 and 10 families have been invited to the IB Information Night to be held on Monday 9 May in the Tintern Theatre commencing at 7.00pm. There will be opportunities to hear from key staff and students but also to speak with members of the IB teaching team and past IB students.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

Year 11 and 12 Formals

The Year 11 and 12 Formals will be held at Linley Estate Receptions, Kilsyth in different function rooms on Friday 17 June. Families have been sent the invitations including a reply slip due back on Friday 13 May. This year classes for Year 11 and 12 students will finish after Period 3 at 12.55pm on the afternoon of the Formals with a supervised study space provided for Year 10 students studying a VCE subject and Year 11 or 12 students wishing to remain at school during Period 4. The Formals are a wonderful way to conclude the semester and no doubt planning by the students is well underway.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

GAT Preparation Sessions

Students undertaking a Unit 3 and 4 study and Year 12 IB students are required to sit the GAT on Tuesday 7 June. There will be a number of important preparation sessions during utilities and students are expected to attend each one. Further information will be provided in our next newsletter closer to the GAT. Ms Tsai Bove has reported the positive approach to study by our Year 12 students and the efficient use of the silent and group study spaces.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

Boy’s Middle School News

Leadership in the Boys’ Middle School

Throughout their Middle Years’ journey our boys will be introduced to leadership. They will explore what it is, what makes a good leader, understand that everyone can be a leader and discover and understand their own leadership strengths.

Leadership will begin directly when the boys are in Year 8 where during their pastoral program they will learn about leadership styles, habits of good and bad leaders, and some of the attributes and values of a good leader. They will learn to apply these in many situations and be provided with opportunities to show and develop these skills. In the latter stages of Year 8 the boys will then be looking to apply for formal leadership positions in Year 9 for the following year.

During Year 9 the direct teaching of leadership continues as part of the pastoral program whilst also increasing the number of opportunities our boys will have to show and practice their leadership. This will apply not only to our boys in official leadership roles but also to all boys in Year 9. Some examples so far this year of our boys having to show leadership would be:

• Organising activities for assemblies.
• Running activities at lunch time for Middle School students.
• Helping to take Year 7 sport.
• Organising a tutoring service for Middle School boys on a Tuesday lunchtime.
• Organising a strategy games club for boys during a weekly lunchtime.
• Planning a fundraising activity during Year 9 Challenge to raise money for Taralye, plus many others.

Leadership is a skill that can be learned and we believe it to be something worth teaching to our boys. They will, as they grow, have to demonstrate leadership in many areas of their lives and although a particular program at school will not teach them everything, it will provide them with some good platforms to help develop their own strengths and styles when it comes to being a leader.

EISM Athletics

Congratulations to all members of the Athletics Team who won the EISM Div 2 Athletics Carnival held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park, on Tuesday 3^rd May. Tintern students performed extremely well all day in difficult conditions and represented the school exceptionally well. Tintern won the Open Boys, Open Girls and U/14 Boys age groups as well as the Overall Boys and Overall Championship. Special thanks to those students who stepped up to fill gaps and those emergencies who assisted with carnival duties on the day.

Music Camp

Our annual Music Camp was held at school from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May 1 with over 170 students and staff attending to lift the roof off the CM Wood Centre. The weekend provided our students with a wonderful experience of being involved in bigger ensembles and musical groups. This is all in preparation for our Annual Music Concert which is on Thursday 9 June and promises to be a wonderful evening to which you are all invited.

Year 11 Pastoral Initiative

The Year 11 students commenced a new House initiative which involves organising a range of fun activities for the junior school students at lunch time. The feedback so far indicates enjoyment for all concerned and highlights the positive benefits of being active at lunch time and the value of interactions between the Senior College and Junior School students.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

Years 10 and 11 Examinations

Years 10 and 11 students have a study day on Friday 27 May and examinations extend from Monday 30 May to Friday 3 June. Rolls are taken at the start of each session and students are not required at school if they do not have an examination. Full winter uniform is to be worn each day of the examinations. The examination timetable will be released to students in the week beginning Monday 9 May.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

Year 10 Elevate Education Parent Seminar

The recent Year 10 Elevate Education Study Sensei session was followed by a parent seminar to assist families to support their child as they approach their first full set of examinations. Some useful key points include:

Assisting Memory

Use a combination of approaches including auditory, visual and kinaesthetic

Tip: Short and regular revision assists material being stored in long term memory rather than one lengthy session the night before a test or examination!

Difference between Homework and Study

Homework is directed and set by the teacher whereas study includes regular independent work including note taking, extra reading (for examples and to enhance depth of responses) and practice questions that are marked/discussed by the teacher or checked against solutions.

Tip: Complete the study for even 15 – 20 minutes before the homework

Time Management

• Aim to create a one week study/homework timetable that is completed at the start of the week using either electronic or printed options
• Break large tasks into distinct parts to gain a sense of achievement and to avoid leaving assignments to the last minute
• Enter such activities as sports training or a favourite TV show in first and then plan study time followed by homework.

Tip: Print out this timetable and keep in a visible location

Note-Taking

• Keep a separate revision folder with loose leaf paper rather than a notebook
• Avoid re-writing notes, add colour and use techniques such as key words or concept diagrams to help with connections between the material
• Add examples or evidence from wider reading progressively throughout a topic

Managing Distractions

• Turn off mobile phones and access to social media
• Avoid combining work with TV watching or listening to music (“Train” in the conditions of an examination)
• Try and work for 30 minutes (study) to 1 hour (homework) blocks
• Eat a well-balanced diet and include regular exercise to assist concentration

Motivation

• Importance of intrinsic motivation from within and the value of setting future goals
• Students should seek assistance and use their support network including family, friends and teachers

There is public access to a wide range of materials on the Elevate Education website at http://au.elevateeducation.com/ and Year 10 families can access the student section by entering the username and password contained on the Year 10 page of the Portal. A set of the student notes is also contained on our level page.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

CareerNews

CareerNews Number 5 is now available from the Careers Portal page and includes a variety of information relating to the value of researching Careers, Indigenous student experiences, connecting with Deakin University, seminars at Melbourne and Monash Universities and course information relating to Graphic Design.

An interesting Australian Government website can be found at www.joboutlook.gov.au. There is information about the nature of different occupations, average salaries and likely employment potential in different areas.

by Heather Ruckert
Acting Head of Senior College, Year 10 Co-ordinator and Careers Consultant

House Cross Country (Year 3-6)

On Tuesday 26 April, the Years 3-6 girls participated in the annual House Cross Country at Tintern. With perfect weather for the event the girls ran extremely well on the day to gain valuable points for their house. There were two races for each age group, a district qualifying race (2 or 3km depending on age) and a 1km race. The house spirit and encouragement of all runners was fantastic and it was great to see all of the girls giving it their all. 

Congratulations to the winners of each event:

• Years 3&4 1km:        Liah Watkins
• U10 2km:                     Jessica Fettell
• Years 5&6 1km:       Georgian Norton
• U11 3km:                     Saskia Jackson Smith
• U12/13 3km:             Reese Stephens

The overall results were:

• 1st Cross                     151 points
• 2nd Gordon               112 Points
• 3rd Somner                84 Points
• 4th Watt                      54 Points
• 5th Mansfield           53 Points

Congratulations to Cross, House Cross Country Champions 2016. 

Outside time in After Care is a time for socialising

Outside time in After Care is a time for socialising

Outside time in After Care is a time for socialising

Cross Country

On Thursday 28 April we had our Middle School’s Cross-Country event held at Lilydale Lake. It was a great afternoon where both the boys and girls competed exceptionally well for their House and for the individual honours. All races were highly competitive and close to the very end. The individual honours went as follows:

Year 7:
1^st – Riley Turnbull.
2^nd – Jake Stubbs.
3^rd – Julian Amiet.

Year 8:
1^st – Paul Haasbroek.
2^nd – Corey Dickson.
3^rd – Alex Jenkin.

Year 9:
1^st – Matt Evans.
2^nd – Lachlan Stuyfbergen.
3^rd – Vishnu Pillay.

The overall winning House on the day was Dann/Watt House – congratulations to all members of Dann/Watt and well done to all boys for their efforts on the day.

Mothers’ Day Breakfast

Our annual Prep-Year 6 Mothers’ Day Breakfast this morning was, as always, a lovely morning. To have more than 250 boys, siblings and special female guests gather together for such a special event was very emotional.

A most committed and generous group of parents, including Kate Jones, Katy Brumley, Lorraine Allender, Haidee Wallace, Lee Elliott-Bruce and Claire Jensen prepared and provided a lovely breakfast of home-made cereal and yoghurt, pastries, sausages and other treats.

Our Year 3-6 choir performed a moving rendition of “Have I Told You Lately…” and a rousing version of “Don’t Stop Me Now”. Our Breakfast finished with our traditional video of boys’ comments about their mums, and a photo presentation.

Our sincerest thanks to the many mums and guests who were able to join us to make the morning special, to our staff and especially to Deb for her organisation of the event.

At the Breakfast, we were delighted to hear from Southwood Old Boy Kieran Walsh. Kieran is one of six medical students who form Team Tonga. In June they are travelling to Tonga, as the Island nation lacks many basic medical supplies, sometimes even as basic as hand sanitiser. The team are raising funds to purchase medical equipment to assist in community screening as well as restocking basic medical supplies to aid the developing healthcare system in Tonga. We were delighted to be able to collect donations at our Breakfast to support Kieran and Team Tonga.

Cross Country

For a number of weeks, our Junior School boys have been training during Energy Plus sessions and in their PE classes, for our annual House Cross Country.

On Tuesday morning of this week, in very windy conditions, the event arrived. Our Prep and Year 1 boys commenced proceedings with their run, a very challenging ‘sprint’ around the oval. Fortunately, this year’s guest runner was none other than The Cat In The Hat (aka Southwood Old Boy Harry Bucknall). The Cat led the way, but was quickly overtaken by the Preps. Our Year 1s likewise were quick to catch up with the Cat, who was motivating them to run fast. Unfortunately, two laps of the oval was enough for The Cat, and he slinked off, never to be seen again.

Our Year 2s powered through their 1 km course, and then it was on to the Yr 9/10, which was one of the most thrilling in memory, with Edward Oliver and Felix Kilworth (both in Year 3) almost sprinting the last 500 metres, having already given their all for the first 1 ½ kms. Rafi Taylor, Max Lalor and Lachlan Moir ran very strong races to take out the places in the 11 Year Old event, whilst Krisshnaa, Josh and Zack completed the 12/12 Year Old race in near record time.

Most importantly, the boys who find long distance running challenging still gave their all, and as they crossed the line, should have felt an enormous sense of fulfilment in their efforts…they were, as always, well supported by all other boys. Congratulations again to all boys for their enormous efforts. Thank you also to the many parents who supported our House Cross Country.

RESULTS

Year 9/10          1st Edward Oliver                  2nd Felix Kilworth         3rd Alexander Guscott

Year 11               1st Rafi Taylor                          2nd Max Lalor                  3rd Lachlan Moir

Year 12/13       1st Krisshnaa Kannan         2nd Josh Apsey                3rd Zack Crowe  

Boys and their confidence

Boys natural exuberance and energy levels can sometimes be mistaken for over confidence. With many boys, their love of kinaesthetic play masks a slowly developing level of self-confidence. In a group, they play boisterously but when standing in the spotlight, or having to engage in one to one conversations, this can be challenging. As boys reach the adolescent years, their loyalty to and love of their ‘mates’ is incredibly strong, and this is normally displayed through physical acts such as arm-punches, slaps on the back, fist pumps….but less so through the use of words. Combine this with the fact that many boys’ primary intelligence is non-verbal, meaning they do not cope well with long periods sitting at a desk, simply doing listening, speaking, reading and writing practice. Rather, they learn best by doing, moving, making, touching and seeing.

We have always found that specific opportunities to promote speaking, and in front of others, develops our boys language skills, speech and confidence.

We are continually encouraging our boys to understand the importance of language, to ensure that they don’t mask their emotions, so they realise that they must communicate, and to assist them to develop into eloquent, verbally confident young men.

Each week in our Prep-Year 2 Assemblies, two or three of our students present a prepared talk on a topic of their choice…in the past this has ranged from holidays to sport to pets to the Solar System. I am always amazed at the confidence these young boys display…talking for 5 minutes, then asking questions, of an audience of 40 children and many parents.

Next week in our Year 3-6 assembly, our Year 6 boys will present, to our Junior School, their political party speeches, one aspect of their current unit on Government.

We certainly believe that boys learn differently to girls, but we don’t believe that their language or confidence is less….it just needs to be developed through different, targeted avenues.

I meet many ‘Old Boys’ in many different circumstances, and I am always struck by their confidence, respect and loyalty to their school. It is just another element of what makes working with our boys so wonderful.

Travel Expo Photography

The Science behind photography is a fascinating subject and this is exactly what the Year 5 boys have been exploring by using a Cannon SLR camera and the expertise of our instructor, Sallyanne.

As we have explored the way light works we’ve seen how light can refract, reflect and be manipulated through translucent or opaque objects. With this in mind the boys worked on using focus lock, leading lines, ISO, aperture and shutter speed to create some very interesting images.

As we work through our photography sessions each boy will be selecting two of their favourite photos to display at the Southwood Centre in the second last week of term. This will coincide with our World Travel Expo.

When we display our Travel Expo the boys will be showing off their ICT skills through a travel stand. Some of the IT skills will be the film work that the boys have completed using a ‘green screen’. You will be able to view their green screen work during our Travel Expo by using a QR reader to scan the QR codes leading to our Portal and the boys’ presentations.

It is an exciting time for the boys and they’re loving the 21 Century learning. We hope to see you at our World Travel Expo between 2-3pm on Wednesday 8 June.

by Lee White, Junior Boys Year 5 Teacher

Knaith Road – Road Works Commencing 2nd May 2016

Girls’ Middle School News

Middle School House Cross Country

The sun was shining on Thursday as we headed off to the House Cross Country event held at Lilydale Lake. It was a terrific afternoon that saw high levels of participation, support and encouragement by our Middle School girls.

Social Service

On Tuesday this week Erin Nancarrow (Year 9) organised a casual clothes day for secondary school students to raise awareness of and funds for Motor Neuron Disease. It was a very successful day with many students supporting this great cause through their donations and purchasing of merchandise and delicious cupcakes. During Middle School Assembly on Wednesday the girls were introduced to a new initiative being run by Nicolani Susanto, Molly Fleming and Rose Russell. The project involves knitting blankets and beanies for community members who are disadvantaged and will greatly benefit from these items in the coming winter months. Donations are being sought for wool and knitting needles. If you are able to assist with any donations please send them along with your child to drop off at their Year Level Co-ordinators office. These two activities are great examples of our students showing empathy, compassion and initiative to support others in need and really embody our school motto ‘Factis no Verbis’ (By deeds not by words)

Mother’s Day Classic – Tintern Grammar Team

Saturday 8 May is the annual Mother’s Day Classic where participant’s walk or run to help raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Research. It is a great opportunity for women and families to come together and this year we are encouraging members of our community to participate together as part of the Tintern Grammar Team. It’s not too late to join our team! Please register through the website http://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/ . You can then select ‘Join Team’ and search for Tintern Grammar. You may elect to walk or run either 4km or 8km. If you have already registered you can still join our team – instructions on how to do this are found at http://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/assets/Teams/MDC-To-add-yourself-to-a-team.pdf Prior to the event we will contact you to let you know of our meeting point on the day. If you have any questions or would like to know any more information please contact Oriana Constable oconstable@tintern.vic.edu.au

16th Annual Victorian Inter-school Horse Trials Championship

Over 280 riders from schools all over Victoria competed in the 16th Annual Tintern Grammar Victorian Inter-School Horse Trials Championships held in sunny Autumn conditions at Wandin Park on 23 and 24 April. Many of our Tintern Grammar students achieved outstanding results and all rode to the very best of their capacity over the course of the weekend. Our competing riders were as follows:

Tintern Blue Team         

Eliza Harvey (Year 11), Darcee McCallum (Year 8), Olivia Garland (Year 8), Ella Trevorrow (Year 8)

Tintern Green Team

Madi Jones (Year 11), Zoë Classon (Year 8), Jessica Van Bremen (Year 8), Brooke Thompson (Year 10)

Tintern White Team

Sarah Brown (Year 11), Amelia Harvey (Year 3), Lilly Trevorrow (Year 7), Grace Lloyd (Year 7)

Ella Jones (Year 5) – in a composite team with other schools

Combined Training Team

Odette McCallum (Year 3), Aisha Heinrich (Year 1), Mia Heinrich (Year 3), Sophie Riddell (Year 4)

The overall winning team on the day was Haileybury Gold followed by Toorak College Blue and Beaconhills College in a close third place. Special congratulations to our Tintern Blue team on their 6^th placing overall. What a wonderful result! Eliza Harvey placed an outstanding 2^nd in the CNC* competition, helping her to maintain her No. 1 standing in the Victorian Team. We wish her well as she and other riders work towards the Nationals later in the year. Millie Harvey’s 3^rd place in the 50cm class was fabulous, as was Ella Trevorrow’s 4^th in the EvA80.1 section. Odette also was very pleased to receive 100% for her dressage round in the Combined Training section of the event.

Such a high quality professional equestrian event would not be possible without an amazing team of hard working parents and a huge roster of volunteers. The dedication and commitment of the Friends of Equestrian committee must be applauded loudly, as this event brings a broad and very public spotlight onto our school. Many competitors from other schools and their families had nothing but praise for the way the event was conducted over the course of the weekend. I know the committee also appreciated the many parents, staff and students who volunteered their time to ensure the success of this event.

by Alison Bezaire, Equestrian Co-ordinator

IB Chemistry

Over the past two weeks the Year 12 IB Chemistry students have been carrying out the action phase of their Independent Investigation – the Internal Assessment component of their course which is worth 20% of their final mark in Chemistry. In this 10 hour experimental task, the students must individually undertake an investigation which they have designed themselves.

A major difference in the new IB Science courses is that the students must demonstrate a high degree of personal engagement in this independent practical investigation. To this end, their choice of topic has to have personal significance and as they carry out the work, engagement is demonstrated in the way in which they adapt to the challenges that self-designed pracs inevitably throw in your way. I have been delighted with the dedication, persistence and resourcefulness that the students have demonstrated. From the fish tank into which Jack Church feeds oxygen from decomposing hydrogen peroxide in order to test the efficiency of ethanol combustion, to Keely McGovern’s homemade corn chips which are deep fried in different oils to investigate the relative energy content of the biscuits, all the experiments are original and involved. Following her exchange to France last Christmas Anjali Lobo is investigating how the time for which mulled wine is cooked affects the alcohol content of the wine. Annie Chou is attempting to come out with a definitive answer to the question of when red pepper should be added to a stir fry in order to keep its vitamin C content. The work of the other students in the class is equally engaging.

Three Year 11 IB students are adding to their already hectic schedules by undertaking an additional two hours of Chemistry lectures each week at the University of Melbourne. Ada Chen, Brittany Read and Sabrina Wang travel into the city each Wednesday after school has finished to attend the CEA Chemistry Olympiad training lectures. In this 14 week course they cover most of the content of Years 11 and 12 Chemistry, so the pace is very fast indeed. They will sit the National Chemistry Olympiad Qualifying examination in August to test their new found knowledge.

by Lanna Derry
IB Chemistry teacher
Head of Science

Chaplains Corner

Psalm 121 – The School Psalm – Part 2

³ He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ He who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

Here are verse 3 and 4 of the School Psalm, Psalm 121. The ancient journey psalm which I began writing about in my last Chaplains Corner. These verses speak of Yahweh, the Lord, keeping us as we journey. Verse 3 speaks of ‘our foot not being moved’ in the sense of the ground on which we stand (God) is secure and will never fail. It is sure and certain, we will not fall if the ground on which we stand is the Lord. The text then moves on to describe the Lord, God, as one who never slumbers. As a parent there have been nights along the journey when I have needed to sleep in the room on the floor beside my son when he has been ill. And as a parent, you stay as much as you can in that wakeful sleep mode, listening for changes in breathing. This image of our God surpasses that because as parents we cannot be constantly watchful and awake, instead we are reminded in this passage that God never sleeps, is always present, always wakeful, and it is a promise. A promise for all eternity. We are never alone.

May the weeks ahead be filled with moments where you are reminded of this

Grace and Peace
Rev’d Alison

Key Dates Term 2 2016