From the Principal

A celebratory farewell to 2018 and a time for family, reflection and anticipation of a bright future.

Over the last week, I have lost count of the number of parents, staff and students who have commented on how quickly 2018 has passed. I must say, our Foundation Service at the start of Term 1 does feel very recent for me too. So, is the pace of things really faster, or are we (am I) moving slower with age? I’m not sure whether either is really true, but there is no doubt that the school year gets more and more full each year.

As we farewelled our Year 12 students at the Valedictory Dinner in November, I sat with the staff as they recalled so many aspects of the journey travelled by those young women and men over their time at the School. They spoke of values education and maths enhancement in the Junior Schools, of NAPLAN improvement, of trips to Canberra and flying Cessna’s, of social service and of the students’ embracing of the Buddies program.

From Middle School I heard about the Da Vinci Decathlon, the Australian Maths Competition, Science Talent Quest and writer workshops. We talked of ICAS National Science, Maths, IT, and Writing and the amazing top 1% results these fine young women and men achieved. Tintern’s Days for Girls and Boys to Men programs were talked about as developers of character, and I heard about white-water rafting and cross-country skiing adventures, of student-driven service projects and of Colour Runs and pro-diversity initiatives.

During Senior College, our leavers had been to France on exchange, or China for world education. They had been leaders of outdoor education groups, of subject, of Houses, or even of the School. They had been part of the service project to India on World Challenge and had won sporting premierships, debating titles and competitions in Mathematics, Science and Writing. These women and men had launched initiatives for the less fortunate, had run terrific activities for their peers and the rest of the School and had exercised wise and caring leadership.

For our young people, life is indeed very, very busy. Perhaps the Education Minister, the Hon. Dan Tehan is correct when he says the curriculum is too full, but I’m not sure I agree. I see the Tintern students leave our school with a kit bag chock full of skills, attributes and character that is built from embracing a diverse and fascinating range of academic and co-curricular opportunities with expectations of the best they can do. It’s a kit bag filled through taking those opportunities and expectations up with persistence, with a strong work ethic and with a willingness to stretch and challenge themselves. And it’s through these experiences that their character is formed and it is through the challenge those things offer, together with the occasional failure experienced and resulting resilience, that they develop the ability to execute those skills, attributes and character for an enjoyable and fulfilling life as an adult.

We need to celebrate the fullness of life, by appreciating the value of a full school program for each child with a range of things suited to their interests and opportunities that will offer challenge to every child. That might be a busy education, but it’s also a very good one.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and I hope you can enjoy a happy and restful holiday with your family and your community. See you in 2019.

One final note, we are pleased to share that nominations are now open for the 2019 Tintern Grammar Avenue of Excellence. Visit the following link to submit a nomination or to learn more about the award and nomination process: www.tintern.vic.edu.au/community/avenue-of-excellence

Factis non verbis

Girls’ Middle School News

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As children, Christmas always seemed to take such a long to arrive and now that we are slightly less young, Christmas seems to sneak up on us with amazing speed. Here we are again at the end of another school year. A year full of adventures, of discovery and growth, of learning right across the spectrum of different subjects, wrapped up in plenty of laughter and a few moments of pure joy.

Last Tuesday afternoon was one such moment for me. I was standing in front of our Middle School girls in our final girls’ assembly and I asked them to reflect on moments that had made them laugh in the last term. As you can imagine the buzz in the room was palpable as they shared anecdotes with each other. I then asked them to identify a gratitude moment where someone had helped them, shown them kindness and/or supported them. I then challenged our girls to find that person in the room and tell them how grateful they were for what they had done. The volume and energy in the room immediately went up as approx. 200 girls embraced this concept and were racing around the lecture theatre to tell other students how grateful they were for them. As an educator this was a powerful scene to observe. It was a truly amazing way to end the year. Whilst their journey over this past year may had some highs and lows, each student was able to articulate a moment of joy and gratitude, which are invaluable life skills.

It is remarkable to think that just 12 months ago our Year 7 girls were right at the start of their secondary school journey and yet have so quickly become an integral part of our school. Our Year 8s are now becoming leaders of the Middle School and of course, our wonderful Year 9s are heading onto our Senior College to begin their final years of secondary schooling.

The last two weeks of the school year has seen our girls begin their transition into their new classes for 2019. They have begun their 2019 timetable completely and the level of commitment and effort they have displayed was fantastic to see. Our Year 9s moved into the Senior College and started their Year 10 subjects, with a large number of them also beginning a VCE Unit 1/2 subject as well. They also spent the second week of transition on their Summer Expeditions; this had them either white water rafting down the Mitchell, sea kayaking on the Gippsland lakes, or rock climbing in stunning Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. This is always a fantastic way to finish the year for the girls and provides them with some great experiences, both physically and with friends.

Our Year 8s have had an action packed couple of weeks with drama and music performances to the ELC, Medieval Day, City Experience and of course our Ironman event on the final day, plus much more. The Year 7s have also been involved in many activities including Maths Magic Shows, Ironman and Science incursions. All this whilst getting a great start in their new subjects for next year.

At our Final assembly of the year we presented our Year 9 girls on stage and officially farewelled them into Year 10. Included in this was the presentation of our annual Endeavour Award and Elspeth Adamson Award. This Year the Endeavour Award went to Lydia Tan and our Elspeth Adamson Award to Laura Mitcham and Holly Whitfield. Big congratulations to these girls who, along with many other possible candidates, have both displayed a fantastic approach to their learning both in class at Tintern and the contribution they have made to our school.

We would also like to congratulate our Term 4 Factis Non Verbis Award Recipients:

7A – Ava Cassidy and Ella Jones

7B – Alyssa Carter and Saskia Jackson-Smith

8A – Maddie Hupfeld and Aleisha Paul

8B – Hannah Desmond and Millie Jensen

9A – Alana Lawson and Zoe Liew

9B – Alison Gatt and Kaitlyn Oldaker

9C – Laura Mitcham and Holly Whitfield

We also announced our new Middle School leadership team for 2019. I wanted to take this moment to say how incredibly hard it was to make our choices as there were so many wonderful candidates and that we are proud of all students who were courageous enough to put themselves forward for each position. Well done to all of those who applied.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERS:

HOUSE LEADERS:

LEADERSHIP ROLES:

As 2018 draws to a close, I would like to wish all our families a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday period. Thank you again for entrusting us with the care of your girl(s) over this past year. I hope that over this holiday season, you have an opportunity to spend precious time together as a family and with those you love. Looking forward to seeing you all back in 2019.

Chaplain’s Corner

Have you ever asked your children to write a ‘want list’ for Christmas? My kids start their list sometime around June, my son Jacob was kind enough to provide me with a want list and a need list with the amount of each item attached. His idea of what constitutes a need is interesting to say the least…

Other requests on the ‘want’ list this year in my house have included: Logan Paul merchandise, K-pop BTS pyjamas, Journey dolls and al the accessories.

The focus at Christmas easily becomes about getting. What do you want for Christmas? Then after Christmas the first question people will ask is, ‘What did you get for Christmas? We never ask the question, ‘What did you give?’

In the text from the Bible outlining the birth of Jesus, the focus is on Jesus being given to the world. Now for a moment imagine if everyone in the world this Christmas had a heart disposition where we give, the net effect of that is remarkably different to a worldwide disposition of the heart which asks what can I get.

At Christmas, we remember the gift of a baby whose life brought hope and peace to a world in need. We are called to give in such a way that we give in order to bring once again that peace, joy and hope. And just like the gift of Jesus to the world, to truly be a gift, it needs to be given whether the person deserves it or not.

So what will you give this Christmas?

Music Matters

A Merry and Musical Christmas to All!

From all of the Music Staff, we wish all of our Tintern Families and, especially, our musicians a Merry Christmas. 2019 promises to be another bumper year of wonderful performances. For those who like to lock those key musical dates into their calendars early, please take note:

Have a safe and restful holiday (but don’t forget to keep practising those instruments – we don’t want them to feel unloved!)

Sport Matters

A great end to the Interschools Combined Training Series for Ruby

Ruby Smiley in Year 5 recently competed in the final round of the  for 2018. The combined training consists of a dressage test followed by a show jumping round.

Congratulations to Ruby and her horse Flash who placed 3rd in the final competition, and due to their consistent high placings throughout the series, they came in as Reserve Champion (2nd) overall for the entire series for the Primary CT60. This is a huge achievement in a highly competitive field where up to 60 Victorian schools compete over the entire series in all different grades. Well done, Ruby!

Alison competes at Karate Nationals

Congratulations to Year 9 student Alison Gatt who recently competed in the Karate Nationals and placed 4^th in her event. A great effort Alison, well done!

Community Matters

The Community Relations team and all the Community Groups would like to take this opportunity to wish all Tintern Grammar families a happy and safe Christmas. It has been a pleasure to work with all Community Volunteers; whether you help in the classroom, belong to a community group or contribute to a Community event, your time is genuinely valued. Many of these events would not have been possible without your generous support, and we are very grateful.

All the Community Groups have experienced a successful year that is truly reflective of our families. We look forward to your ongoing support in 2019.

Volunteer Thank You Evening 2018

Thank you to the wonderful group of Volunteers who have assisted at Tintern throughout 2018. Whether as a Committee member, class representative or volunteering at any number of special events, your dedication and support have been greatly appreciated by all. We were very pleased to host over 40 of our dedicated volunteers at the Volunteer Thank You evening on Thursday 29 November. Enjoying delicious food and drink in the Art Exhibition Space it was a wonderful way to celebrate the year that was.

Would you be willing for us to put an advertising sign in your front yard to help promote our Fair?

If so, please get in contact – 9845 7877 or fair@tintern.vic.edu.au!

Volunteers Needed

The Fair committee are looking for parent volunteers to be year level coordinators of the following remaining stalls (please note: year levels listed are 2019 year level):

• Yr 1 – Cappuccino

• Yr 11 – Sausage / Hamburger Sizzle

• Yr 12 – Devonshire Tea

Please email the Fair Committee fair@tintern.vic.edu.au to let them know you’re interested in being a stall coordinator.

Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who have already signed on as Stall Coordinators for 2019.

Are you Spring Cleaning?

For the 2019 School Fair our parents and students will be running ‘recycling/reusing/upcycling’ stalls featuring second-hand clothing, books and toys. Please consider donating any suitable items to the school and spreading the word amongst neighbours and friends. In the past they have been fabulous fundraisers, and an opportunity to find some rare and wonderful bargains.

We ask that all donations are in a good clean condition ready for sale. All items can be boxed or bagged up and dropped off as follows:

• Second hand books are to be dropped to the corridor running between learning enhancement and Kennedy Cottage 
• Second hand clothing and toys will need to be dropped outside the old boarding house under the cover and Tintern staff will move inside.
• New items should be dropped in the hallway in Kennedy Cottage.

Thank you for all of your donations.

Fair Sponsorship Opportunities

In 2017, our FAIR raised in excess of $50,000 towards a solar project for our redeveloped 21^st Century Science wing. Work has begun on this project and completion is anticipated early 2019. This year, with your help, we hope to continue our sustainable focus redirecting our 2019 FAIR fundraising dollars to wind power and more solar options.

The Fair is held every two years, and previous Fairs held at Tintern have attracted more than 5,000 people.  In the evening, we have an impressive fireworks display that attracts additional guests.  Many families and business owners attend the fair and come from the local and surrounding community.  This creates a unique opportunity to showcase your goods and services or your business.

For further information please read the flyer below, or contact the Community Relations on 03 9845 7877 or communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au. 

Community Committee Dates 

• Tintern Parent Group (TPG) –Next meeting: Early 2019 Kennedy Cottage Co-Presidents: Haidee Wallace and Leeza Crowe
• Friends of Music (FOM) – Next Meeting: Early 2019 CM Wood Common Room President: Tim Oldmeadow
• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next Meeting: Monday 11 February Kennedy Cottage President: Jonathan Cross
• Fair Committee – Next Meeting: Tuesday 12 February Kennedy Cottage CM Wood Common Room Fair Convenor: Amanda McKenzie
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – Next Meeting: TBA Kennedy Cottage President: Henrik Qvist

Community Group Fundraising

Entertainment Book – Perfect for the School Holidays!

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift you can still purchase the Entertainment Book Membership! For a limited time they are offering free postage of the books.

Filled with up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers for the most popular restaurants, attractions, shopping, travel and more. The book is current from purchase until the end of May 2019.

With many new offers and all the old favourites the value of this book is incredible!

Please click here to order your 2018/2019 Entertainment book from Tintern Grammar. Books can be collected from Main Reception, or instantly purchase and access a digital membership which can then be used on two separate devices.

Please contact Community Relations on 9845 7877 for further information.

All proceeds raised go towards the fundraising for the TPG for 2018.

Tintern Grammar Photo Albums – Protect your School Photos!

Protect your child’s school photos with a stunning Tintern Photo Album. The TPG is offering beautiful quality made customised ‘buckram’ binders for only $72. The albums are Navy, featuring the school crest and name printed in silver on the front cover and come complete with 10 transparent sheet inserts.

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

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

Once you have placed your order, please take your confirmation to the Uniform Shop to collect your Album and/or extra pages.

Year 12 VCE Morning Tea Tomorrow, 11am (Friday 14 December)

Year 12 VCE students and families, we hope you can join us tomorrow (Friday 14 December) at 11am in the Hawthorn Room for a morning tea to celebrate the completion of your school journey.

For catering purposes please book via Trybooking

Avenue of Excellence 2019 Nominations Now Open

We are pleased to share that nominations are now open for the 2019 Tintern Grammar Avenue of Excellence!

Click here to submit a nomination or to learn more about the award and nomination process.

Boys’ Middle School News

When reading a good book, it’s always a fulfilling experience to close the pages when the book is finished. It’s a similar feeling when you reach the end of a school year. When we take the opportunity to reflect back on what our boys have accomplished throughout the year, or what experiences they have undertaken, it’s just as fulfilling. To think of our Year 7s who less than 12 months ago began their secondary schooling journey, to our current Year 8s who are now heading into leadership within our Middle School, and of course our Year 9s who we bid farewell to as they move into our Senior College.

The last two weeks of the school year has seen our boys begin their transition into their new classes for 2019. They have begun their 2019 timetable completely and the level of commitment and effort they have displayed was fantastic to see. Our Year 9s moved into the Senior College and started their Year 10 subjects, with a large number of them also beginning a VCE Unit 1/2 subject as well. They also spent the second of the two weeks on their Summer Expeditions; this had them either hiking the high country, climbing around Mount Arapiles or white water rafting the Mitta Mitta River. This is always a fantastic way to finish the year for the boys and provides them with some great experiences, both physically and with friends.

Our Year 8s have had an action packed couple of weeks with drama and music performances to the ELC, Billy Cart Race Day, Medieval Day, City Experience and of course our Ironman event on the final day, plus much more. The Year 7s have also been involved in many activities including Maths Magic Shows, Ironman and Science incursions. All this whilst getting a great start in their new subjects for next year.

At our final assembly of the year we presented our Year 9 boys on stage and officially farewelled them into Year 10. Included in this was the presentation of our annual Endeavour Award and JP Masters Award. This Year the Endeavour Award went to Oliver Huang and our JP Masters Award to Charlie Carboon. A big congratulations to these boys who, along with many other possible candidates, have both displayed a fantastic approach to their learning both in class at Tintern but also in their development into fine young men.

Our Term 4 Factis non Verbis Awards were also presented, with the recipients being:

7D – Will Storey

7E – Tim Yu

8D – Mark Evans

8E – Tristan Stafford

9D – Julian Amiet

9E – Ben Bizley

I would like to wish all our families a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday period. I’d like to thank you for entrusting us with the education of your boy(s) and in helping to grow them into the fine young men they are all becoming. As I mentioned at the start, closing a book is always great feeling, but knowing there is another, even more exciting, sequel about to start is even better. I really look forward to seeing everyone back at school in 2019.

News from the French Department

Rachael Merritt (YG 2016)

Scotty James (YG 2013)

Christine Ruff (Arndt YG 1986)

Congratulations to Alumna Christine Ruff (Arndt YG 1986) who has just published her first novel, Echoes of Home. The book is based on her family history, which is extremely fascinating, as one as her German descendants was shipped to Australia during the second World War and placed into an internment camp in Tatura in Victoria.

Christine told us that  Echoes of Home is her first, and possibly last novel, “it was a labour of love, taking nine years to complete (whilst working and raising a family) and was done as much for my Mum as for me, to document our family’s unique history before it was forgotten. Although it’s our family’s history, it encompasses a lot more than just one family’s journey.”

Christine has kindly donated an autographed copy of Echoes of Home to the Tintern library, or you can purchase your own copy by contacting the Community Relations Office at Tintern Grammar.

Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards

Congratulations to alumnae Celia Pacquola (YG 2000) and Fiona Eagger (YG 1979) who were nominated for Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards.

Celia was nominated for the AACTA award for Best Performance in a Television Comedy in Rosehaven, and Rosehaven was also nominated for Best Comedy Program.

Fiona, along with her colleagues at Every Cloud Productions, won the AACTA award for Best Online Video or Series for Deadlock.

2019 Tintern Grammar Giant Fair News

Be sure to mark the date – Saturday 30 March 2019 – in your calendar and join us for the Tintern Grammar 2019 Giant Fair. 

To stay up-to-date with Fair news keep reading and also visit the MyTintern portal or follow the Facebook event. 

Calling all Tintern past students!

We are looking for alumni bands and entertainers to perform at our Giant Fair on Saturday 30 March 2019!

If you can help please contact the Community Relations office via communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au.

Are you Spring Cleaning?

For the 2019 School Fair our parents and students will be running ‘recycling/reusing/upcycling’ stalls featuring second-hand clothing, books and toys. Please consider donating any suitable items to the school and spreading the word amongst neighbours and friends. In the past they have been fabulous fundraisers, and an opportunity to find some rare and wonderful bargains.

We ask that all donations are in a good clean condition ready for sale. All items can be boxed or bagged up and dropped off at the old boarding house (behind the uniform shop) from the first day of school next year until Fair Day.

Would you be willing for us to put an advertising sign in your front yard to help promote our Fair?

If so, please get in contact – 9845 7877 or fair@tintern.vic.edu.au!

Fair logo winner announced 

Congratulations to Nicolani Susanto in Year 11 who has been named the winner of the 2019 Fair logo competition. The committee remarked that they loved Nicolani’s colourful design, found it to be great both in small and large sizes, and it expressed a lovely festive feel. Congratulations Nicolani!

Fair Convenor Amanda McKenzie was pleased to congratulate Nicolani at an assembly last week and present her with the winner’s prize for the Fair logo competition. Congratulations again Nicolani!

Here is the winning design!

Booking a Fair Stall

If you are interested in booking a stall at the fair, visit this link to learn more.

Volunteers Needed – 2019 Giant Fair

Would you like to get involved in the Tintern Grammar 2019 Giant Fair? Come along to our next meeting Tuesday 9 October 7.30pm at Kennedy Cottage.

The Tintern Giant Fair is an incredible, fun-filled day out for families and our wider community to enjoy great food, entertainment, second-hand sales and exciting rides. It raises funds that contribute to many different programs in the school, including sustainability, which enriches every student’s educational experience.

The Fair is also an opportunity for you to become part of the dynamic team of individuals who plan the Fair and create the fun for our community. 

Do you have any new ideas that could make our next Fair an even bigger success than before? Do you want to meet other parents and families? Then please get in touch to assist with any of the following:

• Fair Planning Committee
• Event Planning
• Food Handling
• Managing the Stage and Entertainment
• Fundraising & Prize Donations

If you are keen to be involved in any way, please email your expression of interest to fair@tintern.vic.edu.au, or contact Community Relations on 9845 7877.

Further information

For further information please contact the Fair committee via email fair@tintern.vic.edu.au.

To stay up-to-date with Fair news visit the MyTintern portal or follow the Facebook event. 

Updated Policies

Over the course of this year, the Executive team has been working to update a number of school policies.

The following policies have been reviewed and updated and can be accessed via these links and in the Parent Services section of the Portal under policies.

1. Nut Awareness Policy
2. Medication Policy
3. Guidelines to Prevent Dehydration at School (NB Guidelines not a policy)

Key Dates

Term 1, 2019 Key Dates