From the Principal

My Digital Me – our lives online and how we live them

The Australian Psychological Society has recently released a very significant set of survey responses, which examined the effect of social media and digital technology on the wellbeing of Australians. The survey was undertaken by over 1000 adults and approximately 150 teens between 14 and 17 years of age.

The complete report can be found here: Digital Me Survey Report, but a number of salient points emerged from the sample group:

• 90 per cent of Australians surveyed use social media, with Facebook and YouTube the most popular channels across all age groups.
• Teens spend 3.3 hours a day on social media and adults 2.6 hours. Some teens log on to their favoured channels as much as 50 times a day.
• Australians are highly attached to their mobile devices: 78.8 per cent of teens and 53.5 per cent of adults have what psychologists refer to as high mobile phone involvement. This can involve behaviour like using a mobile phone for no particular purpose and being unable to reduce mobile phone use.
• Australian adults who are highly involved with their mobile phones are also more likely to use mobile phones immediately before sleep, immediately on waking and while eating.
• The high use of social media and technology is impacting on self-esteem, with two in three teens feeling pressure to look good. Adults find Instagram in particular fuels concern about their appearance.
• Many teens are contacted by or make contact with strangers via Facebook – 15 per cent say this occurs daily.
• 60 per cent of parents do not monitor the online activity of their children.
• Teens and adults report experiencing or perpetrating bullying and antisocial behaviour online.
• More than one in four teenagers has been bullied or trolled on social media
• Despite this, Australians report that their experiences of using their favoured online social media platforms is generally positive. Many using social media channels to connect with family, friends and to entertain themselves.

These results are not unique and mirrored those found in other studies. It is clear we value aspects of our social media and online lives, but that for some adults and children there are significant negative experiences also.

In my dealings with poor decision making, ill-considered actions and, occasionally, ill-intent online by young people, I am consistently struck by how much they feel that these negative experiences are “just what happens” online, and this has concerned me for some time. Some recent conversations with parents, staff and senior students has sharpened this concern.

Consider our face to face behaviour, where a societal understanding of etiquette has developed over centuries and is largely understood and accepted across groups and ages. In contrast, etiquette online has developed organically, by and large without legal or structural intervention or guidance. This means that there is not that same shared understanding, and I know that many adults struggle to understand why students think a certain behaviour is quite acceptable, when to an adult it is clearly very inappropriate.

As a school, we need to try to bridge this understanding, reduce damaging or negative experiences online and confirm an online community with a values-based culture that is analogous to the values-based face to face culture in our community. Historically, online initiatives have largely involved older adults telling young people what should happen through policies, procedures, agreements and ‘rules’ of other sorts – all of which are written by the adults, with an adult understanding, based on the face to face, historic, etiquette I described earlier. It is clear to me that this ‘top down’ approach is not having the impact we would want and we need to approach this using other, additional tools.

As a part of one of our strategic projects involving student wellbeing and agency, Tintern Grammar is initiating a program to partner students with staff and parents in reviewing our online policies, expectations and landscape. This will be a key student-focussed plank of our operational Plan, overseen by Tintern Grammar Executive and enacted in partnership with our senior School Leaders. The start of this project will involve consultation with students in both Senior College and Middle School, staff and parents and I will ensure that you are informed and kept abreast of it, as it progresses.

Online activity, increasing density of social media experiences, the proliferation of social media platforms, along with a lack of agency oversight of online behaviour, are all going to continue into the foreseeable future. So this will be a long-term project, conducted over multiple years, not unlike our pro-diversity initiative, that has been operating for the last two years. We will be aiming to embed this in multiple dimensions of the student experience at Tintern, to ensure that it becomes ‘what we do at Tintern’ in the same way as our student make the same assumption about the Tintern Compass Values.

I look forward to us all joining forces to develop of healthier and more positive online community over the coming years at Tintern.

Factis non verbis

Brad Fry
Principal 

Curriculum Matters

Semester Report

At the end of the school year (yes it’s almost here!) Semester Reports for our Prep to Year 11 students will become available online in our Portal. These reports summarise students’ progress for the semester, and most importantly give feedback on what they have done well and how they can further improve. The content of these reports is a critical element in the academic and overall development of every student as well as our parents’ understanding of it.

As has been the case this year students can access their own reports via the portal and will be guided to review and reflect on key goals at the start of next year. This is to facilitate the development of reflective, independent learners who are learning the tools of cyclical review and goal setting that will see them achieve their best and prepare them for a future of lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

As has been our practice for several years we will not be producing and posting home hard copy reports. Instead, the reports can be viewed and printed as PDF files to be viewed by families online via our Portal. You can also access all of a student’s reports from their time at Tintern Grammar, archived online for your easy reference.

These reports will be available to families on Tuesday 19 December at 11am and an email will be sent that day to families as a prompt. Instructions on how families can access these will be emailed on Monday 11 December. 

To view these reports, please log in to MyTintern and go to the ‘Parent Services’ tab, then select the ‘Absences, Finance and Reports’ section and log in to the Synergetic System. A summary view can be can be found under the ‘Results’ tab and the full PDF version of the reports can be found in the Documents tab. Please be aware that the report screen will take about 20 secs to load once you log in.

Copies of the current and past reports in PDF format can be found under the ‘Documents’ tab. If you have any issues with logging in to the portal or locating your reports please call the IT helpdesk on 9845 7883 or email ITservices@tintern.vic.edu.au

We hope you find this process straightforward and the reports an informative summation of your child’s achievement and progress this semester as well as useful material to help guide future learning.

Year 8 Progressive Reporting Trial

This year we have trialled progressive reporting for our Year 8 families whereby grades for individual assessment tasks have appeared on the portal at regular intervals to give parents a progressive view of their child’s progress. As the trial draws to a close, I am keen to receive feedback on this process. If Year 8 families could spend five minutes to complete a survey found at this link I would be very grateful.

Merry Christmas!

Music Matters

South Pacific Rehearsals underway!

It has been great to feel the dance studio, rehearsal rooms and the CM Wood Centre coming alive over the past few weeks with the sounds, moves and energy of our fresh new cast as we start to learn our songs and dances for the Tintern 2018 production of ‘South Pacific’. Be sure to mark the performance dates in your 2018 calendar:

DATES: Wednesday 21 March through to Saturday 24 March.

VENUE: Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood

Music lessons for 2018

We encourage all of our Music students to continue lessons on their instruments through to the end of November, as the summer break is quite lengthy and lessons do not usually recommence until February of the following year. As so many of our music students reach their quota of 30 music lessons for the year by early to mid-November, we will be increasing the number of lessons per semester in 2018 to 16 (i.e. 32 per year). This will save the flurry of letters currently going out regarding extra lessons in November. A letter soon will be coming home to parents of all current Instrumental Music students regarding enrolling for lessons next year. New Music Lesson enrolments for 2018 also are welcome at this stage. Please call Elizabeth Feenane in the Music Office (Ph: 9845 7837) if you have any questions regarding these matters or if you would like to receive an enrolment form for Music lessons in 2018.

by Alison Bezaire, Director of Music

Sport Matters

Congratulations to Alice Callahan!

Just over a week ago, Alice Callahan (Year 7) competed at the annual Yarra Glen Horse Trials. In Dressage, Alice and her horse, Beacon placed 6^th, scoring 83 points out of 100. In Showjumping, they rode clear with no penalties or time penalties and were still in 6^th place. In Cross Country, they had no penalties or time penalties, resulting in an overall placing of 4th out of 27 riders!

Congratulations, Alice, on this great result.

by Alison Bezaire, Equestrian Coordinator

Community Matters

Community Group Fundraising

We have just received some more stunning Tintern Roses, just in time for Christmas! If you are interested in purchasing one please contact Di Lacey or Tegan Martin in Community Relations by email to communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au or 9845 7877 to arrange collection.

Community Group News

Bookings Now Open – Tintern Parent Group Last day lunch: Tuesday 12 December 11am – 2.30pm

The last day of term is always an exciting one for our families, with many special events to celebrate the end of the school year. The Tintern Parents Group warmly invite you to sit and relax in the middle of this busy day, to share the festive spirit and time with friends. For only $20 per head you will be able to sit and enjoy a relaxed lunch in the Compass Café Gallery Space.

Book now by selecting here or through www.trybooking.com/SYQM

Welcome back to the Class of 1957, 1962, 1967 and the Hawthorn Years!

Today saw the return of over 70 Tintern Grammar Alumni, with the youngest graduating 50 years ago, and the eldest an amazing 82 years ago (Class of 1935).

It was a lovely day filled with delicious food and drinks, as well as a truly wonderful performance by our very own Cooper Choir. Many of the attendees braved the hot weather and toured the school with some of our Year 9 students. Enjoy a selection of photos from today’s reunion below.

This was our final Reunion for 2017 but we look forward to hosting the following Year Groups in 2018:

• Class of 2017 – Return to Tintern
• Class of 2013 – 5 Year Reunion
• Class of 2008 – 10 Year Reunion
• Class of 2003 – 15 Year Reunion
• Class of 1998 – 20 Year Reunion
• Class of 1993 – 25 Year Reunion
• Class of 1988 – 30 Year Reunion
• Class of 1983 – 35 Year Reunion
• Class of 1978 – 40 Year Reunion
• Class of 1973 – 45 Year Reunion
• Class of 1968 – 50 Year Reunion
• Class of 1963 – 55 Year Reunion
• Class of 1958 – 60 Year Reunion

Mangos about to arrive!

Due to the warmer weather the mangoes have ripened early this year! Delivery is expected this Thursday and, if you ordered a tray, you will receive an email regarding collection shortly.

Munch with the Musos – Bookings now open!

Munch with the Musos is Tintern’s Friends of Music fabulous end of year social event to be held on Sunday 26 November from 10am to 12.30pm. 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: www.trybooking.com/SSTI

This event is not to be missed so book now!

Community Committee dates

• Tintern Parent Group (TPG) –Next meeting: Thursday 8 February 2018 30pm Kennedy Cottage Co-Presidents: Haidee Wallace and Leeze Crowe

• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next Meeting: Monday 5 February 2018 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage, Community Services. President: Joy Ashfield

Upcoming Reunions:

• YG 2017 Return to Tintern for Graduating class and their families Thursday 8 February 7.30pm to 9pm.

Past Students

Crystal Kimber (YG 2007) wins 2017 MYER Fashions on the Field National Competition

Congratulations to alumna Crystal Kimber (YG 2007) who won the 2017 MYER Fashions on the Field National Competition at Kennedy Oaks Day at Flemington yesterday. Crystal designed her gorgeous dress which was once her grandmother’s skirt and her mum Gail created it. Congratulations See Kimber and Gail on this amazing achievement!

 Darcy Ryder (YG 2012) lands dream job at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Congratulations to alumna Darcy Ryder (YG 2012) who has just landed her dream job at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in Brisbane. Darcy graduated from a Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of New England last year and recently sat down with them to share her experience in this video.

Best wishes Darcy for your exciting new role!

Community Group Fundraising

 North Queensland Mango Drive Update

On behalf of the TPG, we are happy to announce our mangoes are scheduled to arrive at school on Thursday 23 November.

We have a staggering 312 trays to unload and organise ready for you to collect from 8.30am Friday 24 November.

Collection point: Southwood Centre Foyer

Collection times: 8.30-9.15am and 2.30-3.30pm 

Please note adhering to these times will ensure the foyer is maned and someone will be able to assist you.

Thank you again for your support of the Mango Fundraiser.

Photo Album

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

The albums are great for storing:
– The official school photos
– Certificates
– Naplan 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. 

Entertainment Books

The Entertainment books are offered for purchase through the School. The Entertainment™ Book, and the Entertainment™ Digital Membership, are your guide to the most popular restaurants, attractions, shopping, travel and more, all with valuable up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers. The book is current from purchase until the end of May 2018.

Please click here to order your 2017/2018 Entertainment book

Puzzling out Puzzle Play

In any early childhood room, you will see a table dedicated to puzzles.

It is well known that puzzles can be used in a variety of ways and teach children a variety of life skills.

A teacher will put out puzzles for a specific purpose.

• A table for collaborative thinking or working together
• A quiet place for children to stop and take a breather
• A spot for one on one attention with a teacher
• Building resilience and perseverance
• Perhaps to explore colours and matching of colours
• Alternatively, looking at sides, corners and edges.

Puzzles come in a variety of levels and difficulties and often a puzzle with less pieces can be more challenging than a 100-piece puzzle. Some free form puzzles with no straight edge can indeed be challenging. We also use layered puzzles with increasingly more difficult levels.

Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to work their physical skills such as hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills.

Within puzzle play, children use gross (or big) muscle movements to turn the boards and pick up the piece. Floor puzzle are particularly good at providing opportunities for children to use these muscles as the build a large puzzle on the floor.

Fine motor skills are worked with the turning of pieces, fitting pieces together and using a pincer grasp to place the pieces into the right spot.

Hand-eye coordination is developed as the brain is trained to look for the right shape or colour in a missing piece of the puzzle.

Through puzzle play, cognitive skills are also developed: concepts of shape recognition, sides, corners and peg puzzles with simple pictures to encourage language skills. Children use problem-solving skills to solve a puzzle. Either pieces fit together or they do not. Critically eliminating pieces is essential for their development.

Lastly, emotional skills within children are explored, enhanced and developed while completing puzzles. When doing puzzles, children need to consider the steps needed to complete the task. Process of elimination or building up sides and corners first to sorting colours that go together. Perhaps your child is one who builds the puzzle outside the frame before inserting into the board. Children will develop their own strategies to complete puzzles. Patience, tolerance and resilience are important, as puzzles are not completed quickly and as they get more difficult, require longer stays at the table to complete them.

There is no mistaking the benefits of puzzles. Give your child the opportunity to continue learning from simple shapes, to silhouettes, to jigsaw puzzles, to abstract shapes united by a mathematical concept. These are the joys of puzzle play.

by Kristin De Vos, ELC Co-Ordinator & Teacher

Prep – Year 2 Girls’ House Swimming Carnival

On Friday 3 November the Prep to Year 2 girls competed in the annual swimming carnival at the pool. It was a fantastic day to showcase how much the girls had learnt from their swimming lessons in the previous seven days. The girls swam very well and enjoyed the carnival. Congratulations to all of the girls for their fantastic swimming. Thank you to the coaches from Just Swimming, Nunawading for their work throughout the program and to the Year 6 House Captains for their assistance on the day.

Results were as follows:

Somner                1st

Cross                     2nd

Watt                      2nd

Gordon                 4th

Mansfield            5th

by Ashley Viney, Junior School P.E. & Science Teacher & Assistant Head of Sport Years 7&8

Eve Ferrie Awarded the Bill Borthwick Young Musicians Prize

Recently Eve (Year 5) competed in the Dandenong Ranges Council  Music Competition and was awarded the Bill Borthwick 2018 Young Musicians prize for most outstanding musician in the primary section.

Earlier this month, Eve was also featured in the Clarinet and Saxophone society’s bi-annual newsletter. She is interviewed by the president of the association and talks a little about her practice techniques, musical interests and current repertoire.

Congratulations to Eve  –  these are outstanding achievements!

News from Boys’ Junior School

As we SAIL full steam ahead towards the end of the year, our boys continue to develop and display the Tintern Compass points in all that we do.

Swimming lessons can prove challenging…the ‘sensory experience’ of being in the water and potentially being cold, the physicality they demand, the learning of actions that aren’t necessarily natural,  the changing in and out of clothes… but our boys tackled all lessons with confidence and enthusiasm. Every boy listened to his coach, accepted advice and persevered if/when it was challenging. The boys happily walked up to the pool, and returned just as happy AND we don’t appear to have any lost items of clothing!!! Thank you for supporting your boys and ensuring that they were well prepared for the lessons.

Our Year 6 boys had the unique experience of flying a light plane during their Flight Experience at Tyabb airport on Tuesday. Having spent the term researching famous aviators, and presenting their findings to the class, studying the principles of aerodynamics and listening to guest speaker pilots, the hands-on experience provided the boys with the opportunity to put theory into practice….a wonderful and memorable experience.

Our Year 2 Dads and Lads evening on Thursday evening saw hi-fives, cuddles, nutmegs, home runs, strikes and uncontrollable giggling…and that was just the dads! It was a wonderful evening that highlighted the importance of guardians and their kids finding time in their busy lives to have fun together. Soccer and softball were followed by a BBQ and then ten pin bowling and laser tag. It was a wonderfully enjoyable, funny and memorable evening. A huge THANK YOU to the dads who joined us. We greatly appreciated the effort you all made firstly to be able to attend, and then the ‘spirit’ and ‘appropriate competitiveness’ that was displayed during activities!

Friday night saw our Prep and Year 1 ‘PJ Party’…how exciting for our youngest boys to be at school ‘late’, in their pyjamas, involving themselves enthusiastically in such a special activity, still having the energy at the end of such a busy week to run around and complete a treasure hunt.

To highlight the privilege we have of sharing our boys and girls journey, I attended the Year 10s ‘Social’ on Thursday evening. Twenty-three of those ‘lads’ were in our Junior School, flying a plane, bowling with their ‘dad’, wearing their PJs…and now look at them!!! What a spirited, responsible, respectful and connected group of ‘boys and girls’ that enjoyed a wonderful evening….dancing and laughing and showing a genuine care for one another.  I like to think that the experiences, values and environment that Tintern offers, hand in hand with the care and support of  ‘home’, helps shape these young men and women….it’s also a timely reminder to savour each moment of our children’s childhood, as they grow very quickly!!

Student Reflections from Year 5 Phillip Island Camp!

Phillip Island camp was a great experience. It was loads of fun. I thought surfing was the best activity. Surfing instructors taught us how to get up on a board. Most of us managed to stand up and catch waves. Surfing for the first time is definitely going to be stuck in my memory for a looooong time. – Theo Lam

I liked ‘Amaze n Things’. The optical illusions and mirror maze were great fun. I finished the maze first. Mini-golf was really good – I liked how it all worked. – William Jones

What I liked best about camp was that everyone had a go and there were loads of activities to do. It was nice that we could all go down the beach and have fun playing with the shovels and buckets to make sandcastles. – Jack Gale

My favourite part about camp was the surfing. Everyone had a go and stood up on the surf board – except for Mr Kenny! My other favourite thing was playing the game “Golden Sceptre”. It was so much fun defending the ball and running around trying to get the opponents ball into our half. Camp was great. – Flynn Hutchinson

Camp was such fun and surfing was the highlight for me. The cabins were average and the food mostly good. There was plenty of fruit and drinks too. I liked the walks after dinner and “The Golden Sceptre “game was fun to play at night. – Jacob Millett

On the first day, we went to the beach. We had a choice of either playing on the beach or going in the water. Some people played beach cricket, some dug holes or made sandcastles and some swam in the water. Everyone seemed to have lots of fun. After a while, the instructors came down and asked if anyone wanted to go boogie boarding. Five people put on wet-suits and head off. Overall, it was great fun. – Will Kenny

Year 6 Take to the Skies

The Year 6 boys finished off their Flight unit with a trip to Tyabb Airport last Tuesday. What a fantastic time we had! We were extremely well looked after by Sundeep Rao, the chief flight instructor and his team from the Peninsular Aero Club. The weather was perfect and the experience exceptional. We were so excited when we arrived and saw all the planes lined up waiting for us. We were taken to an amazing air-conditioned lounge with a platform viewing area and after a very warm welcome from Sundeep, it was the boys turn to actually co-pilot and fly the Cessna 152 aircraft. I cannot begin to explain the looks on their faces as they crossed the tarmac to board their aircraft. After the flight of a lifetime, their expressions on landing were priceless. Some of the comments were AWESOME…. AMAZING…. UNBELIEVABLE …… BEST THING EVER even a WHOO HOO!!!. How lucky our boys are to have this experience and how grateful the 6D boys were to the amazing pilots who flew with them.

by Ros Neilson, Boys’ Year 6 Teacher

Girls’ Middle School News

This week we have had our final Orientation Day for our 2018 Year 7s. On a rather warm day, it was terrific to see the girls enjoying the day and approaching activities enthusiastically, especially the ‘Amazing Race’! Our Year 8s are busily preparing for their ‘Days for Girls’ and have been fundraising throughout the week selling zooper doopers and cold drinks (which are very well received in this hot weather). Year 9s have completed their first examinations and can now look forward to Year 10 academic and pastoral transition from 22 November – 1 December prior to their Summer Expeditions 4-8 December.

Our Year 7 and 8 students will be taking part in the eYp or ‘End of Year Program’ from 6-8 December. Throughout the three days girls will be working in House groups on a comprehensive and engaging project. The project topics are still ‘top secret’ but there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills in creativity, teamwork and collaboration as well as test their thinking skills. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

Girls in Year 8 are currently asked to nominate for 2018 Middle School Leadership Positions. There are various positions that girls can be involved in; Middle School Captain, Middle School Vice-Captain, Middle School Leader, House Captain, Sport Captain, Music and Drama Captain and Community Service Captain. Leadership is a great opportunity for individuals to develop themselves and experience fulfilment in their school life and we have received many expressions of interest this year. Girls who have nominated to be Middle School Captain/Middle School Leader will be presenting a speech to all Year 7 and 8 girls during Wednesday’s Middle School Assembly.

Boys’ Middle School News

Teenagers and screen time; how much is enough? How much is too much? This is a debate where the two parties who are arguing, are coming from completely opposite ends; the parent end of the argument is coming from a background of next to no social media whilst growing up, through to our digitally saturated teenagers who know nothing less. There would barely be a family out there that isn’t struggling with finding the right balance with their teenage son and his use of screen time. Experts have tried giving recommended hours, recommended timing (i.e. before dinner, not after 8pm, etc.), using only certain apps, etc., but still, the argument continues as to what is right and what is not. A good article on this topic can be found at the following link:

http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/managing-teenage-screen-time/

Things are starting to get very busy in the Boys’ Middle School, with our Year 9s preparing for their examinations (16th, 17th, 20th November), followed by their transition into Year 10 for a week then their Summer Expeditions. The trips this year range from mountain biking the high country, rafting the Mitta Mitta River or rock climbing Mount Arapiles.

Our Year 8s are in the midst of leadership applications for 2018 whilst also preparing for their Southwood Billy Cart Cup to be run on Monday 4 December. Our Year 7s and 8s will be participating in our eYp (end of year program) later in December. This program involves our boys working in House groups on a project that involves creativity, teamwork, collaboration and general knowledge.

Year 7 Night of the Notables

On the 31 of October, Tintern Grammar was lucky enough to host people of the likes of Marie Curie, Sir Douglas Bader, Steve Irwin and Audrey Hepburn in the CM Wood building.

Yes, the Year 7 Night of the Notables, 2017 version was upon us.  Year 7 students spent a number of weeks during their pastoral (and other) classes preparing an information booth about the notable of their choice: a person who made a positive impact on society during their life.

The list of notables was varied, ranging from politicians and scientists to sportspeople and explorers. After each notable was introduced, parents, grandparents and other family members wandered around the room finding out information about the person.

The boys of 7D also wrote a poem about their notable. Some of their writing is included below:

JESSE OWENS POEM – by Zakariya Mohammed

Jesse Owens was a runner who won four gold

Later on one of the medals was sold

A lot of articles were about him and his story was told

Jesse Owens was a runner who won four gold

Jesse Owens competed in long jump, he started with 2 fouls

After that he broke the world record and got a cheer from the crowd

Hitler thought that Germans were the best

But Jesse Owens was better than the rest

Jesse Owens also competed in the 100 meter

He should’ve been rich after and should’ve bought a ten seater

But he wasn’t rich after because he didn’t have much luck

But he always had skill and he had his shirt untucked

After the Olympics he got invited to Sweden to compete in events

But he didn’t go and the ATAFC (American Track and Field Council) left him with a bunch of dents

He got lots of awards after he was dead

That why we should always give him some cred

Galileo Galilei Poem – by William Zhang

Galileo was born in 1574,

And died in 1642.

He discovered a lot of things,

Which turned out to be true.

He was born to Vincenzo,

Who always wore a bow.

His mum was Marina Gambla,

Who was nothing but an ordinary mum.

He fathered three children,

Maria, who was a nun,

Vincenzo, who was named after his dad,

And Livia, who also became a mum.

He did a few great things,

He showed his work to a few kings.

He discovered Jupiter’s moons,

Instead of discovering goons.

Saturn’s rings was a delight,

And the sun was so bright.

He found that the Sun was the centre,

Instead of the Earth.

The Pope didn’t like his theory,

So decided to put him in prison for his misery.

He was in prison for eight years,

Until he passed away.

He was buried in the Santa Croce,

Where his father was also buried 200 years ago.

His daughter felt the grace,

And his family was a flow.                                                           

Flow =  descendants after each other

Winston Churchill Poem – by Ethan Cooke

Winston Churchill

Might’ve failed on that hill

He brought his country together

Inspired them whenever

Churchill may have done some bad things

Like sink the French fleet

He liked to drink and smoke

But that never brought his confidence down

His mark on humanity will never go away

Of what he did in his war days

Being Prime Minister in a dangerous time

Took a lot confidence

His impact on our life is significant

If it were not for him

The results would have been grim.

Thanks to him

Churchill has inspired us all

Through the good and the bad times

Even if he had to do some not so good things

He brought his country together

Thank you Winston Churchill for being the person you are and inspiring millions.

Year 9/10 Production

Being in the cast of the Year 9/10 production of The Virtuous Burglar, we can happily say that it was one of the best experiences of 2017.

After a terms worth of rehearsals ‘The Virtuous Burglar’ took to the stage. Meeting every Tuesday gave us the chance to socialise with other students whilst doing something we all enjoyed. Playing a character can be challenging but it is a wonderful opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and show an audience what you are capable of. With two casts over Years 9 and 10, it’s fair to say many close friendships were formed. Working with a partner of the same role provides a different way to learn more about your character. Audrey played the burglar’s wife as did Ella in Year 10. Phoebe played Anna as did Madi in Year 9.

We had many moments where you would be able to hear the psychotic Maria Tornati (the burglar’s wife) screaming across the CM Wood and a time where Anna took a turn to Kath and Kim. We enjoyed learning the script and seeing the show come together with all of our talented friends. Between running lines, dancing the ‘tangerine’ and eating pizza, it’s safe to say this is all something we really enjoyed because of our love of drama but also because of the jokes that were shared and the amount of times we all realised (thanks to Maria) ciette tousie pattsi! We are so proud to have been apart of such an amazing performance!

by Audrey Middleton, Year 9

Year 9 Geography Eco House Fieldwork

Our Year 9 Geography students attended The New Joneses, an Eco House exhibition at the Nunawading Municipal grounds recently.

Eco educators accompanied each of the exhibits, and they proved to be most informative and interesting. Students enjoyed hands-on experiences covering the latest technology in eco-living, sustainable waste, organic soils and use of earthworms, and low-cost sustainable energy. Students had hands-on experience using solar energy as well as discussion on other forms of renewable energy options.

by Ian Lavery, Geography Teacher

From the Vice Principal – Senior College, Administration and Students

With transition classes for next year’s Year 11 and Year 12 students occurring this week, we have come to the end of the 2017 academic year for current Senior College students. Our current Year 9 students will commence Transition into the Senior College this Wednesday and will have four days of Transition into Year 10 classes from Thursday 23 to Tuesday 28 November inclusive.

I join our Year Level Co-ordinators in reminding all students that the “holiday homework” that will be set in the Transition classes is due to be completed by the first scheduled lesson for each subject in 2018. Transition material is available on the Portal should students have missed any of the sessions. A reminder that classes resume for next year’s Year 11 and Year 12 students on Monday 29 January; whilst, next year’s Year 10 students will commence classes on Tuesday 30 January.

A number of Senior College students will soon be heading off on Exchange programs in France and Germany – I wish them and the accompanying staff an enjoyable time as they immerse themselves in their chosen second language. 

Our finishing Year 12 students have their final official School function, their Valedictory Dinner, this coming Friday at the beautiful venue – Leonda by the Yarra. This is an evening of celebration of the completing of schooling (and Year 12 examinations!) and provides the opportunity for students, their families and staff to enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate not only this year but each student’s personal journey at Tintern Grammar.

I take this opportunity to wish all current Senior College students and their families a safe and happy holiday period. The Year Level Co-ordinators, Pastoral Mentors and our new Head of Senior College, Ms Oriana Constable, look forward to greeting our current Years 9, 10 and 11 students on their return next year.

With  kind regards and my thanks to all students, families and staff I have worked with across my years at Tintern Grammar and in particular, to current members of our Senior College community,

News from the Careers Department

CareerNews

Career News Number 21 is available on the Portal at: http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/14962/ and includes the following items:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• Reminder: Key VTAC Dates
• Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) at CQUniversity (Melbourne)
• Looking for casual Work?
• Career in the Police Force
• Diploma Courses at La Trobe College of Art and Design
• Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nursing) at Health Skills Australia
• VCA Year-long Short Course: Acting Studio 2018
• YHA Fact Sheet – Top Travel Tips
• UMAT2018
• Accessing 2017 VCAA Results
• Dates for Main Round Tertiary Offers for all States
• ANU Melbourne Advisory Day
• News from Monash University

What happens if something occurs after the VTAC SEAS deadline?

Important Information for VCE International Students

• VCE 2018 Summer Schools
• Useful Tips for Successful Interviews

by Heather Ruckert, Careers Consultant

News from Year 10

Our Year 10 students thoroughly enjoyed the Social at Alfred’s Homestead on Thursday 16 November, after a week of examinations. Photographs can be purchased electronically using the code ‘tintern2017’ from Happy Medium Photo Co. (Outer East) at: http://www.viewyourphotos.com.au/

Staff have appreciated the manner in which Year 10 students have responded to the Year 12 examinations being held in the Anderson Centre over the past few weeks and the positive way in which they have approached transition classes which commenced this week. As a year level group, we had our final gathering yesterday to enjoy a pizza and ice-cream lunch. This was an opportunity to celebrate their graduation into Year 11 in 2018, and to acknowledge the support of their Pastoral Mentors who also move with them next year.

The instructors at the METEC driver training session on Friday 17 November were once again impressed by the level of maturity shown by our group from Tintern Grammar and I take this opportunity to remind families about the follow-up session on Monday 27 November, departing from the school bus bay at 8.30am and returning by 3.30pm in the afternoon.

The optional Level 2 First Aid certificate course will be held on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 November from 9.00am to 3.30pm each day in C10 and C11.

Thank you to families for their continued support during the year and best wishes for a safe Christmas and holiday period.

by Heather Ruckert, Year 10 Co-ordinator

News from Year 11

The Year 11s have started their Transition Program this week and it is essential that they attend all classes, and have clarified all the required holiday homework with their teachers.  Holiday homework is expected to be totally completed by the start of the 2018 school year. The first day of classes for Year 12 in 2018 is Monday 29 January.

I remind all Year 11 students that if they wish to discuss any change to their 2018 subject selections, they need to have a discussion with Mrs Ruckert or Mr Connor as early as possible this week.

As we approach the last few days of the year, I would like to thank the students and their parents along with the Year 11 Pastoral Mentors and subject teachers for a successful and enjoyable 2017 in Year 11.  I have every confidence that the students will thrive in, and thoroughly enjoy, all the challenges and opportunities that Year 12 has to offer.

I wish everyone associated with Year11 this year a wonderful and relaxing summer holiday.

by Nick Stefanac, Year 11 Co-ordinator

Glen Waverley Charter Bus Route Extended

Glen Waverley Charter Bus Route Extended

The Tintern Grammar Glen Waverley charter bus route is being extended for 2018 to travel along Mitcham Road between Canterbury Road and Maroondah Highway, and Maroondah Highway between Mitcham Road and Eastlink/Ringwood Bypass. We welcome families to review the map below and contact the Transport Department to discuss adding additional stops along the extension (highlighted in yellow) of the Glen Waverley charter bus route. Stops can be added along the extension as long as they are designated bus stops. Please contact Carole Nye on 9845 7892 or via email transport@tintern.vic.edu.au for further information or to discuss adding a stop.

Tintern Grammar 2018 Charter Bus Routes Booklet Updated

The Tintern Grammar 2018 Charter Bus Routes Transport Brochure is now available and can be viewed here: Transport Brochure 2018

If you would like your child/children to travel to or from school using Tintern Grammar’s charter bus service please complete this form and return it to the Transport Department via main reception by Tuesday 12 December 2017.

If you have any queries please contact Carole Nye on 9845 7892 or via email transport@tintern.vic.edu.au.

2017 Maths Results

Tintern Grammar has experienced an exceptional year of outstanding Mathematics results from a range of competitions, tests and challenges. Certificates and medallions were presented to the following students at Assembly on Friday 13 October.

Maths ICAS 2017

ICAS Mathematics results were very strong. High Distinction (top 1% of students in Victoria) and Distinction (next 10% of students in Victoria).

Year 7

Distinctions

Lorcan McCrave

Colin Ming

Nicholas Touliatos

Harry Zhao

Ellen Abajas

Austen Humphreys

Aleisha Paul

Patrick Reid

Amber Wild

Michael Yuan

High Distinctions

Abigail Chai

William Zhang

Olivia Dowling

Year 8

Distinctions

Erin O’Callaghan

Kiki Argyros

Alec Chen

Matthew Cobb

Jaimee Jalocha

Sayani Kaluarachchi

Amelia Kenny

Zoe Liew

Victoria McKenzie

Holly Whitfield

High Distinctions

Marlin Ma

Freya Bryson

Joshua Choong

Joel Dunn

Oliver Huang

Year 9

Distinctions

Jac Bellfinch

Fintan McCrave

Ashleigh Dowling

Grace Gao

Clarisse Liew

Irene Liu

Zeb Lyons

High Distinctions

Angie Fu

Kelly Chen

Year 10

Distinctions

Steven Li

Olivia Adkins

Gemma Bettess

Daniel Boss

Ron Chen

Sean Chisholm

Reilly Collins

Oscar De Jong

James Harvey

Jasmin Liew

Aidyn Malojer

Jared Nottle

Rose Russell

Eddie Yu

Jason Zhang

Brayden Stokes

High Distinction

Nicolani Susanto

Year 11 and 12

Distinctions

Ada Chen

Josephine Owen

Alison Yang

Morgan Li

Gavin Choong

Annie Zhao

Maths Challenge for Young Australians

Year 7

Abigail Chai: High Distinction

Olivia Dowling: Distinction

Year 8

Amelia Kenny: High Distinction

Freya Bryson: High Distinction

Oliver Huang: High Distinction

Joshua Choong: Distinction

Maths Talent Question MTQ

The Maths Talent Quest is organised by the Student Activities Committee at The MAV and is open to all primary and secondary school students. It is a competition which aims to promote an interest in mathematics and to foster a positive attitude amongst students, teachers and parents alike. The focus of the Maths Talent Quest is on the process of mathematical investigations. Looking at real-life situations and finding that maths is everywhere helps capture the imagination of all involved.

The Maths Talent Quest allows students to investigate mathematics on an individual, group or class basis with the chance to have fun, see mathematics in real life situations and receive recognition in the process

Year 7

Nishka Fernando: Is estimating pi a piece of cake? – Credit

Abby Chai: The Tale of Hexaflexagons – High Distinction and best individual Year 7 project in Victoria and through to the Nationals to be named winner of the best individual Year 7 project

Year 8

James Manson: The Maths in Basketballs Free Throw – Distinction

Adam Choong: Gulliver’s Mathematical Travels – Distinction

Joshua Choong: Lines in between Lines – High Distinction and best individual Year 8 project in Victoria and through to the Nationals to be named the overall winner across all Year levels for Australia

(MTQ Ceremony Monash University: James, Abby, Mrs Tillyer, Josh and Adam)

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/kids-news/lightbright/year-8-tintern-grammar-students-fidget-spinners-wow-maths-talent-quest-judges/news-story/f1bf3e7b0d9f04ef5b22b2e1dc5e67b0?csp=bc994020bea41b2849b310d218a6e976

We are very fortunate to work with such fine young people who demonstrate application and persistence with the most challenging of mathematical quandaries.

Congratulations to all.

by Vanessa Rich, Head of Mathematics

Mango delivery details

On behalf of the TPG, we are happy to announce our mangoes are scheduled to arrive at school on Thursday 23 November.

We have a staggering 312 trays to unload and organise ready for you to collect from 8.30am Friday 24 November.

Collection point: Southwood Centre Foyer

Collection times: 8.30-9.15am and 2.30-3.30pm 

Please note adhering to these times will ensure the foyer is maned and someone will be able to assist you.

Thank you again for your support of the Mango Fundraiser.

2018 Parent Year Level Representatives

Dear families

Exciting opportunities are available to join our valued group of parent volunteers as Year Level Parent Representatives, this can be as individuals or as pairs, more the merrier. Tintern Grammar has a strong, thriving, family-focused community. Our Year Level Parent representatives are important ambassadors helping to connect our families and the school.

The documents below contain further information on the roles and how to apply.

Becoming a Parent Rep for your Year Level

2018 Guidelines for Parent Representatives 

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Kind regards

Marion Cape, Director of Admissions and Marketing

Metro Trains – Belgrave / Lilydale / Alamein / Glen Waverley Lines – Changes to your service – Sun 26 November – Tues 5 December

Metro Trains have advised there are upcoming works on the Metro rail network which will result in changes to train services on the Belgrave / Lilydale / Alamein / Glen Waverley Lines between Sunday 26 November and Tuesday 5 December. Please refer to this brochure for more information: Metro Trains – Changes to your service 

Darcy Ryder (YG 2012) lands dream job at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Congratulations to alumna Darcy Ryder (YG 2012) who has just landed her dream job at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in Brisbane. Darcy graduated from a Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of New England last year and recently sat down with them to share her experience in this video.

Best wishes Darcy for your exciting new role!

Crystal Kimber (YG 2007) wins 2017 MYER Fashions on the Field National Competition

Congratulations to alumna Crystal Kimber (YG 2007) who won the 2017 MYER Fashions on the Field National Competition at Kennedy Oaks Day at Flemington yesterday. Crystal designed her gorgeous dress which was once her grandmother’s skirt and her mum Gail created it. Congratulations See Kimber and Gail on this amazing achievement!

School Events – Term 4

School Events for Term 4

Try Netball at Kilsyth East Netball Club

Are you or your child keen to join a netball club that is focused on FUN and TEAMWORK with low player fees!? Then Kilsyth East Netball Club is for you!

We are looking for players aged 6 (prior to end of year) all the way through to Open age group. We welcome players of all ages and abilities who are keen to make new friends and enjoy a team sport at a great family orientated club.  We train and play at Pinks Reserve in Kilsyth. 

All players are welcome to come down to a training session to have a trial and see if they would like to join!  We are also keen for coaches, umpires and volunteers to help out. 

Please call President Sara Barber on 0408 997 228 or Secretary Kirra Charlton on 0439 851 921 for more information or email us at kilsytheastnetballclub@gmail.com