From the Principal

Excellence and Confidence – Side by Side

Welcome back to the 2018 school year, which has begun with energy and purpose at every turn. As I write this, it is the final day of the first week, which for me has been filled with images of happy, tanned and relaxed students and staff, and engaging and friendly conversations with parents and other community members.

Every indication, from the 2017 Year 12 students’ final results, our 2018 growth in first week numbers of students, and the passion and energy of the staff during our professional development days, tells me that 2018 will be a stellar year for Tintern Grammar. I look forward to partnering with every member of the community in working together to make it a year of challenge, growth and progress for every student, every member of staff, and our whole community.

Nowhere has a spirit of unity and collaboration been more obvious than in today’s annual Tintern Grammar Foundation Service. Envisaged and brought to life by Rev. Alison Andrew, it was an engaging and moving event. We were fortunate to have significant parents and alumni present, giving the Service a sense of a whole community. It was also wonderful to see alumni Professor Melissa Southey and Penelope Thwaites AM back at Tintern, which enabled us to formally admit them to the Tintern Grammar Avenue of Excellence.

Music and choral accompaniment from the Intermediate String Quartet, the Chamber Orchestra and the Concert Choir were remarkable. Similarly, Lauren Higgins, Jared Nottle and Molly Fleming demonstrated impressive musical leadership throughout.

Thanks to the gracious agreement of Lynne Franke (YG 1958) and Alan White (YG 2008), we were able to have alumni from our paired history supporting one of the School’s most important and dignified occasions. They joined with students from all parts of the School in Reflections on the Past, Present and Future of Tintern, and the Prayers of Thanksgiving. These were offered with a sense of respect and gravitas by our alumni, our 2018 School Captains, Tara McAsey and Jack Read, Year 11 student Meagan Hynson, Year 9 students Oliver Huang and Holly Whitfield, all the way to our two Year 2 prayer readers, Jessica Stuchbery and James Pham (who did a wonderful job and absolutely stole the show!)

Our thanks go to all of these people, along with a number of other staff and students for their contributions to a truly wonderful service.

Factis non verbis

Music Matters

MYO Summer School a musical treat for our students!

To start my year off in the most musical way possible, I, along with Tintern students Charlotte Menagh, Siobhan Muirhead, Josh Choong and Zoe Forbes, attended the 2018 Summer School run by the Melbourne Youth Orchestras.

Charlotte and I were in the Symphonic Wind Band on clarinet and flute respectively. Siobhan was in the Philharmonic Orchestra on oboe, Josh in the Symphony Orchestra on viola and Zoe in the Concert Band on flute. Running from Monday 8 to Friday 12 January, the Summer School involved intensive daily rehearsals at the Southbank campus of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in our respective ensembles, in preparation for a performance on Saturday 13 January. The rehearsals were rigorous, and demanded extreme concentration and stamina, but were kept light-hearted by our amazing conductor Steve Williams (who has conducted most of the orchestras for Symphony Services International and has taken Australian orchestras, symphonic bands and jazz ensembles on international tours).

Over the first couple of days we cycled rapidly through a wide variety of technically and stylistically demanding pieces. All were enjoyable and offered multiple opportunities for soloists as well as bringing up challenges involved with working in a large group. Both the ensemble and smaller tutor group sessions were enriched with numerous learning opportunities involving intonation, breathing, phrasing, and balance. Ultimately, we voted on performing Praise Jerusalem, composed by Alfred Reed, a mammoth piece which explores wide contrasts in dynamics and texture. The concert gave us the incredible opportunity to perform in the beautiful Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, the star of the Recital Centre, and proved the perfect stage from which to showcase talent and recognise the hard work everyone had dedicated to the ensemble over the week.

I hope to return next year as, along with valuable strategies to improve my individual and group musical work, I’ll be taking away many memories made with both old and new friends.

by Holly Fryer, Instrumental Music Captain 2018

Chinese students share the universal language of music with Tintern Middle School students

Twenty- four children from a Chinese Primary School in Guangzhou visited Tintern earlier this week to take in the sights and sounds of Tintern Grammar. The children attend a primary school with a population of 3,000 children, so they found Tintern quite captivating with its rural setting and small classes. They usually have anything up to 45 children in one class.

The children and their teachers enjoyed a tour of the Girls’ Junior School and loved the play equipment and our school grounds. After morning tea, they watched a game of baseball on the oval with Mr Kenny and enjoyed a visit to our farm. A select group of their musicians (they have a band of 67 members back home) participated in a workshop on Monday afternoon with Mrs Clarke and then joined together with our Concert Band to play through some pieces as a massed ensemble on Tuesday afternoon. They are performing at the Girls’ Junior School Assembly on Wednesday morning.

This was a wonderful opportunity to welcome visitors from overseas to our school and allow our students to mix and create musical magic with the visitors. Despite the fact that the visiting children spoke little or no English, there were few barriers, as the universal language of music allowed all of the students to communicate on an equal footing in the rehearsal room.

Thanks must go to Mrs Clarke for organising this event, Mrs Riddell for her generosity in showing the visitors around the school, Alec Chen (Year 9) and Marcus Chen (Year 9) for assisting with language interpretation and Ella Watt (Year 11) for supervising the visit to the farm.

by Alison Bezaire, Director of Music

Sport Matters

On behalf of Tintern Grammar, I would like to wish alumnus Scotty James (YG 2013) the best of luck at the Winter Olympics at Pyeong Chang starting this Friday 9 February. He will be competing in the Snowboard Halfpipe and is a realistic chance of getting a medal.  

The Australian Olympic team is helping fans get messages of support to competitors. Join us and send a message to Scotty here: http://pyeongchang2018.olympics.com.au/…/scot…/media/message

Community Matters

Community Group News

Welcome to the first edition of Community Matters for 2018. It is through this section we keep you informed of the events and achievements of the various Community Groups as well as the many and varied activities in which they participate. If you would like to be involved with any of the Community Groups please contact the Community Relations team on 9845 7877 or email communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au. Keep your eye on the Tintern Portal as Community news will be updated regularly so you will not miss any important information. If you would like to contribute to Community Matters, email your submissions to the Community Relations Office and we will incorporate your news wherever possible.

Foundation Service

Each year our Foundation Service is a wonderful occasion for current and past students, staff and parents to come together to celebrate our school. Friday morning’s Foundation Service was extra special as we formally acknowledged and welcomed to the Tintern Grammar Avenue of Excellence two of our alumnae inductees, Concert Pianist and Composer Penelope Thwaites AM (YG 1960) and Molecular Geneticist Professor Melissa Southey (YG 1984). During the Service Penelope and Melissa received their awards and spoke to Mr Fry about their professional achievements and time at Tintern.

What a wonderful opportunity for the School community to be inspired by these accomplished alumnae. You can learn more about Penelope Thwaites, Melissa Southey and our other Avenue of Excellence inductees here: https://www.tintern.vic.edu.au/commun…/avenue-of-excellence

Tintern Grammar Community Groups

Our Community Groups are an incredible and invaluable part of Tintern Grammar. They enrich us through fundraising, events and activities that bring together our community; past and present, in celebration and fun. They are also a great way to meet other parents and become involved with the school community!

Everyone is welcome to attend Community Group Meetings. Whether you are curious about joining, wish to meet other parents or just want to lend a hand with a specific event please look out for the dates and times which are advertised in Community Matters each fortnight.

Each group has a different focus, and we will be highlighting each of these groups in Community Matters over this Semester:

• Tintern Parent Group (TPG)
• Friends of Music (FOM)

• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF)
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE)
• Tintern Old Girls Association (TOGA)
• SOBA (Southwood Old Boys Association)
• TGAA (Tintern Grammar Alumni Association)

The AGMs are the official meetings for the year, and provide the committees with office bearers and a direction for the year. The AGM is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to get a broad understanding of the wonderful contribution these groups make to our School.

The events and activities run by the various community groups represent a vital contribution to the enhancement of the school experience for our students and in fostering a community atmosphere across the school in support of parents.

For more information on how to be involved please contact Di Lacey or Tegan Martin in the Community Relations Office on 9845 7877 or communityrelations@tintern.vic.edu.au.

We hope to see you there!

Community Committee dates

• Tintern Parent Group (TPG) –Next meeting: Thursday 8 February 2018 7.30pm Kennedy Cottage Co-Presidents: Haidee Wallace and Leeze Crowe
• Friends of Music (FOM) – Next Meeting & AGM: Monday 12 February 2018 7pm CM Wood Common Room President: Tim Oldmeadow
• Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Next Meeting: Monday 19 March at 7.30pm in Kennedy Cottage. President: Joy Ashfield
• Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – Next Meetings: Wednesday 7 February 2018 7.30pm venue TBC  President: Sandra Garland

Movie Under the Stars – Saturday 17 March 2018

Please save the date for the 2018 Movie Under the Stars to be held on Saturday 17 March. This event, organised by the Tintern Parents Group (TPG), is run every second year and is an exciting evening out for our School families.

Please look out for further information.

Upcoming Reunions:

• YG 2017 Return to Tintern for Graduating class and their families Thursday 8 February 7.30pm to 9pm. Bookings can be made by selecting here: trybooking.com/TIAG.

This Is Me

We commenced the 2018 School year with a special Welcome back Assembly, during which we briefly discussed our “This Is Me” theme… our own ‘uniqueness’ and what makes us all special.

We discussed the African word “Ubuntu” and its definition; “I am what I am because of who we all are” and how significant this is for all of us…. This is me, but I am part of a whole.

We also watched alumnus Scotty James’ amazing performance in the January X Games, where he scored an incredible 98 on his last snowboard halfpipe run to miss out on Gold by one point!

We excitedly await the Snowboarding Halfpipe event at the Winter Olympics next week, with our boys have written messages of support to Scotty.

Yesterday, our Year 6 boys were all inducted as leaders of our Junior school. The video below was used as a catalyst for discussion about leadership and success… the final year in our Junior school is always a very special one for our Year 6s and their families.

Within our first week we are already well prepared for our House Swimming Sports, our Prep – Year 2 boys have visited the farm, our 3-6s have all been to the cinema to watch The Greatest Showman, swimming lessons are well underway and every boy is happily immersed in life in our Junior School.

Lastly, I hope to see you at the Principal’s BBQ for ELC and Junior Schools’ Families on Thursday 15 February 2018, 3.30PM – 5.00PM in the Community Hub. Please RSVP via Trybooking.

Our 2018 Preps’ BIG first day!

Welcome to the 2018 School year and a very special welcome to our 2018 Preps and their families! 

Last Tuesday was a very big day for our Preps! Not only was it their first day of school, but they were also visited by Channel 7 and 9 who stopped by for a chat.

In case you missed the News clips the links are below.

Channel 7 6pm News

Channel 9 6pm News

Tinternwood Farm Visit

The Preps, Year 1s and Year 2s all enjoyed some time exploring the Tinternwood Farm last week. We spent time with the farm dogs, Ollie and Delta, and then helped Farmer Wall take some sheep up to the sheds. On the way back we walked up through the bush and collected some interesting things to make a special photo frame to go with our This is Me story.

by Claire MacDonald, Boys’ Prep Teacher

Year 6 Induction Assembly

On Monday 5 February we held our Year 6 Induction Assembly in the Colebrook Hall. Our School Captain, Will Kenny, and Vice-Captain, Trent Chisholm, read the Year 6 Oath on behalf of all the Year 6 boys. Flynn Hutchinson, our Year 6 Leader, began the assembly by confidently presenting the first Bible Reading for 2018. Mr Kenny then inspired us with a presentation focusing on leadership and our compass points. Following this, the Year 6 boys were introduced to the assembly and presented with their Year 6 badge. Although some boys do have specific leadership roles for 2018, we acknowledge that all of our Year 6 boys are leaders within the Junior School. Congratulations boys, we look forward to your wonderful contributions throughout the year.

Junior School Captain                                Junior School Vice-Captain                       School Leader

     William Kenny                                                   Trent Chisholm                                          Flynn Hutchinson           

by Ros Neilson, Boys’ Year 6 Teacher

Girls’ Middle School News

What a wonderful start to the year we have had. The Girls’ Middle School has returned with energy, and excitement about the coming year. Our new Year 7 students have fitted in seamlessly to our school bringing new talents, interests and enthusiasm.  They have enjoyed meeting their teachers, finding their new classrooms, and tackling new subjects. They have quickly learnt how to navigate their timetables, and manage tricky combination locks. I have heard a lot of laughter and conversation flooding through the corridors indicating a high level of interaction and engagement. Several of our new Year 7s have found our library, music department spaces and the farm as excellent ways to spend their lunchtimes.  They were invited to join different co-curricular activities such as our orchestras and choir groups, as well as the Young Farmers and our swim team. If you would like any further information about these co-curricular activities, there are more details available on the myTintern portal.

Our Year 8 and 9s have been enjoying exploring their new social spaces and decorating their new form rooms. As the academic program has rolled out, they are enjoying participating in their chosen electives and building their teams for the coming EISM Interschool Sports matches. We have had several new students join us this year and I was very proud of the welcoming manner shown by our current girls.

During our assemblies last week, we focussed on our responsibilities to care for others and to strive to do our best in all situations. We have also discussed ways that can show respect to each other both within our school community and in our online community.

Our Middle School Captain, Holly Whitfield, and Vice-Captain, Laura Mitcham hosted their very first assembly, along with the Middle School Leaders Halle Hupfeld, Sayani Kaluarachchi and Alannah Lawson where they presented an inspiring message about the importance of respect.

On Friday, we had our annual Foundation Assembly where we celebrated 141 years of Tintern and heard inspiring tales from several of our Avenue of Excellence Alumni.

Our theme in the Girls’ Middle School this year embraces the concept of bravery rather than perfection. Throughout our pastoral programs, our students are encouraged to push through their fears or insecurities about who they are and what they are able to do. We aim to empower our young women to maintain an attitude of positivity and resilience when things become challenging.  To be willing to experience failure in order to persevere and succeed.  We want our young women to be ready to explore our world with excitement and open minds.

The Middle School Information Evening is on tonight, Tuesday 6 February at 7.30pm in the CM Wood Centre and it would be fantastic to see you there. It will be a great opportunity to share information about the upcoming year and for staff to meet the parents of the girls they will be working so closely with this year. If you are unable to attend, the information presented will be available through the Year Level pages on the myTintern Portal.

Boys’ Middle School News

Happy New Year to everyone and a huge welcome to the beginning of the School year for 2018. A special welcome to a large number of new families joining us this year, not just in Year 7, but right across the Middle School. We have students from many different parts of our country who have moved to Melbourne and starting school with us, as well as people from different parts of the world including Indonesia, China and Holland.

It is always such a delight to have the corridors and classrooms filled with the noise and excitement that our boys bring; the school is such a better place with all of them here. Our Year 7 boys have been spending their time understanding their new timetables, finding classrooms, working out combination locks (only once have I brought out the bolt cutters!) and quickly re-engaging with friends from last year and also forming new friendships that will be forever strong as they work their way through to graduating in 2023. This seems like a long time away, but it will travel really fast and it is so important that they are encouraged to continue making the most of opportunities that come their way through their schooling journey.

Our Year 8 and 9 boys have settled very quickly into their new locations and under the guidance of their pastoral mentors will no doubt have a great year. The focus for these two year levels in the first part of this term is on camp. Their camps (Camp 1 for Year 9) is the week beginning Monday 26 February and preparation needs to start straight away. In pastoral sessions they will be covering key details such as clothing, equipment, food, etc. This information will also be conveyed to parents and it is crucial that you work with your son to ensure he is ready for his week of camp.

At assemblies during the first week, the focus has been on responsibility and on personal growth. A key to the development of our young men is the understanding of their role in society and the role of others in their lives. This can be challenging for many boys, especially during these adolescent years, however, it is crucial that this message is conveyed to them consistently as they grow.

Our Foundation Assembly held on Friday 2 February was a fantastic way to start the year. It was great to see and hear from two of our inductees to the Avenue of Excellence, Penelope Thwaites and Melissa Southey.

I wish all families a fabulous 2018 and look forward to working very closely with you as we help to guide your son(s) through these Middle School years.

Senior College Welcome

As expected, our return to school for 2018 has presented us with a busy and exciting first week. New and returning students began last week and it has been wonderful to see students and teachers reconnect after the summer break. I would like to thank all staff and parents involved in our Information Evening on Tuesday 29 January. If you were unable to attend the evening, please check your son/daughter’s Year Level page on the myTintern Portal for copies of information presented by their Year Level Co-ordinators.

Last Friday we held our Tintern Grammar Foundation Service celebrating our school’s rich history. It was a fantastic event and we were very happy to have alumni, past staff, Board members and Life Governors in attendance.

We have a number of upcoming events I would like to highlight for you:

The House Swimming event on Friday 16 February is a significant event as the move from Term 4 to Term 1 will allow all secondary students, including Year 12s, to participate. Days such as this provide students with an opportunity to develop relationships and build their allegiance to their peers and House. All students are expected to attend and to contribute to their House by either participating in individual and group events or by providing support to others in the House or assisting with official duties. The success of the House Swimming event is dependent on all students actively contributing. It is an especially enjoyable day thanks to the outstanding leadership of our House Captains who expect and need the support of all their House peers.

Year 10, 11 and 12 Camps and Conferences will be taking place from Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 February. Please visit this link Camps Flyer 2018 for further information about the individual camp programs for each year level. It is also worth noting the Camp Refund Policy which is also included in the information flyer.

On Friday 23 February we will be holding the Year 12 Induction and 2017 Duces Assembly in the CM Wood Centre from 8.40-9.30am. Parents are welcome to attend this assembly to acknowledge the achievements of our Class of 2017 and support our Class of 2018.

This time of the year for many staff and students is one of new beginnings. I am beginning a new position and we have new staff and students who are fast becoming connected members of our community. We have Year 10s adjusting to the Senior College and working with their new classmates, Year 11s commencing VCE, VET and IB classes and Year 12s starting their final year of secondary schooling. What we all have in common is that these new beginnings present us with a variety of opportunities and emotions. These times can be wonderfully exciting, but daunting at the same time as we don’t know what to expect and sometimes fear the unknown. Despite this, we must all look to develop and grow individually and as a community and embrace opportunities as they present.

News From Year 10

The Year 10s have settled in well to the Senior College and we have all appreciated the friendly interactions during our first week of school. Our pastoral sessions in Term 1 will focus on self-development and will provide students with a personal skill set that not only supports their academic learning but their general wellbeing. The importance of gratitude will be a focus for discussions this week, as well as preparing for the Melbourne City Experience camp that occurs from Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 February. A comprehensive booklet will be distributed to students prior to the camp. It is important that the medical/consent form be returned to the Senior College Reception by Monday 12 February. Copies of all the camp documents can be found at: http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/14707/

Thank you to all families for supporting our Information Evening and the presentation from Elevate Education. All of our Year 10 students will be involved in two seminars from Elevate Education called ‘Study Sensei’ and ‘Ace your Exams’ to assist them with their academic studies.  A copy of my PowerPoint can be accessed from: http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/17921/ and the key content from the student seminars includes:

A Balanced Life

It is important for students to pursue their interests in sport, hobbies or music to provide a break from study and enhance fitness and wellbeing.

 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 long 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 and practice questions that are marked/discussed by the teacher or checked against solutions.

Tip: Complete study for even 15 – 20 minutes before 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 or a card system rather than a notebook.
• Avoid re-writing notes, add colour and use techniques such as keywords or concept diagrams to help with connections between the material.
• Add examples or evidence from wider reading progressively throughout a topic.
• Make study notes ideally each week to avoid last minute summarising and failure to complete practice questions. High performing Year 12 students are doing practice papers or additional reading during the September holidays whereas a large proportion of the state are doing their summary notes!

Managing Distractions

• Management of social media could include effective group study chat sessions but also the use of Apps such as ‘Self Control’ or ‘Focus Me’.
• Turn off mobile phones and access to social media while studying.
• 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.
• Getting motivated and avoiding procrastination are linked and related to goal setting and should include some reward plan.
• Students should seek assistance and use their support network including family, friends and teachers.
• Do the difficult or least favourite work first for homework.

Final Message: Focus on the here and now, for each day and in each lesson by taking small steps to improve rather than worrying about a final result at the end of the year. This may include changing a seating position in class to assist concentration, asking a question to clarify understanding, repeating a test question that was answered incorrectly and submitting to the teacher or using our school diary to help plan the stages to complete an assignment.

by Heather Ruckert, Year 10 Co-ordinator

News From the Careers Department

The School subscribes to ‘Career News’ that collates information about tertiary courses, upcoming events and vocational insights that assist students with their career planning. Copies will be added to the Careers tab on the Portal. Senior College students are also emailed a copy of the CareerNews content each week so that they can easily access material from the hyperlinks. The first edition is now available at http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/14962/ and includes the following items:

• Victoria University: First Year Model: Revolutionising First Year
• Industry Employment Projections to 2022
• Mastering the VCE Free Lectures through The School For Excellence 
• Australian Defence Force Careers Expo
• Holmesglen Institute – Home of the Trades
• Career as an Occupational Therapist 
• Career as a Physiotherapist 
• Nursing and/or Midwifery Degree Courses in Victoria

Work Experience Program

Year 10 students will be participating in the Work Experience Program from Monday 18 to Friday 22 June. Students are required to organise a placement before the end of Term 1. If additional time is required please contact Ms Julie Ennor (Work Experience Co-ordinator) or myself in the Careers Department.

Students are required to return the initial form no later than Thursday 29 March, which is the last day of Term 1.  An official Work Experience package will then be prepared and sent to the employer for their signature. Copies of the initial form and a booklet of information for students can be found at http://portal.tintern.vic.edu.au/homepage/9218/

Changes to obtaining a Tax File Number

A reminder that The Australian Taxation Office has altered the application process for obtaining a Tax File Number. Schools can no longer process applications for students. The following link provides details about the new procedures that are similar to applying for a passport. Please select https://www.ato.gov.au/Forms/TFN—application-for-individuals/

by Heather Ruckert, Careers Consultant

News From Year 11

Welcome back to all our Year 11 families. I hope that your summer was a time of relaxation, recharging, and re-connecting with friends and family.  2018 promises to be an exciting year with all the varied activities on offer for our students to take part.

On Monday 19 February the Year 11s will be leaving on their three-day conference to Phillip Island. That Monday morning they will arrive at school as they normally would, and will return at 3:30pm on Wednesday 21 February in time for their usual pickup. The conference offers a wide range of activities and experiences, with the overall aim to help bond the year level and provide opportunities to develop themselves personally.

As always, your son or daughter’s Pastoral Mentor is your first port of call for any queries, comments or concerns, and they are more than happy to speak to you.  There is also a document on the Year 11 portal page with all the relevant dates and activities for the year ahead.

Have a great week and welcome back!

by Nick Stefanac, Year 11 Co-ordinator

News From Year 12

The Year 12s have hit the ground running this week, with their classes beginning on Monday 29 January.  The beginning of the term is a busy time for the Year 12s, as they settle back into the world of SACs for VCE students and commentaries for the IB students.  The students had their final set of school photos last week, which included the Fidelians photo, which recognises students who have attended Tintern since pre-prep, as well as the traditional Year 12 photo.  In the coming weeks, the Year 12s will be getting ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Senior College Assembly, as well as participating in the House Swimming Carnival on Friday 16 February. 

by Nicole Morphett, Year 12 Co-ordinator

Year 7 Showcase Evening – for families with students in Year 7 in 2019, 2020 or 2021

Tintern Grammar is excited to advise that we will be holding a Year 7 Showcase evening on Monday 5 March 2018, 7pm in the CM Wood Performance Centre. 

We are inviting parents and students (Year 7 in either 2019, 2020 or 2021) to join us to learn about life in Year 7 at Tintern Grammar.

Hear from our Head of Boys’ Middle School and Head of Girls’ Middle School, along with teachers of elective subjects and co-curricular activities, Parents groups’ and some of our 2017 Year 7 students, as they share what Year 7 is all about!

Please register via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/TMIV 

Parking Restrictions

As it is the start of the School year, it is timely to remind all families that strictly enforced Maroondah Council restrictions for parking and student “drop off” apply outside the administration entrance to the School in the cul-de-sac which is at the end of Alexandra Road. Restrictions that apply in this area and in other areas around the School are well signposted and Council Officers regularly check all restricted areas in the interest of the School’s neighbours and to ensure safe traffic control and movement around the School.

Parents and guardians of Tintern Grammar secondary students are advised that student “drop-off” is best arranged in the PE Centre/Bus Bay car park. However, please be aware that right-hand turns from Loma Street into the School are clearly signposted as being illegal and drivers run the risk of being booked by Council Officers if they make such right-hand turns. This is also a particularly dangerous manoeuvre which is likely to result in collisions with cars or buses making the correct turn from Morinda Street into the School or continuing around the curve from Morinda Street into Loma Street.

Tintern Grammar Presents South Pacific – Tickets now on sale!

Tickets to Tintern Grammar’s 2018 production of South Pacific are now available to purchase for the general public via the Karralyka Centre’s website.

Dates & Times:
Wednesday 21 March 2018 at 06:30 PM
Thursday 22 March 2018 at 07:30 PM
Friday 23 March 2018 at 07:30 PM
Saturday 24 March 2018 at 07:30 PM

Ticket Prices:
Adult $30.00
Concession $22.00
Child $22.00
Family (2 adults & 2 children) $85.00
Wednesday preview evening all tickets $12.50

To stay up-to-date with South Pacific news, follow our Facebook event.

About South Pacific:

Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war.

When Nellie, a nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile, she learns that the mother of his children was an island native. Unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, she refuses Emile’s proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, the strapping Lieutenant Joe Cable denies himself the future he wants with a Tonkinese girl because of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission, Nellie realises that she must seize her own chance of happiness, and is forced to confront her prejudices.

SMS – Secret Maths Society (formally Maths Assist) – Cross-age Tutoring at Tintern Grammar

This year, the Mathematics faculty will again be running the SMS program.  

Competent Mathematics students from Years 10, 11 & 12 will again volunteer their time to support students from Years 7 to 9 in their development of mathematical skills and increase their confidence in this subject. While the program is geared towards tutoring Middle School students (Years 7 -9), Year 10 students who wish to become involved are also welcome.

Observations have shown that both the student tutors and the student tutees benefit from the cross-age tutoring experience. Tutors can improve their understanding through teaching and become more responsible while doing something worthwhile to help others, as well as further develop their social, communication and leadership skills. The time volunteered can contribute towards their Community Service or CAS hours. Tutees can improve their levels of self-confidence and mathematical aptitude as a result of receiving individual assistance from their peers.

SMS will be conducted in the Cullen Library on Wednesdays from 3:45pm to 4:45pm, beginning on Wednesday 14 February (Week 3). Booking sheets will be located at the reception at the Cullen Library. Tutees are asked to write their name on the booking sheet by 3.30pm on the Tuesday prior, so Tutors can be notified. Mathematics staff will be in attendance to monitor the program and provide support where necessary. It should be stressed that, as always, students are encouraged to seek assistance from their Mathematics teacher when difficulties arise in class.

It is hoped that SMS will provide an additional opportunity for support and a positive experience for all those involved. For further information, I can be contacted by email at vrich@tintern.vic.edu.au

by Vanessa Rich, Head of Mathematics AND Lily, Victoria and Emma, Mathematics Captains 2018

Safer Internet Day

Tintern Grammar is proud to support Safer Internet Day! Safer Internet Day (SID) is an annual, worldwide event held today, Tuesday 6 February 2018, to help encourage a better internet, with this year’s theme ‘Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you’.

Celebrated globally in 130 countries, Safer Internet Day is coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

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

Information for Parents – http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/csefflyer.pdf 

Application Form – http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/csefapplicationform.pdf 

Application forms should be completed and lodged by 29 June 2018. Please forward completed forms to Debra Urquhart, Student Fees and Accounts Receivable Officer. You can return via email: DUrquhart@tintern.vic.edu.au

Principal’s Welcome Back Parents Events

We hope to see you all at our upcoming Principal’s Welcome Back events. Please find the details below.

Principal’s BBQ with ELC & Junior Schools’ Families

Thursday 15 February 2018, 3.30PM – 5.00PM in the Community Hub

Please RSVP by Friday 9 February via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/TSGI

Principal’s Drinks with Middle Schools’ and Senior College Parents

Wednesday 7 March 2018, 6.00PM – 7.30PM in the Year 9 Courtyard

Please RSVP by Wednesday 28 February via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/TSHD

Two Alumnae exhibiting at the 2018 IB Visual Arts Exhibition

Congratulations to alumnae Meg Swain ( YG 2017) and Vicky Wang (YG 2017) who are both exhibiting in the IB Visual Arts Exhibition.

The exhibition will run from Thursday 15 February to Sunday 4 March, with the official opening being held on Friday 16 February. More details can be found on the flyer below.

Cassandra Dods (YG 2017) BHP Foundation Billiton Science and Engineering Awards Finalist

Congratulations to alumna Cassandra Dods (YG 2017) who has been selected as one of twenty-six finalists from around the country for Australia’s most prestigious school Science and Engineering awards, the BHP Foundation Billiton Science and Engineering Awards.

Cassandra’s independent research project concentrates on the activity of Gluteguard and Glutenase tablets in various conditions. Watch this video to learn more.

The awards are a partnership between CSIRO, BHP Billiton Foundation and the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA). For more information about the award go to www.scienceawards.org.au 

Good luck Scotty James (YG 2013)!

With only three sleeps until the 2018 Winter Olympic Games begins, we can’t wait to cheer on alumnus Scotty James (YG 2013) as he competes in the Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe. Tune into Channel 7 next Tuesday 13 February from 3.00pm (AEST) for the Halfpipe qualification runs.

The Australian Olympic team is helping fans get messages of support to competitors. Join us and send a message to Scotty here: http://pyeongchang2018.olympics.com.au/…/scot…/media/message

Helen Quinn (YG 1959) awarded the 2018 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics

Congratulations to alumna and Avenue of Excellence inductee Helen Quinn (YG 1959) who has been awarded the 2018 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics. This is a significant achievement and acknowledgement of Helen’s remarkable contributions to Science. Helen has generously donated her prize money to this year’s annual appeal for The STEAM Centre. We look forward to welcoming Helen back to Tintern to visit The STEAM Centre.

You can learn more about Helen Quinn on our Avenue of Excellence web page: https://www.tintern.vic.edu.au/commun…/avenue-of-excellence/ and also The STEAM Centre here: https://www.tintern.vic.edu.au/2017-annual-appeal/

Cheryl Batagol (YG 1970) appointed inaugural Chairperson to EPA Victoria’s new Governing Board

Congratulations to alumna Cheryl Batagol (YG 1970) who has been appointed as the inaugural Chairperson to EPA Victoria’s new Governing Board. Cheryl has been the Chair of the EPA since 2009 and brings more than 40 years’ experience in waste management, water and environment sectors to the position. Congratulations again Cheryl and best wishes for this exciting new role!

Read the media release to learn more about Cheryl’s appointment: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/171219-Chairperson-Appointed-To-The-New-EPA-Board.pdf

Free ‘Come and Try’ classes at Maroondah Calisthenics in February