While the ten inductees into the Tintern Grammar Avenue of Excellence have all had significant, individual journeys, a common theme that shone through as each was individually acknowledged was a recognition and appreciation of the opportunities and support that they received while at Tintern, whether this be through introducing new activities and experiences or by further developing a passion in an area of particular interest. In our Boys’ Junior School Assembly yesterday, as we re-visited each inductee, we spoke about their very often understated but amazing influence upon their communities and in so many cases, the much wider population. How important has been Mavis Robertson’s ‘influence’ in establishing compulsory Superannuation, and to hear her son tell the story of her rescuing children from torture and imprisonment, one who is Michelle Bachelet, the current Prime Minister of Chile! What a wonderful example of how passion and commitment CAN be life changing.
Our last weeks of term provide our boys with many opportunities: 21 Year 3-6 boys represented Tintern at our District Athletics, all of Year 4 spend weekly sessions developing an understanding of sustainability at the farm, our Year 5 boys are preparing to immerse themselves in Australian History as they head to Sovereign Hill this Thursday and Friday, 22 boys have completed a two month Robotics Course, all Prep – Year 6 boys and girls participated in an inspiring Writers’ Festival hosted by 10 authors, we had a tasty MND for Donut fundraiser, a team of Year 4 boys came first in the State in the Have Sum Fun Maths On-Line competition, our Year 3-6 boys hit the stage next Thursday evening, reciting Poetry and performing plays as a part of our biennial SOVANI (Southwood Variety Night), forty-eight performers participated in our Junior School Strings Concert last Thursday, our Year 3 and 4s head to Monash University’s Woodside Innovation Lab on Thursday to experience and learn more about 3D printing and materials science….I have no doubt that these varied opportunities will further spark interest and passion in many of boys, and for all of them, at least exposes them to experiences that enrich and expand their development.
We have continued to discuss our SAIL point of Independence in Assemblies, with the 10 Rules of Independence list (another article in this edition – available here) forming the basis of discussion with our Prep to Year 2 boys especially.
Also, with yesterday being ‘9/11’, we spent some time in Assembly recognising the significance of the date that is now etched in history, and rather than focussing solely on the distressing events of the infamous day, spoke about the terrible impact of hatred, and the importance of acceptance, tolerance, care and love.
Spring Celebration at the Tintern Farm this Friday 15 September, 3.30PM
The Tintern Grammar Friends of Young Farmers invites you to join us for an afternoon of family fun and meet the residents of the Tintern Farm! Enjoy a free sausage sizzle, campfire marshmallow roasting, Petting Yard where you can meet our newborn lambs and more. This is a fantastic interactive event not to be missed!
When: Friday 15 September, 3.30PM
Where: Tintern Farm
Please register for this free event via Eventbrite to assist us with catering: https://tinterngrammarspringcelebration2017.eventbrite.com/?aff=Aspectus
Kind regards,
