Welcome

2024, the year that was (or nearly!)

As I write this, Celebration Evening for secondary students has just been completed, and was a moving and meaningful final farewell for Year 12 after the completion of their examinations. Over recent weeks it has been impressive to see our Year 12 students living out the athletes’ mantra ‘control the controllables and don’t worry about the rest’ as the leaking of examination content stories have hit the media, producing very strident and shrill responses in some quarters. While Tintern has appropriately made representations to ensure that there will be equality in assessment, it is clear that in the interim our Year 12 students have just got on with the business of their examinations.

In a sense this has been the mantra of the year at Tintern. From our sudden power outage early in Term 1, where we moved calmly and seamlessly into managing what would have been a very challenging situation prior to the pandemic, through the enormous number of camps, productions, ensemble and orchestral performances, sporting events and carnivals, House competitions, and many other events from ELC to Year 12, our students and staff have displayed this same combination of calmness under pressure and determination to do our best.

For our students, these twin attributes will assist them enormously in achieving the future success that they will seek in their fields. For our staff, this is the role modelling that inspires and supports our students and ensures trust and collaboration as a workforce.

As we look ahead to 2025, we will again grow in student numbers and meeting our new students at Orientation activities has been an energising and positive experience. Young people in 2024 are committed, thoughtful, reflective, and optimistic – all indicators of an excellent future at Tintern and for the world more broadly.

With the need for additional teachers in both Secondary and Junior School, as well as some retirements and resignations, we have recruited and engaged a remarkable group of new staff who will commence with us in January. At a time when the narrative around teacher quality and availability is both pessimistic and somewhat negative, it has been exciting and rewarding to meet with and listen to these passionate and committed educators during interview and mock lessons. I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with them in 2025 with real excitement.

I finish by thanking our families for the trust you put in us to educate and develop your children. Our partnership is the cornerstone of their achievement, and I thank you for the trust and support you provide to us that optimises your child’s experience at Tintern. Wishing you all the best for the festive season and relaxing and enjoyable holidays.

factis non verbis

Brad Fry | Principal 

Student Voice – 2025 School Captains

Mission 2025: Leadership Protocol

‘We are all in this together,’ ‘When it’s your turn, you step up and you go’ and ‘Brick by brick,’ were some of the most memorable snippets of advice and guidance we received as we stepped into our new roles and had our first Leadership team meeting a few weeks ago.

To simply say it’s a huge honour and thrill for us to be your 2025 School Captains would be an understatement, but it will have to do! As we will strive to lead by example, following the School’s motto: factis non verbis, by deeds not words.

Every year, the pool of Year 11s applying for leadership positions is full of commitment, drive, and passion, and this year was no exception.

Our aim as the 2025 Leadership team is to continue fostering a strong community from past leaders whilst creating our own legacy through introducing new events and initiatives. We are working towards making lasting memories, promoting care for ourselves and others, and, above all, having fun!

The task of successfully executing leadership was compared to the mindset of high-performance athletes, whom after establishing goals, would put their eyes down and shift their effort into focusing on the process. For us, that means taking the year event by event, and task by task. When considering the challenges we may face as a team, our desire to accomplish so much must be balanced with the need to stay realistic about what we can actually achieve.

This year, our team’s growing enthusiasm has been a key strength. Although we started off a bit quiet as the reality sank in, by our most recent meeting, ideas were flying across the room!

We also aim to further bring the School together by involving and extending opportunities to the Junior schools. We look forward to continuing events like The Big Freeze and the Community Colour Run, which bring a laugh and brighten our community each year.

That’s our mission and we have chosen to accept it, our time starts now!

Elisha Sze 2025 School Captain

Arya Yogesh Kumar 2025 School Captain

Faith Matters

As we move towards the end of 2024, and the season of Christmas when the world received God’s son in quite unexpected circumstances, the world must have wondered how this small helpless baby could come to save and bring hope and freedom? Without money or power, this small baby grew up and changed the world. I still believe that baby brings hope to our world and can bring hope to your life. 

Every blessing for your Christmas and time spent with family and friends.

Dear Tintern

Being here with you has been the greatest season of my ministry. Being in this place and being amongst you all, you are an amazing community. I am not going far as two of my boys will still be here as students.

Every day, walking through the gum trees I often imagine this is what heaven is like.

For the times I have made mistakes, I ask forgiveness.

Every blessing for 2025 and beyond.

Thank you Tintern for your time and patience.

Wellbeing Matters

Looking after yourself during the Christmas School Holidays

The Christmas holidays are the perfect time for everyone to relax, recharge, and prepare for the year ahead. After a busy term of exams, assignments, and co-curricular activities, the break offers a chance to for students to focus on their wellbeing and have fun. Below are some tips on how to make the most of it:

Rest and recharge

The holiday break is an ideal opportunity to catch up on sleep. Rest is essential for both mental and physical health, helping to restore energy and improve focus. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead.

Stay active

While rest is important, physical activity is key to maintaining your energy and mood. Exercise helps improve mental health and boosts your overall wellbeing. Whether it’s walking, bike riding, shooting hoops or even dancing, find activities that you enjoy to keep moving during the break.

Stay connected

Spending time with family and friends is essential for emotional wellbeing. Meaningful interactions with loved ones not only strengthen relationships but also provide support and joy, contributing to a healthier, more balanced mindset.

Make time for fun

The holidays are also a great chance to try new hobbies, explore new places, or simply enjoy downtime. Having fun and creating positive memories will help you return to school feeling refreshed and motivated for the year ahead.

Enjoy your well-deserved break and Merry Christmas!

From the Wellbeing Team.

There are a wide range of services available over this period that you are able to contact if you become concerned about your child’s mental health:

Your GP

Lifeline: A crisis support service that provides short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.13 11 14www.lifeline.org.au

The Butterfly Foundation: Our national eating disorder service when you need someone to understand what you’re going through, or feel heard, or practice new skills they provide counselling support1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673)

Kids Helpline: A free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years old1800 33 1800www.kidshelpline.com.au

Beyond Blue: Provides support on a range of mental health issues and is available via phone, online via chat or email1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au

CYMHS Box Hill – 1300 721 927 – should you need immediate support over the break. CYMHS is a specialist mental health service for children and young people up to the age of 25 years who are displaying symptoms of psychiatric disorder or severe emotional and behavioural disturbance.

Music Matters

Year 10 Music Elective Showcase

On Tuesday 12 November we had the pleasure of hearing the Year 10 Music Elective students present a concert as part of their performance unit for Semester 2. We heard a wonderful variety of music from the sublime music of Paganini to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and everything in between. The students came together as an ensemble to perform music of their choosing as well as demonstrating what they have learnt through their exploration of the elements of music and their individual projects. We had a world premiere of a composition by Hayden Glenk and Jacob Beard. Ariella Whaley, who has explored the world of audio-visual design and technology, managed the lighting and sound for the evening. These students have had a wonderful semester exploring the upgraded recording studio and learning the ins and outs of professional recording techniques. They have explored composition, worked on their music theory in preparation for further study and of course, spent many hours honing their performance craft. A special thanks for the support of the instrumental teachers of each student and to our accompanists for the evening Dave Bathgate and Alison Bezaire. Congratulations to the students for a wonderful semester of music exploration and performing.

Lisa Clarke | Head of Music

Year 8 Concert

This semester’s Year 8 concert featured the students of 8A and 8D performing for an enthusiastic crowd of Year 7 students. Each class performed a piece recorded by Vardos, a Hungarian and Romanian folk music ensemble, the Years 7 and 8 students had attended workshop performances earlier in Term 3. In addition to the class items, a number of students performed solo instrumental works and even a dance choreographed by the students themselves. Year 8 students were hard at work behind the scenes too, running sound and lighting, setting and clearing the stage, and introducing their fellow performers.

While many Year 8 students learn instruments at Tintern or outside school, for others, this was their first experience rehearsing as a band and performing in a concert setting. Students reflected on how much they enjoyed the opportunity of the active learning from the rehearsal and performance opportunity. They took the chance to try new instruments, face the challenge of performing, despite some nerves, and embraced the fun of music making. 

Ben Taylor | Classroom Music Teacher

Munch with the Musos

The Friends of Music Munch with the Musos event will take place this Sunday 1 December. We wish all performers well and thank all students for their commitment to our choirs and ensembles as they have prepared for this final wonderful musical celebration for 2024.

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ELC News

Down at the Farm

The Tinternwood Farm and Dr Kate Richards have been a wonderful resource for our ELC Farm Program this year, tailoring our farm visits and enhancing our curriculum.

We often go down to the Farm to discover ideas and concepts relating to the inquiry we are exploring in the classroom. During Term 2, our Fire Inquiry was explored down at the Farm, utilising the firepit. We explored concepts such as safety, Indigenous culture, cooking, the uses of fire and fire byproducts. At the end of the Inquiry, Dr Kate helped us light the fire to toast marshmallows as a celebration.

When our inquiry focused on lifecycles, Dr Kate tailored our lessons to teach us about the different lifecycles at the Farm. We dug deeper into the chicken lifecycle, minibeasts lifecycles and plant lifecycles.

The highlight of the Farm this year was meeting Cookies and Cream the two calves who came to Tintern for a visit. We learnt about what they like to eat, how their body functions differently from humans and all the food we can make from their milk.

Every visit this year, no matter what the intent, has always been hands on and engaging. Dr Kate makes sure the children experience ‘farm life’, mixing up feed for the animals, letting the animals out of their enclosures, picking grass for the rabbits and guinea pigs to eat, collecting eggs from the chickens and delivery hay to the goats. 

The learning is endless at Tinternwood Farm, I wonder what we will learn at the Farm next year?

Sustainability Grant

Sustainability is a major focus for the ELC, and we were lucky to win a Sustainability Grant from Nick McGown MP. We used the grant to purchase garden tools, garden bed covers, books, and games on sustainability. We look forward to further developing our Sustainable program with this grant in 2025.

Kristin De Vos | Head of Early Learning Centre

Girls’ Junior School News

It has been an amazing last few weeks in the Girls’ Junior School! In my role, it is such a privilege to watch our students engage in the wide range of co-curricular opportunities on offer, each experience helping them grow in ways that reflect the Tintern Compass values: commitment, integrity, independence, compassion, fulfillment, respect, confidence, and responsibility.

These values come to life in the most wonderful ways. For example, our Year 5 students, who showed remarkable commitment and courage as they tackled the waves during their surf camp last week or our Year 6 girls, who quite literally soared as they took the controls of an aeroplane this week at their flight excursion, experiencing independence and confidence in a way they’ll never forget!

Our younger learners have been busy too. Preps marvelled at the wonders of marine life during their visit to the aquarium, while Year 1 students got hands-on with tools, carefully crafting their wooden designs with respect for both their materials and the process. Year 2 students embraced responsibility and teamwork in their STEAM activities, where they are currently collaborating with their special guests to solve challenges and create.

In Year 4, students delved into the forces of nature through their natural disasters’ incursion, learning with compassion about the impacts on communities and our Year 3 students are busily preparing a STEAM project to present in the last week of school. Meanwhile, our Years 3–6 students have been finding fulfillment and joy in dance classes preparing for our End of Year Speech Night, embracing the challenge of tricky choreography.

And who could forget the excitement of our Prep – Year 2  Athletics Carnival? It was a celebration of energy, enthusiasm, and respect for one another, as students cheered on their peers. Similarly, the Junior Brass and Woodwind Concert was a shining example of commitment and confidence, as our musicians shared their hard work and talent with an appreciative audience.

These co-curricular activities are so much more than just ‘extras.’ They’re an essential part of a Tintern education. They inspire curiosity, foster relationships, and help each child discover their strengths and passions. Whether they’re building, creating, performing, or simply trying something new, our students are learning valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them.

As we reflect on these last few weeks, I wish to say a heartfelt thank you. To our teachers, who go above and beyond to create these incredible opportunities; to our families, for your support and encouragement; and most of all, to our students, who bring such enthusiasm and energy to everything they do. Tintern truly is a special place, and it is a joy to see how our shared commitment to these experiences helps shape confident, compassionate, and fulfilled young people. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day was held on Monday 25 November. Despite the drizzly rain the over 200 in attendance had a wonderful day being guided to activities by their student host.  Read the full report and view the images

Allison Prandolini | Head of Girls’ Junior School

Boys’ Junior School News

House Poetry

Congratulations to Butterss Cross who were crowned our 2024 House Poetry Champions at the annual House Poetry Competition.

Their recital of Gran can you rap? was humorous and delivered with wonderful timing and teamwork. Each House competed solidly and each boy displayed confidence and commitment in the very entertaining Competition.

Flight

Our annual flight excursion is always a highlight for our Year 6 boys and this year was no exception. The instructors at Tyabb Airfield were, as always, patient, professional and selfless.  Our boys all took advantage of the amazing opportunity to fly a Cessna plane, reaching out over French Island and the suburbs of Melbourne.

The boys learnt valuable information about aerodynamics and flight, while having what many called, the experience of a lifetime!

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day

Our annual Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day was such a warm and memorable day for our Junior School.

More than 200 special family members joined with our girls and boys for two special assemblies, lunch, and four interactive activities including a Tintern History Kahoot, a Just Dance session, a question-and-answer session comparing school then to now, and a PE session in the drizzly rain!

We were most grateful for those who were able to join with us, and to the hearty band of current parents who assisted with serving refreshments at lunchtime.

Adam Kenny | Head of Boys’ Junior School

Secondary News

As Term 4 draws to a close, we reflect on an extraordinary year at Tintern Grammar, filled with achievements, growth, and memorable moments.

One of the standout events of this term was our 2024 Celebration Evening at the Robert Blackwood Hall on Friday 22 November. This spectacular occasion brought together our community to showcase the many wonderful achievements and accomplishments of the year. The evening was a celebration of academic excellence, accompanied by stunning musical performances, and featured highlights from both our Middle School and whole school musicals. It was a true testament to the talent and dedication of our students and staff.

We extend our warmest congratulations to our Year 12 students, who have completed their final examinations and are now preparing for the next chapter of their lives—whether that involves university, TAFE, employment or travel. Their resilience and hard work throughout this year has been inspiring, and we are confident they will carry forward the principles and attributes developed during their time with us.

Our Years 9–11 students have also been busy with their Semester 2 examinations, putting into practice strategies that will serve them well in future studies. Students in Years 7 and 8 have been completing their final assessments, rounding off a productive year as they look forward to the next stage in their educational journey.

This week, our Year 9 students embark on their exciting summer expeditions. They will challenge themselves through activities such as white-water rafting, sailing, mountain biking, canoeing, or an adventurous eight-day journey through our stunning high country. These experiences build resilience, teamwork, and a connection to the natural world.

Meanwhile, our Year 11 students will participate in their ‘Welcome to Year 12’ conference, designed to prepare them for the demands and opportunities of their final year. Our Year 10 students will head to Deakin University in Geelong for three days, gaining insights into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead after secondary school.

We are also looking forward to our 2025 Transition Program, running from Monday 2 December to Friday 6 December. During this time, students will step into their new classes and begin their learning for the coming school year, setting a positive tone for 2025.

Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to our entire community for your ongoing support throughout 2024. Your encouragement and involvement make Tintern Grammar the vibrant and inspiring place it is.

As we wrap up the year, we wish all families a safe, joyful, and restful summer holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025 for another remarkable year at Tintern Grammar.

Brett Trollope | Head of Secondary 

Launch of Through Open Eyes: Year 10 2024 Memoirs

On Wednesday, 13 November, our School celebrated the launch of a very special book—Through Open Eyes a collection of memoirs written by our year 10 English students. The excitement was palpable as students eagerly flipped through the pages, seeing their own words transformed into a beautiful, tangible book.

At the launch event, some of the students read their memoirs aloud, captivating the audience with their personal stories and reflections. It was a powerful moment, as peers listened intently creating a supportive and inspiring atmosphere. The event highlighted the importance of physical books as lasting keepsakes—capturing memories, emotions, and milestones in a way that digital formats cannot. It was truly a delight to see so many students excited to read, share, and celebrate their accomplishments. This book is not just a collection of memoirs; it’s a testament to the creativity and voice of our Tintern students.

Kathryn Brentwood | Head of English

Co-Curricular Sport

Tennis Lessons at Tintern 

Community Matters

Join us for Friends of Music Munch with the Musos on Sunday 1 December 2024.

This is a fabulous end of year social fundraising event which brings the Tintern community together to celebrate the end of the year with a Christmas themed concert

from the School’s talented ensembles at the CM Wood Centre.

Sandwiches, sweet snacks, tea, coffee and juice are provided, and you may also bring your own snacks.

Please note in the interest of reducing waste we request that you bring your own re-usable cups/plates

Booking Link:- Munch with the Musos 2024

Bookings Close: midnight Thursday 28 November 2024, unless sold out prior.

General admission (pre-booked): $15

Pre-school age children and student performers: free

**Walk-ins ($15.00) seating will be limited and not guaranteed at tables **

Please contact the team at Community Relations if you require more information on 9845 7877 or email 

The Mangoes are arriving this week!

Collect your pre-ordered mangoes next week! Thursday 28 November and Friday 29 November 2024

A big thank you to all the staff and families who have purchased their mangoes this year.

Please collect your mangoes from the Bus Car Park (under awning in the  corner near the Pool) and Bush Car Park (on Basketball court) on Thursday 28 November and Friday 29 November, refer to timetable below. You will be greeted by a member of the TPG who will mark you off as you collect your trays of mangoes!

Volunteers Needed!

We are seeking a couple of volunteers to assist with mango collections on Friday 29 November at the Bush Car Park. If you’re available to help, please email the TPG  Your support would be greatly appreciated!

Reunion Festival Saturday 19 October 2024

We welcomed classes of 1999,1994,1989,1984,1979 celebrating their Milestone reunions on Saturday 19 October 2024.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Alumni who attended and contributed to the success of the Reunion Festival. It was a wonderful event, bringing together over 90 Alumni to reconnect and celebrate their shared memories of the School.

We’d like to recognise Lauryn van den Akker and June Ward for joining us to reminisce with their former students, along with everyone else who dedicated their Saturday to this event. We’re also grateful to Lynne Franke (Class of 1958) for volunteering her time to help assemble the Alumni artifacts, which were especially meaningful for our guests.

Thank you all for making this Reunion a memorable occasion!

View the images 

Class of 2004 and 2009 Reunion

Thank you to Staff who attended the 15 and 20 Year Reunion on Saturday 16 November 2024.

 A big thank you to all the past and present staff, Alumni, and students who joined us on Saturday 16 November to celebrate the Class of 2004 and Class of 2009, 15 and 20 Year Reunion! It was a fantastic afternoon, with over 50 Alumni coming together to mark their special milestone.

A special thank you to all the present and past staff who attended and a special shout out to Alison Bezaire, Lanna Derry, Shirley Wang, Lyn Bartol, Jenny McCarthy, Mike Blood, and Maria and Geoff Connor for their attendance — it was wonderful to have you all there. We also extend our gratitude to the students who assisted with the tours, helping make the day even more enjoyable.

The sunny weather provided the perfect backdrop for reminiscing and exploring the school grounds, sparking wonderful memories of times gone by.

View the images

Join Our Parent and Friends Group – Building A Stronger School Community Together!

Are you passionate about enhancing your child’s educational experience while fostering a vibrant Tintern community? Look no further! Our Parents and Friends groups are calling all enthusiastic parents, guardians, and friends to join our mission of creating a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring environment for our children.

Tintern Parent Group (TPG) – The TPG supports the School in providing a positive school experience for students and families. Most recently they have organised events such as the Trivia Night and the Community Fun Day, along with fundraising activities including the Mango Drive, Frank Green and Picture Plates. There is the opportunity to forge meaningful friendships, share experiences, and create lasting memories while making a real difference in the lives of our children. To join or find out more email the TPG

Friends of Music (FOM) – The FOM provide support and encouragement to our Music students, and Music Department. FOM volunteers perform the vital role of fundraising, as well as generously devoting their time and energy to ensure the success of a variety of musical productions and events featuring Tintern Grammar music students. The group host a range of special events each year, including Jazz Nights and Munch with the Musos. No special abilities are needed, apart from a willingness to become involved and help support our young musicians with their endeavours. To join or find out more email the FOM

Friends of Equestrian (FOE) – The FOE is an enthusiastic, friendly and welcoming group, formed to support students and families to pursue their love of horse riding and equestrian sports. Every year, Friends of Equestrian members organise a number of activities to give young riders opportunities to develop and further their skills. These events include clinics and training days with high quality instructors.

. To join or find out more please contact FOE.

Friends of Young Farmers (FOYF) – Following a short break, we are now looking for new members to reinvigorate our FOYF group. FOYF was established in 2012 to support the Young Farmers in their endeavours. Over recent years the Farm and its programs have seen considerable change, and we are now ready to reinstate the FOYF group to establish new goals to support, not only the Young Farmers but the Tinternwood Farm in general. To find out more please email Community Relations.

Friends of Snowsports (FOS) – This small, but enthusiastic group are hoping to grow in numbers for 2025. Their current aim is to support and encourage Tintern students’ participation in Snowsports. Contact Community Relations for more details.  

Join us in making Tintern an even more enriching and enjoyable place for our children. Your unique skills and perspectives are invaluable. Together, we can create a brighter future for the entire School community. We can’t wait to welcome you to our groups.

Parent Representatives 2025

Thank you to the many parents and guardians who have volunteered to act as the Parent Representatives for their Class or Year Level in 2024.

We are now seeking interest for 2025!

Parent Representatives are a liaison between parents/guardians and the School. Informing parents about activities planned either by Tintern, our community groups or within the class or year level, such as social gatherings, fundraisers or events. It is a great opportunity for class groups to connect, while supporting our local community cafes and restaurants. Year levels and classes can have one or many representatives, many hands make light work.

If you would like to continue in the role for 2025 or are interested to find out more, please contact the Community Relations Office on 9845 7893 or email

The Tintern Grammar community is advised that Di Lacey, Alumni, Community, and Development Manager, will be taking long service leave during Terms 1 and 2 in 2025.