Welcome

Over the last few years, I have written about the changes to the world of work which have driven many changes to the global education agenda leading to a broader set of skills, capabilities and dispositions required to succeed in this ever-changing landscape.  

Over the next six months, a team of Tintern Grammar teachers are developing an exciting new Year 9 Program that will address these capabilities for our students. More on that in a minute. 

These cross-curricular general capabilities like collaborative capacity, critical thinking, creativity and innovation and conceptual intelligence are essential to the modern workplace. Perhaps more importantly, these capabilities support the wellbeing, belonging and fulfilment in the lives of our students as human beings. Also, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) has accelerated the importance of these very human skills as lower order work is increasingly outsourced to GAI. 

At Tintern Grammar our vision is about more than the narrow academic skills expanding our focus to foster strong character in young women and men, enabling them to achieve personal excellence and aspire to create a better world in a connected and caring school community. We guide our students to develop the values, disposition and capabilities needed to achieve their potential and to experience a sense of belonging. 

In 2027 our new VCE Centre will be open for students and staff, and we will be well into planning for our new Year 9 building. This building will be purpose-built to host the new Year 9 program that we have commenced designing this year and will be a physical environment to host a unique set of programs tailored to deliver learning that expands into the broader capabilities, values, culture and dispositions needed to thrive in our students’ future. 

The educational vision and program activities will be driving the design of our physical building, as it should be. The program will sit within a timetabled curriculum that delivers the Australian Curriculum knowledge and skills outcomes to prepare our students for successful entry into Year 10 and academic success in their VCE pathways.  

Our new Head of Middle School Mrs Catherine Murphy is heading a team of teachers to move through the design stages towards this new program. In a process shaped by consultant Davide Burton of Independent Schools Victoria, we have moved through several stages to define our vision and student outcomes within our broader school mission, graduate profile, Compass values and cultures of thinking.  

The Year 9 Program we aim to design will be dynamic and purposeful, designed to empower students at a pivotal stage in their educational journey—encouraging growth, independence, and a strong sense of self. Through diverse engaging learning experiences, authentic challenges, and meaningful connections with others and the wider world, we nurture our students who are ready to explore their passions, embrace responsibility, and make a difference.  

In shaping our Year 9 Program we remain mindful that it is a program that includes inquiry-based, experiential and collaborative approaches that foster the development of enterprise skills. Exciting times ahead! We will update you in Term 1 2026 as the key parts of the program start to take shape. 

Jason McManus  

Acting Principal 

ELC News

Pasting: More than just glue and paper 

In any early learning classroom, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for children to be creative—one such opportunity is the pasting area. 

Pasting is typically an activity that children can access independently. They choose what materials they want to use and how they wish to arrange them on their paper. By providing a variety of loose parts in this space, we open the door to rich, open-ended experiences that encourage imagination and choice. 

This simple activity is easy to set up and maintain and can be adapted to suit different themes—such as winter (using blue and white materials), nature (using sticks, leaves, and other found objects), or left open for free exploration. Pasting not only sparks creativity but also gives educators insight into a child’s progress and thought processes while offering opportunities to introduce new challenges. 

Evolving the pasting experience 

As the year progresses, we increase the complexity of pasting activities to keep children engaged and to further develop their skills. We may introduce smaller or more intricate materials, three-dimensional elements, or change the surface they’re working on—such as moving from flat paper to cardboard, cork, or natural materials. Layered pasting and box construction are also included to extend their thinking and creativity. 

If children start to lose interest in pasting, it’s easy to refresh the experience by making small changes. We might switch the type of glue used—such as coloured glue, glitter glue, or glue sticks—or change the paper, using different colours, shapes like circles or triangles, or materials like cardboard or newspaper. Changing the loose parts also brings new excitement—perhaps offering just one colour of materials, using natural or fabric pieces, or even incorporating textured items. Altering the outcome can reignite enthusiasm too—such as encouraging children to paste vertically to create a 3D effect, paste onto a box, or complete a challenge like ‘fill the paper.’ 

The benefits of pasting 

1. Physical development
   Pasting helps children build fine motor skills, essential for writing and drawing. As they use scissors, brushes, and glue, they strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers. We observe their brush grip, how much glue they use, and how they place and arrange loose parts with intention and control.
2. Intellectual development
   Creative tasks like pasting involve real problem-solving. Children wonder: Will this piece stick? Should I cut it smaller? As they make decisions, they explore shapes, sizes, and how different materials work together. They’re also learning to plan and represent ideas visually, developing spatial reasoning, logic, and early geometry skills.
3. Emotional and social development
   Pasting offers a safe, calming outlet for self-expression. Some children use it as a quiet, reflective moment while others thrive socially in the space. They often watch one another work, offer comments or suggestions, share materials, and replicate ideas they see. This fosters collaboration, enjoyment, and emotional expression.
4. Communication and language development
   Creative activities like pasting naturally invite conversation. Children talk aloud while they work—saying things like, ‘I need more,’ or ‘This piece goes here.’ They also interact with peers, ask questions, share ideas, and describe their work, all of which builds expressive language and communication skills.

Our pasting and making areas are always a highlight in the room. So next time your child brings home a collage covered in patty pans, sticks, or sparkly paper, remember—there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. It’s not just a piece of art, but a window into their creativity, learning, and development. 

 Remember Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Banksy and all celebrated artists never finish a piece in one sitting. They often returned to a piece over and over. If your child walks away from their work they may revisit it, to add more, change or experiment further. 

 Kristin De Vos | Head of Early Learning Centre 

Girls’ Junior School

Prep to Year 2 Music  

Students in Prep to Year 2 have been developing their musical ears, through solfa (so and mi) and rhythm activities (ta and titi). Through reading, writing and performance opportunities, we are developing our musicianship and confidence to learn instruments and sing with technique and accuracy.   

Years 3-6 – Alice in Wonderland Jr.  

Our Years 3-6 girls have been working tirelessly in preparation for our upcoming Junior School Musical, Alice in Wonderland Jr. There’s a real buzz in the air as students from Years 3 to 6 bring this beloved story to life through expressive singing and choreography. 

Rehearsals have been full of laughter, focus and creativity. From lead rehearsals to ensemble scenes, every student has a role to play and it’s been wonderful to see the girls’ confidence and stage presence grow with each rehearsal. 

We’re so excited to share their hard work and talent with families and the school community later in Term 3 for a matinee and evening performance, on Wednesday 17 September. 

Allison Prandolini  

Head of Girls’ Junior School 

Inquiry – Year 4: Water Wonder 

The Year 4 girls have launched into an exciting Inquiry unit exploring water and its properties through the lens of science and technology. With curiosity switched on, students use digital microscopes to observing water samples in various forms— rain, tank, pond, filtered — and investigating how water interacts with different surfaces such as coins, feathers, and leaves. Over the term, they will continue to explore concepts like surface tension and evaporation, documenting their discoveries with annotated images and diagrams. This learning journey encourages the girls to think critically, make predictions, and communicate their understanding while demonstrating what it means to be ready and engaged learners.  

 Cecilia Voigt
Year 4 Junior School (Girls) Classroom Teacher 

Canberra camp 

Our Year 6 students have just returned from Canberra Camp, which was an exciting four days away learning about government, citizenship and each other! Highlights included putting our classroom inquiry into action at Parliament House; learning from athletes themselves on tour of the Australian Institute of Sport; and the science wonderland of Questacon. We also felt the sombre importance of history at the Australian War Memorial and had several artistic explorations at both the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery. Our Year 6 camp is a camp like no other, and the memories, friendships and experiences form a pivotal part of the girls’ final Junior School year. 

 Claire Scobell  

Year 6 Girls Classroom Teacher  
Junior School Numeracy Learning Leader 

 Stories and Seasons at the Sanctuary 

To enhance our Inquiry unit A World of Changing Seasons, the Year 1A girls took part in a day of bold learning at Healesville Sanctuary. During a hands-on workshop, we explored Indigenous Dreaming stories, played traditional games, and learned about bush medicine. The girls were especially interested in how First Nations people understand and describe the seasons, noticing how these differ from our familiar calendar-based seasons. The girls questioned how the environment, plants, and animals signal seasonal change and how this knowledge is shared through stories. It was a rich learning experience that deepened our connection to Country and culture. 

Michelle Gluskie
Year 1 Girls Classroom Teacher 

Boys’ Junior School News

Surf Camp

Our Year 5 boys and girls had a memorable time on their annual Surf Camp at Phillip Island in Term 1, enjoying surfing, visiting the penguin Parade, and spending time together completing challenging and fun activities at camp.

Year 5 Business Expo

The annual Year 5 Business Expo proved to be yet again a wonderful community event that had the Southwood Centre abuzz.

The Year 5s were incredibly enthusiastic and dedicated to their businesses. They had so much fun and goodwill, and so many rich learnings about marketing and business.

After the boys have worked out their Revenue and Expenditure, they will be able to announce their profit and determine which charity they will send their money raised.

Adam Kenny

Head of Boys’ Junior School

Senior College

Careers Evening – Follow in their footsteps, find your own path 

On Thursday 22 May, students from Years 9 -12 had the opportunity to attend the bi-annual Careers Evening. A range of tertiary institutions were located around the CM Wood centre, providing students with course information and answering questions from curious students and parents. Following this opportunity students had the opportunity to book sessions with Alumni from a vast range of industries. Our past students shared insights into the pathways into their employment, including any challenges and successes they had along the way. The event is a highlight on the calendar and continues to grow.  

Guiding your future and Subject Showcase 

As part of the subject selection process at Tintern, students and parents are provided with vital information to help guide subject choices. During the online Guiding Your Future event, held on Thursday 19 June, presentations focused on the available VCE offerings for 2026, potential pathways, and samples of courses to suit the learning needs of our students. As a follow up, the Subject Showcase, will be hosted in Term 3 and deliver families a tangible, in-person opportunity, to sample the many and varied VCE subjects,  as well as the chance to speak with our experienced teachers. Conversations will no doubt focus on course content, assessment, and the many practical opportunities available.   

James Henderson 

Acting Head of Senior College and VCE/VET Coordinator 

Curriculum Matters

End-of-semester reporting 

Parents are reminded that Semester Reports will be published to families online via our Tintern Grammar Portal. Our Secondary School reports will go live on Thursday 3 July. Instructions for accessing these reports will be emailed to families in the last week of Term 2. 

Secondary Program and subject selection for 2026 

As part of Tintern Grammar’s commitment to ensuring students make informed choices, we are holding two information sessions relating to the options available for our Years 10 and 11 students of 2026.  

The first of these sessions, our Guiding your Future event, took place on Thursday 19 June. The event, designed for current Years 9 and 10 students, explored how senior subject selection is best informed by an understanding of the senior qualifications on offer at the school and the potential career pathways available to students.  

As a follow up to this evening, a Subject Showcase Evening will be held in Term 3 on Monday 11 August 2025.  Prior to this second evening, all individual VCE and VET subjects on offer next year will be outlined on Portal tiles and subject teachers will be available on the evening to answer specific subject-related questions based on explorations students have made into the subject options for 2026. At this evening, Year 9 (2026) students who are contemplating taking a VCE subject in Year 10 and their families are invited to attend a special information session around this possibility and important matters to be taken into consideration prior to lodging that request.  

As in previous years, the subject selection process will occur online in August. Students will be given instructions on how to follow this process during Pastoral sessions at school and details of electives and subjects available for selection will be published on the Portal towards the end of this term. 

The information sessions mentioned above will assist students to select the most suitable pathway and subject choices for 2026. Individual teachers and our careers counsellors also will be available to assist in this process. 

 Alison Bezaire 
Director of Studies 

Sport

EISM

Swimming – 3rd Overall       

Shenghao Jin, Tess Flanagan and Jayden Zheng represented the EISM at the Victorian Schools Associations Carnival (VSAC) on Monday 12 May. Shenghao, Tess and Jayden swam extremely well and in their events against the best students from other school associations. Congratulations Shenghao, Tess, and Jayden.

EISM Premierships

Congratulations to the following Senior Teams for winning the EISM premierships in their sport for this season:

• Boys Badminton
• Boys Table Tennis
• Girls Softball
• Girls Volleyball Navy

Congratulations to the following Year 8/9 Teams on winning the EISM premierships in their sport for this season:

• Girls Softball
• Girls Table Tennis White
• Girls Basketball B

Karate

Ashleigh Rechnitzer participated in the Victorian Karate League Kobe-Osaka tournament for the first time on Sunday 18 May 2025 held at the Springers Leisure Centre in Keysborough.

 Ashleigh competed in both kumite and kata in 14-15 years old, 6th-4th kyu category. 

For kumite Ashleigh received a gold medal and for kata she received a silver medal. For the kumite finals, the score was 5-0. Kumite is competitive sparring while kata is a series of choreographed sequences of movements typically done individually.

Softball

On Wednesday 21 May, the Senior Girls’ Softball Team competed in the SSAV Premier Schools Softball competition at Jells Park. To be eligible to compete as the EISM representative school, the Tintern team won the senior softball premiership in the recent season. Tintern was one of four schools competing along with St Margaret’s Berwick, Newhaven College and Caulfield Grammar.

In the first semi-final, Tintern played St Margaret’s Berwick. It was a tough match against a team that has played together for a number of years. Although we fielded well, unfortunately our batting was not as effective as usual, due to some strong pitching and fielding from the opposition. The final score was 16-0 to St Margaret’s Berwick.

Our second semi-final we played Newhaven College. The girls’ attitude was excellent, and we corrected some errors in our batting from the previous match and were able to win the match 18-3. Our pitching and fielding skills were also of a high standard which allowed us to get our fielding innings completed quickly.

Tintern Grammar finished 3rd overall.

Congratulations to the Senior Girls’ Softball Team.

Tintern shines at Volleyball Victoria 3-Day Schools Cup

We are proud to share the outstanding achievements of our Year 8 Girls and Senior Boys Teams at the recent Volleyball Victoria 3-Day Schools Cup. Across the 3-day tournament, our athletes played up to three matches per day, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

Our Senior Boys’ Team delivered a strong performance, narrowly missing out on a medal and finishing in 4th place after a tightly contested bronze medal match. Year 8 Girls’ Team 2 also competed with great spirit, placing 9th overall.

A special congratulations goes to the Year 8 Girls’ Team 1, who were crowned champions in the Division 2 category. An incredible achievement that reflects their dedication and growth throughout the season.

We would also like to recognise our Year 12 students – Alex Forbes, Jack Pringle, Ryan O’Callaghan and Tom Hutcheon, who represented Tintern in their final tournament. Their leadership and commitment have left a lasting legacy within our volleyball program.

Congratulations to all players and coaches involved. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and achievements.

Ash Viney

Head of Sport

Art

Floribunda

In June, Year 12 VCE Art Making and Exhibiting students were fortunate to explore the exhibition Floribunda, at Bunjil Place, in a major partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria. Floribunda featured 156 works from the NGV.  The exhibition was an intoxicating larger-than-life mashup of floral imagery, design and motifs drawn exclusively from the NGV Collection

Floribunda celebrates and reimagines the nature and significance of various works including Decorative Arts, Fashion and Textiles, Painting, First Nations Australia and Pacific Art, with the selection of works spans multiple histories, cultures and art forms. Featuring poignant still life painting, couture embellished with swirls of floral pattern, and objects lavishly adorned with buds and blooms, Floribunda connects human experience with the beauty and poetic symbolism of flowers.

Students investigated the conservation of artworks in the exhibition, with NGV Assistant Director of Conservation Michael Varcoe-Cocks.

The talk addressed VCE AME Unit 4, Area of Study 3, Outcome 3. Michael spoke about the conservation processes and procedures required to get the items ready for display. It was a fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ exploration that was riveting as well as wonderful preparation for upcoming studies into the conservation and preservation of artforms for VCE Art ME. Each student also received a delightful seed packet from the show that included indigenous flowers that they could then plant and grow, continuing the themes shown in the works.

Frida Kahlo: In her own image

On Monday 12 May, Years 10, 11 & 12 Visual Art students assembled early in the morning for a daytrip to Bendigo Gallery to explore Frida Kahlo: In her own image. Accompanied by Mr Lauret, Mrs Waud & Nadia Mercuri, students were awestruck as the exhibition presented an intimate view of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. The exclusive exhibition featured Kahlo’s personal belongings, clothing, make-up, accessories, and medical items, on loan from the Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico for the first time in Australia.

It was a fascinating, intelligent and carefully curated exhibition that helped us as an audience appreciate how Bendigo Gallery brought a fuller version of Kahlo to life, beyond her paintings and drawings that she is traditionally known for. The exhibition design was supported by a range of media such as information panels and text labels, including some labels for children which were delightful, an auditory backdrop that included a play list of music inspired by Kahlo, along with digital displays depicting a hummingbird, which was associated with the symbology of Kahlo’s work. The experience certainly had the students considering if any of their personal items were chosen for display, what that ‘artefact’ could potentially communicate to an audience. It was a visual feast that was, at times, surprisingly emotional as we glimpsed a selection of the personal artefacts of such and iconic artist.

Rachel Waud

Head of Visual Art and Design

Music

Musical offerings at our Annual Cathedral Service 

On Friday 23 May, students, staff, and families gathered in St Paul’s Cathedral for the Tintern Grammar Annual Cathedral Service, a highlight of the school year for many. It was a day many performers had been waiting for to showcase their musical talents in such a grand space. 

This year was particularly special for Sashenka and I, as we had the honour of performing solo verses in the cathedral for the very first time. I know it is a memory we will treasure.  

The service featured a range of performances. The Chamber Orchestra and Clarinet Ensemble filled the space with heavenly sound and the choristers from our Intermediate, Concert and Chamber choirs united in a mass choral number, which produced a powerful and impactful sound. The Chamber Choir concluded the service with a beautiful sung blessing. 

The Cathedral Service is such a meaningful event for the Tintern community. It’s a chance to come together, reflect, and express gratitude whilst being immersed in music. The music staff and organist all played key roles in ensuring a successful and harmonious service and did a wonderful job. As students, we are grateful for being able to participate in this event and I look forward to our next Cathedral Service in 2026. 

Tammy Lerk 
Choral Captain 2025 

Senior Piano Concert 

On Tuesday 20 May, the annual Senior Piano Concert saw Tintern’s pianists showcase their magnificent skills on stage, with students from all year levels performing a wide range of pieces from a variety of different genres. Held in the CM Wood Centre, the concert was an excellent way for our musicians to gain performance experience, with a warm and inviting atmosphere allowing performers to enjoy themselves in an encouraging and supportive environment. Moreover, it was an excellent opportunity for young pianists to practice performing their pieces for upcoming assessments in both AMEB and VCE fields of examination.  

Each student took a step outside of their comfort zone and should be proud of their performance. The concert certainly proved that their practice and hard work had paid off!  Many of our pianists learn at Tintern and are taught by some of our incredibly talented piano teachers. The students would like to thank Mrs Belinda Glass, Ms Catherine Wilson, Mrs Fiona Thomas, Ms Heather McKenzie, and especially our Head of Keyboard Mr Adrian Szondy, for the hard work they put in every day to ensure that our students become the best pianists they can be. Thank you to our Music Administrator, Mrs Quigley, and our Director of Music, Mrs Bezaire, for their contributions behind the scenes to ensure the success of the event and an extra vote of thanks to Mr Szondy for so efficiently organising his first Piano Concert series at Tintern!  

Overall, the Senior Piano Concert was a wonderful evening, and we look forward to hearing more from our talented pianists at next year’s concert, so make sure you keep practising! 

Sebastian Humphrys
School Pianist 2025 

Small Ensembles Concert 

On Tuesday 27 May, we were treated to a wonderful concert showcasing the musical talent of 10 of our smaller ensembles at Tintern. The Small Ensembles Concert is an opportunity for students from Years 5 -12 to develop their ability to connect and communicate through music and present what they’ve been working on throughout the year.  

The concert included performances by the Percussion Ensemble who opened the program with a rousing rendition of ‘Who let the dogs out’. This was followed by further enjoyable offerings from the Saxophone Ensemble, Combo blue, the Middle School String Quartet, who made their debut at this concert. Dave Bathgate led the guitar ensemble in an acoustic cover of ‘The final countdown’, which was followed by the Brass Ensemble, Combo Electric and a captivating Australian composition ‘Epic’, performed by the Trigg Jazz Combo. The Clarinet Ensemble introduced a moment of calm with ‘Stony Skies’, before the Nu Jazz Band brought it home with the guitar featuring in ‘April Joy’.  

It was truly a joy to listen to such a variety of small ensembles, each at a different stage in their musical journey. We look forward to future events which will showcase the wonderful talent of the young musicians here at Tintern! 

Sashenka Fernando 
Choral Captain 2025 

Olivet aged care performance 

On Tuesday 3 June, Tintern Grammar’s Years 8/9 Music Elective class travelled to perform for the residents of Olivet Aged Care in Ringwood. Students performed in small groups and as soloists and played a wide range of musical styles including original compositions, jazz standards, classical, pop and Broadway tunes. This performance served as a core curriculum performance outcome and gave us the opportunity to practise our arranging, rehearsing, collaborating and performing skills. After the performance, we mingled with the audience who expressed how much they had enjoyed the concert. Among the crowd was former Tintern Head of Keyboard, and current Olivet resident, Mrs Barbara Clementson. The class was rewarded with a post-concert lemon dessert kindly provided by the staff at Olivet. Our thanks to Mrs Bezaire for organising the event, captaining the bus, and giving us the chance to share our music with an audience. 

Pop-up performance for our Admin Team  

The Concert Choir popped up between the rain showers on Tuesday 3 June and provided an unexpectedly delightful song of appreciation for the hard-working team in our Administration Building. The lyrics of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop the Feelin’’ were reimagined by choir members and school leaders, Daniel Sun and Arya Yogesh Kumar and the choir ‘surprised’ the team with a spontaneous performance of their creation in the Admin Carpark. It was lovely for the students to set eyes on our hidden gems from the Admin Building and a nice break from routine for the Admin Team to enjoy a little musical love from the choristers. 

 Save the date: Tintern Grammar Annual Concert Friday 8 August 

Our choristers and musicians will once again grace the CM Wood Stage for a feast of music making. Pop the date in your diary so you don’t miss out: Friday 8 August, 7.00pm.  

Alison Bezaire

Director of Music

Faith matters

Cathedral Service  

It was a chilly but glorious morning for our Annual Cathedral Service in the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral. This service was enriched by our musicians and singers as they blessed us with sharing their music and melody. The sunlight beamed through the grand stained-glass windows, as we listened to our Honoured guest the Reverend Andrew Stewart who shared his wisdom on the concept of belief. The importance of having something that you can place your trust on, and have confidence in.  He talked about belief in oneself, belief in the future and belief in God and his care for us. Jeremiah chapter 17: verse 7 reminds us that ‘Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.’   

 Elizabeth Cutter 
Acting Chaplain and Head of Religion 

Wellbeing Matters

Mindfulness in the age of digital distraction  

Earlier this term, Professor Craig Hassed OAM presented to the staff about the benefits of mindfulness practise particularly in the digital and fast-paced age we are in. Professor Hassed works in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University and is the Director of Education at the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies. He presented informative data about the correlation between excess screen time/smartphone use and decreased cognitive/academic performance as well as poorer psychological wellbeing. 

What can we do to help our young people? 

We can:  

Have regular and informed conversations about the impact of excessive phone use on our brain, learning, and wellbeing. 

Encourage them to access more nature and practise mindful moments daily. 

Role model our own self-management and self-care. 

Here are some suggested mindful practise activities. 

Mindfulness and mental health – Beyond Blue 

https://au.reachout.com/mental-wellbeing/selfcare/mindfulness-is-it-for-me 

Ewa Oaten 

Director of Student Wellbeing and Counselling 

Counsellor for Middle School Students (Years 7 – 9) 

Community Matters

Construction of the new VCE Centre is now underway 

After more than two years of planning and development that commenced in May 2023, we are thrilled to announce that the VCE Centre project is officially moving into the construction phase. This marks a major milestone in our journey to deliver a state-of-the-art learning environment for our senior students. 

The new VCE Centre is scheduled for completion by December 2026 and will be fully operational from the beginning of 2027. 

Over the recent term break, Kennedy Cottage was removed, and many of you will have noticed the gradual removal of the Maintenance sheds over the past few weeks. This week, initial site setup activities will begin. 

Key upcoming dates: 

• Wednesday 18 June – Site fencing will be installed to establish the construction compound. 

• Thursday 19 June – Temporary site sheds will be delivered and installed. 

• Over the following two weeks, you will see contractors on site, easily identified by their high-visibility vests, conducting surveying and testing. All workers will be inducted by the School prior to commencing work. 

As part of the project: 

• Learning Enhancement will be relocated to temporary portables located next to the Music Pods, between the two ovals during the upcoming term break. 

• Access changes: The roadway and main pedestrian path adjacent to the Sports Centre will be closed for the duration of construction. Staff and students will need to access the Bus Bay and Sports carpark either through or west of the Sports Centre. 

As with any major construction project, there will be some noise and disruption along the way. However, the long-term benefits for our students and staff will far outweigh these temporary inconveniences. We are working closely with the construction firm to ensure student and staff safety is prioritised and that disruption to teaching and learning is kept to a minimum. 

The new VCE Centre is a key project in the Schools Master Plan and represents a major investment in the future of our students and the continued development of Tintern. I’m excited to watch the transformation unfold and look forward to the positive impact this new facility will have on our senior students and staff for years to come. 

Thank you in advance for your support and patience throughout the construction phase. 

Damien Horman 
Business Manager 

Tintern Parents Group Trivia Night

All parents and staff are invited to the 2025 Tintern Parent Group Trivia Night 

 Saturday 2 August at 6.30pm in CM Wood. 

$20 per person – bookings are now open, and you must pre-book as no tickets will be available on the night.  

This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland – so come dressed in your ‘coolest’ outfit. There are prizes for the best dressed and best decorated table. 

You can book individual seats or get a year level or group table together – it promises to be a great night of trivia, games and connection. There’s also the opportunity to bid on a range of amazing things in the silent auction, as well as raffle prizes.  

So, what are you waiting for? Book the coolest ticket in town here.  

This year the TPG is raising funds for vital wellbeing programs for students and families focused on Mental Health and Online Safety. The goal is to raise $6,000 to support these crucial initiatives.  

Please note this is a student free event.  

Tinternwood Farm

We have wrapped up another semester at Tinternwood Farm. The students in the merino challenge have been learning about different breeds of sheep, haltering, fat scores and food ratios. They have been dedicated to their learning, coming down to the farm most lunchtimes. Our Year 7 students have finished their semester of agriculture and have been successful in growing their own vegetables. They have used their produce to create a salad in their health class, which has produced some wonderful creations.

Our Year 2 students finished their classes looking at the different stages involved in the creation of Australian dairy produce – from milk production on the farm to the arrival at the supermarket.

We said goodbye to our dairy calves with our Young Farmers having learnt some real-life responsibilities, bottle feeding our calves daily.

This is just some of the highlights from the Tinternwood Farm this term.

Dr Kate Richards

Secondary Science

Agriculture and Sustainable Futures Curriculum Co-ordinator