Meet our teachers

Our teachers are highly skilled and experienced in their portfolios, bring with them a passion for people and innovation, and care about the education of our students. 

Here, some of our teaching staff reflect on their life experiences in and beyond Trinity, which our students benefit from in their approach to the classroom every day.

Ben (Head of Science and Firsts Tennis Manager) on what Bulleen means to him

When I think of Bulleen and tennis, I think of 7.30am arrivals and the quiet rhythm of preparation. The leaf blower clearing the courts. Squad members arriving to warm up. The 8.30am line-up to welcome our visitors and a final team huddle before the first serve. And then the unmistakable hiss of a brand new can of tennis balls opening, the sound that signals we are underway.

But Bulleen is more than match day routine. It is the cheers from the sidelines, the calls of “What’s the score?” and “You’ve got this.” It is the fist bumps at the end of a match, regardless of the result. It is where the meaning of team is lived out through commitment, resilience and support.

The Pavilion redevelopment marks an exciting new chapter, offering a welcoming space for our community to gather with a wonderful new balcony set up that will allow spectators a brand new viewing experience. Importantly, facilities to call their own is something for which our students will be proud – dedicated change rooms for tennis is something that very few, if any, other schools will have in such close proximity and
quality.

Vicky (Teacher of Senior School Chinese and Coordinator or International Students) on what she has learned beyond the school gates

The Chinese proverb “百闻不如一见” – “hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once” – captures the value of learning beyond the classroom. Textbooks and lectures provide knowledge, but real-world experiences bring it to life in unforgettable ways. When students step outside through travel, community projects or hands-on activities, they gain deeper, more personal insights into the world. 

Seeing historical sites, engaging with different cultures, and observing global issues firsthand sparks curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking in ways traditional learning cannot. I was fortunate to join Trinity’s international tours and witnessed the profound impact of these experiences. Students adapted quickly, collaborated, asked insightful questions, and reflected thoughtfully on similarities and differences. 

These encounters reinforce academic learning while building independence, empathy, and global awareness. As an educator, it is rewarding to guide them through this transformation and see them return with broadened perspectives and lifelong lessons.

Ewoud (Head of Year 8 and Teach in Charge of Rugby) on what doing things “the Trinity way” means to him

Wearing the ‘green and gold’ has long been something for me even before I set foot on the shores of Australia. It is every boy and girls’ dream to wear the green and gold of South Africa one day. As with achieving the glory of wearing the green and gold, it is never handed or given to you, it takes hard work, dedication, GRIT and passion to achieve this. But as I sit so far away from my country of birth, I have found a new green and gold to be proud of and work hard for, I have found another reason to achieve and throw passion into, the green and gold of Trinity Grammar School, Kew.  

You see, the ‘Trinity way’ is not just a slogan or a fancy way to use a new font, it is something that runs deep, to be a better person not just today but for the future too. Like all journeys, it has its ups and downs, its challenges and rewards and along the way you meet people that themselves belief and live the ‘Trinity way’, and it is those that we hold dear to our hearts and count as lifelong friends and confidants.  

Can I myself be better in the passions I have and the things I do? Can we as a school be better in what we do? Absolutely we can. In order to be the best you can’t accept good to be excellent, excellent needs to be exceptional, only then can you achieve that high standard and the Trinty way, the people, the passions and their care is there for all of us to realise our own dreams along with others.    

Portrait by Year 10 student, Jerry Tang.

For his portrait, Jerry used various digital sketch tools on Procreate.

Alan (Outdoor Leaders’ Course Coordinator and Maths teacher) on what “to live our motto” means to him

As I started 2025 with my Year 7 form, I noted to myself, and to them, that they were born in the year I started with the green and gold – 2012. This was a year where I first witnessed the exceptional and selfless leadership shown by older students, and the model of the Trinity way of cascading mentorship.   

On Year 8 camp, I met Hugh Walker (OTG 2010) and Hugh Tyson (OTG 2013, then Year 11), mentoring and being mentored by Andy Crow (OTG 2011), one of the OE “gappies”.  I noticed how the staff gave the Year 11s space to lead meaningfully, where their preparation and delivery mattered.   

I also met Patrick Jaffe (OTG 2016, then Year 8), who noticed my navigation watch – a rarity then – and asked if I did orienteering. This started a tradition of orienteering at Trinity and demonstrated how the agency that students are given makes a lasting difference.  

I love being outdoors, whether it’s walking, cycling or paddling. Most of all, I enjoy being present in the place and time that I am in; there is so much to notice and wonder about in the world around us, and taking myself away from the noise of technology and cities creates the space for that curiosity. 

Tom (Director of Outreach, Chaplain and Economics Teacher) on a cause that is import to him

My passion in life has always been empowering others to make an impact on our world, especially for the most vulnerable in our community. From a young age I was inspired by my mother to see the whole human family as my neighbour and to help anyone in need. I believe the highest purpose in life is to live in service and this is the pathway to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. 

I have been privileged at Trinity to serve the school in the role of Director of Outreach. The calling of this ministry is to offer school programs that encourage students to open their hearts and souls to others. Our service programs encourage our students to be a voice for those who are marginalised, discriminated against and to help bring about a more just world. 

A special blessing for me is to have led over 25 immersion groups to East Arica, the Philippines, and Arnhem Land. By helping our students extend their radius of care to the whole world, it enables our Trinity community to experience a shared humanity and be more motivated to take action.  

My passion in life for all of us is to see the whole human family as one. 

Portrait photography captured by 2024 Year 11 Media student, Thomas MacKenzie. 

Monochrome in colour 

The objective was to create a series of portrait photographs that capture the essence and mood of individuals. The portraits (subject) have been converted to black and white to emphasise expression and character, contrasting with a large, vibrant and colourful background. The cinematic format gives each portrait a story-like quality, evoking the impression of being in a dramatic, immersive environment – like stepping into a technicolor film set.  

Studio setup 

Camera  Canon R7 | 85mm Prime Lens | Profoto Remote Flash Trigger | Tripod 

Settings Manual | 1/40 second | ISO 800 | adjust f-Stop to exposure 

Lighting  Two Studio Flash Heads | Barn Doors and Soft Box placed perpendicular to right and left of subject to avoid light leakage on to projected screen  

Backdrop  Selection of 2:1 ratio colourful images  

Brett (Head of Hospitality) on a connection that is particularly special

At 17, in 1987, I completed Year 12, and soon began my career as a first-year apprentice chef at Society Restaurant in Melbourne. This pathway, though demanding, was something I had always aspired to. The long, challenging days, split shifts and low pay made me question my choice at times, but my driving force was a single word: passion. Passion is essential in life, and I found my passion in the world of Hospitality, something that I have been involved with for 36 years.  

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptionally talented individuals. The thrill of preparing meals for 300 guests in one night is unparalleled, requiring teamwork, dedication, trust and communication. And, of course, passion remains at the heart of it all. Having held over 15 jobs in the Hospitality industry, I found my place at Trinity in 2013.

My passion for all things Hospitality still remains as strong as ever, and within the school it can mean working with the Year 9s to make pasta, the ELC students having a kitchen tour and cooking demonstration, or the Year 11s learning how to make espresso coffee. 

Whether it’s working in the industry or teaching Year 9s, food has the power to unite people, creating shared experiences and fostering connections. It brings joy and brings people together around a table, creating memories that last a lifetime. 

Lauren (Science teacher and Director of Strategy) on a time she stepped outside her comfort zone

Standing in the wilderness of southwestern Tasmania on day 10 of a 14-day hike, hearing my Mum’s terminal diagnosis as Mum of two little people myself and feeling nerv-cited to sing alongside an opera singer, for me share a commonality of discomfort. Sometimes we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone because we choose to dabble with challenge, sometimes we are there because adversity finds us.

Both experiences remind me of the strength in being aware of what we can influence, accepting what we can’t influence and to invest energy in what is helpful. The “one-foot-raised” moments we choose or that choose us; either in the wilderness, a hospital or on stage, have helped me discover a golden thread that constantly supports and equally encourages me.  

These moments have built confidence that compounds, humility that calms and a zest to dream wild to make choices that reflect what I value. 

Paul (Geography teacher and Head of Sutton House) on what “community” means to him

After 20 years of teaching at Trinity, the Trinity community also includes my own family; from my son who only just recently finished as a student, to my daughters who in the past have been involved with preparing choreography for Sutton House HPAF performances or making last minute props (for example gravestones for Michael Jacksons ‘Thriller’ back in 2015 – literally the night before the performance).  

In fact, Sutton House is probably where I have some of my strongest links when it comes to the Trinity community.  

 I took over as Head of Sutton House in 2005 and since then I have seen hundreds of boys pass through. Being with these students on their journeys from Year 7 to Year 12 within Sutton, meeting their families at House events – House Breakfast and Chapel Services, HPAF and House Athletics (when it used to be on a Saturday) really did and does create that sense that we are a community within a larger community.  

To me Trinity is a community, with smaller communities within a greater community. In my eyes this is what makes the school a special place to work and I hope a special place for all of the students, families, OTGs and staff connected with Trinity too!

Kate (English Techer, Co-Head of Year 12 and Teacher in Charge of Hockey) on what “sportsmanship” means to her

Sportsmanship to me is putting humanity ahead of the win. 

This is best shown in the moments when you see an athlete consider their opponent as a fellow human being, rather than focussing on their own success. Think of John Landy and Ron Clarke, Ivan Anaya and Abel Mutai, Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim. 

In hockey we line up, look the rivals in the eye and shake hands before the game, as a tacit promise to the opposition that we will play fair. 

Being a dignified winner shows as much respect to your opponents as being a gutsy loser. It’s important to play the game in such a way that makes it possible to share a choc milk and a donut with the other team after the match. 

I love working with the fine athletes of the Trinity Hockey program, and am always impressed to see their acts of good sportsmanship.

John (Chinese language teacher and Head of Merritt House) on what “courage” means to him 

In my early days in the army, when training for “hot extractions”, I was the last one into the helicopter and once I had done up my seatbelt, I was to give the thumbs up so the pilot could get us out of the situation. Although this was training, and not under fire, it was a competition between sections. I followed my team in, couldn’t get the belt done up, so, holding my belt, gave the thumbs up and we rose in the air in a rush of noise and screaming rotors. I salute the courage of those who display this courage every day as part of their service to others.   

Although we hear ‘they displayed a lot of heart!’ usually in the context of a sporting match, displays of courage need not be physical. Recently we have seen two school Vice-Captains stand up before an assembly of their friends and teachers and share that they are gay. That has taken far greater courage than throwing one’s body at the legs of a hulking rugby forward or running backwards to take a mark!  

Courage, an essential part of leadership, is standing up for your beliefs, regardless of the personal cost; it is placing the welfare and interest of others before your own; a courageous person is often on their own.