College News

Principal's Update

Welcome to this edition of King's News. Watch the video below to hear an update from our Principal.

Lone Pine Ceremony

Last week, King’s College was honoured to receive a Lone Pine tree from Friends of Gallipoli and the Victorian RSL, which has been planted on the College grounds as a symbol of Australia’s partnership with Turkey since WW1. The Year 6 and Year 8 Students took part in the ceremony.

"Lone Pine was the scene of a major diversionary offensive launched by the 1st Australian Infantry Division on 6 August 1915. The Turks had cut down the trees on their sector that clothed the ridge to cover their trenches. Moreover, unceasing Allied Naval Bombardment of the ridges and valleys decimated all the vegetation. However, one Lone Pine survived all the odds. This single Allepo Pine became known as Lone Pine. An Anzac soldier, Sargent Keith McDowell of the 24th Battalion carried a pinecone from this tree in his haversack until the end of the war. Upon returning home to Australia he gave it to his aunt, Mrs Emma Gray, who lived in Grassmere near Warrnambool. 

A decade or so later Mrs Gray planted the seeds and four seedlings were grown. One was planted in May 1933 in Wattle Park, Melbourne. Another at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and another at the Soldiers Memorial Hall at The Sisters. The last was planted in the Warrnambool Botanical Gardens. Since the 1980s many trees have been grown by both seed and grafting techniques from material collected from the tree at the Australian War Memorial. These have been disseminated to many organisations including RSL branches and clubs, schools and other interested organisations".

Friends of Gallipoli

PTFA Information & Survey

What is the PTFA?

The PTFA is our Parents, Teachers and Friends Association. It is open to existing parents, carers, teachers, grandparents and people who have a connection with the College. 

What is the role of the PTFA?

The PTFA exists to: 

• Promote and support the values and purpose of the College in providing Christian education from Kindergarten to Year 12.
   
• Promote and foster links between the College and the parent community.
   
• Organise social activities to provide an opportunity for the school community to fellowship and build a stronger connection with the College and the parent community.
   
• Support the College through fundraising for various school projects and equipment.
   
• Support the College through helping at College functions and providing services to the College and College community.

When does the PTFA meet?

The PTFA meets once per term, usually on the third or fourth Wednesday at the start of each term. Meeting dates are published on the Compass calendar and in the Newsletter. These meetings provide an opportunity to plan and discuss upcoming PTFA organised events and provide fellowship for parents. The principal also attends these meetings.

How can I get involved in the PTFA?

You are welcome to attend PTFA meetings on a regular basis. You can also help with volunteering at a PTFA event. We are always looking for volunteers to help with activities. If you have ideas on the types of activities you would like to see the PTFA run or you’d like to volunteer to help with an event, please respond to this survey.