Principal's Message

College Assembly

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to gather as a community to reflect on our Winter Sports season, and to acknowledge members of our College Athletics Team as they prepared to compete in the JPPSA (Junior School) and PSA (Senior School) Athletics Carnivals.

Our Winter season of Sport consisted of 12 rounds of fixtures, commencing in Term 2 and finishing a few weeks ago. Over Thursday and Friday afternoons, and on Saturday mornings, we have had nearly 90 teams and over 1300 students proudly representing the College across six different sports. The cold and wet conditions throughout these past few months have asked for a deeper commitment and examination of ability. Our College Assembly allowed us to acknowledge a number of students who received a Service and Contribution Award and other students who were considered as ‘Fairest and Best’ in respective ‘First’ Teams.

As always, I get great joy in being able to get around to see all teams, at all levels, even managing to Coach one of the year 9 Soccer Teams. While it is always a pleasure watching the wins and losses that occur as a normal part of Sport, what I have found particularly pleasing is the manner in which our students represent the Blue and Green of Trinity College. Our boys do so with a real sense of pride, commitment and a determination to compete well. Most importantly, this is accompanied by a genuine attitude of supporting teammates and playing fairly. It is the sense of respecting each other and respecting the contest that I am most proud of.

The Assembly also provided an opportunity to sincerely acknowledge the majority of our boys who have committed fully to Sport, both Winter and Summer seasons. The College acknowledges and celebrates such a genuine contribution to College life and to each other. Sadly, although very much in the minority, we still have a few students who have not always displayed such commitment and, at various times, have chosen to miss training sessions, not turn up to fixtures or, in some instances, play for club teams at the expense of their preparation and commitment to their College team. In essence, they have let their team-mates and their school down. This is most disappointing and will likely affect their Trinity College Graduation.

Adopting a full and determined commitment to PSA Sport at Trinity College, across both seasons, is a central pillar of our stated, and much valued, Education Program. As discussed at enrolment, and referenced regularly throughout every student’s journey, striving for personal excellence in all areas of College life is encouraged and expected! No aspect of our Education Program is optional or can be successfully achieved with a ‘part-time approach’. A sense of community, a positive culture and personal resilience all emerge from a collective commitment to all aspects of College life. The unequivocal support of parents in this regard is obviously vital and presents, before our boys, a very clear and obvious pathway that is based on a set of shared values with the College.

I trust that some boys will reflect on opportunities missed. To play and learn alongside their ‘Brothers’ – at whatever level, is a privilege that not every school student gets. As has been highlighted previously, ‘you get out of school, what you are prepared to put in.’ This is particularly true at Trinity College. Those boys who consistently apply themselves fully and commit to all aspects of College life, are the same boys who achieve great success, have purpose and become leaders amongst their peers. As we look to commence our Summer season in Term 4, I urge all students to fully commit to this important aspect of College life.

I would like to sincerely thank the large number of staff and external coaches who have taken on a coaching or managing role throughout our recently concluded Winter season. The manner in which our coaches engage with our boys, and the tone of respect and sportsmanship that they insist upon, is wonderful to see and greatly appreciated. I would particularly like to offer special thanks to Mr Ryan Lockyer who oversees all of our PSA Sport and, with the assistance of Mr John Black, carries much of the responsibility to ensure that teams, fixtures, venues, umpires and buses are organised for all fixtures.

The Assembly concluded with the presentation of our 2026 Athletics Team. In his address, Senior Athletics Captain, Axel Walsh referred to the special privilege of representing the College over the past few years, proudly citing the commitment and the challenge of intensive training that the team had enjoyed in preparing for the carnival day. He also encouraged every student to find those opportunities to apply themselves in a manner that allows them to be part of something bigger – such as the College Athletics Team. Similarly, Junior School Athletics Captain, Nate Thompson encouraged all athletes to embrace the chance to produce their personal best.

We congratulate all members of the 2026 College Athletics Team. We thank them for their example, encourage them to support each other and pray that they believe in themselves as they strive for their personal best. We can ask for no more, and should expect no less!

Live Jesus in our Hearts.

Mr Darren O’Neill 

Principal