Senior School
David Smith - Head of Senior School
Senior School
David Smith - Head of Senior School
The last fortnight has really shown the tremendous community that exists in the Senior School at Trinity. The vast range of events really demonstrate the depth of the opportunities that are provided for the students to access.
The Book Week celebration was a significant reminder of the values associated with Trinity being a K-12 school. It was also a reminder of the unique power that reading has in shaping our minds and our futures. While Book Week may bring to mind childhood memories of favourite characters, at its heart it is about something deeper - the role that books play in developing who we are as thinkers, learners, and citizens. Books challenge us. They present new ideas, perspectives, and voices that we might not encounter in our everyday lives. They give us the chance to wrestle with complex issues, to grow in empathy, and to sharpen our ability to think critically. In a world filled with quick information and constant noise, reading teaches us the value of slowing down, reflecting, and engaging with ideas in depth.
Book Week is also a celebration of creativity - of the authors, illustrators, and thinkers who take risks in telling stories and sharing knowledge. But most importantly, it is a celebration of the reader - of you - and the potential you have to take those ideas and let them shape your own path.
The senior students are encouraged to see Book Week not just as a tradition, but as an invitation: an invitation to keep reading widely, to keep questioning, and to keep allowing books to stretch your imagination and your thinking.
The annual Winter Sleepout was on Thursday 21 August. The Year 11 students demonstrated great awareness, empathy and resilience by sleeping on the school camps that evening. They then completed a whole day of school. The purpose of the student sleepout is to build awareness, empathy, and action around the issue of homelessness, while providing meaningful support to those in need. Many thanks to all the staff who supported this venture.
The process of electing the 2026 student leaders commenced at the assembly on Wednesday. We thank the 34 Year 11 students who have nominated for a role in the leadership team.
Student leadership is not just about wearing a badge or holding a title – it’s about making a difference. True leadership is about service: listening to others, supporting your peers, and helping to create a school culture where everyone can thrive. When students step into leadership, they learn skills that go far beyond school – communication, teamwork, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others. These are qualities that shape strong communities and future leaders in every field. Most importantly, student leadership reminds us that each voice matters. Whether you’re leading a project, supporting a friend, or setting a positive example in class, you are showing leadership.
So, the importance of student leadership is this: it gives students the chance to contribute, to grow, and to leave a lasting mark on their school and beyond.
Student and staff voting has commenced with a closing time of 5pm on Monday 1 September.
Preparations for the Year 9 Camp have started with a range of activities that simulate those that the students will complete on the camp. Orienteering, Kayaking, Stand-up paddle boards, tents and cooking on trangias are all skills being used to help the students become familiar with the challenges ahead on the camp. Many thanks to all the staff working on this valuable program. Year 9 camp commences in Week 4 of Term 4.
What an incredible effort by Year 9 student Hugh Wells!
As part of his Year 9 Personal Best Project, Hugh swam a full 42.2km marathon last weekend – raising more than $3,000 for Huntington’s Australia in honour of his nan and great-aunt.
Hugh’s determination, compassion and 5am training sessions show what young people can achieve when they set their minds to it.
Read more about Hugh’s inspiring swimathon here
This week, our Year 9 iSTEM class put their rocket designs to the test in a series of launches.
Taking advantage of the sunny weather, they launched rockets made from soft drink bottles, cardboard or plastic fins, tape, glue and nosecones - and the results were seriously impressive.
Each team carefully measured flight data for their folios, tweaking designs after every launch. Some rockets soared high, others zipped low and straight, and a few even made it to the Library roof!
Using compressed air and water for propulsion, students are perfecting their nose cones and fins to see just how high they can go.