Principal's Message

College Assembly

At a Whole 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 PSA Athletics Carnivals.

Our Winter season of Sport consisted of 12 rounds of fixtures, commencing in Term 2 and finishing only a few weeks ago. Over Thursday and Friday afternoons, and on Saturday mornings, we have had nearly 70 teams and over 1300 students proudly representing the College across six different sports. The cold and wet conditions throughout these months have certainly required a deeper examination of ability and commitment. Our 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 ‘Firsts’ Teams.  

As always, I get great joy in being able to get around to see all teams, at all levels, and while I have enjoyed watching the wins and losses that happen as a normal part of Sport, what I have taken the most pleasure from is the manner in which our students represent the Blue and Green of Trinity College. A real sense of pride, commitment and a determination to compete well are consistently on display. It is also accompanied by a genuine attitude of supporting teammates and playing fairly. It is that sense of respecting each other and respecting the contest that I am particularly proud of. 

The Assembly 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. Unfortunately, a few students have not 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. 

A full and determined commitment to PSA Sport at Trinity College, across both seasons, is a central pillar of our stated and 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, strong culture and personal resilience emerges from a collective commitment to all aspects of College life. The unequivocal support of parents in this regard is obviously vital and presents a very clear and obvious pathway for boys that is based on a set of shared values and vision with the College.

I trust that some boys will reflect on opportunities missed. To play and learn alongside your ‘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 put in’. This is particularly true at Trinity College. Those boys who consistently apply themselves fully and commit to all aspects of College life, unsurprisingly, 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 aspect of our College. 

I would like to sincerely thank the large number of staff and external coaches that have taken on a coaching or managers 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 carries much of the responsibility to ensure that teams, fixtures, venues, umpires and buses are organised every week. 

The Assembly concluded with the presentation of our 2023 Athletics Team. In his address, Senior Athletics Captain, Declan Ryan referred to the special privilege of representing his College over the past few years. He spoke sincerely and proudly of the commitment and the challenge of intensive specialist training that respective team members have enjoyed in preparing for the carnival day. He also used the occasion to encourage every boy to reach for their own personal best and to apply themselves in a manner that allows them to be part of something bigger – such as the College Athletics Team.

We congratulate all members of the 2023 College Athletics Team. We thank them for their example, encourage them to support each other and pray that they believe in themselves as they search for their personal best. 

Live Jesus in our hearts

Mr. Darren O’Neill 

Principal