Principal's Message

Some Graduation Prayers

Amongst many wonderful celebration events held at our College last week, our very special Graduation Assembly allowed our College community to celebrate and bid farewell to our 2026 Graduating Class. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their journey so far, to remember times shared and lessons learned and, in a more immediate sense, to wish them well over the next few weeks as they embark on a final set of school examinations prior to preparing for further training, university or employment.  Although my assembly address was directed towards our Graduating Class, the aspirational messages, prayers and messages regarding character choices contained within are equally applicable to every young man at Trinity College.  It was a reminder that as we travel through school, indeed life, it is our actions and our relationships that will determine how we grow and our true sense of purpose. I have included some excerpts below and highlighted some prayers that apply to all of the boys at Trinity College: 

“…Graduation is a signpost, a turning point in your formation, and the start of a new journey. As you step forward gentlemen, I offer you three pieces of advice;

Firstly, never stop being curious. Life is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. Learn from your successes and, just as importantly, learn from your setbacks. When life presents you with times of joy and triumph, and I pray that you will be blessed with many, take note of what you can carry forward. Importantly, when life may be difficult and hard, ask yourself, what is this teaching me? Growth often comes from challenge.

Learn from your own experiences, and from the wisdom and experiences of your families, your friends, your teachers, your coaches—and one day, from your own children. Learn these lessons well. Be grateful for the many blessings and opportunities that life presents you.

Our College prays that you continue to grow in wisdom, faith and character, as good young men!

Secondly, I would encourage you to always choose what is right.  All of you, I’m sure, want to do well in the future, but if you don’t do good things for others, then simply doing well in life will never be enough. I encourage you to always choose what is right and, more importantly, do what is right! Success in life is not measured by your ATAR, your job title, or your income. It is measured by the quality of your relationships and how you treat others.

Live your life in a way that reflects the values instilled in you by your families and by this College. Choose honesty when dishonesty seems easier. Choose courage when fear becomes an obstacle. Choose compassion when others may choose indifference. Choose service when self-interest appears more attractive. Being a Trinity Man for Others means being a man for all others - including those on the margins. It is relatively easy to support those who are similar to us; it takes courage and true character to serve those who may be different, vulnerable, or even voiceless. Be inclusive. Reach out.  Lead by example. Be people of integrity. Respect others, respect yourself and always seek to be a positive presence in the lives of those around you.

Our College prays that you are always striving to do what is right and that you go on from here and continue to be a Man for ALL Others.

Thirdly, always believe in yourself. You have been blessed with such gifts and such potential. Set your goals high. Follow your dreams—and follow the prayers and hopes of those who truly love you. Don’t let others define you and don’t be limited by trends or false goals. Instead, define yourself by the possibilities you pursue and the values you uphold. Strive for your personal best, so that the best of you shines for others to see and others to follow. Do not be defined by others or constrained by prevailing views, but rather, reach high for the possibilities you can achieve because it is there you will truly define yourself.  Believe in all that you are capable of.

Dream boldly. Aim high. Pursue excellence. But never lose sight of those values that truly matter. Allow your faith to guide you. Allow your character to define you. Allow your actions to demonstrate who you are. The world needs young people who are hopeful, courageous and compassionate. It needs young people prepared to make a difference and I sincerely believe that you are capable of doing exactly that. Value your gifts and strive for your personal best, so that the best of you shines for others to follow.

Our College prays that you believe in yourself, pursue your dreams and maintain the confidence to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

While my obvious wish for you all is to ‘Do Well’, what I truly hope and pray, for each and every one of you, is that you ‘Do Good!’ It is in doing good - for yourself, for your family, and for others - that you will be remembered as a young man of character and integrity.  May you Live Jesus in your Hearts – this day of graduation and indeed, every day...”

Once again, on behalf of all the College community, I would like to formally congratulate our 2026 Graduating Class and thank them for being such generous young men and for leaving a wonderful legacy. Please keep our graduating Year 12 students, and all of our students, in your prayers.

Live Jesus in our Hearts.

Mr Darren O’Neill 

Principal