Principal's Message

Prefect Investiture Assembly

This morning, the College gathered for the Prefect Investiture Assembly. The assembly afforded us with an opportunity to acknowledge and ‘pipe in’ our Senior Class and to formally commission our Prefects for 2023 and thank them for their generous service to our College. 

In a most sincere ceremony, Mr Peter Oliver, Head of Year 12 and Mr Julian Fritz, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing, delivered citations on each of our sixteen College Prefects. What was particularly striking was the long list of achievements, commitments and service that each of these young leaders had already achieved, both within our school community and beyond. Further to this, we were able share in their aspirations for their own futures and their appreciation and hopes for Trinity College. It was humbling to hear about their journey and a real honour to present each of them with their Prefect tie and badge. 

I believe it is important for every student to examine their own sense of personal leadership and this is a theme that I have emphasised consistently when addressing our boys. Leadership is about influencing others and making a positive difference through our example. Leadership is about action and the effect that our actions leave on other people. Importantly, leadership is about each and every one of us as individuals. Personal leadership emerges at the end of a well-worn path of integrity, conviction and clear values. Once again, all things that are achievable for every student!

In addressing the assembly, I chose to focus on four particular characteristics of leadership, especially as it applies to student leaders. I have included some excerpts below:

‘’…The first characteristic of leadership that I wish to highlight is that of Personal Example. I am referring to the personal example you set as leaders, as Prefects within the College. The example you set for others is vital. It can set the tone for a school and can establish a culture whereby participation, commitment and support are the expected norm and such commitment is celebrated as the mark of being a young man at Trinity. Your example can, and will, influence others. Be confident in the knowledge that your good example will influence others in a most positive way.

The second characteristic of leadership that I wish to refer to is that of Integrity. Integrity refers to the extent to which your actions match your words, and the extent to which your actions match your values. Put simply, it is about being true to yourself. Be true to your own values, the values of your family and those of your school - and do not deviate from these.

I also want to highlight the need for student leaders, in fact all of us, to have Courage in our leadership. Effective leadership at any level involves some courage and this is particularly true in respect to your role as student leaders. Having assumed the role as a Prefect, the courage to lead amongst your peers will be necessary. Showing the way, being authentic, staying true to your values and supporting your school can sometimes require you to stand up against the prevailing behaviour or attitudes of others around you.  At times, you may be asked to challenge situations or make a stand for others because it is the right thing to do! Having integrity, staying true to your values and being an example for others does require courage and a strength of character and I congratulate you for this. 

One final characteristic of leadership that I wish to touch on is the notion that Leadership is about Service. Leadership is less about what you receive and more of what you can give. Leadership is about service to friends, to peers, to all students, to the staff and to your College in general.  It is in humbly serving others that leaders receive much in return and it will be in humbly continuing your service to your school that you will grow as young men…” 

Of course, leadership is about much more than these particular characteristics, but our special Assembly allowed us all to reflect more deeply about authentic leadership. This was emphasised further by Head Prefect, Joel Carcich, who gave a wonderful and personal address in which he challenged all students to seek opportunities where they “can be the best you can be. That is where you will find the true reward that comes with pursuing personal excellence”.  Joel also challenged his fellow prefects, and indeed the Senior Class, to set a real and true example that models goodness and builds on the legacy of those that have travelled before. “Challenge yourself to positively influence others through your efforts and actions – to be a Man for Others”.

There is no doubt that our 2023 Prefect group are a real example of this. I pray that their leadership and example can continue to grow within our Trinity College community. Likewise, we seek your support and prayers for them on their journey.

Live Jesus in our hearts.