Founders' Day 2022

Late last term our College community gathered to celebrate Founders' Day.

Central to the day's focus were the lives and legacies of four people who lend their names to the College Houses:

•  Blessed Edmund Rice  (1762-1844): Irish-born founder of the Christian Brothers
•  Venerable Catherine McAuley (1778-1841): Irish-born founder of the Sisters of Mercy
•  Dr Sister Mary Glowrey (1887-1957): Birregurra-born nun-doctor-missionary
•  Monsignor John Harold Gleeson (1892-1976): Geelong-born parish priest of St. Mary's Colac (1965-1973)

Each of these people, in their own unique ways, embody different aspects of the qualities that make up the Trinity Difference, and Founders' Day is an opportunity to commemorate their inspiring legacies. 

In a significant change from recent years, the events and activities of Founders' Day took place at the school.

The SRC and other student volunteers operated stalls and activities throughout the afternoon. All funds raised on the day will be shared between four valuable causes:

Rice - Edmund Rice Camps

For over 40 years, Edmund Rice Camps Victoria have provided residential camp experiences for young people and families facing adversity. Developed and grown in Melbourne, Eddie Rice Camps have spread across the world and continue to provide an opportunity for intense relationship and confidence building through a 1:1 ratio of participants to volunteers.

McAuley - Mercy Foundation

The Mercy Foundation was established by the Sisters of Mercy, North Sydney 1990. It  is an organisation committed to social justice and structural change with the goal of creating greater social equity and inclusion in the Australian community. The Mercy Foundation addresses its social justice agenda through seed funding, advocacy and education.

Glowrey - MacKillop Family Services

MacKillop Family Services began on 1 July 1997, but its history extends back more than 150 years, when the Sisters of Mercy, Christian Brothers and Sisters of St Joseph began their work in Australia, establishing homes for children who were orphaned, destitute or neglected, and for families in need of care and support.

Gleeson - St. Vincent de Paul Society (Colac)

The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in 1833, and is made up of thousands of people who every day share their time, care for humanity and energy to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people all around Australia. Their volunteers respond to the call to feed, clothe, house and assist our brothers and sisters who are forced onto the margins of society.

To add to the festivities of the day, the SRC allocated a dress-up theme for each house: 

 Rice - 'Heroes'

 McAuley - 'TV/Movie Characters'

 Glowrey - 'Celebrities'

 Gleeson - 'Disco'

Founders' Day is an opportunity to commemorate what makes Trinity College unique and special, especially the heritage that underpins our College.