In The Spirit

Principal's Message

Welcome Back to Term 2

I would like to welcome back all students and their families to Term 2. Amongst the normal rhythm of daily lessons, we will also see Excursions, Retreat Days, Camps, Edmund Rice Day celebrations, Music Performance Nights, a major College Production, Sport, Carnivals and important Examinations for our secondary students.

 

It was very pleasing to see the way the boys presented in their winter uniform from the first day of Term. As a College, we seek to instil in our boys a personal pride and responsibility in the way they conduct and present themselves and display a commitment to their school. Essentially, uniform and presentation standards reflect a commitment to being part of our College community. It is less about the rules and more about committing to a set of expectations and behaviours agreed to at enrolment and then confirmed every day while attending school. Such expectations do not change and likewise, nor should the commitment to uphold them. Commitment is a learned behaviour that positively influences all aspects of life. It is hoped that such an obvious display of commitment at the start of this term is maintained throughout the remainder of the year.

 

May I also take this opportunity to thank the many parents who availed themselves of the opportunity to meet and talk with their son’s respective Teachers at the recent Parent Teacher Student Interviews (PTSI). Such occasions allow for meaningful and constructive conversations about student progress and highlight the importance of open and positive Family/College relationships. The Staff were certainly kept busy across all days. Further opportunities for Parent Teacher Student Interviews (on-line) are scheduled for later in the year. As always, parents are reminded that they are most welcome to contact the College Staff at any time to discuss their son’s progress.

 

It was particularly pleasing to hear that many such conversations centred around the Student Work Attributes (SWA) and the associated SWA Matrix that accompanied the recent Student Interim Reports. The SWA seek to reflect student application and their attitude to learning and will prompt students to genuinely reflect and purposefully analyse their own approach to academic success. Striving for their personal best should be the aim of every student and fully appreciating what is required to improve in terms of work habits and application will be very helpful in this regard. The respective SWA ratings for each student are used to calculate an Attribute Point Average (APA) that is then indicated on the respective Student Reports. The College tracks the associated APA data, and the Grade Point Average (GPA) data, for each student as they journey through the school. Both are used as part of selection criteria associated with things such as Course Selection, Student Leadership positions and student invitations for various College events, Camps and Immersions.

 

I trust that any such conversations about student progress and application can be points of both celebration and challenge.

 

Live Jesus in our hearts.

 

Mr Darren O’Neill 

Principal 

ANZAC Day Commemoration

On Tuesday morning our ANZAC Day Commemoration occurred in Pastoral Care Group classes and Junior School classrooms. As a College, we paused to reflect on the incredible sacrifice our servicemen and women gave, and continue to give, in the protection of our values and freedoms. Many sacrificed their lives, and many more have returned home indelibly scarred by the tragedy of war. ANZAC Day reminds us of the enduring legacy that is our privilege of freedom; a freedom that we are afforded from selfless sacrifice and loss. As a College we prayed and gave thanks for their generous and ongoing service.

 

The Honour Boards in the Trinity College Chapel commemorate our Old Boys who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The names of 139 young men lost in WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are situated within the most sacred space of the College, and the spirit of our Old Boys is honoured each time we gather in the Chapel in prayer and contemplation.

 

At a time when parts of our world continue to be ravaged by the destructive impacts of war, we pray for peace and an end to their present suffering.

 

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them."

                                                                                  L Binyon

Staffing News

The start of Term usually brings with it some significant changes in staffing. Throughout this Term, the following staff will all be enjoying some periods of leave. We wish them well on their respective extended break. 

  • Mr Tony Maxfield            - Junior School (Weeks 1 and 2) 

  • Mr James Quinn              - Junior School (Week 3) 

  • Mr Clint Testa                   - English (Weeks 3 & 4) 

  • Mrs Alicia Raso                - Junior School (from Wk 5) 

  • Mrs Judy Dawson            - Religious Education (Week 5 - 9) 

  • Mr Barry McKenna          - Religious Education (Week 5 - 9) 

  • Mr Michael Royall           - English (Week 5 - 9) 

  • Mr Rohan Van Dongen  - Head of D&T (Week 8) 

We extend a very warm welcome to a number of Staff members who will be commencing at our College as we begin Term 2.

  • Ms Rebecca Mennie      - Junior School 

  • Mr Gordon Dean             - Religious Education (Week 5 – 9)
  • Ms Nadia Forte                - English (Term 2 – 4)
  • Ms Tess Warner               - English (Term 2 – 4)

We also have a number of Staff returning at the start of Term 2 after a period of extended Leave. 

  • Stephen Leahy                 - Health and Physical Education

  • Debra Renfrey                 - Laboratory Technician, Science

  • Fiona Pagano                   - Education Assistant

  • Catherine Ryan                - Education Assistant