Principal's Message
Our College Community
Annually, and somewhat increasingly, schools are faced with a seemingly endless number of administrative tasks, accountability measures and compliance requirements and. At times, it feels that respective government departments, educational authorities and governing bodies are all competing to apply a variety of checks and audits that seek to examine all manner of a school’s processes, policies, operations and programs. While such accountability measures have their place, they often fail to capture and celebrate those vitally important aspects of schools such as opportunities, student wellbeing, pastoral care, formation programs, relationships and the sense of community developed.
It is a timely reminder that it is not buildings that make a school, for they are just shells without some scuff marks and the noise and energy of young people to bring them to life. It is actually people who make good schools. It is in the shared effort and caring relationships of people - the students, families and staff, where such community is formed and nurtured. It is this strong and obvious sense of community that makes Trinity College such a great school.
It is not necessarily Programs and Courses that make a school, but rather the shared work of the staff and students in working towards making such learning and skill development relevant. Whilst policies and processes are critically important, it is the manner in which people come together in a spirit of trust, support and care that make such policies real, positive and pastoral.
Similarly, while opportunities for our boys to engage in Sport or the Arts, or to go on a Camp, Retreat or a Tour are exciting, it is people - the students, teachers, coaches and parents, that give such pursuits meaning and purpose. While we are grateful for our wonderful facilities and for the great variety of programs that we do offer at Trinity College, we must remain mindful that our true blessing lies in the quality and diversity of the people that make up our College community. We are reminded of our Spirit of Community – to be an inclusive community that supports wellbeing and learning of every student.
This week, we were reminded of this once again when we hosted our Parent Helpers’ Sundowner. The many parents who enjoyed the evening, represented the extraordinary number of parents who consistently and generously give of their time, energy and skills in assisting our boys and our Trinity College Community. Members of the College Auxiliary, Parent Council, our many Friends of Groups and our many parent volunteers, were formally acknowledged and thanked for their generous and humble support of our boys and the College. Quite simply, the quality and breadth of the many opportunities provide for our boys could not happen without the support and drive of our families. I am proud of our efforts to foster positive Family/College relationships, and I am most grateful for the support of parents in this regard. As I have stated in many forums previously, student achievement and wellbeing are greatly enhanced when the school and the home enjoy a positive and meaningful partnership that is centred on the care and progress of every student. This is the essence of our Trinity College community.
As we acknowledge parents and caregivers as partners in their child’s education, it is essential that we continue to focus on open communication between the College and our families on important issues. Our community’s support of our efforts to actively engage on these matters has been overwhelmingly positive. The College will continue to strive to do well in this area and I thank families for their continued support of these efforts and the sense of community that we enjoy and that the students benefit from. It sets a wonderful example of service and care for our young men.
Live Jesus in our hearts.
Mr Darren O’Neill
Principal