Principal's Message

College Community

This week, all parts of our College Community have enjoyed providing their thoughts and feedback as part of the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) School Renewal Process. This extensive process seeks to examine all aspects of our College, emphasising our need to stay true to the Blessed Edmund Rice charism and the Four Touchstones as outlined within the EREA Charter. While much discussion took place about the need for strong policies and varied programs, much of the rich conversations centred around our sense of community. It is actually people who make up a good school. It is in the shared effort and caring relationships of people; the students, families and staff, where community is formed.  

It is a strong sense of community that makes a great school. It is not buildings that make a school, for they are just shells but rather the excited laughter and energy of young people to bring them to life. It is not programs and courses that make a school, but rather the shared work of the staff and students in working towards making such learning 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 the provision of opportunities to engage in sport or the arts or go on a tour or retreat 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 our school, we must remain mindful that our true blessing lies in the quality of the people that make up our College community. 

I was reminded of this again this week, when our College hosted the Parent Helpers’ Sundowner. The many parents who attended and enjoyed a very relaxed 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. Quite simply, the quality and breadth of the many opportunities that we provide for the 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 am most grateful for the support of parents in this regard. As I have stated in many forums previously, student achievement and welfare 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 consider and value 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 parents on matters that may be of importance.  Our community’s support of our efforts to actively engage on these matters has been overwhelmingly positive. As previously stated, effective and timely communication is essential if positive family/College partnerships are to continue for the benefit of the students. 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.

Live Jesus in our hearts.