Principal's Message

The Spirit of Excellence

​At our Secondary School Assembly last week, we gathered as a college community to congratulate those students who achieved Academic Excellence throughout Semester 1; and to acknowledge those students who have consistently demonstrated high levels of application, effort and engagement in their studies. It was a wonderful celebration of student achievement with over 300 students being recognised for their outstanding results and their demonstration of excellence.

The various Academic Awards reflect outstanding academic achievement in particular subjects and/or consistently high achievement across Learning Areas. The Grade Point Average (GPA) is used as the basis for such awards in Years 7-12. The GPA for each student is calculated by analysing the particular Subject Grades achieved. In order to receive an Academic Award, a student’s GPA needs to be above 4.6. Our Assembly also afforded us an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those Year 7 -10 students who achieved outstanding results in respective Elective Subjects throughout Semester 1. 

Similarly, the Crown Awards were presented to those boys who had achieved multiple ‘Pinder Boor Certificates of Excellence’. These Certificates of Excellence recognise those students who have consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment and personal excellence as indicated by their Attribute Point Average (APA). The APA is calculated on the average score achieved over all five areas of ‘Student Work Attributes’, across all areas of study, as indicated on each boys Student Report. A Certificate is awarded to those students achieving an APA above 4.5. 

Across their secondary school journey, a Blue Crown is awarded to a student who achieves three Pinder Boor Certificates of Excellence; a Green Crown for six Certificates; and a Gold Crown for nine Certificates. It is important to note that throughout their academic journey in Secondary School, a student will receive only eleven Student Reports. Therefore, the achievement of respective Crown Awards, is a significant achievement and it was wonderful to see the large number of boys achieve such recognition. It is also wonderful to note, that over the past few years, the percentage of students achieving a Pinder Boor Certificate of Excellence as a result of their generated APA score has continued to increase reflecting a positive shift in the learning culture at the College.

In celebrating the talents and achievements of the many boys being recognised for these particular awards, the challenge remains for each student to share their talents and to strive for excellence in what they do. Put simply, all students are challenged to give their best. To do anything less than their best will not be enough! 

Whether a boy’s talents, ideas and ultimate pursuit of personal excellence is in the area of their Academic studies, the Arts, Sport, Christian Service or other areas of College life, the fact remains that success will require a commitment to hard work, a clear desire to fully engage, and it will require genuine application to the task - all things that each and every student is capable of in their own context.

Once again, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the students who have consistently applied themselves, willingly shared their gifts and achieved personal excellence. Let us celebrate those students who have demonstrated a Spirit of Excellence within our school with a hope that every student can personally commit themselves to achieving their own excellence in the future.

Live Jesus in our hearts.

Mr Darren O’Neill 

Principal 

Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia

Attached to this article, is a letter from TEREA indicating a revised scheme of arrangement to compensate victims and survivors of historical abuse claims against the Christian Brothers.

Many young people were harmed by such systemic abuse. The Christian Brothers have acknowledged and apologised for their part in the hurt and pain caused to these young people.

As stated in the letter, the revised scheme is viewed as the right and proper thing to do for victims and survivors to provide them a just and sustainable pathway. 

It is important to also affirm that the educational program and operations at Trinity College will continue to be delivered.

As deemed appropriate, I will provide further updates as developments may occur and members of our college community are welcome to contact me directly if any further clarification is required.