Principal's Message

Commitment and Character

In various College communications and Assembly events, I regularly highlight the importance of families and the College having a shared set of values that assist boys in their development. In acknowledging the ongoing support of families, I stated that, “Student achievement and welfare is greatly enhanced when the school and the home enjoy a positive and meaningful partnership that promotes regular and open communication centred on the care and progress of each and every boy”. Developing such positive family/College partnerships certainly brings great benefit to all within the College community. 

One of the most essential and affirming characteristics of Trinity College is the level of support provided to the school by our families. Typically, this support takes two forms, and each is equally important. 

The first is the very practical support that is offered through parent assistance at College events; the respective ‘Friends of’ groups, the Parent Council and College Auxiliary, and the wonderful parent attendance at Sport, Music events, Assemblies and the many other school functions. As I have gratefully mentioned in many forums, the level of family support at Trinity is quite extraordinary and the envy of other schools. Importantly, such support is student-focussed and always considered and appropriate. As a College, we are always grateful for the generosity of time and spirit which accompanies this form of contribution.

The second area of support is that offered to the school through parental backing of its policies and procedures. We are very unequivocal about the standards and values that are expected of all members of the Trinity College community. They are explicit, immutable and, in an increasingly value-neutral and secular society, often quite counter-cultural. I am sure all families will remember a discussion and formal acceptance of such values and policies at the time of enrolment, and we are extremely appreciative of our families who honour this commitment and fully support the school in this regard. 

A strong and consistent family/College partnership that is based on common and shared values is very much needed when dealing with the formation of young men. As students progress through school, we all hope and trust that their journey of faith, physical growth, knowledge, conscience, values and dreams are built on the common values we share as parents and as a College. The consistency of messages between home and school can make such a journey safer and more predictable. 

Key attributes of being good young men include resilience and commitment. As a College, we place in front of the students a few very small hurdles; clear expectations, rules and policies that test and build their resilience and demonstrate their commitment. No student is required to do anything extraordinary or extremely difficult. Rather, they are required to do some very simple things and comply with some general pastoral and behavioural expectations as agreed to by both the family and the College. College rules that challenge students to keep their hair neat and tidy, their top button done up, arrive to class on time, complete work as required, regulate their use of technology and respect all others are all rather minor expectations in the bigger scheme of things. These rules need to be viewed as very simple indicators of commitment and demonstrations of resilience and character. Students that consistently fail to get such ‘small things’ right may not be well-placed to face the challenges that life as an adult will inevitably throw their way. 

College rules and guidelines have a purpose. They are a shared set of values between the adult members of the educational partnership. Their strength is not in the enforcement, but in the respect they are shown by the students when they accept and commit to them, especially when it may appear easier to do it otherwise. The College respects its role to complement families in developing each and every student. Likewise, the College appreciates the support of families as students journey through school. Following procedures, accepting policies and complying with simple rules are part of this journey and very much part of every student’s development. 

While each student’s journey through school is obviously about gaining an education and acquiring skills, it is also about their overall formation. School rules, respective policies and clear expectations about Christian Service, study, assessments and the like will definitely be part of this journey. If these small hurdles prove to be their greatest challenge in life, then they will be very blessed. However, as is more likely the case, these small hurdles help develop each student’s sense of commitment and resilience and so better prepare them for other challenges in the future – then likewise they will have been blessed. As adults, we must help our boys live with and work through the small hurdles as this helps prepare them for the bigger ones ahead. In an article about adolescent development, Professor Erica McWilliam (Queensland University of Technology) suggests that we must be careful not to take away challenges or reduce our expectations on students, stating that, “We need to think about the extent to which we are prepared to help young people tolerate discomfort and rise to challenges”.  This is where character is developed and where values are gained. 

School rules, high expectations and Christian service are examples of how the College assists in this regard. However, it is in the home where children develop their attitude towards selfless contribution and learn the importance of commitment and meeting expectations. Trinity College is a school which seeks to reinforce existing values on behalf of families. Thank you once again for your ongoing support of the College and our endeavours to develop good young men.

Live Jesus in our hearts.

Mr. Darren O’Neill 

Principal