In The Spirit

Principal's Message

Easter

After a long, hot and busy term, I am sure that all students and staff are looking forward to the holiday break. As determined by the 2025 calendar, both Easter and ANZAC Day fall within this holiday period. While this is rather unusual, I trust the significance of both are fully recognised.  Easter is a most solemn and special time for all Christians as we reflect on the passion of Jesus Christ prior to celebrating his triumphant resurrection. On the evening of Holy Thursday, we specifically recall the Last Supper and the simple, yet powerful example of Christ ‘breaking bread’ and sharing a meal in communion with his followers. On Good Friday, many Catholics will walk the Stations of the Cross and reflect deeply on the suffering of Jesus. Easter Sunday then allows us to celebrate Jesus Christ rising again. His death and subsequent resurrection are central to our Faith and a reminder that we too can begin anew.

 

In concluding our term today, we gathered as a College to give thanks for our term, pray for a safe and relaxing holiday and to commemorate Holy week leading into Easter. Our Easter Liturgy focus reminded us to reflect on the personal challenge of renewal that Easter brings. I pray that we can all experience the hope and renewal that comes with the celebration of Easter. Given the circumstances that some around the world continue to suffer from, and yet others from within our own society experience, the Easter message could be particularly relevant. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus spoke the following words to his disciples on the night before He died. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still and trust in Me” (John 14:1). An enduring reminder at Easter, and an important message at all times.

 

In a recent Easter message, the Arcbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe SDB reflected on the Easter story being a timely reminder of the unconditional love of Christ triumphing above all. He also reflected on the importance of supporting each other in showing such love to others, of being in community in our outreach to others. Archbishop Costelloe stated:

 

“But the triumph of Jesus over the powers of hatred and evil is a powerful antidote to this. It is the promise of a new and better way to live. It is a source of hope and equally a call to action. If we, as members of the Catholic community and the wider Christian community in our society, committed ourselves to taking the gospel of Jesus seriously and set ourselves to walk in His Way, to embrace His Truth, and live His Life, we would be a powerful force not only for good, but for transformation and renewal in our wider community.

 

Of course, we cannot do this on our own. We need to be a people of hope, not just individuals with hope; we need to be a community of service, generosity and practical assistance to those in need, not just individuals who do their best to help where they can; we need to be a communion of forgiveness and healing, welcome and hospitality, and not just individuals who try their best without the support of others.

 

Jesus calls to us and asks us to make room for Him so that He can be the companion on our journey, enabling us by His presence among us to love as He did.” 

 

I take this opportunity to thank the Staff and the students and their families for their wonderful efforts during this very busy first term. I trust that everyone has a relaxing term break and invite you to appreciate and enjoy a Happy and Holy Easter. 

 

Please note that students will have a staggered commencement for the start of Term 2:

  • Monday, 28 April:       

    Years 4 – 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews scheduled from 8:30am to 3:30pm. (No classes for Years 4 -12)

     

  • Tuesday, 29 April:      

    All Years 4 – 12 return to classes at 8.30am 

Live Jesus in our hearts.

 

Mr Darren O’Neill 

Principal 

Staffing News

As is normally the case in a large school such as Trinity College, we will see a number of Staff changes at the end of this Term. We take this opportunity to recognise those members of Staff who are either departing the College or commencing extended periods of leave during Term 2. Similarly, we take this opportunity to welcome those members of Staff who are joining the College or returning from extended periods of leave.

 

At the end of this Term, we farewell Niloufar (Nilou) Arabahmadi who has been with us this Term as a Science Technician, and Tyrone Virgo who has been assisting on a casual basis as part of the College Grounds team. We wish them every success in the future.

 

We also have several Staff looking forward to a period of extended Leave commencing throughout Term 2. We wish them well; 

  • Tony Maxfield (Weeks 1 and 2) 

  • James Quinn (Week 3) 

  • Clint Testa (Weeks 3 and 4) 

  • Alicia Raso (from Week 5) 

  • Judy Dawson (Week 5 - 9) 

  • Barry McKenna (Week 5 - 9) 

  • Michael Royall (Week 5 - 9) 

  • Rohan Van Dongen (Week 8) 

As we commence Term 2, we look forward to welcoming Rebecca Mennie who will be joining us in the Junior School as the Teacher of Class 4B. We also acknowledge the following Staff who will join us on Fixed Term Contracts; 

  • Gordon Dean (Week 5 – 9)
  • Nadia Forte (Term 2 – 4)
  • Tess Warner (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 

  • Debra Renfrey 

  • Fiona Pagano 

  • Catherine Ryan