Principal's Message

Mother’s Day

This morning, we welcomed many Mother's and Grandmothers to our Junior School Mother’s Day Mass. It was wonderful to see the large numbers in attendance as we took the opportunity to share in the Eucharist and offer a meaningful and prayerful service that honoured all Mother's, Grandmothers and Mother figures. It was a chance to focus our love and attention on these special people in our lives who love us and support us unconditionally.   

Being a mother is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in the world. Mothers are the ultimate multitaskers, juggling the responsibilities of caring for children, running a household, and often working as well. They provide a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a nutritious lunch, a ‘fix-all’ hug, a knowing smile and, most importantly, they provide unconditional love. Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and honour the incredible women in our lives who have given us so much love, support, and guidance. 

Trinity College remains very clear in its understanding that parents are the primary and most important educators of their children. Our role is to complement parents in the formation of their sons. Child Education expert, Michael Grose emphasises this when he says, “… it is within the family unit that children, both big and small, learn the most valuable and far-reaching lessons for life.” He goes on to comment on the very special role that Mothers have in this regard suggesting that in our very fast paced and contemporary lifestyles, with different work patterns and changing family dynamics, it is often Mothers that provide the real presence, consistency and security that children need in order to develop healthy attitudes and behaviours. In other words, Mothers generally provide the foundation of love upon which children grow and develop. Mums are good at being Mums!

As part of our Christian faith, Motherhood is considered to be a particularly wonderful blessing because it is in Motherhood that you get to share in the creative power and loving face of God. Conceiving, carrying and giving birth to a child, is as close as any person can get to the act of creation. This is the beginning of Motherhood, but it is far from the end. Motherhood is also about nurturing, sacrificing, loving and ultimately, it is about letting go. These sentiments are shared by Baptist Minister, Jan Chrouchin in her ‘Mothers’ Day Creed’;

“I believe in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who was born of the promise to the virgin Mary. 

I believe in the love Mary gave her Son that caused her to follow him in his ministry and stand by his cross as he died. 

I believe in the love of all mothers and its importance in the lives of the children they bear. 

It is stronger than steel, softer than down, and more resilient than a green sapling on a hillside. 

It closes wounds, melts disappointments, and enables the weakest child to stand tall in the fields of adversity. 

Thank God for all-loving Mothers; and thank Mothers for helping us to understand an all-loving God.” 

That is why we pause this Sunday to celebrate our Mother's and other significant mother figures in our lives. The phrase ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ brings with it much more than a wish for a happy day. Contained within these three words can be found some of the many things we seldom say, or that we do not say often enough. Happy Mother’s Day means ‘I love you’, and I want to thank you for all you do. It means you matter a lot to me, and that I honour you and your role as a Mother. 

I trust that all Mothers enjoy a very special Mother’s Day and receive some very special treatment this weekend. As always, I am sure that it will be well deserved!

Year 12 Ball

During the holiday break, our Year 12 students enjoyed their College Ball. This special event was held in Gibney Hall (magnificently transformed into a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ theme) on Thursday, 24 April. Our senior students and their guests presented wonderfully and looked fantastic in their formal evening wear. Everyone enjoyed a lovely meal, revelled in the company of their peers, danced the night away and took full advantage of the opportunities for photographs throughout the evening. They acted in a manner most becoming of senior students and young men. They were wonderful company, great hosts throughout and certainly a credit to themselves, their families and to their College. 

Such an extraordinary and special event does not just happen, and I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the work of so many within our College community who assisted to plan and coordinate the evening. Special mention is made to Head of Year 12, Mr David Allen and College Events Coordinator, Ms Melanie Dunn; our fantastic Year 11 Waiters who were wonderful ambassadors in serving throughout the evening; the Parent Council for their ongoing support; to the outstanding work and vision of Mrs Kendra Edmunds, Mrs Nicola Gosatti, Mrs Janey Smith and the Ball Committee; and to the extraordinarily large number of Year 12 Parents and families who gave up many hours and some very long days in preparation for the Ball – and then again in packing it all out. The effort and commitment of so many in making this College event a most special one for their sons was incredible and quite inspiring. It certainly captured the Spirit of Community that we so much value as part of Trinity College.

Live Jesus in our hearts

Mr Darren O’Neill

Principal