Captains' Speeches

Our 2023 College Captains, Amaia and Harry, presented their final speeches as students of Trinity College at the Graduation ceremony last Thursday evening.  

College Captain Address – Amaia McCallum

Good evening and thank you all for joining us tonight. 

As we reach the summit of our education here at Trinity, I find it important to reflect on the many past joys, experiences and mistakes that have shaped the people sitting here today. I would like to offer another huge thank you to the many mentors who have collectively nurtured and made dreams happen this year, whether that be parents, teachers or special individuals around us. Although I do not mention you all by name you have acted as role models and inspirations, bringing meaningful change and support into our final years of schooling. For many of us, your role as mentors reflects the change we wish to create in the world, and for others, you have provided support and care so deep and meaningful that we will continue to strive to pass on the kindness you have shown to us to others. A special thank you to my Homeroom mentor, Ms Pam Scott, who made every morning bearable, and to Mrs McGlynn, who always knew the right thing to say. 

This year my parents have reminded me continuously that it’s not the end result, but the effort you have put into the work that is what truly matters. I understand now that it is the little moments and changes that I will remember from this school year, and not a feeling of success or failure over something that has passed. I hope that within all the little moments that have challenged or concerned you this year, that you remember the feeling of relief and hope of overcoming more than the brief stumble you felt during.

From my personal experience, no battle is tougher than one faced in isolation, and I feel as though this year was not a battle faced alone but one faced with the support and effort of the entire cohort. Reaching out and creating unforgettable connections has been essential in a year as challenging as this, and I hope this reflection rings truthful for a lot of you here tonight when I say that as a cohort, the collective events and instances we’ve individually witnessed have all helped to alter the personal outlooks we have on the challenges we have faced together. Though no words could truly summarise how distinct each of our perspectives on this year have been, I am proud to acknowledge that every student and mentor contributed to a group of astonishing individuals who will continue to act as leaders in our community. Regardless of the separate paths we all aim to take during our years outside of Trinity, I am positive our experiences here will shape the interactions as we search for meaning in this new chapter of our lives. I know I will see the meaningful imprint my fellow graduates have made now and into the future. This year has been about the joy I’ve observed within these people and the fleeting moments of compassion that will be embedded in the memories of us all. I am grateful for every sort of experience and opportunity we have shared.

Finally, to the graduating Class of 2023, I wish you all the best of luck on your future endeavors knowing that, although we as individuals continue to change, you are well-equipped and worthy of achieving what you want. You have embodied kindness, courage and persistence, and joined together to honour each other’s achievements. Thank you to our leadership team who I was proud to stand alongside and who continually volunteered their time and effort, and to Harry for your endless support and kindness as a co-captain. I would like to acknowledge that every graduate has acted as a leader; be incredibly proud of yourself for your achievements and relentless determination until the end.

Much gratitude to you all always, please enjoy the rest of your evening and thank you. 

College Captain Address – Harry Murphy

Good evening parents and guardians, staff, students and Father Micheal.

It is hard to believe we are here being celebrated as 2023 graduates of Trinity College. We are always told it goes so fast and it’s so true!

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful staff who have supported, guided, and encouraged us during the year. Our forever dedicated Year Level Coordinator, Mrs McGlynn, has supported each of us with her open-door policy and her motivating and colourful approach. Our Year 12 Homeroom Mentors provided a welcomed opportunity to check in and start the day connected and informed. Our hard-working teachers kept us accountable, on track and assisted us in determining our own unique pathway.

The Year 12 Mentor Program is invaluable. To have the support of a staff member that connects with you as a young person providing regular check ins over a coffee or lunch, conversations on life in and out of school, discussions of encouragement, promoting self-belief and connecting.

We have a great school here at Trinity with our facilities like our Resource Centre, the Oval, newly updated classroom wings and of course this wonderful space that our Jubilee Centre provides. This environment assists in our learning and development, making of forever friendships, collaboration and sharing of ideas and opinions and fostering respectful individuals. It is something we should all be proud of.

Our College theme this year was ‘Our Culture of Respect’.  I am proud of the activities and events the student leadership team undertook. Some of these included several leaders taking part in a Year 7 mentoring session highlighting the importance of respecting self and others and sharing experiences; attending and leading the Bill Jennings Time and Space sessions for junior year levels and focusing on the value of communication and respect; promoting and supporting our swimming, athletic and Trinity days, and highlighting all achievements within the school community at our leader-run assemblies. There was also the creation of our Staff Commendation, which is a platform that sits alongside our Student Commendation where hard work, dedication, gratitude, and respect is acknowledged.

Let’s be proud of what we have achieved and experienced over our years at Trinity. We take with us most importantly our friendships and connections along with our memories and experiences that have shaped us. We have learnt to collaborate and communicate, think creatively and critically. We are courageous, resilient, compassionate, respectful and spiritual, and equipped with character, skills and knowledge. We are the Trinity difference. 

Thank you to Father Michael – we appreciate your continued spiritual guidance and support of our school community. 

I would like to recognise the wonderful leadership of our school and to the students from Mr Clohesy, Ms McGennisken, Mrs Holt, Mr Rodway and Ms Ryan – your open and caring guidance and encouragement has been invaluable.

Thank you, Amaia, for your friendship and support as co-captain. I have enjoyed working together and I wish you success and happiness for your future. 

Thank you for the opportunity to represent the 2023 cohort as your school Captain. I will cherish this experience and everything I have learnt.

 A quote taken from our English novel Ransom that we all read: “Our future is not predetermined.”

Let’s keep that in mind we all have our futures to explore.

Stay connected and thank you.