Principal's Update

HOUSE SPIRIT ON DISPLAY

Dear families,

It was fantastic to see the House Spirit on display at the swimming carnival last week. Congratulations to Rice House on their victory, which was achieved largely by their high attendance and participation.

All students fully engaged in the day and I would like to thank them for their enthusiasm and excellent behaviour. I would also like to thank the staff for all their hard work to make the day a success.

Our Commencement Mass was actually two masses this year. We had our Year 10 – 12 mass which included a welcome to all new staff and the presentation of the Year 12 badges to all Year 12 students. Colac Mayor, Chris Potter, along with School Advisory Council Chair, Adrian Murphy, Deputy Director of Catholic Education Ballarat, Matthew Byrne and Sr Marg Carmody all joined us for this important celebration. The Year 7 – 9 Mass also included a welcome and presentation of new staff. As always, our Parish Priest, Fr Michael, was warm and welcoming to all students and staff.

In addition to Commencement Mass, this week also included our Ash Wednesday liturgies. The liturgies are led by our Year 12 students. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Pope Francis has spoken of Lent as ‘A new beginning’, it is a time where we should stop and reflect and consider the opportunities and challenges that face us. Lent asks us to open our lives and hearts to God.

Our Deputy Principal, Rachel McGennisken, and I were privileged to attend the Lions Youth of the Year public speaking event on Wednesday evening.

Trinity College was represented at the event by Year 11 students Paige Compton and Aanlin Cheeranbenoy. The students were required to deliver two impromptu speeches of 2 minutes each, along with a 5 minute prepared speech. Both students performed admirably and did their school and families very proud.

Paige’s prepared speech reflected on the negative impacts of perfectionism and how coming to the understanding that your are enough is a liberating place to be. Aanlin’s speech advocated for an indigenous voice in parliament and his argument was well prepared and persuasive. The contest was tight; however, Paige was declared the winner and will go on to represent Trinity at the regional finals in Camperdown next month.

I wish all our Year 9 students and staff all the best for their Beechy Rail Trail hike next week. We hope the weather is kind to them and that they enjoy the experience, even if they find the hike a bit tough and tiring.

VALE GREG MCKENZIE

As you would all be aware, it has been a difficult week for the school after the death of our much loved staff member Greg McKenzie. Greg and his wife Donna have had a long association with the College with their two children, Nathan and Elise, attending school here and Greg working here for the past nine and a half years. Greg’s funeral service will take place at St Mary’s on Monday and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Greg and his family during this difficult time.