Principal's Update

Every week I am amazed at the skills, knowledge and character of our students who are preparing for life beyond school right from their first day in Year 7 at Trinity College. Developing from a child to an adult happens on our watch, and a successful transition into a mature and selfless young adult is assisted by the sense of belonging, achievement and purpose that is an intrinsic part of the Trinity difference. We are grateful for the support of our parents in our endeavours to hold our students accountable for their learning and social development because the power of our partnership with our families to shape the best person they can be should not be underestimated.

What prompted this train of thought was watching the cast and crew over the past months put together our fantastic College production that has been taking place in the Jubilee Centre this week. The commitment of these young people, the maturity in their approach to the challenges and their support of each other without reservation has been so inspiring for me, and if it can affect me, I can only imagine what it is doing for our students! The production, and so many other activities that happen at Trinity, promote a culture of excellence, teamwork, inclusivity and collaboration, and reflect on the overall achievements and pride of our whole student cohort. Thank you to everyone who supports our young people as they give it their all, often taking huge steps out of their comfort zone and making sacrifices for their community. These are the leaders of the future – the parents, employers, consumers, voters and global guardians that will take our world into the next generation – and I am so impressed!

Our Japanese visitors were lucky to be here during the week and able to catch the dress rehearsal of The Addams Family. It was a fabulous week with our guests present in the school and such a pleasure to introduce them to our lovely town and surrounds. Thank you to the families who hosted our special visitors and thank you also to everyone who took the time to be friendly and welcoming – we know they will take home memories that will last forever.

Trinity College has welcomed a new face into our IT department – Lawson Gration has joined the busy team who are on speed dial for most of the staff and a friendly and helpful face to our students. We look forward to getting to know Lawson and helping him to settle into his new role.

Project Compassion is an annual fundraiser for Caritas Australia, whose mission is to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity for humanity. Caritas does incredible work around the globe, and we are very proud that our students raised $2,110.47 in Term 1 for this worthy cause. It is such a simple gesture that helps to improve the lives of many people in need.

Speaking of changing lives for the better, Paul Clohesy has been in the Northern Territory and had the privilege of meeting aboriginal activist, artist and 2021 Senior Australian of the Year, Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann in her hometown of Daly River. Miriam-Rose was the first aboriginal teacher in the NT and is a person of deep faith and inspirational ideas and theories in education. I’m a little envious of Paul’s meeting and can’t wait to hear all about it. 

Paul is due to return on 21 August, which is before the next newsletter, so this is my last article for now. It has been such a pleasure to be at the helm for five weeks and counting, and I thank everyone for their support and encouragement. With two kelpie pups at home and a brand-new grandbaby to visit, I had a lot going on! But I have loved every last minute of it.

Have a great weekend.

Ms Rachel McGennisken

Acting Principal

Trinity College respectfully acknowledges the Gulidjan people as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live and work.