To mark the beginning of the school year, our community gathered for two Commencement Masses on Tuesday 11 February—one for Years 10-12 in the morning and another for junior students in the afternoon. These celebrations provided a reflective and prayerful start to the year.

We were especially pleased to have Fr Andrew Hayes preside over his first Mass with the Trinity community. Drawing on his experience as a prison chaplain, he used the Gospel reading from the Book of Matthew to encourage students to recognise the dignity and worth of all people, regardless of their circumstances.

A highlight of the Mass was the welcome of new staff members, who were each presented with a candle inscribed with an inspirational quote from Blessed Edmund Rice:

Our Year 12 Student Leaders played key roles throughout both ceremonies, demonstrating outstanding leadership. The choir, led by Mrs Kerr, Mrs Glennen, and Mrs O’Connor, enriched the service with their musical talents, creating a beautiful and reverent atmosphere.

It was inspiring to see students and staff come together in faith, strengthening our sense of community as we embark on a new school year.

Mr Daniel Rodway
Director of Catholic Identity and Culture

This year, students are attending various campuses to study a range of specialist VET courses. At South West TAFE in Colac, students have commenced courses in Building and Construction, Automotive, and Early Childhood Education & Care. At The Gordon in Geelong, students are gaining skills in Animal Care, Allied Health, Electrotechnology, and Beauty. And right here at Trinity College, students are getting theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Federation University’s Hospitality and Cookery courses.

By choosing to undertake VET courses, students are not only enhancing their knowledge and skills, but they are also building strong connections with industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience and becoming well prepared for the workforce. VET courses are an integral part of these students' career pathways and we look forward to celebrating their continued growth and success across the year.

Residents joined in the fun throughout the performance, clapping, singing along, and calling out song requests, creating an interactive and joyful atmosphere. It was clear that the afternoon brought smiles and a sense of connection to all in attendance as the music brought back fond memories and sparked lively conversations.

For students, this visit was an invaluable opportunity to build confidence and hone their performance skills in a real-world setting. The experience of performing in front of such a welcoming audience is one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their growth as artists. For the residents, the afternoon offered a chance to unwind and enjoy some lively entertainment. The music provided a sense of joy and community, reminding everyone of the power of music to bring people together.

We look forward to more visits like this throughout the year, where residents can continue to enjoy wonderful performances and students can continue to grow in their craft.

Here are the current standings for each house:

The swimming trials also included the much-anticipated butterfly races for the 13, 14, 15, and 16-year-old boys and girls. Congratulations to the following winners:

We wish all our students the best of luck for the House Swimming Sports on 21 February. May the best House win, and let's keep up the great spirit in the pool!

Friday 21 February

House Swimming Sports - Camperdown Swimming Pool

Wednesday 5 March

Greater Western Intermediate Cricket and Tennis - Ballarat

Friday 7 March

Coastal Swimming - Bluewater Colac

Wednesday 26 March

Greater Western Swimming - Horsham

Tuesday 1 April

House Athletics Sports - Trinity College

Students wanting to try an instrument or sign up for lessons can collect a form from College Reception. Questions about the program should be directed to Mrs Kelly Kerr ( kkerr@tcc.vic.edu.au ).

Still available: Flute (limited), Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar (limited), Drums (limited), Piano & Cello (limited)

Please note: Vocals, Saxophone, French Horn and Violin lessons are currently full. Students wishing to take up these instruments are invited to fill in a form and will be placed on the waiting list.

Lesson and ensemble rehearsal days are as follows unless the tutor notifies students and families of a change.

Lesson Days for Tutors:

Natalie Atkinson - Vocals: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Stephen Gill - Guitar & Drums: Monday & Wednesday

Emma Piera - Piano & Strings: Wednesday & Friday

David Stewart - Piano: Wednesday & Friday

Bernie Dunn - Brass: Thursday

Kelly Kerr - Woodwind: Monday - Friday

Ensemble Rehearsals - Break 1 Schedule:

Monday - Concert Band

Tuesday - Vocal Ensemble

Wednesday - Junior Rock Band (music room), String Ensemble (drama room)

Thursday - Brass Ensemble (music room), Vocal Small Group (tutorial room)

Friday - Intermediate Band (music room), Vocal Small Group (tutorial room)

Our Zones of Regulation model helps young people and their families better understand self-regulation using clear concepts, colours, and strategies. By fostering co-regulation, we empower students to build the skills needed for lifelong emotional awareness and resilience.

Later in the year, the Trinity College Wellbeing Team will be delivering the acclaimed Tuning into Teens parenting program. Tuning into Teens is a universal parenting program for parents of children aged 10 years and over. It aims to increase parent-child connection by improving emotional communication in the family. The program provides parents with a greater understanding of their teen’s emotional experiences while teaching specific skills that can assist in being supportive, empathic and staying connected with the young person. In the coming newsletter editions, we will share more information and practical tips about the different zones to support your understanding. If you would like to discuss this topic further in relation to your child, please feel free to contact the Trinity College Colac Wellbeing Team. We are here to support you.

Trinity College Colac Wellbeing: Nurturing Minds, Supporting Growth

Recycling is essential for protecting our environment and conserving natural resources. By recycling, we reduce waste sent to landfills, decrease pollution, and save energy. It also helps preserve raw materials like trees, water, and minerals, which are crucial for producing everyday items. Recycling is an easy way for everyone to contribute to a cleaner environment and to show respect for our learning facilities. It is imperative that we encourage good recycling habits for students and staff and educate about knowledge of best practices.

This semester there are two classes of Year 8 students who are our primary assistants to help with emptying indoor bins for the weekly curbside collection and to oversee that the recycling bins are being used effectively. Not only are these students keenly pitching in to help our whole school, but these practical jobs also directly link to their Year 8 Religion class curriculum of ‘Covenant’; whereby God has called us to enter into right relationship with Him, each other and with our environment. Simple and real actions (like recycling) of care and respect for the environment align within right relationship, encouraging ourselves and others to be agents of stewardship and care.

This year we have introduced yellow ‘mixed’ recycling and green ‘FOGO’ (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bins.

The many links below highlight organisations who are environmental and/or governing bodies which guide Trinity in terms of correct reduce, re-use and recycling practices. Information within these links will answer almost all questions about the correct bins to use in our local area and provide interesting wider information about other sustainable practices. Observations of how our bins have been used lately and a variety of discussions with teachers and students highlight a real underuse of the green ‘FOGO’ bin. In essence, anything that grows (or once grew) belongs in the green-lid FOGO bins. Even if materials are food or water stained like used paper plates, oily fish and chip wrappers and wooden icy pole sticks.

What an amazing opportunity we have to maximize the potential of our existing organics bins and curbside collection!

Mrs Sarah Glennen
Sustainability Coordinator

Useful links:

Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.

The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.

For more information and links to the Wellbeing Barometer Survey click here .