Homework plays a vital role in reinforcing classroom learning and is most effective when supported through a strong partnership between the school and families to support student success.

Students who do not submit homework the first time will meet with their subject teachers to discuss the reason for the non-submission. If a teacher needs to speak with a student a second time regarding non-submitted homework, then the teacher will send an electronic letter home via PAM.

Once three letters have been sent via PAM, the Learning Community Leader will phone home to discuss the reasons for non-submission. Further non-submission of homework will require a parent meeting with the Director of Learning and may result in further consequences.

Homework plays a vital role in reinforcing student learning, so we encourage you to work with your child to ensure homework is submitted on time.

At Trinity, the early secondary years are dedicated to establishing a solid foundation for future learning. Students engage with core subjects in consistent class groups, which helps ease the transition from primary school and fosters a sense of belonging. This structure supports both academic growth and personal development, allowing students to build confidence, form meaningful connections, and develop the skills they’ll need for the years ahead.

Homework is a complementary component of the learning process. Homework study cannot be overstressed. Homework is not only work set by the teacher, but it should also involve reading, summarising, and studying.

Good learning is based on regular work over an extended time.

Please note that the Year 9 Homework Expectations in the recent parent PowerPoint were incorrect. The correct expectation is 60 minutes of homework per night, including revision, assessment preparation and ongoing tasks. We apologise for any confusion and appreciate your understanding.

These conversations provide a dedicated opportunity for students, teachers, and families to come together and reflect on progress, strengths, and next steps. They are designed as progress and opportunity checkpoints, helping students to address challenges early and make the most of the pathways available to them. In the senior years, when every unit, assessment, and decision can influence future options, these purposeful check-ins are invaluable.

A strong partnership between school and home is one of the most influential contributors to student success. When parents and caregivers engage in these conversations, they help strengthen the learning relationship and send a powerful message: 'In Unity We Grow'. Your insight into your child’s learning habits, wellbeing, and aspirations helps teachers better support them, and your involvement reinforces the importance of commitment and resilience during these final years of schooling.

We encourage all families to attend and take part in shaping a positive, supported, and high-expectation environment around your child’s learning. Together, we can ensure each student feels confident, connected, and ready to take their next steps in their senior journey.

Please log in to PAM to make an appointment or contact College Reception.

Year-level information is being sent to parents and families to familiarise them with processes and expectations at Trinity College, including homework. Regular homework completion is a critical component of success in the senior years, as it reinforces class learning and provides essential evidence of student understanding and progress.

At the senior level, homework is implemented consistently across subjects to ensure students meet course requirements, practise key skills, and stay engaged with their learning between lessons. Completing and submitting homework on time not only supports strong study habits but also enables teachers to identify gaps early, provide targeted feedback, and ensure students remain on track to achieve their best.

Teachers will monitor homework completion with the following process:

It is important for families to regularly check PAM for SIMON communication regarding school matters, including homework submissions, assessment results, and attendance.

An Evidence of Learning (EoL) Task is a class or homework activity designed to demonstrate a student’s understanding of the key knowledge and skills within each Area of Study. These tasks provide teachers with essential evidence to determine whether a student has achieved a Satisfactory result for the related VCE outcome and help ensure students are meeting the required standards in their senior subjects. Students are aware that these tasks are essential and will be identified as part of their subject tasks.

Our Year 11 students stayed at Campaspe Downs, near Kyneton, and took part in a program that alternated between participating in physical challenges and attending a workshop run by Luke Kennedy, a highly skilled public speaker and motivator, who shared the story of his own life - the challenges he has faced and the ways in which he learned to rise above hardship through grit, courage and faith. This retreat culminated in a small group session where students, using Luke's story as an example, were invited to take part in a 'Triple H' reflection (Hero-Hardship-Highlight). This session asks students to share stories of struggles, positive influences and life lessons with members of their small group.

By all accounts, the retreat went extremely well and provided opportunities for students to challenge themselves, whilst also strengthening bonds within the year level.

The Year 12 students journeyed to the magnificent Grampians this year to a new venue, Silverband Lodge. Here, in Hall's Gap, the retreat was led by Tom and Tanis, members of the Passionist Youth Retreat Team, who skilfully blended fun activities with reflection and discussion to offer a meaningful experience where our Year 12s could consider their own personal journey, as well as reflect on the role they play in the overall cohort. The traditional Op Shop Dinner on the first night was a highlight of the retreat, featuring an array of bold colours and vintage styles. The second night ended with a moving reconciliation liturgy that provided students with a simple ritual to express gratitude, remorse, or appreciation to other students in their year level. This ceremony and the respectful way in which the students engaged with the ritual were a wonderful illustration of this year's college theme, 'In Unity We Grow'.

Thanks to the staff who attended the retreats and to those who helped cover classes back at school. The retreats are important events on our college calendar, and we congratulate the students who attended on the respect, good humour and resilience they showed over the three days.

Students arriving by bike should access the school bike shed via Hearn Street and exit the college using the same track. This helps maintain a safe and consistent flow of movement around the grounds.

Please take extra care when entering and exiting the college, and always look out for cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. A moment of attention makes a big difference to everyone’s safety.

We also remind families that bikes must not be left at school overnight, as we cannot guarantee their safekeeping.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and active!

Challenging weather on one day prevented students from entering the water. Still, they adapted by focusing on first aid theory and exploring the local coastline, including observing a seal feeding off the point. The final day allowed students to consolidate their aquatic practical skills and work through multiple first aid scenarios, reinforcing the importance of these capabilities for anyone involved in surf lifesaving.

We thank Michael Barrand for coordinating and facilitating the training, Zoe, Rose and the Wye River SLSC members for their expert instruction, and Wye River Surf Life Saving Club for the generous use of their facilities and equipment.

Mr Daniel Barnett

Teacher

Congratulations to Joseph in Year 8, who achieved the most wins (4.5/7 games) for our Trinity team today. Joseph has qualified for the Regional Finals during the last 2 weeks of Term 3, a terrific effort for a junior player. All our students are to be congratulated on their fine sportsmanship and good play against the 8 schools represented. The standard of play was very high, with 129 competitors, resulting in positive learning for our developing team of junior players.

Well done, Team Trinity! It was a pleasure to watch your sporting attitude, and the joy of the game reflected on your faces as you played.

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

We welcome new members to join the Chess Club. We meet in the Resource Centre every Tuesday at Break 1.

Ms Libby Ryan

Resource Centre Manager

What started you on your musical journey?
My brother is a bass player and still plays in bands, and both his and my sister’s music were huge influences on me. Artists like Richard Clapton, Carole King and Fleetwood Mac, which I still love. My parents were big fans of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, which probably explains my love of jazz. One of my earliest memories is making a guitar amp out of a cardboard box, taping a piece of string to it and a tennis racket, and pretending to play along while watching Countdown.

What do you love about playing your instrument?
I love being the backbone of the band, locking into the groove and watching and listening to the singers shine because the band is really in the pocket. They’re the stars of the show.

Why did you become a tutor?
It was a bit of a sliding doors moment. Right place, right time. I’ve taught on and off over the years, mostly adults, but in the last three years, I’ve been coaching under-15s at South Colac. I’ve learned that kids are like sponges: if they really want to learn, the outcome is hugely rewarding.

What do you love about tutoring at Trinity?
Firstly, the staff. They’ve been amazing to me, especially Mrs Kerr and Leanne, just to name two. Secondly, watching the kids absorb information like a sponge. What I’m passing on is gold, and seeing their improvement can honestly bring a tear to my eye.

If you could attend any music concert around the world, what would it be and where?
I’ve been lucky enough to see my idols Richard Clapton, Renée Geyer, Tina Arena, Fleetwood Mac and KISS. Now, my goal is to see the kids I’m teaching play live in front of an audience. That’s the concert I’m really looking forward to.

One fun fact about you?
I’ve broken approximately 15 bones in my body, which is why I can’t paint anymore and ended up teaching guitar and bass instead! And my manager is Ralph, my Maltese Shih Tzu.

Rice took out the honours again, scoring 720 points for the day. MacKillop were only 29 points behind on 691, McAuley finished 3rd on 614 points, and Glowrey tried hard all day and finished on 506 points.

Our Age Group Champions for the day were:

Zach (Glowrey) – 12/13 Boys

Lena (MacKillop) and Madalin (McAuley) – 12/13 Girls

Leo (Rice) – 14 Boys

Lexi (Rice) – 14 Girls

Leon (McAuley) – 15 Boys

Claudia (Rice) – 15 Girls

Paddy (Rice) – 16 Boys

Estelle (MacKillop) – 16 Girls

Toby (McAuley) – 17 Boys

Eliza (Rice) – 17 Girls

Thomas (Rice) – 18/20 Boys

Harmony (Rice) – 18/20 Girls

All students who finished in first or second place on the day will now advance to the Coastal Championships, to be held on Tuesday, 10 March at Bluewater. Unfortunately, due to the Bushfires in January, Trinity has had to change their collaboration date, and it has fallen on the day of Coastal Swimming. This means that the Coastal Swimming will now be on a student-free day.

Students who wish to compete at the next level of Swimming, the Greater Western Championships in Horsham, must compete at Bluewater at the Coastal Championships on Tuesday, 10 March and win to advance.

Mrs Jane Hawker

Sports Coordinator