Newsletter

Our Year 10 and 11 students have recently completed their Semester One examinations, and it has been pleasing to see the commitment and effort many have demonstrated in their preparation. In addition, all students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 VCE subject sat the General Achievement Test (GAT) earlier this week. This is an important milestone in the VCE journey and one that contributes to the broader assessment framework. While examinations can naturally bring a degree of stress and anxiety, it is important to acknowledge that this is a normal response. We encourage students and families to reach out should concerns arise, as support is always available. It is equally important to remember that examinations are just one aspect of a student’s learning journey. Success looks different for everyone, shaped by their goals, pathways and personal strengths.

Beyond the classroom, our students continue to embrace a variety of enriching opportunities. Our Year 10 students are preparing to undertake their Work Experience placements in the final week of term. This program is a vital component of our pathways education, providing students with valuable insights into the world of work as they begin to consider their future VCE subject selections. I would like to sincerely thank the many local Colac businesses that generously support this program each year.

At the same time, a group of our Year 11 students is about to embark on the Palm Island Cultural Experience, departing later this week with staff members Mrs Karen A Hart, Ms Louise van Dugteren and Mr Ryan Geary. This experience remains a highlight of our school calendar, offering students the opportunity to work alongside the staff and students of St Michael’s Primary School while immersing themselves in First Nations culture. It is a powerful and meaningful experience, and I commend our students for their willingness to live out our Catholic Social Teaching through service to others. I also extend my gratitude to the staff involved for their time, commitment and leadership.

Our Performing Arts program has also been in the spotlight. Earlier this month, we held our Semester One Music Night, showcasing the talents and dedication of our students. It was wonderful to see our Music and Drama students sharing their work with family and friends, and we look forward to further performances this week as our music students visit Mercy Place and Corangamurah. Opportunities such as these not only build confidence but also strengthen our connection with the wider community. Our amazing and dedicated performing arts teachers are to be commended for their commitment and the additional work they put in to provide these opportunities for our students. I want to acknowledge the work of Mrs Kelly Kerr, Ms April Greaves and Mrs Sarah Glennen for leading the performing arts program at Trinity College.

On the sporting front, our students have represented Trinity with great pride. Our Intermediate and Senior Football and Netball teams recently competed at the Greater Western level. I am delighted to report that both our Senior Football and Netball teams have progressed to the next stage of the State Championships. While this continued success is a familiar achievement for our Netball program, it is particularly exciting for our Football team, who have reached this stage for the first time in several years. Our Intermediate teams narrowly missed progression but performed admirably and should be very proud of their efforts. Our soccer teams are also in action this week in Ballarat, and we wish them every success.

Looking ahead, there are several staffing updates to be aware of as we approach the beginning of next term. We wish Ms Jess Van den Eynde all the very best as she commences parental leave and look forward to sharing in her exciting news in the coming weeks. Mrs Mali Robinson will take on the role of Year 7 Coordinator, which will bring about some additional staffing adjustments to support her in this position. There will also be changes within our VET Agriculture and Junior Science areas to accommodate these shifts.

Mrs Roslyn De Silva will be concluding her time at Trinity College at the end of this term. Ros has made a significant contribution to the teaching of Indonesian over many years, and we thank her for her dedication and service to our school community. We wish her every happiness in her future endeavours. Recruitment for her replacement is currently underway. Additionally, Mrs Beth Anderson will be commencing parental leave, and we also look forward to her exciting news soon.

As is often the case with mid-year staffing changes, there may be some adjustments to classes for Semester Two. While this can present challenges, particularly due to the natural flow-on effects across timetables, our priority remains ensuring continuity of learning with suitably qualified teachers. It is worth noting that changes at this time of year are not uncommon, particularly within our junior elective program. We will also be making some minor adjustments to Year 8 and 9 homerooms to further support teaching and learning, with communication from Year Level Coordinators to follow.

As this is our final newsletter for the term, I would like to thank all members of our community for their continued support of Trinity College. I wish our students and their families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break, and look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for another busy and productive term.

Warm regards,

Mr Paul Clohesy

Principal