Newsletter

Representing Trinity College were two teams:

Team TIBB – Taneisha, Indee, Bonnie, and Oliver

Team BEL – Bella, Evie, and Lea

Each team produced a powerful and thought-provoking 3-minute documentary that reflected not only technical skill but also deep empathy and a passion for social justice. While our teams did not receive an award this year, they were acknowledged by the judges for their thoughtful contributions and storytelling.

Importantly, our students are already looking ahead to next year’s competition, eager to apply everything they’ve learned from this experience to raise the bar even higher.

We are incredibly proud of their commitment and creative spirit and encourage everyone in our Trinity College community to support their work by watching and sharing their documentaries, and by donating to support the ongoing mission of the Edmund Rice Foundation to bring education to those who need it most.

Well done to our student filmmakers, you have represented Trinity College with integrity and purpose!

Mr James Fitzpatrick
Social Justice Coordinator

Year 10 Work Experience

Our Year 10 students undertook their Work Experience placements during the final week of Term 2 and into the school holidays.

From all reports, they were outstanding ambassadors for Trinity College. It was incredibly pleasing to receive such positive feedback from employers, particularly regarding how well-presented, polite, and eager to learn our students were.

Some students have even been offered ongoing employment as a result of their placements, a fantastic achievement. Well done to all students involved!

We extend our sincere thanks to the employers in our local and broader communities who generously offered their time and support by hosting our students. Opportunities like these would not be possible without their commitment. We also thank the parents and guardians for supporting their children throughout this experience.

GLAM Program – Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing

Towards the end of Term 2, six girls commenced the GLAM Program – Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing . This program, developed by the Geelong Manufacturing Council, was designed in response to the need for greater female engagement in STEM-related pathways. It empowers young women to enter a traditionally male-dominated field with confidence.

The program runs from March to November and includes one full day of tours and activities each month (six full days in total). These sessions provide students with opportunities to:

Hear from leaders and experts in advanced manufacturing

Learn about the diverse roles available in the sector

Participate in hands-on activities and challenges

Shadow mentors in the industry, including an optional three-day work experience

Explore university and TAFE pathway options

Engage in leadership development

Build communication and presentation skills through workshops

The first day of the program was held at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus.

Activities included a Communication and Work Readiness session, tours of CADET (Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training), IISRI (Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation), and IFM (Institute for Frontier Materials). It was an excellent introduction to the GLAM program and was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.

The students recently participated in their second program day, which included site tours of local businesses AKD and Steel 360, as well as a “Bug Box” presentation on robotics and their application in the modern workplace.

Trade & Tech Fit Expo

The Trade & Tech Fit Expo is held at the Melbourne Convention Centre. This event is designed for female and gender-diverse students, offering hands-on experiences, engaging displays, and supportive conversations to inspire new possibilities and broaden their career horizons in trade and technical industries.

ACU Ballarat and Melbourne

Term 3 began just as actively as Term 2 ended. Year 10 students attended ACU Ballarat’s Explore Your Future Day, while Year 11 students visited ACU Melbourne Campus's Explore Your Future Day.

Both excursions gave students valuable insight into university life and information about the courses on offer—supporting them as they prepare for subject selections for 2026.

Mrs Julie Demasi
Careers Officer & VET Coordinator

This unique program allows students to work on a real-world business challenge alongside a local host employer, guided by expert Mindshop Facilitators. Students will develop their ability to work both independently and as part of a team, while also growing their self-confidence and gaining insight into professional environments.

Program Dates:
Monday 25 August – Friday 29 August 2025

This year, we are fortunate to have secured three Host Employers:

AKD

Minerva Foods

Spence Construction

Throughout the week, students will work closely with the Host Employer and Trinity College-based facilitators to explore a real business issue selected by the employer. Using the tools and strategies provided by the Mindshop Excellence framework, students will collaborate to develop and present a practical solution to the problem.

Please Note:
If you’re chosen to take part in the program, you’ll be away from your regular classes for the week. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your schoolwork. We expect you to speak with your teachers beforehand to catch up on any lessons or assessments you might miss.

Even though you’ll be out of class, the experience you’ll gain is well worth it. This opportunity will help you grow both personally and academically – and it’s a great step towards developing your leadership skills.

Nominations will be assessed, and students will be notified of the outcome once selections are finalised.

https://forms.office.com/r/A1cCdhu0VP

Applications Close: Wednesday 19 August

For further information, please contact Julie Demasi, Careers on 5233 9237 or email jdemasi@tcc.vic.au .

Mrs Julie Demasi
Careers Officer & VET Coordinator

Lorraine Black has helped generations of children get to school safely in her 40 years as our school crossing supervisor – or as the children call her, the “lollipop lady”. Lorraine has not only assisted the children to cross safely but has forged excellent relationships with the generations of students and parents. We are grateful to Lorraine for all her hard work for the last 40 years and look forward to working with her for many more.

Nicole Lynch
Sacred Heart PS

In the 40 years of being on the crossing, the only time Lorraine has had off (other than for family) was when she broke her ankle in 2022, which meant she couldn't work for 6 months.  It was a very long 6 months for Lorraine, and as soon as she was cleared to be back on the crossing, she was.  I spoke to her the day she returned, and she was in much pain, but there was no way she was leaving her post at the crossing!  She bore that pain for many months until she fully recovered.

Many people may not know that Lorraine is also a national champion archer, but when she suffered a shoulder injury a couple of years ago, she had to take a break from archery.  She decided to try knife and axe throwing with her other arm and won a gold medal at the Geelong throwing competition!

If you would like to give Lorraine a gift to celebrate her 40 years on the crossing, her favourite food, which she only lets herself have on special occasions, is a can of condensed milk!

I've known Lorraine my whole life. I have crossed the crossing many times, worked at Trinity for 8 years, and she's still told me off for not standing behind the line. So, don't worry, kids - it's not just you!

Rachel Amos-Ritchie
Trinity College

Congratulations to our Years 7 to 10 Semester 1 award winners who were acknowledged for their commitment to personal excellence at Year level assemblies.

You can view the list of awards here .

14 August

SSV GW Year 9-12 Basketball Championships

28 August
South West Zone - School Clay Target Shooting Championships

Year 7 Girls

Despite the fantastic effort being shown from all our players, the Year 7 girls narrowly lost 1-0 to Colac Secondary College (CSC). Unfortunately, this meant they did not qualify to compete in Ballarat at the Greater Western Soccer. They will be better for the experience and will be hard to beat next year!

Year 8 Girls

Our Year 8 girls emerged victorious in both their matches on the day. They opened with a 2-0 win against Lorne/Apollo Bay Year 7 & 8 Girls, before achieving a hard-fought 1-0 win against CSC, courtesy of a dominant performance from Astin. They will now compete in Ballarat on Wednesday for a chance to make it to the state finals!

Mr Julian Shaw
Junior Girls Soccer Coach

On Monday, 28 July, our four basketball teams, intermediate boys, intermediate girls, senior boys, and senior girls, competed in the Coastal championships at Bluewater. They played Apollo Bay and CSC. There were quite a few close games on the day, with some quality basketball played. Trinity College won all games and went through to the Greater Western Championships in Ballarat on Thursday, 14 August.

Mrs Jane Hawker
Intermediate & Senior Basketball Coach

On a crisp and sunny day, our combined Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 football teams travelled to Iona to take part in our annual football clash. While both teams were unable to come away with a win, they showed great determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day.

The Year 7 and 8 team worked hard across all four quarters, linking up well through the midfield and creating plenty of scoring opportunities. Despite the result, their ball movement and tackling pressure were highlights of the match. Manny received the Best on Ground Medal for his rebounding work in defence.

The Year 9 and 10 team faced a strong opposition but rose to the challenge, playing some impressive passages of play. They communicated well and displayed solid defensive efforts, pushing the game right to the final siren. Ted received the Best on the Ground medal for his speed and classy skills throughout the match in the midfield.

Overall, it was an enjoyable day of footy, filled with positive attitudes, team spirit, and great learning opportunities for all involved.

Mr Bryce McDonald
Junior & Intermediate Boys Football Coach

On a typical winter's day in Ballarat, our Year 8 boys' football team faced an exciting challenge with three crucial games to secure their spot in the next round. Starting strong against Horsham and Mount Clear, the team showcased their skill and determination, securing impressive victories.

In their final match against Emmanuel, despite battling against a strong wind, our boys displayed unwavering resilience, managing to keep them to 2 goals. Unfortunately, the game didn't swing in our favour, resulting in a narrow 14-point loss. Nevertheless, the team's sportsmanship throughout the day was commendable.

Led by captain Manny, with notable contributions from Fred, Riley, Campbell, Reuban, Kayleb and Paddy, the boys demonstrated outstanding teamwork and effort. They have made us proud with their hard work on the field and represented the school fantastically.

Mr Bryce McDonald
Junior Boys Football Coach

On Tuesday, 5 August, we were pleased to welcome Senior Constable Steph Ward from Colac Community Engagement Unit to Trinity College, where she spoke with our Year 7 students about cyberbullying and online behaviours. The session focused on helping students understand safe and respectful online conduct, the importance of protecting personal information, and what to do if they experience or witness inappropriate online interactions. It encouraged students to think critically about their digital footprint and how to stay safe in online spaces. We encourage families to continue the conversation at home to reinforce these important messages.

Ms Vanessa Connolly
Year Level Coordinator: Year 7

As we settle into the colder months, we remind students and families of the importance of adhering to Trinity College’s uniform expectations. A recent uniform audit conducted on Friday highlighted a noticeable number of students, particularly in the senior year levels, wearing incorrect uniform items despite ongoing reminders from staff.

Some students have cited the cold weather as a reason for wearing sports uniform items in place of the designated winter uniform. However, our winter uniform has been thoughtfully designed to provide warmth and comfort when worn correctly. In 2024, we undertook a comprehensive review of our uniform policy, incorporating student feedback and working collaboratively with staff to ensure the current uniform meets both practical and aesthetic needs. We continue to welcome feedback and will review items as necessary.

All winter uniform options are currently available through Borne Apparel; this includes scarves and beanies. We encourage families to ensure students are equipped with the appropriate items. For those seeking more affordable alternatives, Second Hand School Specialists in Geelong offer pre-loved uniform pieces and deliver to Colac.

Please note: In response to student feedback regarding the fit of our sport tracksuit pants, we now offer two styles, slim line and wide leg (no cuff). Students must always wear the College’s monogrammed uniform items.

We also ask families to revisit our guidelines regarding jewellery, hair, and accessories to ensure students are meeting the College’s expectations in these areas. This information can be found on our college website, Uniform | Trinity College Colac

Please get in touch with the school if you have any queries.

Uniform Policy Reminder: Clean Shaven Expectations

As part of our commitment to maintaining high standards in personal presentation, we kindly remind families of our expectation that all students arrive at school clean-shaven.

This guideline is part of our broader uniform and grooming policy, which reflects the respect we hold for ourselves, each other, and the learning environment. This neat and tidy appearance supports a culture of discipline and pride in our school.

To support this policy, students who arrive at school without being clean-shaven will be provided with a razor and asked to shave on-site. We understand this may be an inconvenience, and we appreciate your assistance in ensuring your son is prepared each morning.

Your partnership in reinforcing these standards at home is invaluable and helps us maintain a consistent and respectful environment for all.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Natalie Holt                                                                 Mr Matt Rathgeber
Director of Wellbeing                                                        Head of Students

Please be aware of the following important points:

All school-issued laptops are subject to audits at any time.

Browsing history and general usage, including activity at home, may be reviewed to ensure students are complying with the school's IT policy.

Gaming or other non-educational activities during class time and at home when using school devices is strictly monitored.

Students who repeatedly breach the IT policy may face consequences such as restricted access to school devices, detention, or other actions as deemed appropriate by the Head of Students.

We encourage all students to use their devices responsibly and to remain engaged in their learning during lessons. Teachers have been asked to report all breaches to the IT Department and the Head of Students for follow-up.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us maintain a productive learning environment.

Mr Matt Rathgeber
Head of Students

These reports provide families with a snapshot of their child’s progress, indicating a proficiency level compared to national averages.

The NAPLAN data also offers the school valuable insights into student achievement and growth, helping us to evaluate our learning programs and celebrate areas of progress.

If you would like to discuss your child’s results further, please get in touch with Kate Geary via email or phone the school reception to arrange a meeting.

Mrs Kate Geary
Director of Learning: Years 7-9

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our recent Subject Selection event. Your presence and engagement play a vital role in supporting students as they navigate important decisions about their educational pathways.

On Thursday, 24 July, and Tuesday, 29 July, our Year 9, 10, and 11 students participated in presentations outlining the subject selection process for 2026. Each student received a copy of the 2026 Curriculum Handbook, which provides comprehensive information about available subjects, pathways, and opportunities for further study.

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home, exploring students’ interests, strengths, and aspirations. These discussions are key to helping students make informed and confident choices about their future.

To further support this process, Subject Selection Interviews were held on Tuesday, 5 August. These interviews offered students and families the chance to speak directly with teachers, ask questions, and receive tailored guidance on subject choices and pathway planning. We appreciate the strong turnout and thoughtful engagement from our school community.

All presentations are available for parents and families to access on PAM and for students on SIMON.

Reminder: Subject Sections are due for Years 10 to 12, on Wednesday, 13 August, 11:30pm.

We look forward to continuing to support each student in shaping a meaningful and successful learning journey.

Mrs Karen A Hart
Director of Learning: Years 10-12

Last Saturday evening, Sarah took to the stage at the Royal South Street Eisteddfod in Ballarat. Her section was the 16 years and over Vocal Championship Challenge section, which saw her as the youngest competitor and many entrants studying music at university.

Sarah was not only able to compete against these talented singers but also gain vital knowledge from them and about performance. She also received encouraging feedback from the adjudicator, with the adjudicator’s final comment that she has ‘lots of potential’ and she ‘looks forward to seeing where her singing takes her’.

From this event, Sarah has been invited to take part in a Victorian Opera event in November with the Ballarat Choral Society as part of the Ballarat Opera Festival.

Mrs Kelly Kerr
Music Programs Coordinator & Concert Band Coordinator