Newsletter

The liturgy highlighted the inspirational lives of the College’s four house patrons: Dr Sister Mary Glowrey, Saint Mary MacKillop, Venerable Catherine McAuley, and Blessed Edmund Rice. Each is remembered for their dedication to education, service, and care for others. Their legacies were symbolised through the lighting of house candles.

The community also reflected on the Edmund Rice Touchstones: Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity, which continue to guide Trinity College’s mission.

The celebration concluded with a special blessing for the Year 12 Class of 2025. The College community acknowledged the contribution of this year’s leaders and celebrated the achievements of all Year 12 students as they prepare to complete their final weeks of secondary school. Students on VCE, VM, and VPC pathways were commended for their hard work and encouraged to embrace the future with courage, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference. Father Andrew offered an Irish blessing, sending the graduates forward with the prayers and best wishes of the entire Trinity community.

Alongside coffee and breakfast rolls, families enjoyed a friendly table tennis tournament organised by our Sports Assistant, Jess Woods. The day was a wonderful reminder of the positive influence role models have in the lives of young people and the perfect chance to say, “I love you, Dad simply.” Thank you to all who attended.

Biodiversity is the variety of living things (humans, plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms) in an environment. It helps nature stay balanced and healthy, strengthening ecosystems and promoting essential services like pollination, clean air, water, and fertile soil. Students worked in small groups to plan and construct these shelters, which offer safe spaces for beneficial insects such as bees, ladybirds, and beetles, these being vital contributors to a thriving ecosystem. This project addresses curriculum standards around environmental change and management, biomes and food security, and geographical concepts and skills. Additionally, the project also reflects on our Catholic commitment to stewardship of the Earth and care for our common home.

Mrs Sarah Glennen
Sustainability Coordinator

Apollo Bay, Colac Secondary School and Trinity College Workshop Day

For the 4th year in a row, we travelled to Apollo Bay for our biannual workshop days, with Trinity College hosting the earlier one in May.

The day saw 65 student musicians from Grade 3 to Year 12 working together to learn three new pieces and practice 6 of our other favourites. The day involved group sessions, sectional rehearsals, and a concert for the Apollo Bay students in the afternoon.

It was wonderful to have our junior students join us this time. They have worked incredibly hard throughout the year and have already learned six or more of the pieces performed on the day. These students stepped outside their comfort zones by reading new music, playing alongside different musicians and conductors, and performing for long stretches of time. The trip back up the hill was much quieter, with many students taking the chance to enjoy some well-earned rest.

We look forward to continuing this tradition into the future with both Colac Secondary College and Apollo Bay P-12.

Mrs Kelly Kerr
Music Programs Coordinator & Concert Band Coordinator

Eisteddfod

The vocal ensemble went to the Ballarat Royal South Street Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod is a long-running competition attended by a range of schools from around Victoria. We travelled to Ballarat to perform for an adjudicator who gave us a score for the performance, as well as running a workshop to teach the students some tips for singing in a group. There were eight different ensembles in the section that the vocal ensemble competed in, and they placed 3rd overall, which is an exciting achievement!

Mrs Grace O’Connor
Music Teacher

As part of the leadership process, and in the lead-up to the election of our 2026 College Leaders, every Year 11 student will have the opportunity to create projects that raise awareness of social justice issues. These initiatives not only provide tangible support for social justice groups such as St Vinnies but also reflect the vision and values of our House namesakes, who each model service, justice, and compassion.

In addition to meal preparation, students have been involved in a variety of creative projects that highlight the importance of standing with those in need. These experiences give students a chance to grow as leaders and to understand that authentic leadership is rooted in a willingness to serve others.

Our final day of Term 3, Friday 19 September, is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate all these good works. Trinity Day brings together our whole community for both fun and fundraising, recognising the efforts of our students and the positive difference they are making in the lives of others.

We warmly encourage all members of the Trinity College community to support these projects. Together, we can continue to live out our commitment to justice, compassion, and service.

Mr James Fitzpatrick
Social Justice Coordinator

Beyond the Classroom

In Estelle’s spare time, she took on a few extracurricular activities. “I was on a team with a good tennis player. We didn’t lose a game the whole time I was there.” Estelle shared that making friends in a new country was easy. “[They] would just come up to me and talk to me about my accent.” She was also lucky that her host family’s son had a welcoming friend group, who made her feel “part of the group from day one.”

Cultural Surprises, Daily Differences

Some UK customs took her by surprise. “There was no homeroom; instead, we would have to sign in with our headmaster.” Outside of school, traditions like choir singing stood out. Visiting a cathedral in Canterbury, Estelle noted that choir singing was very normalised. “Everyone did it.”

Daily life also felt different. “Girls would walk into the bathroom; they’d all have their makeup bags. Just piling on makeup. Here you go into the bathroom, and do what you have to do.” Estelle also felt that the students were given more trust, as they were allowed their mobile phones, though they could be taken away.

Supportive Hosts and Wimbledon Excursion

Estelle stayed with Mita and Ben, family friends whom she referred to as “second parents”, and Reid and Rohan, their sons. “We had such a great time the whole time, and they took me to a bunch of places as well.”

A standout memory was a trip to Wimbledon. “Because I played tennis, they had an excursion, and it was only me, Rohan, Millie, and four other students. We were on court one and got to watch people play – it was fun.” Estelle described the opportunity as once in a lifetime, as she’d always wanted to see Wimbledon in person.

Lasting Connections & Reflections

Estelle has kept in touch with most of the friends she made and even some of her teachers from her time in the UK.

Reflecting on her experience, Estelle says the exchange program “changed [her] perspective in lots of ways … There are different opportunities in the world, and you can basically go anywhere if you put your mind to it.”

Advice for Future Exchange Students

Estelle’s advice to anyone considering an exchange program themselves is to “just be yourself … Make the most out of your time there. Do extracurriculars, sign up for things, because you’re only there for a short amount of time”.

Would Estelle recommend the exchange program? “A hundred percent. It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Canterbury will always have a spot in my heart.”

Mr Clint Gibbs
Media Trainee

Intermediate Boys

On Monday 1 September, our Intermediate Boys travelled to Waverly Netball Centre to compete in the Netball State Finals. Unfortunately, they had three late withdrawals on the side, so they competed with minimal numbers and major players missing. In their first game of the day, they played Catherine McAuley College, who were too experienced and ran away with a comfortable 29-11 win. The Trinity boys produced cleaner netball in their second game against Catholic College Wodonga. However, with Wodonga having a Victorian representative goaler, they were too strong and won 24-16. In their last game of the rounds, Trinity produced their best netball, beating Mernda Central P-12 College 22-11. This ended their day with one win and two losses, and therefore, they did not progress to the semifinals. The boys should be proud of their dedication and development across the year. They represented Trinity well.

Team Members: Goanar, Izaac, Levi, Nate, Sid, Jarvis, Max, Reece.

8A Girls

On Friday 5 September, our 8A Girls travelled to Waverly Netball Centre to compete in the Netball State Finals. Their first game was scheduled against Catherine McAuley College, and they went down 31-12 to a powerful side that went on to become State Champions. The second game against Cathedral College Wangaratta was a more contested game of netball, but Wangaratta came away in the end with a 25-19 win. In their last match of the day, the Trinity girls played against Viewbank College, and the game went goal for goal. Trinity remained composed and was 23-21 up at the final siren. The team's one win in three games was not enough to advance to the semifinals, ending their day. Unfortunately, the girls did not produce their best netball at the tournament, but were looking forward to getting back on track in the State Finals of the Vic Netball Championships the following week.

Team Members: Freya, Livi, Stella, Georgia, Astin, Indie, Ebony, Scarlett.

Senior Girls

On Monday 8 September, our Senior Girls travelled to Waverly Netball Centre to compete in the Netball State finals. Unfortunately, they had three players withdraw from the team the day before the tournament, which placed much pressure on the remaining seven players. Thanks go to Eliza, who stepped in at the last minute to attend and ensure that the team had a player on the bench for rotations. The girls were scheduled to play Catherine McAuley College in the first round, and while the Trinity team was trying to get used to new line-ups, Catherine McAuley proved to be much too strong and versatile, resulting in a 15-30 defeat. The Trinity Girls found some form in the second game against Catholic College Wodonga. They competed well. However, a tall shooter for Wodonga was the difference in the end, and they ran away with a 36-19 win. In the final game of the rounds, Trinity played against Hazel Glen College and had finally started to find some chemistry in their lineups. It was a highly contested game. One break at the centre, with a minute to go, decided the result, and Trinity went down 21-23. The disappointment of the day was evident within the team. However, there was an understanding that the team was heavily depleted, and the girls gave it everything they had under the circumstances.

After the rounds, the Trinity team was awarded the ‘Spirit in Sport’ award, which recognised a team that played with great spirit and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout the day. We are very proud of these Senior Girls and the time and effort they have given this year to represent their school.

Team Members: Rylee, Eliza, Remy, Georgia, Mia, Tessah, Olivia, Sienna.

Mrs Rachael Randall
Netball Coach

8A Girls

On Tuesday 9 September, our 8A Girls travelled to the State Netball Centre in Parkville to compete in the Netball State Finals. They were scheduled to play in five games in the rounds, and their first was against Padua College. It was a great game of netball with good skills displayed. The lead changed constantly throughout the game, and unfortunately, Trinity was down 11-13 at the final siren. Trinity bounced back nicely in round 2 against The Geelong College, winning 10-8 and continued that excellent form, winning their next two games. The team achieved a 12-8 win against Horsham College in round 3, followed by a 16-9 win against Catholic College Sale in round 4. This brought them to the last game of the rounds in second position in their pool, and they were set to face the top team, Goulburn Valley Grammar School. The standard of netball was very high, and after a hard-fought game, Goulburn Valley managed to secure the win 19-11. This resulted in Trinity finishing in second place in their pool and not progressing to the semifinals.

Our 8A Girls reached the State Finals in both tournaments that we entered, which is an exceptional accomplishment. Congratulations to all the girls involved in this team. They have been excellent representatives of our school, and we are very proud of them.

Team Members: Freya, Livi, Stella, Georgia, Astin, Indie, Scarlett, Ruby, Sophie.

Mrs Rachael Randall
Netball Coach