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  • Term 4 Week 8 | 29 November 2024
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In this Issue

Principal's Message
  • Principal's Message
College News
  • Farewell Class of 2024
  • Raffle Winners!
  • Tech Design make wishes come true!
  • Culture of Excellence Congratulations
Sport
  • Sport Report
Parent Notices
  • Trinity Computer Collection
  • Homework Expectations
Parent Resources
  • Confidence and Motivation
Important Dates
  • Important Dates
Community Notices
  • OCR FM Christmas Lights Bus
  • Youth RSA Training (Colac Otway Youth aged 16-25)
  • Youth CPR Training (Colac Otway Youth aged 15-25)

Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Last week we were privileged to hold our Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony at St Mary’s Church, followed by refreshments and supper at the College. At Trinity, the graduation of our students marks the end of their journey at school, which is a momentous occasion in itself, but it is also the beginning of a profound and new chapter for our young people that is what they have been waiting for all along. It is the moment when all the personal development, growth and learning at home and at school comes to fruition. They arrived at Trinity as children and along the way they have transitioned into adults, and this period will not ever happen again. It is, of course, a natural occurrence, but at Trinity it is also a carefully planned journey that has an eye firmly on making sure every student is placed in the best possible position to go out and make a difference in the world. Graduating from Trinity College is a rite of passage that is the herald of adulthood.

Dr Arne Rubenstein talks about the importance of acknowledging rites of passage in our contemporary society. Dr Rubenstein is an expert on adolescent development and, as a former GP specialising in teen health and preventive medicine, he noticed that there was a correlation between unhappy adolescence and unhealthy adulthood. Examining the phenonemon more, he came to the conclusion that our young people are searching for a sense of belonging and purpose, and adopting toxic and destructive behaviours often resulting in mental health issues.

In his 2013 Tedx Talk that I highly recommended you seek out on YouTube, Dr Rubenstein talks about traditional societies that provide ceremonies to guide and support the development of children into adults. We have all heard stories of the coming-of-age practices in indigenous communities throughout the world, including inserting hands in bullant nests or jumping from frighteningly high platforms tied with twine around the ankles or body scarification and adornment. These processes are deliberately designed to encourage a sense of achievement and transformation, and they are honoured and celebrated by the whole community. Dr Rubenstein argues that effective rites of passage provide three key aspects:

  • A sense of belonging.
  • A shift from a child’s way of thinking to adult psychology.
  • An awareness of responsibility and the need to form a healthy relationship with the feminine.

As I participated in the Class of 2024 Graduation Evening last Thursday, gathered with our community under the soaring beams of St Mary’s Church, I was struck by the potency of the event. To see the graduands out of their school uniform and dressed in their finery, to observe them surrounded by their families and friends and to experience the wonder of their development into confident and caring adults was deeply moving. Their faces glowed with the pride of their achievement and the joy of their belonging. They have been grounded in Gospel Values and the love of their families and are fully aware of what it is to be a good person as they step out into the world and make a difference. I congratulate each and every one of them and thank their parents and carers for the trust and faith they placed in us in sharing the development of their precious children into adults we can all be proud of.

"They have been grounded in Gospel Values and the love of their families and are fully aware of what it is to be a good person as they step out into the world and make a difference."

At the same time we were preparing to farewell our Year 12 students, the Year 11 cohort was completing their final exams for 2024. They have been engaged in three days of Year 12 classes to prepare them for next year before enjoying a final celebratory lunch and assembly. We are looking forward to working with our new leaders in 2025 and planning is well under way already. We will be saying goodbye to a number of staff at the end of the school year and each one will be highlighted in our final newsletter as well as the College yearbook. While it is sad saying goodbye to colleagues, we will also be welcoming a number of new staff and I will introduce each one next year.

As part of our planning, the curriculum team met this week to put the final touches on our updated Homework Procedures document that will be launched at the beginning of 2025. The research on homework highlights a number of non-academic benefits such as developing routines and self-motivation; in addition, we know that developing good habits in the junior school provides an excellent platform for a successful senior school transition. For teachers, homework allows opportunities for students to check their understanding of concepts explored in class and provides time for consolidation of knowledge into their long-term memory. The topic of homework was raised in our recent parent and carer feedback sessions and the new procedures will mean that there is more consistency across subjects and classes in terms of home study. The new procedures will also allow for College homework spaces to be supervised both before and after school to assist students who, for several reasons, are unable to complete their study at home.

It is amazing to think that Christmas is less than a month away and that the final day of school is fast approaching. I am not sure where this year has gone but I do know that it has been a very positive one here at Trinity College. The students have excelled in so many different areas and have been provided with an abundance of opportunities to develop from both an academic and personal perspective. It is a delight to see them rise to the challenges, work hard to achieve their goals and head towards that wonderful rite of passage that celebrates their development into a Trinity graduate.

Enjoy your weekend.

Mr Paul Clohesy
Principal

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Mr Paul Clohesy, Principal

College News

Farewell Class of 2024

Farewell Class of 2024

This week, the Trinity College community formally farewelled the Class of 2024 this and set them free to follow their dreams!

Commencing at St Mary’s Church with a liturgy, highlighting the values, heritage and heart and soul that the former Year 12 students have been immersed in for six years, the Graduation Ceremony also honoured our high achievers who were presented with books and certificates for their hard work and commitment to achieving their best.

The graduands were then presented to Mr Paul Clohesy to receive their certificates and received a special blessing from Fr Michael, who presented each of them with a candle to symbolise the light of Christ that will guide them through their years ahead.

It was a poignant moment for Fr Michael who was participating in his final Trinity graduation ceremony prior to semi-retirement in Apollo Bay at the end of the year. As he congratulated many of the students by name with a special word of praise and appreciation for their commitment to being their best, his long and deep connection with the Colac Catholic community was evident.

During Fr Michael’s Homily, he spoke about the nation’s new Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn, who spoke about the role that ‘care’ has in the Australian identity. Fr Michael connected this simple yet profound trait to the Trinity College message, We Make A Difference, affirming that the gathered young people were in the best possible place to launch into the world as caring, loving and compassionate citizens prepared to make the world a better place.

Principal Mr Paul Clohesy presented his address to the community, acknowledging the unsung heroes behind the Trinity journey – the families, parents and carers who have been there through the long days, providing unwavering belief in their children and their commitment to the educating the whole child. He thanked the College teachers and staff at who supported the learning and wellbeing of the cohort and acknowledged the tremendous privilege it is to have an impact on the lives of others.

College Captains for 2024, Paige Compton and Brady Hall, addressed their peers, speaking of the memories shared and the bond they will forever have. With their formal attire glowing in the beautiful church, the newly-inducted alumni of Trinity College Colac were reflective as their Year Level Coordinator, Mrs Jade Elborough, then went to the lectern, holding back tears as she spoke of the year she has spent as their mentor and supporter and assured them they would be missed. Finally, the parents, carers, staff and graduates watched a movie that captured their Trinity journey from Year 7 to their final days before being invited back to relax and enjoy each other’s company back at the College.

The majority of the Class of 2024 commenced their first day at Trinity in 2019 with a cohort of 157 students and Mrs Cate McCullagh as their Transition Coordinator. College Captains were Ruby Nelson and Jack Holland and Principal was Mr Tim O’Farrell who passed the baton to Mr Paul Clohesy in the fourth term.

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Raffle Winners!

Raffle Winners!

Congratulations to our Trinity Raffle winners! We appreciate our community in helping us to make a difference in the lives of so many people by raising funds for our Bursary Program. And a massive thank you to our donors and supporters for their support!

1st PRIZE
Alex Williamson
2024 Suzuki Swift Base Hatch

Supported by Colac Motor Group

2nd PRIZE
Xavier McGlynn (pictured)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 6

Donated by ASI Solutions

3rd PRIZE
Frank Van Dijk
Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Donated by AH Computers

4th PRIZE
Jamie Guarracino
Apple Watch Series 9

Donated by Gunners Business Solutions

5th PRIZE
Gary Wright
Lorne Getaway package

Donated by Cumberland Lorne and HAH Lorne Beach

6th PRIZE
Ebony Keating
Borne Apparel voucher

Donated by Borne Apparel

7th PRIZE
Name Withheld
Colac Tyres voucher

Donated by Colac Tyres

8th PRIZE
Amanda Meade
Local Produce Bundle

Donated by Otways Pasta Company, Murnane’s Country Fresh Meat and Irrewarra Sourdough

9th PRIZE
Maureen Carmody
Colac Windscreens & Tint King Voucher

Donated by Colac Windscreens & Tint King

10th PRIZE
Pat Maher
Woolworths Voucher

Donated by Woolworths Colac

11th PRIZE
Eric Stinchcombe
Babil and Bowls Pack

Donated by Babil Restaurant and Colac Tinpin Bowl

12th PRIZE
Darren Gass
Gravity and Bowls Pack

Donated by Gravity Café and Bar and Colac Tinpin Bowl

13th PRIZE
Sean James
Culture and Bowls Pack

Donated by Culture Café Lounge Bar and Colac Tenpin Bowl

14th PRIZE
Sarah Beale
Queenie and Bowls Pack

Donated by Queenie & Co and Colac Tenpin Bowl

15th PRIZE
Michelle Moore
Wellness Package

Donated by One Movement Sauna, Vitality Health Hub

16th PRIZE
Narelle Throckmorton
Bunnings Voucher

Donated by Bunnings Colac

17th PRIZE
Name Withheld
Murnanes Country Fresh Meats Voucher

Donated by Murnanes

18th PRIZE
Pete Finch
Worldly Goods Voucher

Donated by Worldly Goods

19th PRIZE
Laurel Grinham
Fusion and COPACC Pack

Donated by Fusion Restaurant and COPACC

20th PRIZE
Name Withheld
Irrewarra Sourdough Hamper

Donated by Irrewarra Sourdough

21st PRIZE
Name Withheld
Ray Croft Menswear & Jeanery Voucher

Donated by Ray Croft Menswear & Jeanery

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Tech Design make wishes come true!

Tech Design make wishes come true!

Our Trinity College values were highlighted last week, with Mr Lang’s Year 11 Production Technology Design Unit 2 class providing some fantastic additions to the Millville Children’s Centre in Colac.

The Trinity students approached the centre with a proposal to build several projects, asking the children what they would like to see in their play area before setting to work to design and construct the pieces.

Ollie, Tim, Lachie and Jack built an incredible cubby house, making the pieces and putting it all together on site while the little ones excitedly watched it take shape. Kayley, Ollie, Jed, Jack and Johnny made kitchens for cooking those mud cakes, while Kade built a ramp.

It was a group effort, with everybody pitching in to make sure it was ready for installation. The proud students then sat back and watched the children swarm over their new play equipment, gaining a lot of satisfaction from a job well done.

What a wonderful service to our community and something they can all be very proud of!

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Culture of Excellence Congratulations

Culture of Excellence Congratulations

As part of our culture of high expectations, Trinity College celebrates learning success and fosters a student mindset that values academic achievement. We congratulate the students who participated in recent competitions and challenged themselves to achieve their best.

Australian Maths Competitions

Well done to all the students who participated in the Australian Maths Competition last term! We had exceptional results from Jake, Ann, Fletcher and Liam who received Distinctions, and Olivia who was awarded Best in School and obtained a High Distinction.

Mathematics Olympiad

We also had a group of Year 7 and 8 students challenge their skills during the year in the Maths Olympiad program, with Fletcher being awarded Runner Up School Champion and Olivia receiving School Champion. Congratulations to all our wonderful Maths students for extending and challenging themselves during these competitions.

Congratulations to Ned, Lewis, Mei and Dawson who participated in the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) last term. This highly challenging maths competition takes four hours to complete complex questions and is designed to identify and stretch talented students. What a terrific effort!

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Sport

Sport Report

Sport Report

It was all about the State finals for Trinity this fortnight, with students and staff putting in the long days to compete against the top teams in Victoria.

Basketball

Year 7 girls came up against some tough competition in Melbourne and, while they were unable to score a win, they played hard and demonstrated some great passages of play. Well done to Freya, Lila, Kitty, Olivia, Indie, Stella and Ava!

Trinity Intermediate Girls’ Basketball put in a fantastic effort at the state finals. The girls were up against exceptional teams, unfortunately losing all three very close games. We are very proud of their hard work and perseverance throughout the day. Well done, everyone!

Cricket

Year 7 Girls Cricket team experienced sweltering conditions for the state quarter finals in Geelong last week. They batted first against Williamstown High School, making a decent 93 runs; however, were 46 under at the end of the day.

By making this quarter final, the girls were in the top eight for the state which is a wonderful achievement and they should be very proud of their efforts.

A huge thank you to Miss Van den Eynde for coaching, Alaska for her organisation and coaching tips, and Mr Tomkins for driving and helping out.

Tennis

It was a hot day for the Year 7 boys’ tennis who put in a great effort at the state competition in Melbourne.

Beau, Manny, Jagger, Fred and Jesse had some fantastic matches throughout the day with some beautiful rallies, winning a doubles match but unfortunately not making it through to the next stage.

Well done, everyone, we are very proud of your sportsmanship and determination to achieve your best!

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Parent Notices

Trinity Computer Collection

Trinity Computer Collection

Trinity College will be collecting the College owned computers to undertake an annual review and health check of the device, complete outstanding system updates and perform a ‘test and tag’ to meet our compliance requirement. Please ensure ALL components (computer, bag and charger) are returned to the College.

Students with unreported damage to the College computer must contact the ICT department as soon as possible to avoid delays. As stated in the College Computer Loan Agreement, any damage requiring repair/replacement or intentional graffiti to computers will incur an excess charge.

Key dates for computer return and collection for each year level:

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Homework Expectations

Homework Expectations

As we continue to build a culture of High Expectations at Trinity College Colac, we are clarifying our processes and expectations for Homework across all year levels for 2025 and beyond.

Studies show that homework has a positive impact in secondary schools and there are non-academic benefits, such as developing routines and self-motivation. Good habits developed in junior school provide an excellent platform for a successful senior program.

For teachers, homework allows further opportunities for students to check their understanding of concepts explored in class and provides time for consolidation of knowledge into long term memory.

The success of homework requires a partnership between families and school. We appreciate the busy schedules families have, and we encourage you to create routines and habits that support the ongoing completion of homework. As outlined in the infographic below, we will be providing a dedicated space and time for students should they require support to complete tasks.

Early in 2025 during our Year level assemblies, our Learning Community Leaders will be discussing these processes with students and ensuring they are aware of our expectations and all support available to them.

Mrs Kate Geary and Mrs Karen A Hart
Directors of Learning

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Parent Resources

Confidence and Motivation

Confidence and Motivation

Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their overall wellbeing and is a key aspect of their development. These qualities can have a lasting impact on their success and happiness. Confidence helps children believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, while motivation drives their desire to learn, explore, and achieve their goals.

Fostering these traits involves creating an environment that encourages children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements. Confidence is built when children feel capable and valued, while motivation is fuelled by the belief that their efforts will lead to growth and success. By actively supporting both, we can help young people thrive in the academic, social, and personal areas of their life.

By offering positive reinforcement, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating their efforts, we can model a positive mindset that can go a long way in helping young people develop both confidence and motivation. Nurturing these qualities, will help them grow into self-assured individuals who believe in their ability to succeed, setting the foundation for a fulfilling future.

In this edition of SchoolTV, discover how to provide opportunities for autonomy and support your child in persevering through challenges.

Here is the link to your Edition https://tcc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/confidence-motivation-au

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Important Dates

Important Dates

Important Dates

Tuesday 3 December
Year 7 Transition Day for country schools

Thursday 5 December to 6 December
Student Leadership Camp

Thursday 5 December
Final day Year 10

Friday 6 December
Final day Years 7 to 9

Tuesday 10 December
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day

Community Notices

OCR FM Christmas Lights Bus

OCR FM Christmas Lights Bus

Youth RSA Training (Colac Otway Youth aged 16-25)

Youth RSA Training (Colac Otway Youth aged 16-25)

Registrations are via Eventbrite : https://ColacOtwayYouthRSATraining.eventbrite.com.au

Youth CPR Training (Colac Otway Youth aged 15-25)

Youth CPR Training (Colac Otway Youth aged 15-25)

Registrations are via Eventbrite : https://ColacOtwayYouthCPRTraining.eventbrite.com.au