The TC Spirit Lives on through Generations

In 2022, we welcomed many new students and staff to Trinity College. Two of these were Year 4 student, Harry Spencer, the next generation of the Spencer family to continue the tradition of a Trinity education and Alex Paljetak (’03) who, after graduating in 2003, has returned to our College in the Junior School as the teacher of Year 6 Blue.

Alex

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE RETURNING TO TRINITY COLLEGE IN 2022? WAS IT ALWAYS IN YOUR PLANS TO COME BACK?

It has been incredible to return to Trinity College in 2022. The school has changed so much since I’ve been here. I hadn’t really been back to Trinity since I graduated in 2003, so in some ways, it was almost like I was back at a new school; however, seeing some of the old buildings and staff that were still here when I graduated quickly brought back some familiarity.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE/S YOU HAVE NOTICED AT THE COLLEGE FROM WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT HERE?

The access that the boys have to worldclass facilities. The Music building and new Sports Centre are amazing. I think the access to strength and conditioning coaches for various sports also means we are setting boys up for success after school. There are also a lot more programmes in place now to support student wellbeing, which I think is so important for young men living in the society we do today.

WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT AT TC?

I was heavily involved in the rowing programme, so the rowing camps in summer, training, regattas and the relationships I was able to build from that are my fondest memories.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE TC MOMENT OF 2022?

I’ll go with two. One is the Junior School Podcasting Club and being able to witness the boys interviewing some TC icons.

I was also lucky enough to be involved in the Katich-Moody cricket game as a coach. The game was a great experience for the boys and a high-quality game of cricket.

HarryWHO ELSE IN YOUR FAMILY HAS COME TO TRINITY COLLEGE?

My dad and my big brother James who is in Year 6. My little brother may come too and my mum and grandma also work here.

BEFORE YOU CAME TO TC, WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF THINGS YOUR DAD AND BIG BROTHER WOULD TELL YOU ABOUT TRINITY?

I remember my big brother telling me about all the cross country and the interschool events. My dad told me that he was a captain for his Trinity footy team and he then had the opportunity to play AFL.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT TRINITY COLLEGE SO FAR?

This is a hard one – meeting new friends and getting better relationships with them. Also, going to the zoo was pretty cool.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE BOYS STARTING IN YEAR 4 IN 2023?

Just do your best and behave. Also try all the new opportunities. In Year 6 I might try soccer – I have never played before but I want to try. My dad played and likes AFL but he watches too much soccer and loves soccer.

WHAT DOES THE TC SPIRIT MEAN TO YOU?

For me it means kindness, leadership and responsibility.