Counsellor Pastoral
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s I stood in the stands at Perry Lakes applauding the Herculean efforts of our 2003 Athletics team I came to the realisation that “this” is what makes Trinity College such an outstanding school. “This”, in many ways, is something that defies definition, an ephemeral Mr Brad Nugent characteristic of elusive Counsellor nature. Yet it is an ingredient that has become of vital importance to us and without it Trinity would not be the same. Perhaps the closest that I can come to describing this quality is by using the word “community”. To see the togetherness of our athletics team echoed by the shared experience of the Trinity supporters in the stands was a heart-warming experience and one that I felt privileged to have witnessed. Yet there are everyday examples of this community feeling. During 2003, our students and staff have joined in celebrating life, have persisted in overcoming personal conflicts and academic difficulties and have supported each other through grief. Why is the “community” of Trinity College unique? What separates us from the crowd of other organisations? I believe it is the sense of true belonging that one feels at Trinity and the fact that our community is an inclusive one. I believe that it has a
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great deal to do with a focus on spiritual development and an acceptance of the inherent value of serving others. Once again, during 2003, I was fortunate in being able to witness these aspects of College life first hand. To see our students and staff ministering to the needs of the poor and disabled of India was a humbling experience. The day to day efforts of our staff and students in aspiring to ensure that Trinity College is an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind provides me with yet another reminder that Jesus is present in all those around me. It would be remiss of me if I were not to make special mention of Mr Tony Curtis. His overriding concern for the well-being of all staff and students has been paramount in the positive transformation of the College during the past ten years. In general, I would like to thank all members of the Trinity community for their support during the year. In particular, I give thanks for the professionalism of my hard working and caring colleagues and for the lessons that I continue to learn from our students. To be considered a part of the Trinity community is to be truly blessed.
Brad Nugent Counsellor
Breakfast with the rowers.
