Tribute to Mr Curtis

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Tribute to Tony Curtis

When Tony arrived at Trinity College in 1994, it marked the beginning of a new era. He was the first lay principal appointed to this college since its inception in 1894. As a past pupil of Christian Brothers College in the Terrace, he has always held the ethos of Edmund Rice and the spirit of all that is Trinity close to his heart. This is evidenced by his dedication to all those who have passed through the gates of our wonderful College. In the ten years under his leadership, Trinity College has grown in student numbers from 902 to 1147 and now features very strongly in all areas of PSA sport with outstanding successes in all codes and across all age groups. Tony’s support of these fixtures and presence at many of these functions are testament to his sense of pride and belief in all boys and the importance of their participation in these sporting events.

The changing face of Trinity College over the past ten years is not only very evident to those who visit the college it is also an indication of Tony Curtis’ visionary attitude and meticulous attention to the overall ethos of what it is to be an Edmund Rice school. Forward planning has seen many wonderful, innovative and outstanding developments at Trinity College. In his first year as principal, there was the opening of the sports pavilion and the construction of the Centennial Fence (a replica of the fence that surrounded CBC Terrace and a strong link to our past). This outstanding feature is also an indication of the strong links that Tony and the College maintain with the past pupils through the Trinity Old Boys Association. In 1995, Tony placed a statue in honour of Edmund Rice in Centennial Park – another strong reminder of our heritage. Also in 1995 the new entry off Trinity Avenue began the process of alleviating much of the flooding problems we had experienced in the past (mind you we did see an interesting alternative to our new pool during the winter this year.) In 2000, in a project very close to Tony’s heart, the college built the new Design & Technology – Treacy Centre and Mary Rice Centre. This centre, along with the astronomy facilities and new landscaped gardens, are part of a fantastic array of amenities that are available to all our students.

Right now, a wonderful new feature, a swimming pool, is under construction. However, Tony was not just interested in constructing buildings. He was a great believer in nurturing the needs of young men and expanding their personal possibilities through traditional and not so traditional means. Academic successes – state, school and personal achievements have always received his warmest support and congratulations. His message:”Always do your very best at whatever level that may be” is a lesson all the young men who have passed through the gates of Trinity College carry throughout their lives. Music has also grown tremendously in the past ten years and has provided our school community and the broader, sometimes worldwide, audience with many wonderful experiences. Tony truly believed in making all young men of Trinity College aware of the Edmund story and the importance of incorporating his ethos into their daily lives. He always worked to create a great Trinity College student: a young man with many fine qualities. Tony gave support and encouragement for

The Indian Pilgrimage, Kairos Retreats, participation in UNFAIR DAY and equal acknowledgement and celebration of various indigenous events. As a parent of Trinity College I thank Tony for his support of our endeavours, whether it be on Fete Days, Open Days, Canteen Duty, Fathers’ Day Breakfasts, Mothers’ Day Masses and the many other functions that were held on and off the College grounds. Thank you, Tony, for always making us welcome, and allowing us to be part of the education of our young men. On behalf of the Trustees of the Christian Brothers, I would like to thank Tony for always giving his very best, for maintaining and fostering all that is Edmund in the truest sense of the word, and for being a great ambassador for the education and betterment of young Christian men. Whilst his job as principal had many and varied challenges, he always put the young men of Trinity College at the top of his priorities. Thank you also Elizabeth for sharing your husband so generously with this his “other family.” For ten years you have been an important back-stop and a great supporter of Tony & Trinity College. As that saying goes; “behind every great man there is an equally wonderful woman.” As a parting message, I give this well-known Irish Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your backs, May the sun shine warm upon your faces May the rains fall softly upon your fields and until we meet again May God hold you both in the palm of his hand.

Leanne O’Dea

Chair College Board

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