College Board Administration
This group of hard working and dedicated people have spent this past year analysing the ongoing needs and requirements of our College. This task has meant a great deal of behind-the-scenes work and many hours of study and deliberation before major decisions were made. I thank every member of the College Board for this dedication and the great gift that they all give to the College. At the end of this year we say farewell to two members of our Board, Denis Waddell and Julie Coleman. I thank them both for their support and talents that they have given so wisely and willingly during their term of office.
Strategic Plan: This year marked the end of our current strategic plan and the obvious need for a new plan to take us into the next five years. It is strongly linked with a five year financial plan that supports the indicated need for upgrading the future facilities in the physical sense and also in relation to the staff and student numbers. The response from our community has meant that the Board was left with no doubt as to what it is that makes Trinity College the special place that it is. It also shows what needs to be done at our College to ensure that we continue to produce young men of great integrity and moral strength for the future ahead and to provide the facilities and educational needs of all our young men. We would like to see smaller classes in the Junior School and also feel a strong sense of concern for the welfare of our staff. It is a difficult task to meet all perceived needs whilst minimizing the financial impact on families. Thank you to all the parents, staff and wider community who contributed towards the planning for this strategic direction.
The Charter: The launch of this defining document marks the beginning of new era in the Christian Brothers’ involvement in education. It acknowledges that there are many stakeholders now involved in the Edmund Rice Family throughout Australia and the broader world community. The document gives us a continual point of reference to keep us focused and aware of our responsibilities in leading the way in providing a holistic education for all graduates of our College.
Governance: We are all aware that in the future there will be less Christian Brothers actively involved in our day to day life at the College. Much work has been done to ensure that we do not lose what it is to be an Edmund Rice School and to this end our Board has been working closely with the Province Leadership Team to put in place a long term plan to ensure that this ethos and tradition is not lost nor diminished in any way. We continue to work with other schools in our state that are also part of the Edmund Rice family to maintain and strengthen the links of our common history, tradition and culture. Trinity will always remain independent, catholic and a school in the Edmund Rice tradition whilst continually building on the uniqueness of having five “Brother” schools to support us
in our journey of the education of young men who pass through our gates.
Building And Grounds: Led by Chairperson, Moira Sinagra, this sub committee has been working hard putting in place many benefits for the whole community. You only have to look around the campus to see the fruits of their labour. The outside area of the Junior School is providing another environment of learning for the boys as well as enhancing the entry. This committee has also been working closely with the East Perth Redevelopment Authority to ensure the future plans of this region support and enhance all that Trinity College has to offer. Rest assured that we are here to stay and that all other parties who are involved in the redevelopment of this region see Trinity as an integral part of this community. I thank the members of this committee for their hard work and dedication.
Marketing: Chairperson, Julie Coleman and her committee have spent many hours working on upgrading our College web site. I am sure you will agree that the finished product was well worth their time and effort. The Board believes that we are indeed fortunate to be in a position of not really needing to “advertise” the College in the sense of seeking enrolments, however we do acknowledge the need to keep all parties involved and informed and up to date with all that is going on in our busy world. Again I say thank you to this small but dynamic group of people whose talents never cease to amaze me.
Finance: As mentioned earlier in my report, the Finance Committee led by Chairperson, Wayne Zekulich, have had the difficult task this year of producing a fair, yet strong financial plan that will support our next five year strategic plan and keep the College in a sound and viable position as a leading school for boys’ education. Their sense of propriety and good business acumen has meant that the financial plan is sensible and well supported and achievable. It also means that we are building a sound and secure financial future for the College. I am indebted to this committee for the continued diligence and attention to the finer details of our financial viability. Finally I wish to thank our Principal, Mr Peter Bothe; Mr Michael Burgess, our hard working Bursar, and the entire staff of Trinity College for their continuing support and encouragement throughout this year. We are a truly blessed community to have so many selfless people working towards a common goal. Thank you to all the parents who continue to offer support both financially and physically to the College. It is through this support that we can truly say we are a strong community. Leanne O’Dea Chair – Trinity College Board
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