Counsellor

It is always somewhat difficult to write an annual report that is sufficiently different to the one written in the previous year. The sentiments expressed year in, year out do not vary. We are blessed with an exceptional community and quite an extraordinary school. My gratitude for the presence of them in our lives can only be expressed using a finite combination of adjectives. So please forgive me if I am at all repetitive in this year’s report. While striving for excellence continues to remain a constant at Trinity, there have been considerable changes in 2004. Mr Peter Bothe has assumed the role of principal and his support of staff and students has been greatly appreciated. A review of the College management structure has resulted in changes that will facilitate the provision of even better pastoral care, by virtue of more streamlined communication channels. The College has also been reviewing the ways in which student data is collected and distributed to relevant staff members, including consideration of such issues as confidentiality and the use of technology to facilitate the process. A new counsellor referral process has been initiated, tightening the lines of communication between all concerned parties and allowing for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of counselling services. The process now includes Heads of Year as the key referral point and provides clear boundaries for the roles to be played by different members of staff in the pastoral care of our students. The major result of these initiatives is that students at risk will be better supported. Risk factors such as the presence of learning disabilities, emotional disturbance or social difficulties have the potential to be easily overlooked or simply disguised as poor behaviour. In colloquial terms, these students have often ‘slipped through the net’. While Trinity staff members have always been proactive in identifying and monitoring such students, the changes occurring at the College will enable the provision of more appropriate and timely assistance. The College stance on bullying and harassment has continued to be a focus during the year. We have aimed to educate the students about the long-term impacts of such behaviour. It is planned that the College policy in this area will be reviewed and updated in 2005, with an emphasis being placed on strategies to promote positive behaviours. In a related area, the promotion of mental health has also been a major focus this year. For instance, all Year 10 students completed a mental health unit in their Health

Education course where they gained an overview of mental illnesses and an understanding of community attitudes to these illnesses. I have no doubt that students and parents alike will be able to quite accurately report my tendency to talk in abstract notions when referring to the Trinity College community. Campus Ministry have prompted another successful initiative that has made concrete some of these ephemeral qualities. Under the guidance of Br Mr Brad Nugent Rob Callen, Mr Ken O’Neil and the thirteen members

Counsellor of the Year 12 Cadre group, 2005 saw the successful running of our inaugural Quest retreat. I extend my gratitude and appreciation to all those involved in this retreat. It was a very moving and fulfilling experience to be permitted to participate in this event and to witness the induction of our Year 8s into the ethos of Trinity College. Although the Counselling Department at Trinity College officially consists of just one person, there are a multitude of others who contribute to the day to day work of the Counsellor. In particular, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the staff at the Mary Rice Centre who go above and beyond the call of duty in ministering to the needs and abilities of a wide range of students. The Centre is a most welcoming environment, thanks to the good humour and caring nature of the staff. I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Sue Prior, Mrs Marie Zwart, Mrs Karen Tyler, Mrs Christine Nash, Mrs Gerri Vanpraag and Mrs Joanne Hussein for their friendship and professionalism. Additionally, I would like to make mention of the successful introduction of our Senior Enterprise Programme. Mrs Marie Zwart and the other staff involved in running the programme have created a viable alternative pathway for our students to achieve TAFE qualifications while gaining valuable vocational experience. It has been pleasing to see the progress made by many of the students participating in this programme. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the herculean efforts of several individuals. Father Michael McMahon, has continued to provide spiritual guidance and down to earth pastoral care to our students and staff. He brings into the reality of everyday those qualities of compassion and dedication that are sometimes difficult to grasp. Mr John Jacky, tirelessly strives for the best outcomes for our indigenous students. Our Heads of Year, manage to perform their often thankless tasks with awe-inspiring commitment and generosity. It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to work this year with people of this calibre and I look forward to doing so again in 2005.

Pastoral