Head of Senior School Administration
M
y role this year as Head of Senior School has been a most rewarding one. The duties undertaken in this position have given me an insight into the many aspects that go into making Trinity College the unique Catholic school that it is. Head of Senior School Mr William Quartermaine responsibilities include Head of Senior School working with students, parents, teachers and support staff in areas such as Pastoral Care, curriculum and school events. It has been a challenging and rewarding year and I appreciate the opportunity given to me by the College Leadership Team.
Students and Parents It became apparent to me at an early stage that the ‘human element’ in a school is by far the key element to that school’s success. It has been my privilege to work closely with students in Years 10, 11 and 12. I have met many boys experiencing the highs and lows associated with the journey through adolescent life. Each and every one of these boys, including those having a wonderfully positive experience, and those struggling with some of the pressures placed upon them, have taught me about the importance of respecting young people as individuals with their own needs. A major lesson I have learnt from the counselling process is the positive influence that parents and guardians have on their sons’ lives. I have been lucky enough to meet many wonderful parents and guardians whose love and care for their sons have provided inspiration for their happiness and well-being. Whether it is in the classroom, on the sporting field, music, stage or retreat, or simply in the school yard at lunchtime, I have witnessed many outstanding characteristics in the young men at Trinity. I am confident in the knowledge that the Trinity community provides the opportunity for our young men to grow to be positive and happy members of our society.
Teachers Teachers can have a profound influence on the students in their classroom. We have many teachers whose teaching extends beyond the educative process and into the caring and nurturing role. Throughout the year I have had boys identify many
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teachers who have had a wonderfully positive and caring influence on their lives. We are lucky to have these kinds of teachers at Trinity and I take this opportunity to remind them that these are the great rewards for their dedicated service to teaching. We need to look no further for inspiration than the late Mr Murray Mckenna who embodied the essence of service to teaching in his dedicated work with the young men of Trinity College.
Pastoral Care As leaders in the Pastoral Care field the caring and nurturing role is extended to our Heads of Year. Thanks go to Mrs Eileen Lane, Mr Barry McKenna and Mr Daniel Quartermaine for their dedication to the care and well-being of the students in their year groups. This year we formed a Pastoral Care Leadership Team whose members Ms Anneliese Smith, Mrs Sue Prior and Mrs Kerrie Fraser, have been instrumental in forming Pastoral Care policy and whose commitment to working with students in need, will strengthen our student support structures. My thanks are extended to them for their commitment to giving the needs of our students the highest priority. A key member of the Pastoral Care structure at Trinity is Father Michael McMahon. He is inspirational in the way that he dedicates himself to the true witness of the Gospel message in his dealings with the students at Trinity. He has had a significant impact on the lives of many students and staff at Trinity.
Support Staff The administrative burden associated with managing a school the size of Trinity is considerable. Trinity is blessed with dedicated and professional administrative staff who support the organizational aspects of the school. My thanks go to the support staff involved in student reports, assemblies, speech night, professional development, fund raising events, photographs, curriculum and Pastoral Care. My special thanks go to Mrs Teresa Greenfield for her dedicated, hard working and professional efforts in making my job much easier. Trinity College is entering a new phase of commitment to its Edmund Rice origins. The strength and loyalty of its students, staff and parents will ensure the continuation of the Christian family spirit that gives this community its strength. William Quartermaine Head of Senior School
