Principal’s Address Administration
T
he Year 2005 will be remembered as a significant year in our history. At Speech Night, our Head Prefect, Matthew Fitzsimons alluded to many of the unique elements that comprise a Trinity College education. Throughout this year, several themes have Mr Robert Henderson been constant. The goodwill, Principal spirit, passion and commitment of our Trinity students means that coming to work each day is an absolute pleasure. The hard work and dedication of our staff, and the support and friendship of the Trinity parents reinforces our reputation as a wonderful family college.
Students It is sometimes said that you cannot define class but you know when you have seen it! I saw class this year on a number of occasions. I saw class in the manner with which our Year 12 students comforted and supported each other when Trent Martinz tragically took his own life. I mentioned at the final Year 12 assembly that the real judgement of a Trinity education will be the type of men our students become in 10, 15, 20 years from now. The Jesuits, who like the Christian Brothers, are great educators, have a saying; ‘give me the boy and I will show you the man’. At the time of Trent’s death, the response from our Year 12 students suggests that they will become outstanding ‘Men for Others’ – as sons, husbands, fathers and friends. It was a time for us all to examine what is really important: the relationships we have with our loved ones; the spiritual dimension in our lives; our relationship with God. Sadly, the College has also mourned the loss of a Year 7 student, Dean Tarca, who died from a seizure in October this year. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Martinz and Tarca families.
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Teachers Schooling at Trinity is largely about relationships. A common educational phrase is that “Students learn teachers, not subjects”. Many of our staff at Trinity have the rare gift of being able to make a meaningful connection to their students. I have a teaching background in Economics largely because I had two superb Economics teachers when I was at school (a different Christian Brothers’ School). One was Br Warwick Bryant who went on to become Principal of Trinity in the 80’s and 90’s. The other superb Economics teacher was Murray McKenna. Murray also moved schools and became known as “Mr Trinity”. During his two decades at the College, Murray influenced generations of Trinity students with his outstanding teaching and mentoring of our young men. His passing in Term Two saddened the College community and the large numbers of Old Boys in attendance at his funeral was testament to the profound impact Murray had on so many lives. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Trinity, the Year 12 History Prize has been re-named the “Murray McKenna History Prize”.
Farewell to Peter Bothe I also saw proof of the Trinity spirit this year as our Principal, Mr Peter Bothe, farewelled the College with a style of grace and dignity. Mr Bothe resigned for family reasons. Peter brought much energy to the role of Principal and was responsible for implementing a Management Restructure at the College and instigating the College’s new Strategic Plan. Both important roles were completed with professionalism and enthusiasm. More important were the personal gifts that were brought to the role. Peter is a great lover of life and people; he has a marvellous capacity to make the individual person feel very special and a unique child of God. I recall last year a grumpy Vice Principal
Far right Peter Bothe, far left His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson AC Govenor of Western Australia with students from Trinity College
