Principal’s Address

Administration

It is with enormous pride that I address you and as my first year as being the Principal of Trinity College draws to a close I thought I would use this opportunity to give a few of my reflections on the year. I have deliberately decided not to give a summary of all the activities of the year, to do so would be to ignore the reports from so many people that have contributed to this Annual.

Trinity College proudly talks about four pillars that support the educational experience that each student receives.

Firstly, we are a Catholic School operated in the tradition of Edmund Rice. Through our Religious Education Program, our Retreat Programs, our liturgies, our Sacramental program, our Christian Service programs and our pilgrimages to name a few I believe that we are offering a very authentic Catholic education. This year I had the privilege of attending my first Kairos Retreat, to be part of a program when young men share their faith with their peers is truly inspirational – this is a voluntary program but one that I would encourage all senior students to consider. Our Religious Education program is supported by our sacramental program which allows our students either in the junior school or older students later in their schooling to receive the sacraments – for me to be a witness to so many boys receiving their Baptism, First Eucharist or Confirmation has been very special.

The second pillar that we subscribe to is that of seeking academic excellence. As I have told the boys throughout the year academic excellence is not restricted to the student who achieves the top mark in the class but rather it is an attitude where each student will not accept anything less than his best efforts, be that in his class-work, homework or assessments. Certainly, many individual students continue to make themselves, their families and the College proud with outstanding results in local, State and National competitions but seeking your personal best in your academic pursuits should be the aim of every student.

Thirdly, our College has developed a reputation in the area of the Arts that is the envy of many. This year, through the efforts of a large number of students we were presented with the Zenith Award for best school in the Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival, added to this was James McKenna’s win in the Angelico Art Exhibition. Nights like our Speech Nights and the various music nights held throughout the year are always a show case of our students’ talent. The self-discipline instilled and developed through consistent music or dance practice can be transferred into many aspects of life. The majesty and ceremony that our pipers and other musicians offer to many of our events is fantastic.

The fourth pillar upon which a Trinity College education rests is that of sport. It is strongly argued that students, boys especially, learn a number of life’s important lessons through sport. Whilst I won’t list those lessons

Mr Ivan Banks

Mass of the Holy Spirit & Commissioning of the new Principal

here, sport is certainly a vehicle that we, at Trinity College, use to develop each student more fully. Whilst I congratulate the many First teams that were successful this year I hold great admiration for students that represent our school at any level. It is always strongly argued that a team is only as good as its reserves and, therefore, it is through all our students’ efforts that we have such strong teams in so many sports. Part of the culture of sport that we have at the school is a willingness to be enthusiastic spectators – whilst this is seen every weekend it was especially evident in events like the Swimming, Athletics and Head of the River.

These four pillars work together to form the education that we refer to as a Trinity Education and I believe that it is when students are fully involved in each of these areas that they will graduate as well-rounded young men. As I look back over my first twelve months I have been particularly impressed by a number of different aspects of the College. Education at Trinity College is a partnership that involves the students, the parents and the staff, and I would like to take a moment to acknowledge each of these groups.

Firstly the young men that attend the College – our students are a fantastic group of young men. They are most welcoming and genuinely care for one another. They actively look for opportunities to share their talents with the community. Their generous involvement in Christian Service programs and many other school activities is inspirational. I sincerely believe that many of our students try to truly live out the maxim of being “Men for Others”.

Secondly, the parents of the College – I believe that as a College we are blessed with what I would like to refer to as a Culture of Involvement. The value of having such extensive support from a large number of parents must never be underestimated. Trinity parents are involved in so many ways including the Board and their subcommittees, the Parent Council, the College

Principal Mr Ivan Banks accepts the Tregonning Cup from Swimming Team Captain Corey McIntosh Administration

Administration

Chair of Board Mrs Leanne O’Dea, Principal Mr Ivan Banks, President of College Auxiliary Mrs Martina Stroud and Guest Speaker Mr Vince Garreffa at the College Auxiliary Morning Tea

Auxiliary, the Spring Fair Committee, Friends of Music, Friends of Football, Friends of Rowing and countless volunteers who assist in the canteen, classrooms and whenever an appeal goes out. This year’s Spring Fair was just one of many ways that our community came together to provide service to the College, thanks go to everyone involved but especially Mrs Lina Salomone whose tireless efforts leading up to and on this day were truly inspirational. The other parent that I would like to acknowledge is Mrs Leanne O’Dea. This year Leanne retires after serving on the College Board for the last 10 years, accepting the role as Chair 5 years ago. In her time as Board Member and Chair of the Trinity College Board she has brought a huge passion for the life of the College and the total Edmund Rice Network to bear on Board discussions. She has guided the College through some extremely difficult times in its history. The majority of people who have been associated with the College will have absolutely no idea of the time she has committed to the College or the burdens that she so courageously carried in her time as Board Chair. I, on behalf of the College, thank Leanne.

The other important support that is invaluable to the College is your role as parents – making sure that your son is dressed well, that he is prepared for the school day, that he does his homework, is dropped off and picked up from various College events – some of which are at ungodly hours of the morning. I thank each and every one of you for this involvement and support.

Thirdly our staff – I am constantly in awe with the number of opportunities that our staff are prepared to initiate for the students of the College. Many of the opportunities occur during weekends and over the holidays when our staff should be with their own families. Some, more foolhardy than I, may question their sanity but their efforts and dedication must never be taken for granted. I, on behalf of every student that has the pleasure of attending the College, thank the staff for their unending generosity and professionalism. A number of staff leave us at the end of 2007 to begin new chapters of their lives – I pray that they look back on their time here with great memories.

And finally I thank the Trinity College community for the welcome that I and my family have received. It is always hard moving into a new community but I know that the generous spirit that Eileen, Patrick and I have been received has made this easier. I look forward to continuing the journey with you in 2008.