Year 7

Some of our future Class of 2019 would have commenced their journey through high school at Trinity College as Year 6 students at the 2013 Orientation Day.

Mr Peter Jones Head of Year 7

This experience of the Four Pillars was expanded through the wide variety of academic and co-curricular opportunities available to Year 7 students. They have characterised themselves as young men of compassion and intelligence through enthusiastic participation in the many aspects of College life.

The Academic Pillar encourages students to reach their potential as students of core subjects and through a rotation of more hands-on subjects. Students made the most of specialist subject teachers and the opportunities afforded on a larger campus such as science laboratories, design and technology workshops and lecture theatres for guest speakers. Learning how to be organised was a major focus throughout the year with students having lockers, diaries and laptops. Organisational skills came naturally to some, but for many, these skills will need to be developed across the ensuing years. Year 7 students were well represented in extension clubs and competitions including Astronomy Club, the Years 7/8 Debating team, Library reading awards, Literacy Support, the Quicksmart Program and the Br Gerry Faulkner Literary Competition. Congratulations to the Literary Competition winner for Middle School, Dimitri Tsagaris (7.7), for his story The Reaper. Special mention is made of the Years 7/8 Debating team which made it to the grand final of the Western Australian Debating League for 2014 with a strong Year 7 presence from Owen McMahon (7.2), Adam Ricci (7.8), Dimitri Tsagaris (7.7) and Sol Coster (7.2).

The boys were introduced to the Faith Pillar through the Becoming Brothers Retreat in Term 1. The retreat focused on how to live as a Christian community taken from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans Chapter 12 where there is a focus to ‘earn the respect of others and do your best to live at peace with everyone’. Servant leadership was demonstrated through the large number of Year 12 senior ministers who attended to help mentor the Year 7 students and activities were run by the Pastoral Care and Outdoor Education staff who attended. Different students throughout the year participated in the various Masses through altar serving, as commentators or as readers. Christian Service was introduced through the Sustain Our Swan Program where stewardship and lived service was highlighted. Service opportunities were continued throughout the year with Unfair Day and the India Fun Run where money raised goes directly to schools and welfare organisations in India. The Year 7s showed great enthusiasm and compassion through their wholehearted involvement on both days. Caritas and the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Christmas Appeal were also well supported by the Year 7s demonstrating their

Crazy Hats Social with Mercedes

Jerome laconi (7.8) playing in the Bruce Cup U12’s

Debating Team Asher Fatin (8.1), Jeremy Hansen (8.4), Dimitri Tsagaris (7.7), Adam Ricci (7.8). Sol Coster (7.2) and Owen McMahon (7.2) with Mr Christopher Morris

generous spirit. Special mention to Samuel Minniti (7.1), Hayden Brady (7.3) and Matthew Cirocco (7.8) who each helped organise unique events for Telethon and the Hunger Project, raising money for the charities, but more importantly, raising hope. Matthew was recognised for his efforts by the, then, Governor of Western Australia, The Hon Malcolm McCusker with an award from Kids Who

Year 7 Student Council Back Row: James Hardy 7.2, Jerome Iaconi 7.8, Jean-Paul Starkie 7.7, Mr Peter Jones ’03, Luca Rossi 7.6, Luke Ottobrino 7.3, Keegan D’Silva 7.3 Front Row: Leon Rocca 7.1, Nicholas Campagna 7.1, Dimitri Tsagaris 7.7, John Jacob 7.5, Ciaran McCarthy-Rymer 7.5, Simon Homsany 7.4, Andrew Petagna 7.2, Adam Ricci 7.8, Absent: Sean Harrison 7.6

Give WA. The student councillors helped with the re-launch of Conservation Volunteers in conjunction with Rio Tinto and the Western Australian Government.

Cultural life at the College was enriched through the participation of a large number of students in the various fields of Music, Dance, Drama, Italian, Art and pastoral care activities. Year 7s were treated to a dedicated Drama Club where the lively and animated Ms Elise Kukulka, Ms Lisa Laurino and Miss Beth Parkinson ran impromptu drama games during lunchtimes. A staggering number of talented and burgeoning musicians engaged in the music program, be it in solo performances during the Catholic Performing Arts Festival or en masse as part of the Middle School Chorale. The Year 7s contributed to the depth of musical talent across the College ensuring Trinity College won the Zenith Award for Metropolitan Secondary Schools for Overall Excellence in Performance and Participation in the Spirit of the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges eleven years in a row. The physicality and professionalism of the Trinity Dance crew was inspiring and culminated in performances at the Presentation Night. Italian and Art were experienced by all Year 7 students and enabled further development of their linguistic and creative souls. Year 7s were happy supporters of Italian Week by bringing food for a mid-week feast and a commedia performance that included explanations of Italian dramatic and cultural traditions organised by Mr David Ceccarelli and Mr Jean-Marc Rousset.

A culture of mutual support within the cohort started with the Becoming Brothers Retreat and continued with workshops on bullying, resilience and stress management run by Armed For Life. The Monday Lunch Club also provided an avenue for students to socialise and many thanks to Ms Donette Firkins and Mr Chris Morris for taking the time out each week to run the club. PCG teachers continued to deliver socio-emotional programs, in particular a focus on mental health and wellbeing. Friendships were forged with the girls at

Students make an Anamorphic image during Maths Week

Mercedes College with a sports afternoon and picnic along with a Crazy Hat dance held in Gibney Hall.

The Sporting Pillar ensured a widespread participation with mid-week training and Friday afternoons spent travelling to different PSA Schools for competitions. The Term 1 Inter PCG Swimming Carnival was a highlight with the winning PCG 7.5 dunking their coach Mr John Abordi in celebration. There are many talented sportsmen within the cohort competing in events such as the PSA swimming and athletics teams and the winning state schools cross country squad. Jerome Iaconi (7.8) made the state tennis team and Harry Zimmerman (7.8) was the HBF Junior Sports Hero Runner-up.

It was a challenging year for many students but it was not without its benefits. The Year 7s have had a busy schedule with many opportunities to cater to most needs and interests. I’d like to thank the PCG teachers who have dedicated much time to the various events and pastoral care activities.