College Board

It is my absolute privilege, in my first year as Chair of the College Board, to provide the following report and observations on another wonderfully successful year for Trinity College.

Mr John Driscoll (’79) Board Chair

If Trinity was any normal school we would be looking at 2015 and be celebrating our successes; be it from an academic achievement point of view, for achievement in performing arts, and of course for success on the sporting field. Our performance across all normal areas of College life deserves recognition for the efforts of our students and most importantly for the efforts of our wonderful teachers and staff.

For regular visitors to Trinity, it is strikingly evident that we live in a world of change with major infrastructure projects occurring around us in every direction. Indeed the construction of our own Multi-purpose Facility is now making a bold statement at the entrance to the College. The pace of change in our physical environment coupled with changes in our social and economic environments continue to pose unique challenges to Trinity operating as a College in the Edmund Rice tradition.

It is difficult to separate the touchstones of an Edmund Rice education: Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Spirituality. Quite rightfully each touchstone seems to have equal importance. In my Trinity journey, first as a student, then as a parent, and now as a Board member these touchstones come to life through the mantra of being a Man for Others.

I am constantly reminded of the importance of this mantra, be it through the examples set by our staff, the actions of our students, their care for each other in all aspects of College life, their respect and concern for others in the community, their inclusion of others and their adoption of the principles of Edmund Rice, be it in a contemporary environment.

The success of creating an incredibly powerful sense of community, inclusiveness and responsibility amongst a student cohort that is as geographically diverse as Trinity’s is an achievement that deserves recognition, as it is an achievement that does not come easily. In this regard I would like to acknowledge the efforts and commitment of our Headmaster, Mr Ivan Banks.

Members of the Trinity Foundation at the signing of the Scholarship Agreement with the Special Air Services Resources Trust

Multi-purpose Building December 2015

An important demonstration of our commitment to the principle of inclusiveness exists through our various programs that ensure access to a Trinity education across a broad cross section of the community. This year, through the efforts of Board member, The Hon. Chris Ellison, and with contributions from both the College and the College Foundation we have been able to extend this program to be able to offer a Trinity scholarship to the sons of SAS members who have been killed in action and to refugee students. The support of all contributors to our scholarship programs, and in particular our parent community who embrace the concept of co-responsibility, deserve our thanks for their practical demonstration of being faithful to the principle of inclusiveness.

Whilst our spiritual commitment to an education in the traditions of Edmund Rice may continue to grow, so too does our practical need to ensure that the physical infrastructure of Trinity College keeps pace with the needs of a contemporary school. Last year, Mr Chris Sutherland

Trinity College Board 2015 Back Row: The Hon. Christopher Ellison, Mrs Margie Tannock, Ms Jane Deykin-O’Dea, Mr Michael Burgess (Secretary) Front Row: Br Pat Kelly, Mr Ivan Banks (Headmaster), Mr Tony Metcalf, Mr John Driscoll (Chair) Absent: Mr Andrew Whitechurch, Mr Don Parnell, Mr Basil Mistilis

outlined the 25 year infrastructure plan for Trinity that has been prepared and is currently being implemented, the Multi-purpose Facility being the first in this staged development. This plan will guide an orderly progression of building development over an extended period allowing for the College to not only replace aging infrastructure, but also make optimal use of our unique environment, ensuring the long-term appropriateness of a city-based College, but through a sustained building program that remains affordable and with minimal disruption to students.

In the past twelve months our Board has been extensively engaged to bringing this program to life with Board members, Ms Jane Deykin-O’Dea and Mr Tony Metcalf willingly contributing their construction and architectural expertise and our Finance and Risk Committee, led by Mr Andrew Whitechurch, providing long-term financial planning to ensure the College remains within safe and affordable lending parameters.

As building and infrastructure changes outside our boundary continue to take shape and have an impact on our site, our Board is ever-vigilant of the impact that some developments may have if the interests of Trinity are not fully taken into account. Throughout the year numerous meetings and negotiations have taken place with legal input from Mrs Margie Tannock and The Hon. Chris Ellison aimed at protecting the safety of students and the ambiance of our unique site. I sincerely thank all Board members for their total commitment to Trinity College during 2015. Our board of Mrs Margie Tannock, The Hon. Chris Ellison, Mr Andrew Whitechurch, Ms Jane Deykin-O’Dea, Br Pat Kelly, Mr Don Parnell, Mr Basil Mistilis bring a commitment to the principles of Trinity College and give their time and their professional skills freely. I would particularly like to thank Mr Andrew Whitechurch who is retiring from the Board and from his Chairmanship of the Finance and Risk Committee after five years’ service. It also gives me great pleasure to welcome new Board member, Mr Stephen Maloney, who we look forward to working with in 2016.

Finally, I again acknowledge and thank our Headmaster, Mr Ivan Banks for his total commitment to Trinity College and to the principles that the College stands for; and to our College Bursar and Board Secretary, Mr Michael Burgess, who shares that vision and guides our financial discussions with a precision that underpins the efficiency of the College; and to all our staff whose efforts are evident in the success of the reason we are all here – our sons and students.

Mr John Driscoll (’79) Board Chair