Year 12

Throughout their six years in the Secondary School, the Class of 2015 established themselves as an exceptional collection of young men.

Mr Andrew Jenkin Head of Year 12

As Year 12s, they set a standard for being outstanding contributors to the College and wider Trinity community.

As a year group they are to be complimented on being so well-rounded regarding their service and support for others, that when it came to their commitment to each other they definitely earned the right to proclaim themselves as the ‘TC army’ or ‘TC elite’.

With many distractions playing a part in their final year at the College, I emphasised to the boys that while 2015 should be memorable it was more important to ensure that “Year 12 could give them a memorable life” through their participation in all Four Pillars of the College, the students were challenged to ‘rise and shine’ and be the most dedicated and selfless man they could be.

It is said, time and time again, but it really was a ‘whirlwind year’. From the Prefect Induction and Orientation Day back in January to Graduation Day in late October, every student took it upon themselves to be role models for their peers and did their best to improve the bonds formed between the year groups. Without doubt, one of the fantastic legacies this group left behind was the support of their Middle School peers in PSA sport where they were supremely active in barracking and mentoring the younger Trinity athletes.

As a major emphasis for the senior students is tertiary and post-College pathways, students were treated to seminars focused on revision and career options from the very first day. That evening, parents were also informed of strategies they could put in place at home, along with methodology on goal-setting and time management, to minimise the impact at home from the Year 12 ‘pressure cooker’ learning environment.

Very quickly, Term 1 had passed and the holidays brought one of the favoured traditions of the graduating class – the annual College Ball. The evening seems to get bigger and more decadent each year. This year was no exception with Gibney Hall being transformed into party central via

Students with Mr Jenkin at the Year 12 Graduation Dinner

Staff v Year 12 students Soccer Match

the ‘Rio Carnivale’ theme. The students’ jaw-dropping reactions to the stunning visual decorations and their outstanding behaviour on the night bore testimony and gratitude to the great efforts and hard work put in by the amazing committee of parents who assisted in coordinating the evening.

Some highlights for the year included winning trophies in the sporting arena in soccer and volleyball as well as in the halls and auditoriums as the outstanding Catholic Preforming Arts results culminated in the College again earning the Zenith Award.

Both these achievements were largely due to the positive influences from the senior students and while the overall commitment of the Year 12s in participating within the sporting and cultural Pillars was excellent, without doubt, what impressed me most was the burgeoning TC Spirit

and camaraderie of the students in supporting their peers. No matter what the activity, be it athletics, swimming or the Senior Music Night to name a few, each boy with three crowns on his chest, was committed to being a Man for Others and cheering on his Trinity brother.

Staff would frequently tell me “they’re a quality year group” and while gifted and talented across the Four Pillars, I believe this was based more on the nature of the fine young men in the cohort. All were considerate, polite and driven, eager to support the Catholic ethos of the College and participate in as many Trinity activities as possible. This was most evident by the compassion shown by students in donating blood to the Red Cross as well as supporting Caritas and the DT38 Foundation fundraising efforts. Students lived the beliefs and values of Blessed Edmund Rice in their day-to-day engagements and specifically through their Christian service, some completing hundreds of hours through soup patrol, immersions and winter sleep outs.

Many benefitted from an extension in their faith journey which was realised via involvement and participation in regular Mass gatherings, the Tabgha retreat and Kairos 39, 40 and 41.

Leadership within the year group was something that every boy embraced at different stages of the year and the Prefects’ dedication and selflessness led by Head Prefect, Alex Ishida-Livings (12.5) and Deputy Head Prefect, Nicholas Moulton (12.7), set the benchmark for their peers to follow. The passion demonstrated by these boys toward improving the wellbeing of all students at the College was most inspiring.

Almost half the Year 12 students had the opportunity to experience and thrive in formal roles such as being a Senior Minister, Cadre member, Special Minister of the Eucharist or as captain of one of the numerous College representative teams.

The Year 12 students know that this is just the start of their life-long learning and, hopefully, all will bear the fruits of their determined efforts in Senior School when their WACE and ATAR results are finalised. Many students have been acknowledged for their dedication to academic excellence through winning a prize or blazer honour and it has been satisfying for some students to have achieved scholarships and early entrance to tertiary education.

The Class of 2015 and I thank all the pastoral care group and classroom teachers. They give so much in so many ways and I have certainly appreciated their hard work and assistance. Along with the integral parental guidance, this partnership was instrumental in shaping these graduates as genuine Men for Others – full of pride for the College and well-prepared for a life of service. I feel so blessed to have known so many of you. I was very fortunate indeed to have been able to lead such a tremendously talented and tightknit year group and I thank you all for the great memories and your part in assisting me in my role.

The Class of 2015 belong to a unique tribe and the strong sense of belonging should give each member a sense of pride and security to last a lifetime. I wish all students and their families the best for all their future endeavours and thank you again for making the College a better place for your contribution.

Callum Dewsbury (12.5) receives his TOBA hat, tie and pin at the Graduation Breakfast

Mr Andrew Jenkin Head of Year 12