Year 8

from Annual: Trinity 2015

2015 Acknowledgements

The expanding gifted and talented program led by Mr Richard Herrmann widened the opportunities for students with Year 8 teams receiving gold medals at the World Scholars’ Cup. Jack Harvey (8.2), Michael Miocevich (8.2) and Matthew Roche (8.2) competed admirably at the international round of the cup held in Jakarta. Other academic extension activities included debating, outdoor education bike ride, a poetry slam and the Br Gerry Faulkner literature competition. The Year 8s should also be commended for coping with their first round of examinations and the increased rigour of academic classes.

A highlight for many in Year 8 was the Quest retreat, where Years 10, 11 and 12 students prepare and run an immersive experience across two days. Here, the hands-on approach to Christian Service was introduced to the Year 8s and they had the opportunity to bond with and between year levels whilst giving back to the community. The spirit of giving was further fostered through Unfair Day and the India Fun Run which raised much-needed money to help feed and educate the poor in India. Other fund and gift-raising drives were readily supported by the enthusiastic cohort.

Culturally, the Year 8s were part of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival where there was a collective effort to bring back the Zenith Award to Trinity for the twelfth year in a row. Year 8s performed as individuals, in ensembles and bands, and as part of the GIG dance crew. The Middle School Music Night was a highlight for 2015 and demonstrated the depth of skill and camaraderie in the cultural department. The inclusion of drama as a popular elective ensures the recent revival of large scale senior drama productions will have well-trained actors in the near future.

The sporting commitments of the Year 8s expanded through training before or after school twice a week along with the Friday PSA fixtures. The high

With the abundance of activities and groups in 2015, the imagination of our Year 8s was captured. From investigative journalism to programming robots and launching rockets, the sky was no longer the limit for this cohort.

Mr Peter Jones (’03) Head of Year 8

Year 8 Student Council Back Row: Alessio Cottino, Jack Rhodes, Alexander Rossi, Matthew Cirocco, William Matar, Connor Seve, Ayodhya Jayawickrema, Luke Ottobrino, Mr Peter Jones Front Row: Alexander Moffatt, Jack Riley, Jack Harvey, Dimitri Tsagaris, Cruz Cleary, Samuel Minniti, Minh Truong, Harrison Min Oo Absent: Samuel Henley

Carnival Social with Mercedes

Quest Retreat

level of participation in the athletics and swimming squads ensured the College performed well in both competitions. Notably, a number of boys were included in senior squads, such as the Saturday morning senior cross country. Hopefully the boys continue to grow in sportsmanship within their own teams regardless of the scoreboard.

Year group events included the delightful Grandparents’ Morning Tea where boys could show pride in their school and family. The expansion of friendships with Mercedes College students continued with the afternoon social at Trinity and a night-time disco at Mercedes with the theme of ‘wide world of sports’. The socio-emotional program involved guest speakers from Armed for Life and a motivational talk on difference and strength from Paralympian, Brad Ness. A major undertaking this year has also been the school immunisations program, where several doses of HPV vaccine and other vaccines ensured the ‘herd’ immunity is maintained.

My thanks goes to our parents and guardians for their continued support to ensure we maximise the benefit of students attending Trinity College. Pastoral care group teachers also made the success of the year possible through their daily guidance and support of the cohort along with the help from the inclusive education team. I wish the Class of 2019 all the best as they continue their journey at Trinity College.

Mr Peter Jones (’03) Head of Year 8