Year 7

The Class of 2020 commenced their journey through high school at Trinity College as Year 6 students at the 2014 Orientation Day.

Mr Julian Fritz 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 empathy 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 practical 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 outdoor education opportunities such as paddling and fishing.

Self-management and personal organisation has been a major focus throughout the year with students learning to manage their lockers, maintain diaries and use their laptops. Organisational skills came naturally to some, but for many, these skills will need to be developed across the upcoming years.

Year 7 students were well-represented in extension clubs and competitions including Astronomy Club, the Year 7 debating team, film making club, literacy support, the Quicksmart program and College chess competition.

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’. Boys engaged in many team-building and cooperative activities including swimming, raft building, hiking and canoeing. During the evenings the boys participated in quizzes and presented some very entertaining skits and performances. 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

Year 7 students enjoy a barbecue on their first day at school

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 generous spirit.

Year 7s engaged enthusiastically in the cultural life at the College through their active participation in the various fields of music, dance, drama, Italian, art and pastoral care activities. An impressive number of talented and budding musicians engaged in the music program, be it in solo performances during the Catholic Performing Arts Festival or as part of various ensembles or through 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 twelve years in a row. The skills and timing of the Guys In Groove dance group 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 cultural, linguistic and creative skills.

A strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support within the cohort started with the Becoming Brothers retreat and continued with workshops on bullying, resilience and positive relationships run by Armed For Life. Pastoral care group (PCG) teachers continued to deliver socio-emotional programs, in particular a focus on mental health and wellbeing. Friendships were forged with the girls at Mercedes College with a sports afternoon and picnic in Term 1 along with a crazy hat dance held in Gibney Hall in Term 3.

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 PCG 7.4 winning the event. Undoubtedly, there are many talented sportsmen within the cohort but what impressed me most was the level of dedication to their teammates and the sportsmanship displayed by all boys in victory or defeat.

While it was a challenging year for many students, 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 this year.

Year 7 students visit CREEC

Year 7 students visit CREEC

Mr Julian Fritz Head of Year 7