Year 11 Finding the very best in ourselves and others has been the focus of the Year 11 cohort throughout 2016. Mr David Allen Head of Year 11
The very first official duty for the Year 11 cohort set the scene for the remainder of the year. Being involved in the community through cooking for fundraising barbecues, Christian Learning Service week and participating in the Red Cross Soup Patrol program has helped to fully engage the boys in understanding what it takes to serve others. At the beginning of the year, I set the boys a challenge that encouraged them to participate, learn and grow from the many opportunities that surround them here at Trinity College. This challenge was to make 2016 the very best year to date and to challenge them to look up to themselves as leaders in our community. This year has been about getting the most out of ourselves for the benefit for ourselves and those around us.
To say this cohort is talented is truly an understatement. I have had the pleasure of taking the time this year to sit through impressive performances, support the various Trinity teams on a Saturday morning and to be entertained by the numerous musical acts throughout the year. It is an impressive sight to see such large numbers of the Year 11 cohort being involved in these very important areas of the Trinity College community. It did not matter if I was sitting in the Law Courts, standing to watch the 1st teams battle it out or to be mesmerised by the impressive guitar quartet, the talent and efforts exhibited by our Year 11 group have been exceptional.
I have been extremely impressed with the work many of the boys have contributed to the Red Cross Soup Patrol program. We have been part of this weekly initiative for the whole year which services the needs and requirements of the city’s disadvantaged and, often homeless, community. The boys have shown compassion, leadership and energy while supporting Campus Ministry on this important activity. This impressive work was backed up with a large number of boys being involved in the three important street appeals held in the city, as ‘big brothers’ for the Year 8 Quest retreat and in setting up the Red Cross Blood Drive initiative for 2017. The support they provided and the willingness to give their time to benefit the community has contributed to a large number of worthy people. The commitment to others has been a massive element of our year group and has been further demonstrated with the students’ involvement in the Year 12 Ball as waiters, fundraising for the EREA Camp for Kids and their organisation during Unfair Day. These important events have been pivotal in demonstrating to the boys how important it is to be organised, how to work as a team and how to develop key leadership skills especially when communicating with others.
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It has not all been about service to the community and this year the boys were able to participate in and be part of a number of social events to provide a sense of balance to their year. The Year 11 River Cruise with Mercedes College was the social event of the year. This important event encourages the boys to take care of their appearance, improve communication skills and to develop friendships. The dance floor is always a place of high intensity with both groups allowing themselves to relax, unwind and enjoy a fun night on the river. The back drop of the city lights and the sights of the Swan River provided the perfect atmosphere for a very entertaining evening. I was particularly impressed with the many boys who were gentlemen on the night. One of the important elements of this group of young men that I have come to learn this year, is their ability to perform in the sporting, music, academic and performing arts arenas.
Thomas Morcroft performs at the Years 11 and 12 Music Night
