Dear Parents and Carers

It was a big week of welcome, hospitality and service last week with Trinity out and about in the community as well as welcoming new families, current families and special visitors onto campus. The number of students who volunteered to assist with the various events last week makes our hearts sing. It was extraordinary and we want to continue to build on the importance of volunteering and being involved in community. Much joy and happiness comes from working and walking together for others.

NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (NCEC) VISIT

Thank you to Grace de Vries, Harry Knight, Grace Miller and Alexander Skeffington who took our three NCEC visitors on a tour of our great College with accompanying commentary which delighted Sally Egan (Acting Executive Director NCEC), Lauren Avery (Faith Formation and Religious Education Officer NCEC), Theresa Kyne (Media and Communications Advisor NCEC) and Brad Gaynor (Performance and Improvement Leader, Catholic Education).

60^TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER CELEBRATING THE GOULBURN SCHOOL STRIKE

Thank you to Joshua Evans, Chloe Mitchell (College Captains), Charlie Moroney, Ethan Cordell, Bailey Shipp (Keating House Captains), Yvette Gikundiro (Year 12 SRC), Alexander Skeffington (Year 9 SRC) and Bailey Craig (aspiring Keating Leader) who attended the celebration dinner representing Keating House and all College students. Thank you to Mr Mark Carroll, Mr Andrew Morton, Ms Lauren Shinfield, Mrs Shelley O’Brien, Mrs Arlene Dorsett and Mr Chris Arnold for their presence. The dinner honoured the event which triggered the Commonwealth and State governments to begin funding Catholic and independent schools across Australia. Brian Keating, a local Goulburn dentist at the time, planned and coordinated the strike in 1962 along with other Catholic school families. Students who were enrolled at the Catholic schools were all withdrawn…some of these little children would be our current grandparents…and enrolled at local state schools in the town, placing pressure on the resources available at those schools. The immediate aim of the protest was to secure government financial assistance to construct a new toilet block at St Brigid's, (still standing next to the present day Old Cathedral in Bourke Street), to meet government health requirements. The action taken saw both major political parties in Australia eventually commit to providing government funding to Catholic and other religious and independent schools across Australia. This model of funding has persisted since, despite some reforms in more recent times. Goulburn and its locals played a very significant role in the history of Catholic education in Australia. Thank you to those parents including Brian Keating who saw a need in Catholic schools and did something about it for the benefit of everyone. Archbishop Christopher Prowse shared dessert and conversation with our students. It was a wonderful evening.

MASS FOR THE RE-OPENING AND DEDICATION OF THE NEW ALTAR

It was a beautiful Mass to celebrate the re-opening of the refurbished Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral and dedication of the New Altar. The first Catholic Mass celebrated in the Goulburn area was in August 1833. The celebration of Mass and all the Sacraments has continued ever since. Chloe Mitchell (College Captain) carried the message stick upto the altar at the beginning of Mass. Students from St Mary’s Crookwell, St Joseph’s North Goulburn, Sts Peter and Paul’s Goulburn and Trinity all formed the offertory procession. I was so proud of our Year 12 student leaders and Youth Ministry team as they welcomed and assisted parishioners and visitors to their seats. They represented their school, their families and themselves with such style, grace and enormous smiles. I was equally proud of our hospitality students under the leadership of Mrs Dominique Croker who worked hard all day preparing plates of sandwiches and slices (supplied by those good cooks from the CWA) to serve guests after the Mass. It was a huge day of hospitality, service and celebration.

CAPA SHOWCASE

Thank you to Mrs Clare Cummins, Ms Charlotte Lock and Mr Zac Bladwell for supporting our students last week at the Creative and Performing Arts Showcase. Our students sang, danced and performed with much heart, great joy and enormous enthusiasm last Wednesday evening. It was a beautiful celebration of young people at their best and in their happy place. Student artwork was on display; we have very talented students who love creating and making. Thank you to St Joseph’s who loaned us their stylish display boards. It was a really happy evening celebrating our students being their authentic selves.

YEAR 7-2023 ORIENTATION DAY

The Year 7-2023 Orientation Day was just fabulous. Parents were able to attend and be part of the Hogwarts-themed House reveal. Thank you to Ms Shinfield for her creativity and ingenuity. We have a great team at Trinity and my thanks to Mr John Galiazzo, Mrs Renee Funnell, Ms Lauren Shinfield, Mr Chris Arnold, Mrs Ally Dunwoodie, Mrs Shelley O’Brien, Mr Andrew Morton, Mrs Arlene Dorsett, Mr Mark Carroll and Mrs Katie Suro for their assistance on the day. Thank you to Jason for his excellent work in maintenance support. Events such as this cannot occur without the commitment of all our staff as well as our student volunteers. Year 10 students did an awesome job as buddies to our new Year 7 students. Thank you to the Year 12 student leaders for their involvement in the House reveal. We love what we do and we love doing it together. We look forward to welcoming our Year 7-2023 students next year...but we need a holiday first!

YEAR 7-11 REPORTS

Reports from Year 7-11 have been released online to parents and students through the COMPASS portal. Please sit with your young person and talk through the challenges and joys in their learning during 2022. Our students have worked hard and I thank them for their commitment to their studies. Congratulations to all our students on their achievements and the progress they have made. 

YEARS 7-11 END OF YEAR ANNUAL PRESENTATION ASSEMBLY

The end of year Annual Presentation Assembly will be held next Monday 12 December 2022 commencing at 9.30am. Parents are warmly invited to attend.

A BLESSING FOR DEPARTING FAMILIES

The Trinity community wishes all our departing families every blessing as they move to a new learning community or their children have finished their secondary education.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

(Traditional Gaelic blessing)

KEEPING OUR STUDENTS SAFE

Just a gentle reminder to take extra care when driving around the College precinct. This is a message we give constantly to our newer student drivers. The pedestrian crossing in College Street and the 40km/h speed limit in the school zones and school zone flashing lights on both Addison and College Streets help protect children on their way to and from school at the times and places where they are often in high numbers. If you notice any of our students driving recklessly we would appreciate you contacting the school so we can make contact with the student and their family. It is never appropriate for a parent to approach another student about such matters and I take this opportunity to remind all families of their obligations when they enrol their child at Trinity Catholic College. Families sign a parent charter which in part states: I will not engage in any disrespectful, threatening, harassing or inappropriate behaviour directed towards students…I understand that engaging in this behaviour may result in my access to the School being restricted, or revoked. Thanks so much for keeping our students safe.

A MILLION THANK YOUS

As this is the last Principal Talk for the year, thank you to every magnificent family for your support over 2022. Every challenge is made easier when the students, the family and the school work in partnership to get it right. It has been another extraordinary year for students, staff and parents with the beginning of Term 4 marking the end of COVID restrictions in schools. Hallelujah! We have a really kind and caring community who watches out for each other. Go gently into this holiday break; it is so well deserved.

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

May you and your families have a happy and Holy Christmas in this year of Our Lord, 2022 and may the peace of the Infant Child truly be with you every day.

Keep safe and stay well. Enjoy the season of Christmas and New Year. Happy holidays!

May God bless you and your family

Gaye McManus

Principal