Welcome to our second Celebrations newsletter. Our regular newsletter can often be busy with the day to day reminders about our school and so we set out to create something where we could celebrate the wonderful work and achievements of our students and staff. Here it is, a place where we reflect on how we are doing as a school community as we, and indeed the whole world, adapt to change. 

It has certainly been a tough year for our Year 12 students. Examinations, copious amounts of content to learn for each subject, assessment tasks, more content to learn, and all the other challenges that come with being in Year 12 were compounded this year by a pandemic not seen in our lifetime.

COVID-19 has cancelled events, limited students’ opportunity to participate in sports and extracurricular activities, created uncertainty about their future and has caused students to
adjust to the new ‘normals’ of hand sanitising, physical distancing, remote learning and COVID-safe events. Yet, this cohort has demonstrated a seemingly endless capacity to accept, adapt and recalibrate.

We watched our students grow and overcome challenges. Students turned challenges into positive outcomes and handled tricky situations, which demonstrated resilience and the
ability to solve problems; it was inspiring to see. In accordance with Trinity's school theme for 2020, our Year 12 students have done what is necessary and what is possible in order to achieve the impossible. Honestly, this cohort were the trailblazers for our next cohort of Year 12 students in how to survive a COVID year with style, strength and spirit.

While it has been a difficult year for all, it has also been uplifting seeing everyone work together and supporting one another. The resilience, adaptability and endurance that our Year 12s demonstrated are positive attributes which will serve them well for their life ahead. We are so proud of our Year 12 students. We wish them the very best in their HSC examinations, and in life beyond school.

At Trinity, we have high expectations and strive for educational excellence. Even though the current climate threw a few curveballs our way, the Year 12 students continued to do their best. We asked four of our Year 12 students about their own journey at Trinity.

“My time at Trinity has been one to remember. Since the start of Year 7, I have always felt like a valued member of the school community. Trinity has offered me so many opportunities for sport, music and leadership. Being School Captain was the best achievement of my high school years and I was proud to lead an amazing school. High school has been a fun and beneficial experience at Trinity.”

"Throughout my high school experience, Trinity has been an immensely supportive community to be a part of. Not only has it given me the opportunity to develop as a student seeking to achieve the best results I can academically, but my time at Trinity has also helped me to develop as an individual. Since Year 7, Trinity has been a place where I've been able to learn more about myself, grow as a person, and develop new skills to better equip me for life outside of high school, all while surrounded by an amazing student body and team of staff. I'm especially thankful for my time as a student leader, in which I was able to enhance my leadership capabilities, as well as getting to give back to the community that has given me so much."

“During my time at Trinity Catholic College, I have experienced many hurdles, and have also found many parts of myself. Coming from a small village into the city for Year 7 was a huge change that exposed me to the world. The facilities and teachers at Trinity have left memorable impressions on me and I wouldn’t be the same without them. COVID-19 made the graduating class of 2020 quite exhausted and even left some feeling unmotivated. However, despite this, our leadership team came together, along with our Student Representative Council to bring community during a time of disconnection. Even though I am personally not religious, the introduction to this lifestyle has opened my eyes to how others work in our society.”

"Over my years at Trinity, I have been lucky enough to have been taught by some great teachers and also make lifelong friends and connections. Although like everyone I have experienced some ups and downs throughout my high school life, I have had some great opportunities, particularly throughout Year 12 as a member of the Student Leadership Team.  Although this year may not have gone exactly like planned or what we might have hoped for, leadership has still been a rewarding and fulfilling experience."

Thursday - Mass Practice and Games Day

The class of 2020 had an eventful last few days at the College and we hope our Year 12 class will be able to look back and enjoy the fond memories. At Trinity, we value progressive leadership in our inclusive school community which also creates a fun environment for our staff and students. 

Classes ran normally for the first half of the week with a few class parties and one final College Assembly. Thursday began with a Mass Practice and Morning Tea in the Great Hall, which was followed by a fun filled afternoon of activities. The activities were hosted by our Pastoral team, who came dressed as students, while our Year 12 students dressed in different group themes.

On their official final day, Year 12 were treated to a delicious, COVID-safe pre-packed breakfast from Harvest Café, Goulburn. The fire was lit, and the Coffee Cart operated by Miss Gill was in full swing, as students and teachers gathered together in the Red Hall for the annual Year 12 Breakfast. 

A bit of a novelty was the ‘Then and Now’ boards which adorned each end of the room, filled with Kindergarten and Year 12 pictures. Students were invited to match the ‘then and now’ faces. Following breakfast, Year 12 attended an extended homeroom for one final time. Each student received a tote bag filled with thoughtful gifts as they were farewelled from their homerooms after six years.

To end their day, Year 12 headed to the Great Hall for one final Assembly with Ms Shinfield, Mr O’Connell, Mrs Suro and Mrs McManus. They were entertained with a video dedication made by a Year 11 student and received a final blessing. Before the heavens opened and the winds really picked up, Year 12 were quickly ushered outside where the whole school had formed a guard of honour down the drive leading to a brilliant arch of balloons at the entrance to the school. 

The students realised their Trinity education was coming to an end and gathered briefly at the balloon arch to take pictures, bid each other farewell and leave the College behind, to head off into a new and exciting future.

As one chapter closes, another chapter opens. Year 12s should look back on 2020 as a triumph and a wonderful sense of achievement. Our students made it to the end and are much admired for their determination to succeed. We encourage our Year 12s to go out from Trinity now and be the person God created them to be, for they will set the world on fire. Farewell Year 12 Class of 2020!