College Community
For many reasons, most importantly those related to child safety matters, schools are faced with ever increasing measures of accountability and compliance. Various government departments, educational authorities and governing bodies apply respective checks and balances to examine all manner of a school’s processes and policies. Late last year, as part of yet another formal audit process, particular aspects of our College operations, policies and procedures were examined. In a concluding remark to the final summary report, it was stated that “Trinity College is an excellent school with wonderful facilities, an extensive range of educational programs, a wide variety of opportunities for the students and sound policies implemented through a consistent and thorough process”.
Whilst respectfully acknowledging this concluding statement and being appreciative of such observations, it failed to highlight the importance of community. It is actually people who make up a good school. It is in the shared effort and caring relationships of people- the students, families and staff, where community is formed. It is, in fact, a strong sense of community that makes a great school such as Trinity College.
It is not buildings that make a school, for they are just shells without some scuff marks and the excited laughter and energy of young people to bring them to life. It is not Programs and Courses that make a school, but rather the shared work of the staff and students in working towards making such learning relevant. Whilst policies and processes are critically important, it is the manner in which people come together in a spirit of trust, support and care that make such policies real, positive and pastoral. This was particularly evident during our period of Remote Learning this year.
Similarly, while the provision of opportunities to engage in Sport or the Arts or go on a Tour are exciting, it is people- the students, teachers, coaches and parents, that give such pursuits meaning and purpose. While we are grateful for our wonderful facilities and for the great variety of programs that we do offer at our school, we must remain mindful that our true blessing lies in the quality of the people that make up our College community.
I was reminded of this again this week as our College prepares to host the ‘Parent Helpers’ Sundowner’ this evening. In partnership with the College Auxiliary, who were also keen to acknowledge all parents within our Trinity community, we are looking forward to welcoming many parents to enjoy a relaxed evening. This event allows us to formally acknowledge the extraordinary number of parents who consistently and generously give of their time, energy and skills in assisting our boys and our Trinity College Community.
Quite simply, the quality and breadth of the many opportunities that we provide for the boys could not happen without the support and drive of our families. Of course, the various COVID-19 restrictions throughout this year has certainly curtailed the full scope of our many and varied parent support groups, but their efforts and encouraging words have remained ever present. I am very proud of our efforts to foster positive Family/College relationships and am most grateful for the support of all parents in this regard. As I have stated in many forums previously, student achievement and welfare are greatly enhanced when the school and the home enjoy a positive and meaningful partnership that is centred on the care and progress of every student. This is the essence of our Trinity College community.
Another vital component of such a partnership is promoting and encouraging regular and open communication which is firmly centred on the care and formation of each student. My clear expectation is that our College Staff will seek to keep parents informed of the progress of their son and that any concerns or important information will be articulated to parents in a timely manner. As is the nature of boys journeying through school, such information will often be a mix of affirmations acknowledging great performance and, at times, the correction and reminder of the need to meet expected behaviours.
Similarly, the nature of schools also means that from time to time, aspects of College life, both present and past, and good or otherwise, need to be communicated and shared with those within our College community. This was certainly the case last week when I wrote to all families in light of media reports regarding two former teachers who were found guilty of failing to report child sexual abuse to authorities. Importantly, I wanted to inform families of the significant work that all of our staff continually undertake to ensure we have a clear understanding of policies and procedures relating to Child Protection and Child Safety. All of our Teachers take very seriously, the important responsibilities they have under Mandatory Reporting Legislation. I wanted to assure all families of our ongoing commitment to the safety, welfare and formation of our students.
As we consider and value parents and caregivers as partners in their child’s education, it is essential that we continue to focus on open communication between the College and our parents on matters that may be of importance. Our community’s support of our efforts to actively engage on these matters has been overwhelmingly positive.
As previously stated, effective and timely communication is essential if positive Family/College Partnerships are to continue for the benefit of the students. The College will continue to strive to do well in this area and I thank families for their continued support of these efforts and the sense of community that we enjoy.
Live Jesus in our hearts
Mr Darren O’Neill
Principal
