I am sure that many people, like me, maybe approaching the Christmas period at breakneck speed, worried about finalising work commitments and the like, all the while conscious of the many preparations that need to be completed prior to the ‘special day’. In a year where I thought our social circumstances may have re-aligned our view of this season, it would seem that once again, the various media and advertising-driven messages may be reducing the celebration of Jesus’ birth to a plain and ordinary event. Too often at this time of year our focus can drift to thoughts of holidays, gifts and the relief of being away from work for a few days. With the Christmas season being increasingly portrayed as a time characterised by urgency and indulgence, we must remind ourselves to listen out for the simple and beautiful message of Christmas and the joy of this season.

Of course, such a busy picture is in stark contrast to the very first Christmas day. Christ was born into the most modest of surroundings. His birth and subsequent mission on earth was to bring us into a closer relationship with God and with each other. The lack of ceremony associated with the humble surrounds of his birth in a stable should serve as a reminder that Christmas is meant to be a simple and joyful occasion where we are all reminded of the importance of relationships. As Christians, we are challenged to return to the joy of Christmas. We are reminded of the importance of spending relaxing and quality time with family and friends so as to truly appreciate the important place of people in our lives and the important place of God in our lives. This is another timely reminder in this most unusual of years. In doing so, we are also challenged to look beyond our own concerns and consider the needs of others and how we may best serve them. Such a perspective requires us to look beyond our own personal trials to prioritise others, thereby excluding any possibility of a Christmas that is caught up in commercialism or mere event planning.

As Christian people, it is essential that we do not allow the power and simplicity of the Christmas message to become lost in the frenetic pace of this holiday period. We do not want to miss opportunities for meaningful reflection and renewing important relationships. It is essential that we rejoice in the knowledge that the birth of the Christ provides each of us with great assurance. The humble nature of His birth reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the mercy and tender love of God which we are invited to embrace. What a great gift at Christmas and cause for true celebration.

This sentiment was wonderfully captured by Irish Bishop, Liam McDaid in his reflection on Christmas:

“Leave aside the cards, the presents and the extras for a few days and instead talk and listen to the one whose birth we are planning to celebrate. He has things to say to us that could change our perspective and lessen our worries as we count our blessings. Christ could show us how celebrating the simpler, long-lasting and more precious gifts of life and living can make for a different but ultimately more satisfying experience of Christmas joy and togetherness”.

This is a timely message and a wonderful challenge for us all as we enjoy this holiday period. 

Staffing News:
As is normally the case in a large school such as Trinity College, we will see a number of Staff changes at the end of this year. We take this opportunity to recognise those members of Staff who are either departing the College or commencing periods of leave. I would like to formally acknowledge each of the following people and thank them for their many and generous contributions during their time at Trinity College.

We begin by acknowledging the work of several Staff members who will be retiring at the end of this year. They have provided wonderful and generous service to our College and to Catholic Education generally.  We wish them every blessing as they look to enjoy the next stage of their journey:

• Sharon Bush – Junior School Reception
• Maureen Barnett – Pipes and Drums
• Joanne Du Toit – Junior School Teacher
• Gary Malarkey – Aboriginal Education Program Coordinator
• Carol Watson – Canteen Manager

There are several Staff members who will be leaving our College at the end of the year. We wish them every success and happiness as they pursue different paths:

• Charmaine Clements – English Teacher
• Vanessa Fielden – Library Assistant
• Martin Guest – English Teacher 
• Annika Holland – Pastoral Care Teacher
• Adam Kealley – English Teacher 
• Claudia Kelly – English Teacher
• Beverly Martinez – Community Liaison
• Rosa Nicholls – English Teacher
• Kelli Pala – Marketing and Communications
• Emma Pitt – English Teacher
• Sailee Reed ('19) – Physical Education and Sport Assistant
• Peter Shanhun – Music Teacher
• Lachlan Sibosado ('19) – Physical Education and Sport Assistant
• Ashleigh Yukich – Administration

We also have a number of College Staff who will be enjoying some extended leave commencing at the start of next year. We wish them a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful break: 

• Bill Cooper (Term 1, 2021) – Aviation and Astronomy Teacher 
• Steve Harmer (Term 1, 2021) – Music Teacher
• Karrene McLernon (All Year, 2021) – English Teacher

The College is currently finalising staffing to fill the vacancies that have arisen from these changes. I will advise of new Staff appointments in the first College Newsletter for 2021.

On behalf of all of the staff at Trinity College, I would like to wish all of the students, families and Staff within our community a happy and holy Christmas. I hope that you get the opportunity to share the real message of Christmas – that it is a time of joy and an opportunity for reflection and relationship building. We pray that the gentle humility with which Jesus came into the world will serve as an example and inspiration for all people. May His peace and love characterise your festive season.

Finally, a personal thanks to the Trinity College community for the generous support and warm welcome that I continue to receive as the College Principal. I have been humbled by the kindness, warmth and good wishes of so many people. To all, I extend many prayers and wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas as we look forward to a wonderful, and more familiar, 2021. I hope that everyone is able to enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Live Jesus in our hearts

Mr Darren O’Neill
Principal

Year 6 Mass and Farewell Luncheon

This morning we farewelled our Year 6 students and their families with Mass followed by a luncheon. I would like to thank the boys for their time in the Junior School and wish them every blessing as they move into Secondary.  Thank you also to the Year 5 parents who have offered to assist with the setup, serving and clean-up of the luncheon.

Class Excursions
On Thursday the boys had their class excursions. It is tradition that the Year 6s’s spend the day at Adventure World. This year the 4s and 5s stayed at the college and had old boy Todd Meyn ('09) perform some of his BMX stunts, followed by play on water slides and some messy mud activities. A great time was had by all. You can view photos from the day in the below gallery. 

Ollie Pickett Cheque Presentation

Nativity Scene

This term in Italian the Year 4s have been learning about Christmas in Italy with a focus on the tradition of the nativity scene, in particular the many living nativity scenes in Italy. To finish off the year the Year 4s have created ‘un presepe in un barattolo’ – a nativity scene in a jar - using some recycled materials. Over a number of weeks the boys created miniature characters of Mary, Jesus and Joseph, which they then placed in a jar to make a cute miniature nativity scene. The boys really enjoyed this fun activity!

Confirmation

Congratulations to Lucian Lamattina (6G) who recently made his Confirmation. 

Merry Christmas
I would like to wish all families a merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday period. I look forward to seeing all again in February 2021.

Dates to Remember:           
Monday, 1 February: Students commence Term 1, 2021

Mr Martin Tucker ('87) | Head of Junior School 

Trinity student receives Bond University Excellence Scholarship

Max Ryan ('20) has been awarded the prestigious Bond Excellence Scholarship to commence studies in 2021. This is an outstanding achievement considering the hundreds of applicants that applied from around Australia. This prestigious scholarship is quite considerable and will largely covers tuition costs for his studies. 

Throughout his time at Trinity, Max has continually put himself forward and lived the mantra of being a man for others. While excelling academically in Year 12 he has also served on numerous committees, volunteered countless hours to help others and held leadership positions in rowing and football. Max plans to commence an undergraduate degree in Commerce next year. Well Done Max!

Please note that the Uniform Shop has closed for 2020. 

Opening hours for 2021 are below:

• Thursday, 28 January: 7.30am-2.00pm
• Friday, 29 January: 7.30am-2.00pm
• Monday, 1 February: 7.30am-1.30pm
• Tuesday, 2 February: 7.30am-4.00pm 

Judy Mackintosh | Uniform Shop Coordinator 

Year 7 2020 Fundraiser - Brother Ollie Wheelchairs for kids Step-A-Thon

On Tuesday, 1 December, the Year 7 students took part in the Brother Ollie Wheelchairs for Kids step-a-thon. This event is the major fundraiser for the Year 7 cohort throughout the year and challenges them to achieve as many steps as possible in the allocated time. The WACA Ground kindly provided access to the lower courses of its seating area to challenge the boys in achieving their goals. Wheelchairs for Kids is an organisation set up by Brother Ollie Pickett with the wonderful support of Rotary and the many volunteers. The organisation builds wheelchairs from scratch in their Wangara factory and ships them across the world to needy children who often face the devastating results of war, poor health, and inadequate medical requirements. Trinity College has been associated with Brother Ollie Wheelchairs for Kids for many years now and is responsible for raising thousands of dollars in support of this very worthy cause.

Each Year 7 student was challenged with the prospect of gaining their own sponsors, completing the stair climb and to follow up on the important pledges. As counting continues, we hope to raise in excess $4000 this year, which would allow Wheelchairs for Kids to completely build around 17 new chairs. It was an inspiring sight to see the boys enthusiastically complete the challenge and have some fun in the process. I would like to thank the staff, students and particularly those who donated to make this initiative such a success. As a College, we look forward to supporting Brother Ollie Pickett and his wonderful team in future years. The boys have learnt a valuable experience in what it means to support each other and the community around us.

David Allen | Head of Year 7 

Year 9 Team Stingray - Rottnest Channel Swim 2021 Team

Stingray is made up of four Year Nine students, Matt Maine (9.1), Joel Carcich (9.1), Madoc Lanfear-Appleby (9.2) and Jacob Palmer (9.3) who are swimming the Rottnest Channel Swim in 2021 and raising money for the charity “Sock it to Sarcoma”. The boys chose to raise money for this worthy charity to support research and support for people affected by Sarcoma and due to the number of young people around our age who are affected by the disease. They have set a goal of $3,000 and would greatly appreciate any support the Trinity community could provide.

Please help Team Stingray SOCK IT TO SARCOMA by donating here. 

Library News – Holiday Reading
Even though the boys have finished school for the year and the College Libraries are ‘closed’ for the year, all students still have full access to the College electronic library – BorrowBox. A huge range of e-books and audio books are available to download through the app. All that is required is student College user name and password.

TCEC - Sustainability

TCEC are finishing the year on a high! We have been announced as the Winners of the ASCA National Sustainability Award for all of our Sustainability endeavours here at the College. Members of the TCEC were very excited to be presented with a cheque for $5000 from Mr Simon Reid (Principal of Freshwater Bay Primary School and Western Australian Representative for ASCA). This money will be used towards more sustainability projects in 2021. This presentation was most timely as the latest batch of TCEC members were presented with their TCEC badges for two years active service with the Committee at the final assembly of the year. These students have been helping to improve Sustainability around the College in many different ways. Well done to the following young men for others: 

• Andrew Zinni (7.5) (started TCEC in the Junior School)
• Hudson Ding (7.6)  (started TCEC in the Junior School)
• Nicholas Bowden-Jones (8.5)
• Lachlan Brown (8.5)
• Lucas Cardaci (8.3)
• Declan Collins (8.6)
• Lucas Weston (8.2)
• Will Day (10.4)
• Aaron Fonte (10.2)
• Michael Lamborn (10.1)
• George Mihalopoulos (10.2)
• Rei Poon (10.3)
• Dahmen Weston (10.5)
• Nathan Holland (11.5)
• Jonas Soares-Mendes (11.3)

On Thursday, 26 November Trinity College hosted the 2020 Night to Shine Dinner. 

The dinner was an opportunity for the Year 9 students to demonstrate their appreciation and respect for a significant female in their lives and share a special night with them. The culmination of the Becoming Men journey, it was a chance for our boys to empower the important women in their lives and celebrate collectively as a group of young men the many achievements of women in and around our community.

A large focus of the Empowering Men; Educating Women Program was about educating the boys about how we as young men can empower women in society and not give in to common stereotypes that can at times creep into all male environments. These important conversations are opening our boy’s eyes to the opportunities and the power they possess in making positive change in society. 

Another element that was focused on throughout the program, was to do with personal presentation and good old-fashioned etiquette. By bringing back these subtle but important touches, it enabled the boys to show their special partner that they not only cared for them but took time to make their night special. All these small details and gestures ensured that the evening was an extremely special occasion for everyone.

Evenings like this take a lot of organisation and I would like to extend my thanks to all the staff who gave up time and used their talents to help put the night together. To Mr Darren O’Neill and our amazing staff who attended on the evening, thank you for your fantastic role modelling and support of these boys as they continue their high school journey. A special thank you to Ms Amanda Marocchi for your inspiring speech and continued support of this wonderful night.

The dinner was once again a great success with the students successfully showing their mother/grandmother an amazing evening that will be remembered by all for years to come. I am looking forward to the Night to Shine Dinner continuing for many years to come.

Mr Peter Oliver  | Head of Year 9

Advent – Week Two

The second week of Advent commences on Sunday, 6 December (2nd Sunday of Advent). The National Catholic Education Commission has produced the following Christmas Family Prayer.

NCEC Christmas Family Prayer

A selection of prayers, readings and reflections for week two of Advent are available from the Archdiocese of Perth Centre for Liturgy.

Week Two - Prepare the Way - In your heart

HUGE thanks to the following Old Boys for their services and making the Junior School End of Year Activity Day so much fun!

• Shawn Doherty (’96) and Michael Doherty (’97) from @AstroJump Perth
• Chris Lawrence (’90) from @Nature Play Solutions

And of course, BMX sensation and Nitro Circus Athlete Todd Meyn (’09) for his spectacular display. Check out one of Todd’s jumps:  CLICK HERE

Trinity Regatta

The Rowing community came together on Saturday, 28 November for the 2nd Trinity College Regatta. We were joined by crews from other PSA schools, Perth College, St Hilda’s, John XXIII, Penrhos,the WAIS K4 and coxed quad.

The conditions were perfect with crowds of people enjoying the races from the bridges and in front of the College. The Trinity Pipes and Drums members played and multiple food trucks kept everyone full and satisfied. 
We were joined by a flotilla of boats form the Classic Boat Club, Trinity, Hale and Wesley parents. 

The day was wonderful and thank you to all parents and Old Boys who helped marshal the land and the water. We received great feedback from the rowers, the spectators, the umpires and the public.

The boys responded to the example set by the staff, parents and Old Boys and rowed bravely with our 1st VIII overtaking Guildford and Hale in the final to take out the Trinity Bridges Trophy.

Thank you to Mr O’Neill, Mr Silver, Dayne Waylan, Dave Fong, Brett McRae and Nicola Gosatti as supporters and coordinators of the event. Thanks to Ashleigh Yukich and Liam Dee ('07) for their wonderful work to make this regatta happen. 

We thank Ash and will miss her unstoppable work ethic as she heads to a teaching job at John Moyes on the completion of her teaching degree. 

Mr Phil Jurjevich | Director of Rowing 

Starcevich returns to Trinity

The College welcomed back Brisbane Lions player Brandon Starcevich ('17) who popped by to say hello and inspire the next generation of AFL stars. Brandon is pictured with Year 9 student Adam, who made his debut for the 1st XVIII in 2020!

Congratulations Riley

Congrtaulations to Riley Gott (8.2) for becoming a member of the 2021 WA State Junior Golf Squad. This is in readiness for selection into the Junior Team, which is scheduled to head to Canberra in February. Competition is going to be tough as only 4 boys and 4 girls will be chosen out of a squad of 20. Riley is the youngest in this U18yrs squad, although ranked higher than some older boys. Riley will also be presented with a trophy in December as being GOLF WA’s top ranked Junior boys player U14yrs for 2020 on average scores. This is an amazing achievement attributed to Riley's hard work, especially being on crutches for 8 weeks. 

Entertainment Book - TC Friends of Performing Arts 

Support our cause and save these holidays. Help us raise more this festive season. We receive an extra $10 or $20 on top of the 20% we already receive from each purchase https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/8356k5”

School of Freestyle Martial Arts 

Come to a free trial from Tuesday, 12 January, during the school holiday, and sign up before Thursday, 28 January to receive 50% off the joining fee! Call now on 0429 123 202.