At Trinity, we celebrate our Catholic tradition in word and action and we commenced the year by gathering in the beautiful St Mary’s church to celebrate our faith and receive the blessing of our Parish priest, Fr Michael.

We welcomed our special guests, Member for Polwarth Mr Richard Riordan, Executive Director of Catholic Education Mr Tom Sexton, and Mayor of Colac Cr Marg White, before our 2024 Student Leaders entered the sacred space, holding aloft the Trinity and House banners and reminding us all that we are united in our mission to make a difference. Our talented Music students were our choir, with Deputy Principal Ms Rachel McGennisken playing the organ and Charlotte from Year 12 accompanying on guitar.

New Trinity staff were also welcomed at the Mass in a poignant commissioning ceremony where they promised to be true to the spirit of our College founders, to cultivate learning and act with justice, mercy and compassion. The Class of 2024 was then presented with badges that were blessed by Fr Michael, honouring the final year of their Trinity journey and for being part of the College’s rich history. Fortified by our prayers and hope, we headed back to school to enjoy the day and be grateful for the privilege of being part of our wonderful community.

The very next day was Ash Wednesday and our students were called to think about how they can help make a difference in the world at a special Liturgy. Marking the beginning of the Holy season of Lent, Ash Wednesday is a reminder of our mortality and invites us to foster a deeper spiritual connection with God.

Led by our Year 12 cohort, our students gathered in year groups to receive the sign of the cross on their foreheads, inviting them to use the Lenten season to focus on generosity and service to others. At Trinity during Lent we support Project Compassion, which is an initiative that raises funds for Caritas that provides incredible service for people in need. Students are encouraged to drop their spare change in the Project Compassion boxes in their Homeroom and reflect on the aspects of their own lives that they are grateful for.