Principal's Message

We are nearly at the end of 2022 and, as always, I wonder where the time has gone. I feel grateful for the support our community continues to give us. We are a pretty special place as the only faith-based, integrated, co-ed college in Dunedin, where our young people grow up within a very real ‘slice’ of the Dunedin population. Amongst the disruption and uncertainty of the past three years, our students have carried on being their cheerful, sociable and welcoming selves. During the last three years, regardless of the events in the world, we have:

· transformed our year 7-9 area of the school and it continues to go from strength to strength in learning rigour. Over the last couple of weeks, I have read the junior reports and I have been very impressed by how well your child’s teacher knows them as a learner. The quality feedback you will read on the written reports is reflective of what is happening in the classroom all the time

· completed a pastoral review of our systems including developing a common understanding of what is appropriate and expected behaviour; and we looked at how to strengthen restorative practices in the college so that behavioural mistakes can be learned from and minimise the likelihood of them repeating. Restorative also helps our young people to grow up being able to recognise their effect on others and use the language to fix relationships when they go wrong

· moved to a more consistent BYOD approach where digital tools are integrated into everyday learning

· continued to take part and perform very well in arts activities. Maintaining our performing arts programme is an absolute credit to all involved considering the various restrictions that have been in place

· refurbished the Mercy block with new carpet, lighting and wall coverings; and tidied up some exterior fencing and paving

· had plans completed for a facelift of our administration area over the summer break

· gained very good NCEA and UE results that are well ahead of similar schools in NZ, along with a number of scholarships

· put in place leadership positions for our year nine students; and raised the profile and role of the special character prefects, moving them into a student leadership team of six

· finally begun the rebuild of Pompallier Block which will be the most modern performing arts block in Dunedin colleges when it is completed in 2024

· continued to have students and teams gain national recognition in sport

· rebranded (twice!) and we now acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi in the reo of our new motto and values translation from 2023

· continued to serve our community in numerous ways and with humility

There have been many other gains and wins during the last three years despite the feeling that the world slowed completely. This progress has been due to the ongoing commitment, loyalty and determination of our staff. They go above and beyond, and I hope that you recognise how fortunate your children are to be surrounded by these wonderful role models.

As we move into our new years as Trinity Catholic College, you will see more progress and some review and change. Renaming has been an opportunity to look at what we do and why we do it. One such change is the move from six houses to four. Next year we will remember those who contributed to the charisms of our college by naming our four houses Dominic, McAuley, Nagel, and Rice. Four ‘new’ houses will give us the opportunity to reset the house spirit and ensure that the numbers within the houses are even which will help create a spirit of healthy competition.

The signs will soon come down, and we begin 2023 with new signs, a new ‘brand’, but the same heart and aroha.

As this is my last principal’s comment for 2022, I wish you all a very happy, blessed and peace-filled Christmas break surrounded by those you love most.

Aroha nui