Principal's Message

Critics might say it is an artificial environment, and that teachers don’t live in the ‘real world’. When profiled, staffrooms often have a majority of introverts. We are leaders and ‘extrovert’ in our own classrooms where we are the only adult, but we then become one of many and a member of a team when we leave our classroom. Our transferable skills are as broad as they are deep – people skills, HR managers, researchers, inquirers, data analysts, social workers, budgeters, sports coaches and managers, performing arts producers, event managers, nutritionists, career advisors, cultural coordinators and advisors, policy writers, health and safety auditors – and the list goes on. For most of us, teaching is a vocation rather than a job and this is why we don’t count the extra hours of work every evening, the weekends spent at musical rehearsals or standing courtside, nor the nights away from family to accompany a school camp. We have students with us for up to seven years and there is a weight of responsibility knowing that their school experience and learning at such a crucial time of life, will strongly influence their future life outcome and relationships.

We are also a Catholic school. Having taught and led in both Catholic and State schools, I see a difference. There are more layers and responsibilities at our place compared with a state school down the road. If staff don’t realise this when they sign up, they soon do! Alongside the extra layers is a ‘living out’ of the Gospel values, particularly our college values, among staff. I am extremely fortunate as Principal to have an amazing staff beginning our time as Trinity Catholic College. Every day I experience the trust, collegiality, support, service, and respect of a high-quality team of 80. When there is illness, a crisis, or sadness within our team, that support steps up even more. I am very grateful for this. I encourage you to also be grateful for our staff because these are the same people caring for your young people every day. I see that same care, support and respect in learning spaces, offices, and in the grounds regardless of the role people hold.

This evening, our staff are attending a Commissioning Mass along with the other Catholic schools of the area, as we celebrate our calling and commissioning to live the Gospels in our schools. We hold our vocation and our faith in high regard, and this is a wonderful opportunity to reflect and celebrate what we do.

Today in the newsletter, our new teachers have written a little about themselves. Please make yourselves known to these people so they continue to experience the warmth of our wider college community.

The first few weeks continue to be smooth, settled, and positive at our place. Our roll is about 40 higher than last year and our new students appear to be settling in very nicely. It will be exciting to have Athletic Sports on Monday under our new name and with our four new houses. Come along – you are most welcome to join us.

As we appreciate our smooth and positive start, our North Island colleagues are forefront in our minds. Our Year 13s have made a support video to send to the senior students of our brother and sister schools who have been so badly affected after the horrendous experiences of the last few weeks. Let us continue to pray for all who have lost loved ones and for those who have had property and livelihoods compromised. Kia kaha.