12 March 2025

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Families and Friends of the Trinity Catholic College Community 

Lent 2025

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of the important season of Lent in the Christian Churches.

The English word Lent is a shortened form of the Old English word lencten, meaning "spring season". As the name suggests, Lent is something of a new springtime, providing the opportunity to recalibrate our priorities and purge our systems of the selfishness and hurt that hinder us being fully open to God’s love. Lent invites us to consider our relationships – our relationship with God (prayer), others (almsgiving), and the self (sacrifice).

Throughout Lent, we are encouraged to spend time in prayer, for example attending Mass, praying at home, visiting a church or chapel, reading the Bible, making the Stations of the Cross, or praying the Rosary. We should help others, for example by showing special attention to someone who is poor, sick, elderly, lonely, outcast or overburdened, or giving to the poor.

We should practise self-denial, for example not eating so much food, or giving up entertainment to spend time with the family. Lent invites us to share what we have with those most in need. Project Compassion is the Lenten fundraising appeal of Caritas Australia. Donations can be made online.

Self-denial helps us find balance, reconciliation, and a better life. Many Muslim people observe Ramadan, which includes fasting from dawn to sunset. The feast of Yom Kippur involves fasting for Jewish people. Fasting may mean having only one full meal on a day. Smaller quantities of food may be eaten at other times. Abstinence is the practice of abstaining from the use of certain kinds of food. Catholics were once known for their practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays. In 1966, guidelines concerning fasting and abstinence were simplified, and other works of service, and of devotion were encouraged. Abstinence from meat, and fasting, are only to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by adults. Fasting only applies to people from 18 to 59 years old. Abstinence from meat only applies to those aged over 14 years. The act of fasting encourages us to cleanse the soul from harmful habits. It helps us to be more responsive to the gifts of the Spirit and service of others.

Lent can be a time for great self-honesty. Some try to stop gossiping or unkind acts and words. Some limit screen time or addictive patterns of gaming or social media. Some give up life’s little luxuries or comfort food or drink to be more in solidarity with those who have little.

Franciscan, Father Richard Rohr, provides us with the following thought about Ash Wednesday, itself.

“Remember … that the ashes on your forehead are created from the burnt palms of last Palm Sunday. New beginnings invariably come from old false things that are allowed to die.”

Best wishes,
Robert Emery
Principal

Trinity Catholic College Adamstown NSW
Nurturing faith, excellence & lifelong learning

SAFEGUARDING

Please see the following link :

WELLBEING

The Right School Bag for Young Bodies

Most physios will tell us about the importance of maintaining proper posture and preventing strain, especially for students who carry heavy school bags daily.

Choosing the right school bag and fitting it properly can significantly impact your child's physical well-being.

Bags with padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel to provide adequate support and reduce pressure on their shoulders and spine are best for growing bodies. Additionally, choose a bag made from lightweight, durable materials to ensure it can withstand the weight of textbooks and other school essentials without adding unnecessary strain.

It’s important to distribute the weight of the school bag evenly to prevent strain on specific muscles and joints. Heavier items such as textbooks and laptops should be placed closest to the back, while lighter items can be stored towards the front or in outer compartments.

Choosing and fitting a school bag properly is crucial for promoting good posture and preventing discomfort and strain in students. By prioritising comfort and support, selecting the right size and capacity, distributing weight evenly, adjusting straps properly, and regularly evaluating and replacing the bag as needed, you can help ensure your child's physical well-being throughout their school years.

School Vaccinations

A reminder to all Year 7 and Year 10 parents and carers:

Year 7 Vaccinations - Thursday 3 April 2025
Year 10 Vaccinations – Thursday 22 May 2025

Please see Compass for all relevant information and documents.

2025 Student Leaders Commissioning Ceremony

On Tuesday, March 4, Trinity Catholic College proudly celebrated the Commissioning Ceremony for our 2025 Student Leaders. This special occasion marked the formal acknowledgement of our student leaders as they received their badges and pledged their commitment to serving our school community.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of leadership through service, integrity, and compassion, reminding our students that leadership is not only about holding a title but about making a positive impact on others.

We are delighted to announce our 2025 Student Representative Council:

College Leaders

• Mackenzie Pitfield
• Isabel Hingston                                                                       
• Joshua Mather
• Tyler Relf

House Leaders

• Baxter Keats (Avila)
• Ava Elias (Francesco)
• Benji Nielson (Kolbe)
• Eva Rose Kidman (Siena)
• Emerson Tiernan (McKillop)
• Ava Ruz (Loyola)

Portfolios
Solidarity

• Mary Tutman (10)
• Joshua Wolfson (10)
• Tara Murphy (9)
• Isla Hingston (8)
• Sarah Mather (8)

Cultural

• Ivy Jones (10)
• Gabe Widseth (10)
• Lara Bosworth (10)
• Charlotte Wilkins (9)

Stewardship

• Max Mietzel (10)
• Chloe Douglass (10)
• Mia Kelly (9)
• Mia Van Der Westhuizen (8)
• Gracie Bagnall (8)

Sport

• Poppy Crouch (10)
• Luke Griffiths (10)
• Hamish Lawrence (8)
• Ruby Moran (8)
• Azalee Ellis (8)

Aboriginal Portfolios

• Josephine Ryba (10)
• Koby Gawthorn (10)

This ceremony reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit of our College community, with students, staff, and families joining together to celebrate the next generation of leaders. We look forward to seeing our student leaders live out their roles and contribute positively to the life of our school in 2025.

Congratulations to all our leaders – your dedication, kindness, and passion inspire us all!

Ash Wednesday Liturgy & Project Compassion Launch

On Wednesday March 5, Trinity Catholic College marked the beginning of Lent with a special Ash Wednesday Liturgy, celebrated together in Connect Groups. This intimate gathering allowed students to participate in the sacred ritual of receiving Ash, fostering a sense of trust, connection, and community within their small learning groups.

A beautiful highlight of the liturgy was watching students place Ash on the forehead of their Connect Group leaders – a simple but powerful gesture symbolising shared faith and humility. These moments remind us that Lent is a time to reflect, renew, and support one another on our journey towards Easter.

Ash Wednesday also marked the launch of our CARITAS Project Compassion campaign – an initiative that encourages us to turn our reflection into action and generosity. In the coming weeks, our school community will be working together to raise money for this vital cause, helping to support vulnerable communities both in Australia and around the world.

We look forward to sharing more about how our students will be living out their faith through Project Compassion this Lent.

Thank you to all students and staff who made this liturgy such a meaningful and welcoming celebration.

Fundraising Event

Dear Trinity Families,

Many families have approached the school about what they can do to support Liam and his family. This family has bravely confronted numerous trials in their journey. Now, more than ever, they seek support from the community!

We reach out on behalf of a devoted assembly of emergency nurses, doctors, hospital staff, and the compassionate communities of Lambton and New Lambton who hold this family dear. Many know Kirstie and her beloved sons, Adam and Liam.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, just before the return to Trinity High School at the end of January 13-year-old Liam experienced a devastating fall. This incident has left him with critical injuries to his head, pelvis, spine, and lower limbs. He was transported to Westmead Hospital, where he has been receiving intensive care, due to embark on a long and arduous journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

We kindly implore your generosity to help Kirstie bring Liam back home to New Lambton once he is discharged from Sydney. Being home, surrounded by cherished friends and family, will undoubtedly lighten the path of his rehabilitation.

To facilitate this return, many adaptations will be required to their family home.

After bravely battling breast cancer, Kirstie stands as a resilient single mother—a beacon of strength, much like Liam, as he bravely faces one surgery after another. She has always been the first to extend a helping hand to others; now it is our turn to reflect that kindness.

Any contributions, no matter how small, will be immensely appreciated.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and contributions to this vital cause.
Together, let’s BRING LIAM HOME!

There is also a TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER to help the family organised for Friday 21 March. A night of fun and laughter, while raising money to assist this family.

HSIE

Year 10 Commerce Court Excursion: The Law in Action

On Monday 24 February and Monday 3 March, our Year 10 Commerce students had the valuable opportunity to visit the Newcastle Local and District Court as part of their unit of study, The Law in Action. This excursion provided an insightful, real-world look at how the Australian legal system operates, reinforcing the concepts covered in class.

Students observed live court proceedings, gaining firsthand experience of how legal professionals, including judges, lawyers, and court officers, contribute to the justice system. The visit sparked engaging discussions about the differences between local and district courts, the roles of key legal personnel, and the importance of due process.

The Year 11 Legal Studies class also joined us on Monday 3 March, further enriching the experience with their deeper understanding of legal principles. Their insights added an extra layer of analysis, helping the Year 10 students connect their learning to broader legal concepts.

A special thank you to all the parent volunteers who assisted on the days. Your support made this excursion possible and ensured a smooth and productive day for all involved.

We look forward to more opportunities for hands-on learning in the future!

HSIE

Year 10 Excursion Sydney Jewish Museum

As part of their study of the Holocaust, Year 10 had the opportunity to visit the Sydney Jewish Museum on Tuesday 25^th February 2025.

After leaving school just after dawn, we arrived in the bustling CBD of Sydney and were invited to enter the stunning building that houses an amazing memorial to those who suffered during the Holocaust in World War II.

“Within our walls, the (donors) created a place to share their memories, commemorate the six million Jewish people who were murdered and provide important messages to future generations.

Today, it is a living museum where Jewish cultural life and heritage in Sydney are illuminated and preserved, where memories are honoured and history is researched. It’s a place that gives voice to the victims of the Holocaust, where survivors still visit to share their stories with people from all walks of life, so they can start conversations and inspire change within modern Australia.”

– Sydney Jewish Museum website

Students were lectured by Holocaust survivors, Yvonne and Richard, who shared their experiences of Auschwitz- Birkenau and escape respectively. Their powerful stories were inspiring and their dedication to spreading positive messages of tolerance, strength and kindness was incredibly impressive. It was an amazing opportunity for students to have experienced. This was followed by a guided tour of the museum display. The artefacts that were available for students to examine were both informative and touching. Despite major renovations taking place, students were able to see informative displays about various stages of the Holocaust, as well as everyday objects salvaged by survivors. These were expertly explained and attached to stories by the expert tour guides, many with a direct connection to the Holocaust through immediate family.

Perhaps the most moving display was the one dedicated to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were killed during the Holocaust. Students were invited to examine photographs, and not only reflect on their short experience of life, but also the life they had been denied.

In the final part of our visit, students participated in a workshop centred around trying to understand the Holocaust, its causes, the effect of the Final Solution and the evidence that has been left behind. Through active discussion and analysis of propaganda, photographs and written sources, students were challenged to consider the complexities of the Holocaust and the lasting impact it has had on our modern world.

Perhaps the strongest message issued by the survivors we met throughout the day was reflected in a final statement from Yvonne in her interview: she urged students to not only be kind to everyone they meet, but to be strong and proactive in calling out language and actions that go against what they know to be right. She emphasised that wrong is carried out by not only those who do wrong, but by those who allow it to go unchecked. A very powerful message indeed and, hopefully, one that will stay with students into the future.

Students who attended are to be congratulated on their attitude, behaviour and curiosity throughout all sessions of the day. It was a moving and powerful experience that they will hopefully benefit from well beyond the classroom.

2025 NSW Youth Parliament

A big congratulations to Chloe Douglass (Year 10) on her success in gaining a position in the 2025 NSW Youth Parliament program.

Youth Parliament is the Y NSW’s flagship youth leadership and engagement program and has been operating for over 20 years in NSW. With a focus on leadership and advocacy, the program enables high school students in years 10 to 12 to build confidence, develop leadership skills, engage with civic leadership, policy development, and democratic parliamentary debate.

Led by young people for young people, each year’s cohort receives training over a six-month period that includes in-person camps and online workshops. Participants create Youth Bills with recommendations on issues for change. These are debated during a mock sitting week in NSW Parliament House with Members of Parliament invited to chair. It’s an incredible opportunity for young people to advocate, grow skills and make life-long connections.

We look forward to future updates on her experiences and are certain Chloe will prove a valuable member of the team.

DRAMA

On Thursday 6 March, over 200 students from across the Diocese came to share and celebrate their improvisation skills and talents with each year group team competing in a friendly supportive atmosphere.

40 of our talented Drama students from Years 7-10 participated in the annual Diocesan Theatresports day hosted here at Trinity Catholic College. A special mention for our amazing Year 10 Team who came first in their category!

So much laughter and fun was had by all of the students and their teachers. Our school had our largest representation yet this year, which is a reflection of how the Creative Arts culture at Trinity continues to grow with so many talented individuals keen to create and collaborate!

WRITERS’ GROUP

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Baristas in the Making 

Our Year 10 Food Technology students have been practising their coffee-making skills during break times, preparing hot and cold beverages. The Food Technology course gives students practical skills like being able to work with others, creating quality coffee and delivering excellent customer service. Besides learning about the beans, students have also learned how to clean and maintain espresso machines and grinders and the proper upkeep requirements for café-style coffee machines. 

SPORT

Diocesan Rugby League                                              Raymond Terrace 13 February 2025

Congratulations to the following students who will represent the Diocese of Maitland/Newcastle at the Northern NSW championships.

15 Boys – Finn Cartwright

16 Girls – Ivy Hagan, Luca Fong, Evie Ryan, Zoe Figallo, Zali Keats and Leila Figallo

Diocesan Touch                                                                     Beresfield  February 28 2025

Congratulations sisters Zoe and Leila who have been selected to represent the Maitland Newcastle Diocese at the NSWCCC Touch Championships being held at the Central Coast later this term.

15 Girls –Zoe Figallo

Open Girls – Leila Figallo

Community Helpers

Each year we are asked to support our feeder primary schools by providing umpires and officials at primary school sporting events.

A huge thankyou to these students who assisted at Primary Diocesan Swimming and Regional Netball selection trials.

Upcoming Events

A reminder that St Pius X is a member of the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC). Updated information and a detailed list of all individual and team pathway events / carnivals can be found at:

COMING EVENTS

Accounts Office

School Contact Details

ALINTA UNIFORM SHOP

Operating Hours – School Term
Tuesday – 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Wednesday – 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Friday – 10.00am to 12.00pm

ALL VISITORS TO THE ALINTA UNIFORM SHOP MUST SIGN IN AT THE ALINTA SHOP

FOR UNIFORM FITTING APPOINTMENTS, PLEASE REFER TO: 

SECOND-HAND UNIFORMS

Trinity Catholic College also runs a parent-to-parent service which enables all parents to buy/sell second-hand uniform items.  The service works in the following way:

1. Parents/carers email details of the item/s required to buy/sell and supply a contact number to admin@adamstowntcc.catholic.edu.au.
2. These details are then advertised in a special “Second-hand Uniforms” section of each Newsletter (last page).
3. The advertisement will run for one month or two editions of the Newsletter.
4. Parents/carers will simply contact the number supplied and deal directly with the person buying/selling.