6 May 2025

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Families and Friends of the Trinity Catholic College Community

Why Learning Languages Other Than English Matters

I have always loved the study of language, both English and other languages. At High School, I studied French for six years and Latin for four years. Although my chosen profession involved the study of science and mathematics, and especially Physics, on reflection I have always been conscious of the great pleasure and many cognitive skills that studying those languages gave me. Indeed, over the last few years I have returned to my study of Latin, out of the sheer pleasure it gives me to read classical Latin writings. Nerdy? Yes, I freely admit it.

In our diverse and ever-changing world, the ability to speak more than one language is becoming increasingly valuable. At Trinity, we are proud to offer students the opportunity to study both Italian and French. For students soon to choose Electives for Stage 5 and courses for Stage 6, I want to share with you the many benefits this brings and encourage you to consider taking a language as one of your courses.

Sharper Minds Through Language Learning

Learning a second language does more than help students communicate. It helps them to think. Research from the Department of Education in Western Australia, for instance, has shown that bilingual individuals tend to have stronger memory, better concentration, and greater cognitive flexibility. These skills support learning across all areas of the curriculum and create great advantage for students, as they progress through their secondary and tertiary education. These skills even contribute to delaying age-related cognitive decline later in life.

Boosting Academic Achievement

Language learners often perform better in other subjects, too. A Monash University study found that students who study an additional language often excel in standardized testing due to the enhanced analytical and problem-solving skills they develop through their language study. Language study also strengthens literacy, as students gain a broader vocabulary and a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure in both English and the language they are learning.

Connecting with Culture and Community

Language learning deepens students’ appreciation for other cultures, building empathy and broadening their worldview. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) describes language learning as a national resource that enhances Australia’s engagement with the global community. These cultural skills are essential in today’s multicultural society and help our students become global citizens.

Opening Doors Around the World

One of the most exciting reasons to study a language is the world of opportunity it opens. Whether it’s working in international business, diplomacy, tourism, education, translation, or aid work, language skills are an asset. Multilingual individuals are also well-placed to study, live, or volunteer overseas, experiencing new cultures firsthand and gaining a competitive edge in a global job market.

An Investment in Every Student’s Future

Encouraging our young people to study languages is about more than communication. It’s about setting them up for success. With benefits that span brain development, academic achievement, cultural awareness, and career readiness, learning another language is a truly valuable part of a well-rounded education.

Let’s encourage our students to embrace language learning as an attractive and highly beneficial pathway to a brighter, larger future.

Have a splendid week.

Best wishes,
Robert Emery
Principal

Trinity Catholic College Adamstown NSW
An intentional Catholic faith community

SAFEGUARDING

The New Nicotine Scourge – Nicotine Pouches

Upcoming information sessions and webinars for parents and carers

Parents and carers are the most important educators in their child’s life. To assist you in this important role, a list of upcoming webinars provided by reputable providers, free of charge, has been compiled and is available on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage.

WELLBEING

School Attendance

Regular school attendance is vital for students’ learning and wellbeing.  At Trinity Catholic College, we need to work in partnership with parents and carers to support consistent attendance and ensure every student can succeed. Parents and carers are legally responsible for ensuring their children attend school every day, on time, including Friday sport, which is a core part of our curriculum. As part of our duty of care, school staff monitor all absences—whether for a full day or part of the day. If your child is absent, arrives late, or needs to leave early, please provide an explanation within seven days. You can do this via the Compass platform or contact Student Services by phone or email to:
studentservices@adamstowntcc.catholic.edu.au 

If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, we encourage you to contact their CONNECT
teacher early. Working together, we can address any issues and support your child’s engagement with their learning.

ANZAC Day Adamstown Service 2025 

On Friday, April 25 Trinity Catholic College was invited to the Adamstown ANZAC service to honour the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives for our country. It was a moving event, with our college leaders playing a role in the proceedings.

The service saw a wonderful turnout from families, students, and community, all gathered to pay their respects and reflect on the importance of this day. The presence of so many attendees highlighted our strong community spirit and our shared commitment to remembering the ANZACs.

A special thank you goes out to our students who attended the service. Your involvement added a meaningful touch to the event, and your respect and reverence were appreciated. Student leaders Mackenzie Pitfield and Joshua Mather spoke with poise and heartfelt reflection before a large crowd, paying tribute to the courage and legacy of those who have served by reciting The Ode and In Flanders Fields. Isabel Hingston respectfully represented the College in laying the wreath at the memorial—an act that symbolised our school’s deep respect and gratitude.

We are incredibly proud of every student who chose to participate in services across the region. Their presence was a visible reminder of the importance of remembrance and the strength of our Catholic school community.

Our school ANZAC liturgy took place during Connect groups on Tuesday 29 April, providing an intimate setting for reflection and remembrance. These moments allow students to connect with the history and the significance of ANZAC Day. Thank you to Mr Samuel Daley for the preparation and organisation of this event.

WELLBEING

Teens and Phones

Removing phones from bedrooms at night won’t eliminate all risk. It’s not about control, it’s about clarity. Boundaries don’t lock kids in. They give them room to breathe.

Please read this insightful article endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner: https://bit.ly/438qki9

LIBRARY

Calling all Readers! 

The Sydney Writers’ Festival, Secondary Schools Program will take place at The Sydney Town Hall on 23 May 2025. The day involves four x 45-minute sessions with famous and emerging YA writers and authors.

Students will be inspired and challenged through thoughtful discussion of literature and ideas. Authors will share insights into the writing process, invite students to consider new perspectives, and encourage them in their own creative pursuits.

This excursion is HIGHLY recommended to those students thinking of taking the Advanced English course in Stage 6 or those with a passion for writing. Please see COMPASS for consent & payment.

See the link below for more details.

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS (CAPA)

AUS to Applause

Our incredibly talented student, Ivy Jones has been recruited to the "Aussie All Stars"; an elite musical theatre performance group of 30 students from across Australia. Ivy will be travelling to the USA in January 2026 for the ultimate musical theatre performance adventure, encompassing New York, JTF Atlanta, Hollywood and Disneyland. Ivy won't be able to take advantage of this unique opportunity without help. Please get behind Ivy by contributing via the GoFundMe link below.

Every contribution, big or small, is extremely appreciated.   https://bit.ly/42W7idI

SPORT

Touch – Mixed Open           Wallsend Touch Fields           8 April 2025

16yrs Girls Rugby League            Croudace Bay          10 April 2025

NSWCCC Touch                          Central Coast 29 - 30 April 2025

Zoe and Leila Figallo recently represented the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese at the NSWCCC Touch Football Championships.

Zoe who was a member of the 15 Years team, which finished equal third in their pool before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Wagga Diocese.

Leila played in the Opens team, which topped their pool and advanced to the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated in a drop-off.

A special congratulations to Zoe, who was selected for the NSWCCC representative team – an outstanding achievement.

NSWCCC Hockey Selection Trials

Congratulations to Madelyn Coyte (Year 9) on her recent selection to the NSWCCC 15 Years Hockey team.

Madelyn will go on to compete at the NSW All Schools Championships later this term.

Well done, Madelyn.

Upcoming Events

A reminder that Trinity Catholic College 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

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:  https://shop.alintaapparel.com.au/

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.