18 June 2025

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Families and Friends of the Trinity Catholic College Community 

Feast Day Celebrations

Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Trinity.  We will celebrate our college Feast Day this Wednesday with Mass for all students, food and game stalls and a House Cup competition.  We are looking forward to this, our first Feast Day, with great joy.

A World of Misinformation

Have you ever had the experience of reading someone’s opinion or hearing it and knowing that what they are claiming is not accurate?  I know I have.

The ease of posting comments on social media or of creating a blog or a website has greatly facilitated people’s ability to broadcast their opinions to the world.  This would not be a problem if people kept their comments and opinions to their own areas of expertise, checked their facts before posting or always told the truth.  Unfortunately, quite often, this is not the case and misinformation is rife.

Misinformation can be deliberate or unintentional.  The now prevalent “fake news” stories and social media posts are certainly examples of deliberate misinformation.  The rise of AI has created a new source of misinformation.  AI will sometimes “hallucinate” and deliberately provide false information when it does not know the correct answer to a question or cannot correctly interpret a complex or ambiguous question.  It can also accidentally make mistakes in certain situations.  Whether deliberate or unintentional, misinformation is insidious and potentially destructive.

Fact checking is now an important skill every person must hone.  Political ads, for instance, sometimes make claims that are simply not true.  One party claims inflation is hirer than ever, even though it is demonstrably lower than it has been.  People who do not follow current affairs and who do not check facts, often simply believe what they hear or read.  Not checking the facts can lead people to make wrong assumptions, which lead to wrong decisions, some of which may be very important decisions.  We must check facts.

A related issue is the sense of entitlement that many people have these days, that they can post whatever they want, right or wrong, and that people should respect their opinion regardless.  I am sure we have all seen posts that have degenerated into overly emotional or abusive to-and-fro because someone justifiably ridiculed what someone else was saying.

The spread of misinformation is enabled by people sharing or retweeting posts almost as a reflex action because what they read sounds interesting or important for people to know.  The post is passed on without any checking of facts, checking of the validity of sources, or reflection on consequences.  This often happens with hoaxes, conspiracy theories, fabricated reports, alarming news stories and other provocative posts.

Brian Cox, British professor of particle physics and well-known presenter of science programs for the BBC, sums things up beautifully:

“The problem with today’s world is that everyone believes they have the right to express their opinion AND have others listen to it.  The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!”

I must agree.  Great harm can be done to individuals and to society at large by the dissemination of misinformation and fake news.  Look at the appalling state of the USA right now.  We have a responsibility to check facts, to check sources, to take issue with inaccurate or illogical statements and we have the right to ignore and cast aside nonsense.

Critical thinking is an essential skill we teach in every syllabus, in our Connect Groups, in our Wellbeing Program and in many other extracurricular programs.  At Trinity, we strive to give students the mindset and skills to think deeply.  We teach students not to take things for granted but to question, analyse and evaluate what they read, hear, say and write.  Critical thinking enables students to identify reliable information and to make reliable judgements.

Misinformation on social media is almost certainly unavoidable.  We aim to ensure that our students think critically and so are not only protected from the potential dangers of misinformation but also actively help stop its spread.

Happy Feast Day for Wednesday.

Best wishes,

Robert Emery
Principal

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

SAFEGUARDING

School TV on Respectful Relationships

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS / CARERS

Partial and Full day absences:

• SMS (text) messages:
• SMS messages will go out to parents/carers each morning at 9.10am
• If your child/ren signs in to school after this time (and it has not been explained on Compass), parents/carers will receive a SMS.
• These SMS’s are a bulk, automated notification and cannot be altered for individual circumstances.
• Explanations for partial/full absences can be entered by parents/carers via the Compass app, email studentsservices@tcc.catholic.edu.au or call 49 571 032 (option 1).
• Please note, we cannot explain an absence, unless it has come from the parent/carer. Student explanations will not be accepted. This includes late buses/trains.

• Weekly emails:
• Legislation states that unexplained absences (partial/whole) can only be explained within 7 days.
• An automated letter is sent out to parents/carers each week allowing them the opportunity to explain any partial/full absences within the 7 day Legislation period.
• Explanation of absences can be entered by parents/carers via the Compass App, email studentservices@adamstowntcc.catholic.edu.au or call 59 571 032 (option 1)

Student early sign out procedures Mon- Thurs:

Junior Students (Years 7-10):

• A parent/carer must present in person to Student Services to collect student/s.
• To ensure all students are accounted for on Compass, staff will only call students up once parents/carers have arrived at Student Services.

Senior Students (Years 11-12):

• Parents/carers should email Student Services to advise the time and reason that the Senior student is signing out.
• Once notification has been received, Senior students are allowed to sign themselves out at Student Services.

Student early sign out procedures FRIDAYS:

Junior Students (Years 7-10)

• Parents should email Student Services prior to  9.00am with the leave  request:  studentservices@adamstowntcc.catholic.edu.au  OR send a parent note with your child which is given to the Sport Coordinator (Mr Cook) outside room 314 before 9.00am.
• Parents/carers are encouraged NOT to collect students during lesson time (ie,before 12.10pm)
• Parents/carers are required to report in person to Student Services. Please exercise patience with our office staff.

• Please note that if your child is going home with another parent, a written note is required giving permission, and details of who will be picking them up. If this is to occur from the sports venue the note is required to be handed to the supervising sports teacher.

Leaving the Sports Venue:

• No student is permitted to leave the sports venue during school hours without a parent or carer collecting their child from the venue and speaking directly to the supervising teacher.

Senior Students (Years 11-12)

• Parents/carers should email Student Services to advise the time and reason that the Senior student is signing out.
• Once notification has been received, Senior students are allowed to sign themselves out at Student Services.

There are alternative activities arranged for wet weather and students should not be going home early from school.

During sport a supervised room is available for injured students to complete classwork and/or study as an alternative to leaving school early.

WELLBEING

Year 11 Wellbeing Wednesdays: A Focus on Mental Health

Over the past three Wellbeing Wednesdays, Year 11 students have had the opportunity to hear from a series of guest presenters, each offering valuable insights into the importance of mental health during the senior years.

In Week 5, our School Counsellor, Julie Hicks, spoke about the support services available at the College and her role in helping students navigate challenges. She explained the difference between manageable feelings of stress or anxiety, which can be signs that students care about their studies, and more serious feelings of overwhelm that can impact daily life and wellbeing.

The following week, we welcomed Byron from Headspace, who shared his passion for working with young people and promoting mental health awareness. Byron encouraged students to remember the "power of three": to identify three trusted people they can reach out to, and three activities that help them feel calm, such as music, walking, time in nature, exercise, or meditation.

Last week, Caroline Kennedy, the TCC Social Worker, addressed students about her role in supporting wellbeing and academic success. She emphasised the importance of working in partnership with families and community services to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

These sessions are part of our ongoing commitment to equipping students with the tools and support they need. Future Wellbeing Wednesdays will continue to explore topics such as self-care, where to find support, and how to maintain a healthy study-life balance.

AWARDS CEREMONIES

Parents and carers are invited to join us in the Factory Theatre to celebrate the academic achievements of our students across Semester 1. Awards will recognise excellence, consistent effort, and improvement in learning. It’s a wonderful opportunity to join as a community to acknowledge and encourage the dedication and growth of our students.

Ceremony Dates:

• Years 7 & 8 – Monday 30 June, 1.40pm
• Year 10 – Wednesday 2 July, 2pm
• Year 9 – Thursday 3 July, 2pm

Note that Year 11 Awards will take place at the end of their Preliminary studies.

CREATIVE ARTS / LANGUAGES

DioDrama – Wednesday 4 June, Civic Theatre Playhouse

Trinity Catholic College students took part in the annual Diodrama production, an offshoot of Aspire allowing budding actors to showcase their skills in a professional theatre. Together with St Mary’s Gateshead and St Paul’s Booragul, twenty-two of our students presented a series of short, one act plays. The plays were a compilation of the 2025 Intersection plays for ATYP (Australian Theatre for Young People). The scripts were written by emerging playwrights aged 18-26 from all over Australia.

Four of our senior Drama students made their directorial debut and our talented cast and backstage crew all collaborated with professional sound and lighting to bring an amazing performance to the stage of the Newcastle Civic playhouse. 

Thanks to Ms Renai Thirlway (Drama teacher) who dedicates many hours on promoting the Performing Arts especially in the area of Drama. Watch out for updates on our next project for Term 4 – The Bard.

The performances were filmed on the night and have now been submitted for a competition run by ATYP. Stay tuned for the results!

Congratulations to our DioDrama students 2025:

Jayden Arunraj, Knox Barnett, Lara Bosworth, Lukas Duynhoven, Mithra Ganapathisubbu, Christy Geboy,

Ann Rose Jairaj, Ivy Jones, Charlie Kavanagh, Oscar Kelly, Felix Marosszeky, Tara Murphy, Mia Ross, Josephine Ryba, Ananta Sharma, Daisy-Mei Swain, Jonah Thompson, Lukas White, Gabriel Widseth, Charlotte Wilkins, Joshua Wolfson

DioSounds: One Call. One Mission. Thursday 5 June, Civic Theatre

On Thursday 5 June, Trinity Catholic College proudly took part in the 18th annual DioSounds concert at the Civic Theatre, themed One Call. One Mission. This special event brings together high schools from across the Diocese to showcase student talent in music and dance.

Trinity had the honour of opening the evening with a powerful a cappella performance of Michael Bublé’s version of Feeling Good. Our vocalists delivered a confident and moving rendition, coupled by our talented Stage Band who explored the jazz style with skill and energy.

Next, our Drumline impressed with their dynamic rhythms and precision, introducing the next song Higher Love by Steve Winwood. This led into a full band and vocal performance of When you were Young  by The Killers. This moment highlighted the teamwork and the amazing musical talent of our students.

Throughout the night, performances from all schools reflected the dedication and creativity of students across the Diocese. It was an uplifting celebration of the performing arts and the spirit of collaboration.

Congratulations to all Trinity performers on their outstanding effort and professionalism. Their conduct as representatives of Trinity Catholic College was of the highest standard, making all staff very proud. Special thanks to our dedicated music and performing arts staff—Mrs Lunarzewski, Mr Sharples, Mrs Burns and Mrs Logan—for their ongoing support and commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to the following students:

Year 7

Elliana Cardwell, Luka Carty, Scarlett Dexter, Xavier Dunn, Wanjiku Eaton, Ellie Johnstone, Raghav Karanth

Year 8

Maiya Abson, Jayden Arunraj, Nicholas Blazevic, Ollie Bosworth, Lewis Goode, Gino Joji, Oscar Kelly, Henry Nielson, Dani Paez, Hector Standen, Isaiah Tester

Year 9

Chloe Alexander, Mollyjane Boyson, Noah Jepsen, Eddie Robinson, Archer South, Charlotte Wilkins

Year 10

Lara Bosworth, Xavier Byrnes, Olivia Fairleigh, Daniel Jomon, Ivy Jones, Knox Morgan, Isabella Robinson, Mary Tutman, Gabe Widseth, Josh Wolfson, Taylah Young

Year 11

Elijah Dunn, Tyler Relf, William Foerste Wong

BIOLOGY

Year 11 Biology Students Explore the Wetlands

Our Year 11 Biology students had the opportunity to visit the Shortland Wetland Centre this week as part of their Depth Study for Modules 3 and 4. The day was a fantastic chance for students to apply their classroom learning to the natural world, as they collected a range of abiotic and biotic data to support their studies.

Although the wind made its presence known, we were lucky to enjoy sunny skies, and even luckier to have such a positive and enthusiastic group of students. Their willingness to get involved and engage with the fieldwork made for a highly successful and enjoyable day of outdoor learning.

It was wonderful to see our students connecting theory to practice in such a meaningful way.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Food Technology Celebration Unit- Cake Assessment

In this unit, our Year 10 Food Technology students explored the role of food in celebrations across different cultures and occasions. As part of the assessment, they designed, planned, and produced a celebration cake that reflected a specific themed event. Students applied practical skills in cake baking and decorating, along with planning and time management strategies. The task was a great way to test their creativity and problem-solving skills!

SPORT

14yrs Girls Rugby League                   Lakeside Sporting Complex             3 June 2025

NSWCCC X Country Championships          Sydney Equestrian Centre    11 June 2025   

15yrs Rugby League                Lakeside Sporting Complex           12 June 2025  

13yrs Rugby League                               Salamander Bay                       13 June 2025

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

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:  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.