Farewell Class of 2024

Commencing at St Mary’s Church with a liturgy, highlighting the values, heritage and heart and soul that the former Year 12 students have been immersed in for six years, the Graduation Ceremony also honoured our high achievers who were presented with books and certificates for their hard work and commitment to achieving their best.

The graduands were then presented to Mr Paul Clohesy to receive their certificates and received a special blessing from Fr Michael, who presented each of them with a candle to symbolise the light of Christ that will guide them through their years ahead.

It was a poignant moment for Fr Michael who was participating in his final Trinity graduation ceremony prior to semi-retirement in Apollo Bay at the end of the year. As he congratulated many of the students by name with a special word of praise and appreciation for their commitment to being their best, his long and deep connection with the Colac Catholic community was evident.

During Fr Michael’s Homily, he spoke about the nation’s new Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn, who spoke about the role that ‘care’ has in the Australian identity. Fr Michael connected this simple yet profound trait to the Trinity College message, We Make A Difference, affirming that the gathered young people were in the best possible place to launch into the world as caring, loving and compassionate citizens prepared to make the world a better place.

Principal Mr Paul Clohesy presented his address to the community, acknowledging the unsung heroes behind the Trinity journey – the families, parents and carers who have been there through the long days, providing unwavering belief in their children and their commitment to the educating the whole child. He thanked the College teachers and staff at who supported the learning and wellbeing of the cohort and acknowledged the tremendous privilege it is to have an impact on the lives of others.

College Captains for 2024, Paige Compton and Brady Hall, addressed their peers, speaking of the memories shared and the bond they will forever have. With their formal attire glowing in the beautiful church, the newly-inducted alumni of Trinity College Colac were reflective as their Year Level Coordinator, Mrs Jade Elborough, then went to the lectern, holding back tears as she spoke of the year she has spent as their mentor and supporter and assured them they would be missed. Finally, the parents, carers, staff and graduates watched a movie that captured their Trinity journey from Year 7 to their final days before being invited back to relax and enjoy each other’s company back at the College.

The majority of the Class of 2024 commenced their first day at Trinity in 2019 with a cohort of 157 students and Mrs Cate McCullagh as their Transition Coordinator. College Captains were Ruby Nelson and Jack Holland and Principal was Mr Tim O’Farrell who passed the baton to Mr Paul Clohesy in the fourth term.