Excellence, Community, Diversity – welcoming our 2009 students
Monday 2 March 2009
Trinity is buzzing with vibrant student life as the 2009 academic year moves into full swing in each of the College’s educational divisions.
Talent and diversity of resident students
The residential College has welcomed 115 new students from all states and major territories of Australia, from Malaysia, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the USA, Japan, Singapore, China, Macedonia and Switzerland. They originate from 73 different schools and bring with them an impressive array of talents.
We have also welcomed Dr Deane Blackler as Associate Dean, a resident position responsible for student welfare, the Revd Dr Dorothy Lee as Associate Chaplain to lead our Chapel life (a complementary role to her teaching position in the Theological School) and Mr Jeff Richardson to an expanded role as Academic Programs Officer with responsibilities in our Indigenous education programs.
Senior Student Eamon Byrne and the TCAC led an outstanding O-Week around the theme of ‘In the beginning…..’ Now, the tutorial timetable for first semester is being finalised, auditions are underway for the College play (Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party), the male and female Barbershop singing groups are rehearsing, the Choir has performed at the Myer Music Bowl, and the softballers and cricketers are training for their first games. Trinity life continues apace.
Mr Campbell Bairstow, Dean of the College
Investing in excellence still a priority
Despite the Global Financial Crisis, parents of incoming Trinity College Foundation Studies (TCFS) students still regard higher education at the best quality institution the family can possibly afford as a very high priority. Many who accompanied their offspring to the first-day ‘welcomes’ at Trinity commented that they view such education as an investment in their child's and the family's future.
A number of these parents were making this investment for the second or even the third time. One family said quite simply that TCFS had been so successful for their first child – who is now in her final year of a University of Melbourne degree – that they had not hesitated about finding the funds for their second daughter. In their eyes, TCFS had met and exceeded the family's expectations.
With 350 students commencing in the 2009 February Main intake – the largest of 10 intakes each year – it appears that quality and excellence continue to win the day, even amid global financial catastrophes.
Dr Barbara Cargill, Dean of International Programs
Theology community keeps expanding
The Theological School has begun 2009 with another record-breaking enrolment in its online and face-to-face programs. More than 54 students crammed into the OWL lecture room to begin the Ministry Formation Program. Among them, were candidates for ordination and aspirants from all the diocese of the Province of Victoria, as well as candidates from Brisbane and other Australian dioceses.
Online enrolments have never been stronger. Over 100 people are now enrolled in a variety of awards, ranging from Diplomas to Masters level study.
The community was pleased at its first Eucharist to commission its Senior Student for 2009, the Revd Jo White, who is also serving a curacy at St Dunstan's, Camberwell. She and the faculty are both looking forward to an increased profile for the Senior Student as the School continues to grow and develop.
Students in the Ministry Formation Program, although drawn from any ever-wider variety of Anglican traditions, are blending well into the School community and appear undismayed by the $2 million construction project at OWL which will begin at the end of May, and which will deliver a building more appropriate to their growing numbers.
The Revd Dr Tim Gaden, Dean of the Theological School