October, 2024

On Saturday 26 October, Year 9 student Jasmine Jones was announced as the winner of the South Australian Geography Photo Competition

Jasmine received her award at a ceremony in the State Library Institute Building and her framed photo will be on public display, along with the other 11 finalists’ photos, until mid-December.

During the ceremony, SA Regional Tourism Manager for the Yorke Peninsula, Jessica Greatwich spoke about how photographs help her tell the story of the Yorke Peninsula and help her market the region to local, interstate and international visitors. She praised the young photographers for their engagement with the world around them and their excellent photos that show global connection.

Member for Florey Michael Brown MP, also spoke about the importance of geography in our ever-changing world and encouraged students to embrace their studies. He congratulated all finalists on their success in this competition and along with Ms Greatwich, presented certificates and awards to the finalists.

Jasmine’s winning photograph was taken at the internationally renowned, Adelaide based WOMADelaide festival that celebrates cultural diversity. 

Jasmine said “Once a year musicians, dancers, performers, and entertainers, converge in Adelaide’s Botanic Park, for a weekend to celebrate diverse culture, cuisine and art.”

“I think this photo represents inclusion and the joy of living in the moment. Music encourages us to globally connect. As you can see, anyone can join in, express themselves, and understand each other through music, the universal language. At this festival, the power of music, art and multiculturalism combine to create cultural understanding. I love going to this festival!”

On Tuesday 22 October, Trinity College was delighted to host the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water as well as Matt Burnell MP, Member for Spence for a student question and answer forum. 

Students were able to ask questions of the Minister about her work, and the Minister was able to listen to the interests and concerns of a good sample of young people from our community.

The Minister was open and engaging and took questions regarding politics, women in leadership, education and environmental issues.  Just some of the questions from students included

• What are your views regarding the responsibility of government to find a balance between supporting potentially harmful environmental practices such as fossil fuel use and mining, compared with the need to be environmentally responsible?
• What is the current balance or imbalance between renewable and non-renewable energy generation across Australia and can you discuss if and why the government might be continuing to support new non-renewable energy projects?
• As a female leader can you describe what barriers or challenges women face when attempting to enter politics and particularly once they’ve been elected?

Head of Trinity College, Nick Hately said “As a College we feel our students gained a great deal from the visit and the students certainly came away more informed about the political process and environmental issues.” 

Before she departed Minister Plibersek commented how impressed she was with Trinity, particularly to our commitment to broad enrolment, sustainability and high quality.

The annual Oak Valley trip is a special and immersive experience that provides students with the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions firsthand. 

Oak Valley, located in the heart of South Australia, holds deep cultural significance, particularly to the Aboriginal community. The trip offers students a unique chance to engage in cultural learning that goes beyond the classroom and is designed to foster respect and understanding of the land, the people, and their stories, with a strong focus on preserving and celebrating Aboriginal traditions.

The journey typically lasts a week, giving students ample time to fully immerse themselves in the culture and environment of Oak Valley. To reach the remote location, students and staff travel together by bus, which provides an opportunity for bonding and building excitement along the way. The bus trip also offers scenic views of South Australia's diverse landscapes, from urban areas to the vast, open spaces of the outback, helping students to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the country.

During the trip, students participate in a variety of hands-on activities such as storytelling, bushwalking, and traditional practices that are central to Aboriginal life. These activities help students gain a deeper understanding of how the Aboriginal community connects with the land, practices sustainable living, and preserves their cultural heritage. Through these experiences, students learn the importance of Country, the spiritual and physical connection to the land that is central to Aboriginal culture.

Moreover, the Oak Valley trip also serves as an opportunity for students to reflect on the impacts of colonisation and the historical challenges faced by Aboriginal communities. It encourages dialogue about reconciliation and the significance of mutual respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The trip is not just about learning facts but is about developing empathy, respect, and a sense of responsibility towards Aboriginal culture and the environment.

For students, the Oak Valley trip often becomes a transformative experience. They return not only with a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal culture but also with lasting memories of working together as a team, learning in the outdoors, and connecting with nature in a profound way. It's a trip that emphasises personal growth, cultural respect, and environmental awareness, making it a cornerstone for building future leaders with a strong sense of social justice and community responsibility.

Source: Zoe Shaw, Oak Valley Co-ordinator