## Overview
Trinity Catholic College is a Catholic, co-educational secondary college serving Goulburn and surrounding communities. As a systemic Catholic school, it combines a strong faith-based ethos with solid academic programs to prepare students for life beyond school. The college tends to be medium-to-large in size, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, allowing for approachable teacher contact while maintaining a broad range of subjects and activities. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a culture that values faith, learning, sport, and community service.
The school emphasises partnership with families and parish life, promoting respectful behavior, service, and personal growth. Students participate in a supportive community where academics, faith formation, and extracurricular involvement are integrated to help them develop as well-rounded young people.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, and STEM-focused subjects, with emphasis on critical thinking, literacy, and numeracy across the curriculum. Leadership and global perspectives are encouraged through classroom and co-curricular activities.
- Special programs: HSC/ATAR pathways for senior years, along with VET (vocational education and training) options and opportunities for accelerated or enhanced learning for high-achieving students.
- NAPLAN trends: Steady to positive trends in NAPLAN performance over recent years, with particular strength in reading and numeracy and ongoing focus on writing and problem-solving skills.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes in the low-to-mid 20s, with a strong emphasis on accessible, supportive teaching and targeted small-group interventions as needed.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated learning support, EAL (English as an Additional Language), and SEN (special education needs) support through a Learning Support team, with accommodations and targeted interventions.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Rugby league, soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming, and more, with opportunities to participate at school level and in district events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive inter-school teams and a culture that encourages participation, collaboration, and sportsmanship across codes.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music programs, choirs and ensembles, drama productions and performance opportunities, as well as visual arts initiatives.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, public speaking, and various interest-based clubs to foster curiosity and collaboration.
- Partnerships: Ties with local clubs and regional competitions to extend opportunities beyond the school, including community arts and sports programs.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs that promote respect, inclusion, and a positive school climate.
- House system: A house-based structure that supports camaraderie, mentoring, and healthy competition across years.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support students’ mental health, resilience, and academic planning.
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation, buddy programs, and targeted supports to help new students settle in smoothly.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts to support a wide range of physical education and extracurricular activities.
- Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces and resources for research, reading, and project work.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories designed for hands-on experimentation and inquiry across disciplines.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music rehearsals, ensembles, and drama performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Facilities for computer science, digital media, robotics, and design-thinking projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen providing a variety of healthy food options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, well-maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and break times.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A Catholic ethos built on respect, compassion, service, integrity, and excellence; learning with faith and purpose.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive leadership with opportunities for student voice through councils and representative channels.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear norms centered on respect, responsibility, safety, and positive engagement.
- Community reputation: A strong sense of community within the local area, with active parental involvement and parish connections.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and providing equitable access to learning and participation.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from morning to mid-afternoon, with start and finish times aligning to NSW Catholic school schedules.
- Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care or supervised study programs for families needing extension hours.
- Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform required, with guidelines for everyday wear and approved sports or activity dress for physical education.
- Transport (bus routes): Local bus services and school transport options connecting Goulburn and nearby communities; information about routes and timetables available through the school.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen providing a range of meal and snack options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are typically characterized as mid-range within NSW Catholic secondary education, with potential additional costs for activities, excursions, and elective subjects.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an application during the school’s designated intake period, with important deadlines announced by the diocese and the college. Applications typically include student information, supporting documents, and proof of eligibility. After submission, families may be contacted for the next steps, including interviews or information sessions, and notification timelines.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can occur when demand exceeds vacancies. The school may manage waitlists by date of application, eligibility, and available places. Parents are kept informed of their status and any steps needed to progress.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often involves an interview or information session for both students and parents. Some Catholic schools may request brief assessments or a review of prior academic records to understand support needs and placement.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible subject to vacancies and a smooth transition plan. Prospective families should contact the enrolment officer to discuss availability and required documentation.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-driven environment with a supportive, faith-filled community; strong academics, a range of extracurriculars, and a focus on holistic development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are engaged in faith life, value community, participate in sport or the arts, and are motivated to grow academically and personally.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Advanced and ATAR/HSC pathways, VET options, competitive sports teams, music and drama programs, and a variety of clubs (robotics, coding, debating, etc.).
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, email, parent portals, SMS alerts, parent-teacher interviews, and school social channels.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, differentiated instruction that integrates faith formation, project-based learning, and real-world application.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning Support teams, targeted interventions, tutoring, and tailored plans for EAL and SEN students.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, small-group supports, access to specialist staff, and personalised learning plans.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: newsletters, portals, emails, interviews, and alerts.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Classes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with opportunities for individual and small-group support as part of student services.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (team and individual), music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning across subjects, with access to computer labs, coding and STEM programs, and classroom technology to support engagement and outcomes.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options, with accessibility considerations and parking arrangements; detailed routes and timetables are available from the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are generally mid-range for NSW Catholic secondary schools, with potential extra costs for electives, excursions, uniforms, and approved activities.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic values-based education with a strong sense of community
- Balanced focus on academics, faith formation, and extracurriculars
- Moderate class sizes and accessible teachers
- Wide range of sports, arts, and clubs
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care
- Modern facilities and well-equipped learning spaces
- Cons
- Uniforms and certain costs are a regular expectation
- As a regional school, some specialist programs may be more limited than in larger city schools
- Transport options depend on local routes and may require planning for families living farther away
