The 150th Anniversary of Catholic Secondary Education in Dunedin will be acknowledged at an anniversary weekend, October 16th to 18th 2026.
150 years ago, a story began. Through decades of growth, shifting eras, and the joining of foundational schools whose combined legacies shaped who we are today, our school has built a community like no other.
We are delighted to give our community of past students, staff, and friends of Trinity Catholic College the opportunity to reflect on 150 years of Catholic Secondary School Education. The six schools that have come together since 1876 are part of a history that has contributed to who we are today. We invite all alumni from our ‘family tree’ to join us for a weekend of reconnection and memories.
Register Here
We look forward to seeing you!
Merchandise
To commemorate this landmark occasion, we are excited to offer our school community the opportunity to purchase a special range of limited-edition merchandise. Below you will find details and order form links for our anniversary t-shirts, badges, and commemorative wine selection.
1. 150th Commemorative T-Shirt
Wear a piece of our history with this special edition anniversary t-shirt!
Designed by Matua Tim Lucas especially for this occasion, the t-shirt features our 150th crest, honouring our shared history and the generations who have shaped it. We acknowledge our Kāi Tahu whānau, mana whenua of this place, whose presence and contribution are woven into this whakapapa. The design draws on the Poutama, the stepped pattern representing learning, growth, and striving ever upwards. For our Catholic community, it also reflects a stairway toward heaven, marking a journey of faith, the dignity of every person, and the pursuit of wisdom and virtue.
Details here: 150th Anniversary T-shirt Order Form
2. Commemorative Anniversary Badges
Carry a piece of our shared legacy with you!
Mark a century and a half of history with these limited-edition commemorative badges, available in two distinct designs.
Details here: 150th Anniversary Badges Order Form
3. Commemorative Wine Selection (18+ Alumni & Supporters Fundraiser)
Raise a glass to our past, present, and future!
We are pleased to offer our alumni, past pupils, and supporters (18+ only) an exclusive opportunity to purchase a special range of commemorative wines featuring our 150th anniversary crest. This fundraiser offers a fantastic way for our adult community to connect and directly contribute to key projects supporting our students.
Details here: Commemorative 150th Anniversary Wine Selection Order Form - Alumni Fundraiser
Whether you are collecting a keepsake for the October 2026 Anniversary Weekend or selecting a gift, this unique merchandise selection reflects our rich heritage and shared journey. Thank you for your ongoing support as we celebrate this extraordinary milestone together!
Main programme for the weekend
Friday 16th October
Special events happening throughout the school day.
6 pm - 9 pm - Welcome
Ticketed event - please purchase tickets via the registration link
An evening for past students, staff, and all in the community who have been part of our school journey through the years.
Held in the Trinity Catholic College gym, there will be an official welcome, followed by a social evening with finger food and refreshments. Features of the evening including a rather special guest, and a chance to enjoy memorabilia on display.
Entrance to the Trinity Catholic College Gym is on Rattray Street. Flat access is available from Bodkin Yard, beside the Trinity Catholic College Auditorium on the corner of York Place and Tennyson Street.
Saturday 17th October
Another chance to catch up at our college.
11 am - 1 pm
-
-
Guided school tours will be running - simply join one on the day.
-
Refuels and refreshments will be available on-site to purchase during this time.
-
The gym will be open again with the memorabilia on display, and opportunities for year group and previous school photos.
-
Venue: Trinity Catholic College Gym, entrance on Rattray Street. Flat access is available from Bodkin Yard, beside the Trinity Catholic College Auditorium on the corner of York Place and Tennyson Street.
1pm - Saturday afternoon Debate, Showcase, and Afternoon Tea.
Ticketed event - please purchase tickets via the registration link
Held in the Auditorium. Be entertained with quality performances by our current students and a very special event - our past v present students debate, featuring some incredible alumni. Afternoon tea to follow back in the school gym.
Venue: The Trinity Catholic College Auditorium is on the corner of York Place and Tennyson Street.
Following the Showcase and Afternoon Tea, is a Past-Present Football match (weather permitting). Further details regarding the time and venue will be available closer to the time on the "150th Anniversary Reunion at Trinity Catholic College" Facebook page.
Saturday night is open - gather with groups of friends and acquaintances to share old stories, experience the nightlife and hospitality of Dunedin, or revisit favourite old places with plenty of memories! This may be the ideal time for previous schools’ to organise a get-together.
Sunday 18th October
11 am - Come together for Mass at Mercy Parish (St Patrick’s Basilica, Macandrew Road), celebrated by Bishop Michael Dooley, followed by morning tea.
Come celebrate the rich history that brought us all together under one banner. Let’s honour where we came from and celebrate the future we're building together!
If you are unable to attend but want to support us, you can make a contribution toward event costs and the new Alumni Association fund. Click on the above link and select Register > Donate to contribute.
Photo credits:
Heritage New Zealand
Otago Daily Times
Papers Past
Hocken Collections