Special 150th Anniversary Events and Merchandise Available

150 Years of Catholic Secondary Education in Ōtepoti Dunedin

Dear Trinity Catholic College whānau

As you may have seen, this week our Trinity Catholic College whānau will gather to celebrate an extraordinary milestone—150 years of Catholic secondary education in Ōtepoti Dunedin!

Our 150th Anniversary Weekend will bring together past and present students, families, staff, and supporters to celebrate our rich, shared history. From our early foundations with the Dominican Sisters in 1871 and the Christian Brothers in 1876, the merging of St Philomena’s, St Dominic’s, and then Moreau College and St Paul’s High School to establish Dunedin’s first co-ed Catholic College in 1989, through to the vibrant Trinity Catholic College community we treasure today, this gathering on Rattray Street will honour every thread of our legacy. Mark your calendars for this historic celebration of faith, unity, resilience, and hope!

Information

More information about the anniversary can be found on our school website https://www.trinity.school.nz/

With details of the events here:

https://www.trinity.school.nz/about/alumni/150th-anniversary

(including the registration link).

Saturday afternoon Debate and Showcase

Saturday 17th October: Join us at 1:00pm for an entertaining student showcase and an exciting 'past vs. present students' debate featuring notable alumni.

Full event tickets are $35 via the registration link and include afternoon tea in the school gym following the show.

Option for Current Families: If you prefer to attend just the auditorium performance without the afternoon tea, door sales will be available on the day for $15 per adult and $5 per student.

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

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!

This is a significant occasion where we gather all threads of our shared heritage together, acknowledging where we have come from while nurturing the bright promise of generations yet to come - Te whetū tīrama i te puke, the shining light on the hill. Nau mai, haere mai.

Warm Regards

Trinity Catholic College 150th Anniversary Organising Committee