A Christmas letter from our Head of School, Dr. Joannah Clark.

As we begin to celebrate the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I am thankful for the many ways God has blessed Trinity Academy. I marvel, thinking back on the past 14 years, to see how our school has grown from a “one-room schoolhouse” in a basement to become a bustling center of life and learning, bringing together wonderful students and families that we did not even know when we were starting out. At Trinity, we call ourselves a community of learners, and we certainly are: lots of learning occurs every day. But recently I have been struck by how integral our sense of community is to our daily life.

The Trinity Academy community is many-layered and multifaceted. It spans ages, roles, and interests. It includes folks from a wide variety of backgrounds and denominations. We read and discuss, study and act, celebrate and grieve together. We laugh together and serve each other. We are a community of encouragement, excitement, support, and love. Here are just a few snapshots of the vibrant life our community has lived together in recent months:

In August, just weeks before school started, a family new to Trinity was moving from Salem to North Portland. On a Thursday afternoon, we heard that their moving truck would be pulling up to the new house that night. School admin sent a few texts and emails, and within hours, a group of Trinity students and parents were waiting at the family’s house, ready to help unload the truck. The next day, an even larger group of Trinity students and parents mobilized to help with a second load! This family was welcomed to their new home and their new school by a big group of folks they had never met, who were beyond excited to help them get settled. We are a community that welcomes and serves one another.

A few weeks ago, I was teaching sixth-grade homeroom class, and the students were diligently practicing penmanship, when we saw a commotion through the window of our classroom. Looking closer, we beheld the entire Junior class and their drama teacher dancing around the lower commons with reckless abandon! We couldn’t believe our eyes, and the sixth-graders were delighted. As it turns out, the wild dancing was part of rehearsals for the juniors’ class play - I can’t wait to see this scene in their upcoming production of The Tempest! We are a community that feels very comfortable around one another.

Our high school boys varsity cross-country team qualified for state championships this fall - go Thunder! As excitement built during the week leading up to the big race, the entire school gathered in the Trinity courtyard to watch and cheer for the athletes as they buzz-cut each other’s hair off in a show of team spirit (or perhaps to cut down on their air resistance?) Two days later, the whole school sent off our runners with more cheering and words of encouragement, forming a “human tunnel” in the courtyard to send the team off in high spirits. We are a community that cheers one another on and celebrates everyone’s accomplishments.

The faculty gathered for our Fall in-service day in early November. On these faculty seminar days, we discuss a work that we have read and take time to grow in our knowledge and skill as teachers. Plus, we get to share ample social time together over breakfast and lunch, continuing the good conversations from our meetings. As we gathered at a potluck breakfast, I saw faculty around the room deep in conversation with one another. At one table, a philosopher, a musician, a scientist, a scripture scholar, a mathematician, and a historian were listening intently to each others’ points. We are a community full of affection, interest, and enthusiasm for one another.

At Trinity’s graduation last June, valedictorian Hannah Kidd honored each of her classmates for their unique gifs and the traits and insights each one brought to the community of learners. She encouraged her classmates to “embrace the kind of good work God intends for his creation.” The good work God has for us is inextricably rooted in the community where he has placed us.

Every person who has been associated with our school, past and present, we consider part of our Trinity community; thank you for forming, nurturing, and growing the life that we have together. We are so grateful for the generous partners who make Trinity Academy’s mission possible with prayer and financial support. This year, Trinity awarded $325,000 in need-based aid, making it possible for students from a wide range of backgrounds to be part of our community. We ask that you consider supporting the work of Trinity Academy with a contribution this Christmas season. Every gift given before year-end directly supports need-based scholarships, allowing us to continue welcoming new students and families into the life of Trinity.

Thank you again for your support and prayers. We pray for you this Christmas season, and we ask that you continue to pray for the work of Trinity Academy and for everyone in our extended school community.

With gratitude,

Support Trinity Academy this Christmas!