Holder of the flame

Trevanna Cooper has been a vital part of the CBC Fremantle community for 37 years and last year was recognised for her extraordinary service at the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) awards that honour the very best of what a Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition can be.

The annual accolades are divided into four categories reflecting the EREA Touchstones and Ms Cooper was announced winner of the Gospel and Spirituality award at a special gala event in Melbourne.

While running a tight ship in the hectic hub of the school, Ms Cooper has consistently modelled, promoted and visioned Gospel Values and spirituality for generations of students, staff and parents.

The innovative teacher-librarian displays abundant compassion and patience daily with both students and work colleagues, and is constantly developing new skills to facilitate the changing needs and interests of the boys. The Ideas Shop continues evolving in order to engage students in meaningful ways as Ms Cooper commits herself and her College to excellence.

As well as developing opportunities for the constant stream of boys who enjoy the dynamic and diverse space that is the Library, Ms Cooper also seeks to preserve and promote the College’s heritage as the unofficial archivist and ‘holder of the flame’.

As a long time facilitator of Liturgies and Retreats at CBC, especially the Year 12 Kairos experience, Ms Cooper has modelled strong faith and deep love that enables students to let go and experience God in a meaningful and authentic way. She has striven so that boys might see the divine in themselves and, in doing so, has gifted many students with a closer relationship with God.

As an active member of the Edmund Rice Network, Ms Cooper’s strong servant leadership has promoted links with other ministries including ER Mirrabooka, which provides invaluable services to migrants and asylum seekers, and Tuart Place, which supports people who have been abused in institutional care. For several years, under Ms Cooper’s guidance, the College has hosted clients from these organisations to join in the festivities at Edmund Rice Day, providing an experience of healing and grace for many.

Now educating the sons of some of her previous students, Ms Cooper never forgets a face and is a constant in the College. She seeks to challenge students, staff and community to live Gospel Values in an authentic and relevant way, and always helps those she meets to find a path to enjoy a life with meaning.