Retirement beckons for CBC legend

On the final day of Term 1, CBC Fremantle gathered to provide a very special send-off to a stalwart of the College.

Ms Trevanna Cooper began working at CBC Fremantle more than 40 years ago and has well and truly made her mark since.

Over the decades that have passed, Ms Cooper has earned a reputation as a living legend, known for her tough love approach that has helped develop thousands of students into CBC gentlemen.

Under her watch, the College Library has become a space for all students to flourish, in no small part thanks to Ms Cooper’s dedication to helping students pursue whatever they are passionate about.

In her effort to constantly develop new skills and facilitate the changing needs and interests of the generations of boys she has mentored, it was not unusual to find the innovative teacher-librarian tinkering at her desk or furiously taking notes while trying to work out a new technology to help a student.

After leading a major redevelopment of the College’s Library in 2008 in preparation for the the inaugural intake of Year 7 students, Ms Cooper has continued to foster a space that feels more like a community hub, complete with a café, radio studio and green screen. Ms Cooper will be remembered by many as the backbone behind the life-changing Kairos Retreat for senior students – one of many lasting and profound impacts from her role as a key facilitator of Liturgies and Retreats.

Throughout that time, Ms Cooper has continued to model strong faith and deep love that has connected students to their life mission in meaningful and authentic ways.

In 2019, Ms Cooper’s work was officially recognised by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) as part of their Touchstone awards by being presented with the Gospel Spirituality Award, honouring the effect she has on everyone she meets.

Ms Cooper’s final day at the College began with a standing ovation at the College’s Easter Liturgy, before the passionate foodie spent some time baking with her Mentor Group. The special day concluded with a celebration in the Staffroom, where former and current colleagues and family gathered to reflect on her massive achievements over the last 40 years.

Now enjoying a very well-earned retirement, Ms Cooper’s legacy lives on at the College in countless ways, including through ‘Trevanna’s Tree’ outside the Chapel, where members of the community are encouraged to tie ribbons when they are in need of people’s prayers.