From the Head of the Preparatory School

Stage 3 Father Son Breakfast

This morning we welcomed a large number of dads and their sons for a BBQ breakfast and a chance to enjoy one another’s company. It has been too long since we have been able to do this! These sorts of events are so important in developing community and supporting dads as they act as key role models for their sons. Whilst the main focus of the morning was connection and fun, I did interrupt the proceedings briefly to share a few reflections.

Firstly, I reflected on the current discussions about ‘consent’. I have been thinking a lot about what the implications of this discussion are for primary boys. I shared my belief that it is never too early to engage our boys with the important messages associated. However, I also made the point that the underlying focus should be one of respecting others. This is a message that the boys should be hearing loudly and clearly from school and home.

Secondly, I have had a number of conversations with boys and parents recently about the importance of boys being comfortable in themselves and not trying to impress others or be like someone else. This is such an important message that our boys need to hear, and one that is very powerful coming from a father to his son. Dads should regularly remind their boys how proud they are of them and how much they love them for the person they are.

Finally, I reflected on the importance of Trinity’s commitment to mind, body and spirit. I suggested to the dads that our focus often falls on our son’s academic growth or his sporting achievements. Whilst these two areas of life are important and should be celebrated, I suggested that we keep in mind the importance of our son’s wellbeing. I reminded dads that our past glories on the sporting field and in the classroom are long gone and what remains most important in our lives today is our wellbeing and mental health. This is something that needs to be prioritised from a young age, above and beyond achievements. I also suggested that spiritual wellbeing is something that lasts for eternity and is definitely worthy of consideration. 

Gala Concert

On Wednesday I had the privilege of attending the Gala Concert at the City Recital Hall. It was simply brilliant! Throughout the evening there was a wide showcase of the musical groups that highlighted individual talents of the boys from all three campuses. Whilst I am sure I am biased, one of the particular highlights of the concert was the performance by the Combined Primary Choir consisting of boys from the Preparatory and Junior Schools. The boys performed For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter. They also joined a Trinity Combined Choir and the Academy Orchestra for a performance of Magnificat by J.S. Bach. The Trinity Singers involved in the performance were fabulous and should feel very proud of their involvement. Well done, boys!

Congratulations to Dr McGregor, Mrs Campbell, Mrs Smeulders and the entire Music Department at Trinity.

Mr Pratt, our former P-12 Director of Music, was honoured and thanked in person on the evening, having retired last year. Unfortunately, COVID denied him the chance to be involved in a final Gala Concert, but it was wonderful to acknowledge his significant contributions to the Music Department across all campuses throughout his time at Trinity.

Studio Concerts

Building on the success of the Gala Concert, this week there have been more Studio Concerts showcasing and celebrating the emerging talents of many of our young musicians. It has been wonderful to see and hear about boys from Pre-K up to Year 6, from beginners to more accomplished, all playing with such confidence. According to Mrs Campbell there were 252 individual performances across all of the Studio Concerts. This is an incredible number for a school of our size. Congratulations to all of our performers and the Music Department!

Reconciliation Week

On Monday morning two of our School Officers spoke to the boys about the important message of Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day. Specifically, the boys drew the other students’ attention to the concept of ownership of the land and reminded them of the reason we begin each week, and each major School event, with an Acknowledgement of Country. They also spoke about the Aboriginal flag, the meaning behind its colours and reminded the boys of why we raise this flag each morning alongside the Australian flag.

Llandilo Development

This week is an exciting week in the Llandilo Development as the scaffold on the southern side of the development has started to come down. It is great to be able to see the new façade of the School. The works have progressed well and truly on schedule with the builders hoping to have the development at lock-up by the end of next week. The internal works now begin in earnest with the development looking to be handed over to the School towards the end of next term, on schedule!

Year 3 Sport Programme

Today is the final week of the Year 3 Sport programme for Term 2. This term’s programme has focused on Cricket. The boys have trained on Thursday during the school day and again on Friday afternoon before finishing the sessions by playing a modified game. The Year 3 Sport programme provides boys with the opportunity to develop a wide range of sports skills and the chance to apply them to game situations. This is extremely important to assist boys in making an informed decision about Saturday sport selection in Year 4. I have been encouraged by the reports I have heard back about the boys’ growth on the Cricket field.

Winter Sport

As we near the middle of the Winter Season it has been encouraging to see the progress of the individual boys’ skills and the great development in the teamwork displayed by each of the teams. As our boys take the field again this Saturday, I look forward to hearing of this continuing. Whilst it is always good to win, the most pleasing aspect of the recent performances has been the commitment, team spirit and sportsmanship shown by the boys. Well done, boys!

This Saturday the combined Prep and JS 1st XV Rugby team has the opportunity to play on Trinity’s Number 1 Oval against Knox, just prior to the High School 1st XV. This will be a tremendous honour for the boys and will also include an opportunity for the senior boys to share some pieces of advice prior to their game.

Chris Wyatt | Head of the Preparatory School

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2

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