From the Head of the Junior School

Dear Parents and Friends of the Junior School,

We were not surprised but disappointed with the lengthy extension to the city lockdown and the implications for schooling. Almost every teacher, student and parent would prefer to have boys on-site, but that is not to be for at least the next four weeks. I thank everyone, parents, boys, teachers and aides, for their patience and additional efforts in maintaining momentum for learning. Please keep doing your best and we will do the same.

Thank you for the many messages of support communicated for our teachers. The encouragement is very affirming for the teachers and helps to keep their spirits high. Much like students miss the daily interaction, teachers also miss the contact with students and one another. Learning is usually a shared experience, and all are missing the energy that comes from social interaction and being together.  

Please continue to read the updates that will be distributed each Thursday, outlining events and registration details for the week ahead. The key points in yesterday’s update were:

• We remain conscious that every family is in different circumstances and facing different pressures – we will continue to strike a balance with check-ins, teaching and tasks, to facilitate routine whilst allowing the flexibility needed by the variety of our learners.  
• A number of special events are being planned to energise the boys, build community and break-up routine. Next week, we will abandon our now-familiar morning routine on Thursday to hold the ‘Junior-lympics’. Details will be provided early next week – we are looking forward to sporting achievements to rival what we are seeing in Tokyo!

We will also be planning other special events for boys to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Book Week will be the focus in Week 5 and Science Week will provide special opportunities in Week 6.  

At this stage, it would be foolish to forecast when we will return to face-face schooling or what this may look like. At that time, we will be better placed to advise which calendar events will be able to be re-scheduled or re-imagined. I can flag that we are conscious that all Father and Son Breakfasts have been missed this year, so we are planning to hold a virtual event for all boys and fathers to be scheduled to coincide with Father’s Day.    

As always, if you have questions or concerns about how your son is coping, please reach out to us using  juniorschoollearning@trinity.nsw.edu.au or juniorschoolpastoral@trinity.nsw.edu.au.  

Mark Dunn | Head of the Junior School

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4