From the Head of the Preparatory School

Remembrance Day

On Thursday we commemorated Remembrance Day as a community at an outdoor gathering on the top basketball court. Whilst this sounds like a completely normal thing to do, the reality of this year has made it very unusual for the Prep School to gather together as a whole school. It was an absolute delight to do so, particularly given the significance of the event and all that it represents.

I also used the occasion to remind the boys that they are part of a much bigger school and community. One of the significant challenges faced by all this year has been the feeling of isolation and being separated from others due to COVID restrictions. Whilst this continues to be the new ‘normal’ it is important to remember that we are part of something bigger and that we all play a part in making the Prep School a special learning community.

Orientation Day

We are eagerly looking forward to Orientation Day on Friday 3rd December when students will have the opportunity to meet new students that will be joining their cohort and the teachers on the grade they will be entering. Whilst Orientation Day will continue as planned for students, there are additional measures and limitations to ensure the safety of our existing and new students, and their families.

Kindergarten Orientation

Over the coming weeks, our Pre-K students will begin transitioning to Kindergarten. This will involve a range of short experiences where they have the opportunity to become familiar with the learning spaces and playground.

On Orientation Day, the Pre-K students will spend the day in Kindergarten along with any new students. Existing parents will not be able to enter the School on this day.

Transitioning to Kindergarten is not just a big step for the students – it is also a significant step for parents. To support parents in this, we are preparing two information sessions that will provide guidance and support for parents as their boys transition into Kindergarten. The following sessions will be shared with parents next week:

• Learning…the Trinity Way – an overview of Trinity’s approach to learning and teaching.
• Working Together on Wellbeing – an exploration of how parents and teachers can work in partnership to support student wellbeing.

Staffing News

As the year draws to an end, there are always a number of staffing changes as people move onto new professional opportunities. I am saddened to announce that Mrs Kirsti Hitz-Morton will be leaving Trinity Prep at the end of this year after 5 years of outstanding service. Kirsti has accepted a role as a Senior Education Consultant at Hutton Consulting Australia which will provide her with an exciting new chapter in her career. Kirsti has been instrumental in shaping teaching and learning across the school, but most notably in Pre-K and the early years. For now, Kirsti’s focus remains on finishing the year strongly!

This news has provided an opportunity to consider the opportunities for growth and development that lie ahead as a school. This reflection has led to a leadership structure resulting in the following appointments for 2022:

• Head of Curriculum – Mrs Fiona Evans
• Head of Academic Care – Mrs Jessica Ford
• Early Years Coordinator – Ms Sarah Clay

Stage 3 Parent Information Session – Monday 15th November

As we begin to look to next year, we are keen to share with parents of students entering Year 5 and 6 about the exciting learning journey that awaits them in 2022 and how it will be similar and different. On Monday 15th November at 6:00pm, we will be running a parent information session for families of students currently in Year 4 and 5 to unpack Flexible Personalised Learning and to provide a glimpse into what it currently looks like. The session will take place via Teams and there will be an opportunity for a Q&A at the end of the session. Please RSVP via this link to indicate your attendance. The link also provides an opportunity to ask any questions that you have about next year so that we can ensure that these are covered in the presentation.

The presentation can be accessed via the link below.

Stage 3 Parent Information Session

IPSHA NetFit Saturday Sport program

It has been really encouraging to hear about the engagement of the students in the NetFit program that is being run online each Saturday morning. Tomorrow is the fourth of five sessions and it can be accessed via this link.

End of Year Dates

In light of the ongoing restrictions we have had to modify a number of end of year event. The current plan is as follows. Any additional changes will be communicated closer to the date.

• Tuesday 23rd November: Year 6 PYP Exhibition – online event.
• Monday 6th December: Years 3-6 Prize Giving – this event will be for students only but will be live streamed for parents. Time still to be confirmed.
• The Christmas Service will be pre-recorded and sent home.
• Tuesday 7th December: Year 6 Valedictory Service – we hope to be able to invite parents onsite for this event. Details still to be confirmed.
• Wednesday 8th December: Final day for all Prep School students and Picnic Day for Years 3-6.
• Thursday 9th December: Year 7 2022 Allwell Testing – Year 6 students only will need to attend school on this day to take part in Allwell Testing. The result of these assessments is invaluable for the Middle School teachers and Housemasters as they support the students’ transition into Year 7 and beyond.

Chris Wyatt | Head of the Preparatory School

“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31