From the Head of the Preparatory School

Year 5 Bathurst Camp and Year 6 Canberra Camp

Earlier this week it was wonderful to send Year 5 and 6 off to Bathurst and Canberra, respectively, on overnight excursions. Before leaving I spoke to the students about the great learning opportunities that awaited them and I encouraged them to ask the tour guides at each of the places they visited hard hitting questions, reflective of their desire for deep knowledge and understanding. I also emphasised the importance of representing Trinity well in the way they conducted themselves in public and at their accommodation. I am thrilled to say that the feedback received by teachers was very affirming of our boys as outstanding examples of well-manned learners. Well done Year 5 and 6!

While in Canberra, our students had the great privilege and opportunity to watch Parliament in session. This is a little bit of a luck of the draw scenario when booking these events a year ahead. It was great to see that the member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin, tweeted about our boys being there.

More broadly, it was wonderful to resume our practice of sending boys on overnight excursions and camps. The last couple of years have made this very challenging, however, these learning opportunities are so critical in the development of the students, particularly in terms of growing in social skills, independence and resilience.

NAPLAN (Years 3 and 5)

As mentioned in Deborah Williams’ (Academic Dean) article last week, boys in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 will participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. These tests will be held in Term 2. A couple of weeks ago the boys in Years 3 and 5 had an opportunity to engage with a practice NAPLAN test. This allowed the students to be made familiar with the format, language, response types and time constraints of the writing, reading, conventions of language and numeracy tests before they take the tests in Term 2. It was also an opportunity for the School to test the technology platforms. Please be aware that no achievement feedback from these practice tests will be shared with the school. It should be noted that all of the tests in Year 3 and 5 will be online, with the exception of the Writing test in Year 3 which will continue to be completed with pencil and paper.

The schedule for the NAPLAN tests in Term 2 is outlined below.

COVID Vaccination for 5–11-year-old children

Australia is one of the most highly vaccinated countries in the world. Around 95 per cent of Australian adults are fully vaccinated. Over 50 per cent of 5- to 11-year-old children have received a first dose. This is ahead of vaccination rates in other countries but there is more we can do to ensure our children and our community stays protected.

I am seeking the ongoing support of parents to have their sons (and daughters) vaccinated. I appreciate that many families have already done so, but for those that haven’t first doses are still available for all children aged 5-11 years old. Second doses are also available 8 weeks after the first.

COVID-19 vaccines are a safe way to protect children, their families and friends from getting sick. Currently two vaccines are available – Pfizer for 5-11 year olds and Moderna for 6-11 year olds.

Vaccines reduce potential disruptions to learning, allowing children to continue to attend school and co-curricular activities. Vaccines have been through a rigorous testing and approval process and it is critical that we stress to parents the safety of getting a vaccine.

Please click HERE for the fact sheet for your reference and consideration. The Vaccine Clinic Finder can be used to book a vaccination appointment for children, and more resources are available on the Department of Health website at: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/who-can-get-vaccinated/children

Easter

Next Friday we will conclude Term 1 by joining together from Pre-K to Year 6 for our annual Easter Chapel service in the Gym. Gathering together at Easter is a great opportunity to remind the students of the incredible sacrifice Jesus paid on our behalf and the great news of his resurrection that gives us hope for eternity.

As Easter approaches, I am aware that some students like to commemorate this important time of year by sharing Easter eggs. Given COVID restrictions have continued to relax, I am pleased to let families know that this will be possible again this year. If you choose to do this, be encouraged to keep this within reason, not trying to outdo one another and please be conscious of other students’ allergies.

I am grateful to the Strathfield Auxiliary for the work they are doing to organise a hot cross bun delivery for families interested in taking part.

Winter Sports Trials – Years 4-6

In theory, this Saturday marks the beginning of our winter sport season as we begin trials for our Winter Sport teams. As I write this, it appears somewhat unlikely due to the constant rain throughout the week and the ominous forecast. Nonetheless, we live in hope! If we cannot start on Saturday, we will commence next Thursday, and continue the selection process in the first week of Term 2. I wish the boys all the best as they engage in this process. Teams will be finalised in the early weeks of Term 2 once the teams have had a chance to play together. The best part of the selection process is that no-one misses out. Some boys will be selected to IPSHA Teams, whereas others will have the opportunity to engage in our Intra-School competition which also offers a great pathway for students to develop games skills, teamwork and sportsmanship. These are the foundations of a Trinity sportsman. It is also worth noting that team selection is a fluid process that will see boys changing teams throughout the season based on their attitude and commitment at training and their contribution to team performance on Saturdays.

Chris Wyatt | Head of the Preparatory School

“My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62:7