From the Head of the Preparatory School
Term 3 comes to an end
It has been an incredibly busy and hugely fulfilling term for our Prep School community and it is hard to believe that we are already three quarters of the way through the year. It has been wonderful to see the development and growth in each and every one of our boys as the year has gone on. I am excited to welcome the boys back next term for a big finish to the year and the final term in primary school for our Year 6 boys.
Year 5 and 6 Camps
This week Year 5 and 6 students have been at camps at Lake Macquarie and the Colo River, respectively. It was great to visit both of the camps to see the boys engaging in a variety of outdoor education activities as well as having the opportunity to camp out in tents. Our Primary years’ camping program culminates with the Year 6 boys spending four nights camping out which is a challenge to many of the students but an incredible opportunity for character development. As I engaged with many of the students the overwhelming sentiment was one of great satisfaction as they had overcome the challenges that lay in front of them. Across the week there have been many opportunities for the students to grow in resilience, independence and social skills. I am particularly appreciative of the staff who attended all of the recent camps as they also have to spend time away from their families. This was even more noteworthy this week as the camps continued through the public holiday.
Pre-K – Year 6 Chapel Service
This afternoon we marked the end of a wonderful term with a Pre-K to Year 4 Chapel service, with our Year 5 and 6 students still away at camp. These whole school Chapels are a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of the boys, the highlights of the term and the tremendous sense of School spirit that exists at Prep. It also presents an opportunity to pray for rest, relaxation, fun and safety for the holiday period.
Transitioning into 2023 classes and expectations
As mentioned in last week’s Prep News, the transition from key stages of school life to the next has been a point of reflection for the Prep Executive this year based on some feedback received from parents who have lived through the transitions described above. To better support the partnership we share in the boys’ education, and to foster an increased level of trust, we are planning to run a Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 26th October at 6:00pm. The session will attempt to unpack the transitions in key areas of school life such as Pre-K to Kindy, Year 2 to Year 3, and Year 4 to Year 5. We will provide guidance for parents so they know what to expect and can walk this journey with confidence and trust in the teachers. This will form part of the ‘Orientation Day’ experience whereby students gently begin to transition into their new academic year. Further information will be shared with parents about this early next term.
‘The Unplugged Psychologist’ – Parent Information Evening
The School has organised for Brad Marshall, known as the ‘Unplugged Psychologist’ to come and present to parents on Wednesday 19th October at the Summer Hill campus. This event is pitched at parents of boys in Years 5 to 8 and specifically addresses internet and screen addiction and will provide practical advice and guidance about how to manage this. I strongly encourage parents of boys in Years 5 and 6 to attend this event. Further information will be shared at the beginning of Term 4.
CIS Athletics
On Tuesday the 2022 CIS Athletics Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park. Greg Tranxidis (5He) participated as part of the IPSHA team after strong performances in at the IPSHA Carnival. Greg competed in the Under 11 Discus and Shot Put against 24 other boys. He placed 3rd in Discus and 2nd in Shot Put and will now represent Trinity and CIS at the NSW Primary Schools Sport Association Championships on October 19. This is an outstanding achievement especially because of the heavily affected training and competition schedule over the past couple of years.
Term 4
I trust that the holidays bring an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and enjoy the lovely Spring sun! We look forward to welcoming the boys back to school on Tuesday 11th October, in summer uniform.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Chris Wyatt | Head of the Preparatory School
