TAS Preparatory Transition Guide

Trinity Anglican School

Preparatory Transition Guide

TRINITY ANGLICAN SCHOOL CAIRNS Primary education aims to foster a lifelong love of learning.

Children are encouraged to explore their curiosities and develop a strong set of skills for personal and academic growth.

Inspiring the curious

White Rock Campus Pre-Kindy to Year 12 Kewarra Beach Campus Pre-Kindy to Year 6

CRICOS Provider No. 00770B TRINITY ANGLICAN SCHOOL LTD ABN 69 090 630 149

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Table of Contents TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

Message from the Principal

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Meet the TAS Transition Team

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Inspiring Inside the Classroom

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Inspiring Outside the Classroom

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Preparing for Prep

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Prep Readiness Program

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Message from the Principal Welcome to Trinity Anglican School (TAS), the leading independent school in Far North Queensland, based in the beautiful tropical city of Cairns.

The core belief of our school is that every student can succeed and meet their academic potential with the right support and environment. The TAS community nurtures the individual strengths of students and fosters curiosity to create outstanding young men and women.

While a positive Prep experience provides a strong foundation for the primary years to come, it can also be an overwhelming time, not only for students, but also for parents and families. This document includes all the information you need for an easy transition to Prep, and the steps you can take with the help of our transition team to prepare your family for the exciting journey ahead.

We look forward to establishing a close bond between our school and your home, and instilling a lifelong love of learning in your child.

Paul Sjogren, Principal

Scan the QR code to hear about the TAS difference from a parent.

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Meet the Transition Team Mr Peter Gazzola, Head of Primary Peter leads TAS Primary across both the White Rock and Kewarra Beach campus with a clear vision of unity, high standards and strong pastoral care. He is passionate about building confident, capable young learners and works closely with staff and families to ensure every child is known, supported and challenged. With a strong focus on evidence-informed practice, character development and community connection, Peter is committed to making the transition into Prep a positive and purposeful beginning to each child’s TAS journey.

Mr Rob Lade, Deputy Head of Kewarra Beach Campus Primary Kewarra Beach Campus has a strong academic culture. Nestled in the Northern Beaches, our unique location provides students with unparalleled access to natural resources, fostering exploration and curiosity. With opportunities for entrepreneurship, philanthropy, extension, and enrichment, students thrive both academically and personally.

Ms Michelle Breen, Deputy Head of White Rock Campus Primary White Rock Campus is a culturally rich community that provides the perfect environment for holistic child development. Our dedicated educators foster academic success while nurturing positive interpersonal skills, ensuring every child thrives. Students will unlock their academic potential, engage in diverse co-curricular opportunities, and feel a deep sense of belonging in this supportive community.

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Inside the Classroom TAS Prep teachers deliver a program based on the Early Years pedagogy that moves beyond the requirements of the Australian Curriculum. Key learning areas include: •

Specialist Subjects: Students participate in specialist lessons each week, including Drama, Visual Arts, Music, Swimming and Physical Education.

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Social and Personal: Developing a positive identity and cooperation skills.

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Health and Physical: Developing positive health choices and movement skills.

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English: Developing the three integrated strands of language, literature and literacy.

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Mathematics: Developing the three integrated strands of number, measurement and geometry.

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Science: Developing an understanding of science, inquiry skills and human endeavour.

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Active Learning Processes: Enquiring, investigating, planning, analysing, reflecting and comparing.

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Humanities: Developing an understanding of the world around us.

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A Day in Prep 8:15 am Classrooms Open Classrooms open for students to unpack their belongings and socialise with classmates and their teacher. This is also a great time for parents to briefly check in with their child’s teacher if required..

8:30 am Morning Teaching Session The school day begins as students settle into their seats for morning greetings and roll call.

The session opens with reading the weather and a school prayer, followed by classroombased literacy activities such as finger gym, phonological awareness, spelling and handwriting.

A short fruit break is included before the session continues with literacy-focused activities and games.

10:10 am Morning Break 10:45 am – Middle Teaching Session This session focuses on classroom-based numeracy activities, guided and directed by the teacher. Throughout the day, students also participate in on-campus specialist lessons, which may include Drama, Visual Art, Music and Physical Education.

12:25 pm Lunch Break 1:05 pm Afternoon Teaching Session The afternoon session includes a mix of classroom-based learning such as social skills and health education. It may also include specialist lessons or outdoor education/ physical education.

3:00 pm School Ends

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Outside the Classroom Building on what is learned in the classroom, TAS students are provided with extensive opportunities to engage with their peers, broaden their perspectives and participate in extension and enrichment programs in Primary school.

Co-curricular Special Interest Opportunities

Round Square

Our diverse and engaging Co-Curricular Program

The Round Square program promotes six

is designed to inspire curiosity, foster new skills, and encourage students to explore their passions in a supportive environment. Whether they are building robots, mastering chess strategies, performing on stage, or creating works of art, students develop confidence, teamwork, and a love of learning that will serve them well beyond their school years.

IDEALS of learning: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. Primary students enjoy participating in activities and initiatives around these ideals including fundraising and service.

TAS Sport The TAS Sport Program is built on a strong philosophy of participation, personal growth and enjoyment of sport. The program encourages students to explore their interests, develop correct technique, and build confidence.

Programs are available to help Prep students explore the sport of their choice, including the Football Development Program, Netball Beginners Program and TAS Brothers Hockey Club.

TAS Music Our Music Program provides opportunities for all students, from beginners discovering their passion to advanced musicians refining their craft. Whether through classroom music, instrumental tuition, choirs, or bands and ensembles, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, take creative risks, and celebrate their progress.

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TAS Aquatic Centre The TAS Aquatic Centre is located at the White Rock Campus and includes a heated Olympicstandard pool, electronic timing, meeting rooms and a kiosk. The centre offers learn-to-swim programs and squad coaching for all skill levels.

TAS Outdoor Education (OE) The TAS OE Program is regarded as one of the leading programs in the country, designed to nurture relationships with self, peers and the natural environment.

OE in primary school builds sequentially beginning with a half day program in Year 1 and to a three-night program in Year 6. Students participate in various outdoor activities, including abseiling, mountain biking, sailing, ropes courses, environmental exploration, community service, orienteering and group problem-solving.

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Preparing for Prep at Home Starting school is an exciting and important time for both children and their families.

At TAS, we work in partnership with parents to ensure a smooth and positive transition. Supporting your child to develop independence and confidence at home will help them feel ready and capable as they begin Prep.

Create routine - Set times for everyday activities to help your child understand what they have to do each day. For example, set a bed time and wake up time, have a healthy breakfast or make time for academic and physical activities.

Build Confidence - Help your child cope during challenging situations by finding answers to their questions. Talk through some ‘What will I do if?’ situations to build their confidence.

Build Independence - Before your child starts school, develop their independence by practising unfamiliar tasks, including packing and carrying their school bag, putting on their shoes, opening their lunchbox and more.

How to Ask for Help - Talk with your child about how to recognise bad situations (E.g. feeling sick).

Teach them how to ask teachers and school staff for help by modelling what to say.

Hygiene - Ensure your child knows how to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze, blow their nose, use the toilet, wash their hands and other things that keep our community safe.

Belongings - It is important for students to recognise their belongings so they can find them when needed. We recommend labeling clothes and using bag tags or similar to mark their belongings.

Set Healthy Habits - Encourage your child to make healthy food choices. Practice drinking from a water bottle and model sun-safe practices by encouraging them to wear a hat and sunscreen.

Know your School - Help your child get to know the school environment and routine by driving past the school or taking a tour. Prepare any materials that your children will need to bring on their first day.

Engagement - Develop concentration skills by reading aloud and writing with your child (e.g. shopping lists or letters). You can also build their imagination and natural curiosity by visiting new places or playing sports.

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Prep Readiness Program The TAS Prep Readiness Program is designed to support a smooth, confident and positive transition from a TAS Early Learning Centre (ELC) into TAS Prep.

For TAS Kindergarten students, the program begins in Week 4 of Term 1 and continues for the remainder of the year, excluding the first and last week of each school term. Across the year, students participate in approximately 26 hours of Prep readiness.

How the Program Works Each week, Kindergarten students spend one 50-minute lesson in the Prep learning environment. During these sessions, students are supported by TAS Primary and ELC staff, and gradually introduced to the routines, spaces and expectations of Prep.

A gradual, developmentally appropriate approach allows children to build confidence, familiarity and a strong sense of belonging within the Primary setting.

Program Goals The primary goal of the Prep Readiness Program is to ensure students feel comfortable, capable and confident as they transition into Prep.

By the time students commence Prep, the environment is already familiar, helping them to settle quickly and engage positively in learning.

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admissions@tas.qld.edu.au tas.qld.edu.au White Rock Campus 4–54 Sheehy Rd, White Rock Ph: 07 4036 8111 Kewarra Beach Campus 45 Poolwood Rd, Kewarra Beach Ph: 07 4057 7000

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