TAS Secondary Transition Guide

Trinity Anglican School

Secondary School Transition Guide

TRINITY ANGLICAN SCHOOL CAIRNS Our Secondary years are about more than academic success. We nurture each student as an individual, building confidence, character and capability while guiding them to achieve their personal best and explore pathways aligned with their strengths, interests and future aspirations.

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

Inspiring the curious

2

Table of Contents

Message from the Principal

4

Meet the TAS Transition Team

5

Inspiring Inside the Classroom

6

Inspiring Outside the Classroom

10

Inspiring Wellbeing

12

Preparing for Year 7

14

Inspiring Action 16

TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

3

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

At TAS, we believe that every student can succeed. With the right support, encouragement and opportunities, each young person can grow in confidence, character and academic ability. Within our caring and connected community, we take the time to know each student as an individual, nurturing their strengths and inspiring their curiosity.

Our Secondary years are a time of significant growth. Students are supported and challenged through a broad range of academic, co-curricular and leadership opportunities, helping them to develop the skills, resilience and independence needed for life beyond school.

This guide has been designed to support a smooth and positive transition into Year 7. It outlines what families can expect, along with the many opportunities available to your child as they begin this exciting next chapter at TAS.

Paul Sjogren, Principal

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

Inspiring the curious

4

Meet the Transition Team

Mrs Jennifer Fukushima, Head of TAS Secondary

Mr Andre Leroy, Head of Teaching and Learning

Ms Fukushima works closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of House and Year Level Coordinators as part of the Pastoral Care team to provide proactive support for students throughout their TAS journey.

Mr Andre Leroy oversees the academic community at Trinity Anglican School, providing strategic leadership for teaching and learning across Prep to Year 12.

She is committed to fostering a positive school culture and supporting students’ academic and personal development in an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

An educator of over 20 years, Andre has taught in both state and Anglican school contexts across South Africa and Australia, bringing a breadth of experience and a deep understanding of diverse educational settings.

5

Inspiring...

Inside the Classroom As students transition from primary school to secondary school, they are encouraged to be curious about the world in which they live and embrace the opportunities that a TAS education can offer.

In Year 7, students take part in a balanced and engaging program of learning, combining essential Core Studies with a range of Complementary Studies that broaden their interests and experiences.

This approach ensures students build strong academic foundations, whilst also having opportunities to explore new areas and discover their passions. An example of a typical Year 7 program is outlined below.

Core Subjects: •

English

•

Mathematics

•

Science

•

Health & Physical Education/Pastoral Care

•

Humanities, including History, Geography, Business, Economics, and Citizenship

Inspiring the curious

Elective Subjects: •

The Arts, including Music, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts

•

Technologies, including Design, Digital and Food Technology

•

Languages (Japanese)

6

A Day in Year 7 8:30 am

Arrival Students arrive and proceed to the Year 7 area and lockers to organise their belongings.

School starts and students go to Homeroom for roll call and morning greetings.

8:40 am

Lesson 1

9:30 am

Lesson 2

10:20 am

Break 1

10:45 am

Lesson 3

11:35 am

Lesson 4

12:25 pm

Monday: Homeroom Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: TAS Time co-curricular activities Wednesday: Assembly or Chapel

1:05 pm

Break 2

1:35 pm

Lesson 5

2:25 pm

Lesson 6 Wednesday: Lessons 5 and 6 are dedicated to Rotations and Activities

3:15 pm

TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

School ends

7

A Thoughtfully Designed Approach to Learning At TAS, our approach to learning ensures every student is supported, challenged and able to apply their learning in meaningful ways. Through strong academic foundations, personalised support and real-world experiences, we nurture confident learners who are curious, capable and prepared for the future.

Through this balanced approach, each student is supported to grow in confidence, develop strong character and achieve their academic potential.

Real World Application Students apply their learning in meaningful ways, preparing them for life beyond school.

Challenge and Growth Students are encouraged to extend themselves and pursue their interests.

Understanding Each Student Learning is tailored through feedback and data to support each student’s growth.

Academic Excellence A strong academic program builds knowledge, skills and confidence.

Personalised Support Every student is known, supported, and encouraged to achieve their best.

Inspiring the curious

8

TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

9

Inspiring...

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.

TAS Sport

Round Square

Secondary students are encouraged to pursue the sport of their choice by joining one of the TAS Sport Clubs or groups including TAS Hockey Club, TAS Netball Club, TAS Triathlon team, Football Academy, Athletics, Cross-Country and more.

The Round Square curriculum promotes six IDEALS of learning: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. Member schools benefit from local and international exchange opportunities.

TAS Aquatic Centre

TAS Outdoor Education (OE)

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

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.

TAS has positioned itself as a school of excellence due to outstanding state and national-level performances by the TAS Swimming Club.

OE in secondary school builds sequentially.

Students participate in various outdoor activities, environmental exploration, community service, orienteering and group problem-solving.

Duke of Edinburgh’s (International) Award

Global Tours and Expeditions

A leading youth development program that presents a non-competitive program of voluntary activities that help increase employability, creativity and innovation. The award program is comprised of three challenging levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each level requires students to complete activities that fall within four key pillars: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of tours and expeditions designed to inspire curiosity, build character and broaden their perspectives. Experiences include service tours, with past destinations such as Nepal and Tanzania; a Literary Tour of the United Kingdom; Space Camp at NASA in the United States; Japanese language and cultural tours; and a variety of sporting tours.

Inspiring the curious

10

TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

11

Inspiring...

Wellbeing The COSMOS Program prompts students to think meaningfully about the world in which they live.

The COSMOS Progam encompasses three key strands: •

Beyond Belief: The opportunity to explore religious traditions, ask the big questions and have a deeper undertstanding of Christian values and tradition.

•

Positive Education and Student Wellbeing: A focus on personal growth, connection, empathy and compassion, and developing a sense of meaning.

•

Pastoral Care: This aspect allows time to address any current concerns within the year level cohort, ensuring all our students needs are met.

Students are supported within a safe and nurturing environment where they feel valued, respected and confident to express their beliefs and perspectives. Guided by the Anglican ethos of the school, we foster a culture of compassion, integrity and mutual respect, ensuring every student feels a strong sense of belonging.

The curriculum recognises Australia as being a multicultural society in which many different religious traditions are practised. By helping students understand and engage with diverse traditions, attitudes of acceptance, sensitivity and respect are fostered, as

Inspiring the curious

12

House System The TAS Vertical House System forms a key component of our pastoral care and develops school culture.

All students are allocated to a House (families are placed together), and homeroom. Homeroom teachers are in daily contact with students, and bear responsibility for nurturing house and school spirit.

The TAS houses are: Dalrymple Dolphins

Mulligan Mustangs

Colour: Royal Blue

Colour: Red

Symbol: Dolphin

Symbol: Mustang

Leichhardt Lions

Kennedy Crocodiles

Colour: Gold

Colour: Green

Symbol: Lion

Symbol: Crocodile

TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

13

Preparing for Year 7 Families can prepare by: Reviewing the New Student Guide The New Student Guide is a one-stop resource for families and should be reviewed before your child commences to help support a smooth transition.

Attending Transition Events Towards the end of Year 6, students are invited to attend orientation events, including Discovery Event and Launchpad Day. Induction activities also take place during the first week of Year 7.

Planning Travel Students who walk to school, catch public transport or the TAS Bus should be familiar with their route, school entry points and whether adult supervision is required.

Connecting with Community Groups Our community is one of our greatest strengths.

Families are encouraged to join their relevant Facebook community group to connect with parents from the same cohort.

Be Curious Year 7 students are encouraged to embrace the opportunities and challenges of secondary school.

Students will explore a wide range of subjects and are encouraged to participate fully in all course units, discovering their interests both in and beyond the classroom. Staff are always available to support students as they become familiar with the school environment.

Inspiring the curious

14

Student Expectations As a representative of TAS, students align with school values.

We always Persevere We embrace challenges with determination and keep going, even when it’s hard.

We are Curious We ask questions, seek understanding and embrace opportunities.

We show Compassion We are kind in our words, generous in our actions, and thoughtful in our choices.

We have Integrity We do what is right, even when no one is watching. Honesty and accountability guide our actions every day.

Additionally, students are expected to: •

Respect teachers and follow instructions from all staff

•

Respect peers, their opinions and their right to learn

•

Use good manners and appropriate language

•

Care for school property by behaving in a safe manner

•

Take responsibility for actions by displaying commitment

•

Be punctual and prepared for lessons

Parent Expectations At TAS, we value the important role that parents and carers play in their child’s education and see this as a genuine partnership. We encourage families to take an active interest in their child’s learning, supporting their efforts, celebrating their progress and helping them to set and achieve their goals.

Clear and open communication is central to this partnership. Parents are encouraged to regularly access our parent platforms to stay informed about their child’s progress, assessment feedback and school updates. We also value strong connections within our community and welcome families to engage in school events and activities, providing opportunities to build relationships with staff and other families.

TAS.QLD.EDU.AU

15

Inspiring the curious

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

Enrol Today