SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSITION GUIDE
TRINITY ANGLICAN SCHOOL
White Rock Campus
Pre-Kindy to Year 12
Kewarra Beach Campus
Pre-Kindy to Year 6
Inspiring Curiosity
Inspiring Compassion
Inspiring Integrity
Inspiring Perseverance
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to Trinity Anglican School (TAS), the leading independent school in Far North Queensland.
The core belief of our school is that every student can succeed and meet their academic potential with the right support and environment. TAS secondary school offers outstanding education for students from Years 7 to 12 and aims to foster a curious mind, nurture potential and create exceptional young men and women.
Students experience study and leadership opportunities essential to personal and academic growth that ultimately provide the guidance to reach the graduate pathway of their choice.
This document includes all the information students need for an easy transition to Year 7, and the steps families can take with the help of our transition team to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Paul Sjogren, Principal
Meet the Transition Team
Mr Tim Manea, Deputy Principal - Head of Teaching and Learning
Mr Tim Manea’s role extends to Deputy Principal and oversees the academic community at TAS. He has been an educator for over 30 years and has extensive experience in independent schools across Australia. Before joining TAS, Mr Manea was the Dean of Curriculum and Head of English at St Mark’s Anglican Community School in Perth.
Ms Belinda de Guzman, Head of TAS Secondary
As Head of TAS Secondary, Ms Belinda de Guzman works closely with the Dean of Students, the Dean of Studies, Heads of House, and Year Level Coordinators as part of the Pastoral Care team. Together, they provide proactive and responsive support for students at different stages of their TAS journey, ensuring they have opportunities to build strong relationships within the school community.
Ms Jennifer Fukushima, Dean of Students
Ms Jennifer Fukushima collaborates with the Head of Secondary, Year Level Coordinators, Heads of House, and Homeroom Teachers to support students in their daily school life. She is dedicated to fostering a positive school culture, guiding students in their academic and personal development, and ensuring a supportive environment where every student feels included, valued, and empowered.
Year Level Coordinators (Years 7, 8, and 9)
Our dedicated Year Level Coordinators and Pastoral Team are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for students in Years 7 to 9. As approachable points of contact for homeroom teachers, parents, and students, they work closely with Heads of House, the Dean of Students, and the Head of Secondary to prioritise and enhance student wellbeing.
Inside the Classroom Inspiring...
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.
The curriculum for Year 7 students is organised into a rigorous and engaging course of Core Studies, combined with a range of Complementary Studies. An example of a typical course of study for a Year 7 student is outlined below:
CORE SUBJECTS: English
• Mathematics Science Health & Physical Education/Pastoral Care
• Humanities, including History, Geography, Business, Economics, and Citizenship
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS:
The Arts, including Music, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts
Technologies, including Design, Digital and Food Technology
• Languages (Japanese)
A day in Year 7
8:30 am 8:40 am LESSON 1
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.
9:30 am LESSON 2
10:20 am
BREAK 1
10:45 am LESSON 3
11:35 am LESSON 4 12:25 pm Mon: Homeroom
Tues, Thurs & Friday: TAS Time co-curricular activities
Weds: Assembly or Chapel
BREAK 2 1:05 pm 2:25 pm LESSON 6
1:35 am LESSON 5
On Wednesdays, Lessons 5 and 6 are dedicated to Rotations and Activities.
SCHOOL ENDS 3:15 pm
LIFELONG LEARNING
SUPPORT
Support for students and teachers is available in many forms, including:
CAREERS & PATHWAY PROGRAM
Students have the chance to explore career options and pathways through university partnerships, work experience programs and the support of our school careers team.
‘COSMOS’ PROGRAM
At the core of our school is the wellbeing and health of students. This is prioritised through our ‘COSMOS’ Pastoral Care Program.
TEACHERS AS LIFELONG LEARNERS (TALL)
Our culture of learning doesn’t stop with students. TAS teachers engage in a research-based approach to professional development through our TALL program.
TROPPUS — PA
EXTENSION & ENRICHMENT
Underpinning our academic pillars are our foundational education programs, which provide the groundwork for all teaching and learning at TAS. They include:
TAS TIME
A timetabled tutoring service provided by teachers and student leaders that is available for all students across all learning areas.
WRITE THAT ESSAY
A whole-school focus on developing literacy capability in students across all subject areas.
APPLICATION
Our cross-disciplinary approach to teaching and learning at TAS provides a central focus, ensuring that students can make connections across areas of the curriculum and flourish in a rich learning environment. Students are regularly given the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to solving real-world challenges.
ACADEMICPILLARS
DIAGNOSTIC
PROGRESSIVE ASSESSMENT
Ongoing feedback provided to parents and students regarding both formative and summative assessment, using the research of Professor John Hattie as the guiding principle.
PROGRESSIVE
ACHIEVEMENT TESTS (PAT)
A series of tests that provide objective information to teachers about their students’ skills and understanding of Mathematics, Science and English.
ACADEMIC PILLARS
AWARD-WINNING STEM PROGRAM
A focus upon the core areas of Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics reinforced through support and extension programs.
GLOBAL CITIZENS
Cultural education through English, Languages and Humanities programs reinforced through extension programs and opportunities for global experiences through membership of the Round Square.
CREATIVITY AND ARTS
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Music.
Outside the Classroom Inspiring...
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
Students in Year 7 to 12 are encouraged to pursue the sport of their choice by joining one of the TAS Sport Clubs or groups including: Football, Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Triathlon, Swimming, Athletics, Cross-Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Touch Football, AFL, Tennis, and Sailing.
TAS Sport Clubs often get the opportunity to compete against local groups and internationally.
TAS AQUATIC CENTRE
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.
TAS has positioned itself as a school of excellence due to outstanding state- and national-level performances by the TAS Swimming Club.
TAS OUTDOOR EDUCATION
The TAS Outdoor Education (OE) Program is highly regarded as one of the leading programs in the country, designed to nurture each student’s relationship with themselves, their peers and the natural environment.
Outdoor Education in secondary school builds sequentially. Students participate in various outdoor activities, including abseiling, mountainbiking, sailing, ropes courses, environmental exploration, community service, orienteering and group problem-solving.
ROUND SQUARE
As a member of Round Square, a global group of schools that share commitment and goals beyond academic excellence. 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.
WORLD CHALLENGE EXPEDITION
World Challenge Expeditions provide comprehensive personal and team adventure programs. Expeditions are student-led to developing countries and reflect an ethos of challenge, participation and environment.
Previous locations have included Nepal, India, Tanzania and Ecuador where students lead community and service-based projects.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (International) Award is 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.
ACADEMIC EXTENSION CHESS COACHING INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENTS CODING WEB DESIGN ROBOTICS E-SPORTS WELLBEING & HEALTH TAS SWIMMING TAS SPORTS CLUBS GYM ENSEMBLES CHOIRS MUSIC LESSONS SERVICE PROGRAMS WRITERS’ WORKSHOPS DEBATING ARTS ENRICHMENT AND SO MUCH MORE!
Inspiring...
Wellbeing
The COSMOS Program prompts students to think meaningfully about the world in which they live.
The Cosmos program 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 provided with a safe learning environment in which they feel confident to express their beliefs, within the context of the Anglican ethos of the school.
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 well as a sense of curiosity about their own spiritual journey.
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
Colour: Royal Blue
Symbol: Dolphin
LEICHHARDT LIONS
Colour: Gold
Symbol: Lion
MULLIGAN MUSTANGS
Colour: Red
Symbol: Mustang
KENNEDY CROCODILES
Colour: Green
Symbol: Crocodile
PREPARING FOR YEAR 7
Year 7 students are encouraged to embrace the opportunities and challenges that secondary school brings. For students who anticipate a rough start to their journey, they can prepare by:
ATTEND TRANSITION EVENTS
During the end of Year 6, students are invited to ‘discovery day’ and ‘launchpad’ orientation event. They will also participate in welcome events during the first week to help them settle in and are encouraged to join co-curricular groups to meet like-minded peers.
PLAN TRAVEL
Students who walk to school, catch public transport or catch the TAS Bus should be familiar with how long it takes to get to school, the route, school entry points, safety requirements and whether adult supervision is needed.
UNDERSTAND ROUTINE
Students should be familiar with their timetable, know where their classes are and when including start, end and break times. Students will get to know the school environment over time and staff are always available to help guide students who may not know where a class is.
UTILISE TAS RESOURCES
Our community is the most valuable resource, from students and families to dedicated educators, support staff and alumni. In addition, our wide variety of technology, facilities and other resources allow students to explore their curiosities and exceed their potential.
BE CURIOUS
Students are given the opportunity to explore many different subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, English, Humanities and the Arts). Students should participate in all course units and explore curiosities both within and outside the classroom.
Student Expectations
As a representative of TAS, students align with school values by maintaining integrity, compassion, perseverance and curiosity.
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 your lessons
Parent Expectations
Parents are expected to:
• Encourage their child’s efforts and curiosities by taking an interest in their classes, goals, and learning outcomes
Access parent platforms regularly and maintain knowledge of their child’s progression, including assessment feedback.
• Join the TAS community and participate where possible in school activities, as it provides a great opportunity to meet like-minded families.
Respect professional decisions made by staff and continue learning at home by providing a space where their child can focus on homework and assignments.
Provide a supportive environment by attending award or special assemblies.
