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Head of Primary
Ilook back over 2002 with a sense of achievement and pride. The Primary School has once again accomplished a great deal with many highlights throughout the year.
Perhaps the most significant and memorable event was the Bicentennial Mass. This Eucharist brought together all Christian Brothers’ Schools from throughout Western Australia to celebrate and remember the humble beginnings of the first Edmund Rice School in Ireland. It was indeed a very moving experience and one I’m sure will be remembered for many years to come.
The Year 5 Camp at Forest Edge was also a huge success. I was particularly impressed by the way in which the boys interacted with each other, as well as the strong sense of community spirit amongst the parents and staff who attended. It is often said that the Trinity community has a special quality which is difficult to define, but clearly seen when our generous parents come together to care for the boys in our school.
The introduction of dance to our school curriculum has added yet another dimension to the overall development of our students. All of our boys have had the opportunity to participate in dance lessons, whether it be at the classroom level or through the extension group called ‘Boys in Groove’. Recent research has indicated that our sons need many and varied opportunities to express themselves, particularly through the Arts. The Junior School, through the expertise of Mr John Lamborn and Ms Ruth Bott, has provided these opportunities. The work of these teachers and their students was clearly obvious at both the JSHAAArt Exhibition and the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. It is important to note that ‘Boys in Groove’ were awarded the Presentation Sisters Award for the best creative dance performance in their particular section and all boys who represented our College in both events did so in an exemplary manner. Mr Mark Hackett
Faith Dimension
In a world of growing uncertainty, change and at times danger, our Faith is often called upon for reassurance in times of need. It is a gift and therefore should be treasured. As educators we play a crucial role in shaping and nurturing the Faith of the students entrusted to our care. Class Eucharists and Sacramental programs provide an opportunity for the Primary School to come together in a special way to celebrate our Faith. The preparation involved in the Sacrament of Confirmation is a very powerful journey and one that has special meaning for both the Confirmation candidates and their families. First Holy Communion is also a significant moment in the Faith journey of our Year 4 students.
Religious Education lessons are also very important in the spiritual development of the students, although witness to our Faith is apparent in all facets of College life and not simply confined to one lesson per day. The boys are regularly reminded of the Gospel message to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ and to treat others the way you would like to be treated. To live their Faith.
PRIMARY PREFECTS
Back: Mark McKenna, Danny McAuliffe, Thomas Rose, Dylan Misso Middle: Christopher Gladding, Nicholas Boehm, Trent Fleskens, Ashby Keay Front: Nicholas Westall, Nicholas Barbas (Head Boy), Mr Mark Hackett (Head of Primary), Jacob Brennan (Deputy Head Boy), Nicholas Oehlers
Creative teaching methods, relevant curriculum and clear assessment procedures are all critical ingredients in creating a successful learning environment within a school. Both teachers and school leaders play a pivotal role in shaping school environments that are conducive to learning and catering for the needs of the students. Motivating students to engage in the learning process and adapting teaching practices to meet the varying needs of all students is the challenge that we face.
Finding the spark that ignites the thirst to learn is by no means an easy task. Here at Trinity we aim to provide a variety of learning opportunities in an attempt to capture each child’s imagination so that our students can all realise their full potential.
This year our curriculum focus has been to develop a school based literacy plan. Recent media reports have focussed on boys’ education and the fact that they are generally not achieving as well as girls across all areas of the curriculum.
We are endeavouring to address the learning requirements of all our boys as it documented that those students who experience difficulties in the early stages of development will continue to experience difficulties into High School unless their individual needs are met.
With the assistance of standardised tests we identify those children with special learning needs and then design individual educational programs to address these specific needs. Ms Catherine Tesoriero and a group of willing parents implement these programs with very pleasing results. Often, the students undertaking the individual programs make significant improvement in a relatively short space of time. I would like to acknowledge and thank Catherine and the parents who assist for the marvellous work they do with the boys.
Towards 2003
Next year promises to be one of consolidation and challenge.
Asignificant amount of funds have been allocated for the implementation of our new literacy strategy by providing increased teacher support and new resources. Our current list of extension programs will be improved and grow to incorporate all students. Programs such as drama, media studies and design and technology are a few of the exciting opportunities that will be made available to our students. A tour to Canberra is also planned during the mid semester break.
PRIMARY SCHOOLHOUSE CAPTAINS
Back: Shannon Okely, Danny McAuliffe, Benjamin Adams, Thomas Rose Middle: Ashby Keay, Jacob Brennan, Benjamin Norman, Robert Faraone Front: Steven McGuire, Calum O’Connell, Mr Mark Hackett (Head of Primary), James Walters, Dyllon Smith We at Trinity College are very fortunate in having such a dedicated and professional staff who give so freely of their time and friendship. I would like to sincerely thank them for the significant contributions they have made to the success the College has enjoyed in 2002. I must make special mention of Mrs Janine Wyatt who works tirelessly. Janine has many strings to her bow and she never ceases to amaze me as to her depth of knowledge in regard to the workings of the school. Catherine Tesoriero and Gordon Dean have been wonderfully supportive in their respective roles. Our parent body has also been very generous with their time and have helped to make many occasions very special for those involved. Finally, I’d like to thank the students for their support and congratulate them on their achievements this year. On many occasions they have made us proud as they have been fine ambassadors for the College.
