Head of Secondary

Administration

Having returned to the College after an absence of fifteen years, it didn’t take me long to recognise the rich diversity of programmes on offer to our Secondary students. Trinity boys are busy boys! In addition to the formal

Mr Robert Henderson Head of Secondary academic curriculum, our students are extensively involved in the spiritual, cultural and sporting dimensions of College life.

Curriculum Change

Trinity has been at the forefront in developing curriculum initiatives. An Outcomes Based approach encourages our teachers to use student centred and collaborative strategies to enhance student learning. It promotes the use of creative learning strategies in which teachers act as facilitators of learning. The changes have not occurred without significant challenges for students, teachers and parents. Our current Year 8 boys are the first students who will experience a fully integrated Year 8 to 12 Outcomes Based approach. Older year levels had to grapple with new courses in Years 8 and 9 and more traditional content driven curriculum in Years 10 to 12. The challenges have also been present for parents as they attempt to interpret new assessment and reporting structures.

Full credit must go to our dedicated and professional teaching staff as they have led the process of curriculum change. Our teachers have responded superbly and have been able to create learning environments conducive to the learning of boys.

Management Re-Structure for 2005.

The College formed a Working Group to make recommendations for an appropriate management structure to serve the College in 2005 and beyond. It felt that the College’s current management model had been outgrown due to curriculum changes and the growing need for quality pastoral care of students. Therefore the following recommendations were made and were later endorsed by the College Executive and Board:

• The appointment of a Head of Middle School and

Middle School Coordinators to be given responsibility for the implementation of the

Curriculum Framework in Years 8 and 9 .

• The appointment of a Head of Senior School with responsibility for Courses of Study in Years 10 to 12. 12) in the areas of Information and

Communication, Technology, Music and Education

Support. These changes will result in enhanced learning opportunities and outcomes for our students.

Pastoral Care of Students

All staff at Trinity play an important role in the pastoral care of students. Our Heads of Year; Mr Robert Armitage, Mr John Montagu, Mr Peter Hawke, Mr Barry McKenna and Mrs Eileen Lane are to be complimented on the outstanding care they afford to the boys. Mr Brad Nugent (College Counsellor), Mrs Sue Prior (Education Support), Mr John Jacky (Aboriginal Liaison) and Br Rob Callen (Campus Ministry) also have undertaken significant roles as part of the College’s Pastoral Council. Special mention must also be made of Mr Gerard Theseira’s leadership of the Pastoral Council in Semester Two. Our homeroom and classroom teachers have also worked diligently to create a caring environment conducive to learning. As part of the induction process for Year 8 students, an inaugural Quest Retreat was organised for the long weekend in March. Congratulations to Mr Ken O’Neil who coordinated the Retreat and to all the boys who participated in the programme.

Formation of Staff

The dedication and commitment of the staff at Trinity College is well recognised within the College community. This year’s Strategic Planning processes have also identified the importance of ensuring that staff welfare is a priority for the College. In 2005, the Vice Principal position will involve working with staff to create a culture of continual improvement in our learning programmes whilst ensuring that teachers are supported, encouraged and recognised for their efforts. A focus on staff welfare and formation should also directly lead to benefits for all our students.

Student Culture

I often ask the boys what they think of Trinity as a school. “It’s great, Sir” is invariably the response. The goodwill of students and positive attitude towards the College is one of the outstanding characteristics of Trinity College. It doesn’t happen by accident and is a credit to the wonderful partnership between students, parents and teachers fostered over the life of the College. I congratulate the boys on their commitment to the College and look forward to working with them in future years.

Robert Henderson

Head of Secondary