Head of Middle

Middle School

Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Head of Middle School 2005 has been a time of great change for Trinity College and a part of that change has been the creation of a Middle School structure. Although still in its early stages, one of its key features has been an increase in communication between key members of staff.

Academic Excellence

Trinity places a great deal of emphasis on academic excellence and the Middle School structure has assisted this focus. A Middle School Council consisting of Co-ordinators of Learning Areas, Heads of Year and other key personnel meet regularly to discuss curriculum and pastoral care matters. It has provided time for teachers to share the key concepts that are being taught and to plan ways to connect what students are studying across learning areas. This has resulted in greater collaboration between learning areas and a deeper awareness of what is taught and when this occurs throughout the year. It has also resulted in an increase in the sharing of resources across learning areas. As the College continues to implement the Curriculum Framework this joint planning fosters a more consistent approach to outcomes-based education.

Pastoral Care

Caring for each student and assisting them to reach their full potential is also a vital aspect of Trinity’s Middle School. Greater emphasis has been placed on the transition from junior to the middle years. An initiative in 2005 has been the profiling of each new student enrolled in Year 8 for 2006. These students have undergone testing in literacy, numeracy and nonverbal reasoning in an attempt to collect data to guide curriculum planning for these students. We are keen to know what students can do already and where gaps in their skills development exist so that we can better meet their needs.

Transition between Junior and Middle School has also been strengthened by more frequent contact between Trinity Junior and the Middle School. A highlight of this contact was a link between Mr Torrese’s Year 6 class and Miss Campisi’s Year 8 Society and Environment class. Students enjoyed these shared lessons and we hope to continue the initiative in 2006. Data collection is also occurring as a part of a bullying project the College is participating in along with nineteen other metropolitan Catholic schools. This will assist the College to remain abreast of current trends in this important area of pastoral care. A Middle School Homework Policy was initiated early in the year. This was in response to parents wanting some guidance in this area and a perceived need to help students balance their daily activities so that time was set aside for family and leisure activities as well as study. Requests regarding the need for assistance with the development of study skills was made in Semester One. Several successful sessions were held earlier in the year and then consolidated with a weekly programme offered by Mrs Rosemary Horton in the Library. This was supplemented by the popular “Study Skills” published in the weekly newsletter.

Faith Education

Faith Education continues to grow at the College. Highlights of this in the Middle School were the Quest Retreat for Year 8 students, the Galilee Retreats for Year 9 and the ever popular Christian Service activities. The Advent Liturgies were an innovation this year with students enjoying a creative approach to liturgy.

Middle School Assemblies

One of the highlights of the new structure has been the opportunity to experiment with a more student-centred assembly experience. Greater emphasis is being placed on students running the assembly and showcasing their many gifts.

Conclusion

To conclude, I would like to thank the dedicated teachers of the College and support staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to all students in their care. I also acknowledge the parental support that is so strong at the College. This partnership between home and school is the key to effective education of students.

I have enjoyed my first year at the College and look forward to the many challenges 2006 will offer.

Kerrie Fraser

Head of Middle School