Head of Middle

2006 has been the second year of Trinity’s Middle School and during that time initiatives started in the first year have been consolidated along with a plan for future changes. A highlight of the year has been the growth of collaboration between staff, including the establishment

Mrs Kerrie Fraser Head of Middle School of strong links between Junior, Middle and Senior School. This collaboration continues to improve the education that students at the College receive. Trinity has a focus on relationships, because a successful school depends on effective communication between all members of the College community. It is vital that we all work together to meet the needs of the students.

Faith Development

Faith Development is one of the guiding pillars of the College and continues to flourish in the Middle School thanks to the commitment of Father McMahon, members of Campus Ministry and the Religious Education team. The Year 8 students once again experienced the powerful Quest Retreat and made connections with their Year 11 ‘older brothers’. This connection was followed up with meetings conducted during some pastoral care lessons on Tuesdays in Terms One and Two, where the Year 11 students assisted their ‘younger brothers’ with organisational matters such as use of the College diary and homework. The Year 9 Galilee Retreat was also very successful where students are challenged to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Year level Masses occurred each term and the school year concluded with a creative Advent Liturgy involving a great deal of input from students. A highlight of the year for many students is their involvement with Christian Service. This provides them with the opportunity to express their faith through action.

Academic Excellence

Promoting academic excellence is a major aim of the College and a number of teams are working to improve what is done to assist students to achieve their potential. Students enrolled in Year 8 for 2007 have undergone a series of tests to provide data to guide our planning for their curriculum needs. As well as assisting students with gaps in their knowledge, we will also focus on catering for gifted and talented students so that they are extended in learning areas where they excel. The transition between Junior and Senior school continues to be an area where much work is being done. Links between Trinity Junior School and the Middle School have been strengthened, with collaboration between staff and a sharing of what is covered in certain year levels, so that students can be assisted to make connections with what is taught at different stages. In the second semester a very successful reading program for Middle School students has been provided by Ms Cavallaro in the Library. The College is committed to improving students’ literacy skills and the reading program will certainly assist with this aim.

Pastoral Care

Caring for each student as an individual is the aim of our pastoral care system at Trinity. Pastoral Care teachers, learning area teachers, the school counsellor and sport coaches work together to provide the best support possible for each student. Father McMahon is a vital part of the pastoral care team and his connection with students and parents is very powerful. The students value his commitment to them and the way he interacts with them during their free time at the College.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the many people who have not only showed a high level of commitment to the students, but have also provided me with support. The Heads of Years 8 and 9, the Middle School Coordinators and the Year 8 and 9 Pastoral Care teachers have demonstrated dedication throughout the year. Father McMahon, and the College Counsellor, Ms Anneliese Smith, have provided great assistance in the area of pastoral care. Mr Rom Cirillo has been invaluable with his expertise in the area of data analysis and Ms Marie Zwart has made a major contribution to the work associated with gifted and talented students. My daily work has been made so much easier by Mrs Teresa Greenfield. Her calm, organised approach is much appreciated not only by me but by the whole school. I would also like to thank the many parents I have had contact with throughout the year for their support of the College. 2006 has been a busy, fruitful year and I look forward to the challenges of 2007.

Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Head of Middle School

Middle School