Head of Middle School

Middle School

Amajor focus for this year has been the planning for the inclusion of Year 7 in Trinity’s Middle School in 2009. This has resulted in a revision of the academic and pastoral programs in place at the College. Staff members have worked very hard to produce programs

Mrs Kerrie Fraser Head of Middle School that will motivate Year 7 students and it has provided a wonderful opportunity to share what is being taught in each of the learning areas.

Faith Development

Faith Development is one of the guiding pillars of the College and we have greatly missed the guidance of Father McMahon. His passing was a great loss to the College community. Middle School students always enjoyed his visits during lessons and the support he gave them around the school. Members of Campus Ministry and the Religious Education team have worked conscientiously to provide the students with positive faith experiences. The Year 8 students found the Quest Retreat to be a powerful experience and made connections with their Year 11 ‘older brothers’. The Year 9 Galilee Retreat was also very successful where students were challenged to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. This retreat was held in a variety of locations this year and enabled all students to experience the retreat on the same day. Year level Mass occurred each term and a great deal of effort was made by Mr Theseira and Mrs Wheeler to ensure that students were well prepared for these celebrations. 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. The Year 8 focus is on family and this is extended to the broader community in Year 9. The academic year concluded with the popular Advent Liturgy. Ms Eagling’s Communication and Performance students provided the actors for this ritual and their performances were outstanding.

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. Many subjects encourage students to enter competitions and Trinity has had many awards throughout the year. An innovation in this area for 2008 was the involvement of Trinity students in the Western Australian da Vinci Decathlon for the first time. This event is an interschool gala day run in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon. A team of eight students participated in activities in a variety of disciplines such as engineering, games of strategy, art and poetry to name a few. Academic excellence has been highlighted at Middle School assemblies with students talking about and displaying their work and competition award winners being acknowledged.

Students often struggle with organising their homework and study program. To assist students with this challenge all Middle School students have a Study Planner. This document is issued to all students at the start of Year 8 and can be used by these students throughout their time at Trinity because it is laminated and information can be erased. This planner will also be made available to Year 7 students in 2009. Some students were offered additional assistance at the start of the year to help with organisational skills.

The Library has continued to foster the development of literacy with Mrs Allan’s very successful reading program for Middle School students. The use of the Library as one of the most valuable resources in the school has strengthened. In 2009 all Year 7 students will have an opportunity to complete a Literacy Information elective. This will assist students to locate, select, use, organise, present and evaluate information effectively and efficiently. The College is committed to improving students’ literacy skills and the work done by the Library staff supports this aim.

Pastoral Care

Caring for each student as an individual is the aim of our pastoral care system at Trinity. Heads of School, Heads of Year, pastoral care teachers, subject teachers, College Chaplain, College Counsellor and coaches work together to provide the best support possible for each student. The College retreat program reinforces this focus with the students and curriculum subjects also emphasise the importance of treating others with respect.

Trinity’s Student Diary is another method used to support students. This is a vital means of communication between home and school and allows careful monitoring of students’ progress at the College. I encourage parents to regularly look at their son’s diary to gather an impression of his organisational skills and to check any notes recorded by teachers.

Students have enjoyed many activities throughout the year that build their confidence and ability to socialise with others. The Year 9 dancing classes with Mercedes were very successful as usual and all other socials were also enjoyed by the students. All of these activities combined with retreats, camps and excursions help build social skills and acceptance of self.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the many people who have not only shown a high level of commitment to the students but have also provided me with a lot of support. Mr Emmanuel, Head of Year 8 and Mr Osnain, Head of Year 9 have been excellent role models for their students and ensured that the boys are given the necessary assistance to focus on their study and to feel happy in a safe and caring environment. Both Heads of Year have been supported by a dedicated team of pastoral care teachers who have provided the students with daily care. The Middle School Council has worked hard throughout the year to ensure that the curriculum and pastoral care needs of students are met and has done considerable work to prepare for the arrival of Year 7 students in the Middle School. I would also like to thank the many parents I have had contact with throughout the year for their support because it is when home and school work together that the best outcomes occur for students.

It has been a productive year and the Middle School team is looking forward to welcoming Year 7 students in 2009 and continuing to build on the fine work carried out this year.

Middle School