Head of Junior School Report

Junior School

I continue to be amazed at how excited the boys are about belonging to the Trinity College Junior School.

Mr Martin Tucker (’87) Head of Junior School

By the end of February, the Year 4 boys proudly and passionately state that they are part of the TC community. I constantly receive comments from parents about the maturity that their boys seem to acquire once they commence their education at our College. It is difficult to articulate exactly how this love of Trinity is fostered but it must be attributed to the care shown by the teachers, the positive manner in which they interact with the boys and the opportunity for the boys to learn from other boys in our unique environment. I also feel that connections with the history of the College through TOBA and the boys being challenged to be Men for Others assist in creating that sense of belonging.

This year the Junior School staff focused on using information technology as an integral part of their teaching. Mrs Sarah Wilke was employed in a part-time capacity to drive this learning and she has done a fabulous job in introducing a variety of new apps and educational websites to up-skill and push our staff to develop their abilities in relation to providing enhanced learning experiences for the boys. As a staff, we have explored 21st century learning and used some 21st century fluencies to guide the teachers’ planning and to provide interesting units of work designed to engage and challenge the boys. Teachers have also developed blogs to show parents some of the learning that is happening in classrooms and to keep parents informed of events in the Junior School.

The Science program, which was introduced this year, has proven to be very successful. The boys are exposed to quality teaching by an experienced Science teacher in Miss Stacey Turich who has developed lessons and learning experiences which have rapidly increased the boys’ understanding of scientific concepts. Using the Senior School laboratories has enabled practical science experiments in a well-resourced and safe environment which is not viable in most primary schools. Every time I go into the science rooms to watch the boys learn, I see them engaged, thinking critically and having fun.

The opportunities to develop service learning are directly linked to the Edmund Rice charism of being Men for Others. As usual, the boys have been very generous in

Mr Dean cuts his cake at a special Farewell Assembly

supporting a number of worthy causes. In addition to our regular donations to the missions for the bi-annual India Pilgrimage, the boys generously supported those in need both through donations and action. This year the students visited a number of elderly care organisations to spend time with the residents. The Junior School also supported Shopfront, an organisation which provides care for the homeless of Perth. $1000 was raised, which the prefects used to purchase blankets and toiletries to make up packs that were distributed to those in need. We also supported many other appeals, including LifeLink, collecting ring pulls and visiting Wheelchairs for Kids, Unfair Day, as well as a multitude of raffles and fundraising efforts organised by the boys themselves. It is fantastic to see these young men give so enthusiastically.

Sharing our faith is a big part of the Junior School calendar and Masses are always reverent occasions. The boys are very respectful in the chapel and sing beautifully to contribute to a meaningful celebration of the Eucharist. We extend our appreciation to Fra Oscar for leading liturgy and always sharing important messages with the congregation. We are also blessed by his presence in the College and his interaction with the students. Thank you also to the parents who support the liturgical celebrations.

This year we farewell two staff members who have contributed greatly to the Junior School over many years. Ms Margaret Trutwein has worked at Trinity for nine years, including spending three years in the Senior School. In my time at Trinity, I have relied on her educational knowledge and organisational skills to keep the Junior School running smoothly. She has also been a colleague whom I greatly respect as a professional and as a teacher who is always striving to be the best she can for her students. I wish her all the best for her new endeavour as a literacy support teacher.

After 29 years in the Junior School, Mr Gordon Dean is moving to the Secondary School. He has taught generations of boys and he leaves behind a wonderful legacy. Mr Dean is greatly loved by the students and he has a rich pastoral influence in our community. He is also a wonderful ambassador for Edmund Rice Education Australia and leads by example in regard to service learning. I am grateful for his support during my time at Trinity and admire his desire to provide a culture of inclusivity in the Junior School. I wish him all the best for his years in the Senior School.

The strong connections with the Trinity-Terrace Old Boys’ Association have remained this year. The TOBA assemblies are a highlight and provide an integral part of building a TC culture in the Junior School. Recognition and many thanks must go to TOBA President, Mr Peter Torre (’89) for his amazing historical knowledge of the College, which he passionately and eloquently shares with the boys. The Year 6 boys had the opportunity to interview members of the Golden Heritage Club, comprising Old Boys who graduated from Trinity or CBC Terrace over 50 years ago and this was a fantastic experience for all involved. The links which are formed and nurtured between TOBA and the Junior School are valuable in enriching the connectedness the boys feel for their College.

Mr Tucker congratulates his son, Ben Tucker on his graduation from Year 6

Junior School Concert and Presentation Night

I acknowledge the high level of support that exists between parents and staff. Parent evenings are always well-attended as are the weekly inter-school sporting fixtures and it is terrific for the boys to play in front of so many friendly faces. The willingness of parents to attend camps is amazing and helps to further nurture the sense of community. Having a strong and positive connection between parents and staff contributes to the ideal that we are on a journey together to do what is best for our boys.

Finally, a personal highlight of the year is seeing the boys grow into the fine young gentleman, striving to be the best that they can be. I would like to thank the Trinity Junior School community for their part in a wonderful 2015.

Mr Martin Tucker (’87) Head of Junior School