Head of Junior School Report

Junior School

In my third year in the position of Head of Junior School, it is an opportune time to reflect on my journey at Trinity. The overriding feeling is that I continue to feel privileged to be involved with such an exceptional community. It is pleasing to come to school each day and work with boys and teachers who are genuinely happy to be there.

Mr Martin Tucker Head of Junior School

The 2016 school year started in unusual circumstances with both the Year 5 camp and Year 6 retreat scheduled in Week 7 being postponed due to fires near Dwellingup. Whilst this caused a little inconvenience, the safety of the boys always came first. The rescheduled camps, which were both held at Camp Kelly, were incredibly successful, with all goals achieved and the boys’ behaviour exceptional. The Year 6 tour of Kalgoorlie was also a wonderful experience. Thank you to the 50+ dads who attended the various camps this year—your contributions and support were invaluable.

Educationally, there were a number of changes which were aimed at improving the educational experience of the boys. All Junior School teachers took part in a pilot teacher mentoring program. The purpose of the program was to set faculty and personal goals in order to improve our teaching practice, both individually and collectively. Using proven research from experts in the field, such as Mr John Hattie, the teachers collectively focused on setting out learning intentions and enhancing feedback for each lesson. Computer Science was introduced to the Year 6s this year. Senior School teacher, Mr Paul Presser, led both students and the teachers through weekly lessons aimed at problemsolving, writing algorithms and creating, using technology. The program has been very engaging and the boys and teachers have become proficient in the area of coding. This year, all Junior School boys are using iPads and there is constant exploration from teachers to improve the use of technology as a learning tool.

There has been continued attention to assist the boys, to be the best they can be using small focus groups. Writing groups have been introduced this year with the aim of supporting and challenging our students at their various writing levels. We commenced using MacqLit, which is a research-based literacy intervention to improve reading and spelling and, so far, the results of boys using this program have been pleasing. Rainbows is in its second year and helps guide boys through times of grief and loss. In addition to these programs, we welcomed psychologist,

Ms Jess Chrystal, to the Junior School. She has implemented a number of programs to assist the various needs of the boys, both in small groups and individually.

The boys have excelled in a variety of learning areas this year. The Music program, under the expert direction of Mrs Ann Clarke, continues to flourish. The Junior School was well represented at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival with choirs, dance groups, bands and individual and duet performances being of a high standard. The Junior Vocal Ensemble won the Shield for the choir category and Gabriel Pereira (4G) won the shield for individual piano performance. Part of being in the Gifted & Talented program is entering various competitions to challenge the boys in a team environment. The boys in Year 5 took part in the Academic All Stars competition this year. The competition tests the boys in eight different categories. Our boys won three of the categories and were placed first overall, which was a marvellous achievement. On the sporting field, the A soccer team won the School Sport WA competition for the second year running and our athletics team won their competition for the first time since the formation of the JPSSA. We entered teams into the School Sport WA golf and triathlon competitions and the Trinity teams were victors in the golf and in two divisions of the triathlon.

The opportunities to develop Service Learning are directly linked to the Edmund Rice charism of being Men for Others. The secondary boys, who were part of the bi-annual India Pilgrimage, visited the Junior School and spoke of their experiences and of the difference that the weekly givings, via the missions, make. As part of our service in action program this year, the Year 4 boys visited Br Olly Pickett’s Wheelchairs for Kids and the Years 5s and 6s visited a number of aged care organisations to spend time with the residents. The Junior School also supported a number of appeals, including LifeLink, Wheelchairs for Kids, Unfair Day and Movember 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 interaction with the students. Thank you also to the parents who support our liturgical celebrations.

TOBA continues to have a significant presence within the Junior School. The three TOBA assemblies each term are full of history, noise, fun and colour, but also play a major part in building that sense of belonging which each boy feels. The way the boys identify themselves so proudly as Trinity College students is such an important part of their Junior School experience. The Golden Heritage Club men visit the Year 6s each year and share stories about life as a CBC Terrace or Trinity student when they were school age. The morning is such a special occasion and helps maintain the connections between past and present. Thank you to TOBA President, Mr Peter Torre (’89) and TOBA Executive Officer, Ms Di Millar, for their determination to keep these traditions alive. I acknowledge those who have helped to shape the Junior School this last year. The Assistant Heads of the Junior School, Mr Bernard Le Tessier and Ms Evelyn Temmen, who are both new to the Junior School Leadership team have contributed positively and their work ethic and enthusiasm are features of their commitment to improving education for the boys. The Junior School staff are always willing to investigate new pedagogy and just as importantly, genuinely enjoy interacting with the boys. The parent body continues to be supportive of all that happens at Trinity and finally, to the boys, it is wonderful to guide and assist you to grow into fine young gentlemen and Men for Others.

Mr Martin Tucker (’87) Head of Junior School

Junior School Swan River Colony

Wheelchair for Kids Excursion