Trinity Anglican College Term 1: Week 8 Newsletter

Featured: Junior school students celebrating Harmony Day on Thursday.

A letter from the PrincipalMr Justin Beckett

In challenging times, we want to express how grateful we are for our Trinity community.

The ensuing months are likely to be a difficult time for many people in our Trinity community. We need to care for one another. It is right to distance ourselves physically but we MUST find ways to remain connected socially. We are a community. We don’t want to see anyone become isolated. Let’s pull together to support each other and those who are doing it tough.

There has been much conjecture about how Australia should best respond to the threat of COVID-19. When we look to other countries overseas, we see that some seem to be managing the virus better than others.

So, will Trinity close? That is the hot question right now.

We will take our lead from the Australian Government and the specialistagencies that advise us.

Our priority is to care for the well-being of our students, staff and families. To keep our students safe on a daily basis through best practice hygiene routines and through the management of group sizes around the school. Right now, our quality of pastoral care and support becomes more important than ever; to ensure that our young people feel a sense of security and comfort in apprehensive times. We provide a safe place for our students, a harbour in the storm.

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A letter from the Principal continued

Mr Justin Beckett

Our students know that the College is well positioned to support their academic journey this year, especially in the event of school closures. Trinity is a school that uses learning technologies to great effect. We are confident in our ability to deliver online learning opportunities for our students. The older the student, the more we are able to provide.

Yesterday we road-tested a day of learning at home for our Year 10 students using Zoom technology in combination with SEQTA. The day was a terrific success. When we surveyed our students, teachers and parents they overwhelmingly described the trial as effective, engaging and fun.

Another goal of our online learning, while primarily for educational purposes, is also to play the important role of keeping our kids connected and in community. Students will still have a reason to bounce out of bed and be excited about a day of learning and connecting with their teachers and friends.

In the event of a school closure scenario we know that we have the tools and staff expertise to provide engaging and meaningful learning for students, even as they learn at home.

We don’t know what lies around the next corner. But we do know that there is hope and a bright future ahead, especially when we journey side by side.

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The Head of Junior SchoolMr Steven Armstrong

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa

When witnessing different events and the involvement of many different people in so many roles it reminds me of the importance of community. We can never detach ourselves from this sense and when we celebrate or commiserate it is completed as part of a community. We are invariably members of many different communities that have helped to form our character. As part of living in community it is important to recognise differences and individuality and to accept these as part of the process of growth. Students learn the importance of acceptance at an early age and we need, as educators, to engender this through all our teaching. At times, living in community can cause strain and anxiety, even though we are all heading in the same direction. The focus should always return to the basic tenure for this community: the education and care of the young with all its various parameters. I encourage all to make ripples, to be active listeners and to accept and even rejoice in our differences even in these relatively uncertain times. Approach each other with empathy and love as those ripples are both healing and uplifting.

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Our Student StoriesFeaturing Camps, Harmony Day and Online Learning

Featuring: Howmans Gap for Year 7 Camp

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Our Student StoriesFeaturing Camps, Harmony Day and Online Learning

Featuring: In Anglesea for Year 10 CampOur students experienced surfing, kayaking and a range of fun-filled team challenges.

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Our Student StoriesFeaturing Camps, Harmony Day and Online Learning

Featuring: Harmony Day

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Our Student StoriesFeaturing Online Learning

Featuring: Online Learning with Year 10

“Virtual Collaboration has been identified as a key skill needed in the future workforce. Students need the ability to work productively, drive engagement, and demonstrate presence as a member of a virtual team” (Davies, 2011).

This week we conducted our first trial with Year 10 students learning from home.Our teachers were prepared with masterclasses in lesson design for digital classrooms and connecting with students using zoom technology and students were equipped with previous use of technology in the classroom. We have received incredibly positive reviews of the day from both students and staff.

From students we have heard:

“It’s a taste of the future.”“Mum I have plugged in, I’ve got this.”

“I believe that it is a wonderful solution to the situation we find ourselves in.”“I enjoyed being able to talk to my teacher and fellow classmates in real time as well

as ask questions when necessary.” “I think using zoom makes school very similar to normal because everyone is present

and talking and doing the work together.”

And from our teachers we have heard:

“Students have contributed, been supportive and respectful.”“I was so impressed with the mature approach of my Year 10 students and their

willingness to engage and try something different.”

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Dean of Teaching & Learning Mrs Adele Guy

Year 10 students trialled online learning on Thursday this week. This trial was part of our ongoing preparations for learning over a prolonged period of time through the virtual classroom, if it is required in our current circumstances relating to COVID-19. Students were sent guidelines which helped them to understand how to approach the online class environment. I reassure parents that we are well prepared for this scenario, if it eventuates, and teaching and learning will continue.

Students were sent guidelines which helped them to understand how to approach the online class environment. In addition, the following suggestions were sent to parents. I hope parents of all our Senior School students find these informative and helpful.

1. Please insist that your son or daughter approaches the day as a normal school day. It may be tempting to sleep in and relax but effective learning starts with a proactive, disciplined attitude and approach. Students should set an alarm, get up at the usual time, eat a healthy breakfast and get organised for the day.

2. Encourage your son or daughter to engage positively with this trial, understanding that there is a serious and genuine purpose in mind: to be prepared in the event that school closure eventuates. Students’ support and cooperation are essential.

3. The nature of a trial is to explore and test a new scenario. As such, there may be some delays or challenges in the use of the Zoom platform tomorrow. These will be a natural part of the process for both students and teachers. All participants need to support each other and relate with respect and understanding when errors are made.

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Dean of Teaching & Learning continued Mrs Adele Guy

4. Each lesson will commence 10 minutes into the usual lesson time. This allows time for students to log in through the SEQTA lesson scheduled for that subject at that time.

5. Each lesson ends 10 minutes before the end of the scheduled lesson time. This allows stu-dents to get up, stretch, get a drink and get organised for the next lesson. Therefore, the length of time with the class and teacher will be 40 minutes.

6. The school day will function as normal, in that there will be two lessons (1 and 2), lunch, two lessons (3 and 4), recess and then one lesson (5). Students should have their lunch and recess at the usual times. There will be no pastoral care lesson time and students should use this time, and lunch, as a screen free break.

7. The design of the lessons may vary but, generally, it will include teachers explaining the purpose of the lesson, instructions and explanation, time for students to read course work on SEQTA or in textbooks, time for written work and then the teacher summarising and concluding the lesson.

8. Students will not have access to video, so they will not be able to see other students. The trial tomorrow is audio. Students need to concentrate on listening and contributing to discussion. They will be able to ask questions.

9. In addition, students will have access to the class group chatroom. It allows students to type questions or make comments.

10. Student attendance in each virtual lesson will be taken on the school roll, as we do for each of the lessons at school.

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Dean of Teaching & Learning continued

Mrs Adele Guy

Reading: a core skill necessary for learning

Without a doubt, reading remains a core skill in learning. This remains true for all students in Senior School in preparation for their lives as adults. Here is a link to an article which explores how to motivate students to read. In particular, it focuses on how to support students in Years 7-9. I hope you find it helpful. https://www.uqp.com.au/blog/how-to-keep-tweens-reading

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Academic Administration Ms Kym Armstrong

Year 10, 11 and 12 Assessment Tasks

Across all courses in Years 10, 11 and 12, students have received assessment schedules that provide an overview of the assessment tasks in that subject for the year. There are a number of assessment tasks that students will currently be completing. Students should maintain a dialogue with their teachers and make sure that they are very clear about the requirements of each task. Teachers are here to help!

If a student is unable to submit or sit an assessment task because of illness or mishap, there is a firm set of protocols to be followed; this is outlined in assessment policy booklets that have been distributed to all students in Years 10-12. In the first instance, parents and caregivers are to contact the Head of Academic Administration, Ms Kym Armstrong, or the Dean of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Adele Guy, when it is identified that a student will miss an assessment task.

Of course, we are living through tricky times and in such times it might be difficult for students to be at school to sit tests and the like. The best rule of thumb is for parents and caregivers to contact me if their child’s assessment tasks are impacted. We will then talk through the next steps.

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Academic Administration continued

Ms Kym Armstrong

Disability Provisions for HSC Examinations The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) offers special consideration for the examinations of students who are experiencing significant disadvantage because of conditions that impair their ability to perform in the examination setting. In order to access this consideration, students must undertake an appli-cation process. Students who think that they might be eligible are encouraged to speak to me.

Please contact me if you have any queries about these matters.

Ms Kym ArmstrongHead of Academic Administration

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The Maths Department Kathy Fletcher, Head of Mathematics

Well done to those students (and parents) who had a go at the last Wednesday challenge. I enjoyed working with some Year 7 students on these problems; they were very keen to finish their solutions and learn some new skills along the way. What was most interesting was the range of strategies used by students to come to the same solution.

New challenges will be sent to parents and guardians of students via email.

Kathy FletcherHead of Mathematicskathy.fletcher@trinityac.nsw.edu.au

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The College CounsellorDr Anthony Perrone

It is understandable that some people may be feeling anxious at this time; therefore, I am providing external support information that students and families can contact via online or phone, after school hours.

During school hours please come by my office or email me at any time at; anthony.perrone@trinityac.nsw.edu.au.

Lifeline - 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline -1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636www.youthbeyondblue.com https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

North East Child And Adolescent Mental Health Service (NECAMHS) – Wodonga 6051 7900

Headspace - 1800 650 890MindSpot Clinic- 1800 61 44 34MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78Accessline – 1800 800 944

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Trinity have joined Instagram!

Now more than ever, we are looking for more ways to connect with ourstudents and our community. We will be using this platform to share good news stories and continue bringing joy to our community.Be sure to follow and hear our student stories: @trinityanglicancollege

What’s New at the CollegeThis week Trinity joined Instagram

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College InformationContacts details

Trinity College Office Email: office@trinityac.nsw.edu.auPhone: 02 6049 3400

College Attendance Email: attendance@trinityac.nsw.edu.auPhone: 02 6049 3400

College AccountsEmail: accounts@trinityac.nsw.edu.auPhone: 02 6049 3400

College Midford Uniform ShopEmail: trinity.anglicam@midford.com.auPhone: 02 6049 3440

Second Hand Uniform Shop Email: cathy.katsoolis@trinityac.nsw.edu.au

Office Opening HoursMonday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

IMPORTANT: Please contact us prior to 9am for absences

Shop Opening Hours Monday & Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pmThursday 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Opening Hours Thursday 3:15- 4:30pm

Contacting College staffAll staff can be contacted via email: firstname.lastname@ trinityac.nsw.edu.au

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Community Announcements

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Community Announcements

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