Principal News
Lindy Smith
Dear Parents
This week I have included photos to remind us of the wonderful places in Melbourne that we will get to enjoy again in a short time. Sometimes we can't always see the forest for the trees but we will soon get to relish the sunshine and visit those places we have missed with the people we love.
The teachers have continued to check in with families this week. Most families are doing well though the common theme of trying to supervise their child's learning as well as do their work is a challenge. Many parents said that felt 'guitly' that they don't spent enough time helping their child. The teachers again explained that they only need to do what the family situation can cope with and not to stress. Parents were also anxious about their child missing their friends. This is very common with all parents, children, teachers and everyone in Victoria. The other question most asked has been "Is my child falling behind?" On the whole, the teachers are pleased with the progress of their class and are delivering the Victorian Curriculum almost to schedule. Most of our students are very diligent and complete most set tasks. It is a lot more challenging for the teachers to track student learning as they would in the classroom, but they are still confident with the level of progress that is being achieved despite learning remotely.
I have attached an article which I put into an earlier newsletter from a well respected educator from Melbourne University John Hattie. "Hattie urges teachers and parents to not panic if students miss out on 10 weeks or so of face-to-face learning during the COVID-19 pandemic". Our staff have also unpacked this article and taken onboard aspects such as "no meaningless 'busy work' over the period and giving students sufficient opportunities to learn things they do not know."
Wellbeing Wednesday
Wellbeing Wednesday was enjoyed by the students and teachers yesterday. It was an opportunity to put our wellbeing ahead of reading, writing and maths. The children were encouraged to participate in some physical activity, listening activities and meditation. It was also an opprotunity to have less time on screen. Though in saying that, some of the 3/4 students used the time to catch up with their friends on a Google Meet which they said was the best part of their day, while others took the time to cook or just relax. I have attached the daily program which was undertaken by our middle school students.
Reading
Last Monday, I ran an online Zoom Parent Session on Modelled Reading and how you can support your child with reading at home.
Modelled Reading is basically reading to, or reading aloud to the children. It involves children listening to a text/story which is read aloud by a parent or teacher. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate an enjoyment and passion for reading as well as teaching a particular skill. This is clearly articulated before reading the text, so that children see a purpose in learning to read.
We had some very keen parents attend the session. Thank you for joining me and I hope you found it valuable. The session has been recorded if you were not able to make it for you to watch at a more convenient time. Please see the link below or feel free to email me if you’d like to chat further.
(Link of recording
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JrQrwtTEFC8L0m2ZlMC5N_9QMTpO2ISv/view?usp=sharing)
Finally, we are very aware of how challenging these times are for all of us. Please remember it is ok to not be ok so please reach out if you need any assistance, or if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s wellbeing or learning during remote learning. We are all working through this together so it is important to know how we can help you during this time.
Annabelle Marinelli
Literacy Leader | Acting Deputy Principal
amarinelli@tcs.catholic.edu.au
Thanks to Annabelle for very informative session on Reading.
Senior Camp
We are still very keen for our senior students to have the camp experience this year so we have moved the camp dates to the last part of the year. The senior school camp is now booked for 7th-9th December. We will need to wait to see if we will be permitted to attend.
E Safety
From the ESafety Commissioner some latest information games, apps and social media, including how to protect your information and report inappropriate content.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide
Meet Our Staff
We hope you are enjoying meeting our staff each week and even in a small way, feeling abit more connected with our wonderful Trinity Community.
Antonella Tsakmakis - Wellbeing and Family Engagement Leader
Hello everyone! I am Mrs Antonella.
This year after many years at Trinity I am not a classroom teacher but very excited to be the Student Wellbeing and Family Engagement Leader. I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful school community and I love working with all the students and their families.
My husband is Jim and I have 3 adult sons- Daniel, Jason and Andrew. Daniel lives in Northern Italy and I was lucky enough to visit him last September! Jason unfortunately has had to postpone his wedding to next year and Andrew is studying at La Trobe University.
My home is my special place with my family and friends that visit. My favourite colour is any shade of blue and one of my favourite movies is The Wizard of Oz. I enjoy reading, watching movies, gardening and cooking. I love the sound of waves at the beach, anything chocolate and I hope to travel again soon and see more of Europe!
Justine Colyer Year 5/6JC Classroom teacher
This year is my first full year teaching at Trinity but I was lucky enough to teach in lots of the classrooms last year to get to know the students across all grades.
This year I am a Senior teacher in 5/6JC and we are having a great year in our upstairs classroom and of course online! I am from Sydney. I studied and taught there before I left to go travelling overseas for four years. While I was abroad, I taught in England and Canada!
Some of my favourite things to do are cooking and baking, especially sweet things. I love discovering new places I've never been and because I am fairly new to Melbourne I get out and about to explore when I can. I also love going home to see my family in the holidays as I have 3 nieces and 1 nephew!
Frank Anania Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher
My name is Frank Anania. I grew up and went to school in regional Victoria. I have 2 sisters and one brother. I am married to Helen and have a dog called Archie. Some of my hobbies include travel, golf, swimming and running. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy watching my football team North Melbourne play or trying my hand at cooking.
Julie Boffa Administration
Hi I’m Julie and I work in the office at Trinity Catholic School.
I love seeing our students and their families coming in to the office and meeting new people who come to look at our beautiful school
I love to travel but so far this year I have been going for lots of walks with my family, cooking, reading books, doing crosswords and puzzles and playing a game called taboo, it's lots of fun. I love cooking and this year I have learnt to bake bread and my family love it!!
Enjoy our Melbourne winter.
Lindy