Junior School

Maximising Student Potential

This week, I would like to draw our Junior School community’s attention to the upcoming Semester Report and how your son’s application to his learning will be reflected. As previously communicated, we have refined the way we report on Student Work Attributes (SWA) to ensure alignment with Years 7–12. 

As part of our commitment to helping every boy grow into the best learner, he can be. The College uses SWA to describe the everyday learning habits we aim to develop. These are not academic grades; rather, they reflect how boys approach their learning, organisation, and behaviour in the classroom. 

The Trinity College SWA focus on five key areas that support boys in reaching their full potential: 

Application  

Application refers to the level of effort, enthusiasm, and readiness a Junior School boy demonstrates in his learning. Boys who are developing strong application approach tasks with a willingness to have a go, even when faced challenges. We know that to reach their potential they need to listen attentively, engage actively, and persist when learning becomes difficult.  

Independent Learning  

Independent learning reflects a boy’s growing ability to take responsibility for his own learning. In the Junior School, this includes developing curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and attempting solutions before seeking assistance. Boys demonstrate independence when they show initiative, embrace challenges, and understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. 

Self- Management 

Self-management describes how well a student prepares, organises, and presents himself for each lesson. For Junior School boys, this includes being ready for class, managing belongings, following routines, and using time effectively. Boys who demonstrate strong self-management are organised, transition smoothly between activities, and present their work with care.  

Home Studies  

Home studies reflect a boy’s engagement with learning beyond the classroom, including homework, practice, and revision tasks. At this stage, developing consistent routines is key. Boys show positive home study habits when they complete tasks to the best of their ability, take pride in their work, and begin to manage expectations with increasing independence. 

Co-operative Behaviour  

Co‑operative behaviour describes how well a boy works with teachers and peers. This includes showing respect, listening to others, contributing positively to group activities, and demonstrating courtesy at all times. In the Junior School, boys are developing important social skills such as teamwork, communication, and resolving disagreements respectfully.  

Together in partnership with families, we continue to encourage effort, responsibility, and perseverance. This is designed to equip our boys with the skills and mindset needed to thrive, both now and into the future. 

God Bless,

Mr James McPherson

Head of Junior School

Year 4 Christian Service

Wheelchairs for Kids  

Over the past two weeks, week, two of our Year 4 classes had the incredible opportunity to visit Wheelchairs for Kids in Wangara. It was a truly inspiring experience for both students and staff. The children learned firsthand how this amazing organisation designs and builds wheelchairs for children in need around the world. They were deeply moved by the stories shared and gained a new appreciation for compassion, service, and the power of community. We’re so proud of how thoughtful and engaged our students were. We look forward 4W visiting next week.  

Year 6 to 7 Transition

Parent Information Session  

Today, over 75 parents attended our Year 6 Transition session, highlighting the school’s commitment to supporting students as they prepare for Senior School. The session outlined a range of initiatives designed to ensure a smooth and confident transition for all learners. These include a structured mentoring program, opportunities for Year 6 students to visit senior school classes, and visits from Heads of Learning Areas (HOLAs) to the Junior School. 

Parents also learned how Senior School routines will be gradually incorporated into the Year 6 experience, helping students build familiarity and independence before the move. Our Deputy Principals, Mr Hince and Mr Fritz, shared insights into academic expectations, wellbeing support, and the importance of developing organisational skills. 

We will make the presentation available for families who were unable to make it and will continue communicating transition opportunities for our Year 6 students.  

Da Vinci Decathlon

In Week 4 of this term, a number of our Junior School and Senior School students attended the da Vinci Decathlon at The University of Western Australia. This prestigious academic competition is held at state, interstate, and international levels. Students compete in teams of eight across ten disciplines: Mathematics, Science, English, Art and Poetry, Engineering, Creative Producers, Ideation, Cartography, Legacy and Code Breaking. 

Our Year 5 and Year 6 teams were outstanding as they competed across the ten disciplines throughout the day, achieving excellent results. 

The Year 5 team finished 7th overall, earning 1st place in Legacy, 3rd place in Creative Producers and 4th place in Mathematics. Impressively, they placed in the top 20 schools in every category, a magnificent accomplishment. 

Our Year 6 team finished 10th overall and achieved 1st place in Cartography. They also secured seven top ten placings across the disciplines. 

This was a wonderful team experience for the boys, and they represented Trinity with pride, enthusiasm and exemplary sportsmanship.   

Parent- Teacher-Student Interviews

(Online) 

A reminder that on Monday 20 July, we will be holding online Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews. All interviews will take place online between 9.00am – 4.00pm. This will provide an opportunity to discuss your son’s progress throughout Semester One and set achievable goals for Semester Two. The sign-up link will be sent via email. All boys Years 4 to 6 will return to school on Tuesday 21July. 

Term 3 Co-Curricular Groups

Information & Sign Up  

We would like to advise families that selections for next term’s co-curricular activities will open in Week 10 of this term via the SEQTA app using Clipboard. 

Year 5 and Year 6 families will already be familiar with Clipboard, as it is currently used to communicate JPSSA sporting teams, fixtures and related information. 

For Year 4 families, information regarding account setup and user instructions will be sent home next week to ensure you are ready to access and make your selections when they become available. 

We encourage all families to keep an eye on SEQTA and Clipboard for further details.

Junior School Music Night - Save the Date

Friday 12 June | 6.30pm | Gibney Hall

We are excited to announce our Junior School Music Night, featuring performances from all music groups in Years 4–6. Students involved in these groups are expected to attend. Please mark this date in your calendar, with further information to be shared soon. Traditionally, this is a wonderful evening showcasing the excellent work and talents of our music students, and we look forward to another fantastic event.

Dates to Remember

TOBA Sportsmen's Lunch

The annual Sportsmen’s Lunch is the major fundraising event on the TOBA calendar.  Valuable funds raised at the event go directly towards the TOBA Bursary Program.  These bursaries provide life‑changing opportunities for boys who, due to financial hardship, would not otherwise be able to benefit from a Trinity College education.  Your support directly contributes to making that possible.

It’s set to be a standout afternoon, featuring one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, former Australian Test star Jeff Thomson, as Guest Speaker, with respected Sports Reporter and Commentator Mark Readings ('87) as MC.  We’re also excited to be inducting the next four Old Boys into the TOBA Sporting Hall of Fame.