Junior School

National Science Week 2024 

National Science Week 2024 was a huge success in our Junior School, with an array of exciting activities that had everyone buzzing! This year’s theme, 'Species Survival - more than just sustainability,' provided students with many opportunities to explore important environmental concepts, which were a focus of our STEM projects in class. One highlight was Mrs Saraceni's new door sign, which sparked a fascination with the Periodic Table. To build on this interest, she organised an exciting competition for all students in Years 4-6, challenging them to learn as many elements as they could. We are incredibly proud of all the students who entered and gave it a go. Our winners walked away with fabulous prizes! 

Collaborating with Our Senior School 

We were so lucky to have some of our Junior School students visit the science labs in our Senior School, where they participated in an escape room challenge facilitated by some of our Year 10 students. It was a wonderful experience that not only sparked curiosity and teamwork but also allowed our younger students to engage with and learn from their senior peers, which was a wonderful opportunity for mentorship within our school. We look forward to more opportunities in the future to work with our senior students to continue building these enriching connections. 

Year 4 

In Year 4 Science, students delved into the fascinating world of geology by classifying rocks into three main types: metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary. Through careful observation and examination, they identified the unique characteristics of each rock type. The class also explored the composition of soils, conducting an investigation where they created soil solutions to observe how the different layers of soil settled. As budding geologists, the students then took their learning a step further by creating their own fossils. They learned how fossils are formed over millions of years, preserving the remains or imprints of ancient organisms in sedimentary rocks. This hands-on experience brought the past to life, allowing students to connect with Earth's history.  

Year 5

The Year 5 classes are currently focusing on the crucial role of endangered native bees and exploring how to encourage them to pollinate plants in our school’s urban garden. Students are investigating the specific needs of native bees, such as suitable habitats and food sources, and are brainstorming ways to create a bee-friendly environment. Using their creativity and knowledge of our STEM design process, they are designing and developing innovative solutions like bee hotels, pollinator gardens, and water stations to support these vital pollinators. Through this ongoing project, students are gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of native bees in our ecosystem and the impact they can have on species survival. 

Additionally, we have explored the fascinating world of Space, revealing the mysteries of our solar system and the wonders beyond. Did you know that Nicolaus Copernicus was the first person to state that Earth and the other planets travel around the sun, in 1543? Galileo Galilei supported Copernicus’ view of the Heliocentric System with his telescopic observations. For hundreds of years before that, most believed that the sun, stars, and planets revolved around Earth. The Year 5’s are currently building an interactive Lego Technic model of the Earth and Moon’s orbit around the Sun, to support our learning in Earth and Space Sciences. 

 Year 6

Meanwhile, Year 6 students are actively engaged in a project inspired by the Seabin Project, an innovative Australian invention by Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski, designed to clean our oceans. They are currently exploring how the design process transformed this concept into a functional device that collects trash, oil, fuel, and detergents from water bodies. Building on this inspiration, they are applying our STEM design process to create their own inventions, developing practical solutions to environmental challenges, and gaining a deeper understanding of how technology can contribute to conservation efforts to manage species survival. 

We have also been learning about natural disasters, specifically volcanoes. We conducted an investigation to explore how the viscosity of a volcano’s lava might influence the shape of the volcano. We talked about how to keep the test fair by ensuring that certain factors remained constant, like the rate of pour and the surface on which it was poured, as well as identified that the variable that would change is the amount of water added to each mixture. We prepared three liquids of different viscosities by adding specific amounts of water to flour and included red food colouring to make it look like lava. The investigation allowed us to see firsthand how viscosity can affect the shape and flow of a liquid, helping us better understand volcanic activity. 

To top off this wonderful week, all students will be treated to an exciting incursion presented by the masterminds of Supersonic Science on Monday, 26 August. Students will witness explosive chemical reactions, levitating objects, and other mind-blowing scientific phenomena that bring the wonders of science to life. National Science Week has been such a great week, and Term 3 has been packed with lots of hands-on learning, discovery and innovation! 

Angelico Art Exhibition – Student Success

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our talented students, Samir, who has recently made us all incredibly proud. At the prestigious Angelico Exhibition held on Tuesday evening, Samir was honoured with a distinguished award for his exceptional creation: a stunning turtle sculpture crafted entirely from recycled materials.

Samirs innovative and eco-friendly sculpture not only captivated the judges but also demonstrated a remarkable blend of creativity and environmental consciousness. The ceremony, held at Forrest Centre, was a celebration of artistic excellence and sustainability.

Congratulations, Samir! We can’t wait to see where your artistic journey takes you next.

A reminder that the Angelico Art Exhibition is still open, with details listed below.

Venue: Forrest Centre, 221 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Exhibition Dates/Times: Monday 5 August - Friday 23 August, 9:00am – 5:00pm 

There is an additional weekend viewing session on Saturday 17 August, 1:30pm – 3:00pm for participants, families and community members.

Junior School Athletics Carnival Details 

Please see below for a reminder of our Junior School Athletics Carnival schedule. While we do not expect parents to attend the jumps and throws events, we have included the times below for your reference.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the main event on Thursday, 22 August. 

Father's Day Breakfast

We look forward to welcoming our Junior School Dads’ Friday, 30 August between 7:30am and 8:30am, in the Junior School Undercover Area. Gloucester Park is available for parking on the day. Please access via Gate 7, the gate will be open from 7.00am and will close at 9.30am.

Dates to Remember

Ignite Award Program at Trinity College

We are thrilled to announce that Trinity is offering the Ignite Award program for our students aged 9 to 13 years. This exceptional self-development initiative is designed to help young people build leadership skills, boost self-esteem, and forge strong connections with their community through a variety of engaging activities.

Ignite Award consists of four activity sections, each tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of participants:

• Physical Activity: Encourages participation in a physical activity.
• Hobby: Develops personal interests and practical skills.
• Volunteering: Fosters a sense of community and responsibility.
• Adventure: Builds confidence through new experiences. 

This program empowers students to:

• Develop Leadership Skills: Through structured activities and volunteer opportunities, participants learn to take initiative, make decisions, and inspire others, setting the stage for future leadership roles.
• Build Self-Esteem: By setting and achieving personal goals in physical activities, hobbies, and adventures, students gain confidence in their abilities and a sense of accomplishment.
• Strengthen Community Connections: Engaging in volunteer work and community projects fosters a deep sense of responsibility and belonging, helping students understand the impact they can make in their local community.

This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to grow, learn new skills, and transition smoothly into secondary school.

Registration Fees & Booklet Levels:

• Level 1 and 2 Booklet: $105
• Level 3 and 4 Booklet: $105

To enroll your child in this transformative program, please register online at: Participant Registration Form.

For more information, please contact the Ignite Program Officer Laura Seymour at info@igniteaward.org.au or (08) 9324 2673.

Give your child the opportunity to shine and grow with the Ignite Award!