Junior School

Student Work Attributes  

This year, Junior School has begun an exciting journey to align our reporting with the approach used in Years 7–12. After adapting the Student Work Attribute Matrix to suit a Junior School setting and preparing staff for full implementation in 2025, we introduced the matrix in our interim reports. Just like the progress grade, this provided each boy with an early indication of how he is applying himself in relation to the expectations outlined in the SWA. 

As part of our commitment to helping every boy grow into the best learner, he can be. The College uses Student Work Attributes to describe the everyday learning habits we want boys to develop. These are not academic grades - they show how your son approaches learning, organisation, and behaviour in the classroom. 

In the Junior School, we focus on five key areas: 

• Application - the effort a student puts into learning and his willingness to have a go. 

• Independent Learning - beginning to take responsibility for learning and showing curiosity. 

• Self‑Management - being organised, ready for class, and managing belongings and routines. 

• Home Studies - completing homework, practising skills, and building good study habits. 

• Co‑operative Behaviour - working respectfully with teachers and classmates. 

   

Teachers use simple ratings - Excellent, High, Satisfactory, Inconsistent, Unsatisfactory, or Not Assessed - to show how consistently your son demonstrates these habits. 

To give families a clear picture of overall progress, the College also uses an Attribute Point Average (APA). This number, between 1 and 5, summarises how well a student is engaging with school routines, behaviour expectations, and learning habits. It is not an academic score. 

The APA helps us track growth over time, identify students who may need extra support, and recognise boys who consistently show strong learning habits.  

Whilst the Senior School have used the APA for almost six years, the Junior School purpose will be slightly different, with a focus on growth. Most importantly, the addition of the APA encourages the qualities we want to see in all our young men, effort, responsibility, respect, and a willingness to always try their best.  

God Bless,

Mr James McPherson

Head of Junior School

Year 4 AFL Carnival

Our Year 4 boys had a fantastic afternoon competing in their AFL carnival against Aquinas College yesterday. The boys represented the school with great enthusiasm and energy, enjoying the opportunity to play together in teams and continue developing both their skills and understanding of the game. 

While PSA sport and inter-school rivalries always bring plenty of passion and excitement, occasions like these also remind us of the importance of showing respect for one another both on and off the field. The strong relationship shared between the two Colleges, particularly through traditions such as the TA’s (Trinity Aquinas Amateur Football Team), highlights the connection and mutual respect that continues well beyond school years. 

A big thank you to the parents who generously gave up their time to help manage teams and support the students throughout the afternoon. We also extend our thanks to Aquinas College for hosting such a well-run and enjoyable event. 

The boys were well prepared thanks to their Thursday afternoon training sessions and thoroughly enjoyed the chance to put their hard work into action. 

Year 6 Transition Program

Information Session

All Year 6 parents are invited to an information session regarding Year 7. At this session, we will provide information about surrounding subjects in the Senior School, academic expectations, and co-curricular opportunities. We will also provide further information on the transition experiences which our Year Six boys will commence in Semester Two. This event will take place on Friday 5 June at 1.30pm in the Staff Lounge. Please RSVP below.

Individual Student and Class Photos  

A reminder that student individual and class photos will take place in Week 5, Wednesday 20 May.

Students are required to attend in full Winter Uniform, including their blazer. If your son has sport scheduled on this day, he must still arrive at school in his Winter Uniform and bring his sports uniform to change into later. To help avoid any confusion, there will be no Year 5/6 JPSSA sport training that morning.

We kindly ask that all students meet the College’s expectations for uniform and personal presentation. Please ensure that: 

• Uniforms are worn correctly and neatly. 

• Shoes are black leather school shoes, polished and well maintained. 

• Hair is clean, neat, and conservatively styled in accordance with College guidelines. 

   

As a reminder, hairstyles should be tidy and of an appropriate length, not covering the collar, ears, or eyes, and should not include extreme or non-conventional styles or colouring. 

The College expects the highest standards of uniform, personal presentation, and general appearance at all times. Full details can be found in the student diary.

Thank you for your support in ensuring students are well presented for photo day. 

Families may pre-order their individual portraits Class/PCG photos now! 

To pre-order your photos: 

• Visit the Photo Hendriks website (photohendriks.com.au) 
• Click on 'Order Your School Photos' 
• Enter the following access key: RL45RNBK 

Upcoming Events

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.