Handbook

Dear Parents,

On behalf of all at Trinity, I extend to you a warm welcome to our community. I hope that this handbook will be of assistance to you. I am sure that it will give you important information about our school.

Those of you who are beginning your first child at school are embarking on a new and different adventure. I’m sure you are excited by the prospect of becoming involved in a different way in your child’s education, now that he/she is starting school. For those of you who have had the experience before, I feel confident that you are looking forward to the joy that each of our children bring as they take a new step in their journey. We certainly look forward to sharing the responsibility of educating your child with you.

You may recognise some familiar procedures similar to those in place when you were at school. However, you may find that school for your child is a different experience than what you remember of your primary school years.

The best way to find out about how your child will be educated at Trinity, is to take advantage of the many opportunities to participate in the life of the school. Our liturgies, ‘educational get-togethers,’ parent workshops on how and what your child will be learning, the school newsletter, regular meetings with teachers, and assemblies are just a few of the many opportunities for you to become involved in the life of your child at school.

I pray that God will bless your time at Trinity. I pray also, that it will be a time full of happiness, care and support for each other, as we focus upon the learning and development of your child in a truly Catholic atmosphere of love and concern for each individual.

I wish you and your family a very happy and rewarding association with our Trinity community of learners.

With every blessing

Cathy Hey
Principal

At Trinity our mission is to:

• provide learning-centred teaching which is responsive to individual needs
• provide creative and innovative structures to support effective learning
• value quality relationships which reflect the gospel values of respect, dignity, justice and equity
• bring our Catholic beliefs to life by caring for each other and our environment
• have high expectations of every child and believe that every child can succeed.

We aim to provide authentic teaching and learning experiences which match the needs of the child and which acknowledge the God given uniqueness of each person. We aim to create an environment that provides a balance between support and challenge for each learner.

In the words of our school song, The Trinity Song, at Trinity we are a ‘community of learners known by name; each one is different and yet the same’. At Trinity, each member of the community is considered to be a learner and we aim to foster a commitment to lifelong learning in the context of a lived experience of our faith. In particular, we aim to make the Gospel values of respect, the dignity of each individual, justice and equity explicit and demonstrated in the relationships between the members of our community.

Trinity Catholic Primary, Kemps Creek, opened in 1993, with an enrolment of 116 children from Kindergarten to Year Two.

By 2020, the enrolment has more than doubled and includes students from Kindergarten to Year Six. Sharing the one hundred acre site with us is our feeder high school, Emmaus Catholic College and the Emmaus Retirement Village.

Trinity is the second Catholic primary school within the Parish of Holy Spirit St Clair. Our pastor is Fr Michael Belonio OSA. The school community moved to the permanent site in 1995, when Stages One and Two of the permanent buildings were built. In 1998, the third and final stage of the building program, consisting of our Learning and Resource Centre (LARC) and two new classrooms, were completed and officially opened. In 2001 seven new demountable classrooms and a demountable toilet block were installed to accommodate the increasing enrolment at Trinity Catholic Primary.

In 2018, Trinity celebrated its 25th anniversary with a number of special events including a mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long and the establishment of a commemorative garden.

We face the future filled with hope and a commitment to providing students with the best facilities and learning opportunities as we continue to deliver a quality Catholic education.

The school logo is based on the famous Russian Icon of the 'Trinity'. The original Icon (142 x 114cm) was painted by Andrei Rublev, a monk, (c1370-1430) for the monastery of St Sergius at Zaborsk near Moscow. This Icon is now housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

The Mamre Story

The Icon is a depiction from Genesis 18:1-10. Abraham welcomes three "heavenly beings" under the Oak at Mamre and gives them hospitality, but quickly realises that this is a manifestation of God in the guise of three angels. They reveal the birth of Isaac, and Abraham is able to intercede for Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Three Figures are seen as having distinct features, yet share a striking similarity - one nature and three persons of the Trinity. The three figures form a circle symbolising eternity, which, like the circle, has no beginning and no end, and completeness. The Icon is painted in two dimensions which gives the perspective of the other world, rather than in the three dimensions of this world.

The Central figure CHRIST wears the earthy magenta of humanity
The Left figure THE FATHER is in transparent gold
The Right figure SPIRIT is in the green of spring, renewal, growth and hope.

The Three Persons in the Icon are in readiness to WELCOME a guest with whom to share their life in the HOSPITALITY of the Table - the Table of the Eucharist. The place reserved for the guest is symbolised by a small niche in the lower centre front. The oak tree symbolises the Tree of Life and the Tent symbolises both the Church and Mary as dwelling places of God.

The Logo was adapted by Father Brian Rooney, former Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair in 1992. Father Brian was instrumental in the establishment of Trinity Catholic Primary School as the second parish primary school.

In preparing the Logo, a few changes were made for simplification in the reproduction process. The figures and positions remained faithful to the original, as did the table, the cup, the niche and the oak tree. The Tent is represented by the BLUE peaked outline or edging of the emblem.

The Colours of each of the Three Persons are:

• The Central figure - Saviour (Jesus) clothed in earthy brown, symbol of His humanity
• The Left figure - Creator (Father) clothed in gold, symbol of magisterial - power and authority.
• The Right figure - Sanctifier (Spirit) clothed in green, symbol of growth.

The Motto: 'In Giving We Receive' from the Prayer of St Francis, reflects hospitality. Giving is the essence of true Christian hospitality.

At Trinity, we believe that:

• there is diversity in any learning community and we acknowledge multiple pathways for learning
• learners need to engage in meaningful, relevant tasks
• learners need scaffolding to support their learning
• learners need planned, regular opportunities to have processes explicitly modelled to them; engage in processes with an expert guide, and to engage in the processes independently (practice): TO: WITH: BY
• learners need quality feedback
• learners need to be involved in decision-making and making judgements about the quality of their learning
• there are significant milestones/evidence of growth in the learner which informs teaching
• involvement of parents and communication with them, is critical for successful teaching and learning.

At Trinity, we understand that the three areas which really make a difference to student learning outcomes (that is, which enhance effective teaching) are:

• Focused teaching based on the needs of the children
• High expectations
• Uninterrupted time for learning.

As a school, we ensure that prime learning time, particularly the first two hours of the morning, is free from interruptions to learning. Uninterrupted Time for Learning is a school policy.

What do primary children learn?
Along with all other schools in the Parramatta Diocese, children at Trinity experience the following seven Key Learning Areas (subjects):

• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Human Society and its Environment (History and Geography)
• Creative Arts
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.

Our Religious Education syllabus document Sharing Our Story is used by every primary and secondary school in the Parramatta Diocese. The syllabus documents in all other Key Learning Areas are the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) documents and are the same as those used in State and other Catholic Schools. Our Catholic values impact on the way those Key Learning Areas are taught and learnt across all subjects.

Developing generic competencies
We believe that in educating for a post industrial knowledge and digital society, the developments of generic outcomes are important goals if are children are to become discerning knowledge navigators. Our challenge always is to contextualise and ground these competencies in our Catholic faith and tradition.

For example, the ability to:

• collect, analyse and organise information
• communicate ideas and information effectively using a range of spoken, written, graphic and non-verbal forms of communication
• plan and organise
• work with others in teams
• use mathematical ideas and techniques
• solve problems by thinking critically and creatively
• use Web 2.0 technology.

These generic competencies cross-curricular boundaries. We strive to find a balance between independence and interdependence in our teaching.

Religious Education
As well as specific Religious Education lessons, our Catholic values impact on the way all Key Learning Areas are taught and learnt. We celebrate being part of a vibrant Catholic community through prayer, liturgy, charity fundraising, social justice activities and hospitality. Connections to our Parish community are strengthened through weekly visits from Fr Peter; regular meetings between our REC, Olga Blom, and Parish Moderator, Fr Michael; support of the parish-based Sacramental Program; and the celebration of our Beginning Year and Year 6 Graduation Masses in the parish church of Holy Spirit.

The school website is an excellent source of current information, including the school information guide, policies and most importantly, highlights about learning and school events.

At Trinity, due to illness, students are unable to come to school from time to time. In this case, we ask that you send your child’s class teacher a note, so that they know that your child was away. The teacher will then record this in the attendance roll. Absences can also be notified via the Skoolbag app.

On occasion, children attend carnivals and other school representative events. In this case, the permission slip that is returned to the teacher provides written explanation for your child not being present in class. The teacher will then record this in the attendance roll.

In circumstances where children are unable to attend school for other reasons, you are now required by legislation to apply in writing for your child’s ‘exemption’ from school. (For example, family holidays, appointments etc…)

These applications are then reviewed by the Principal and in cases where exemption is granted, a ‘certificate of exemption’ will be sent home. Please retain these certificates as proof of exemption being granted by the Principal if requested by government organisations.

*Travel documentation should be included, if travelling more than 10 school days.

I ask that you allow sufficient time for your request to be processed as there are cases where these applications may need to be forwarded to the NSW Minister for Education for approval to be granted.

As part of this process, every class attendance roll is audited by the Catholic Education Office, and so I ask for your support in helping to make this information accurate and ensure that your applications are completed in a timely fashion.

At Trinity, it is expected that children understand appropriate use of technology and have permission from their parents to use it.

An Acceptable Use Policy (parent permission) will be given to parents to sign at the Parent Information Night in February. Children will sign their copy at school. It is expected that parents will discuss the information with their child to reinforce the school’s explanation. Forms will be sent home via children to any parent who does not attend the Parent Information evening.

The Acceptable Use Policy will remain active while the child is at Trinity, or until it needs to be updated on a new form.

Any new child who enrols in Trinity during the year, will be expected to complete the document with their parent as part of the enrolment pack.

See Health and Safety

We begin each week with a brief assembly on Monday mornings where we pray, sing our National Anthem and set our PBS4L goals for the week. We also hold a whole school Assembly on Thursday afternoon at 2.05pm. At these times, we celebrate children’s birthdays, successes and share general information. During each term, other special assemblies are announced in the Transmitter, our fortnightly newsletter, inviting families to attend.

Book Club is an opportunity to buy quality children’s books at less than the recommended retail price. Ashton Book Clubs (Wombat, Lucky and Arrow) are operated seven times a year. Order forms are sent home and orders can be paid either online, using a credit card (you still need to return your order and receipt number to school), or with correct money put in an envelope marked with the child's name and learning group. There is no obligation to buy, but all books purchased assist the school to obtain more resources.

Our canteen is owned and operated by Classroom Catering. The canteen operates five days per week and offers an extensive healthy menu for breakfast, recess and lunch. The school leases our canteen space for a fee and has control over the menu. The school canteen complies with the NSW Healthy Canteen Strategy and all Occupational Health & Safety and Child Protection expectations. Any queries regarding the canteen can be made via our school office.

No institution is perfect, and there will be times where parents will need to make a complaint to the school. The school community needs to be aware that there is a complaints procedure that all schools in the Parramatta Diocese are required to follow. Any complaints made are documented and the Assistant Principal or Principal conducts a process to investigate and respond to that complaint.

Complaints and Grievance Policy 2020

1.    Introduction

The Church’s mission is to proclaim the Word of God and to be the lived example of Christ in the World. As part of the Church’s mission, the system of schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, educates young people in the Gospel and forms them to live their life to the full. The system’s Strategic Intent aim is to improve learning outcomes for all students and promote a professional and rewarding working life for all staff. The purpose of this policy is to facilitate this mission and Strategic Intent.

2.    Policy statement

A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction relating to Trinity, Kemps Creek that requires a response. Complaints will be addressed professionally, competently and in a timely manner applying principles of natural justice, procedural fairness and confidentiality, and ideally will be resolved closest to the source of the complaint.

3.     Scope and application

These procedures apply to parents/guardians, students, visitors, volunteers, community members, staff and contractors of the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, except where issues are dealt in accordance with:

·      Suspension, Transfer, Expulsion, Exclusion Procedures 2012

·      Child Protection – Risk of Harm and Significant Harm and /or Allegations

·      Relevant CEO discipline procedures for employees (for serious complaints involving allegations of

       misconduct/unsatisfactory performance by employees)

·      Enterprise Agreements/Awards

·      Anti-Bullying Policy for Students 2005

·      Criminal Jurisdiction

Generally student complaints will be processed through school based policies and procedures relating to pastoral care or student management. The Catholic Education Office Complaint Handling Policy and Procedures may be used in matters assessed as more serious in nature and involving an adult as one of the parties (e.g. a complaint by a student against a teacher, teacher against a student, or by a parent on behalf of their child).

This policy is implemented using the Complaint Handling Procedures and Guidelines. Complaints relating to the areas of discrimination, harassment and bullying are dealt with according to these procedures with reference to the Countering Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy (2010).

As part of this policy, CEDP Complaints Handling Procedures and Guidelines are followed.

To be reviewed January 2021

Each fortnight, a newsletter (The Trinity Transmitter) will be distributed to every family. The Transmitter will be distributed via the Skoolbag app and will also be available on the school website. Paper copies are available upon request.

From time to time throughout the year, we will invite parents to a get-together to share and explore important issues for your children. Families are encouraged to attend these meetings, as your participation is essential in maintaining a genuine educational partnership.

Our community Education opportunities include topics such as:

• Supporting your child in the reading process K-6
• Supporting your child in the writing process K-6
• Supporting your child in Mathematics (Number K-6)
• Behaviour Development

Ways parents can be involved at Trinity
At Trinity we recognise the gifts of our parents by involving them in valuable, meaningful and worthwhile activities in the life of our school. There are a variety of opportunities for families to participate in different ways.

The Mamre Team (Parents and Friends Group)
The Mamre Team comprises of any parent who volunteers to be involved in one or many social and fundraising projects throughout the year. This SOCIAL team has a strong ‘fun’ dimension (concentrating on networking parents, hospitality and celebration) as well as a pastoral and parish aspect. The Mamre Team is not an elected committee with presidents and secretaries etc. Moreover, parents do not have to commit to year long responsibilities. Our Mamre Team is a collective group of parents who respond to invitations to organise or help out during school social and fundraising events. The Mamre Team provides feedback and information to the school leadership team and plays a vital role in applying for certain parent- based government grants. Teams of parents are asked to organise certain events based on their interest, expertise and availability. Regular meeting times with agenda items are advertised in the school term calendar and fortnightly Transmitters. The meetings are a good social time as well as a time to share ideas and plan for events. These meetings usually take place during school time (as suggested by parents) and toddlers are welcome!

Assisting in learning groups
There are many ways that parents can assist in learning groups:

Parent Workshops are held for all interested parents who wish to help children with their reading and writing in their learning groups. Attendance at these workshops is necessary for parents to become involved in this part of the school program.

Parents are asked to park only in the parent car park when dropping off and/or picking up their children. Each afternoon, children will wait in the supervised school courtyard until parents collect them. No child will be permitted to walk up to the car park unsupervised. Any change to your child’s normal routine needs to be communicated to your child‘s teacher by written letter. Trinity school buses enter the site each day to ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’ children.

For safety and to ensure the efficient movement of vehicles, the following requirements must be adhered to:

• Mornings
  Vehicles are only to stop in the ‘drop off’ area, or if you wish to park, use the parking area.
  
  
• Crossings
  Please use the crossings provided and do not cross the road at any other point.

From time to time, photos are taken of students at school which may be used in a range of publications, such as the school prospectus, Catholic Education Office website, school website & Facebook page, newspaper ads and stories. If for any reason you do not wish your child’s photo to be included in any of the above, please send in a note addressed to the Principal.

From these carnivals, primary children who qualify have the opportunity to represent Trinity at the Zone, Diocesan and later Inter-Diocesan levels.

The children wear their sports uniform on the one day of the week that is their sports day.

The school office is open from 8.30 am to 3:30 pm each day.

Payment of accounts would be appreciated before 3:30pm. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, BPay or POSTbillpay.

It would be greatly appreciated if monies and notes sent to school are placed in an envelope, together with your child’s name and learning group and details of contents e.g. school fees, book club. In the event that the office staff is busy attending to students (sometimes first aid), you may be required to leave a brief message on the school answering service. You can be assured that a staff member will return contact promptly.

Sport and Physical Education belong to the Key Learning Area of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). Fitness activities include running, relays, games, aerobics and dance.

Children are also given opportunities to participate in invitational carnivals, knock-outs and Gala days. These sports vary from year to year and include Netball, Rugby League, Soccer, Touch Football and Cricket.

All schools are granted six pupil free days during the year. The purpose of these days is for staff to develop and review learning, teaching practice, curriculum and school policies. Parents will be notified well in advance of these days, in the Trinity Transmitter and term calendar.

At Trinity, we acknowledge that all students have leadership qualities and that these qualities need to be acknowledged, valued and fostered. All students are systematically given opportunities to present at weekly school assemblies by leading the National Anthem and the Trinity Song. Year 6 students engage in a leadership program that teaches them strategies for explicitly leading peers in vertical (combination of grade levels) groupings.

Leadership responsibilities include: Peer Support; Kindergarten Buddies; welcoming guests and visitors; hospitality (Emmaus senior residents); flag raising; assisting at school events; leading weekly school assemblies; speech giving and participation in the Voice of Youth public speaking program.

In 2017, a Year 6 leadership team has been introduced to allow students to take on SRC responsibilities.

Playground supervision commences at 8:30 am. In the interests of the safety of our children, we ask that wherever possible the children do not arrive at school before 8:30am. Supervision is also provided at recess, lunch and while children are waiting for buses and cars in the afternoon. Students who arrive on early buses prior to 8.30am are supervised.

All school uniforms, including hats, can be purchased from Lowes in the Village Centre, St Marys. Jewellery is not part of the school uniform. Therefore, only highly personalised items may be worn, for example, a birth or baptismal ring, and wristwatch. If ears are pierced, studs should be worn. Nail polish, acrylic nails or make up is not allowed.

If a child is sick at school the parents/carer will be contacted. If contact cannot be made the school will act in the best interest of the child.

Parents/carers are requested to hand in medication to the office. The following details must be clearly marked:

• Child’s name
• Name of medication
• Dosage
• Time and frequency of administration
• Name, address and phone number of prescribing doctor
• Reason medication is necessary
• All medication must be in its original container or packaging
• Asthma puffers may be kept by the children in their school bags

The school needs to be notified of any incidence of infectious diseases. A medical certificate is required on return to school.

As part of a program to assist parents in accessing Catholic education for their children, the Parramatta Diocesan Schools Board decided to arrange and meet the cost for a personal accident insurance cover for all students in systemic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta. The insurance policy covers all students participating in activities authorised by their school, including travel to or from home to school or any activity authorised by the school. Such activities will include school organised excursions and sport. To make this process as simple as possible, if your child is injured, you only need to contact the School Care Accident Helpline on 1300 138 498 and pick up a claim form from the school. The completed claim form is then returned to the school office.

Introduction
Children with a high risk of anaphylaxis are enrolled at Trinity. In line with Diocesan Guidelines and our school Mission Statement our response is one of support and respect as we bring our Catholic beliefs to life by caring for each other.

What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction. It occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen (such as a food or an insect bite). Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure and can progress rapidly over a period of up to two hours or more. Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response. Fortunately anaphylactic reactions are usually preventable by implementing strategies for avoiding allergens.

Common allergens for anaphylaxis are:

• Foods (e.g. peanuts and nuts, shellfish and fish; in preschoolers milk and egg)
• Insect bites (e.g. bee, wasps, jumper ants)
• Medications (e.g. antibiotics, aspirin)
• Latex (e.g. rubber gloves, balloons, swimming caps)

Reactions involve multisystems i.e. the cardiovascular & respiratory systems. There can be:

• drop in blood pressure
• reduction in cardio vascular output – pale, floppy, unconscious
• bronchial spasms causing coughing & wheezing – difficulty breathing
• swelling in the throat and tongue – difficult to talk, raspy
• reactions are life threatening
• patient may become frightened and agitated

How do we support a child at high risk of anaphylaxis?

• Educate the community, including student’s peers, about anaphylaxis to gain full support
• Conduct an assessment of potential exposure to allergens in the student’s routine e.g. school lunches, special celebration days, canteen, hygiene routines etc
• Every reasonable effort needs to be made to minimise the exposure of students at risk of an allergic reaction to known allergens (nuts) within the school environment

The school stresses the importance of not sending foods containing peanuts (including peanut butter, biscuits or chocolates with peanuts), tree nuts (including walnut, almond, pecan, pistachio or cashew), or Nutella. This must be extended to include those foods that are substitutes for the above because they look and smell the same as peanut butter, etc. Please note that foods which are labelled ‘may contain traces of nuts’ but do not include the above mentioned ingredients are fine.

The importance of washing hands after eating or handling food is still of the utmost importance and is reinforced regularly at Trinity. We also stress that there is no trading or sharing of food, food utensils or food containers at Trinity.

A meeting with parents is held early in Term 1 for all learning groups. At this meeting, class teachers will familiarise parents with procedures, information and learning group policies. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents to meet their child's teacher and to be made aware of planned activities for the year.

In Term 2 you will be invited to a special extended interview with your child's teacher, when you can spend time discussing your child's learning. At this interview you will be able to spend 20 to 30 minutes with your child's teacher who will share with you samples of your child’s work in all areas of learning. The teachers will be able to show you how they know what your child knows and can do. They will also be able to talk to you about what the next step is for your child in different areas and how you can work together to support him or her.

This interview will also be one way of providing you with more information about those significant milestones of progress in learning at school and to talk to the teachers about any questions that you might have. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet with your child's teacher and really talk about the answer to the question - How is my child going? In line with current government legislation, a brief written report will also be sent home at the end of Term 2. This report is formatted in a way that levels student achievement from E to A. Whilst a detailed explanation of this format is included in the actual report, the mid-year interview allows the teacher an opportunity to explain face-to-face the significance of the grade levels and is able to clarify information and answer questions. Our parents express appreciation for the opportunity to attend this interview time.

In Term 3, families are invited to participate in student-led conferences. This is an opportunity for each child to share his/her published work with parents in the context of the classroom. In Term 4, a comprehensive written report is issued to parents. Within the report, the parents are invited to request an interview with teacher to clarify information or answer questions.

If you are concerned about your child's learning, or there is anything you think that your child’s teacher needs to know, please feel free to contact him or her to arrange a meeting. You can arrange this directly with the teacher, by sending a note, or by popping in to see your child’s teacher before or after school, to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet. Teachers are generally in their rooms from 8:30am each morning, with the exception of Friday mornings, when we either have staff prayer or a meeting.

Appointments with the Principal can be made by contacting the office.

Why do children have homework?
Homework is one way that children can practise the skills that they are learning at school. It is an important opportunity to share their successes with you, their parents, and to celebrate them together. This is 'a snapshot' for you of some of what your child is learning at school.

What else do children learn at home?
It is important to remember that children do other kinds of learning at home other than that set by teachers from school. Remember, you are your child's first teachers and you continue to educate them even after they begin school. Your role is crucial to their success as learners. Your child continues to learn with your support and encouragement in many ways out of school hours. Here are just some ways that your child continues to learn and develop, not just academically, but spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially as well. Your child learns by:

• praying with you as a family
• listening to you read to him/her every night (even when they can read by themselves)
• talking to you and sharing an experience with you (for example, cooking or playing a game together)
• playing with other children e.g. kicking a ball, skipping, imaginary play
• participating in organised activities e.g. Little Athletics, music, dancing etc.

When is a good time for homework?
Homework time should be an enjoyable and positive experience for both children and their parents. It helps to have a regular time that is free from interruptions, where the children can focus on the job at hand and you can share in it when necessary. Trying to bath the baby or cook the tea, and listen to a child read at the same time can be very stressful. Reading just before your child goes to bed is often a good time for them to read to you and for you to read to them.

Choosing a regular predictable time each day as 'homework' time, for example after a snack and a play, often helps to make homework time 'stress free'.

How much time are children expected to spend?
At Trinity, there is an expectation that the time children spend each night on homework from school will increase as they move through their primary years. Below is a guide which indicates approximately how long children will be spending each night.

Of course we realise that sometimes out of school commitments such as sport training or music lessons, or a visit from grandma etc, may mean that on some evenings less time can be spent on school homework than others.

Important notes for parents
Whilst it is an expectation that homework be set and provided by teachers, we acknowledge that some families value their child’s involvement in out-of-school activities. Therefore, we request a written letter from parents if students are not able to complete homework.

Once a week, all children have the opportunity to borrow books from our Learning and Resource Centre (or the LARC as it is affectionately known), which incorporates our library. Each Learning Group also has a bulk loan of books both fiction and non-fiction for the children to read as part of their literacy program.

Our teacher librarian, Christine Micallef is with us for three days per week. Christine works closely with learning group teachers to expose the children to a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, both print-based and electronic, in order to give the children experiences which are so important for their developing literacy skills. A particular focus in the LARC is the promotion of good quality literature.

The Learning Support program aims to assist learners with specific learning difficulties and special needs to be integrated into learning groups successfully.

Michelle Gauci, Carly Phillips and Amy Rowley, coordinate all Learning Support at Trinity, and are joined by our Teaching Assistants, Sue Harwood and Kerri Garrett.

When individual students are identified with specific learning needs, their parents are notified and they continue to be part of an ongoing plan of support. In line with our Mission Statement, it is our responsibility as an educational community to focus our teaching on meeting the needs of every learner. Therefore, the model of Learning Support at Trinity is an integration (within class) model, wherever possible.

The responsibility for every child in the learning group remains primarily with the learning group teacher. The Learning Support teacher offers specialist support as far as possible, within the learning groups. For certain support programs and assessment tasks, some students will need to be temporarily withdrawn from their learning group.