2024 Term 4 Week 7

From the Principal Term 4 Week 7

Dear Parents and Carers,

Over the last two weeks, we have had Orientation days for our 2025 Foundation students. As I met with parents and carers, it reminded of when my own children were taking their first steps into schooling. Each one had their trepidations and nervous excitement. It didn’t seem to matter what place they held in our family or how much preparation my husband and I thought we had put into “getting them ready”. 

As our journey through to the end of the 2024 school year, we are reminded that change is a constant in our lives, both in the world around us and within our own community. As a Catholic school, we recognise that change is an opportunity for growth—spiritually, academically, and personally. It is in this spirit that we approach the various changes happening within our school as we strive to fulfill our mission of nurturing the whole child, grounded in faith and guided by the values of Jesus Christ.

We understand that transitions can be both exciting and challenging. Whether it is at the start of Primary School, the transition to Secondary School or finishing formalised school altogether, change involves acceptance and creating a new normal. We ask for your continued support and as we move forward together, trusting that God's plan for our school that is filled with faith, hope and love.

2024 Year 1-6 Orientation

Students in Years 1-6 in 2025 will have the opportunity to meet their new teacher/s and peers on Thursday 5 December from 11.30-1pm. Over the coming weeks the teachers will begin to transition the students to their new levels by using the 2025 classrooms to work from and eating morning tea or lunch in their new buildings. Classes have now been finalised, but teachers have not been allocated. This will be done in the in coming weeks. A lot of time, effort and thought goes into creating the classes each year.

I ask that you start to discuss with your child how their new class will be a great opportunity to make new friends and meet a new teacher. Our children are very perceptive and pick up on how we behave and respond to situations. You can make a difference in how your child reacts to the news on the day by speaking positively about the change beforehand and by being excited for them when they come home with the news. Once the grades are finalised and announced on orientation day they cannot be changed simply because your child wanted a particular student or teacher. I ask for your support in this matter and trust that your child’s 2024 teacher has made the best decision for your child going forward.

Staffing News

We have some more staff starting new chapters in 2025.

Erin Bibby one of our ESO staff has completed her Teaching Degree and has accepted a teaching position at a Catholic Primary School in Melbourne.

Emma Lamb is also leaving us as she has accepted a leadership position at a Catholic Primary School in Melbourne.

I would like to thank these educators for the contributions they have all made to Trinity over the time they have been with us. We congratulate them on their new positions and wish them all the very best for their futures.

Year 6 Camp

On Monday 25 November our Year 6 students will be heading off on their City Camp. This is a three-day camp which will involve staying at CYC City Camp in Melbourne and visiting places such as The Old Melbourne Goal, Eureka Sky Deck and the MCG, just to name a few. This will be an excellent opportunity for the students to consolidate some of their learning this year as well as spending quality time with their peers before they graduate in December. The staff attending the camp are Mrs Davis, Mrs Parker, Mrs Varsamis, Mrs Mitrea, Mr Dannaoui, Mrs Pepper, Mrs Romalie, Mrs Quick and myself. I thank the staff for giving up their time to support our students on their camp experience.

We ask Grade 6 families to keep their children home on Thursday the 28^th, as staff will be having a rest day for Time In Lieu. If this is not possible, we will provide supervision in another class.

Library Books

As the school year begins to draw to an end, we ask that you have a look around your houses for any outstanding library books. It is never too late to return a book to the library. They are always welcome back!

2026 Foundation (Prep) Enrolments

We have now begun the process of enrolling 2026 Foundation students from existing families. If you are a current school family and have a child coming in 2026, please contact the Office for an application form or you can download one from the school website.

Families Leaving Trinity

If your family situation is changing, we would appreciate you letting the Office know.  An accurate indication of student numbers assists us enormously.  We have a waiting list and if we know you are leaving, we can offer your spot to another family.

Term Four Assembly Dates

Week 8: Thursday 28 November – Grade 3 hosting and Robotics

Week 10: No Assembly.

Term Four Important Dates- Whole School Events Only

Please check PAM for Year level excursions and incursions. 

Kind regards,

Ged Shelton

Religious Education - Term 4, Week 7

Dear Families,

Battery Blitz Competition - Stewards of Creation 

Trinity proudly participated in Casey Council's Battery Blitz Competition over the last month, showcasing our commitment to safety and sustainability. Over the course of the competition, students and families worked together to collect used household batteries, ensuring they were disposed of responsibly. Improperly discarding batteries poses serious risks, including harmful chemical leaks and potential fires in garbage trucks, endangering our garbage collectors. By taking part in this initiative, our school community not only helped protect these essential workers but also demonstrated care for our environment.

This effort was a powerful reflection of our Catholic mission to be stewards of creation. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, the Trinity community embodied faith in action, making a positive impact through thoughtful and meaningful contributions.

We are grateful to everyone who participated in this initiative. Together, we showed that small actions—like collecting batteries—can lead to big changes, honouring both our faith and our responsibility to care for God’s creation.

Sacraments 2025 
The Sacramental Booklet from OLHC Parish is in the draft stage. OLHC Parish is hoping to finalise the booklet in the first week of December. It will be shared with families as soon as it is made available. 

Catholic Mission - Thank-you
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Catholic Mission for their gracious acknowledgment of the contributions made by the Trinity community during Catholic Mission Month. Your recognition serves as a testament to the collective generosity of our students, families, and staff. Through your partnership, we were reminded of the power of unity in faith and the profound impact even small acts of kindness can have on those in need.

The funds collected during this important month will support vital initiatives, bringing hope and resources to vulnerable communities around the world. This mission aligns closely with our commitment to living out the Gospel values in our daily lives. Let us continue to pray for and support the important work of Catholic Mission in transforming lives through faith and action.

Reconciliation Service - Level Three
This week our grade three students have been preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our Trinity Chapel. To deepen their understanding, students have revisited the significance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Catholic faith. Through discussions and activities, they’ve explored how the Sacrament offers healing, peace, and a chance to renew their relationship with God and others. In preparation, the students have also engaged in an Examination of Conscience, reflecting on their actions, attitudes, and choices. Guided by scripture and thoughtful questions, they’ve considered how they can live more fully in God’s love by seeking forgiveness and making amends.

Kind regards,

Emily Rogers 
Religious Education Leader

MHiPS: Diet & Mental Health, Term 4 Week 7

Healthy eating helps children and young people cope more effectively with stress, better manage their emotions and get a good sleep – all of which lead to better mental health outcomes.

Poor nutrition has been linked to:

• externalising behaviour (such as hyperactivity, aggression, disobedience)
• symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 
• poor concentration and tiredness
• immune system function, which is also linked to mental health
• delayed brain development – high-fat, high-sugar diets can affect proteins in the body that are important for brain development
• iron deficiency, which has been linked to cognitive function impairments associated with learning and memory
• nutrient deficiencies, which have been associated with mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. (We know that fruits and vegetables, grains, fish, lean red meats and olive oils are rich in important nutrients such as folate, magnesium, vitamins and zinc which all impact on body and brain functions, including mood regulation.) 

Dieticians Australia say that healthy eating habits for good mental health can be summed up with two pieces of advice.

• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fish and seafood.
• Eat less red meat and less highly processed foods and added sugars.
  

As a dad of two girls, I know that our kids can be fussy eaters and changing their diet can also lead to issues at mealtimes.  My suggestion is to start small and move slowly.   For example, exchange one item of processed food in their lunch for a piece of fruit.  If that is successful, wait a month or two before you try again.  Always remember to continually praise their good food choices especially when they are choosing food for themselves.

Click here to find out more about increasing you and your child’s healthy eating habits to help improve mental health.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader
Mr Dannaoui

Visual Art-Term 4, Week 7

Foundation Andy Warhol Inspired handprints

Just a reminder for Grade Six parents and any families that are leaving Trinity at the end of the year. Artsonia will make your Artsonia account inactive at the end of December so if you want to down load any artwork from your time at Trinity please do this before the end of the year.

Please be aware that the last issue of bookclub is due by the 1st of December to ensure all orders arrive before school finishes for 2024.

AWARDS & BIRTHDAYS

Trinity Car Park Etiquette

• Please abide by the 5km/h limit the WHOLE TIME you are in the park area.
• For greater safety and visibility, we are requesting that all drivers reverse park into the marked bays in our school car park.
• Thank you to all who use the pedestrian crossing area.  You are demonstrating to your children correct road safety practices.  Once children cross the pedestrian crossing into the parking area, they, for their safety, need to be placed into vehicles promptly.  The car park is NOTa meeting area.
• The lane around the edge of the car park (closest to the oval) are for vehicles waiting to pick children up from the Pick-up Zone ONLY.
• The two parking bays closest to the office path are the only PICK-UP ZONES.  These are NO STANDINGzones.  If your children are not ready to get into your car as you pull up to the pick-up zone, you must continue on and either park or rejoin the end of the pick-up queue.
• THE GATES CLOSEAT 8.50am. They will RE-OPEN AT 3.00pm. The gates close for the day at 3:30pm. Occasionally they might reopen slightly later due to school activities.
• The Staff Car Park is forSTAFF PARKING ONLY.  Please do not use it as a drop off/pick up for students.

We really need commitment from families to NOT TURN RIGHT when exiting the car park.  All vehicles must TURN LEFT for the safety of others and to maintain traffic flow.

We also have families double parking along Oakgrove Drive and letting their children out. This is unsafe, prevents traffic flow and against road rules.

We have also been contacted by Casey Council, which patrols the area, about families performing U-turns on Oakgrove Drive. Their advice is as follows:

Ø  U-turns are dangerous during the peak school times for pedestrians but also other drivers.

Ø  They recommend NOT performing U-turns in this area. This is dangerous for children and pedestrians around a school precinct.

Ø  They recommend driving further up to the roundabout on Oakgrove Drive, where you can turn around safely or exit away from the school.

If you have others picking up your children, such as Grandparents, can you please inform them of Trinity’s protocols or etiquette.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and I look forward to your continued commitment to keep our students and families safe. 

SAFE AROUND Trinity Catholic Primary

CHILD SAFE STANDARDS WORKING WITH CHILDREN

Trinity has zero tolerance towards child abuse and is therefore committed to complying with the Ministerial Order No. 1359 – Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools and School Boarding Premises. All parents/guardians wishing to help in the classroom, canteen or attend excursions MUST have completed the PARENT HELPER WORKSHOP and hold a current WORKING WITH CHILDREN CARD.

Further details are available from the school office or the Justice Department website.  All parent/guardian helpers must sign in at the office before proceeding to the classrooms.  Your current Working with Children card must be displayed at all times when working in the classrooms and attending excursions.

A reminder to all Parents/Carers, supervision by School Staff begins at 8.30am before school and after school only at the drop off area until 3.30pm.

A Christmas wish from Romalie & Denise in the office.

If you are intending to give them a Christmas gift this year, it is our Christmas wish that you donate an item/s of non-perishable food to St Vincent de Paul.  This will help families in our community.  Non-perishable items can be dropped into the school office anytime.

Wishing all our families a happy, holy & safe Christmas, New Year & holidays.

Many thanks

Romalie & Denise