From the Head of the Preparatory School

Llandilo Development

Yesterday I had the opportunity to walk through the building site to look at the works that have been completed to date. I am pleased to report that the development continues to progress on schedule despite the recent wet weather which is a credit to the project team. As can be observed as you walk past, the building has really begun to take shape with only a few more concrete pours scheduled for the next couple of weeks. As the works have progressed, it has been exciting to get a true sense of the learning spaces that will be available to the students at the conclusion of the project.

I wanted to provide a few updates about upcoming works that may have a slight impact on some members of our community. Assuming the weather is favourable, some of the landscaping works will begin during the next holiday period. Specifically, this will focus on the pathways immediately inside the Llandilo gate and outside the School Office. As a result, entrance to the School for OSHClub during the upcoming holidays will be limited to the Boulevarde gate. OSHClub will once again move to the Christian Studies room which will ensure it is easily accessible for parent from the Boulevarde gate.

During Term 2 the pathways and gates will be returned to us as per this term with the focus of the works returning to the new building.

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NAPLAN (Years 3 and 5)

As mentioned in Deborah Williams’ (Academic Dean) article last week (link), boys in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 will participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. These tests will be held in Term 2. On Wednesday 31^st March the boys in Years 3 and 5 will have an opportunity to engage with a practice NAPLAN test. This is to allow the students to be made familiar with the format, language, response types and time constraints of the writing (Year 5 only), reading, conventions of language and numeracy tests before they take the tests in Term 2. It is also an opportunity for the School to test the technology platforms. Please be aware that no achievement feedback from these practice tests will be shared with the school.

The schedule for the NAPLAN tests in Term 2 is outlined below.

Year	Writing	Reading	Language Conventions	Numeracy
3	Tues 11th	Wed 12th	Wed 12th	Thurs 13th
5	Tues 11th	Wed 12th	Wed 12th	Thurs 13th

Easter

Next Wednesday we will be holding our Easter Chapel service with all of the students. At this stage we are hoping to conduct the service outside to allow the boys to engage in singing together, a reality that hasn’t been possible until recently. With the further easing of restrictions, it may be that this can take place in the Gym but we are awaiting the updated advice. Gathering together at Easter is a great opportunity to remind the students of the incredible sacrifice Jesus paid on our behalf and the great news of his resurrection that gives us hope for eternity.

This morning, members of the Prep Auxiliary have made the boys’ day by delivering a small bundle of chocolate eggs (or equivalent for students with allergies). Suffice to say, this brought great excitement and was appreciated by all! As per previous communication at the beginning of the year, we respectfully ask that parents don’t send in Easter eggs, other food items or gifts to be shared with other students next week. We are continuing to review this policy in light of current COVID restrictions and will provide an update as we are able.

Year 5 Bathurst Camp

Earlier this week our Year 5 students travelled to Bathurst and surrounding areas on camp. The camp provided students with a number of invaluable learning experiences related to their upcoming ‘Where we are in place and time’ unit of inquiry. Over the three days the boys were able to visit some key historical sites as well as hearing from Aboriginal elders who were able to speak about the deep connection Australia’s indigenous people have with the land. Despite the rain the boys also had the chance to pan for gold. Apparently, this exercise had the boys thoroughly engaged despite not necessarily yielding the desired, life-changing results.

Changed road conditions – corner Albyn Rd and The Boulevarde

The School has received formal notice from Strathfield Council of an imminent change to traffic conditions at Albyn Road.  Signage will be installed on Friday 9^th April indicating No Right Turn at the Boulevarde. I don’t believe this will affect many parents, however, I wanted to provide an update to ensure people are forewarned.

Winter Sports Trials – Years 4-6

This Saturday we begin our winter sport season as we continue trials that began on Thursday during Sport. The start of a new season always brings great excitement as the boys turn their attention to a different sporting endeavour. I wish the boys all the best as they engage in this process. Teams will be finalised over the coming weeks. The best part of the selection process is that no-one misses out. Some boys will be selected to IPSHA Teams, whereas others will have the opportunity to engage in our Intra-School competition which also offers a great pathway for students to develop games skills, teamwork and sportsmanship. These are the foundations of a Trinity sportsman. It is also worth noting that team selection is a fluid process that will see boys changing teams throughout the season based on their attitude and commitment at training and their contribution to team performance on Saturdays.

‘My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.’

Psalm 62:7