Filter Content
Dear Parents / Carers,
The past few days have been rather hectic with what is happening seemingly changing by the hour. The simple fact is that any attempts at predicting what will happen is akin to crystal ball gazing. The best advice I can give is to repeat what the Premier said earlier this week – schools are open but her recommendation was to keep students home if you are able. This advice is being heeded by our families with total attendance down to less than 50 today.
One thing that I must stress is that there needs to be a balance in all that is taking place. A balance between completing work, getting exercise, quiet time, relating with family members and some form of communication with friends. It can be too easy to focus only on one of these at the expense of the others and at the expense of your well-being. Keep a balance.
I repeat what I said yesterday about the need to be patient. Education today and the process of learning and teaching are nothing like they were a week ago. It is a new era, one students, parents and teachers continue to grapple with. Patience is key – we will become better at delivering materials, students will become better and learning on-line and parents will develop a sense of how their child learns best. The teaching staff are doing what they can to ensure that the amount of work being provided allows for the appropriate amount of learning to take place.
I know many of our families are hurting as a result of the growing list of COVID-19 restrictions. I repeat what I said yesterday: Please be assured we will do what we can to support our families at this time. Please contact the Finance Department of the College as your first step before you make any decisions for financial reasons relating to your child's ongoing enrolment. I am serious when I say we will do what we can to assist our families.
I have once again attached the list produced by Catholic Schools NSW. It contains links to the various agencies that can provide assistance to families and small businesses at this time.
ENROLMENTS -2021 and BEYOND
Enrolments for 2021 are currently being accepted – application forms can be downloaded from the College Web Site or by emailing enrolments@trinitylismore.edu.nsw.au
I would ask that you encourage anyone you are aware of who is looking to apply to enrol their child in 2021 to do so now. Again, I ask you tell anyone you know is thinking of sending their child to the College that we are open to discussing their financial position.
Take care and may God bless us all in this very difficult time for our country and the world.
Brother John Hilet, fms
Dear Members of the Trinity Community,
I appreciate the support and understanding of families at this time. Your patience is requested as teachers transition to this new blended learning model. We are doing our absolute best in the circumstances.
The key challenges we face at present are:
- Balancing the volume of work - too much vs. too little;
- Consistent delivery methods through Lighthouse - Due Work vs. Course Pages.
Our staff are working on this. We are aware that students and families have experienced difficulties in recent days. Until we iron out these challenges, I encourage students to email their teachers directly if they have questions about what expectations or where work is being posted. Teachers will respond when it is humanly possible. Your patience is appreciated.
We are also developing English and Mathematics take home packs for those students without internet and/or device access. Further details will be provided early next week.
To help families adjust to this new approach to learning, the College has published the following:
I stress, above all, the importance of holistic balance at this challenging time.
Take good care and be assured of my thoughts and prayers.
Mr Jesse Smith - Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Dear members of the Trinity Community,
As we get through another day I pray that you and your family are safe and well. As far as students on site goes: numbers were well down today, but as expected. A growing number of families have decided to self-isolate and informed the College - through the Principal’s Office - of this decision. Again, we ask that a decision that is made is final and information goes through principal@trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au
- The Trinity Leadership Team continues to meet daily, and we are in constant communication as information comes to light.
- The Middle Leadership Team engaged in a Zoom meeting this morning. The Heads of House and Leaders of Learning are continuing to do all that they can do to ensure the ongoing wellbeing and learning of all members.
- All staff continue to go about their duties as the College remains open and teachers are continuing to develop learning experiences and adapt to the unprecedented school model.
- A reminder that the Canteen remains closed. Ample lunch and healthy snacks will need to be brought to the College for those on site.
- Be aware - there is an app called “Houseparty”, which was acquired by the developers of Fortnite. Please read this information on this app. This is important information at this time.
- Resources for Students - from com - includes coping with stress, bad news and the like.
- Tips for Parents - Talking to your teenager about COVID-19 and more.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support and kind messages - they are felt and appreciated. Rest assured that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Take care and God Bless,
Mr Travis Lyon - Acting Assistant Principal - Students & Staff