Trinity Catholic College
Day Structure
More Information
Attendance
Regular school attendance is crucial to the academic success and overall wellbeing of students. Every day a student attends school contributes to their learning, social development, and personal growth. Conversely, each absence can negatively impact their academic progress, social connections, and emotional health.
The school and Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, in partnership with parents and carers, is committed to promoting and ensuring consistent student attendance. In New South Wales (NSW), all children between the ages of six years and the minimum school leaving age, as defined in the Education Act 1990 (NSW), are legally required to attend school unless they are registered for home schooling with NESA.
Parents or carers must provide an explanation on Compass for any school absence within seven (7) days. Parents can also contact Student Services either by phoning the school or email studentservices@adamstownsp.catholic.edu.au
Late Arrivals and Early Departures
To minimise disruptions, parents/carers are encouraged to schedule appointments outside school hours.
- Late Arrivals: Students arriving late must report to Student Services on Level 5 to sign in. Parents/carers must provide an explanation (within 7 days) via the Compass portal, email or phone call to Student Services.
- Early Departures:
Appointments should be left for after hours, however, if early departure is unavoidable the following procedures should be taken:
Juniors (Years 7-10) – Parents/carers must come into Student Services in person to sign their child out. If a parent/student knows in advance they will not be in a classroom with a phone (eg. PD/H/PE practical lessons), they should send an email through to Student Services so that an early leavers pass can be arranged. If someone other than a listed emergency contact is collecting the student, the school must be informed via email to update the arrangements.
Senior Students (Years 11-12)
Senior students may sign in or out for appointments if the school receives prior written notification from a parent/carer via email or phone call to Student Services.
Requests for Extended Leave (Elite Sport/Travel)
For absences exceeding 10 days, parents/carers must complete an Extended Leave Application available on Compass under School Documentation > Extended Leave. Submit the application at least two weeks before the leave to allow time for processing the required certificate.
Attendance Concerns
The school will contact parents/carers if attendance patterns or concerns are identified. If your child is refusing to attend school, it is crucial to inform their Connect Group Teacher promptly to address any underlying issues.
College Canteen
We are pleased to announce the updated arrangements for our school canteen, which is now being operated by a professional catering firm. The canteen will offer a wide variety of lunch and snack options for students, with healthy options to promote wellbeing and balanced nutrition.
Key Features:
- A variety of menu options: A broad selection of meals and snacks is available daily, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. (hyperlink canteen menu)
- Healthy choices: The canteen is committed to providing nutritious food options to support the health and energy of our students
- QKR App for Ordering: To streamline ordering, use the Qkr app which allows for easy and quick selection of meals and payment in advance. Mobile phones will not be able to be used for canteen purchases.
- Payment methods at the counter: Cash or debit card are accepted.
- Opening Hours: The canteen will be open before school for breakfast and during breaks.
We are committed to enhancing the school experience by providing quality food options that cater to the needs of our whole school community. We encourage all students and families to take advantage of the canteen’s convenient service and healthy options.
School Travel
All students, regardless of their mode of travel, must:
- Travel directly to and from school.
- Prioritise their safety and the safety of others.
- Avoid distractions, such as wearing earphones while commuting.
- Follow all road rules.
- Be mindful of other road users, including bus drivers and passing vehicles, and avoid distracting them.
- Act responsibly and respectfully to uphold the College’s reputation.
- Wear their school uniform correctly.
Bus and Train
Transport NSW provides school buses to and from the College. Parents/carers must apply for a School Opal card for their child before starting at the College: Apply for School Opal Card.
Students must tap on and off the bus or train using their Opal card. Cards are not automatically renewed each year; students requiring a new card must reapply online.
CCTV cameras monitor transport journeys, and students are expected to behave responsibly at all times. For detailed route information, visit the Transport NSW trip planner
Car
The designated drop off and pick up zone is at the top carpark, accessible via Park Avenue near the Bailey Street roundabout. Please be aware that the speed limit on the college grounds is 10km/hr Students must not enter or exit through the Fletcher Street staff carpark.
Walking
Students walking to school must follow NSW pedestrian laws.
- Always use crossings and traffic lights for road safety.
- Be aware of safe spots along their route.
- Display appropriate behaviour as pedestrians.
Bike
Students cycling to school, including those on e-bikes, must follow NSW bicycles laws. Key rules include:
- Wearing a helmet securely and correctly.
- Using designated bike routes where available.
- Walking bikes across pedestrian crossings.
- Dismounting once on school grounds.
- Locking bikes with a chain at the bike storage area near the vegetable garden outside Student Services. This area is monitored by CCTV.
While the school provides bike storage, it does not take responsibility for the security of bikes or related items.
YONDR Pouches
At Trinity Catholic College, we uphold the policy that student mobile digital devices (MDD) are “Off and Away for the School Day” to enhance student learning, safety and social connections.
Student Procedures:
- On arrival, students unlock their YONDR pouch at designated stations, turn off their MDD, including smart watches and Bluetooth earphones, and place securely in the pouch.
- Devices remain locked throughout the school day.
- At dismissal, students unlock their pouches at designated stations.
Breaches of Policy:
- If an MDD is found unlocked, the teacher logs the incident, and the student is directed to Reception with their device.
- Parents will be notified, and the device must be collected by a parent/carer at an agreed time. Repeated breaches may require students to leave their device at home or at School Reception.
Other Notes:
- Students who need to call home may do so at Student Services.
- Yondr pouches are school property and must be returned in good condition when students leave the College.
- Yondr pouches that have been damaged must be replaced by the student through payment at the Finance Office.
FAQ’s
How does the College support student wellbeing?
Trinity Catholic College provides a dedicated wellbeing team, including counsellors, Leaders of Wellbeing, Learning Support staff, and a Beyond the Gates worker. We also offer pastoral care and additional support for social or emotional concerns.
What should my child do if they experience bullying?
Students or parents should report bullying immediately to a teacher or Leader of Wellbeing. The College addresses bullying through restorative practices, support, and counselling. Serious cases may involve appropriate disciplinary action.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Students can join sports teams, performing arts groups, debating, and clubs focusing on science, writing, chess, and environmental issues. These activities can help to build skills, confidence, and friendships.
Are there leadership opportunities for students?
Yes, students are encouraged to take on leadership roles to develop their skills in teamwork, responsibility, and initiative. They can join the Student Representative Council (SRC) as portfolio leaders, with roles available for all year levels. Our senior students serve as College and House Leaders.
How does the College communicate with parents?
We use newsletters, Facebook, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and the COMPASS portal. The Compass App provides updates on progress, attendance, reports, and events.
What happens if my child is sick or injured during the day?
Sick or injured students should present to Student Services where they will be placed in sick bay and a parent/carer notified. In serious cases, an ambulance may be called and parents/carers contacted immediately after.
What should students do if they are late to school?
Late arrivals must report to Student Services on Level 5 to sign in. Parents/carers must provide an explanation (within 7 days) via the Compass portal, email or phone call to Student Services.
What if my child is absent?
Parents/carers must explain absences via COMPASS within seven days. Unexplained absences over three days will prompt contact from the Connect Group Teacher.
What if money or items are lost?
Report lost items to a class teacher or Student Services. Found items should be handed to Student Services for return to the owner.
What if my child needs to leave early?
Appointments should be left for after hours, however, if early departure is unavoidable the following procedures should be taken:
Juniors (Years 7-10): Parents/carers must come into Student Services in person to sign their child out. If a parent/student knows in advance they will not be in a classroom with a phone (ie. PD/H/PE practical lessons), they should send an email to Student Services so that an early leavers pass can be arranged.
Seniors (Years 11-12): Parents/carers must call or email Student Services to advise of time and reason the student will be signing out.
What if my child struggles with attendance?
Contact the Connect Group Teacher first. Ongoing issues will be referred to the Leader of Wellbeing. The College has a duty of care and will contact parents/carers about frequent absences or habitual non-attendance.
What if my child needs to contact me during the day?
Students must go to Student Services if they need to contact parents/carers during school hours.
What if my child’s YONDR pouch is lost or damaged?
Students must purchase a replacement pouch from the Finance Office. For issues with pouch closure, they should see library staff during breaks.
How do I order my lunch from the canteen?
Lunch and snacks can be purchased directly at the canteen counter or ordered via the QKR App.
