School News

 

Introducing “Wednesday Work Time”

September 10th, 2021

This year we are pleased to offer “Wednesday Work Time”, after-school study sessions for students in grades 5-8 who would like extra help staying on top of their homework and building independence in their study skills. To learn about registration, fees, cancellation policy, and other important details, click on the link in the school newsletter. You must sign up in advance. Spots are limited to six students per session. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Steenwyk.


Prayer Team

September 10th, 2021

Please consider joining the Trinitas Prayer Team–a group of parents and staff members who faithfully pray for the broader Trinitas community and individuals within it. Items for prayer are sent in a weekly email, but this year we are hoping to gather occasionally to pray together in person as well. There is no pressure to join in-person; we are grateful to have you pray wherever and whenever you do. Please contact Mrs. Poortenga if you would like to be added to the group.

A link to send a prayer request (supplications, thanksgiving, or praise) can always be found in the school newsletter. Please indicate if the request should remain anonymous when it is shared with the team.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7


Virtue of the Quarter Update

September 10th, 2021

We plan to focus on the following virtues this year: SELF-DISCIPLINE, FRIENDSHIP, GRATITUDE, and FAITH. Teachers and students have already begun to learn about and practice the virtue (and fruit of the Spirit) of SELF-DISCIPLINE. Specifically, as we begin the school year, we are working on the skills of listening and following instructions. In the coming weeks, watch for updates in classroom and all-school newsletters as well as Home Connection materials with recommended stories, Scripture, discussion topics, films, and Try-this! Ideas for the whole family to grow in SELF-DISCIPLINE.


Parent Orientation – If You Missed It

September 10th, 2021

Thank you to everyone who attended Parent Orientation on Wednesday night. If you were unable to attend (or if you were there but want to review what was shared), please watch for instructions for how to access a recording.


What Is PSF?

September 10th, 2021

Parent Service Fellowship (PSF) is a service-oriented committee seeking to promote Trinitas both internally and externally by giving of time, talent, and contributions. It is comprised of parents in partnership with faculty and staff. PSF provides an organized means by which all parents (not just committee members) can participate in our school community by supporting faculty, staff, and new families, enhancing our students’ learning environment, and fellowshipping with one another. In the next few weeks, you will receive an introductory email from the room parents for your children’s classrooms. Please feel free to reach out to them or any PSF member with any questions, ideas, or needs.


Blazers & Ties for Dress Uniform

September 10th, 2021

Every year, we have a number of “dress uniform” school events. All boys and 5th-8th girls will need a blazer and tie. These items may be rented from the school. Fittings will take place at school during the next two weeks. Please watch for more details.


School Starts Next Tuesday!

September 2nd, 2021

Backpacks, lunch bags, uniforms, folders. It’s time to get everything ready for Tuesday morning! Please note the office will be closed Friday, September 3, and Monday, September 6. If you have questions about the first day, call or email the office by 3:00 p.m. by today (Thursday, September 2).

When: Tuesday, September 7
School begins at 8:00 a.m. Students should arrive by 7:50. (See note about arrival and start times below.)  Afternoon dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. at the church narthex doors (upper parking lot). Students are to be picked up by 3:15.

Who: All students – including kindergarteners, even though Tuesday is not normally a kindergarten day
Parents may accompany their children as they enter the school on Tuesday morning and are welcome to stay for Morning Prayer which will begin at 8:30. Parents are welcome to gather in the gym as they wait for the classes to join them.
Though health screening guidelines are no longer in place, we still want to keep our students and staff healthy. Anyone showing symptoms of illness is asked to refrain from entering the building.

What to wear: All students should wear their PE uniforms.
Those who still need to pick up shirts ordered from the online store should stop by the office today (before 3:00) or first thing Tuesday morning. Allow for enough time for your child to change into the PE shirt to be in the classroom at 8:00 a.m.

What to bring: School supplies (if you didn’t bring them to the open house), food for snack and lunch, and a water bottle – always bring a water bottle to school!
Please label your child’s belongings, including school supplies and clothing items.

What the day will look like: After Morning Prayer (at 8:30 – note later time as mentioned above), students will be introduced to the regular routines of their classrooms (procedures, expectations, etc.). In the afternoon, students will participate in games and team-building activities, both in their classrooms and outside with the entire school.

What the staff would like you to know: We have been planning and preparing and praying for this year! Thank you for entrusting your children into our care. It is our desire to see them flourish at Trinitas and to help them develop a deeper love of God and neighbor in all they do, from the classroom to the lunchroom to the playground.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)


Tips and Hints for a Successful School Start

September 2nd, 2021

The transition from summer days to school days can be challenging, so we strongly encourage you to start shifting routines now, especially when it comes to bedtime. If your child is more night owl than early bird during the summer, begin a slow but steady move toward your desired school bedtime.

Click here to read more tips and hints that will help you start this school year.


CCE Corner – 100 Days of Dante!

September 2nd, 2021

Welcome back to the Trinitas Classical Christian Education Corner, a spot for articles and links to resources about classical Christian education, from the philosophical to the practical. We will include reflections on Scripture, poetry, philosophy, literature, summaries of relevant books and films, articles, podcasts, and “best practice” tips from fellow travelers on this journey toward “lives well-lived.”

We begin this year with an opportunity to study Dante together! If that sounds exciting, great! If it sounds daunting, please know that it isn’t. You do not need to have a background in medieval literature or read Italian or be especially smart to participate. There are no pre-requisites other than a curious mind, and it won’t even take a lot of time. We sometimes refer to a Trinitas education as “the education you wish you had”; 100 Days of Dante gives all of us the opportunity for that education! Materials will become available on September 8.

Completed in 1320, Dante’s extended narrative poem, The Divine Comedy, is considered one of the greatest works of world literature. Are you tired of hearing that we are living in “unprecedented times”? Dante shows us that our times are not “unprecedented”, that our discomfort, and even suffering, is part of the human condition. Lest we despair at this universal condition, Dante also shows us the vision of heaven and the path to it—the vision of human flourishing God intended from the beginning and that, by his grace, we may attain now in part and in its culmination at the end of time. It is our desire that in reading this work together, we may receive consolation and hope and grow in Christian discipleship together.

Some details: Baylor University Honors College has provided the opportunity for anyone to learn from teachers “who know and love Dante well.” Parents, staff, board members, and alumni from Trinitas can sign up (it’s free!) to receive video essays (six to seven minutes each) that go along with six to seven pages of reading every few days. Note: This is not 100 consecutive days; the video essays will run from September 8 through Easter 2022. We plan to schedule some times for Trinitas discussion and fellowship too. Watch for more details, and in the meantime, sign up to get started!

To hear more about the timelessness and timeliness of Dante’s Divine Comedy, listen to this BaseCamp Live podcast.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Anne Poortenga.

We look forward to reading and growing together!


Tips & Hints: Timing Is Everything (Arrival & Dismissal)

September 2nd, 2021

School begins at 8:00 a.m. Students should arrive no later than 7:50 so they can put their things in their lockers and prepare for their first class. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. need to be accompanied by a parent to the office.

Students are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. If not picked up by 3:15, your child will be taken to the school office or after care. Please be prompt in picking up your child so that teachers and staff may attend to their work and other meetings or appointments.