From the Principal

The Power of Music

Music is what tells us that the human race is greater than we realise.

- Napoleon Bonaparte.

Our recent Performing Arts concerts in Senior and Junior School have wonderfully showcased the outstanding quality of the Kinross Wolaroi Music program. We should be immensely proud of the level of superb musicianship attained by our students, a clear reflection of their skill, determination, persistence and desire for excellence.

Music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and has the power to evoke emotions, ignite creativity, and foster personal growth.

Maria Von Trapp said, “Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed hearts open."

As an important component of the educational experience, music offers a myriad of benefits that extend beyond mere entertainment. Music provides valuable opportunities for students to enhance their cognitive development, to promote emotional expression and wellbeing, to express cultural appreciation and diversity, to enhance academic performance and to develop valuable transferable skills.

Numerous studies have highlighted the cognitive benefits of music education. The work of Dr Laurel Trainor (1) of McMaster University has found that music training enhances cognitive abilities such as attention, memory and problem-solving skills. It engages the brain in a unique way, stimulating neural connections and fostering neuroplasticity. Furthermore, research by Dr Nina Kraus (2) from Northwestern University suggests that music education improves auditory processing skills, which in turn positively impact language development and reading abilities.

Music provides a powerful avenue for emotional expression and wellbeing. Dr Susan Hallam (3), a researcher at UCL Institute of Education, emphasizes the social and emotional benefits of music education. Playing a musical instrument fosters a sense of belonging, promotes teamwork and cultivates social bonds within musical ensembles. Moreover, music serves as a creative outlet, allowing students to express their emotions, regulate stress and develop resilience. This notion is supported by Dr Hallam’s findings that music-making contributes to improved mental health and overall wellbeing.

Music is deeply intertwined with culture, serving as a gateway to understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions. Dr Glenn Schellenberg (4) of the University of Toronto asserts that music education exposes students to various musical genres, styles and historical periods. By exploring music from different cultures, students gain a broader perspective of the world, fostering empathy and respect for cultural diversity. This exposure enhances their ability to connect with others and fosters a global mindset.

The integration of music into the educational experience has also been linked to improved academic performance. Dr Schellenberg’s research reveals a positive correlation between music training and enhanced mathematical abilities, spatial-temporal skills and overall academic achievement. Learning to play a musical instrument requires discipline, focus and perseverance, qualities that translate into other academic pursuits. Additionally, music training has been found to boost IQ scores, as demonstrated by Dr Schellenberg’s findings.

Music education cultivates a range of transferable skills that are valuable beyond the realm of music itself. Dr Anita Collins (5) of the University of Canberra underscores the long-term benefits of learning a musical instrument through practice and performance, students develop critical thinking, problem solving and self-regulation skills. They learn to set goals, manage their time effectively and handle constructive criticism and feedback. These skills, honed through musical education empower students to excel in various areas of their lives. 

The inclusion of music in our student’s educational experience is highly important. Academic research supports the notion that music education enhances cognitive development, fosters emotional expression and wellbeing, promotes cultural appreciation and diversity, enhances academic performance and develops transferrable skills. As students engage in musical activities, they not only develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts but also acquire invaluable skills and qualities that contribute to their overall growth and success.       

*Please see bottom of page for references

Bus safety and seatbelts

At Kinross Wolaroi School, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of students is the School’s paramount consideration.

With the recent focus on bus safety in the news, I would like to provide parents with an update on safety on our school buses. We understand that your child's safety is of utmost importance to you, and we want to assure you that our school bus services prioritise their well-being. We are pleased to inform you that all our school buses are equipped with seatbelts for every seat, ensuring an extra layer of protection during transportation.

The safety of your children is a shared responsibility, and we take it seriously. Our dedicated drivers are trained to ensure the safe operation of the buses and adherence to all traffic regulations. They have been instructed to monitor and enforce the wearing of seatbelts throughout the journey, promoting a secure environment for your children.

We encourage you to have an open conversation with your child about the importance of wearing seatbelts while on the school bus. Reinforcing this habit will further enhance their safety and help instill a sense of personal responsibility.

Please rest assured that we continuously strive to maintain the highest standards of safety on our school buses. We regularly inspect and maintain the vehicles to ensure their roadworthiness and compliance with safety regulations.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding our school bus services or safety measures, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated transportation team by emailing reception@kws.nsw.edu.au. We value your feedback and are committed to addressing any issues promptly.

Thank you for entrusting us with the transportation of your precious children. Together, we can ensure a safe and secure journey to and from school and other activities.

References:

(1) Trainor, L.J. (2012) Music Training Enhances Cognitive Skills. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 35, 141-156.

(2) Kraus, N and Chandrasekaran, B. (2010) Music training for the development of auditory skills. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11 (8), 599-605.

(3)Hallam, S. (2010) The Power Of Music: Its impact on the intellectual, social, and personal development of children and young people. International Journal of Music Education. 28 (3), 269-289.

(4)Schellenberg, E.G. (2004). Music lessons enhance IQ. Psychological Science, 15(8), 511-514.

(5)Collins, A. (2014). Music, mind and meaning. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1117.