Message from the 

Head of the Junior School

Emerging out of Remote Learning

The Junior School has burst back to life as students returned onsite from their online hiatus. They were so excited to see each other, and it’s been wonderful to have the School filled with their energy and joy. Surviving and thriving during the COVID-19 limitations and restrictions has been an amazing community effort. I cannot sing loudly enough the praises of teachers, support staff, IT staff, students, and families in adapting to online learning. Thank you. As we continue to emerge out the other end and approach a new normal, I am hopeful there are some positives to come from our experiences and maybe even reconsideration as to what ‘normal’ looks like.

For me personally remote learning has brought back memories of when I was a 5-year-old. For six months my mother was my teacher for myself and 2 older sisters as we undertook Correspondence School. No online delivery back then, rather lessons arrived through the post. To this day I can recall my mother tracking me down in the corner of our bedroom, squashed as far back into the dark reaches of the crawl space under my bed, not wanting to engage in learning to read let alone mathematics. She must have had the patience of a saint as all three of us have gone onto have successful careers. 

As a teacher, I hope that post-remote learning, our students continue to develop their independence as learners, are proactive in seeking support and advice, and appreciate the value of education, their teachers, and peers. Some guidance exists for students through living out the Kinross Wolaroi Values by seizing new opportunities with gusto, supporting and affirming their peers and friends who may have struggled or continue to do so, utilising technology skillfully with integrity, and re engaging with the world beyond home with a servant heart and outlook.

I have always been proud to be part of the teaching profession, and never more so than now. Already, teachers are considering what worked best with online teaching, how these strategies and tools can be applied into the future, and whether there are long lasting and far-reaching approaches to teaching and learning to be contemplated. Such exciting times ahead, but also very thankful for the vision and commitment of our teachers and IT staff to embrace online learning tools such as TEAMS and now SEESAW over the last year, which saw us well positioned to provide effective remote learning. 

We will be rescheduling some events planned for this term. Primarily our Junior School productions. We are currently looking for a date in Term 4. In the meantime, students will continue to work on the productions, although with less time intensity than was originally planned in Term 3. Other cocurricular offerings such as sport, lunchtime activities, music and after school Area 51 and TWIG are continuing within the guidelines and advice on safe social distancing so students can access the many opportunities on offer at Kinross Wolaroi. 

As we continue into the term, students are encouraged to practice social distancing and maintain appropriate personal hygiene. Cleaning products and hand sanitiser are available in all classrooms and other venues, split lunch eating spaces continue and large events such as Assemblies and Chapel, have been restructured to maintain connections across the School. 

Junior School staff each morning are on drop-off and pick-up to assist with the transition to School each day. This provides the opportunity for a brief catch up as well as the student diaries. We ask all students in K-6 who travel by car are dropped off and collected from the Kiss n Go zone. All adults remain in their car and a KWS staff member will assist your child with their belongings. All students should use this location for entry and departure from the School when using a private car. The exception is students who travel by bus. For Pre-Kinder, on arrival at the playground gate please sign your child in as usual and then call 02 6392 0389, a Pre-K staff member will come and meet you and walk your child into the Centre. At the end of the day please phone 02 6392 0389 on arrival at the gate and a staff member will bring your child out.

Images from Remote Learning

As lockdown restrictions shift to varying degrees across Australia, we enter a time of transition and adjustment. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted us all. For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things.

Many young people may be excited with the lifting of current restrictions being lifted; others may feel mixed emotions. Reactions will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. Keeping a check on your child’s mental health and wellbeing as they adjust to new routines, is vitally important.

There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead of us, so focusing on the things you can control or enjoy doing or even value, can help establish predictability and familiarity for the whole family. Adult carers need to provide young people with reassurance by acknowledging any concerns and fears they may have at this time. Consider this to be a normal reaction, however it may be best to focus more on their feelings and emotions, rather than the practicalities at this stage.

In this Special Report, SPECIAL REPORT: Coronavirus - The Transition Back | SchoolTV.me

School TV shares a few ideas to help ease this time of transition and adjustment. Please take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. 

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the School for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Contact Junior School Reception (02 6392 0316 or email junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au) to organise a time to talk to your child’s teacher. As we are with students between 8:30am and 4:30pm we may not be able to reply immediately and will get back to you as soon as possible. 

If you would like to talk with Mrs Hayward, please contact Reception. Mrs Kennewell may ask for information to better facilitate the meeting. That said, it is not essential to provide this information when arranging a meeting.