From the
Head of Junior School

Mrs Denise Hayward

Step It Up Days

Step it up days are milestone events in your child’s educational journey. For some students they mark the transition to school for the first time, for others a move to a new stage of teaching and learning, and for some they are a move out of the Junior School teaching setting into the Senior School. They are important days, when we pause our usual programs and provide time for students to experience a taste of what is to come in the year ahead. This is a time when we welcome students new to Kinross Wolaroi and for whom it is a first taste of what their time at our school will be like.

Transition from primary to secondary school is an important crossroad as young people move from a small, self-contained classroom to a large, more heterogeneous school with increased expectation of independent academic performance and less teachers’ scaffolding. In addition, there are significant changes in the peer group, with concerns about social acceptance often causing a loss of self-esteem, falls in academic performance and rising anxiety and depression levels (Akos, 2006; Frey, Ruchkin, Martin & Schwab-Stone, 2009; Marsten, 2008). This move across school settings brings with it changes that can have positive or negative effects on students, hence transition to secondary school is a social and academic turning point for adolescents (Langenkamp, 2009; Smith, Akos, Lim & Wiley, 2008).*

In each transition, whether it is between grades or to a new school, students will have their own expectations and concerns. These arise as they process what it means to change settings. In some cases, they will leave friends as school settings change or different interests arise. Students will wonder what new friendships may look like. They will encounter new learning approaches and different expectations as they grow and develop. Transitions are not isolated events. They are entwined in the context in which they happen. It is important to view transitions for children not as single events but as pathways to later successful outcomes, particularly toward learning.

At times transitions are critical moments in determining students’ wellbeing and learning. Many of the important transitions between educational settings occur at times of rapid student growth and development, when they are concerned about issues of identity (who am I?), relationships (how do I relate to others?) and future (what will I be?). How they approach these transitions, and how they fare through them, may be determined by many factors at home and at school. Transitions raise expectations and provide excitement about new subjects, new contexts, possibilities for greater responsibility, and learning new things. In some cases, these transitions provide students with a chance to break from previous negative experiences and make a fresh start. For the great majority of students, such transitions happen smoothly, with little disruption to wellbeing or learning. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information regarding your child’s transition to, from or within Kinross Wolaroi. We are here to provide the best possible experience for all our students and their families, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Classes for 2023

The School values the trust parents place in the professional judgement of the School and the importance of the School and parents working together. We know our students well and consider what is the best learning environment for each student to maximise student growth and development. The best possible learning environment takes into account:

Academically parallel classes
The behavioural, physical, social, and emotional needs of students
A balance of genders where possible
The most appropriate social combination

Staff are currently completing end of year assessments with your child and have been reflecting on their growth and next steps in readiness for next year. They are using this information as they form classes for 2023. In forming these classes I welcome discussions with parents as to any considerations that should be taken into account. In particular, helpful information on social needs and friendship issues is welcomed. Please contact me directly at dhayward@kws.nsw.edu.au before Thursday 24 November 2022.

Students will know who their class teacher is and who is in their class as they return to campus in 2023 and commence the school year. For some students, families will be contacted prior to the start of the year as this is considered appropriate in preparing them for the year.

Community Afternoon Tea 2022

At Kinross Wolaroi it is not only students who experience these times of transition. In 2022 we would like the community to come together for an afternoon tea for all new and current families to start making connections and share contact details. This is an opportunity to reflect on the year that was and look towards 2023. I am grateful to our current community in working with staff to make our new families feel welcome. The hope is that through connections developed over the afternoon all new students and families will have an opportunity to meet up over the summer break, before commencing the academic year in 2023.

When: Thursday 3 November 2022

Time: 2:15-3:15pm

Where: Junior School Glasshouse and Round Garden

Please confirm your attendance by Thursday 27 October here

Hair policy revised

Our Uniform Policy has been amended to provide additional clarity on the gender-neutral rules relating to hair style. The following rules are applicable to all students at Kinross Wolaroi School:

Students’ hair is clean and neat. As such, mullets, punk styles, crew cuts, shaved heads, spikes, wedges, ridges or other unusual lines or shapes cut into the hair are not permitted.
Hair longer than the collar is neatly tied back or plaited.
Fringes are clear of the eyebrows, ensuring eyes are clearly visible, and all hair is kept off the face.
Hair must always be a natural single colour.
Hair accessories are school regulation, available for purchase from the uniform shop.
The school scarf (Years 3-10 or Years 11-12) may also be worn in the hair.

Kinross Wolaroi students making their mark

At Kinross Wolaroi we value and strive for academic rigor. Students have a myriad of opportunities to engage in enriching learning experiences which in some instances the school provides or facilitates student access to them. Please share with us your child’s interest, passions, and achievements by emailing junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au.