Around the Junior School

Buddy Bench

In 2025, our SRC helped raise money for a special Buddy Bench in the Junior School. The bench reminds us of our value of inclusiveness and helping others to be a friendship ninja.

If you see someone sitting on the Buddy Bench, it means they would like someone to play with. We encourage everyone to be kind, invite them to join in, and make sure no one feels left out.

The Buddy Bench is a great way for us to look after each other and show what it means to be part of our school community.

Pre-Kinder Dinosaur Party

What a roaringly good time we had celebrating Dinosaur Party Day! The children arrived in dinosaur themed costumes, ready for a full day of prehistoric fun. Throughout the day, we explored these fascinating creatures that roamed the earth long, long ago through stories, games, song, and creative activities. 

The children learned all about different types of dinosaurs, discovering some were herbivores and some were carnivores. To bring our learning to life, we enjoyed a special dinosaur party lunch where the children could choose from a variety of plant eating and meat-eating foods. 

It certainly was a dino-mite day filled with learning, laughter and fun. 

Junior School Chess Success

The Junior School Chess teams recently participated in the Orange District Primary School Chess Competition. 

Championship Team - Edward Lai, Mezen Jalal, Felix Knox and Robbie Fatai

Over two days of competition, our Championship chess team battled across the chessboard against students from nine other primary schools from the local area. Each game brought different challenges, thrilling wins, and valuable lessons, with students showing great strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

I am incredibly proud to announce that our Championship team finished in an outstanding second place overall — a fantastic achievement!

Junior Rookies Team B - Ezra Mohammadi, Mac Coleburn, William Lai, Rhys Morley

Junior Rookies Team C - Elsje White, Rory Winters, Jack Sanderson, Tommy Rourke

Our Junior Rookies teams attended one day of play and showed enthusiasm, determination, and teamwork. Across four rounds of Chess, both teams showed great confidence and skill at the chessboards.

I am thrilled to celebrate the success of our players in the Junior Rookies division, with Team C securing second place and Team B achieving third place.

Congratulations to all our Junior School chess competitors on their excellent efforts and achievements, demonstrating dedication, focus and teamwork. Well done, teams!

Brooke Church - Co-ordinator of Learning Enhancement

Year 5 Inclusion Awareness Program

To complement Year 5’s study of Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Prue McCarthy and Marg Schwebel from Social Futures delivered engaging presentations to the students on Tuesday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 9. The program, titled “Different on the Outside but Same on the Inside”, focused on building awareness and understanding of inclusion.

In Part 1, students participated in a range of interactive activities. They had fun attempting to write their names using their non-dominant hand and completing a colour-word challenge, where the colour named did not match the word shown. These activities helped illustrate the challenges some people experience daily. Students also learned about different types of disabilities and were privileged to hear Prue share her personal experiences of living with cerebral palsy. Additionally, students explored respectful language and discussed terms and phrases that are no longer appropriate.

In Part 2, we learnt more about the ways to communicate with people who are blind, or have low vision. We identified the Braille alphabet on cash notes, signage and books. We discussed the different ways that technology can support people with disabilities. Prue helped us to understand the best ways to communicate with people who have speech difficulties. We learnt to spell our name with the Auslan alphabet, and respectful ways to communicate with people who use wheelchairs. 

Throughout the program, Year 5 students explored assistive technologies and modifications that support people with disabilities. They also shared creative ideas for inventions that could further improve accessibility. Most importantly, students recognised the importance of seeing people as individuals first, focusing on their strengths and abilities rather than their limitations.

Below are two reflections from the Year 5 students who attended.

Ivy:

"I thought the presentation was amazing and incredibly inspiring. Hearing about how she has overcome challenges associated with cerebral palsy showed me that determination and a positive attitude can help people achieve great things. It encouraged me to be more grateful for the opportunities I have and to never give up when things are difficult."

Lachlan:

"I found the presentation awe-inspiring because of the way she has lived her life. Despite facing many challenges, she has shown remarkable courage, resilience and perseverance. Her story taught me that people can achieve extraordinary things when they believe in themselves and continue to work towards their goals."

Year 3 Bathurst Excursion

On Friday, 29 May, Year 3 travelled to Bathurst for an exciting excursion to the Rail Museum and Fossil Museum. This experience supported their learning about how industries have changed over time and the impact these changes have had on the Central West. Students explored how the railway played an important role in the development of our region.

The day also connected with both our science and English units at the fossil museum. Students have been learning about how vertebrates and invertebrates move using muscles and bones, and how animals have adapted to different environments.

Year 3 students represented the school beautifully, showing enthusiasm, curiosity, and respect. It was a highly enjoyable and valuable day of learning.

Miss Moloney and Miss Caruana

CWA Public Speaking Competition

In Week 6, Kinross Wolaroi Junior School had five students represent the school at the CWA Public Speaking Competition. Each student spoke with confidence and creativity on a range of engaging topics. Charlotte Elder presented “If I Had an Invisible Clock,” sharing an imaginative glimpse into what might happen in the staffroom. Lincoln Morely explored “If Animals Could Talk,” painting a vivid picture of a world where animals could communicate. Ivy Coleman entertained the audience with “The Day Everything Went Wrong,” bringing laughter with a humorous take on a chaotic day at school. Hugh Stewart delivered a thoughtful speech on “If I Was Principal for a Day,” outlining his ideas for leading the school. Finally, Emily McGreal spoke passionately about “My Hobbies,” highlighting her love of horses. We congratulate all of our speakers on their dedication and effort in preparing for this event, and for representing our school so proudly.

Kinross Wolaroi - Junior School Raffle

Raising funds towards a shade sail for the new Junior School playground.

Buy tickets here RaffleTix | Kinross Wolaroi - Junior School Raffle

Merit Awards 

Week 6

Week 8