From the Head of Junior School

Welcome to Term 2! We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing break and is feeling refreshed and ready for the new term. We're excited to dive into an action-packed term filled with a variety of activities and growth opportunities.

This term, we have an array of fantastic excursions planned for students from Pre-Kinder to Year 6. These excursions and incursions provide invaluable learning experiences, promoting cultural appreciation, environmental awareness, and personal development beyond the classroom. Be sure to check the Around the Junior School section for more details on these exciting opportunities.

URSTRONG

Relationships are the heart of everything we do in the Junior School. We value the importance of positive relationships with all members of our community.  In the tradition of the Uniting Church, we aspire to develop our values of courage, respect, inclusiveness, resilience, and commitment through the lens of our wellbeing program. We know student wellbeing is enhanced through a connected, supportive environment which manifests in an individual’s ability to fulfil their personal goals and contribute meaningfully to society.

A key element of our wellbeing program is URSTRONG and on Tuesday 6 May 2025 Kinross Wolaroi Junior School hosted three student workshops with Mr Tyson Greenwood, Director of URSTRONG. 

The first workshop, ‘Fuzzies and Friends’ was attended by Year 1 and Year 2 students and teachers. In this workshop, students (alongside their favourite “fuzzy friend” from home) learnt how to use the Friend-o-Meter to keep their friendships in the Green-Zone. They learnt that Friendship Ninjas say & do things to put out their Friendship Fires®.

The second workshop, ‘The Heart of Friendship’ was attended by Year 3 and Year 4 students and teachers. Through fun role-play with their favourite soft toy, students explored the 4 Friendship Facts & learnt the WWW strategy to get strategic in their friendships. Using the Friend-o-Meter, they reflected on healthy (Green-Zone) and unhealthy (Red-Zone) friendships. Learning the difference between Friendship Fires & Mean-on-Purpose moments, students practise putting out Friendship Fires® by working their way around the Friend-o-Cycle, along with when & how to use a Quick Comeback.

The third workshop, ‘Friendship Fires’ was attended by Year 5 and Year 6 students and teachers. In this workshop, students learnt what to expect in their friendships through the 4 Friendship Facts, applying these ‘truths’ in friendship to their real-life. They also learn what trust and respect look like in-action and what happens when mistrust and disrespect seep into a friendship. Using the Friend-o-Meter, students reflect on the health of their friendships and friendship groups. They learnt how to manage conflict (in-person and online), exploring the different approaches for responding to Friendship Fires versus Mean-on-Purpose behaviour.

URSTRONG’s whole-school friendship strategy has improved the social climate in schools around the world, connecting over a million kids, parents, and teachers with a common language of friendship. We are proud to be a URSTRONG School and are committed to empowering your children with friendship skills.

Parents are invited to join the URSTRONG parent community via the parent membership section on the URSTONG website which is part of our school subscription. Through the parent portal you will have access to hundreds of resources – including an 8 session video series. This will allow you to learn the same language & strategies being taught in the classroom through the Friendology 101 curriculum. We hope that, as a URSTRONG family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.

We believe that empowering our students with these skills will create a culture of kindness at our school and we hope that, together, we can support your child to have healthy and respectful friendships.

UPSTAGE Australia

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 attended a half day UPSTAGE incursion on the last day of Term 1. This program is designed with young people at the heart, offering opportunities to explore, create, and grow through the performing arts, making learning fun. Whether it’s singing, acting, dancing, or storytelling, they empowered our students to express themselves, building confidence, and discovering their unique voice in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Students were given the opportunity to learn from professionals in their field with many activities requiring students to work together, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Essential skills for personal development and future success, creating memorable and enriching experiences for our students.

Orange ANZAC Day Remembrance Service

It was wonderful to have so many students, parents and staff attend the ANZAC Day march and service during the holiday break in Robertson Park. Our students looked immaculate and served as outstanding ambassadors for our School representing KWS with pride and respect. Claire and Janagan laid a wreath during the service and all our students rose to the occasion.  Thank you to our dedicated staff who marched alongside our students. 

Kinross Wolaroi students making their mark 

Ava Davies competed in the NSW Open for karate during the first weekend of the school holidays. Ava won gold in her event - Traditional Forms (aka Kata) in her age class. This competition was sanctioned by the National Sport Karate Australia (NSKA) and the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) which means she has qualified for the ISKA AMA World Championships to be held in Brisbane in October.

Congratulations Ava on your dedication and hard work. A Golden Achievement!

At Kinross Wolaroi we value and strive for academic rigour. 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.