Experiential Learning & Round Square

An exciting year of hands on learning ahead

I hope the year has started smoothly for you! I am looking forward to working alongside students and families this year in my new role as Head of Experiential Learning & Round Square. As I take up this newly created position, I’m excited to share the key areas I’ll be focusing on to enhance student learning in the Senior School.

Experiential focus

The School will continue developing meaningful experiential learning opportunities across the Senior School (Years 7–12), ensuring that fieldwork and excursions are embedded across all Key Learning Areas. A key priority will be leveraging our local area to create engaging, hands-on experiences that strengthen our students' connection with the community. I will be working closely with the Director of Co-Curricular Learning to explore and develop cross-curricular fieldwork and excursion opportunities and to ensure we deliver these experiences at the highest standard.

Another major focus is refining and expanding the Year 10 Internship Program. This program has been instrumental in providing students with real-world industry experience, fostering a strong work ethic, and preparing them for life beyond school.

Portfolio of Achievement

This values-based character development framework is a core part of the Year 9 and 10 experience. It encourages students to actively engage with our school values—commitment, courage, resilience, inclusiveness, environment, and respect—by providing tangible evidence of how they embody these qualities. Their submissions, signed off by mentors (teachers, coaches, Heads of House, parents, etc.), are then assessed for initiative and impact, ensuring this program remains a meaningful step in aligning student experiences with the School’s new Graduate Profile.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

As Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader, I’ll be working to grow participation across all levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—building on the fantastic foundation laid by Mr Nathan Zinga over the past two years.

In Year 9, at the Bronze Award level, the school covers the registration fee, recognising the program's role in fostering character development and the benefit to both individuals and the community. 

We are also eager to build momentum and expand our offerings with even more exciting and challenging adventurous journeys, both locally and internationally. 

Round Square

I will be working closely with the Round Square Representatives to further embed the IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service) into our school culture. Each term, we’ll highlight a different IDEAL through student-led events, while also integrating the Round Square Discovery Framework into various learning experiences.

I’ll be drawing on the experience of many colleagues to utilise the knowledge and expertise of so many in our community. A huge thank you must go to Ms Kate Anderson for her work on Round Square over the last few years as this has built the foundation for what will be a tremendous program moving forward at Kinross Wolaroi School.

Additionally, I’ll be supporting our Round Square student representatives as they bring these values to life through the Junior Committee (Years 7–9) and Senior Committee (Years 10–12). This is an exciting opportunity to empower students to lead with purpose and engagement.

Looking Ahead – Goals for 2025

The School is committed to challenging students to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and connect their learning to real-world experiences. At Kinross Wolaroi, we want our students to graduate as adaptable, innovative problem-solvers, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.

All of the School’s Faculties will be working together to ensure the success of Experiential Learning and Round Square. As a Round Square School, embedding the IDEALS in meaningful ways for both staff and students will help strengthen our shared identity and values.

My role will provide support and facilitation for the planning and implementation of high-quality, experiential learning opportunities for our students.