From the Principal

Kinross Wolaroi Awarded Global Membership of Round Square

Last Friday the Round Square Board of Trustees met in London to discuss our application for Global Membership of Round Square. For the past 18 months we have been a Candidate School working to embed the Round Square philosophy within the Senior and Junior School.

I am delighted to share with you that our school has been granted Global Membership of the International Round Square movement. The Trustees had no hesitation in approving Kinross Wolaroi School's application and expressed how impressed they have been with the way in which our students and staff have embraced the Round Square philosophy. 

This is a significant achievement for us and one that reflects our commitment to providing a holistic and transformative education for our students, an experience that challenges and fosters the academic, social, physical and emotional dimensions of our students.

The International Round Square movement, founded in 1966 is a global network of over 200 schools from 50 countries across the world that share a common philosophy of education, based on the six pillars of learning: internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service. As a Global Member of Round Square, we join a community of like-minded schools that are dedicated to nurturing students who are compassionate, confident, and engaged global citizens.

Membership in the International Round Square movement brings many benefits to our school community. First and foremost, it provides us with a framework for designing and delivering a holistic education that prepares our students for a rapidly changing world. The Round Square pillars of learning provide a set of guiding principles that inform our curriculum, co-curricular programs, and the overall student experience. By focusing on internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service, we are helping our students develop the skills, knowledge, and values they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Secondly, membership in Round Square provides us with a range of opportunities for collaboration and exchange with other Round Square schools around the world. We will have the chance to participate in global conferences, events, and service projects, where our students will be able to engage with their peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures. These experiences will broaden our students' perspectives, deepen their understanding of global issues, and help them develop the skills and attitudes they need to become effective global citizens.

Thirdly, membership in the International Round Square movement will give us access to a wealth of resources and support that will enable us to enhance our existing programs and develop new initiatives. We will be able to draw on the expertise and experience of other Round Square schools to improve our teaching and learning practices, strengthen our leadership and governance, and enhance our community outreach and engagement.

I am thrilled that Kinross Wolaroi School has been granted Global Membership of the International Round Square movement. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and wider school community, and it reflects our shared commitment to providing a transformative education focused on developing the whole person. I look forward to working together with all of you to make the most of this exciting opportunity.

Mrs Anderson selected by Round Square to Lead an International Service Project

I am pleased to let you know that Mrs Kate Anderson has been selected by Round Square to lead their Thailand Environmental Project in December this year.

Round Square run service projects that see students and staff from Round Square Schools around the world come together to support communities in need.

These projects usually run for a period of two weeks where students work closely with a community, often building some vital piece of infrastructure such as classrooms, bridges and clean water systems in rural communities. In recent years projects have been undertaken in locations such as Morocco, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Borneo.

This year students will be focusing their attention on an environmental project in Thailand.

Students who are interested in being part of such a project in December should contact Mrs Anderson or Mrs Gavin for more information.

Yalari Captain

I am pleased to announce Year 11 student Blake Dwyer has been appointed Yalari Captain for 2023. Blake was selected based on his responsible behaviour, involvement with the school and acting as a role model for other students. As part of his indigenous leadership position, Dr Parry and Mr Lee Taylor will hold regular mentor meetings with Blake to support his role as an ambassador for Yalari. Congratulations Blake on your appointment.

Cattle Team

Our Cattle Team experienced a great deal of success winning multiple awards at the Sydney Royal Show. Among the successes was Caitlin Adam winning Grand Champion School Parader, an outstanding achievement. Well done to the Team and to our staff Miss Laura Harris and Mrs Marg Aldersey. 

Our Kinross Wolaroi School bred Class 11 Angus Cattle won both Bronze and Silver for our Heavyweight steers. It is extremely pleasing to see our own cattle achieving such success and most satisfying for our Team and Farm Manager Mick Owen who have worked so hard to improve our stock.

Cricket

Congratulations to Phoebe Johnson for her recent selection in the NSW Country U16 State Cricket Squad. Phoebe will be training through the off-season at the State training facility in Sydney and being coached by some of the best in the industry. A marvelous achievement and are exciting opportunity for Phoebe. We wish you all the best.

Rowing

Congratulations to Lucy Searle, Year 12, who has been selected by Sydney Rowing Club for both the Henley Women’s Regatta and the Royal Henley in the UK in June. A marvelous achievement for Lucy who has worked very hard to reach this standing. We wish you all the best at Henley.

Equestrian - Snowy Mountains Interschools Equestrian Competition (SMIEC) in Canberra

In early May, 8 members of our equestrian team travelled down to the Snowy Mountains Interschool Equestrian Competition in Canberra. The team consisted of Charlotte Pearce, Lily McBeath, Millie Taylor, Audrey Pearce, Amy Caldwell, Hannah Goodsir, Claire Nelson and Jess Taylor. The competition provided a wide range of disciplines such as Dressage, Show jumping, One Day Event, Combined Training, Pentathlon, Sporting, 6 Bar Show jumping, Working Horse and Show Horse Events. Kinross Wolaroi came home with a lot of ribbons and smiles. We also received the trophy for “Smartest School on Parade” in the grand presentation. This award was well deserved as the team invested a great deal of effort towards their overall appearance.  

Student International Exchange Coordinator - Dr Signe Ernist

I am delighted to announce that Dr Signe Ernist has been appointed to take on the role of Student International Exchange Coordinator.

Dr Ernist has vast experience in this space including having been an exchange student herself and has coordinated and organised international student exchanges in schools in both Australia and Europe. Signe is also fluent in several foreign languages and teaches French at Kinross Wolaroi.

Dr Ernist has taught in Australia and Internationally from Kindergarten to Year 12 and has taught English, History and French. She was a tutor, marker and Research Officer at Macquarie University, Head of French Language at Tallinn French School in Estonia, has been a Translator and Interpreter and was a French Lecturer at Tallinn Institute of Law.

Our International Exchange Program provides wonderful enriching experiences for our students and affords memories that will be life long. It plays an important role in enabling students to develop global understanding and an appreciation of their place in the world. A key pillar of Round Square is the IDEAL of Internationalism that assists students to discover and embrace the similarities and differences between cultures and nationalities in ways to promote meaningful and lasting understanding and respect.

I am most grateful and appreciative of the excellent work done by Mr Ryan who has decided to step down from this role to focus upon his many other responsibilities.

I am sure you will join with me in congratulating Signe on her appointment and the exciting opportunity she has before her.