From the Head of the Senior School

Welcome to the 2024 school year. We are thrilled to have our students back and we are looking forward to a challenging and productive year. During week 1 I had the pleasure of addressing our students at the first assembly, where I spoke about the importance of approaching school life with a sense of agency and gratitude. 

Agency is the capacity to make choices and decisions that align with our values and aspirations. It is the conviction that we are in control of our lives and capable of shaping our destinies. What does agency look like in our school setting? Essentially, it’s about taking responsibility and involves self-reflection, goal setting, decision-making, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care.  

Most importantly, approaching school with a sense agency means our students are in the driver's seat, they are not passengers. Their preparedness and organisation, how they choose to conduct themselves and how they engage with their learning and their peers, and they respond to hardship and challenges will have the most significant impact on their school journey. 

Gratitude is a positive and appreciative attitude toward life and the world around us. It involves recognising and acknowledging the goodness, no matter how small, that exists in our lives. Gratitude is not merely a pleasant feeling; it is a powerful tool for enhancing overall wellbeing. By shifting our focus toward the positive aspects of our lives, we find joy in everyday experiences and cultivate a mindset that we can weather life's storms. 

As we embark on a new school year, I encourage our students to set the bar high, accept challenge and make the most of their opportunities at this fine school. 

Swimming Carnival  

Congratulations to all students for their outstanding conduct and participation at the Swimming Carnival last Friday at the Orange Aquatic Centre. It was a huge day of racing and activities, and it was wonderful to see such positive House spirit on display. A big thank you also goes out to the staff who supported the event and helped make it a huge success. Your dedication and commitment played a crucial role in ensuring the day was enjoyable for everyone involved. Well done to all! 

2024 KWS House Swimming Carnival Results

Richards 1268 

McLachlan 1170 

Williams 1066 

Brown 1026 

Dean 966 

Gordon 910 

Douglas 793 

Blackman 715 

International Exchange program 2024

 An update from Dr Signe Ernist - Student International Exchange Co-Ordinator

Kinross Wolaroi School's SIE program 2024 has started well: the number of prospective candidates has tripled compared to 2023 and the quality of the applications has been outstanding. Over three days in Weeks 1 and 2, the Panel – Mr Chapman, Dr Ernist and Round Square Year 11 student representatives Ollie Krause and Penny Swift – had the pleasure of interviewing a highly impressive group of Year 10 students who had courageously put themselves forward for the adventure of their lifetime. Sharing about what motivates them, analysing how their values impact on their lives and what makes them the perfect Kinross Wolaroi ambassador abroad, the students expressed such depth and breadth with such spirited eloquence that it was often nothing short of the “Wow!” factor. The Panel now has the difficult task of making the final decision that will tentatively be communicated to the students and their families in Week 3. 

Lockdown & Evacuation Drill - Tuesday 13 February, 12:15pm  

Please note that the School will be staging a practice drill for a lockdown or fire on Tuesday 13 February at 12:15pm across both the Senior and Junior Schools. This will include practicing a classroom lockdown followed by an evacuation procedure.   

Practice in these drills is essential to ensure that both staff and students understand what is expected of them in an emergency, so that they can remain calm and follow the correct procedures. All of this ensures their safety in an emergency.  

We are informing families about the drill to avoid any misunderstandings or alarm on Tuesday when the drill takes place.  

Study Hub 2024

Senior School Study Hub commenced on Monday 5 February/Week B. 

The details are as follows:

·        Monday – Thursdays 3:30-5:00pm.

·        Students in Year 7 - Year 12 are welcome to attend.

·        Study Hub is held in rooms 21/22 in the Bennett Building.

·        Staffed by the Learning Enhancement Team.

·        Afternoon Tea is provided.

·        Students can access assistance for homework, assessment and organization skills.

·        Parents/carers will receive an attendance email the day after attending Study Hub.

THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND STUDY HUB!