Kinross Wolaroi Family Bulletin

From the Head of the Senior School

Mr Trent Chapman 

I hope you had a restful break, and we're delighted to welcome our students and families back for Term 4!

 

A special thanks to the dedicated staff and enthusiastic students who made the most of our holiday programs. From our immersive journey to New Caledonia, where students were immersed in French language skills and cultural understanding, to our educational excursion to the USA, where students had the opportunity to explore college campuses and dive deep into exercise science studies - it was indeed a time of growth and exploration. Closer to home, the energy at the Rowing camp was intense as our rowers geared up for the season ahead. 

 

Our best wishes go out to our Round Square delegation who are currently representing us at the International Conference in Kenya. We eagerly await their stories and learnings from this enriching experience.

 

A gentle reminder to our students: Term 4 is short, stretching over just nine weeks. As we approach the end of the academic year, it's essential to maintain focus, dedication, and preparation, especially with the end of year exams on the horizon.

 

This term we embark on the vertical wellbeing trial where all students will attend wellbeing groups that are mixed with students from Year 7 to Year 11 (Year 12 2024).  This initiative promotes holistic growth, and we encourage our older students to embrace their roles as active servant leaders within their new wellbeing groups. It's a chance to lead, inspire, and shape the positive culture of our school community.

 

Let's embark on this term with enthusiasm, determination, and a spirit of unity. Best wishes for a productive and fulfilling Term 4.

 

USA Excursion:

Year 12 Retreat 

Mrs Claudia McCalman (Senior Years Co-Ordinator)

The Year 12 Retreat takes place during the first three days of our students’ Year 12 odyssey. It is designed to develop the socio-emotional skills required to ensure students thrive during the sometimes-stressful HSC year and beyond. We will continue to refer to all our learnings on the Retreat as we move forward into 2024.

Arriving at the KCC campus, our adventure started immediately with a quick bush walk and picnic lunch to orient us all with our beautiful surroundings before our official Retreat activities began. The next three days flew past as we allowed our curious minds to explore a wide range of relevant and pressing life issues. The sessions were broken up between the physical and the intellectual as the cohort engaged in the following sessions:

  • Ethics with Mrs Mortimer – discussing why identifying our values, principles and morals helps us make better decisions.
  • Bush walking in the pristine Blue Mountains National Park and learning about the cultural and geographical features of the landscape.
  • Responsible Relationships with Damian – segueing from our understanding of ethics, we discussed what it means to be a good human, to understand and appreciate our differences and variants, and how to live in harmony with each other.
  • Amazing Race – a series of cognitive and physical challenges around the extensive KCC campus.
  • Mental Health First Aid with Ms Newsom – raising awareness of the levels of mental health issues and the organisations that provide support, and some strategies for dealing with the issues.
  • Scenic World – roaming the land of the dinosaurs and experiencing the country from either rail or gondola. This was the perfect final activity for students as it left us all in a state of awe and wonder.
  • Each day started and finished with a Chapel Service led by Mrs Thompson, Ms Cole and the Wellbeing House Leaders – we listened to bible readings, reflected on the readings and how they resonated with our lives, listened to the wisdom of staff members explaining how they overcame obstacles and challenges, and we sang (at the top of our voices) a variety of the school hymns.

Nighttime activities included a Welcome to Country, a campfire with marshmallows, and a movie night complete with popcorn. KCC proved to be an exceptional venue with easily the best food ever eaten on a school camp, comfortable quarters, terrific facilities, and LYRE BIRDS!

 

Enormous thanks to all the staff that facilitated the seamless running of the Retreat with good humour, expertise, and care.

Year 12 Retreat

Uniform, appearance, and sun safety

As we transition into the warmer months, students are permitted to wear the summer variants of the old and new uniforms. Mixing of uniforms is not permitted. Accessories such as black school shoes, black belts and KWS hats must be in a state of good repair. A reminder to families that this term is the last term where the old KWS uniform is permitted. All students will be required to wear the new KWS uniform from the start of 2024.

School blazers are to be worn to Assemblies, Chapel services and formal events during Term 4.

 

Students are reminded to ensure that their personal appearance is in-line with school policy, including no jewellery, one set of plain earrings, neat and tidy haircuts, and the need for our young men to be cleanly shaved. 

 

Students are reminded that hats are mandatory. KWS hats are to be worn to and from school, and during recess and lunch when outdoors. Hats must also be worn during all outdoor PE lessons and sports training sessions.

 

Details regarding uniform and personal appearance can be found at https://www.kws.nsw.edu.au/school-life/uniforms

HSC Starts this week

Best wishes to our Year 12 students for their HSC exams starting Wednesday 11 October and finishing Friday 4 November. The DPA and surrounding area is out of bounds for the duration of the exam period. Students will receive additional information about room changes and quiet zones for additional areas through The Hub.

HSC Parent Information Evening

This important seminar will inform all parents and carers of current Year 11 students about what to expect for Year 12 and the HSC. Topics include: HSC policies and practices, patterns of study, assessment and exam provisions, study expectations, ATARs, career and tertiary study options ... and much more. You are encouraged to attend in person but online attendance is available at the link below. Students may attend, however there will be future information sessions tailored specifically for their needs.

 

WHERE: Staff Common Room, Main Campus

WHEN: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Wednesday 18 October 2023

Refreshments will be provided.

 

This seminar is available in person and online:

Key Dates for Term 4

Tue 10 Oct - Term 4 classes commence (Week B Timetable).

Wed 11 Oct - Fri 3 Nov - HSC Exams 

Wed 15 Nov – Thur 16 Nov - Year 7 Yearly Exams

Fri 24 Nov – Mon 27 Nov - Year 8 Yearly Exams

Thur 9 Nov – Tue 14 Nov - Year 9 Yearly Exams

Fri 17 Nov – Wed 22 Nov - Year 10 Yearly Exams

Mon 4 Dec – Wed 6 Dec - Camps

Thur 7 Dec - Speech Day. Term 4 concludes.