From the Principal

Our Rich Creative Arts Program

Since arriving at Kinross Wolaroi School, one of the things that has impressed me most has been the strength and vibrancy of our Creative Arts programs. The arts are an important part of school life, providing students with opportunities to discover and develop their talents, express themselves creatively, and build the confidence to share their ideas with others. Through Music, Drama, Visual Arts and Technology and Applied Studies (TAS), students are encouraged to explore new possibilities, think creatively, work collaboratively and challenge themselves in meaningful ways.

Across this year, we have seen the incredible impact of these programs through a range of performances, exhibitions and showcases. The annual Music Festival was a highlight, bringing together students from across the School to perform in choirs, bands, orchestras and ensembles. Our School Musical is another wonderful celebration of talent, with students contributing both on stage and behind the scenes in areas such as performance, production, design and technical support. The creativity of our students is also showcased through our Art and TAS exhibitions, where visitors can enjoy an impressive range of work that reflects imagination, innovation, craftsmanship and dedication.

What stands out most to me is that these experiences help students develop skills that will serve them well beyond their school years. They build confidence, resilience, communication skills and a willingness to take creative risks. Just as importantly, they provide opportunities for students to discover passions and interests that may remain with them for life.

I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our students and grateful to the talented and dedicated staff who nurture, encourage and inspire them. The Creative Arts make a significant contribution to the richness of a Kinross Wolaroi education and play an important role in helping our young people grow into confident, capable and imaginative individuals.

Introducing the Year 7 Bridge Program

The transition from primary to secondary school is one of the most significant steps in a young person’s educational journey. It is a time filled with excitement and opportunity, but it can also bring uncertainty as students adjust to a larger environment, new routines, different teachers and greater responsibility for their own learning. At Kinross Wolaroi School, we believe this important transition deserves dedicated care, thoughtful planning and strong support. 

From 2027, we will introduce the Year 7 Bridge Program, an initiative designed specifically to provide students with a confident, connected and academically purposeful beginning to secondary school. The program will combine high academic expectations with strong pastoral care, helping students develop a genuine sense of belonging while establishing the skills, habits and foundations needed for future success. 

At the heart of the program will be the creation of a smaller learning community within the broader school. Year 7 classes will be located together in a dedicated precinct, providing students with a familiar home base during the school day. Rather than moving between classrooms and teachers for every lesson, students will spend much of their time in their core classroom, with teachers coming to them for many subjects. They will continue to use specialist facilities for PDHPE, Art and Music, ensuring they enjoy the rich breadth of learning opportunities that characterises the Kinross Wolaroi experience. 

A defining feature of the Bridge Program will be its Core Teacher model. Students will study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Compass with a dedicated Core Teacher who will teach across these areas and closely monitor each student’s academic progress and wellbeing. This approach will enable teachers to develop a deeper understanding of every learner’s strengths, challenges and individual needs. It will also provide families with a consistent point of contact, strengthen communication between home and school, and help ensure that every student is known, supported and encouraged. 

The program will also feature a bespoke Year 7 timetable designed around the needs of students entering secondary school. By reducing unnecessary movement between classrooms, minimising disruptions and providing greater continuity, the timetable will maximise valuable learning time. Longer core subject blocks and extended learning periods will create opportunities for deeper engagement, project-based learning, inquiry and stronger connections across subject areas. 

Academically, the Bridge Program will place particular emphasis on strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and scientific thinking. Students will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, organisation and independent learning skills. Importantly, wellbeing and academic growth will not be treated as separate priorities. Students will be explicitly supported to build resilience, independence, engagement and self-efficacy, including the belief that they can meet challenges, learn from setbacks and achieve meaningful goals. These capabilities are essential not only in Year 7, but throughout secondary school and beyond

The Year 7 Bridge Program is about creating the conditions in which students can meet high expectations with confidence. Through strong relationships, consistent teaching practices, targeted support and opportunities for extension, the program will help students feel secure enough to take intellectual risks, embrace challenges and become increasingly capable and self-directed learners. Ultimately, we want every student to feel connected, supported and appropriately challenged as they work towards their potential. 

The program will be delivered by a collaborative team of experienced educators. Mr Will Waterson will serve as Year 7 Co-ordinator, while Ms Erin Gibson will take on the role of Year 7 Curriculum Co-ordinator. Core Teacher positions will be held by Mr Lachlan Barrett, Ms Erin Cousins and Ms Emily Williams, with one further team member to be appointed. Together, this team will provide integrated academic and pastoral support and work closely with students and families throughout the year. 

Information Evening

Parents and members of the wider school community are warmly invited to attend a Year 7 Bridge Program Information Evening on Monday, 14 September. This evening will provide an opportunity to learn more about the program, meet members of the Year 7 Core Teaching Team and ask questions about this important initiative. 

Register here to attend.

The Year 7 Bridge Program reflects our commitment to continually strengthening the educational experience at Kinross Wolaroi School. We look forward to partnering with families to give every student an exceptional start to secondary school, grounded in connection, confidence, strong academic foundations and a genuine sense of belonging.