Wellbeing

Wellbeing in Action: Learning, Leadership and Social Impact at Kinross Wolaroi

One of the strengths of our Compass‑delivered wellbeing structure is the flexibility it gives us to respond to student needs and opportunities in real time, while still remaining grounded in our broader Visible Wellbeing and SEARCH framework. This term, that flexibility has allowed us to enrich the student experience through targeted seminars, community partnerships and powerful student‑led initiatives.

Recently, Year 12 students participated in a seminar with Mr Bruce Paine, focusing on career pathways, decision‑making beyond school, and navigating the transition to life after school. The session provided students with practical advice and reassurance at a pivotal point in their schooling, reinforcing the importance of goal‑setting, reflection and proactive planning. Year 12 also participated in a seminar on stress management and coping delivered by the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service (OAMS) to help them navigate the academic challenges arriving on the horizon. 

Similarly, Year 11 students engaged in a seminar delivered by NSW Police Acting Sergeant and Youth Liaison Officer, Jane Heffernan, which focused on legal awareness, personal responsibility and the ways young people can make positive choices that support their wellbeing and future opportunities. Both sessions modelled the SEARCH pathways of Relationships, Habits & Goals and Coping in authentic, real‑world contexts.

Through Community Time, Year 10 students had the opportunity to take part in a valuable health education seminar delivered by the OAMS, with a focus on smoking and vaping. This session encouraged students to think critically about the short‑ and long‑term impacts of vaping, peer influence and informed decision‑making. Importantly, it also strengthened students’ understanding of community health services and support networks available locally.

Alongside these learning experiences, our House system continues to be a powerful driver of social justice, leadership and advocacy across the school. We are incredibly proud of the initiatives currently underway:

• Richards House raised an outstanding $7,187 through participation in the Nedds Uncomfortable Challenge, supporting We Are Mobilise and highlighting the importance of empathy and action
• Dean House organised the Run for Sick Kids at the Orange Running Festival, fundraising for Ronald McDonald House and supporting families during times of significant challenge
• Blackman House is organising an Easter Raffle to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute, promoting mental health awareness and support

• Students and alumni have also shown leadership beyond the school through the Wings of Courage initiative, supporting Headspace, led by Ed Ashton, Lulu Nash and former student George Conin.

   

All Houses are engaged in a variety of social justice initiatives and more news will come as these events take shape.

Together, these experiences reflect the heart of wellbeing at Kinross Wolaroi. They remind us that wellbeing is not only something we learn about — it is something we actively live and model as a community.

‘Inside the Manosphere’

Finally, the global release of Louis Theroux’s Netflix documentary, ‘Inside the Manosphere’, will bring renewed attention to a part of the internet shaping how some boys and young men think about masculinity, relationships and power.

The eSafety Commissioner has published an article addressing this topic.

The manosphere: What it is and what parents and carers need to know | eSafety Commissioner

Year 9 Students Engage in Enlighten Education and Goodfellas Programs

On 27 February, Year 9 students participated in the Enlighten Education and Goodfellas wellbeing programs, designed to support young people in developing confidence, respect, and healthy relationships.

The Enlighten Education program provided an engaging and affirming space for students to explore topics including self‑worth, body image, consent, gratitude and emotional wellbeing. Student feedback highlighted a strong sense of connection and belonging, with many valuing the opportunity to reflect, journal and participate in interactive activities. Students reported increased confidence, a deeper understanding of boundaries, and a greater appreciation of kindness towards themselves and others.

The Goodfellas program offered an open and relatable approach to conversations around masculinity, consent, respect and mental health. Students described the session as engaging and thought‑provoking, particularly valuing the storytelling, group activities and movement breaks. Feedback indicated that students gained a clearer understanding of healthy consent, empathy, and the importance of speaking up for themselves and others.

Across both programs, student responses were overwhelmingly positive, with the vast majority rating the sessions as very good or excellent and recommending them to others. The day reinforced Kinross Wolaroi School’s commitment to fostering respectful relationships, wellbeing and personal growth in our students

Student Comments:

Enlighten Education 

• “The best part of the day was feeling like I belonged. I learnt to be positive, appreciate others and be kind.” 
• “I loved having fun and getting to talk freely. I learnt that saying no is okay and that consent can change.”
• “The meditation was calming and the journalling helped me feel more confident and grateful.” 
• “I learnt about red and green flags in relationships and that everyone is enough.” 
• “Talking about meaningful topics helped me learn to love myself and respect others.” 

Goodfellas 

• “It was much better than I expected. I learnt about healthy consent, gratitude and being respectful.” 
• “The presenter was relatable and real. I learnt that vulnerability is a strength.” 
• “The activities were fun and made it easier to learn about relationships and boundaries.” 
• “I learnt to check in with my mates, speak up and be an upstander.” 
• “It helped break stereotypes and showed that you don’t need to fit a mould to be strong.”