Experiential Learning & Round Square

Duke of Edinburgh Achievements

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a voluntary self-development program available to all young people. Offered at Kinross Wolaroi School, it encourages students to set and achieve personal goals that align with their abilities and aspirations.

The program consists of three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each comprising four key sections: Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service, and an Adventurous Journey.

We extend our congratulations to the following students for their recent accomplishments in the program: BRONZE AWARD - Frankie Mitchell, Hannah Cunningham, Eliza Lord, Freya Berry, Harry Chapman, Fergus Chase, Jessica Ker, William Dunlop.

Ten4Ten Leadership Dialogue

Congratulations to Skye Napier, Chaitra Avirneni and Georgia Philippe, who have been selected to participate in the 2026 TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue.

As part of this prestigious program, the students will have the opportunity to:

• Attend the program launch and dinner on 19 March, including a speed networking session with all mentors;
• Enjoy afternoon tea at the Orange City Council Chambers with mentors and key council staff;
• Visit the Parliament of NSW in Sydney on 26 May, hosted by the Member for Orange, Phil Donato;
• Visit the Parliament of Australia in Canberra on 18 August, hosted by mentor and Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee; and
• Attend the end-of-program breakfast and presentation in December.

We wish them every success as they take part in this outstanding leadership opportunity. 

Round Square Australasia and East Asia Forum

Round Square is an international network of more than 280 schools across 50 countries that collaborate to promote character education through six key themes known as the Round Square IDEALS: International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.

Round Square's philosophy is that life’s important lessons come from practical experience, and using experiential learning, to shape students’ character, and build their capacity to make a positive difference in the world as globally minded, courageous and compassionate leaders.

Mrs Muriel Fatai and Mr Liam Callaghan attended the Round Square Forum in Canberra on 6 & 7 March, hosted by Radford College. As one of the 35 Round Square schools in Australia, the forum provided a valuable opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the network, exchange ideas, and - true to the spirit of Round Square -  “borrow” successful initiatives related to the IDEALS. These discussions also provided an opportunity to reflect on how such initiatives might be adapted and strengthened within the context of Kinross Wolaroi School.

Mrs Fatai presented on the Junior School Leadership Portfolio, highlighting several successful Round Square initiatives within the Junior School. Mr Callaghan presented on the school’s values-based framework for character development in the Portfolio of Achievement. Both presentations were very well received by Round Square representatives and Heads of School.

It was a fantastic forum to showcase our current student-centred programs and it highlighted the value of the lived learning experiences we have on offer at Kinross Wolaroi School.

Referee Volunteering

Austin Wark, Year 9 Water Polo

Last weekend, I was asked to be a referee at the Big Orange under-12 water polo tournament. It was my first time ever refereeing, and I was way out of my comfort zone. Whistles were blowing, coaches were yelling instructions, and there was so much going on all at once. But trying something new ended up being really rewarding, and I’m so glad I gave it a shot. There were lots of experienced referees at the carnival, who were more than happy to help out. By the end of the weekend, I’d refereed five games and was feeling much more confident. The water polo community is awesome, and I’d definitely encourage anyone to come watch a game or join in at a training session.