Around the Junior School

Year 2 Dubbo Excursion

On Friday, 31 October, our Year 2 students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Dubbo Zoo — a highlight of our Term 4 learning! The day began with a guided safari tour where students explored the habitats of African animals, perfectly linking to our recent informative writing unit.

Many were thrilled to spot the very animal they had been researching up close! We enjoyed an engaging information-gathering workshop at the lion enclosure, learning fascinating facts about their behaviour and care. Students also had the opportunity to visit the animal hospital and the brand-new Platypus Rescue Centre — the largest purpose-built platypus conservation facility in the world. The adventure ended with a play in the zoo’s playground and a refreshing Zooper Dooper ice block to cool down after a wonderful day of exploration and discovery.

We are so proud of how well our students managed the long, hot day — showing enthusiasm, respect, and curiosity from start to finish. Well done, Year 2!

Ms Dawson and Mrs Chapman, Academic Staff

Mathematics and Problem Solving in the Junior School

This year, students in Years 4 to 6 have embraced a variety of creative and challenging problem-solving experiences through the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO). Year 4 students began with Maths Explorer, an engaging introduction that builds confidence and curiosity in mathematical thinking. A small group of Year 4 extension students, along with Year 5 and 6 students, participated in Maths Games, where they explored real-world problems that encouraged collaboration, reasoning and persistence.

For students ready to extend themselves further, selected participants in Years 5 and 6 competed in the Maths Olympiad, tackling complex problems alongside students from across Australia and New Zealand. Their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the competition were a highlight of the program.

Our Maths Olympiad team also took part in the Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition, one of Australia’s longest running mathematics competitions. Now more than 40 years old, this event involves almost 20,000 students from regional schools across New South Wales and provides an exciting opportunity for students to test and celebrate their numeracy and problem-solving skills.

The following students have been recognised for their ability to identify, apply and explain problem solving strategies. They also showed a commitment to understanding concepts and overall improvement.

APSMO - Maths Explorer

Ivy Coleman
Edith Toohey
Paddy Callaghan

APSMO – Maths Games

Ivy Chapman
Ruby Harris
Alec Stewart
Stella Hankin
Nick Rourke
Madeleine Russell
Hallie Long
Harry Sullivan
Sophia Martin
Louis Panehis-Marriott
Charlize Byrne
James Robson
Sofia Roweth

APSMO – Maths Olympiad

Highest Result at KWS and top 10% achiever: Austin Whittle
Highest Result at KWS and top 10% achiever: Digby McGee
Top 25% achiever: Janagan Kandeepan
Special Encouragement Award: Edward Lai

Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition

Merit:

Nick Strahorn
Marley Mitchell
Finlay Simpson
Stuart Bell

Distinction:

Mezen Jalal
Edward Lai
Alexander Flynn
Liam Hayward
Nikhil Prasad
Julian Capanas
Digby McGee
Liam McCormack
Willa Dunlop
Austin Whittle
Olive McLaurin
Clara Whittle
Sarah Harris
Helika Senanayake

High Distinction:

Janagan Kandeepan

Ms Amanda Dodson

Assistant Head of Junior School

Year 5 Leadership Retreat

On Monday 3 November the Year 5 students travelled to PLC for their leadership retreat. This day was part of the Year 5 Leadership program delivered using the Round Square Discovery Framework. In the morning students worked in small groups participating in workshops exploring the Round Square IDEALS – Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service, followed by an affirmation activity exploring what they believe. After a pizza feast at lunch, provided by Round Square, the students reflected on their contributions to the community and leadership moments they have already experienced, before the teachers outlined the leadership nomination process.

The students were thoughtful contributors and engaged in all activities. Our 2026 Junior School leadership team is looking promising and the staff is excited about working with this group of students.

Mrs M. Fatai

Junior School Leader of Technology and Innovation

Junior School Round Square Certificates of Acknowledgement

In the Kinross Wolaroi Junior School every student in Year 6 is a leader. They work in House teams to plan and organise events for all the other year groups. In Term 1 the House teams organise a House Muster and coordinate House efforts for the sporting carnivals. In Term 2 they lead a Service-learning project to support a local organisation. In Term 3 they organise and run activities on Junior School Round Square Day for students from Pre-Kinder to Year 5.

We use the Round Square Discovery Framework to guide all aspects our Stage 3 Leadership program. They begin in Year 5 when students learn about good leadership and attend the Year 5 Leadership Retreat. All the way through to the final event in Year 6, running the Junior School Round Square Day.

At Chapel on Friday 31 October the school acknowledged some outstanding leaders within the Year 6 House Teams. The exemplary work of these students was recognised by their House Mentor. They proved themselves to be effective communicators and excellent collaborators within their House team. Dr Parry presented the following students with a Round Square Certificate of Acknowledgement.

Brown House: Phoebe Clinton & Reuben Toohey

Douglas House: Sofia Roweth & Marley Mitchell

Gordon House: Thomas Keightley & Winona Wade

McLachlan House: Stuart Bell & Charlize Byrne

Mrs M. Fatai

JS Leader of Technology and Innovation

Merit Awards Week 4 Term 4

CLASS NAME	STUDENT	MERIT
K NEMO	Clancy Lees	for making encouraging progress with his recognition of sight words and improved confidence when reading.
K NEMO	Hayden Martin	for showing great improvement in self-help skills, handwriting, and scissor skills.
K BEES	Maggie Meachin	for always showing kindness and upholding our school values.
K BEES	Rex Devjak	for showing positive improvement in effort and application to written work.
1 ECO-OCTONAUTS	Rory Winters	for consistently applying an excellent effort in all subjects.
1 ECO-OCTONAUTS	Annabelle Coleman	for demonstrating kindness towards her peers and always striving to complete work to the best of her ability.
2 TASHI	James Meachin	for showing quick recall of number facts and confidently applying this knowledge to solve a range of mathematical problems.
2 TASHI	Cameron Day	for making connections between maths ideas and using what he knows to solve new problems.
2 TASHI	Ezra Mohammadi	for consistently showing a positive attitude and genuine excitement towards science investigations and discussions.
2 WALL-E	Chloe Oldroyd	for demonstrating strong subtraction skills and consistently showing a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards learning.
2 WALL-E	Dusty Marriott	for always showing kindness and inclusiveness towards others and consistently putting great effort into all areas of learning.
3 WANDI	Darcy Price	Improved attention to detail and effort in all writing tasks.
3 WANDI	Emilia Douglas	for consistently showing a positive attitude towards all aspects of her school life.
3 KIMMI	Stani Fatai	for working hard to read over and check his work.
3 KIMMI	Abigail Westcott	for showing dedication to her learning and for her consistent effort to ensure her work is completed to the best of her ability.
4 MUMBLE	Tom Haydon	for consistently upholding and reflecting our school values in all aspects of school life.
4 MUMBLE	Zoe Mortimer	for having the courage to try new things on camp and for sharing her bright, happy spirit with everyone around her.
5 LIN	Lulu Widauer	for bringing people together with your positive energy and fostering an enviroment where others feel valued and supported.
5 LIN	Eddie Chapman	for his perseverance and growth, which have shone this year. Eddie meets challenges with determination, a strong work ethic and a growth mindset.
5 SEED	Morgan Zinga	for his consistent commitment to his learning and focused approach towards achieving academic goals.
5 SEED	Stella Hankin	for her conscientious effort and admirable determination in all areas of her learning.
6 KIERNAN	Winona Wade	for an outstanding effort in all learning tasks, demonstrating focus, persistence, and a strong commitment to achieving her personal best.
6 KIERNAN	Mahi Bohra	for demonstrating increased persistence, responsibility, and engagement in all areas of learning.
6 THE COOL DOWN	Helika Senanayake	for demonstrating curiosity, perseverance and a genuine love of learning, consistently striving for personal bests and inspiring others through their diligence.
6 THE COOL DOWN	Reuben Toohey	for his leadership, kindness and contribution to our school community.
6 OZ HARVEST	Amelia Wood	for her growth mindset, consistent application in learning and high standard of work across multiple subjects. Fantastic work Amelia.
6 OZ HARVEST	Addy Cooper	for her curious questions, geuine love of learning and active engagement in our poetry study of the text Worse Things. Brilliant effort Addy.