From the Head of Junior School

Reading Skill Development

Engaging with external providers from universities is crucial for enhancing teacher professional learning as it brings cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and fresh perspectives into the educational environment. This Friday, we welcome Dr Sarah McDonagh back to Kinross Wolaroi Junior School for professional learning with staff. This training is a follow-on from the three days of staff workshops and training that we facilitated last year.  

Dr McDonagh has research interests in instructional interventions in reading, especially for students identified at-risk for reading difficulties, and scaling up evidence-based literacy practices in school settings. During her workshop staff will deepen their knowledge, understanding and analysis skills using the Dynamic Indicator of Basic Learning Skills (DIBELS). At Kinross Wolaroi Junior School we value the importance of regular progress monitoring to ensure positive student growth for all.  Teachers use DIBELS three times a year as a regular assessment tool that helps identify students' reading strengths and areas for development, enabling teachers to tailor their instruction more effectively.  

During this time staff will use their current class data to identify points of need for all students in their class and across the grade. Teachers will also build their classroom toolkit by strengthening their skillset in building opportunities to increase reading for all students using a structured reading fluency process to build accuracy, comprehension, vocabulary and prosody. The goal is for all students to be effortless proficient readers across various types of texts. This collaboration fosters continuous development and ensures that our educators are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively address diverse classroom settings.  

Orange Interschools STEM Challenge

Kinross Wolaroi Junior School is excited to host the inaugural Orange Interschool STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Challenge this week for Stage 2 students. This exciting initiative is the work of Mrs Myrri Fatai, our Leader of Technology and Innovation for the Junior School. We look forward to welcoming students from Orange Anglican Grammar School and Orange Christian School to this exciting event.  

STEM education is important in schools because it equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which are essential for future careers and innovation. By fostering a strong STEM foundation, we prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world and address complex global challenges. 

The aim of the Orange Interschool STEM Challenge is to bring together students with a passion and aptitude for STEM learning and allow them to work together in a collaborative environment to complete STEM challenges.  This is an opportunity for students and teachers in the Orange community to learn and share best practice teaching methods, provide student extension experiences and ultimately strengthen our sense of community within the Orange region. Thank you to Mrs Fatai for leading this fabulous initiative for our school.