From the 

Head of Junior School

Community

As we are well into Week 3 of Term 4, the year is quickly moving towards the end of term. It has been a wonderful start and one that highlights what is at the core of Kinross Wolaroi, its community. In Week 1 we welcomed many grand friends to the Junior School who were treated to an exceptional concert in the Derek Pigot Auditorium. Our students performed toe tapping dances as we relived the days of flouro and big hair as our young students danced to Footloose. Students entertained us with their vocal range and award-winning verse speaking and ensemble performances. The concert concluded with an encore performance of the Tut Tut finale.

Over the course of the year Junior School opens classrooms to visitors to share in learning experiences with students. This is a wonderful occasion for cross generational learning. Our grand friends on this occasion sharing and comparing experiences with students as they talked about how things were once done and how this differs from today. The day concluded with a picnic lunch where the community was entertained by our talented students who this time took to the busking stage as individuals. There were opportunities to potter in the garden, take in a game of chess or just sit back and be entertained as the children played.

Grand Friends Day is a special occasion. It promotes family and community involvement in education, enhancing the school's social fabric. It instils a sense of belonging and pride, as students showcase their school environment and achievements. Ultimately, this tradition strengthens relationships and creates cherished memories for both students and their grand friends. We look forward to continuing the tradition in 2024.

In Week 2 the students and staff of the school came together for Jersey Day. A P n F initiative to raise money for the Junior School Area 51 teaching space and to bring the school community together. The weather was on show for the event and students from across the school enjoyed a relaxed lunch, engaging in many activities organised by our Year 6 student leaders. These students were exceptional in identifying appropriate activities for students ranging in age from 4-17. The worked in teams, collected the material, set up the activities, ran the activities and packed everything away. All of this with minimal input from staff. 

The sight of students of different ages engaging in sporting activities together during lunchtime was a heartwarming testament to the considerate and respectful nature of our students. Older students willingly joined younger peers in games. They adapted their play to accommodate the varying skill levels, ensuring everyone could participate without feeling left out. Younger students benefited from the guidance and encouragement of their older counterparts, fostering a supportive environment. The interactions promoted a strong sense of unity and camaraderie across the school, breaking down age-related barriers and reinforcing the importance of kindness and inclusivity in the school community. 

Thank you to the P&F for the BBQ lunch and the availability of Middleton ice blocks. The money raised on the day and from the Bush Dance earlier in the year will support upgrades to Area 51. Area 51 is more than just a room in the Junior School. It’s a space where the students discover that the possibilities are within us! It is the focus for many extra-curricular activities including the Magic of Science, NASA Kids clubs, movie making and coding. It is where the use of technology inside and outside of the classroom enriches student learning. 

Our students have access to a wide range of digital technologies and expertise to support their innovative and entrepreneurial activities. The use of technology is embedded into the everyday curriculum, with teachers integrating hardware such as laptops, iPads, Robotics, microbits, Beebots and green screen into teaching and learning activities with an emphasis on 21st Century skills such as coding, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.

Our students are given many opportunities to develop essential ICT skills in focused digital technologies lessons as well as authentically in the context of various other subject areas. By the time many students reach school, they are already familiar with how to work smart phones and tablets. Using iPads with our younger students allows them to “swipe and go” and launch into their digital experiences quickly and easily. The use of iPads from Pre-K to Year Two gives students the opportunity to learn the basics of using a digital device and to build important skills in areas such as word processing, photography, accessing work through online platforms and digital citizenship.

Our Year 3-6 students are part of our laptop programme, allowing students to extend skills developed with the iPads and develop a variety of competencies including touch typing, file organisation, movie editing and digital citizenship. All students have access to a class set of laptops and iPads to ensure the range of skills associated with different types of devices are developed. They have access to industry-standard software in all subject areas.

Our goal is to develop students who can combine subject knowledge with the use of digital technologies to make connections to help solve problems which will ensure they are well prepared for life in the Secondary School and beyond. Our approach allows our students to apply a deep understanding of key concepts to real-world problems with an attitude of flexibility and openness to change. We look forward to sharing our newly renovated space with you in the future.

Applications open for the eSafety Youth Council

Do you know a young person aged 13-24 who is passionate about making a difference? 

Applications are open for the eSafety Youth Council. This is great opportunity for young people to share their voices with industry leaders and government to help them understand what a safer online world could look like, ensuring it resonates with and protects younger generations. 

By joining the eSafety Youth Council, young people have the opportunity to: 

• Co-design programs, policies and develop content that promotes a safer online environment for their generation. 
• Work with government and leaders in the industry. 
• Develop their professional skillset through learning opportunities. 

The safety Commissioner is looking for young people aged 13 to 24 from all over Australia with a range of personalities and backgrounds. Application responses can be submitted in written or other creative form, such as video, audio, poster, song - a great way to engage young people on online safety issues. Applications close 1 December 2023. 

Kinross Wolaroi Students making their Mark 

At Kinross Wolaroi we value and strive for academic rigor. Students have a myriad of opportunities to engage in enriching learning experiences which in some instances the school provides or facilitates student access to them.  Please share with us your child’s interest, passions, and achievements by emailing junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au.