From the Principal

A New Term of Opportunity, Gratitude, and Global Connection

As we return for the commencement of Term 4, I extend a very warm welcome back to all members of our Kinross Wolaroi community.  I trust that you have enjoyed a refreshing break with your families and that the holidays provided some time to relax, reconnect and reflect after a very full and productive Term 3.  For many of our students, the holidays were also a time of activity and purpose — I have heard from staff of the many pursuits, adventures and experiences that filled these weeks.

This term, though short, is one of great significance.  It marks the culmination of the schooling journey for our Year 12 students, who this week commence their Higher School Certificate examinations.  I have been greatly impressed by their dedication and the determination they have shown over the past weeks, with many continuing to submit work for feedback over the break.  Their conscientious approach and perseverance will, I am sure, be rewarded. Hard work and quiet persistence have always lain at the heart of success, and our Year 12 cohort exemplifies these qualities.

For our Year 11 students, the new term represents a different kind of beginning.  Having just completed their Leadership Retreat, they have begun to look forward with focus and intention toward their final year of schooling.  Their time away provided an opportunity to pause, to consider the responsibilities and privileges of senior leadership, and to develop strategies to ensure a fulfilling and successful year — both individually and collectively.

I have also received glowing reports from our Senior PDHPE Tour to the United States.  This was a remarkable experience for the students who participated and we look forward to hearing more about their journey at an upcoming assembly.

As we begin this term, it is also worth pausing to reflect on the wonderful way in which Term 3 concluded. It was a long and demanding term, yet it ended on a note of immense pride and gratitude.  The manner in which our Year 12 students completed their time at Kinross Wolaroi was a great credit to them.  Their positivity, mutual respect, and deep appreciation for their school journey were powerfully evident during their final days.

Their Year 12 Showcase and the Farewell and Blessing Service were moving occasions that celebrated not only their achievements, but the friendships and sense of belonging that have defined their years here.  I was also deeply impressed by our Year 11 students, who so thoughtfully organised the House farewell lunches.  Their effort, care, and creativity made those occasions truly memorable and exemplified the strength of our school community.

These moments remind us how much we have to be grateful for.

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is a simple concept, yet one of profound importance.  It is the act of being appreciative of what we have and acknowledging the people and circumstances that enrich our lives.  It is the simplest and most powerful way to acknowledge another person’s value and humanity.

Most of us were taught this early in life.  The simple act of saying “thank you” was instilled in us by our families, but we sometimes forget just how transformative those words can be.  Gratitude has a powerful impact — on our relationships, our outlook, our sense of fulfilment, and ultimately, our happiness.

An award-winning psychologist recently wrote, “If I were to choose one thing that would make everyone happy, it would be gratitude.” Research continues to demonstrate that being thankful for the small things in life increases our sense of happiness and contentment.  A simple exercise such as jotting down three things that made you happy each day — however small they may seem — can, over time, shift your mindset and strengthen your overall wellbeing.

It is easy in the busyness of school life to focus on what is difficult, to criticise, or to dwell on what we lack. Yet those habits only serve to heighten stress and diminish joy.  

Accepting that life is imperfect — and that we ourselves are imperfect — allows us to find greater peace.

Recent studies from Harvard and the University of California even point to tangible health benefits from practising gratitude.  A grateful outlook is linked to better cardiovascular health, stronger immunity and improved mental wellbeing.  But perhaps we don’t need research to tell us what we intuitively know: that those who approach life with thankfulness radiate positivity and help others to do the same.

The Greek philosopher Epictetus expressed this wisdom over two thousand years ago when he wrote:

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

These words still resonate today.  Amidst the challenges and uncertainties of our world, it is good to pause and acknowledge just how fortunate we are — to live in a peaceful country, to be part of a caring community, and to learn and work in such a beautiful environment.  When we consider the hardships faced by so many in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza, we are reminded how very privileged we are.  Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, from complaint to contentment.

Round Square – Education for Life

At our recent Assembly, our Head of Experiential Learning and Round Square, Mr Callaghan, spoke about the rich opportunities the Round Square program continues to provide for our students.  Kinross Wolaroi became a candidate school for Round Square in 2021 and was accepted as a full Global Member in 2023 — a milestone of which we are immensely proud.

Round Square is a remarkable international network of over 250 schools in 50 countries, united by a shared commitment to character education and personal growth.  The organisation’s educational philosophy is founded upon the vision of the German educator Kurt Hahn, who believed that education extends far beyond the classroom and that young people flourish when challenged to embrace responsibility, adventure, and service.

Round Square schools are connected through a common purpose: preparing students not merely for academic success but for lives of meaning, leadership, and contribution.

At the heart of Round Square are the IDEALS - Internationalism, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership, and Service - thesecore values that serve as practical guideposts for shaping programs, experiences, and opportunities for our students.

The educational value of Round Square lies in its holistic approach.  In a world that can sometimes over-emphasise grades and narrow measures of success, Round Square reminds us that true education is about developing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.  This philosophy aligns perfectly with our mission here at Kinross Wolaroi: to educate balanced, compassionate, and resilient young people who will make a positive difference in their communities.

Round Square challenges students to think globally and act compassionately.  It fosters resilience, integrity, and genuine concern for others.  It teaches that leadership is an act of service, that adventure builds courage, and that true success is not measured solely by personal achievement but by one’s contribution to others and to society.

Through participation in Round Square exchanges, conferences, and service projects, our students experience the interconnectedness of our world and learn to approach it with empathy and purpose. Whether hiking through the Himalayas, working in community projects in Thailand, or hosting visiting students from schools abroad, they gain experiences that shape their character and worldview in profound ways.

I am deeply appreciative of the strong engagement our school has with the Round Square network and of the many opportunities it opens for our students.  These experiences are not only enriching but transformative.  They build confidence, cultural understanding, and a sense of moral purpose — qualities that will serve our young people for life.

Looking Ahead

As we commence the new term, I encourage every student to approach it with gratitude for what they have, determination to make the most of every opportunity, and an openness to learn and serve in new ways.  Whether you are completing your final examinations, preparing for camps, concerts, or co-curricular pursuits, or simply embracing the daily rhythm of school life, do so with appreciation and purpose.

The weeks ahead will move quickly, but they hold enormous potential.  Let us be grateful for the friendships, the opportunities, and the sense of belonging that define Kinross Wolaroi School — and let us continue to build a community founded upon kindness, respect, and gratitude.

I look forward to this term being one of growth, generosity, and fulfillment.