From the Principal

As Term 4 unfolds, we find ourselves in the midst of one of the busiest yet most rewarding times of the year. This short term has been filled with several notable achievements, and I continue to be inspired by the outstanding efforts of our students and staff alike.

Our students have demonstrated impressive maturity and focus, particularly in their approach to exams. Their conscientious preparation and determination to do their best have been commendable. I am equally grateful to our dedicated staff, whose careful planning and tireless efforts have ensured that the examination process has run seamlessly. From the setting and marking of exams to the preparation of reports, their commitment to meeting the diverse academic needs of our students has been exemplary. Special recognition must go to our Learning Enrichment Team, whose support and provision for students requiring additional assistance have been invaluable.

Year 11 students have been especially focused, navigating the commencement of their final HSC year and assessment schedule with diligence and purpose. Meanwhile, the summer sports season has commenced with a great deal of enthusiasm and success. Our rowing team achieved extraordinary success at the recent NSW All Schools Regatta, more than doubling the gold medals won by any other school – an outstanding achievement 

In addition to our sporting success, the Year 9 and 10 debating team has reached the Grand Final of the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition, showcasing their intellect, teamwork, and eloquence on a national stage. Soon, our senior cricketers will embark on their tour to New Zealand, to play a series of matches in the North Island. And our musicians are busy in their dedicated preparation for the end of year Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, and Speech Day. 

As we approach the final weeks of the term, I look forward to celebrating many of the outstanding achievements of the year with our school community. 

Strategic Plan – Implementation Update

Relational Model Project

I am excited to share details about our Relational Model Project, which aims to enhance our school culture and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. This initiative is grounded in the principles of relational behaviour models and restorative practices, both of which have been shown to significantly improve student outcomes and nurture positive school cultures. I am immensely grateful to the Relational Model Working Group for their commitment, contribution and insight. Thank you to Mr Trent Chapman, Ms Alex Boog, Mr Rick Bowman, Mr Matt Byrne, Mrs Bec Campey, Mrs Brooke Church, Ms Kelly Cole, Ms Amanda Dodson, Mrs Elly Reynolds, Rev. Sally Yabsley-Bell and Ms Emma Sweeney.

Purpose of the Relational Model Project

The Relational Model Project is designed to create a framework that emphasises positive relationships among students, staff, and families. Research indicates that when schools prioritise relational behaviour, they see improved academic performance, reduced disciplinary issues, and increased student wellbeing. A relational approach encourages communication, collaboration, and mutual respect, which are essential for a thriving school community. Our School’s Vision, Values and Graduate Profile all reflect commitment to these goals and this Project is a strategic initiative designed to embed and reinforce these foundational expressions of our unique school community.

Key Components of the Project:

1. Building and Sustaining Trusting Relationships: By fostering connections between students and educators, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Trust is foundational to effective learning and personal growth.
2. Conflict Resolution and Relationship Repair: Through restorative practices, students learn to navigate disagreements constructively, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the school. 
3. Encouraging Collaboration: The project will promote teamwork and peer support, helping students learn from one another and develop essential social skills.
4. Improved School Climate: Relational and restorative practices are proven to contribute to positive school climates. The aim is to foster a thriving, safe and connected culture, which is crucial for students’ overall wellbeing and academic success. 
5. Long-Term Benefits: The skills learned through relational and restorative practices extend beyond the classroom. Students develop a greater capacity for empathy and respect, which can lead to more supportive and inclusive behaviours in their communities, both in school and beyond.

Next Steps

We will be hosting a series of workshops and discussions to engage the School community in this project in Term 4, 2024 and Term 1, 2025. Our first outcome is a new Student Code of Conduct, which is being developed as a result of our deep dive into research and comprehensive feedback from students and staff. We look forward to the many benefits this project promises for our wonderful School.

Congratulations

Lucy Ashton – Year 12

Congratulations to Lucy Ashton who recently won three awards at the University of Canberra Faculty of Arts and Design in their nationwide creative writing competition.  She won a major award for her Extension 2 English Major Work as well a prize for Creative Writing and an Arts Prize.  Well done Lucy!

George Wakem – Year 12

Congratulations also to George Wakem who was awarded the Rural Young Scientist of the Year Award at the YSA awards recently.  In addition to this, he has also won an encouragement award and has been selected as the Central West NSW representative for the National Awards. 

We are very proud of George and would like to give special mention to Ms Rhiannon Cheesewright, who was George’s mentor for his project.

Year 9 and 10 Debating

The Year 9-10 Debating team of Abbey Cunial, Rosie Hedley, Milo Mages and Chaitra Avirneni are through to the Grand Final of the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition.  Wishing our team the best of luck!

Kinross Wolaroi Rowing Team

We have experienced considerable success at the 2024 NSW All Schools Rowing Championships where the School was completely dominant on the water, being the most successful school at the Regatta, winning the overall point score, and securing 18 medals, 14 Gold, three Silver and one Bronze.  A fabulous start to the season.

HSC Showcase Nominations and Selections

Throughout the term we have been receiving excellent news from NESA regarding the excellent HSC practical works and performances of our students.

We have received an extraordinary 25 student nominations for excellence right across the broad range of subjects we offer. In Visual Arts, Music, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design and Drama.

Most recently, we have received notification regarding our Year 12 Visual Arts students, Ivy Hawker and Kate Adams, who were both nominated for ARTEXPRESS. 

I am pleased to report that Kate Adams has been selected for ARTEXPRESS for her work Perfectly Imperfect and her Visual Arts Major Works will be exhibited online and in Art Galleries around NSW as exemplars to other students. Kate's body of work utilises ceramics, eco-dyed fabric and other materials to celebrate Nature’s unique beauty. In Kate's words:

In my body of work, “Perfectly Imperfect,” I delve into the innate beauty found in nature’s flaws, celebrating the imperfections that make the natural world exquisitely unique. Each piece in this collection captures the essence of imperfection, revealing how these deviations from the ideal are what truly define perfection in nature.

Such a level of excellence is testament to the high level of skill and determination we have among our student body.  And very importantly, it reflects the wonderful professionalism, commitment and ability of our outstanding staff.  Year in, year out, our staff achieve superb results and we are all so fortunate to have them at Kinross Wolaroi.