Around the Junior School
Year 5 Camp 2024 (Koloona)
We all arrived at KWS at 6:00 am on Tuesday morning 5th November. We departed KWS at 6:45am. We travelled on a double-decker bus and Tony was the driver. We stopped at Crookwell to have our recess and a toilet break. We arrived at Koloona after an exhausting 5-hour drive. We had our lunch and a nice welcome from the instructors. We found our cabins but shortly after we started our first activity.
There were three groups, A, B, C. The activities were: Pool Rafting, Waterslide, Abseiling, Archery, Rope Climbing, Initiatives, Billy Carting, Bush Cooking. On Tuesday night we also did night activities. Every morning, we would have Cristian discovery for 50 minutes. Group A was on dinner duties, Group B was on breakfast duties and Group C had lunch duties.
There were 16 cabins: 12 containing children and 4 for the teachers. Mrs. Fatai, Mrs. Seedsman, Miss Hazelton and Mr. Campbell. There were mostly four in each cabin but some had three and some had five. On Wednesday night we had a fun trivia match with five rounds: KWS, Movies, Sport, Christmas and Music. On Thursday night we watched Shrek before going to bed for our final night.
On Friday morning we quickly organised our stuff so after Christian Discovery, we could be on the bus and moving by 10:30am. Our driver this time was Robbie. The teachers decided that it was quicker to go via the Blue Mountains. It was the same double decker bus but this time we stopped at Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains, and we had lunch and a little treat of a KitKat and chips. We arrived back at Kinross at the estimated time of 4:45pm. Everyone gathered their belongings and were picked up by their parents.
Overall, the trip was a great success, and everyone had lots of fun. The teachers had a great time playing cards and looking after us. Surprisingly, all the teachers had a go on the waterslide!
Austin Whittle
Year 5 student
Year 3 Camp Report
In 2024, Year 3 enjoyed a fun filled three days at Burrendong Sport and Recreation Camp. For most students, this was their first school camp, and for many, their first time staying away from home without family. On the first day, Year 3 enjoyed the giant slip and slide. This was a wonderful activity to help us settle in on a really warm day. Over the following two days, Year 3 enjoyed a range of activities including BMX riding, archery, pool raft building, fencing, kayaking and pedal kart racing. Nights were kept busy with a range of night time activities including games and a mini Olympics! The Burrendong staff were wonderful, teaching us many new skills and feeding us during the camp with a great range of delicious food! Despite being exhausted, all students returned back to school with many stories to share, feeling full of confidence having experienced many new adventures.
Year 4 Camp Report
During Term 4, Week 3, Year 4 students embarked on an unforgettable camp to Lake Burrendong. The three-night, four-day adventure was packed with excitement, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Students embraced the spirit of teamwork and communication as they tackled group problem-solving activities such as raft building, tent pitching, initiatives, and orienteering. These experiences not only tested their skills but also strengthened bonds among classmates. Along the way, they developed resilience, commitment, and perseverance, especially when facing the challenges of being away from home or mastering a new task. Teachers were immensely proud to see many students rise to these challenges with determination and a positive attitude.
The camp was not all about hard work—there was plenty of fun and laughter too! Thrilling activities like the waterslide, BMX biking, and kayaking brought moments of pure joy and adventure. These experiences allowed students to step out of their comfort zones and make lasting memories.
Evenings were just as exciting, with nightly challenges fostering creativity and teamwork. Students showcased their skills as mini Olympians, competing in friendly games and activities. One of the highlights was the "Country Fair," where students demonstrated entrepreneurial flair by setting up stalls, running activities, and collecting money in a fun and engaging environment.
Overall, the Lake Burrendong camp was a resounding success, leaving students with newfound confidence, stronger friendships, and memories to cherish for years to come.
Sinead McDonnell
Mrs Essex’s Orange Bus Tour and Botanic Gardens Visit
On Monday 18 November the adventurous Year 1 team climbed aboard Mrs Essex Orange bus tour to explore the planning of Orange’s streets. Year 1 had a wonderful time discussing why the town was planned the way that it was. We looked at the centre of town, the features of Orange and why different aspects of the town were built in a certain way. We were then able to explore the Botanic Gardens where we integrated our learning through outdoor exploration, science discoveries of the bee story and learning about the life cycle of a bee. We had a picnic and discussed our findings. Year 1 had a fabulous day out, full of discovery, with Mrs Essex, Miss Moloney and Mrs Rusten.
Technology Changes Over Time
On Thursday 21 November, Year 2 embarked on a journey back in time as we explored the rich history of our region during our 'The Past in the Present' field trip. The day provided a wonderful opportunity to witness how technology has evolved from the early 1800s to the present day.
Our first stop was the historic Dundullimal Homestead, where we stepped into the past and learned about life in the 19th century. The homestead, built in the 1800s, offered a glimpse into the early history of our region, with displays of old-fashioned tools and ways of life. It was fascinating to imagine how people lived and worked without the modern technology we rely on today. We also had the chance to explore the beautiful grounds and learn about the homestead's unique architecture, including the clever use of shade and rocks to create a natural cooling system before the evolution of modern air conditioning.
After leaving Dundullimal Homestead, we headed to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience in Dubbo. Here, we learned about the incredible work of the Flying Doctor Service, which has been providing medical care to remote areas for many years. We were amazed by the advancements in medical technology and how it has enabled the Flying Doctors to reach even the most isolated communities.
A highlight of the trip was having the senior school exchange students join us. Year 2 students loved having the opportunity to spend time with them and learn together. It was also exciting to ride a double-decker bus home, a fun experience that added to the excitement of the day.
This excursion was a valuable and enriching experience that aligned perfectly with our history studies We would like to thank everyone involved in making this trip possible and for providing us with such a memorable and educational day.
By Year 2 Yindyamarra (Teacher: Mr Barrett) and Year 2 Lorax (Teacher: Mrs Chapman)
Write a Book in a Day
We are incredibly proud of Year 6, donning their author and illustrator caps in a 12 hour challenge to write a book in a day.
Students worked in collaborative teams to create original, entertaining and feel-good books for children in hospital to enjoy.
Their dedication and generous support from friends, family and the school community has raised $7214.50 for The Kids Cancer Project to support vital childhood cancer research.
Congratulations Year 6 students and staff for making a difference to the lives of kids with cancer.
SRC Fundraising
During Week 6, the Student Representative Council (SRC) hosted some days of lunchtime activities. These included handball and Christmas craft. The SRC also hosted their final Junior School Fundraiser for 2024. Students were asked to bring in some coins to contribute to a giant coin snake and also a gold coin to purchase an icy pole – a perfect treat for a warm day! The SRC raised close to $350. These funds are going towards the Junior School's equipment shed for 2025. This is a shed that will be full of activities and games for students to access during break times.
In Week 7, the SRC also hosted lunchtime cookie decorating workshops. Students in K-5 came to Miss Hazelton’s room at second half of lunch to decorate their own Christmas cookie.
The SRC Representatives have been working busily, counting money, organising activities, and relaying information around the school. Ultimately they have created a buzzing school environment in our last few weeks of school.
