From the Head of Senior School

Why Do We Celebrate Wear it Purple Day? 

Wear it Purple Day is a powerful reminder of our commitment as a school community to ensure that every student feels well, happy, and safe at school. Our staff are dedicated to fostering an environment where positive well-being and safety are at the forefront for all students. At our school, we deeply value diversity and are committed to promoting respectful behaviour in every aspect of our community life. 

Wear it Purple Day is about raising awareness, understanding, and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ youth, not just in words but in actions. By wearing purple, we can demonstrate to rainbow young people that they are celebrated and respected, acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive school environment for all students.

We want all students at our school to embrace and celebrate the differences that make each individual unique. While the majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives, research shows that non-heterosexual people face up to twice as much abuse or violence —whether physical, mental, sexual, or emotional — compared to their heterosexual peers. 

This prejudice and discrimination add a significant layer of risk, contributing to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGBTIQ+ individuals. Studies and real-life experiences have demonstrated that LGBTIQ+ people are at increased risk of mental health challenges, including substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. 

This week, during Wellbeing sessions, students and staff will be preparing for a special display and celebration that will take place on Friday, 30 August. Each house will create a display that can serve as a background or frame for photos to share on social media.  

We would like to extend our gratitude to Mr Smedley and the seniors of Williams House for their ongoing leadership and dedication to our annual Wear It Purple celebration. Their efforts embody and actively promote our school values: Respect, Courage, Inclusiveness, Resilience, and Commitment. 

Find out more at WEAR IT PURPLE 

Let the Festival of Year 12 begin! 

Having successfully navigated the HSC Trial Exams, our Year 12 cohort will embark on the final run towards the end of school and graduation. While we will maintain a high expectation of academic rigour, we recognise the socio-emotional significance of the final weeks of term. As such, several events have been planned to celebrate the students’ final few weeks together, starting with the 3rd Annual KinrOSCARS next week. We look forward to seeing our Year 12 cohort don their op-shop finery and channel their inner celebrity to attend the awards night celebrating all things Kinross Wolaroi Class of 2024! 

Overview of Year 12 celebration upcoming events

Further details for all events will be circulated via the HUB. 

• Monday 9 September KinrOSCARS 
• Wednesday 18 September Year Boys v Girls Netball /Literary Festival 
• Tuesday 24 September Year 12 Mufti Day 
• Wednesday 25 September Year 12 Boarders Trivia Night 
• Thursday 26 September Year 12 Farewell and Blessing / Year 12 Showcase 
• Friday 27 September Graduation Day