From the
Head of Junior School
Mrs Denise Hayward
Community
As teachers and staff, we appreciate that within the framework of family, a child’s personality is formed, and their education begins. Family is a child’s first teacher. This role may change over time, but the place of family in informing a child’s values and their understanding of the world never ends.
Therefore, it should be of no surprise that we embrace any opportunity to strengthen the relationships between families and School. In 2023 there have been many opportunities to build our partnership with families through events of engagement. These events can be social in nature, such as the P & F Barn dance.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible effort and thoughtfulness that went into organising the P&F Barn Dance. The dedication in putting together such an enjoyable event in support of the Junior School. The time and energy members of the P&F and the wider parent body invested to bring our community together is truly commendable. The games and activities arranged were a hit, providing everyone with a great deal of entertainment. The attention to detail in the food choices and cooking did not go unnoticed – the spread was both delicious and hit the mark. I know there were many children who appreciated the ice blocks at the end of the night as well as several adults! The hamper baskets for the raffle were lovely and incredibly generous.
The night itself was a testament to how an event can bridge gaps within a community. Witnessing familiar faces and new acquaintances come together on the dance floor was heartwarming. The joy and laughter that filled the air were contagious, and it was evident that both adults and students thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Thank you to the many families who attended. A particular thank you to those families actively engaged in staging the evening, for orchestrating a memorable evening that brought us all closer. Your hard work and dedication are deeply appreciated, and I'm truly grateful to have been part of such a wonderful event.
Father’s and Significant Others Breakfast
I look forward to welcoming families onsite on Friday for our Father’s and Significant Others breakfast and classroom visits on Friday 1 September.
Tut Tut the Musical
On Wednesday 13 - 14 September all students will be performing at the Orange Civic Theatre, with students in K-4 presenting their verse speaking items and Years 5 and 6 staging Tut Tut the Musical. I look forward to sharing these experiences with all members of our school community and encourage families to book their tickets for at least one performance. This is a special event in the Junior School calendar and one our younger students are keen to attend as they see their buddies and older friends on stage in such a professional space.
Engaged Parents
Throughout the year we have provided many opportunities to engage with the school with an explicit focus on academic and social learning, for instance the recent workshops on neurodiversity and spelling. It has been heartening to receive such positive feedback about these workshops and a desire by our parents to see more parents taking up these opportunities.
Based on the family engagement work of Karen Mapp, our aim is that regardless of the nature of the event, parents will leave more appreciative of Kinross Wolaroi's values and purpose, more informed about their child’s learning, and more equipped with skills to assist them.
Discover our Extraordinary Kindergarten
Next week all families from across the Orange community are invited to participate in the Discover our Extraordinary Kindergarten experience on Thursday 7 September. As well as prospective families, this experience is also open to any family with a student commencing in Kindergarten in 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity to witness our classrooms in operation, actively seeing learning come alive through interactive activities tailored to suit different learning approaches. Parents and children will get to taste a little bit of everything our extraordinary kindergarten program has to offer. From our highly trained and knowledgeable Kindergarten teachers to our specialist staff who ensure each student’s unique potential is recognised and fostered within our small and supportive learning environment.
Book Week
Well done to our school community for celebrating Book Week by coming to school dressed as their favourite book character! There were so many great costumes. It is pleasing to see that our children’s enthusiasm and love of reading has fed their imagination.
Thank you to the library staff of Mr Ryan, Mrs Pengilly and Mrs Oechsle for leading the many activities that were held during the week. From author visits, book fairs, matching bookcases to the staff member they belong to. Thank you to the staff for immersing themselves in the enjoyment of books, and coming dressed as their favourite books characters too.
Friday is Random Acts of Kindness Day
“We rise by lifting others” is a famous quote by Robert Ingersoll that speaks to the power of helping others and the positive impact it can have on ourselves. It highlights the fact our success and happiness are not dependent solely on our own efforts, but on the collective efforts of those around us. When we help others to achieve their goals and aspirations, we create a positive cycle of support and encouragement and collective resilience.
Friday 1 September is 'Random Acts of Kindness Day'. This day of the many we could celebrate is one we can all easily be involved in. From a ready smile, to opening a door to ensuring someone has a playmate at break time. The day is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that every small act of kindness and support can make a difference. Ultimately, “we rise by lifting others” is a powerful reminder of the importance of intentionally connecting with others and the positive impact we can have when we work together to help and support each other.
Kinross Wolaroi Students making their Mark
At Kinross Wolaroi we value and strive for academic rigour. 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.
Our students continue to not only participate in the Orange Eisteddfod program as a school but they are making their own mark.
Kayley Lett participated in the Under 10 group, finishing 1st in Vocal Solo and 2nd in the Under Character Solo.
Grace Monaghan had a big couple of days with four performances on piano receiving two medals for second place in two performances and two voice performances, a 1st and 2nd. She also received her results for AMEB preliminary voice & received an A (Honours).
Harry Price and Aston Lett played in their AFL Grand Final on Sunday and came away with the win. Orange Tigers 5.7.37 defeated Bathurst Giants 1.2.8. Making it 2 Grand Final wins in a row. A thank you to Mr Campbell our Junior School Sports coordinator for attending the game.
