Around the Junior School

Powering Up! Year 6 Investigate Energy

From Mr Lachlan Barrett, Academic Staff

Year 6 have been busy putting science into action this term as they explored the fascinating world of energy and how it powers our lives. Their focus has been on renewable energy and the innovative ways it is harnessed to create a more sustainable future.

During Week 7 science lessons, students engaged in experiential learning by designing and building their own wind turbine models. Through this hands-on approach, they discovered the impact of design choices on efficiency and gained a deeper understanding of how renewable energy structures work in the real world.

By connecting classroom learning with practical application, our students are beginning to see themselves as future innovators who can contribute to solving global challenges. Renewable energy, sustainability and scientific curiosity have been at the heart of their learning journey and Year 6 have certainly shown they are ready to rise to the challenge.

Year 2 Excursion – Botanic Gardens

From Miss Annie Dawson, Academic Staff

Last week, Year 2 braved the cold and rainy weather on their exciting excursion to the Botanic Gardens. Guided by the Senior School CUOs (Cadet Under officers), students worked in teams to follow a trail of clues hidden around the gardens. The CUOs used coordinates and positional language to lead the way, supporting the younger students as they solved each task. This hands-on challenge allowed them to put their understanding of position and direction in mathematics into practice.

The final clue revealed the secret code – cupcakes! This led to a well-deserved treat, with every student enjoying a delicious chocolate cupcake. The highlight for many was working side by side with the CUOs, who provided both guidance and friendship throughout the day. Even with the rain and chilly weather, the students remained cheerful and engaged. It was a wonderful day filled with teamwork, problem-solving, and plenty of fun.

Kindergarten

From Mrs Marlo Robson, Academic Staff

In recent weeks, Kindergarten students have been diving into the world of sheep through a rich, cross-curricular learning experience that has brought literacy, geography, science, and research together in a meaningful way.

In Literacy, we explored the classic picture book Where is the Green Sheep? to support our phonics focus on the sounds ‘ee’ and ‘sh’. The story laid the foundation for a hands-on Geography excursion to Cook Park. There, students used a map and key to locate hidden green sheep around the park- an engaging way to build map-reading and team work skills.

Back in the classroom, we welcomed a very special visitor: Mrs Byrne’s pet lamb!

Students observed its features closely and conducted their own research to write informative reports about sheep. This real-life encounter helped bring their writing to life and deepened their understanding of animal characteristics.

The learning continues this week in Science, where students will be testing the waterproof qualities of wool as part of our unit on materials and their properties. 

This integrated approach has made learning more contextual and meaningful for our young learners, sparking enthusiasm and a deeper connection to the world around them.

IPSHA Art Show

From Mrs Alicia Holmes, Visual Arts Specialist Teacher

The Annual IPSHA Travelling Art Show has just been released and we are so pleased to have several artworks from Kinross Wolaroi students included. There are Balloon Dogs, birds, trees, and flowers amongst many other things. Year 6 have their collaborative Jeffrey Smart artworks included as well- a huge feat in trusting the process!

If you would like to view the art show, head to this link and use the password IPSHAart2025

Pre-Kinder Lamb Visit

From Ms Ann-Margaret Gunther, Director of Pre-Kinder

Bullseye the lamb came to visit and the children were very excited to meet him. He was a little shy at first, and when it was time for his bottle some of the children got to feed him.

Mrs Byrne had to take him outside for a little toilet break before coming back inside to see everyone. Bullseye was so cute and a lovely visit was had by all. 

Write a Book in a Day

From Ms Amanda Dodson, Director, Assistant Head of Junior School and Stage 3 Teachers

From outstanding illustrations to imaginative storytelling, our Year 6 students' creativity shone through every page when they gathered recently to 'write a book in a day'. 

Even more inspiring, they raised an incredible $13,000 to support children with cancer. 

The day finished with well-earned pizza to celebrate a job well done. 

We are so proud of our Year 6 students — what an amazing achievement! 

Library Adopt a Koala

From Mrs Lisa Pengilly, Academic Staff

A very big thank you to the Pegum, Elder, Debattista Fadel, Keir, Sinclair, Kirchler, Shillington, Milliken, Hinton, Haydon, Volkofsky, Gibson and Price families who generously volunteered to make toffees so that the Library could raise funds to adopt a koala through the Taronga Zoo 'Adopt an Animal' Program.

Inspired by Saskia Sparkle-Lee by Rebecka Sharpe Shelberg—shortlisted for the CBCA Younger Readers category—our toffee stall became a highlight of Book Week 2025. Just like Saskia in the story, our students showed initiative and creativity from their research to advertising.

Many children volunteered to manage the toffee stall, displaying wonderful teamwork, creativity, and enthusiasm. Thanks to their efforts, we qualified for the Forest Adoption Level and are now proud Zoo Parents of a koala! Our donation will help support Taronga’s Wildlife Hospitals, habitat restoration, and breeding programs to protect this iconic species.

Book Week Events

From Mrs Lisa Pengilly, Academic Staff

The sun shone brightly and the trees whispered encouragement as our Junior School students paraded up the School Drive in a dazzling array of adventurous character costumes to celebrate Book Week 2025. This year’s theme, Book an Adventure, inspired record crowds to line the driveway, with the ever-energetic Mr Barrett delighting everyone as MC.

Following the parade, students embarked on a literary adventure around the school grounds and into the historic Wolaroi Mansion—an experience designed to spark creativity and inspire new story ideas.

Author & Illustrator Encounters

Our students were treated to a range of enriching experiences throughout the week:

• Sally Rippin, the 2025 Children’s Laureate and beloved author/illustrator, shared her wisdom during Library lessons with our older students. She encouraged them to draw on both experience and imagination when crafting stories.
• Year 4 students participated in a live, interactive webinar with author Andrea Rowe, gaining insights into the writing process firsthand.
• An optional lunchtime webinar with author Claire Saxby was hosted in Mr Barrett’s classroom, offering keen readers another opportunity to connect with a real-life storyteller.
• On Thursday 21st August, all students attended sessions with local author and illustrator Beckie Plant. She shared her creative process, from early drafts to published books, and brought in her intricate collages—each taking around two weeks to complete. Students were captivated and full of curious questions.

Creative Follow-Up in the Library

Inspired by Beckie’s visit, students are now engaging in hands-on activities during Library time:

• Younger students are creating flowers or fish inspired by Amazing Like You, writing their personal strengths on the back.
• Older students are crafting “Bob” grass heads—personified cups representing their amygdala. With googly eyes, cotton wool (brave thoughts), and seeds (courage), students will nurture their Bobs to grow strong!
• Many students also heard Beckie’s newest book, Friends, It Starts with Hello, ahead of its official release. They’re now making cockatoos from the story to remind them of strategies for making new friends.
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A Week to Remember

A heartfelt thank you to all students, staff, and families who embraced the Book an Adventure theme with such creativity and enthusiasm. From costumes to crafts, stories to seeds, Book Week 2025 was a celebration of imagination, courage, and connection. 

Suzanne Leal author Visit for Year 6

From Mrs Lisa Pengilly, Academic Staff

Thursday 28 August, 2025

Year 6 were fortunate to have a presentation by Suzanne Leal last Thursday. Suzanne spoke to the cohort about Tales of friendship, war and adventure and the true stories behind them. She discussed her novels, Running with Ivan and The Year We Escaped and shared the true wartime stories that inspired them. 

If your child would like a copy of one of the books she spoke about, they are still available at Collins Bookstore Kinross Wolaroi School Event - Suzanne Leal - Collins Booksellers Orange

Merit Awards Week 7