From the
Head of Junior School

Mrs Denise Hayward

Leadership

Leadership is a responsibility and privilege the School takes seriously. Kinross Wolaroi Junior School provides leadership training and opportunities for our students. We believe it is imperative for young people to learn how to lead others effectively because at some point in our life, we all exercise leadership.

Through leadership roles, students show and grow their skills by acting with initiative, being courageous, and reflecting on how they are leading others.

Research shows us there is no such thing as ‘a born leader’, but through struggle, determination, will-power, and vision a person becomes a leader. Leadership is not about charisma or popularity. Respected leaders, while humble in their achievements, guide us down constructive paths, and by their own example, encourage us to help each other, and to set high standards of conduct and performance. A great leader is one who motivates you to achieve success. They are an influencer who is not required to force people to follow them but due to their deeds and qualities, people follow them.

Last week we reflected on leadership as we celebrated Year 6 at their Induction Service.

In 2022, Year 6 leadership has two layers.

The Leadership Team consisting of Head Prefect, House Captains and Creative and Performing Arts Leaders
The House Portfolio Teams where each House is allocated responsibility for a range of projects and activities in line with each student's interests and passions under the IDEALS from Round Square

No matter what role a student has they have the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our school and the wellbeing of others. As leaders they fulfil a special service in the School and reflect our philosophy of a student-led learning environment.

The leadership roles in 2022 will foster the School values of:

Courage	Respect	Inclusiveness	Resilience	Commitment
Through strength of character and determination, we have the courage to accept new challenges and explore new paths as we actively embrace and initiate change. We have the courage to stand up for what is right and to demonstrate personal leadership when challenged.	We demonstrate respect for others irrespective of difference and show consideration for ourselves and for one another. We strive to understand the needs and expectations of others and by our actions seek to meet them. We are a community that values and respects effort, achievement and a love of learning.	We recognise that the world is a rich and diverse place. With a collaborative spirit and a daily commitment to compassionate and considerate behaviour, we celebrate diversity in all its forms and commit to creating a school that is safe and welcoming for all.	As a learning community, we acknowledge the challenges we will encounter as we strive to make a purposeful contribution to the world. Skills of self‐management and responsibility and a breadth of knowledge provide the confidence necessary to overcome adversity.	We are committed to making a positive contribution to our school and to others. This requires a spirit of service and a willingness to accept challenges we may not otherwise consider and the persistence to see those challenges through. We take responsibility for our actions, we seek out ways to contribute and we keep our promises.

These values will be lived through the Round Square IDEALS of: democracy, adventure, internationalism, environmentalism, service and leadership. Reference: What | Round Square

Each leadership role in the Junior School fulfils a special service in the School and there are many opportunities for students to gain leadership experience. Every day in the classroom and playground presents opportunities to grow and show leadership in kindness and service to others without any hope of personal gain. Being a captain of a sporting team, a Pre-Kinder or Kindergarten ‘Buddy’, having a particular task in the classroom, organising and leading assemblies and being elected Head Student or House Captain are some examples.

Leadership can be as simple as when working as a group, there is always a person who distributes the work and keeps a check on progress. They make sure everything is covered. They are acting as a leader. In 2022, the Junior School has established specific opportunities for students to act as leaders. In Year 5 students are working with Year 11 students in gaining a deeper understanding of the ideals of Round Square. Our Year 4 students are joining Pre-Kinder as buddies and Year 5 are buddies for our Kindergarten students. Our Year 6 house teams each have a grade they are working with at House Musters. Every student in Years 2-6 can apply to join the SRC and every Year 6 student is a role model to the rest of the student community. Each year students experience training and ongoing support through mentorship and practical activities. All students have the scope to go above and beyond their portfolio and serve the School with enthusiasm and creativity.

As the oldest and most experienced students in the Junior School, our Year 6 students are role models for younger students, particularly the girls and boys in the Junior School who are beginning their school journey. It has been so encouraging to see so many of them who have commenced this journey as they guide and engage with students during break times.

The Year 6 students will have the opportunity to work with their teachers and other members of staff throughout the year as they identify and grow their skills and are encouraged to take initiative, make courageous choices and reflect on how they are leading others. Over the year I hope you will read the articles by our Year 6 students as they provide a student insight into school events.

Leadership is a virtue developed and polished with time. It is art without any boundaries and limits. The more you practice, the stronger leader you become. Every day in the classroom and playground presents opportunities to grow and show leadership in kindness and service to others without any hope of personal gain. Every Year 6 student is a role model to the rest of the student community, and I would like to congratulate our

Year 6 student leaders for 2022.

Before and After school Care

Before and after school care voucher | Service NSW

About the Voucher: Families with children aged 4 to 13 years that attend a primary school in NSW can receive a $500 voucher per child to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of before and after school care. This includes children who are starting kindergarten in 2022. The before and after school care voucher program is one of more than 70 NSW Government rebates and savings that help with your cost of living.

Key dates

You can apply for a voucher from 28 February to 30 September 2022.
Eligible before and after school care providers can register for the program from 9 February to 30 September 2022.
Vouchers can be redeemed with a before and after school care provider from 28 February to 31 December 2022. Voucher credit can be used for services until 30 June 2023.

Kinross 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 for students to access. Please share with us your child’s interest, passions, and achievements by emailing junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au.

In-School Support Services

In 2022, the Junior School is partnering with an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Therapist. A number of families access these services in the community and students leave the School during the day to attend appointments. To support our students and develop closer connections with these services the Junior School now has a Speech Therapist, Lucy Zuman and an Occupational Therapist, Sarah Davis who work on site one day a week. If you would like further information on these services, please either contact Sarah and Lucy directly or enquire through Kinross Wolaroi Junior School Office at junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au. Payment for these services is directly to Sarah and Lucy, not the School.