Boarding News

Term 1 has been a busy and productive time for our boarders who have settled back into boarding routines with ease.  Our new boarders have embraced their new boarding lifestyle with enthusiasm and should be congratulated on a positive start to their boarding journey at Kinross Wolaroi. 

Despite the continuing COVID-19 restrictions, we have managed to enjoy a number of great weekend activities, including trips to Lake Canobolas and Federal Falls, gold panning and fishing at Ophir, Bathurst Aqua Park, Orange Medieval Festival and Millthorpe Markets.

COVID-19

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for working with the School in your efforts to keep the boarding community safe this term. It has been a term like no other and with the School’s commitment to live with COVID we have all been presented with a number of challenges. 

Looking forward to Term 2, I know we are better placed in dealing with COVID by knowing how COVID and isolation works in boarding houses. While I still anticipate there will be challenges in boarding next term, I know that we will learn from this term and make adjustments accordingly. 

Closer to the start of Term 2, I will email you and let you know of the boarding return procedure as well as COVID guidelines for the term.

Haircuts 

While the School has made changes to its Uniform Policy to allow for gender equality in haircuts across boys and girls, the expectations of the School are clear. 

Unusual, unorthodox, undercut and shaved hair styles and dyed hair are not permitted. Provided hair is kept clean and neat, there is no restriction on length. When wearing School uniform (including sports uniform) any student whose hair reaches to the middle of the collar or longer must have their hair tied back. If a ribbon is to be worn, it must be a regulation ribbon purchased from the Uniform Shop. 

Sideburns must not come below the middle of the ear. All students must be clean shaven. 

Vaping Information

Vaping is becoming increasingly challenging to deal with in a school and boarding environment. Not only does vaping pose serious risks to the health of your child, it also constitutes a serious breach of the School’s Student Code of Conduct and Behaviour Management Policy.  I encourage you to take the opportunity during the school holidays to discuss the potential consequences from engaging in this practice with your child. I will continue to work on educating our boarders about vaping and have included some information and helpful links below which will assist in informing yourself on the topic. 

Health risks

Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) can contain high levels of nicotine. Adolescence is a critical period for brain development and exposure to nicotine can have long-term health consequences, impacting memory, attention and learning. E-cigarettes (Vape) are often available in different flavours which can be appealing to young people and may expose them to chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, particulate matter and flavouring chemicals, at levels that have the potential to cause adverse health effects. Sometimes vapes are disguised as USB’s, pens and cosmetics.

There are ways you can help protect your children. These include:

• Talking to your child about why smoking/vaping are harmful for them. It is never too late to have the conversation.
• Learning about the different types of e-cigarettes available and the risks associated with using these products. We recommend our parents/carers have a look at images of vapes online to familiarise what they can look like.
• Reporting those who are selling cigarettes and e-cigarettes to minors. You can do this by completing the online reporting form or calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

Helpful resources

You may find the below resources helpful when talking with your child:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarette-young-people.aspx

Information for Parents on The Health Risks of Vaping (vapedanger.com)

For parents - Lung Foundation Australia

Electrical Testing and Tagging

Many of you will be aware that it is a requirement that all electrical items brought into the School are deemed safe and tagged accordingly by a qualified technician. This includes electrical items such as all battery chargers, all IT equipment, hair dryers and straighteners, fans, heaters and other appliances. 

If your child is bringing any of these items back to school next term, can you please ensure that they have been tested and tagged by a qualified electrician.

End of Term 1 and Start of Term 2

The last day of Term 1 is Thursday 7 April, and students who are participating in Year 7 Camp, Cadet Annual Camp and Year 12 Retreat will be able to depart at the end of the school day, at 3.25pm.  You will also be able to collect your child from this time if you have opted to come and collect them.  Boarding Houses will officially close on Friday 8 April at 8.30am, and any students waiting for collection after this time will need to wait in the School Library and will need to be picked up from the Wolaroi site before 11.30am.

Boarders will return to School on Tuesday 26 April, and boarding houses will be open from 1.30pm.  Term 2 classes will commence on Wednesday 27 April. 

It has been a busy term and I hope that you will be able to enjoy a restful holiday break with your family.  We thank you for your support during the term and look forward to seeing you all again in Term 2.