Message from the 

Head of the Junior School

Commitment to Learning

Ralph Waldo Emerson had an interesting idea: That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do – not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased. 

Teachers are in the throes of finalising your child’s Semester 1 report. This is my first reporting season at KWS and I look forward to learning even more about our students. When reading a report, I often open up the corresponding records we keep on each student; a detailed collection of all the data and pertinent learning information which we maintain from year to year. In light of that record, it is a pleasure for me to spend time reading each student’s report, reflecting on their learning journey over the past few months and the growth they have made. 

An integral part of every student’s report is the ranking for ‘effort’. As a staff we have talked at length about this word. What we really mean by ‘effort’ is the commitment each student brings to their learning. One way commitment can be viewed is an approach to life and learning. This can have a significant impact on achievement across the curriculum and in real life too. In conjunction with the impact on learning is how a student feels about their achievement.

At KWS students are encouraged to ‘stick with’ challenges, both academic and social, to rise above and resist the urge to be defeatist. These are attitudes and skills which, refined at school, play an ongoing role in a child’s ability to happily negotiate their world.

So, what does commitment to learning look like? A student…..

Is excited for their own discoveries and achievements

Is excited for and celebrates the discoveries and achievements of others

Drives their own learning and can self challenge

Has high application to tasks and responsibilities

Collaborates well and motivates others

Is curious

Transfers learning into other contexts

Is reflective about what they have learned and what they are yet to learn

Asks inquisitive questions

Perseveres

Is resilient, seeing challenge as an opportunity not an obstacle

Is motivated in all areas of the curriculum

Demonstrates commitment

Takes initiative and seeks out opportunity

Is assiduous and industrious

Kinross Students making their Mark

AT KWS we value and strive for academic rigor. 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.  

Cooper Martin and Oscars Chandler-Sullivan have been making their mark in Rugby. They were both selected for the Central West under 12s rugby squad and played in the Country Championships at Nelson Bay on the 15th/16th May. Their team came 3rd overall. Their next carnival is the State Championships on the June long weekend. Both boys are to be commended for their commitment playing well on the field and being great representatives for the Central West.

End of Day Arrangements

I wrote earlier this term asking parents to inform the School as to how their child departs in the afternoon. If you have not completed this form to date, could I ask you do so this week. 

On occasion transport arrives to collect a student who is not at Kiss n Go. Knowing what activities your child has on during any particular afternoon assists staff in locating them. Further to this at times some students are not picked up in the afternoon by 3:35pm. Could I please ask all families sign up to our Before and After School care provider Gowrie. 

This is a wonderful service in the Junior School as they accept any children who miss their bus or come to school early, or parents are delayed. The cost would be for the session, However, if parents are eligible for CCS they will only need to provide their CRN as part of the enrolment process and then link Gowrie NSW as a service provider on their MyGov account. This will automatically detract their subsidy from the fee. 

There is no fee to sign up with Gowrie NSW, families would only be charged if they book a session, and they charge two weeks in advance. 

For students who catch the late bus on sport afternoons this is a great service. In winter this is especially welcome as Gowrie provides afternoon tea when students arrive, and they would walk students to the late bus and wait with them until the bus leaves. 

How to enrol:

1. Go to the website, and download the enrolment pack 

2. Complete the enrolment pack and also attach:

• Child's Immunisation History Statement from Medicare (can also be accessed through MyGov)
• Birth certificate

3. Please email this pack to Enrolments@Gowriensw.com.au and our team will reach out confirm your enrolment and offer you any additional information you may need. 

A sporting opportunity at Gowrie

Every Monday afternoon for the remainder of the term Gowrie is running a Junior Fitness Program, which consists of a speed, agility, and motor skills session. A fun fitness session which is games based. e.g. bull rush, stuck in the mud and relays.

HICES Cross Country Carnival

The Cross Country Team competed at the HICES carnival on Monday 24 May at The Blue Mountain’s Grammar School. To represent the School at this level of competition, students needed to place in the top 5 in their age group at the school carnival to be eligible for selection. On the day students ran 2 and 3 kilometre distances. Temperatures on the day were ideal for a long distance event, although a little slippery underfoot at times as the participants navigated the hilly terrain. The boys and girls in the team representing our School were extremely professional. They were committed and admirable sportspeople. As a team we won the Division One shield based on percentage points. This year we had a number of students finish in the top 10 and will now progress to the CIS carnival later on in the term. 

Congratulations Andrew Bell, Oliver Garard, Grace Segger, Georgie Simpson and Annabel Clinton.

This is a remarkable achievement  and we wish them the best of luck as they continue to train hard for the next carnival. Congratulations to the Cross Country Team for 2021.