Wellbeing

The Lesson I learned from  Eddie Jaku

On the 12th of October 25, 2021 Eddie Jaku, the Holocaust survivor who dedicated the rest of his life to promoting kindness, tolerance and resilience died. This made me reflect on the lessons that I learned from Eddie when reading his Memoir: “The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor”. There is much to learn from Eddie Jaku, especially the insurmountable resilience and kindness possible of a man who experienced one of humanity’s darkest hours. However, the biggest learning I have taken from Eddie is that the part you play in life is important, even if you don’t think it is. -

‘I had learned early in life that we are all part of a larger society and our work is our contribution to a free and safe life for all. If I went to a hospital and saw instruments that I had made and knew that they were being used every day to make life better, this gave me great happiness. The same is true of every job you do. Are you a teacher? You enrich the lives of young people every day! Are you a chef? Each meal you cook brings great pleasure into the world! Perhaps you do not love your job, or you work with difficult people. You are still doing important things, contributing your own small piece to the world we live in. We must never forget this. Your efforts today will affect people you will never know. ’                                

During wellbeing over the last fortnight, students have been encouraged to learn Eddie Jaku’s teachings by thinking about their view of the world, the part they play and their appreciation for the contribution of others. It is important as parents and teachers that we encourage our children to place less value on the individualistic view of what we do, and instead take pride in how what we do affects others. A timely reminder for when you next catch your child or yourself individually wondering if what you do matters, it does. 

Leadership at Kinross Wolaroi School

Antonia Suthers (Acting Head of Gordon House) 

& Jason Smith (Head of Blackman House)

Leadership development and opportunities are an important part of life at KWS. While we can all aspire to lead in different aspects of public and personal life and leadership is marked by ‘more than a badge,’ it is nevertheless important to acknowledge those students whose leadership style and skills are suitable for particular roles in the school.

At Kinross Wolaroi we encourage student leaders to practise servant leadership. This does not mean a life of servitude! Rather, a student’s time in a leadership role is a chance to serve and contribute to a greater cause, namely the school and the student body. Being awarded a leadership title is a recognition of what a student has already given and should be an incentive to continue to give service to the school in a more deliberate and conscious way.

During last week’s House meetings, we included the investiture of our House Vice-Captains. Each House did this in a way that enabled all students to see and congratulate their respective Vice-Captains. In some cases, this was via a Teams meeting while other Houses held meetings outdoors. Photographs of the House leaders have been shared on KWS social media, but here they are again.

The role of the House leaders is linked to the pastoral and participatory nature of the Day Houses. Leaders are expected to contribute to the House culture through their attitude and spirit. House leaders should be inclusive and model appropriate behaviour in House areas such as locker rooms and kitchen spaces. They should also be visible and approachable in the playground. House leaders encourage enthusiastic participation and a spirit of friendly competition in Inter-House events. The House system is an integral and enriching part of KWS life and nurtures lifelong friendships, and memories and the student leaders are an essential part of this.