From the 

Head of Junior School

A diversity experience at school is not just for kids

As we come to the mid-point of the term and the weather turns colder, I am grateful for approaches by staff, students, and families to keep our community healthy. Through working together, we can offer a diverse range of programs, not only for our students but for the whole Junior School community. 

Over the last week parents have had the opportunity to cheer children on at sport competitions, including hockey, soccer and netball games and cross country. Families joined in with National Simultaneous Storytime and our weekly assemblies and Chapels. 

Finally, our staff took parents back to school as you learnt about current approaches in the teaching of reading, mathematics, and ICT.

The value of parents interacting in social, sporting, entertainment, and learning workshops cannot be overstated. We know that when parents actively participate in these events, it creates a positive and supportive environment for both the children and the school community as a whole. Such involvement fosters stronger parent-child relationships, enhances educational experiences, and promotes the overall well-being of students. We know working these experiences into family schedules can be tricky. For this reason, we offer experiences at different times and days to make it easier for parents to connect at different points throughout the year.

Social experiences play a crucial role in creating a positive and inclusive school environment. Participation in experiences such as parent-teacher meetings, school events, or parent committees, assists in building relationships and creating a support network where parents can share experiences, exchange ideas, and offer support to one another. The sense of belonging that comes from these connections extends beyond the school walls and helps create a cohesive community that benefits everyone involved. Our assemblies and Chapels are a wonderful opportunity for parents to connect each week. 

Sport provides an excellent platform for parents to engage with children in a fun and active way. With COVID restrictions lifted we welcome not only parent attendance at games but partnerships as coaches. Parents' presence and support provides encouragement and validation for children's efforts. It boosts their self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of pride in their achievements. 

Participation in learning activities and workshops provide opportunities for parents to actively participate in their child's education. Through parent-teacher conversations, workshops, or informational sessions, parents gain insights into the curriculum, teaching methodologies, and educational goals. This understanding enables parents to provide targeted support at home, reinforce classroom learning, and encourage their child's academic progress. Parents are welcome to meet with staff throughout the year. I would like to encourage families to engage with the slides from workshops held last week and register for our workshops in Term 3. These are located on the Parent Hub within Term 2 notes. Please contact Junior School Reception if you have difficulties in locating them.

National Reconciliation Week

On Friday Gordon House commenced National Reconciliation Week in the Junior School. Over the course of the week students explored the concept of reconciliation and its significance in building positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Through age-appropriate discussions, activities, and resources, students have developed a deeper empathy, compassion, and a sense of social justice. They have learned about the importance of acknowledging the past, addressing injustices, and working towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

The library has worked with all classes over the week. Our library has a wealth of books related to the topic around Reconciliation week. During their Library lesson, students from Pre-K to Year 6 shared the stories and borrowed some of the books we have available. Younger students had the opportunity to colour in a Sorry Day Poster. Older students discussed the social, historical, and cultural concepts surrounding reconciliation. Year 6 visited the front office and saw the framed apology letter written by Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister of Australia) in 2008 to all Schools across Australia.

The following list is of the books chosen to share with each grade.

Pre-K and Kindergarten - Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing; illustrated by David Hardy. (2021) Summary: For thousands and thousands of years, Aboriginal people lived in the land we call Australia. The land was where people built their homes, played in the sun, and sat together to tell stories. When the white people came, they called the land Terra Nullius. They said it was nobody's land. But it was somebody's land. Somebody's land is an invitation to connect with First Nations culture, to acknowledge the hurt of the past, and to join together as one community with a precious shared history as old as time. (Publisher)

Year 1 – Day Break by Amy McQuire; illustrated by Matt Chun. (2021) Summary: Day Break is the story of a family making their way back to Country. We see the strength they draw from being together, and from sharing stories as they move through a shifting landscape. The story refocuses the narratives around Indigenous survival and resistance, and in doing so honours the past while looking to the future.

Year 2 – Back on Country by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing; illustrated by David Hardy. (2022) Summary: It's Lucy and David's first time back on Country. They meet their cousins and Elders, and see special places, learn local language words, and hear stories as old as time. 

Year 3 – Papunya School Book of Country and History. A metaphor for reconciliation. [produced by staff and students at Papunya School; written text Nadia Wheatley]. (2001)

Year 4 – Story Doctors by Boori Monty Pryor; illustrated by Rita Sinclair. (2021) Summary: From the very first stories and art, to dance, language, and connection with the land, Boori offers a rich account of Australia's true history. An illustrated celebration of the power of storytelling to unite us, how nature connects us, and the truth that the medicine needed for healing lies within us all.

Year 5 – Common Wealth by Gregg Dreise (Slam Poetry) 2021 Summary: Poetry, passionate, yet peaceful, a compelling plea for a future of truth, togetherness and respect. (Publisher)

Year 6 – Sorry Day by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler (2018) Summary: Long ago and not so long ago, the children were taken away, their sorrow echoing across the land. But today there is hope. Today is special. The crowd hums with excitement. Maggie and her mother wait, and then they hear the words: 'To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, we say sorry!' Sorry Day acknowledges the past and shows willingness to make things right.

Year 2’s engagement with Reconciliation Week activities allowed students to listen to and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and celebrate local Wiradjuri Culture. Activities including investigating Nation Groups and adding to the Year 2 Jack Berne Acknowledgment of Country Wall helped the Year 2 learning community develop empathy and critical thinking skills as we all continue to grow and strengthen their activist identities. As Year 2 continues to investigate and promote shared histories, cultures, and achievements throughout the year, they hope to strengthen partnerships with local Community and create an inclusive, respectful, and harmonious classroom environment and beyond; where they continue the truth-telling of those before them to promote a more reconciled tomorrow. 

Year 4 acknowledged National Sorry Day by learning about its cultural and historical significance in Australia's past. They created purple Native Hibiscuses out of crepe paper or pencil as this is the official flower of this important occasion. Whilst they made these flowers, they listened to Kevin Rudd's Apology to Australia's Indigenous People's speech and reflected on the power of the words and the action taken on behalf of Australians. 

Year 5 read and discussed a poem called ‘I Am Sorry’ by Stephanie Mulrooney. This poem highlights the hurt felt by indigenous Australia and hints at a positive, unified future. As a class, Year 5 discussed the metaphoric meaning of key phrases and formulated their own perspectives on what reconciliation means for Australians. Students explored the pain that remains in our communities and discussed how we as a society can transcend past wrongs and create a brighter, more harmonious future. In addition to this, students coloured and displayed the five-petal Native Hibiscus flower in the classroom as a symbol of compassion and healing. 

This term, Year 6 have been studying democracy and the Stolen Generation in History and English. Students visited Canberra in Week 4, gaining an insight into not only the history of Indigenous Australians, but the way in with democracy has shaped our nation. National Sorry Day provided ample learning opportunities for students. Watching and reflecting on the Kevin Rudd Apology Speech, delving deeply into a novel about the Stolen Generation – The Burnt Stick, and acknowledging the healing process for Indigenous Australians has contributed to the deep empathy, recognition, and sorrow student’s feel during this time. 

Kinross Wolaroi Students making their Mark 

At Kinross Wolaroi 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.  Please share with us your child’s interest, passions, and achievements by emailing junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au.

Cricket

"Thanks to the Greenhalgh Family and the Orange City Cricket Club Committee, Harry's name will be forever remembered within our club. An award that so many within our club hold close to our hearts is the Harry Greenhalgh Junior Bowler Award which is presented to the clubs leading wicket taker in our junior grades. Season 2022/23 saw this award shared between Harry Price, u12 Crusaders, and Montana Griffith, u16 Crusaders, finishing on 15 wickets each. Congratulations to both players on an outstanding season with the ball".