From the
Head of Junior School
Mrs Denise Hayward
Leadership
This week our Year 6 students met with newly appointed Senior School leaders. This event signals the start of changes in the Junior School with our own student leaders. Hearing them speak was a timely reminder for us all as to what being a leader means.
Leadership is a responsibility and privilege the school takes seriously. We are continuing to build 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. Therefore, our philosophy of leadership sees leadership by students, for students. Through leadership roles, students show and grow their skills by acting with initiative, being courageous, and reflecting on how they are leading others.
In the Junior School student leaders fulfil a special role 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. 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.
Our Year 6 Leadership development starts in Year 2 as students volunteer to participate on the Student Representative Council. In Year 4 students become a “buddy” with a Pre-Kinder student. In Year 5 they experience several formal and informal leadership preparation activities which encourage students to reflect on the responsibilities of Year 6 leadership. Students can volunteer to become Round Square champions, working with Year 11 students in developing their understanding of what it means to lead.
As we contemplate the question of leading and leadership it is timely to reflect on our five school values that underpin our school.
| 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. |
As a Junior School we are endeavouring to live these values through our school mission and vision and the Round Square IDEALS of: democracy, adventure, internationalism, environmentalism, service and leadership. Reference: What | Round Square
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 student access to them. Please share with us your child’s interest, passions, and achievements by emailing junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au.