Message from the 

Head of the Junior School

Student wellbeing and resilience

Attention to student wellbeing is a central focus at Kinross Wolaroi, reflecting the Christian faith and values that underpin all aspects of our School culture. Student wellbeing programs concentrate on strengthening physical and mental health as well as the development of skills used to promote lifelong personal growth. In recent weeks wellbeing, social skills and restorative action have become an area of focus across the Junior School.

Our aim in implementing a restorative approach to student interactions is to build resilience and empathy. To support and nurture students towards respect for self and others, personal integrity and responsibility, compassion, and appropriate conduct. Restorative practices acknowledge personal perspectives, leading to restorative conversations with mutual understanding and relationship restoration as the aim.

In 2022 restorative action will continue to be a focus in the Junior School as staff are guided by our new Leader of Learning and Wellbeing, Mrs Virginia Millikin. This is a new role that recognises in order for students to flourish in their learning they need to be flourishing emotionally. The creation of this role acknowledges the importance of effective wellbeing programs and frameworks to support students alongside rigorous academic programs. This role will bring together several strands of responsibility including leadership of academic programs alongside the Leader of Contextual Learning (Ms Amanda Dodson), development and implementation of wellbeing strategies and programs for students and staff as well as offerings support and strategies for families.

Virginia will be responsible for building a learning community and developing a holistic curriculum reflecting the School's commitment to providing a challenging, enriching, inspiring and supportive education environment for students and teachers. Consistent with the School’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission and Values, Virginia, Amanda Dodson (Leader of Contextual Learning) and myself will be working with Junior School staff and students in developing and implementing a school-wide Vision for Learning. 

As the term comes to a close

Summer is almost here and the chance to spend extended time with family and friends is close. There is so much to celebrate as the academic and calendar year draws to a close. Although the season of Advent has just begun, I would like to take this opportunity to extend Christmas wishes to all families. Christmas means so much to us in so many ways. It is a time of celebration with friends and colleagues, a time of reflection of a year past. It is such beautiful a time for family, a time for the excitement of gift-giving and gift-receiving. I pray all families enjoy the wonder of this coming season and that God blesses each member of our school community.

The last few weeks have been very busy indeed as students have undertaken assessments and teachers have been marking and preparing the final academic reports for the Year. Year 5 are busily preparing speeches as they look towards leading the School in 2022 and Year 6 are excitedly focusing on their farewell events. 

The final weeks of school continues with many special events, learning and celebrations for Kinross Wolaroi students. On Wednesday, 8 December we invite all families to join with us online for our Celebration of Learning, the final day for students. KWS staff will participate in staff development days before they too enjoy a well-earned break. 

I pray everyone enjoys the rest and recreation of the summer break and the joy of Christmas.

Year 6 Graduation Dinner Reminder

Don't forget to RSVP to the Year 6 Graduation Dinner by Monday 29 November!

The Year 6 Graduating Class of 2021 are invited to attend their Graduation Dinner on Friday 3 December 2021 at the Derek Pigot Auditorium. Join us for family photos from 5pm on the Junior School lawn, followed by dinner and dancing for our students from 5.30pm to 8.00pm. Download your invitation HERE.  Book your ticket to attend at: https://www.trybooking.com/BVUVB