A message from our Chaplains
Our School Values Characters
Having an understanding of what we value helps us to form our identity and build our sense of wellbeing. It helps us to know that we belong and that we can contribute to a worthwhile community.
At Kinross we have identified 5 core values so this week in our Assembly, we introduced our Prep students to some new faces they will see around their classrooms and in the playground. They are our Values Characters, five friendly folks who epitomise our five core values at Kinross Wolaroi School:
‘Courage’ loves to try new things and is unafraid to stand up for what is right. The heart-shape of Courage shows that it comes from within and is something we all need.
‘Respect’ cares about other people, whether they are close friends or not. Wearing ‘Respectacles’ helps Respect to see others as valuable and to treat them that way.
‘Inclusiveness’ understands that everyone is different but welcomes them anyway. With big open arms, Inclusiveness is always on the lookout for how to make school a better place for everyone.
‘Resilience’ is able to deal with any obstacle! With the ability to create a force field for protection, Resilience can keep facing challenges over and over again.
‘Commitment’ is determined to keep going, even when things get tough! Solid legs help Commitment to stand strong and never give up in any challenging situation.
For the next 5 weeks, we will be studying these characters in more detail in our classes. Then throughout the following week, teachers and staff will be on the lookout for those same traits to show themselves in our students. We even have character stickers to reward to students showing those traits! So, if your child comes home from school with a sticker, be sure to ask them what it is all about!
Mrs Kate Bracks
Preparatory School Chaplain
CamKids
At the end of last year, a number of seniors travelled to Cambodia to visit the children of CCC School in Kompong Speu province. The CamKids fundraising is to raise money for these children. At present, we pay for the education, uniforms, shoes, bags, books and bicycles and bike repairs for 96 children.
Our last fundraising was the School Social on Thursday 31 May. I thank those who attended and those who supervised the evening. A special vote of thanks is especially owed to Mrs Jones and the Prefects for organizing the event. The Social raised just over $3000 for CamKids.
There will soon be expressions of interest sort from the current Year 11’s for the next trip to Cambodia which is planned to take place immediately after the end of Term 4.
If your child is in Year 11 and is interested in visiting our sponsored children, please contact either Miss Cole (Head Tutor of Douglas House) or me, the Chaplain, Mr Worrad.
Same-sex Marriage
The law has changed to allow people of same gender to marry in Australia. However, it has done little to bring peace within Church congregations about homosexuality. Each side of the conversation draws upon Scriptures to justify their stance on homosexuality. Within the Uniting Church in Australia (KWS is a School of the Uniting Church – just saying!) there is a determination to remain united, loving and respectful towards those whose opinions differ to our own. Fundamental to the discussions is an informed understanding of the relevant Scriptures. There is opportunity to hear from a world-renowned Biblical scholar on the matter.
You are invited to attend a talk by Professor Bill Loader, entitled ‘Same-Sex Relations: a first century perspective. Listening to the Biblical witness.’ It will take place on Tuesday 26th June from 7:30pm – 9:00pm in the Wesley Church, Orange (a couple of doors down from the RSL in Anson Street). Entry is free.
Prof Loader’s work on sexuality is well known and respected for its balance and respect for the ancient texts. At a recent Australian Anglican Bishops’ conference the retired conservative former Archbishop Dr Peter Jensen of Sydney Diocese observed that Loader’s presentation on the same-sex issues in the New Testament was the best he had ever heard, though he differed in how one now should apply it.
Phil Worrad
Chaplain