Junior School Transformation

Words by Denise Hayward, Head of Junior School

In 2022, the Junior School is embarking on a Numeracy project with the Australian Independent School’s Association (AIS), a writing project with the Australian children’s author Tim Harris, and strengthening its use of Windermere to provide authentic opportunities for concepts learnt in the classroom to be applied in the ‘real world’.

These projects will be led by our new Leader of Contextual Learning and Leader of Learning and Wellbeing. These roles help provide real-life opportunities for students to consolidate their understanding of concepts learnt in the classroom through hands-on, practical experiences. In doing so, we are future-proofing our students by teaching transferable skills they will put into practice outside of our School. Our approach to education is deliberately structured to develop the whole person so each child can grow, flourish and discover their abilities and passions in life to be the best they can be.

As part of a Pre-Kinder to Year 12 school, the Junior School aims to set a new standard for holistic, contextual learning through The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE), Round Square partnership and facilities available at our School farm: Windermere. Our leaders in learning will support staff and students with contextualising the curriculum, developing student agency and strengthening our bond with the local community - creating endless opportunities for our students well into the future.

In 2022, the Junior School has developed a purpose-built space to facilitate learning in STEM. ‘AREA 51’ is resourced by our Leader of Technology and Innovation. This new position has been developed to enact the vision for the School’s digital programs and resources, supporting enhanced learning, communication and business efficiency. The role will develop, streamline, support and build the digital capacity for all students, from Pre-K to Year 6, providing a firm foundation as students transition into the Senior

School. Working with key staff, this role will continually revise and adapt the School’s frameworks and programs to ensure an authentic use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Attention to student wellbeing is a central focus at KWS, reflecting the Christian faith and values that underpin all aspects of the School’s culture. Student wellbeing programs concentrate on strengthening physical and mental health, as well as developing skills that promote lifelong personal growth. Our aim with implementing a restorative approach to student interactions is to build resilience and empathy;

What will I bring to the role of Head of Kinross Wolaroi Junior School? There is not a single answer to this question but a blend of qualities and characteristics, at the heart of which is a person who is above all a teacher who wants the students in her care to thrive and grow.”

Head of Kinross Wolaroi Junior School, Denise Hayward

and 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 core focus.

In 2022, restorative action and the work of URStrong will be a focus in the Junior School as staff are guided by our Leader of Learning and Wellbeing. This role recognises that for students to flourish in their learning, they need to be flourishing emotionally. The role acknowledges the importance of effective wellbeing programs and frameworks to support students alongside rigorous academic programs.

The leadership roles in the Junior School will assist with building a learning community and developing a holistic curriculum, reflecting the School’s commitment to providing a challenging, enriching, inspiring and supportive educational environment for students and staff. Consistent with the School’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission and Values, Junior School staff will be working with students to develop and implement a school-wide vision for learning.

The poet Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. In a school setting, these words greatly resonate with many of the day-to-day routines and experiences we have. One of the most powerful examples is the daily interactions we have with all students and staff in the Junior School. Greeting every member of our community upon their arrival at the School each morning is important. By starting the day with someone saying, ‘I see you, I know you,

I’m connecting with you, and you’re important to me,’ we bolster a feeling of belonging and readiness to learn. 2020 and 2021 were like no other in our lifetime. Each day presented a unique set of challenges, and I have never been so grateful for the systems, policies and procedures developed to deal with these situations. Being organised and having the necessary planning and preparation in place has given us the time to focus on people.

We spent a lot of 2021 developing systems that enable teachers to focus on core business. I believe teachers should be given the autonomy to do what they do best. They need to know they are trusted to do their jobs. I am a strong believer in the power of collaboration. Timetables are organised so all teachers are a member of a team that meets with the Leaders of Contextual Learning and Learning and Wellbeing each week to collaboratively plan. I work closely with the Principal and the Senior Management Team. These relationships are key in shaping the immediate and long-term direction of the School. Kinross Wolaroi Junior School is a community that is embracing change. Our numbers are growing and in 2022 and we are moving to double streams across the School.

Developing students’ thirst for learning is at the heart of what we do each and every day. This is not so they can grow up to be something, but rather, so they can answer the invitation to think about what kind of person they want to be and about all the different things they might want to do. What will I bring to the role of Head of Kinross Wolaroi Junior School? There is not a single answer to this question but a blend of qualities and characteristics, at the heart of which is a person who is above all a teacher who wants the students in her care to thrive and grow.