From the Principal 09.03.2024
One of the best things about my office is what I see from the window. It mightn’t be the most amazing view in the world, but it overlooks the basketball court so I get to watch PE lessons taking place everyday.
On Thursday morning the view was of 10 groups of students, a mix of Year 10 and Year 3, working together. It was wonderful to see how well the Year 10s were leading and working with their younger peers.
There are many great things about working in a small-medium sized ‘through school’, but one of the best things is that we are able to much more easily find the opportunities for cross-phase and cross-year group collaboration. Giving students from different age groups the chance to work, learn, socialize and grow together. These moments are enormously impactful and play such a huge role in the development of young people not only as learners, but as leaders.
Most weeks across the school there is much to celebrate, from individual and team efforts at incredible events such as this past Tuesday’s ‘Primary Sports Day’ (thank you to the PE team for a great morning!) through to FOBISIA games, maths competitions and more. Given the depth and breadth of events, we can sometimes overlook the consistent day to day efforts and achievements of students that come about thanks to continued individual effort as well as thanks to the unique learning environment of KIS.
This week I would like to shine a spotlight on three Secondary students who have consistently been going above and beyond and contributing in their own way to making KIS such a great school.
In Psychology Trinity Hwong (Year 12) has consistently gone above and beyond in meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. In addition to this she has presented to the class two research papers she found independently. It has been incredible to hear how her leadership in class and dedication in applying taught research methods is having such a positive impact on not only her own progress but that of the class at large.
Nayeon Kim (Year 9) similarly has been operating incredibly well. Not only has she completed all set additional learning tasks online, she has scored 100% in every single one. According to Mr Latimer, he has never seen that before. What is more impressive is that many of the tasks are particularly challenging and above Year 9 level. Impressive!
Enzo Zhe in Year 10 has demonstrated outstanding class leadership by continually working to support his peers and actively seeking to contribute to a positive learning environment, particularly in practical sessions.
While all of these day to day efforts and achievements are individual (and are only a small sample of the wonderful things happening daily at KIS), they do not happen in a vacuum. Being a part of a school like KIS provides students the opportunity to work, learn and grow together. To hone leadership skills, challenge one another’s ideas and share meaningful experiences.
I am immensely appreciative that through my office window I am able to witness a snapshot of great learning, individual progress and leadership in action, everytime I look up from my computer.
Sam Gipson
Principal
