Message from 

the Principal

Olympism – the philosophy underpinning the Olympic movement strives to build a better world through sport, as it can develop desirable personal characteristics in a person.

The International Olympic Committee describes Olympism as “a philosophy of life; exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending support with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.”

Although sport can help build a better world and been seen as a powerful force for good we are very much aware that at times the pure objectives of sport can be lost and great failings in human nature can be revealed. Issues such as doping, racism, foul play or poor example can be readily identified. However, sport can and does make an immense contribution to society and to the lives of many. The former IOC President Jacques Rogge echos this sentiment in his statement:

 “The world of sport is not separate from the rest of the world. Sport breaks down barriers, promotes self-esteem, and can teach life skills and healthy behaviour. Athletes can be an inspiration and role models for the youth of the world.”

The Olympic Games in Tokyo have provided numerous marvelous human stories that fulfil the objectives of Olympism where athletes have shown great courage, determination, perseverance, sportsmanship, good grace, excellence and friendship.

In the months leading up to this year’s Olympics, I believed the staging of such a grand international competition was most unwise in these times of pandemic. I was greatly concerned that the Games would be the source of a super spreading event that would result in greater problems around the world. Japan have meticulously implemented strategies to minimize risk and have staged an event that has raised the spirits of millions across the globe. In these times of lockdowns and the postponements or cancellations of so many of the things we enjoy, the feats of courage, brilliance and perseverance of our Australian athletes, and those of other nations, have provided us moments of great joy, pride and hope.

There have been many wonderful human stories from this years Olympic Games. The Australian swim team arrived in Tokyo with high expectations, but unlike Rio and London were able to manage the pressure and converted their trial achievements into a golden performance and the female members of the team have been stars of the Olympic Games. Combined with this excellence of achievement were equal measures of sportsmanship, good grace, humility, and gratitude – qualities that mark them as wonderful role models and athletes who optimise the true spirit of Olympism. The excellence of Emma McKeon’s brilliant Olympic program where she established herself as Australia’s most successful swimmer ever and a performance that saw her equal the best single Games by a female competitor in any sport in the history of the Olympic Games is remarkable, all made ever so special by her graciousness and humility.

The team managed additional challenges of the global pandemic and the delayed Games to register a truly amazing performance winning more gold medals than any Australian team in our 26 Olympic campaigns.

The efforts of the humble Queensland country boy of Patrick Teirnan, the Australian 10,000 metre runner whose determination and perseverance were an absolute inspiration. Michael Gleeson of the Sydney Morning Herald provided the following account of Patrick’s courage and total commitment to produce his best performance this year:

“Three times he went down. Three times he got up again. Pat Tiernan ran himself into delirium. With two laps to go of the 25 in the 10,000 metre race, the Australian stood tall and strong, a counterpoint among a field of shorter African runners. He refused to go away. When the group surged, he surged. When they broke, he broke – always hanging on. At the bell of the final lap, he was still there with them. The favourites were making their move but, when they shifted up a gear, Tiernan had nowhere to go. 

At the 300m mark, his head started to drop forward. By 200m, he was staggering and lurching, throwing his legs speculatively forward and wondering where they would land. On the bend he fell. He got up. 

He was disoriented and went sideways before he went forwards in the manner of a concussed player. But he was not concussed, he was exhausted. He had run himself past his limit.  He fell again. Again he got up. 

He was going to finish. His was a performance that drew applause in an empty stadium. In the straight, he went down a third time. It was as brave a run as you will see at an Olympics. He got to the line. He was taken straight away by doctors to the medical room for treatment. It was a performance of unimpeachable endeavour and bravery. He still finished in 19th place and his time of 28:35.06 was his best of the season. He may not remember the race later, but it was a memorable performance.”

In the Men’s High Jump we were treated to an example of great friendships. Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim finished level in the lead and officials asked if they wished to settle things with a jump-off. Both athletes over the past 10 years of international competition have become close friends, each had not missed a jump until the bar was set at the Olympic Record height of 2.39 metres. Both missed the record height three times.  When offered the option of a jump-off, Barshim asked the official “can we have two golds?” to which the reply was “yes”. The two great friends chose to share, each receiving gold. Barshim said “he’s one of my best friends. Not only on the track but outside the track. We’re always together. True spirit, sportsman’s spirit, coming here and delivering this message.”

The Italian jumpers journey also reveals a great story of perseverance and commitment. Tamberi has kept a cast for five years – a reminder of his broken ankle sustained just prior to the Rio Games. He was in the best shape of his life and was forced to watch the Games from home. When his cast was removed he wrote on it “Road to Tokyo 2020”. On that day he made a commitment to himself that he wanted to get to Tokyo and fight for the gold medal. The rest is history.

And finally I found inspiration in Andrew Hoy, Australia’s oldest Olympic Medalist at 62 after winning Silver and Bronze in the Equestrian competition. Andrew made his Olympic debut at Los Angeles in 1984 and has competed in eight Games, winning gold with Australia at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. His longevity is a result of his commitment, dedication and shear joy in what he does.  

Hoy remarked: 

“While I am in good health I will continue doing what I love doing”. 

He has his eyes set on the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane when he will be 73 years of age.

I hope you have found some hope, joy and inspiration in some of the many excellent examples of human endeavour that we have witnessed in Tokyo. Sport has powerful and important lessons for us all that can make a highly valuable contribution to our lives and to society as a whole. We should all be immensely proud of the way many of our athletes have carried themselves and the wonderful examples they have set for our younger generations to aspire to. The values and philosophy of Olympism are clearly alive and well.

In the words of the founder of the Modern Olympic Movement, the historian and educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

COVID-19 update – return of Sydney boarders

The School has been working alongside NSW Health to map out a return to school for our Sydney based families as we know it is essential that a return to boarding is well managed in the interest of the School and regional community, our teaching staff, and of course in the interest of our boarders' wellbeing. 

I have worked closely with the support and guidance of Priscilla Stanley, the Manager for Health Protection, Public Health Unit Dubbo as well as The Association of Independent Schools and NSW Health. NSW Health believe that our return to school plan is an excellent balance between managing the COVID-19 risk and maintaining our boarders' welfare and education requirements. It is essential that we all carefully abide by the Public Health orders so that we protect the wellbeing of our community and School

Please be reassured that a return to boarding from Greater Sydney is being managed critically and procedures have been implemented to manage a safe a considered return to boarding. 

Senior School - Staffing

Mr Tom Riley and Ms Tina Moshkanbaryans

It is with mixed emotion that I announce that Tom Riley and Tina Moshkanbaryans will be leaving us at the end of Term 3. I am happy for them as they embark upon the next exciting chapter in their life but sad for Kinross Wolaroi as they have both made a significant contribution over the past four and a half years. 

Tom leaves us to join Pymble Ladies’ College as their Head of Upper School commencing in Term 4, 2021. This role presents an exciting challenge and will see Tom undertake a significant pastoral role as well as establishing a new Long Stay Program for the School in their Vision Valley campus.

Tom’s energy and vision has seen us develop a market leading and distinctive educational offering in our outstanding Regional Engagement Enterprise. TREE has greatly enriched the learning experiences of many students and he leaves a marvellous legacy for the future. Tom has also made an excellent contribution to our Wellbeing Program and has laid the foundation for a most effective Wellbeing Framework.

Tina will spend time with their daughter, Edie, during Term 4 and take up a temporary role at Knox Grammar School in 2022. Tina – Miss Mosh – has shown excellent leadership as Co-ordinator of Learning Support and has overseen the restructure of the Department, the introduction of new electives, the redevelopment Me!Me!Me!, and the creation of a K-12 program. Her care and support for our students has seen her earn great respect from students, parents and colleagues.

The move to Sydney will provide Tom and Tina the valuable support of family as they raise young Edie. I am immensely grateful for their marvelous contribution to KWS and wish them all every happiness in the future.

Mr Joe Priest  and Ms Heidi Anthony

In recognition of the outstanding contribution made to the School over the past seven months in their Acting capacities, it gives me great pleasure to announce the following ongoing appointments:

Ms Heidi Anthony – Head of Teaching and Learning

Mr Joe Priest – Director of Co-Curricular

Mr Priest will also continue in his role of Head of Sport as he has throughout this year. 

I am certain you will join me in congratulating Heidi and Joe as they take on these crucially important roles within the life of the School.

Congratulations

CWA Public Speaking success – Toby Gough

Year 10 student, Toby Gough competed in the CWA Inter Group Public Speaking Competition during the last holiday break. The competition was held in Trundle, Western NSW.

Toby was awarded First Place in the Years 9/10 Section for his speech titled ‘If time travel were real.’ This is a personal best for Toby as this is the first time he has won at both the Central Western Group and the Inter Group competitions.

Congratulations Toby on this achievement which is even more remarkable when you realise that he was also busy rehearsing for his part in the Addams family musical production.