Message from 

the Principal

A wonderful finish for Year 12

We were delighted to stage the Year 12 Graduation, albeit over two ceremonies last Thursday, the day after some of our students completed their final HSC exam. The restructure of the ceremony ensured we upheld the various restrictions placed upon us but enabled an occasion that was more intimate and engaging for students and families. 

Our Dux, Alex Williams delivered an outstanding address that was thoughtful and gracious, humble and entertaining. Similarly, our Head Prefects James Thompson and Jessica Mosely spoke of their journey, the bonds forged as a cohort as they experienced the disruption over the past two years and expressed their deep appreciation for all that their teachers had done for them.

With all the uncertainty surrounding the year, there was a great feeling of joy and sense of achievement that we could all come together to celebrate this very important milestone in the lives of our Year 12 students and their families. They day finished with the Year 12 Graduation Celebration at Philip Shaw Winery. It was a spectacular cocktail evening under the stars, featuring live music, many very happy students, parents and staff. A marvellous celebration of achievement and one desperately needed following the two problematic years we have all faced. Our community was ready to party – and they did! The feedback from so many families was that ‘the cocktail model’ was one we should adopt for the future. We all had an amazing evening.

I could not have been more proud of the mature and sensible way our Class of 2021 conducted themselves, all enjoying themselves to the hilt.

Year 6 Celebrations

Last Friday evening our Year 6 students gathered in the Derek Pigot Auditorium for their farewell from the Junior School. A formal dinner was held, with excellent speeches from the student leaders, Oscar Chandler-Sullivan and Georgie Phillipe; signature bears signed and some dancing too. It was tremendous to see our Year 6 students enjoying this special occasion marking the conclusion of the Junior School years and we very much look forward to welcoming them to Senior School in 2022. My sincere thanks to their Junior School staff who went to a great deal of effort to ensure the event was such a success.

Year 7 2022 Orientation

We welcomed all our new Year 7 students for 2022 to the School on Monday to give them the opportunity to meet staff and other students who will be beginning the Kinross Wolaroi journey with them. A rotation of classes was arranged by our staff and a very positive and affirming day experienced. Their parents enjoyed an excellent morning tea function at Rowlee Wines that was followed by a gathering of Boarder parents for lunch at Ross Hill vineyard. Just fabulous we can start to enjoy some community events again, something so central to our School.

Camps Week

The final few days of the year have presented a great opportunity for our students to experience a variety of different educational activities, many that take them out of their comfort zone, others that expand their experience and provide rewarding challenge. We have all been greatly impressed by the positive way our students embraced the opportunity.

Observing many of the activities I have seen immense joy on so many faces, students feeling of great satisfaction and achievement – I was so impressed by our Year 7 girls abseiling down the Gym wall – I had butterflies in my stomach just watching.

A huge thank you to all our staff who have put in a great effort to prepare and deliver the vast array of activities that our students have enjoyed. A most constructive, enjoyable and positive way to finish what has been a challenging year. We have all been greatly impressed by the positive way our students embraced the opportunity.

HSC Nominations for Excellence in Practical works 

I am thrilled to announce the great the success of some of our Year 12 students who have had their practical works for the HSC nominated by NESA for their outstanding quality. Each year the best examples of work are nominated and then selected from across the state for their excellence. 

Elizabeth Kwa’s major Textiles project has been selected in the TEXstyle 2022 exhibition. Her work will be showcased with other major projects from around the state at the Muse (Ultimo TAFE) from 8 – 13 March 2022

Matilda Hayes was nominated for ENCORE for her HSC composition, and Elizabeth Kwa was nominated for ENCORE for her performance and composition. 

In Drama, the Group Performance by Ella Andrews, Sam Durkin, Ziggy Jackson-le Couteur and Phoebe Litchfield was nominated for OnSTAGE.

Also in Drama, the Individual Performance by Phoebe Litchfield, 'The Boot', was nominated for OnSTAGE.

In Textiles and Designs, Elizabeth Kwa and Callum Wald’s major projects were nominated for the Shape 2021 exhibition of exemplary major projects in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Design. 

NIDA success

Jonty King has achieved the rare feat of being accepted in his first year out of school, for a position at NIDA. A most fitting reward for a young man of exceptional talent.

Staffing Announcements

Mrs Amy Proudford-Nalder – Senior School Literacy Integrator

I am delighted to announce that Mrs Amy Proudford-Nalder has accepted the role as the Senior School Literacy Integrator, commencing in Term 1, 2022.

Amy is passionate about bringing literature to life so that our students are not only successful learners in the classroom, but also attain a life-long love of reading. Amy has been involved in the Boy’s Boarding Literacy program that has been very successfully piloted during 2021. 

Please join me in wishing Amy every success in this role.

Boarding Head of House – Loader and Tower

I am delighted to announce that Mrs Sophie Fardell and Mr Lee Taylor have accepted the opportunity to take on the Head of Loader and Head of Tower Boarding House’s respectively, for the next five years. Both Mrs Fardell and Mr Taylor have demonstrated a great commitment to boarding and are dedicated to the students in their care.

Staff Retirement

Today also marks the final day in a distinguished career of service, education and pastoral care for Mr John Guiffre. 

John retires today from teaching. He should be immensely proud of the great contribution he has made to the lives of his students and colleagues over the years. John has had two stints on our staff culminating in a total of 23 years. How fortunate Kinross Wolaroi has been. 

A wonderfully gifted teacher, a former Head of English and HSIE, National Athletics Coach, Rugby Coach and dynamic Athletics MIC who has inspired many in his care to become better people and to develop a sense of belief and self-worth. A true school master who has tirelessly given of himself for others. His example beautifully illustrates the great value of using one’s talents for the benefit of others and the community. 

Thank you, John and congratulations on a most distinguished career.

The nature of education is that each of our departing staff will leave a part of themselves behind, the impact upon their students and colleagues continues long after they have departed. We will certainly miss you John.

Merry Christmas

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a fabulous break together with your family and friends. Thank you for your great support over the year as we have managed the challenges put before us. I do believe we have emerged stronger as a community and I look forward immensely to 2022. We have some exciting projects install. 

Have a wonderful Christmas.

With very best wishes,

Andrew Parry