From the Principal

Strategic Plan Update

Academic and Professional Learning Programs

I wish to share with you another Strategic Plan update on the excellent work being undertaken by the Staff Experience Working Group.  I am immensely appreciative of their efforts and of the quality initiatives being advanced.  I would like to acknowledge the commitment and insight of the group members: Mr Trent Chapman, Ms Amanda Dodson, Mrs Nerissa Marat, Mrs Virginia Milliken and Mrs Brooke Mortimer, thank you.

In response to community feedback from students, parents, and staff, we have undertaken internal research to identify opportunities to strengthen learning pathways in the Senior School.  To optimise our internal structures, this project incorporates linkages between Stages 3, 4, 5 and 6, with the overarching emphasis on:

• Powering up academic skills development
• Having a learning culture in which a strong work ethic is encouraged and celebrated
• Providing ‘stretch’ opportunities for students
• Developing student agency - expecting students to approach their studies with purpose and a belief in their ability to meet and move through challenges.

Our staff are committed to these goals and over the next two terms we will be able to update you on key actions as we evolve academic programs that will keep our school at the forefront of educational practice. 

An aligned and exciting initiative is the introduction in 2025 of two new Kinross Wolaroi Professional Development Programs:

LIFT (Leadership and Instructional Focus for Teachers) is an initiative aimed at building staff capacity and fostering instructional leadership to further enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the school. Teachers who are offered a place in this two year program will undertake targeted professional learning with leading tertiary institutions, including:

• Mini-Certificate in Gifted Education (University of NSW)
• Transformational Leadership (Swinburne University)
• Visible Wellbeing (University of Melbourne)

RISE (Roadmap for Initiating and Supporting Educators) is our revamped teacher induction program, based on comprehensive feedback from our staff, plus research into similar, successful programs.  Our aim is to ensure that new staff not only feel supported but are provided with the social, technical and cultural tools to thrive, and to be able to contextualise their practice for the optimal benefit of our students and their colleagues.

Our teachers are highly motivated professionals with a real passion for the success of the Kinross Wolaroi community.  In providing them with stellar professional learning opportunities, we are investing in their growth and optimal learning trajectories for our students. 

We look forward to sharing more details on these programs as we get underway in 2025.

Exciting News: Sam Bailey Speech Day Address

We are thrilled to announce that Sam Bailey will be our guest speaker for Speech Day 2024.  Sam is a remarkable individual who has overcome extraordinary challenges to achieve his dreams.  A quadriplegic farmer, pilot, best-selling author and highly sought-after inspirational speaker, Sam has a powerful story to share with us all.

Growing up in the Australian bush, Sam’s life took a dramatic turn when a car accident in the outback left him a quadriplegic.  Refusing to give up, he set out on an incredible journey, ultimately fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a farmer.  Sam has designed his own equipment to work on his farm, including a hoist for operating machinery, and even learned to fly an ultralight aircraft.

Sam’s story is one of resilience, love and determination.  His journey with his wife, Jenny Black – a former ABC Rural Reporter whom he famously proposed to live on regional radio – has been celebrated on ABC’s Australian Story and in their book, Head Over Heels.

Currently, Sam and Jenny are working towards a new milestone – Sam’s goal of becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter.  This inspiring project, called Helifirst, will see Sam flying into schools to encourage young people to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.

We are honoured to welcome Sam Bailey to Speech Day and look forward to the inspiration, humour and wisdom he will bring to our community as we come together to celebrate achievement, resilience, courage and the Australian spirit of ‘having a go’.

STAFFING

Retirement – Mrs Toni Bilton

It is with both joy and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce the retirement of Mrs Toni Bilton, who, after 34 years of extraordinary service, has decided to conclude her teaching career with us at the end of this academic year. While we are excited for Toni as she enters this well-deserved new chapter, we are also deeply saddened to bid farewell to such a beloved and esteemed member of our academic community.

Since joining Kinross Wolaroi School in 1990, Toni’s contributions have spanned nearly every facet of school life.  Her unwavering dedication has touched the lives of countless students and colleagues, embodying the school’s values and inspiring all around her.  Toni’s influence in co-curricular activities has been extensive.  She has coached softball, netball, tennis, Trysports and has supported both the aerobics and rowing programs.  She brought life and creativity to our school musicals, designing sets, costumes, props and choreography, enhancing our students' experiences on stage.

In her role as Head of Stuart Douglas Boarding House, Toni brought warmth and mentorship to the boarding community.  She led school excursions that have become cherished memories, including the renowned Ski Trip and the memorable Cockatoo Island Biennale visits.  Her annual Art and Hospitality excursions to cultural sites in Sydney, Canberra, the Blue Mountains, and even Japan, have broadened our students’ horizons.

As leader of the School’s Duke of Edinburgh program, Toni has taken generations of students on outdoor adventures—from canoeing trips on the Macquarie and Hawkesbury Rivers to hikes in the Blue Mountains—fostering resilience and a love for the natural world.  Additionally, her commitment to the Cadet program has been immense; for over two decades, Toni and her catering crew at Base Camp prepared meals on-site for students and staff, handling everything from ‘night locks’ to the days when our cadets made their own ration packs.

Toni’s contributions to our school’s Creative Arts programs have been transformative.  She introduced Hospitality and Textiles and Design into the curriculum, established the Artist in Residence program and arranged artist workshops and masterclasses with chefs, inspiring our students to pursue excellence.  As Head of Creative Arts – Visual Arts, Textiles and Hospitality for over two decades, Toni’s guidance led to consistently outstanding HSC results and numerous ArtExpress nominations and she has been recognised for her efforts with an Excellence in Teaching Award.

Through her remarkable 34-year tenure, Toni has not only served but shaped Kinross Wolaroi School.  Her legacy is one of dedication, creativity and community, and her contributions will be felt long after she departs.  We are honoured to have had such a dedicated teacher, mentor and friend as part of our school community, and we extend our deepest appreciation for all she has done.

As Toni prepares to retire, we celebrate her unparalleled commitment and the lasting impact she has made.  We are grateful for the time we have shared with her and wish her every happiness and fulfilment in the years to come.  Please join me in honouring and thanking Mrs Toni Bilton for her 34 years of exceptional service to Kinross Wolaroi School.

Retirement – Mr Bryan Thomas

It is with a mix of joy and sadness that I share the news of Mr Bryan Thomas’s retirement at the end of this academic year.  After an incredible 43 years of service, Bryan has decided to conclude his teaching journey with us, marking the end of a significant era for Kinross Wolaroi School. While we are thrilled for Bryan as he steps into this new and exciting phase, we know the school will feel his absence profoundly.

Since beginning his journey with us in 1982, Bryan has dedicated himself to the life of our school in countless ways.  His influence has extended through boarding, co-curricular activities and academics, always delivering with an infectious positivity, warmth and calm presence that has shaped generations of students and colleagues alike.

Bryan’s commitment to boarding was substantial.  From his early days assisting in the original Wolaroi House and later at Croagh Patrick House on Park Street and then in Tower House, Bryan's care and leadership provided a true home away from home for our boarders.  His pastoral leadership, especially as Head of Dean House for nearly four decades, inspired students to strive toward becoming their best selves.  He established a marvellous culture and left a significant positive legacy for future generations of Dean.

In sport, Bryan’s impact has been extensive.  During the 1980s, he served as MIC of Athletics and as a sprint coach.  He coached cricket, hockey, rugby, basketball, and even squash, working with teams from juniors through to the senior 1st’s. Bryan oversaw the strength and conditioning work of our rowing team at its inception in 2003.  Bryan’s contribution exemplifies his passion and commitment to the development of our students.

Beyond sport, Bryan has played a vital role in other co-curricular areas, from helping with Duke of Edinburgh treks to actively supporting the Cadet Corps, which he joined in 1982 after completing the Lieutenant Officers course at Lone Pine Barracks.  His dedication to supporting the Corps is evident in his presence at almost every Cadet Camp and Bivouac since that time.

Academically, Bryan’s teaching has been equally remarkable.  Throughout his career, he taught a wide range of subjects, including Economics, Business Studies, Geography, Commerce, History, Physical Education, General Studies and even Religious Education.  Bryan’s commitment to excellence has helped countless students achieve their best in and beyond the classroom.  His knowledge, skill and ability to inspire our Economics students in recent years have earned him immense respect.

Bryan has also fostered invaluable connections between the school and the wider Orange community. His involvement with local sports teams, including Emus Rugby Club, City Hockey Club, Tiger AFL Club, Orange Runners Club and several local basketball, squash, and game associations, speaks to his commitment to community engagement and outreach.

As Bryan prepares to close this incredible chapter of his career, we honour his unwavering dedication, inspiring leadership and tireless service to Kinross Wolaroi School.  His legacy will remain an integral part of our school, and he will always be remembered as an exemplary teacher, coach, mentor and friend.

Please join me in extending our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to Bryan for his 43 years of outstanding service.  We will miss him greatly but wish him every happiness in this new chapter of life.

Farewell – Ms Sophie Higgins

It is with both gratitude and sadness that I announce the departure of Ms Sophie Higgins, a cherished member of our academic staff, who will be leaving us at the end of the 2024 academic year.  After five years of committed service, Sophie is taking up an exciting new role at PLC Croydon to be closer to family.

Since joining our school, Sophie has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to our French program, enriching the lives of students from Years 7 to 12 with her energy, skill and passion for the French language.  Sophie’s commitment to excellence in teaching has been evident in her approach to guiding learners of all levels, extending the brightest minds while compassionately supporting those less enthusiastic about learning French.  Most recently, she has been working to upskill herself to teach the new Extension French prescribed text and course, a reflection of her drive to continually elevate her teaching.

Beyond the classroom, Sophie’s enthusiasm and initiative have left a lasting impact.  She was instrumental in organising the 2023 New Caledonia French Trip and has been a key force in planning our upcoming Tahiti 2025 trip, both enriching experiences that connect our students to the broader Francophone world.  Her influence is further seen in the growing number of students choosing French as an elective, a testament to her ability to inspire a love for the language.

Sophie is not only an exceptionally hard-working teacher but also a supportive and much-admired colleague.  Her tech-savvy skills and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly valued by everyone who has had the pleasure of working with her.  In addition to her academic contributions, Sophie has been a dedicated HSC marker and speaking examiner for Beginners, contributing to the wider community of French educators in the state.

Her involvement extends beyond academics; Sophie has made an incredible impact as a netball and basketball coach, where her teams have thrived under her guidance. The loyalty of her players, many of whom have stayed with her for consecutive years, speaks to the strong rapport and mutual respect she has built with her students.  She was also a highly valued residential assistant in New House.

While we will dearly miss Sophie’s dedication, warmth, and infectious enthusiasm, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.  On behalf of the entire school community, we extend our heartfelt thanks and wish her every success and happiness in the years ahead.

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

Head of Experiential Learning and Round Square – Mr Liam Callaghan

I am delighted to announce that Mr Liam Callaghan will assume the role of Head of Experiential Learning and Round Square in January 2025.

This exciting new role is responsible for the leadership and administration of all components of the School’s experiential learning programs.  The role is also responsible for the leadership and implementation of Round Square and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DofE).

Liam commenced teaching here in 2016 and is wonderfully qualified for this new role bringing an immense breadth of experience in leading and delivering successful programs that highlight the benefits of experiential learning and learning through doing.  These include redeveloping the geography fieldwork program, coordinating the Duke of Edinburgh Program, coordinating the TREE contextual learning program and designing the values-based program for character development for all Year 9 and 10 students in the portfolio of achievement.

In Liam’s role of Coordinator of TREE he was able to share his passion for hands-on, unique, discovery-driven projects.  He has also played a pivotal role as Head of Social Science in writing and implementing curriculum programs, planning and facilitating fieldwork, engaging in cross-curricular projects with the TREE team, fostering connections within our regional community and building working partnerships with Macquarie University.  As Coordinator of DofE, Liam has led many expeditions and is experienced in managing the associated risks that outdoor learning and experiential education can present.

Liam will step down from his current role of Head of Social Science to undertake this new role, and I wish to thank him for the marvellous leadership he has provided to the faculty.  The role of Head of Social Science will be advertised very shortly.

Liam has a Bachelor of Arts (Geography and Aboriginal Studies) and a Master of Teaching (Geography, Business Studies, Economics and Aboriginal Studies) both from the University of Sydney.

Please join me in congratulating Liam on his appointment to this exciting education leadership position at KWS.

2IC English – Ms Kate Rohr

Kate has extensive experience in administration, education, pastoral care and team collaboration seeing her well-suited to making a positive impact within the English Faculty and broader school community.  Kate has been a member of staff at Kinross Wolaroi School for two years, and also has many years’ experience in various roles such as marketing, journalism and public relations.  She has also taught English at Scone Grammar School and Blayney High School.

Throughout her career she has developed excellent leadership skills and she demonstrates highly effective oversight of senior students, particularly in Stage 6 English Studies, Standard and Advanced courses.  Kate has also led various initiatives that have contributed to improved pupil attainment and overall school improvement in various schools.

Kate has a Bachelor of Teaching (English and HSIE) and a Bachelor of Arts – Communications (Journalism) majoring in Journalism, Politics and Public Relations from Charles Sturt University. Her role commences in January 2025.

2IC Science – Ms Nicole Pearce

Nicole has performed admirably in her role as Acting 2IC of the Science Faculty throughout 2024.  She joined our staff at the commencement of 2024 coming to us from St Raphael Catholic High School in Cowra where she had established a fine reputation as an educator of young people.

Nicole’s extensive teaching experience, her previous position of leader of Learning Science/TAS and her recent appointment as Acting 2IC of Science at Kinross Wolaroi have demonstrated she has the skills and personal qualities to contribute significantly to the strategic, curricular, pastoral and operational leadership within the school and, more specifically, the Science Faculty.  Over the year, she has forged excellent, collaborative working relationships with the Science team along with offering support and cohesive leadership to the Head of Science, Mr Alex McLennan.

Nicole has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food and Nutrition) from the University of Western Sydney, a Master of Marketing and a Diploma of Education (Secondary) from Charles Sturt University.

Acting Head Mentor of Blackman House – Mrs Amy Keir

Amy is a committed and caring educator who served as Acting Head of Douglas House in Term 2, 2024.  In this position, Amy demonstrated her commitment to student wellbeing, academic engagement and personal growth.  Through her oversight, she built productive relationships with parents, students and colleagues, creating an environment that supported students in achieving their best.

Amy has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs within our school environment, particularly in fostering a supportive yet challenging atmosphere.  She believes in the importance of nurturing students individually, ensuring that school is both a safe space and a place to explore and grow.  Her approach pairs care and support with high expectations and accountability.

Amy is also passionate about teamwork and values the relationships she builds with colleagues.  She is committed to supporting the wellbeing of those around her, recognising that a strong, collaborative staff community is essential to student success.

Please join us in congratulating Amy on her appointment as Acting Head Mentor of Blackman House.  We look forward to her positive impact in this new role.

Head Mentor of Gordon House – Mr Peter Finlay

Peter brings a wealth of experience to his new role and is well-known to the students having already served as a Year 12 Mentor for Gordon House.  His ongoing support for his Year 12 class is a testament to his commitment to their success as they complete their schooling.  Peter's familiarity with both staff and students within the House is a tremendous asset, fostering a sense of continuity and trust within the Gordon community.

In addition to his mentoring experience, Peter has worked as a Boarding Assistant, where he has been deeply involved in students’ lives outside the classroom, supporting their daily routines, promoting personal growth, and offering guidance through both academic and social challenges.

Peter’s previous role as Head of the Technology Department at Canobolas Rural Technology High School and his pastoral and academic experience at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, further highlights his leadership skills.  He has led teams of educators focused on engaging students, integrating technology and creating a dynamic learning environment.

His dedication to building community extends beyond the classroom, having led numerous extracurricular activities, including rugby coaching, organising excursions, conducting charity fundraisers, and participating in cadet programs.  These experiences have strengthened his ability to build connections and provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage and grow.

Motivated to enhance the culture of Gordon House, Peter looks forward to leading with a vision of positivity, support and growth, further enriching the school’s Wellbeing program.

Please join us in congratulating Peter on his appointment as Head Mentor of Gordon House.  We are excited to see the positive impact he will have on Gordon House.

NEW STAFF

Ms Emily Reed – School Psychologist

I am delighted to announce that Ms Emily Reed has been appointed a School Psychologist to work alongside Ms Bec Campey and will commence in January 2025.

Emily comes to us from Tyndale Christian School where she has been the Registered Psychologist and School Counsellor and a Psychologist at Blue Mountains Clinic, Winmalee.  She is experienced in providing evidence-based psychological and counselling interventions, running small-group and year-based wellbeing programs particularly pertaining to social skills and emotional regulation.  Emily is passionate about administering thorough and detailed academic and cognitive assessments for students.

Emily has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, French and Francophone Studies) from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology with Distinction from Western Sydney University where she was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence.  Emily is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

She has been very involved in youth support and pastoral care at Springwood Presbyterian Church and has served for several years as a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

We very much look forward to Emily joining our community in 2025.