Kinross Wolaroi Family Bulletin

Boarding Update

The Importance of Boarding for Rural and Remote Families

As I write this, I am attending the Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) Conference in Euston, NSW. It has been a valuable experience, offering insight into the unique challenges faced by rural and remote families. Listening to the stories of parents who have made the difficult decision to send their children away for schooling has deepened my appreciation for the vital role that boarding plays in the lives of our students and their families.

 

For many of our families, sending a child to boarding school in Year 7 is one of the most significant decisions they will ever make. From that point on, these young people will spend more time at school than they do at home, a reality that can be both daunting and necessary. The strength and resilience of our rural and remote families are remarkable, and as a school, we remain committed to supporting them through this journey.

 

One of our key priorities at Kinross Wolaroi School is staying connected with our boarding families, ensuring that the sense of community and belonging extends far beyond the school gates. Our involvement with organisations like the ICPA, attendance at Boarding Expos, and hosting KWS Connect Events across regional areas are all ways we strengthen these connections.

 

In the coming months, we look forward to meeting with our boarding families at:

Additionally, we prioritise regular contact with families through direct communication, the HUB pages, and ongoing pastoral support. Boarding is more than just a place to live during term time—it is a home away from home, and we strive to ensure our students feel a strong sense of belonging while also maintaining their connection to their families and communities.

 

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Kinross Wolaroi School at the ICPA Conference and to learn from the experiences of so many dedicated parents. These insights will continue to inform our approach to supporting our boarders, ensuring that their transition into boarding is as smooth and fulfilling as possible.

 

We look forward to catching up with you soon at one of our upcoming events.

James​​​​ Perrin

Director, Head of Boys Boarding

Boarding Activities at Kinross Wolaroi School

At Kinross Wolaroi School, our boarding community enjoys a diverse and engaging range of activities each weekend, offering students the opportunity to build friendships, develop new skills, and enjoy time away from their academic commitments. Our dedicated team of Residential Assistants (RAs) works tirelessly to plan and deliver a variety of exciting activities tailored to the interests of our boarders.

 

This term, boarders have participated in an array of recreational and social activities, including Laser Tag, Penrith Aqua Park excursions, outdoor movie nights, games nights, talent shows, dress-up events, trips to Bathurst, ten-pin bowling, pool parties, self-defence workshops, baking and craft sessions, excursions to Federal Falls, treasure hunting at the Tip Shop, making pizzas in our boarding house pizza ovens, attending a Cadet Camp Master Class, and gathering around fire pits for s’mores. These activities provide students with a balance of adventure, creativity, and relaxation while fostering a strong sense of community.

 

Here are some highlights from each house so far this term:

  • Wolaroi House hosted the House Olympics, featuring challenges such as Touch Rugby and the ever-popular Egg Wanging competition
  • Loader House organised a self-defence workshop for the girls
  • Tower House built and floated handmade boats down the creek at The Falls
  • New House held a Cadet Camp Master Class with Mrs. Thompson in the DKH
  • Stuart House created delicious pizzas and cooked them in the PLC pizza oven
  • Trathen House enjoyed a fishing trip at Lake Canobolas
  • Weymouth House participated in a Pitch and Putt Golf activity
  • Miller House enjoyed a mindful Saturday with yoga and smoothies in the Dorothy Knox Centre.

We are committed to fostering strong connections with the wider Orange community, and our boarders regularly participate in outreach activities and events. Recently, our boarders attended the opening of the Mari Exhibition at the Orange Regional Museum, where Kinross Wolaroi School was commended by the Deputy Mayor for our ongoing support and engagement with the museum’s initiatives.

 

These activities not only provide entertainment but also encourage personal growth, teamwork, and community involvement. We look forward to another term filled with enriching experiences for our boarding students.

Jeri​​​​ Matheson

Head of Miller House

Tower House

It has been a big term for our Boarders in Tower House. It's all about routines, structures and make the most of the opportunities that are presented. I believe the boys are all into a routine now and they all know what is expected of them. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the boys in the way in which they have grown throughout the term and the positive attitudes that they have shown.

 

Term 1 is typically a good time to get out and about due to a number of factors including the weather, the co-curricular program and the availability of services like buses, etc. It has been great to see a range of activities both at the boys' and girls' sites ranging from trips to Bathurst, Golf, walks, movie nights walks in the bush and simply going for an ice cream as a group. 

 

There have been opportunities to have cross-site and House activities all of which are equally important. It is proven that for children to flourish they need a combination of rest, work and play. The structures and routines of boarding allow for boarders to have a balanced and rounded education.

 

I have been impressed by the way in which the boys have embraced a range of activities and got involved: golf has been a hit; making popstick boats and floating them down the creek; going to Bathurst; the inflatable water park; and laser tag have all been popular and have allowed the boys to burn off energy, socialise and be in nature. 

 

I look forward to continuing to see the boys flourish in all areas of the school. Be it academically, co-curricular or through the boarding activities that occur. 

Lee Taylor,

Head of Tower House