From the Archives

Kinross Wolaroi School Celebrates 50 Years since amalgamation

In 2025, Kinross Wolaroi School is celebrating a significant milestone: it will be half a century since the amalgamation of two of the region’s most respected educational institutions—Kinross School (formerly PLC) and Wolaroi College—forming what is today a leading independent school in Orange and the Central West.

The story of Kinross Wolaroi’s formation begins in the early 1970s, a time of change in Australian education. PLC Orange, a Presbyterian school for girls, and Wolaroi College, a Methodist school for boys, had both built strong reputations for academic excellence. However, by the early 1970s, social shifts and growing demand for co-educational models led both institutions to consider a merger.

The mid-1970s was a period of significant educational reform in Australia. With the Whitlam Government’s increased investment in education, there was a national push for inclusivity, equality, and the expansion of secondary and tertiary education. The rise of co-education was a key part of this broader shift. Co-ed schools were seen as a way to foster equality between the sexes and provide students with a more holistic educational experience. This made the idea of merging PLC Orange and Wolaroi College not only practical but visionary.

Discussions between the schools began in 1970. By 1972, both schools had separately embraced the idea of creating a unified co-educational institution and as negotiations continued, integrated classes were established. In 1973 under the leadership of its new principal, Mr David Loader, PLC became co-educational under the new name, Kinross School. In January 1975, Kinross Wolaroi School officially began operations, uniting the legacies of its founding schools and led by Principal David Loader.

The decision to merge was not without its challenges. The school operated across two campuses—Wolaroi and Kinross—while the logistics of integration, financial sustainability, and governance needed to be carefully managed. Despite these hurdles, the vision of a unified, forward-thinking school community began to take shape.

A milestone in the early years of the school’s existence was the establishment of a Senior College for Years 11 and 12, offering students a broader range of subjects and specialised learning opportunities. This model was part of a wider trend in Australian education that provided students with greater flexibility and choice in their learning, a response to both changing societal needs and increased federal funding for education. The school also prioritised significant infrastructure development, with plans to consolidate operations at the Wolaroi campus.

Kinross Wolaroi quickly became a cornerstone of education in Orange and the surrounding areas. Its commitment to academic excellence, strong community ties, and a vibrant co-curricular program helped it establish a reputation for nurturing well-rounded individuals.

As the school celebrates this anniversary, it also reflects on the visionaries, educators, and families whose efforts turned the dream of unification into reality. Today, Kinross Wolaroi remains committed to providing students with a dynamic education in a supportive, inclusive environment.

As it looks ahead, Kinross Wolaroi remains a symbol of resilience, innovation, and unity in education—values that will continue to guide it for many years to come.

Read more on our website: https://www.kws.nsw.edu.au/about-us/50-years-of-kinross-wolaroi

We'll be featuring stories about the creation of Kinross Wolaroi School in the Bulletin throughout the year.

Cadet Unit celebrates 80 Years

The KWS Cadet unit will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025. Originally established at Wolaroi College in 1945, the unit survived the ebbs and flows of history, and was a feature at events in the early years of KWS from 1975 onwards. 

For many years, the KWS Cadet unit was accompanied by a much-loved pony named Wally.  Donated by a student in 1969, he was named Wally as a reference to Wolaroi College. 

During his career, Wally was presented to Royalty, Vice Regal representatives, High Commissioners and senior Military personnel, apparently loving every minute of the pomp and ceremony required. 

Wally passed away in 1984, aged 21 years old. 

A February Inauguration

The Inauguration Service for Kinross Wolaroi School was held on 9 February 1975. 

Reflecting on the occasion, Principal David Loader noted that, "Kinross Wolaroi has been born of two parents. It is alive and vital. It has brought together two groups of students, staff and parents. A new unity is being forged. It is a family school, concerned with academic learning, personal growth and social maturity."

The cover for the service booklet  is below.

1975: Learning to write….on a chalk board! 

With this amazing device – once standard in all classrooms – came a variety of special ‘jobs’: ensuring there was sufficient chalk available to be used by the teacher. (White was abundant, colours were to be used sparingly!) 

Another was to clean the devices which cleared away chalk marks (a.k.a. dusters) by taking them outside and banging them together to clear the built up chalk dust. In the (right!) hands, delightfully large clouds of chalk dust could thus be created, as could ‘works of art’ on available walls.