From the Principal

It has been a very positive beginning to what promises to be a full and busy term.  Already we have shared in some truly memorable moments and celebrated the many achievements of our students across a wide range of endeavours.

Foremost among these was our magnificent production of Aladdin Jr, which delighted audiences and once again showcased the extraordinary depth of talent within our Performing Arts program. The musical is always a highlight of our school calendar and this year’s performance was no exception.  I extend my warmest congratulations to our talented cast, musicians, backstage crew, and to the exceptional staff whose tireless dedication brought this wonderful production to life.  In particular, I acknowledge the inspirational leadership of our Director, Ms Alex Dunkley, whose vision and commitment afforded our students such a remarkable opportunity.

The holiday period was also an active one, with students engaged in a wide variety of pursuits.  These included a highly successful Cadet Promotions Course, a rugby training camp and representative fixtures, a memorable ski trip to the snowy mountains, and an indigenous immersion experience.  A special highlight was the outstanding performance of our rowers at the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta in England, where both our Girls VIII and Boys Quad represented the School, and indeed our country, with distinction.

This term carries particular significance for our Year 12 students who are undertaking their HSC Trial Examinations. I encourage each of them to approach this period with the same dedication and determination they have shown in so many areas of school life.

Already this term we have enjoyed further academic highlights. The Science Fair impressed all who attended with the creativity, depth of research and enthusiasm evident in the students’ projects.  Likewise, the annual exhibitions of our Year 12 practical works in Visual Arts, Textiles and Design and Industrial Technology once again demonstrated the immense creativity, technical skill and perseverance of our students.  It was a delight to see so many in our community come together to celebrate their achievements.

Our debating team has also brought great credit to the School, with our Senior Debating Team winning the Final of the Local Schools’ Competition and proudly receiving the Mayor’s Cup.  Special congratulations go to Milo Mages, Abbey Cunial, Rosie Hedley, and Chamara Fernando, with Milo also awarded the Kerry Parker Memorial Trophy for Best Debater.

On the sporting front, our Rugby Club has enjoyed excellent results against St Stanislaus’ College and St Aloysius’ College in recent weeks.  We also acknowledge the selection of several of our students in state rugby teams over the holiday period, with Oscar Cleary and Harper Shaw representing NSW Schools in the Under 18s, Sam Hill in the Under 16s, and Lilly Clarke in the NSW Girls’ Under 18s Sevens.

At the Australian Swimming Championships, Annabel Arnot distinguished herself with three national medals – bronze in the Women’s 200m breaststroke, silver as part of the NSW 6x50m relay team, and bronze in the NSW 4x50m relay.  Annabel was further recognised with the NSW Valour Award for leadership and sportsmanship, an honour that speaks volumes of her talent, character, and commitment.

Finally, I would like to commend our Year 10 cohort for the outstanding manner in which they conducted themselves during their recent excursion to Qudos Bank Arena.  Amongst a gathering of more than 10,000 students, the maturity, bearing, and presentation of our Year 10 group was exemplary, earning them high praise as fine ambassadors for our School and our community.

As this busy term unfolds, I look forward to celebrating many more achievements together and to supporting our students as they continue to challenge themselves, pursue excellence, and represent our community with pride.

Our role in shaping school culture

As we journey through the remainder of Term 3, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the kind of school culture and community we are creating—and the role each one of us plays in shaping it.

We are extremely fortunate to be part of this wonderful school, to belong to a school community that is known not just for its academic achievement or co-curricular success, but for something far deeper and more enduring: the strength of our relationships. The warmth, care and respect we show each other is the bedrock of our culture.  It’s what creates within our school a deep sense of belonging, and it is something that together, we must nurture and protect.

Creating a thriving school community doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention.  It happens through the small, daily actions and choices that each of us makes.  Whether you are a student in Year 7 or Year 12, a teacher, a coach or a mentor, your words and behaviour shape the experience of others. 

One of the greatest strengths we have is how we value people—how we celebrate each other’s achievements, lift each other when times are tough and include one another in shared moments of joy and challenge.

Respect in our community begins with truly seeing and appreciating others.  It means listening without judgment, speaking with kindness and assuming the best in each other. 

It means welcoming the new student, congratulating a classmate on their success—whether it’s on the stage, the sports field or in the classroom—and remembering that we each have different strengths and challenges.  Our school is not a place where only one kind of success is valued.  We thrive because we value and encourage the diverse contributions of all members of our community.  I see demonstrations of this every day. 

It is often helpful to look to the examples of others to learn how their actions positively influence communities.

Think for a moment about someone like Ash Barty—not just a brilliant athlete, but someone who consistently carries herself with humility, grace, and respect for others.  After every match—win or lose—she would be generous in her praise of her opponent.  She would acknowledge her team.  She never forgot where she came from or the community that shaped her.  That kind of character—the willingness to treat others with kindness, to stay grounded, and to be generous in spirit—is something we can all model in our daily lives.

Another remarkable figure is the late Eddie Jaku, a Holocaust survivor and author of The Happiest Man on Earth. Despite unimaginable hardship, he dedicated his life to spreading hope and compassion. 

He believed that “kindness is the greatest gift we can give,” and he lived that belief every day—sharing his story, building understanding, and encouraging people, especially young people, to choose empathy over hatred.  What an extraordinary reminder that even in the face of darkness, we have the power to choose light—and that our actions can lift others in ways we may never fully realise.

So what does this look like in our school?

It’s the student who sees someone sitting alone and chooses to sit beside them.  It’s the team that cheers not just for themselves but also acknowledges their opponents' achievements.  It’s the class that applauds a peer’s presentation, even when it didn’t go perfectly. It’s standing up against exclusion, unkindness or careless language.  It’s using our words to include, not divide.

We are already a school that does this very well.  I see it in the way you support your peers in their performance and activities, and at our interhouse carnivals, I see it in your respect for teachers, in your willingness to volunteer, in the way you mentor younger students, and in the way you show up for each other when it matters most.  That is what makes our school truly special.

But there is always more we can do. As we continue to grow as individuals and as a community, let’s make Kinross Wolaroi not only a place of learning, but a place where every person feels seen, supported, and celebrated.  A place where all feel they belong

Thank you for the way you contribute to the life of our school.

Congratulations

Banjo Paterson Award Winner

Ebony Inman (Yr 11) recently won the ABC Radio Children’s Award which is a part of the Banjo Paterson Writing Awards. This is an Australia-wide annual competition that was established in 1991 to honour Banjo Paterson.  This year there were over 300 applicants across the three categories with applicants from Sydney, Queensland, and Victoria. 

Phoebe Johnston – Women’s Cricket

A huge congratulations to Phoebe Johnston for being awarded the Central West Cricket Council 2024-2025 Female Cricketer of the Year.

Exchange Students

Recently, I had a lovely morning tea with some of the Year 10 International Exchange students from Scotland, Japan, France and South Africa.  They spoke very fondly of their experience at Kinross Wolaroi and were immensely grateful of the opportunity to be part of our community.

A sincere thank you to Dr Ernist for the marvellous work she does in making these special experiences possible, and to our families who generously opened their homes to host our overseas visitors.  Your kindness and care have enabled our visiting exchange students to have an experience that will remain with them throughout their lives, thank you!