From the Principal
Dr Andrew Parry
Congratulations and Farewell to the Class of 2024
As we farewell the graduating class of 2024, I want to acknowledge not just their achievements, of which there have been many, but the values they have demonstrated throughout their time here.
Many of our graduates are exceptional musicians, athletes, dramatists, scholars and leaders. Beyond those accomplishments, what truly makes me proud is the way they have contributed to the life of our School community, showing commitment, kindness, and a willingness to serve others. It is the choices we make today that shape our future character, and they have chosen well.
This cohort have shown us through their actions a genuine care and concern for the welfare of others, particularly for those whose life journeys have been less fortunate than our own. They have proven time and time again to be resilient, dedicated and supportive of one another. I want to particularly acknowledge our school leaders, the Prefects, our Head Prefects and Captains for their outstanding service, example and commitment. To every member of this graduating class, thank you for your contributions. You have made our school a better place, and we are deeply grateful.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our teachers and staff. Your passion for education, your care, and your guidance have been instrumental in assisting our students reach this milestone. On behalf of our students, parents and the entire school community, I extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you.
To our parents and families, congratulations. This moment is not just a celebration of your child’s accomplishments, but also a recognition of your unwavering support throughout their journey. We know that the road has not always been smooth, but your love, patience and encouragement have brought them here today. Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for the countless hours you have devoted to supporting school activities and fostering our very special community.
To our graduates, who walked across the stage today, know that we are proud of you – not just for your academic success, but for the individuals you have become. You have approached school life with great enthusiasm and have been dedicated and determined in your desire to learn. Remember, that your academic results do not define you. Life is much bigger than exams and qualifications. Your true success lies in the choices you make from this moment onward. It is how you live your life, the kindness you show, the respect you give, and the contributions you make to your community that will truly matter.
I have been enormously impressed by your openness, friendliness and ‘can do’ attitude. You have integrity and authenticity, highly admirable qualities that have been shaped by your regional backgrounds and the country spirit that pervades our school community. This combined with your natural confidence and warmth are highly valuable personal attributes that you must never lose.
As you commence your journeys into the future, please allow me to share a little advice on what I believe may help you lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.
First, resist the temptation to define success solely by wealth or status. True success is about living a life of purpose, contributing to the wellbeing of others, and staying true to your values. As Albert Einstein wisely said, “try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value”.
Second, seek happiness not in fleeting pleasures but in contentment and compassion. The most enduring happiness comes from a heart that is open, kind and willing to give.
Third, follow your moral compass. In a world full of noise and distractions, stay true to yourself, your hopes and your principles. Learn from your mistakes, embrace failure as a teacher, and always strive to act with integrity. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the 19th Century American poet and philosopher once said:
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”. Your inner strength, your values and dreams will guide you through life’s challenges.
Fourth, be resilient, life will inevitably throw challenges your way, but it’s in those moments of stillness, when you pause and reflect, that you will find strength and persevere. Know when to push forward and when to find peace in what you have.
And fifth, embrace the call to serve others. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, commit to justice, equality and the dignity of every person, regardless of their background or beliefs. Use your voice and influence to lift others up, particularly those who may not have the same advantages.
In the end, what matters most is not what you achieve, but the positive impact you have on others. If you can amplify the voices of the unheard, to extend kindness to those in need, and make the world a little brighter for others, you will have lived a life worth celebrating.
Finally, as you step into the next chapter of your life, hold onto the friendships you’ve made here. These are the people who have shared your journey, who have seen you grow, and who will continue to support you in the years ahead.
Cherish those bonds – they are some of the most valuable treasures life has to offer, and remember, you are forever part of this community.
To the graduating class of 2024, we wish you every success in the years to come. May you leave here with confidence, compassion and a commitment to making the world a better place.
It has been an honour to be part of your journey and we look forward to seeing the great things you achieve in the future.
Congratulations and thank you.
Missed the 2024 Graduation Ceremony?
You can enjoy a recording of the ceremony at the link below:
WATCH THE 2024 GRADUATION CEREMONY
Dux of School 2024: William Haseler
Congratulations to William Haseler, who has been awarded Dux of Kinross Wolaroi School at today's Graduation Ceremony. William studies English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2, Chemistry, Physics and Economics.
William has shown exceptional dedication to his studies, consistently putting in long hours of focused work. This has served to inspire his peers and has had a positive impact on the working environment in the boarding house during Prep. His leadership qualities have shone through in the way he helps and supports his peers both academically and socially. He has a strong sense of responsibility and care for his community and is someone who leads by example. William embodies the values of hard work, leadership, and kindness. He has made an overwhelmingly positive impact on the school and boarding community and for that I would like to thank him. I know that he will continue to strive for excellence.
Graduation Awards
Congratulations to all of our Year 12 Awardees!
| The Ex-Students' Association Family Heritage Award | Kristy Finlay |
| The Ex-Students' Association Family Heritage Award | Niamh Webster |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Angus Croft |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Samuel Fabar |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Hannah Goodsir |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Charles Hansen |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | William Knight |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Liam McKenzie |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Campbell Miller |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Emma Northam |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Lolli-Rose Pasquali |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Angus Pengilly |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Nina Smedley |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Ava Tucker |
| The Cooey Mutton Shield | Lucia Varian |
| Orange NAIDOC Week Completion of Year 12 Award | Halle Doyle |
| Orange NAIDOC Week Completion of Year 12 Award | Blake Dwyer |
| Orange NAIDOC Week Completion of Year 12 Award | Logan Knight |
| Orange NAIDOC Week Completion of Year 12 Award | Georgia Williams |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Blackman House Prefect | Sophie Smith |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Brown House Prefect | Lucy Ashton |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Dean House Prefect | Jamie Anderson |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Douglas House Prefect | Zoe Bird |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Gordon House Prefect | Alice Wilson |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for McLachlan House Prefect | Ava Petersen |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Richards House Prefect | William Haseler |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Williams House Prefect | Charles Anderson |
| Prize for Captain of Loader House | Amaya Shipp |
| G S Weingarth Shield (Miller House) | Charlotte Ivey |
| B Geale & R Hancock Trophy (New House) | Hannah McKay |
| Prize for Captain of Tower House | Angus Ervin |
| G Hilder Trophy for Co-operation and Initiative (Weymouth House) | Rhys Bonnington |
| Glen Eden Prize for Captain of Wolaroi House | Harrison Shea |
| The Taylor Family Prize for Girl Senior Boarder Prefect | Aimee Zell |
| The Taylor Family Prize for Boy Senior Boarder Prefect | James Cooper |
| The Chaplain's Prize for Notable Faith/Life Balance | Abigail Palin |
| Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award | Jemima McLeod |
| Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award | Jessica Taylor |
| Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award | Halle Doyle |
| J R and M C Glasson Trophy for the Head Girl Prefect | Halle Doyle |
| School Council’s Prize of a Bible for the Head Prefect | Halle Doyle |
| Rotary Club of Orange Prize for the Head Boy Prefect | Edward Southwell |
| School Council’s Prize of a Bible for the Head Prefect | Edward Southwell |
| Susan Gordon Cup for Best All-Round Sportswoman | Sienna Whalan |
| The WDJ Dean Award for Outstanding Service by a Cadet | William Steventon |
| The Verity Warn Shield for the Senior CUO of the KWS Cadet Unit | Claire Nelson |
| Skerman Trophy for Sportsmanship, Leadership and School Spirit (Boys) | Charles Hansen |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Charles Hansen |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Deputy Head Prefect | Charles Hansen |
| Wellwood Shield for Sportsmanship, Leadership and School Spirit (Girls) | Lucy Ashton |
| The Janette Brown Prize for Pianoforte | Lucy Ashton |
| The Newtown Developments Prize for Studies of Religion | Lucy Ashton |
| Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award | Lucy Ashton |
| Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment, Consistent Effort and the Desire to Improve | Laura Atkinson |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Ava Petersen |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Matilda Quigley |
| A M Wilson Memorial Award for Citizenship | Emily Zell |
| Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award | Emily Zell |
| Sue and Tamara Eisenhauer Prize for Agriculture | Kaitlyn Rutledge |
| BLD Hewson-Vernon Prize for Ancient History | Alice Wilson |
| Jeanette Hall Prize for Senior Art | Ivy Hawker |
| Emma Hansen Award for Excellence in Practical Work in Art | Ivy Hawker |
| Mrs Nan Dean Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music | Ivy Hawker |
| Robin Thompson Prize for Stringed Instruments | Ivy Hawker |
| Mark & Cherie Byrnes Prize for Business Studies | Zoe Bird |
| Hando Family Prize for Hospitality | Zoe Bird |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Standard English | Zoe Bird |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Zoe Bird |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Community and Family Studies | Aimee Zell |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Aimee Zell |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Design & Technology | Lars Nolles |
| Newcrest Mining CVO Prize for Earth and Environmental Science | Kristy Finlay |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for English Studies | Jack Pursell |
| JB Maltman Memorial Prize for Geography | Thomas Poulton |
| Edcon Steel Prize for Industrial Technology | Henry McColl |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Legal Studies | Iona Anderson |
| Cummins Prize for Modern History | April Bragg |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | April Bragg |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Music 1 | Scarlett Gee |
| Winifred Chapman Cup for Music | Alex Caban |
| Greg Howard Prize for Excellence in Brass Performance | Alex Caban |
| The Mel Meek Prize for Primary Industries | Charles Stephenson |
| Prize for Academic Excellence | Laynee Visser |
| K C Low Family Prize for Biology | Scarlett MacKenzie |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Scarlett MacKenzie |
| Prize for Academic Excellence | Scarlett MacKenzie |
| Prize for Academic Excellence | Zachariah Levi |
| G H Ridge Memorial Prize for Extension History | Nina Smedley |
| Prize for Mathematics Standard | Nina Smedley |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for Deputy Head Prefect | Nina Smedley |
| Prize for Academic Excellence | Nina Smedley |
| Calder Family Prize for Drama | Niamh Webster |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for English Advanced | Niamh Webster |
| Suzanne Dawes Prize for French | Niamh Webster |
| Kinross Wolaroi School Prize for French Extension | Niamh Webster |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Niamh Webster |
| Caltex Best All Rounder Award | Niamh Webster |
| Prize for Academic Excellence | Niamh Webster |
| P&F Award for Excellence in Practical Work - Textiles and Design | Maggie Anderson |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | Maggie Anderson |
| Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award | Maggie Anderson |
| Prize for Academic Excellence | Maggie Anderson |
| Wolaroi College Shield for Best All-Round Sportsman | George Wakem |
| Sean Ngu and Craig Smith Prize for PDHPE | George Wakem |
| Chris and Suzie Brown Prize for Academic Excellence | George Wakem |
| McE D’Hudson Memorial Prize for English | Tessa Lawson |
| Year 12 Prize for Textiles and Design | Tessa Lawson |
| J B Caldwell Family Prize for Proxime Accessit to the Dux | Tessa Lawson |
| Sean Ngu and Foong Takaunlao Prize for Chemistry | William Haseler |
| Westpac Trophy for Senior Economics | William Haseler |
| WG Stewart Prize for Mathematics | William Haseler |
| W D J Dean Prize for Physics | William Haseler |
| Ex-Students’ Association Prize for Outstanding Effort | William Haseler |
| Carolyn Roweth Prize for the Dux of Kinross Wolaroi School | William Haseler |
HSC Achievements
It is exciting to see a number of achievements already coming in for our HSC students in performance and major works. These are listed below:
ENCORE
Congratulations to Alex Caban, whose HSC Music Performance has been nominated for inclusion in ENCORE. ENCORE presents a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Music students in NSW including performance, composition and musicology. It will be held at the Sydney Opera House onMonday 24 February 2025.
On STAGE
The following student's Individual Performances have been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE:
| Digby Gulliver | Ned |
| Edward Southwell | The Death of Two Men |
| Niamh Webster | Mr Clown |
The following students Group Performances have been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE:
| Cadence Austin | Dooms Day Dancing | |
| Alexia Challita | Stiff Business | |
| Halle Doyle | Foxy Pirates | |
| Scarlett Gee | Foxy Pirates | |
| Digby Gulliver | Stiff Business | |
| Audrey Hedley | Dooms Day Dancing | |
| Edward Southwell | Stiff Business | |
| Niamh Webster | Foxy Pirates | |
| Georgia Williams | Dooms Day Dancing |
OnSTAGE is an annual showcase of HSC Drama performances and individual projects and will be held at the Seymour Centre from Saturday 8 February to Friday 14 February 2025.
SHAPE - Industrial Technology
The following Industrial Technology student/s work/s from your school has/have been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE. Congratulations to:
Robert Burke
Samuel Fabar
Cameron Hoskin
Nicholas Nash
Gus O'Neill
Jack Pursell
SHAPE - Textiles and Design
Congratulations to Maggie Anderson, Tessa Lawson, Elke Sweetapple and Scarlett MacKenzie, whose Textiles and Design major work has been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE.
SHAPE is a selection of outstanding works from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students and will be held at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct from March 2025.