Around the Senior School

Italy Visual Arts Tour 2025

The Visual Arts Italy Tour is progressing well in the planning process. We are excited to announce that there are still a few places available. 

Preference is given to Elective Visual Arts students on a first come, first served basis. If your child is not studying Visual Arts they may still apply to attend but may be put on a waitlist. If interested, please email the lead teacher Mr Will Waterson wwaterson@kws.nsw.edu.au 

The trip will spend the April holidays touring sights and galleries as well as practical workshops in artmaking and Italian food and culture, flying into Rome and out of Venice. Please visit the Hub page for more information: The Hub - 2025 Visual Arts Italy Tour (kws.nsw.edu.au) 

Understanding Government

Year 11 Legal Studies and our French Exchange students travelled to Canberra in Week 9 to immerse themselves in the Nation’s Capital and its law-making processes at Parliament House. 

Accompanied by Mr Waterson and Ms Symons, students got to experience the legislative process in many ways. A Parliament Education Office tour allowed students to better understand the functions of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Speaking of which, the students thoroughly enjoyed Question Time in the Senate, watching the politicians thrash out the latest housing policies. In addition to the educational offering, the new Student Leaders were celebrated with an induction ceremony at Parliament House, in lieu of missing the ceremony back at School. After a big day of travel and politics, a group dinner and movie at the Canberra Centre was an excellent way to conclude Day 1.

Day 2 allowed for some self-guided tourism of the city before a tour of Australian National University. There are several ex-students who undertook Legal Studies now completing a variety of law degrees at ANU, and it was a good experience to see where the subject has taken them. In addition it was fascinating to see the location of the recent Student Encampment at ANU in protest of the Gaza war, which has been studied in class. Finally, the group cruised back to Orange thoroughly wiped out from a big two days but overall very pleased with a rewarding and insightful trip.

Mr Ben Ronald, Academic Staff

2025 Cadet Calendar Released

Cadets is a compulsory activity for Years 7-9. Cadets commences in Semester 2 for Year 7 and concludes in Term 2 of Year 9. 

There are two compulsory camps each year. The Annual Cadet Camp happens at the end of Term 1 and the Bivouac Camp happens in the final week of Term 4. Eligibility for leadership is dependent on attendance at Annual and Bivouac camps prior. 

There is opportunity for Cadets to continue into leadership positions beginning at the conclusion of their compulsory involvement in Year 9.  Leadership training happens at a Camp at the end of Term 2 and is held onsite at the Wolaroi Campus.

Applications for leave on a week-to-week basis are to be completed in advance of the absence. Applications for leave of this type should be emailed by a parent/guardian to cadets@kws.nsw.edu.au.

Applications for exemption can be found on the Cadet HUB page and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Michelle Thompson, Academic Administrator and Academic Staff

Dubbo Wether Expo

The Kinross Wolaroi School Sheep Team consisting of eight Year 10 students and one Year 11 student recently competed at the Dubbo Wether Expo.  

Sixty-nine high schools across NSW were part of the competition. Participating schools each received 6 wethers (donated by Egelabra) to raise over a six-month period. The wethers are then returned to Dubbo and students compete with them across several events. This is a unique opportunity for students to be involved in preparing sheep for showing and sale.  Our Sheep Team won an award for the most engaged students for their sheep handling skills, presentation and knowledge of the industry.

A special thank you goes to MSM Milling for donating 500kg of sheep pellets and to our Ag Faculty Assistant, Mr Frank Weymouth, who ensured the sheep were well fed and cared for.  And thank you to the 3 x Year 10 Agriculture classes whose students all participated in preparing the sheep for the show, including weighing, haltering and leading the wethers during their time at our Ag Plot.

It was lovely to catch up with some Kinross families who came to see the team during the expo.

Marg Aldersey, Academic Staff

Year 9 Ninja Warrior Excursion

During Term 3, Year 9 students focused on improving their flexibility, coordination, strength, and balance by learning various gymnastic techniques. To put these skills to the test, they attended the Central West Gymnastics Ninja Warrior Course. Students challenged themselves on the purpose-built ninja rig, which featured obstacles like warped walls, spider walls, and other exciting elements.

Ms Elly Reynolds, Academic Staff

Year 9 & 10 PASS Wheelchair Basketball Incursion

As part of their Physical Activity & Sport Studies (PASS) curriculum, Year 9 and 10 students explored the rise of various groups in Australian sports, including people with disabilities. To deepen their understanding, students participated in a Wheelchair Basketball session, run by Wheelchair Sports Australia. This practical experience allowed students to not only try something new but also gain insight into what it’s like to navigate sports in a wheelchair.

Ms Elly Reynolds, Academic Staff

Year 11 Hospitality and Textile Design Excursion 

Excursion Highlights: A Journey of Flavors and Skills

Our Year 11 Hospitality students recently embarked on an unforgettable excursion filled with culinary delights and hands-on learning experiences! They were also accompanied by the Year 11 Textile Students.

Dessert Demonstration Delight and Textile Experience

The adventure began with the Hospitality students attending a spectacular dessert demonstration. Under the guidance of a talented chef, students crafted an array of indulgent sweets: delicate soufflés, creamy panna cottas, warm apple caramel strudels, and rich chocolate tarts. The chef shared invaluable tips on achieving perfect textures and stunning presentations, ensuring everyone left inspired and eager to try these recipes at home.

The Textile students ventured into one of the oldest fabric and haberdashery stores in Sydney to get some inspiration for the major design work. We then travelled to Ultimo Tafe to discover the fashion courses which are on offer and also had the opportunity to design our own jean recycled outfit, which is one of the courses they offer.

Interactive Dining Experience

For dinner, we enjoyed a unique hot pot setup that encouraged interactive dining. This hands-on approach fostered a communal atmosphere as students immersed themselves in the cooking process, adding a delightful variety of meats, noodles, vegetables, dumplings, rice, and plenty of chili. It was not just a meal; it was a shared experience that brought everyone closer together.

A Day at the Sydney Seafood Markets and the Maritime Museum

The following day started bright and early at the Sydney Seafood Markets. After a fascinating tour of the bustling auction floor, students refueled with delicious bacon and egg rolls. The highlight of the morning was a seafood masterclass, where students broke into groups to replicate various recipes. The delicious results were not only rewarding but also a testament to their hard work and collaboration. Whilst the hospitality students were enjoying the fish markets, the Textile students enjoyed a relaxing breakfast and walk in Darling Harbour before embarking on a 3 hour workshop on the History of Australian Swimwear.

Skill Development and Memorable Moments

Throughout this excursion, students learned essential culinary skills through expert teaching techniques. This experience was more than just about eating; it was an opportunity to bond over flavors, techniques, and sweet delights that will surely stay with them as they continue their culinary journey.

Thank You!

A huge thank you to everyone who made this excursion possible, from our dedicated teachers to the culinary experts we worked with. 

Helena Rollo, Academic Staff

Love Food Hate Waste

High Schools Sustainable Cooking Competition

On Friday 20 September, three courageous and talented Year 10 Food Technology students competed against 2 other schools at the Orange TAFE in this cooking competition.  They competed against teams of three Orange and district high school students from Year 10,11 or 12 Food Technology and/or Hospitality.

The competition tasks were:

1. To produce 4 x main meals - two meals with chicken breast meat as the protein source and two meals using a vegetarian protein source. 

2. To provide both recipes and a written workflow on the day of the competition.

3. To complete a written quiz on how they minimised energy use, reduced waste and recycled.

Lola, Ashton and Caitlyn did a fantastic job making a homemade pasta dish with creamy mushroom sauce as the vegetarian option and a crumbed chicken with a roasted cauliflower and chickpea salad.

Well done!

Mrs Robyn Youll, Academic Staff