From the Principal

Education Should Empower

Dear Parents

In this, my first Newsletter as Principal of Kinross Wolaroi School, it is my pleasure to welcome all new and continuing families to what promises to be another highly rewarding year for the Kinross Wolaroi community. Each school year promises much opportunity and I am looking forward to working alongside the students and staff as we strive to achieve all that we can in the year ahead. The manner in which the school year has begun is most heartening with the students having moved quickly into routine as they approach school life with vigour and enthusiasm. 

As I commence my stewardship of Kinross Wolaroi School, serving its community as Principal, I do so with a deep sense of duty and responsibility. 

I am deeply aware of the School’s outstanding reputation as a leader in education, and of the important role it has played in the life of Orange and the wider Central West for many decades. It is a school with a rich history and a proud tradition of excellence. I am genuinely delighted, and truly excited, to be joining the Kinross Wolaroi community as, together, we begin writing the next chapter in the School’s story.

In my first address to the school, I spoke to the staff and students about my vision for the School as follows:

As I step into this role and begin this journey with you, I want to share the vision that guides me, not just as a principal, but as someone who genuinely believes in the potential of young people.

I believe that education should empower you.

Not just to pass exams, but to discover who you are, what matters to you, how you want to shape the world around you, and to develop in you the capacity to do so.

Here at Kinross Wolaroi, my vision is to offer an environment, with all in our community, where your learning is meaningful, relevant and grounded in the reality of the world in which you are growing up, right here in this beautiful regional community. 

I want this to be a school where each of you feels seen, known, understood and supported, and where the opportunities we place in front of you genuinely reflect your needs, your interests and your aspirations.

I believe deeply in growth. Not perfection – growth.

Hence, I’m committed to continuous improvement: in our teaching, in our programs, and in the way we support one another. At the centre of all we do are the relationships we have with one another. And I want us to act with responsibility, so that the choices we make today leave a positive mark on tomorrow.

Above all, my vision is about you and who you are becoming.

I want you to live with conviction, to stand up for what you believe in, and to step into the world with purpose and meaning. I want you to feel confident in your identity and grounded in your values. And I want this school to be a place where respect, fairness and inclusiveness are not just ideals, but everyday actions, visible in how we treat one another and in how we carry ourselves.

As a School, we are called to nurture more than academic success. We are called to develop character, compassion, resilience and a desire to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. These are qualities I value personally and qualities I hope to encourage in each of you.

My vision is simple: I want every student who walks through our gates to leave this school not only well‑educated, but genuinely well‑prepared – to live meaningfully, lead confidently, contribute positively to the world, and serve others with compassion.

My aim is to work alongside every member of the Kinross Wolaroi community to build on the strong educational foundations already so evident here – an environment where each of you is supported to reach your full potential and develop a deep understanding of the world you are preparing to enter. I want this to be a place where you can:

• Strive for excellence in your academic learning and in every endeavour you pursue;
• Experience personal growth through active participation in a broad range of opportunities;
• Feel supported, included, and valued as individuals;
• Take well‑considered risks and lift the expectations you hold for yourselves;
• Develop the confidence to succeed in life and the skills to lead with integrity;
• Build caring, respectful and supportive relationships with others; and

• Grow a strong sense of responsibility and compassion, recognising your capacity to make a positive difference.

   

For this to be achieved, I consider it important that as a community we exhibit the following behaviours:

Respect

Respect begins with how you treat yourself – your wellbeing, your choices and your potential. But it also extends to the way you treat others: your teachers, fellow students, your families, and the school you belong to.

Respect is shown not only in big moments, but in everyday courtesies: saying “please” and “thank you,” waiting patiently, wearing your uniform with pride, greeting adults when you pass them on the path. I will say hello to each one of you every day, and I hope you will offer the same courtesy in return.

Be Kind to One Another

There is a Buddhist proverb that says, “If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.” When you go out of your way for someone else, you enrich your own life at the same time. Kindness matters. With kindness also comes tolerance. A diverse community is a strong community, one where we celebrate differences and appreciate the unique talents and perspectives each person brings. Let us choose to be a school where kindness and understanding guide our actions.

Be Committed and Determined in Everything You Do

When your time at Kinross Wolaroi comes to an end, I want you to look back without regret, knowing that you gave your best effort and seized the opportunities available to you. Success, for many, is not instant. It requires persistence, long hours, resilience, and commitment. There will be challenges, but I urge you to stay the course, keep going, and remain determined in the pursuit of your goals.

Explore Your Interests

Never be afraid to try something new, especially if it sparks your interest. And when you do give something a go, approach it wholeheartedly. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote,

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success… When you do a thing, do it with all your might.”

Bring your full self to your pursuits – your energy, your effort, your personality. When you do that, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.

I can assure you that I will never ask anything more from you, but at the same time will never expect anything less. 

I’d like you to take a moment to reflect on the final lines of William Ernest Henley’s powerful poem Invictus. He writes:

“I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.”

As you move through your years at Kinross Wolaroi – and indeed through the rest of your life, remember the truth in those words. Ultimately, you are in charge of the direction you take. You are the one who makes the decisions that shape your journey.

I encourage you to make those decisions with thought and wisdom, to take responsibility for the paths you choose, and to make the very most of the opportunities that lie before you.

As we commence this new year, I encourage each of you to approach your learning with diligence and an open mind. Participate wholeheartedly. Support one another. Uphold the values of this school in your words, your actions and your ambitions. You are part of a community with a proud history and a bright future. Together, let us make this year one of growth, achievement and purpose.

Co-curricular Activities

Sony Camp

The inaugural Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp at Kinross Wolaroi was held from 7–9 December, hosted 14 campers supported by companions from Years 11 and 12, along with media and student support teams ranging from Years 6–12 and one student from Scots All Saints. The camp was a great success, with most campers enthusiastically participating in all activities, particularly enjoying the pool and abseiling. Staff generously volunteered their time, with special thanks to Alex McLennan, Rev. Sally, Myrri Fatai, Liam Callaghan and Mary Griffiths, who were present from setup through to pack‑up. The student companions were especially commendable, embracing the challenge of supporting campers with high-level needs and finding the experience deeply rewarding. Planning is already underway for 2026, with the goal of welcoming 30 campers, and 25 inquiries already received.

Rugby Camp

To further strengthen the strong relationship between Kinross Wolaroi and Sydney University, we hosted the Sydney University Colts for a preseason rugby camp from 16–18 January, welcoming 60 players and 12 staff, while also providing 10 aspiring Kinross Wolaroi players with valuable exposure to a high‑performance training environment. The KWS Rugby Program extends sincere thanks to all who contributed to the smooth and enjoyable camp, particularly the Grounds Team, Heads of Boys’ Boarding Houses and Cleaning Staff, whose efforts were essential to its success.

The KWS Rugby Program would also like to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding group of players selected to represent South West NSW in the NSW Rugby Youth Development Program at Bathurst Bulldogs Rugby Club last weekend. At the time of writing, two of these representatives have been selected to progress to the next level, which is an exciting achievement for both the players and the program.

Cricket

Billy Baldwinson impressed while representing the Western Bradman Cup side in Albury over the New Year, earning selection for the Under 16 State Challenge in Dubbo from 21–23 January, where Miller Byrne will also compete in the Under 16 female pathway. Fletcher Byrne represented NSW Country at the National Championships in Brisbane, playing a key role as wicketkeeper and opening batter in a strong semi‑final win over NSW Metro; despite a rain‑affected final against a powerful Queensland side, the team secured an impressive second place overall

Swimming 

KWS Swimming had a strong showing at the NSW Senior State Age Championships in December, with eight swimmers representing the team and Brody Steele reaching the final of the men’s 100m freestyle. A standout performance came from the junior boys’ relay team – Ewen Kerridge, Zaro Jalal, Edward McGilvray and Freddie Mendl – who achieved exceptional time drops, shaving more than five seconds off their 4x50m freestyle relay and 3.5 seconds off their 4x50m medley relay. Across January, 26 club members also competed in three different competitions, securing qualifying times for the upcoming Area Championships, Country Championships and Junior State Age Championships taking place in Term 1.

Rowing

A squad of 42 Kinross Wolaroi rowers undertook intensive training camps in Penrith across Early December and January, pushing through demanding heatwave conditions with focus and resilience. Sessions at the Sydney International Regatta Centre were complemented by valuable off‑water experiences, including a private tour of the Rowing Australia Women’s National Training Centre where athletes met Australian Olympians and learned about elite pathways. A standout training moment came when the Girls First VIII sparred with the Sydney Rowing Club Under‑21 Eight, impressively winning two of three pieces against older competition.

Both camps were highly productive, marked by strong team culture, shared experiences, and significant technical progress. Highlights included the always‑popular ‘skit night’, as well as a visit from alumni and Australian Under‑23 rower Alec Hoskin, who assisted the squad and shared insights. Now in the final days of the late January camp, the squad is fit, motivated and well prepared for a busy Term 1 racing season. Sincere thanks go to Emily Williams, Niamh Mulveney, Rory Golden, Brittany Wills, Lachie Barrett, Marcus Kostich and the catering team, boarding and facilities staff, and the coaching group for their commitment and support throughout the holiday period.

Round Square – India Service Project

Kate Anderson travelled to India for the Round Square Service Project.  The group consisted of eight staff members from various countries and thirty‑eight students representing a wide international mix. Their primary tasks were completing construction on a two‑story library and assisting with a health camp in a nearby village. Days were spent undertaking physically demanding work such as moving bricks, mixing cement, laying and plastering walls, and preparing the floor, with a different student appointed as daily leader to manage safety, workload, and meals. Evenings concluded with group debriefs that encouraged positive and constructive feedback. The team also supported a health camp that served 900 villagers, where students helped record vital information, conduct basic eye tests, and distribute glasses and medication. One of the most valuable aspects of the project was the tech‑free environment, as students surrendered their phones and devices, allowing deeper personal connection and reflection.

Welcome New Staff

It is wonderful to welcome a number of new staff to the School in 2026. As a School, we are most fortunate to attract candidates of the highest calibre and the diverse and rich experience of our newest staff will certainly add to the educational experience of our students. Please find below a list of our new staff. 

Justin McInnes – Head of Boys’ Boarding

Justin joins us from Scots where he was the Director of Boarding.  With more than a decade of experience across roles such as Resident Tutor, Assistant Housemaster, Boarding Housemaster and Director of Boarding, Justin brings deep knowledge of boarding life and a strong commitment to the holistic development of young people.

Hannah Thornton – PDHPE Teacher

Hannah joins us from St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly, where since 2022 she has taught PDHPE across Stages 4–6, led Dance, and taken on extended acting roles as Director of Sport and Leader of Wellbeing.  Her background also includes leadership in sport and fitness through roles as Assistant Manager at North Shore Gym and as a long‑time dance instructor.

Niamh Mulveney – PDHPE Teacher

Niamh joins us from Coonabarabran High School, where she taught PDHPE across Years 7–12 and coordinated major school sporting events and carnivals.

Emily Williams – PDHPE Teacher and MIC Netball

Emily returns to KWS with prior experience teaching at the School, coaching Firsts Netball and supporting prep in the boarding house, and more recently has worked at Glenroi Heights Public School as a Casual Teacher and Acting Sports Coordinator.

Erin Cousins – Science Teacher

Erin joins us from St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln, where she taught Years 8 and 10 Science.  She has also completed placements at Valley View Secondary School and Willunga High School.

Olivia Taylor – TAS Teacher

Olivia is a trainee Technology and Applied Studies teacher currently completing a Bachelor of Education at Charles Sturt University, with additional qualifications in fashion, textiles, hospitality and first aid. She has gained school‑based experience as a pre‑service teacher at Kinross Wolaroi School.

Tara Cameronne – Learning Enhancement Teacher

Tara is an experienced Inclusive Special Educator and Behaviour Support Specialist.  She has held multiple leadership roles at The King’s School, including Assistant Head of Educational Support Services and Coordinator of the Inclusive Education Program.

Emmah Caruana – Junior School Academic Staff

Emmah joins us from St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willoughby, bringing extensive experience and a strong commitment to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments.

Rhodes Lea – Head of Strength & Conditioning

Rhodes is a Strength and Conditioning Coach with four years of experience working with elite rugby and combat athletes, currently serving as Head of Strength and Conditioning for the Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix Rugby Club.

Jess Rollo – Food Tech Assistant

Jess has worked in housekeeping, retail and hospitality.

GAP STUDENTS

We welcome four new Gap students:

• Seth Dunnington from Grey High School, South Africa
• Ben Rist from Grey High School, South Africa
• Eden Walsh-Tucker from Glenwood House School, South Africa

• Keagan Collett from Woodridge College, South Africa

   

In 2026 we will have a total of eight Gap students.

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

David Brown – Junior School PDHPE Teacher & Sports Coordinator

Angus Brotherton – MIC Rugby

Emma Clinton – Admissions 

Madi Jones – Acting Head Mentor Brown

Elly Reynolds – Acting Head of Sport

Ben Ronald – Acting Director, Wellbeing

Anita Rusten – Junior School Reception

Anna Ward – Co-Curricular Learning Admin

STAFF LEAVE

The following staff have taken a break from teaching:

Trin Graham – SS Teacher (Terms 1&2 2026)

Jason Smith – SS Teacher (2026)