Message from 

the Principal

Welcome back

We have made an excellent start to the new academic year and it is always a joy as students return and life and energy returns to the School. It was wonderful to see how pleased the students were to see each other and to hear their excited conversation and laughter.

A very special welcome to all our new students and staff as they begin their journey as members of the Kinross Wolaroi School community. We have a strong reputation for friendliness and community and I know that we shall support our new members as they settle in over the coming weeks.

A number of students were busy pursuing various school activities over the summer break. We had our Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh candidates undertake a 4 day exploration of the Kosciuszko National Park alpine environment; Rowers competed extremely successfully in two Regattas and with over 110 attending a training camp during January and Swimmers and Athletes won medals in their respective NSW Championship events. 

I am most grateful to our Property and Facilities team who worked tirelessly over the summer upgrading and maintaining our facilities and ensuring the beautiful environment in which we learn, play and live looks fabulous – thank you.

New Industrial Technology Building

We also commenced our next building project – the construction of the Industrial Technology Building. It became most important due to the popularity of the subject and the issues surrounding OH&S that we create a safe and appropriate space for our students to construct their projects. This development will also enable the vacated space in the Anderson Centre to be utilized by other subjects who are also experiencing space challenges. The building is being located on the site of the former Cadet Compound and construction is expected to be complete for Term 4 2021.

We welcome many new staff across the full spectrum of the School.

It speaks volumes for KWS that we are able to attract such high quality educators to our community. Our staff lie at the heart of our School. Research clearly identifies that it is teacher quality that has the most significant impact on learning and development of students. 

It is an exciting time for us and it is so healthy to be adding new ideas, vision and experience as we evolve and develop as a dynamic learning community. 

‘to everything there is a season’

Over the past 3 years we have seen the retirements of a good number of staff who faithfully served our community for 30 to 40 years. Their commitment and dedication saved the School as it emerged from a period of uncertainty. They were all new in the 1980’s and 90’s

Now we welcome new staff who will write their chapter.

Academic Staff Appointments

I am delighted to welcome the following new academic staff to the Kinross Wolaroi School community: 

Mrs Denise Hayward - Head of Junior School 

Mrs Hayward comes to us from Tara Anglican School for Girls in North Parramatta – an independent, International Baccalaureate (Primary Years Programme) girls’ school where she was the Deputy Head of Junior School. Prior to this role, Mrs Hayward has had a distinguished career in teaching and management that included roles at Shore Preparatory School, Barker College Junior School and Trinity Grammar School.

Mrs Hayward brings to our Junior School extensive experience in developing and improving academic programs, classroom pedagogy and student wellbeing, having worked across a range of single-sex and co-educational schools.

As a leader in primary education, she has chaired the IPSHA Deputies Group and participated in panels for the Women’s Leadership Network. Mrs Hayward is currently an Experienced Teacher Assessor for the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) and chairs Initial Teacher Education panels for the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

As a professional educator, Mrs Hayward has spoken at conferences on the effective use of data in schools to facilitate student growth and development. 

She holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Sydney University, a Certificate of Gifted Education from UNSW, a Graduate Certificate in Assessment for Learning from ACER and a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics from Western Sydney University. 

Senior School

Mr Richard Bowman – Mathematics Teacher

Mr Richard Bowman joins us from Central Coast Grammar School. Richard and his wife have recently committed to a tree change, purchasing a house in Orange. Richard has over 25 years teaching experience across NSW and QLD and brings a wealth of experience to Kinross Wolaroi School. Prior to teaching at the Central Coast Grammar School, Richard was the Head of Mathematics at Coomera Anglican College on the Gold Coast, Senior Mathematics Teacher and Coordinator at Brisbane Girls Grammar, Head of Mathematics at Brisbane Boys Grammar School, Head Teacher and Relieving Principal at West Wyalong High School, teacher and Relieving Head of Mathematics at Woy Woy High School and a Mathematics teacher at Sydney Boys High School where he started his career.

Richard is a published author of Mathematics and Leadership texts and is a HSC Mathematics Extension 1 marker.

Richard has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Diploma of Education from University of Sydney, and a Master of Education from Griffith University.

Mr Trent Dyer – Head of PDHPE

Trent comes to us from Newington College where he has been an innovative and dynamic teacher and coordinator of Year 11 and 12 PDHPE.

His involvement at Newington has been extensive. Trent has coached Rugby, Basketball and Athletics; was an Officer in the Newington College Cadet Corps; is a Boarding Mentor and has created and conducted Indigenous cultural immersion experiences and tours. 

Prior to teaching at Newington Trent spent three years as Program Manager for the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy in Redfern where he was responsible for the management of staff and the provision of academic support for Indigenous students across the State and remote communities in the Northern Territory. This role saw Trent providing learning support across all subject areas; delivering Stage 6 PDHPE; writing Government reports, and funding applications. 

Trent has a Bachelor of Education in Human Movement and Health Education (Secondary) from the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Business from the Australian Vocational Training Academy. He loves the challenge of empowering students to realise their potential and to develop the skills required to succeed in a progressive society.

Trent is also a talented sportsman having been a professional Rugby player with the Melbourne Rebels and the Australian Rugby Sevens program.

Miss Elle Clifford – French Teacher

Miss Elle Clifford will join the languages faculty of Kinross Wolaroi School, and has been teaching on a casual basis at Mereweather High School, St Pius X, Warners Bay High School and Hunter Valley Grammar School. Elle is also a French Teacher for Alliance Francaise in Newcastle. Elle brings with her fabulous international teaching experience after spending a number of years in France at College Auguste Janvier, Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, College Eugene Lefebvre and the College Jacques Brel. 

Elle has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Secondary Teaching in French and History from University of Newcastle. 

Miss Alex Cropley – Social Sciences Teacher and Acting MIC Rowing

Miss Cropley joins our Social Science this year as a permanent member of staff and will continue in the role of Acting MIC of Rowing for Term 1. 

Alex has taught at the Francis W P Parker School in Chicago USA where she was also heavily involved leading Hockey, Basketball and Athletics programs. She has also taught at the Northern Beaches Secondary College in Manly and been involved in the Rowing program at The King’s School and Pymble Ladies College.

Alex has a Bachelor of Health Science (Marketing) from the University of Sydney and a Master of Teaching from the University of New England. 

Miss Kate Cutcliffe - PDHPE Teacher, Head of Gordon House, MIC Football

Kate joins us from Orange High School where she was the Year 7 Coordinator, PDHPE teacher and Year 8 PDHPE Program Coordinator. Kate has also been selected by Rural and Distance Education to author a cross-curricular program for the Department of Education, which will be implemented across a range of schools to cater for disadvantaged students. Kate brings to the role excellent experience in implementing a number of successful wellbeing initiatives. 

Kate has a Bachelor of Physical Education & Health Education (Dean’s Scholar) from University of Wollongong and is currently studying a Master of Inclusive Education through Charles Sturt University. 

Kate is also a former pupil of Kinross Wolaroi School and member of Gordon House.

Mrs Erin Gibson – Science Teacher

Erin joins our Science faculty having most recently taught at Raroa Normal Intermediate School in Wellington, New Zealand. Prior to this Erin was on the staff at Orange Anglican Grammar School for six years. 

Erin has a Master of Education in Expert Teaching Practice from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in Education from the Wesley Institute and a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Honours) from the University of Sydney.

Ms Georgina Dunlop - English Teacher

Georgina has a wealth of life and teaching experience having been an owner of several businesses and a production manager for Discovery Channel in the UK. Georgina is currently teaching at Mt Isa where she is a District Relief Teacher for the Mt Isa Centre for Learning and Wellbeing which covers 22 remote schools in North Queensland. She has also taught English, History and Geography at Mansfield State High School; classroom teacher of English – Film, Television and New Media at Rochedale State High School and English Teacher at MacGregor State High School.

Georgina has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Humanities – English and Media from Exeter University, United Kingdom and a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education in English, Film and Media from Griffith University.

Mr Lee Taylor – Head of Indigenous Education, 2IC Tower House, PDHPE Teacher

Lee is a dedicated and passionate educator who brings with him a range of experience. For the past 10 years he has been involved in leading Indigenous Education programs in Western Australia. Lee comes to us from Bunbury Cathedral School where he was Indigenous Students Coordinator, a Boarding Housemaster and Teacher of PDHPE. Prior to this he spent five years as School Officer at Bayulu Remote Community School at Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Lee has experience in Literacy Education and has taught English Enrichment and Philosophy and Ethics. Lee has a Bachelor of Education (K-10).

Lee will be the Assistant Boarding Housemaster of Tower House and will teach PDHPE in the Junior School for Terms 1 and 2.

Ms Sophie Heta – Sports Administrator and MIC Basketball

Sophie comes to us from Charles Sturt University where she has been the Sport and Clubs Officer. Sophie will be assisting Joe Priest by providing administrative support and will be located in the Main Administration building. Sophie has a Bachelor of Science from Troy University in Alabama, USA, and is currently completing a Master of Primary Teaching through Charles Sturt University.

Mrs Jeri Matheson – Teacher’s Aide

Jeri comes to us from Condobolin Public School where she was a Teacher’s Aide for four years. Jeri and her husband recently moved to Orange with their young son Ivor. Jeri has over 14 years experience in the childcare industry and is passionate about supporting struggling students. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) through Charles Sturt University. Jeri has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Education Studies from the University of West of England. 

Ms Katherine Howarth – Coordinator Instrumental Music 

Katherine joins our Music Faculty and will look after our 25 peripatetic teachers, coordinate individual student music lessons, coordinate Studio Concerts and also manage our teaching studios.

She is a passionate teacher, chamber and orchestral musician specializing in clarinet. Katherine is a current musicology research candidate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a principal focus area of Australian music history and performance reception. 

Katherine has a Bachelor of Performance (Clarinet) with First Class Honours, and a Masters in Musicology from the University of Sydney – Conservatorium of Music. She has been the Principal Clarinet of the Sydney Youth Orchestra for a number of years and has toured China and the United States. Katherine also has experience with the Conservatorium in the areas of concert organization and stage management. 

Junior School

Ms Georgia Cuming - Year 2

Ms Georgia Cuming comes to KWS on a fixed term contract for 12 months in the Junior School. Georgia has recently graduated and completed her Practicums at Barker College, Knox Grammar School, Kambala Junior School and Artarmon Public School. Georgia did a gap year in the UK at The Dragon School in Oxford and has some experience as an Early Childhood educator. 

Georgia has a Bachelor of Primary Education and from the University of Notre Dame and is enrolled to complete a Graduate Certificate in IB Education this year.

Mrs Marlo Robson – Kindergarten

Mrs Marlo Robson joins us as a full-time teacher in the Junior School. Marlo comes from Tangara School for Girls in Cherrybrook where she has been a Kindergarten and Year 1 teacher. Prior to Tangara, Marlo had experience at Abbotsleigh, Barker College and Knox Grammar School. Marlo also has ten years teaching experience in the UK where she was a Junior School teacher at The Minster School and Terrington Hall Preparatory School, both located in York. 

Marlo has a Bachelor of Education from Macquarie University and has Reading Tutor and Initial Lit Programme qualifications also from Macquarie University.

Mr Jarred Tyack – Year 5

Mr Jarred Tyack has accepted a fixed term position as a full-time teacher in the Junior School. Jarred comes from the Central West and has been a casual teacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Orange, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Molong and Catherine McAuley Primary in Orange. Jarred has experience as a Youth Worker/Mentor for Boys to the Bush; in Learning Support for Forbes High School and Forbes North Public School. 

Jarred has a Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science and a Master of Teaching from Charles Sturt University.

Ms Amy Newsom – Psychologist

Ms Amy Newsom has accepted the role of full time School Psychologist.  Amy will be relocating to Orange, after spending the last few years in Sydney. Amy has much experience in the school setting, previously working with MLC, Sydney. Prior to that Amy was at Abbotsleigh, Moriah College and working in private practice. Amy is a Registered Psychologist with AHRPA and brings a wealth of experience with her to Kinross Wolaroi School.

Amy has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from University of Sydney and studied her Honours in Psychological Sciences at the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP).

I am sure you will do all you can to ensure our new staff settle in to the KWS community.

Changes in roles/New Responsibilities 

We have a number of staff who are taking on new responsibilities this year and I am most grateful to them for their continued commitment and further contribution to our students:

Ms Heidi Anthony – Acting Head of Teaching & Learning

Mr Anthony Begg – Head of Boys Boarding and Acting Head of Boarding

Mr Joe Priest – Acting Director of Co-curricular

Mrs Serena Lewis - Head of English 

Ms Natasha Terry-Armstrong - Head of Social Science

Ms Robyn Youll – Acting Head of Visual Arts

Mrs Sophie Fardell – Head of Loader House – 2021

Mr Jason Smith - Head of Blackman House

Mrs Antonia Suthers – Gifted and Talented Mentor

Mrs Michelle Thompson - Head of Richards House

Mrs Suellen Young – Leader of Staff Development – T1 & T2

Mrs Emma Charlton – Coordinator of Wellbeing, K-Year 6

Mrs Amanda Dodson – Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, K-Year 6

Mrs Bernie Sharpe – Junior School TREE Project Officer

Congratulations

Swimming - results from the NSW State Swimming Championships

The NSW state Swimming Championships were also held prior to Christmas where over 200 clubs attended. KWS placed 18th overall and 4th in the country club rankings. There were some very strong performances by our students – namely Oliver McLaughlin who won Gold and Bronze medals; and Collette Lyons who won Gold and Silver medals and Mercede Cornelius-Feltus who won a Bronze medal.

WRAS Programs

Kinross Wolaroi School have been notified that several of our students have been selected in the Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS)

Netball – Evie Hall, Year 10

Hockey – Phoebe Poole, Year 10; Taylah Larkings, Year 11; and Chloe Robertson, Year 11

Athletics – NSW Championships 

Ben Jones, Year 11, competed in the NSW All Schools Athletics meet prior to Christmas. Ben won a Silver Medal in the 400m event earning him a place in the National Athletics event to be held early this year.