Senior School Sport & 

Co-curricular 

Swifts' Day at Kinross Wolaroi Netball Club: A Dream Come True!

The excitement was palpable at Kinross Wolaroi School Netball Club as the NSW Swifts paid a special visit, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience for all involved. From drills to game time, the Swifts, represented by Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau, shared invaluable tips and tricks with each year group, leaving a lasting impact on our aspiring netballers.

For the senior players, the highlight was undoubtedly the insightful Q&A session where Maddy and Sarah generously shared their wisdom. Additionally, they introduced the new warm-up drill 'milkshake', adding a fresh dimension to the girl's preparation routines.

Lunchtime brought the entire school together as they witnessed an exhilarating game, captained by Sarah and Maddy, leading teams of seniors. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the court with their netball idols, an experience they'll cherish forever.

Heartfelt thanks go out to Maddy and Sarah for gracing us with their presence, sharing their expertise, and being incredibly patient and kind throughout the day. The plethora of photos captured, and autographs exchanged serve as cherished mementos of this extraordinary day.

The NSW Swifts' visit has not only inspired our netballers but has also reinforced the bonds within our club, reminding us all of the power of community and shared passion for the game.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and events from the Kinross Wolaroi School Netball Club! 

Madi Jones

Softball

Sophie Williams (Yr 10) has just been named in the U16 Australian Women’s Softball squad. 

The U-16 Women's Squad comprises promising talents poised to make a significant impact on the future of Australian softball. As they embark on this journey, they will have the opportunity to hone their skills and further their development under the guidance of national coaches with a week-long squad camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in July.

Please congratulate Sophie if you see her around school. This is a wonderful achievement and one she has worked very hard for. Sophie travels to Sydney every weekend to train and play, as well as coaching and playing in the local competition. 

Waterpolo

U12’s NSW Waterpolo Festival, The Big Orange

Over the weekend Kinross Wolaroi had a team compete in the U12 Big Orange Water Polo 3-day Festival on 8-10 March. The team was made up of students who put their hand up and decided to give it a go. We had five people in our team from the Junior School who had zero experience (Andy Zinga, Grace Lowther, Henry Jones , George Davis and Harry Doyle) and we also had four players who have trained with the Orange Waterpolo Club, the ‘Waterdragons’ and were selected to play for their school (Nick Sweetapple, Nick Strahorn, Hugh McDouall, and Louis O'Brien). 

We played seven games against representative teams from all over NSW, had many close games and even won one of them! We all had lots of fun learning the game. Our coach Doug “The Gappy” used the little time we had in between games to teach us the more important skills of the game and used his own experience to relate to us. Each game we played he would be on the sideline explaining what needed to be done.  We all loved the experience. I certainly would encourage other people to give it a go.

Nick Sweetapple 

Captain, Year 7

Cricket

The Kinross Wolaroi Cricket Under 14 Thunder have been crowned ODJCA Premiers! 

On Saturday, the team won against the undefeated Orange City side to win the premiership. This marks back-to-back premierships for the Under 14 teams, both coached ably by Mr Kerridge. In the video below is the thrilling moment that Thunder player Billy B bowled Kinross Wolaroi into the premiership, claiming his second hat-trick of the season in the process. This result pays testament to our students’ hard work and dedication, and also that of their coaches – well done to all, and what an exciting time ahead it is for you!

Week 8, Term 1

Here we are – the end of yet another exciting cricket season. Season 2023/24 has been full of tremendous performances – both individual and team which have shone a spotlight on the efforts of our students over the season.

The past fortnight has been one of great success, and one that many of our players and coaches will be able to look back on fondly over the winter. As reported above, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Under 14 Thunder for winning the Orange Junior Under 14 Premiership. 

Further to our junior successes, our 1st XI have recently progressed into the Orange District Cricket Association’s 2nd Grade Grand Final this coming Saturday. The match follows a strong season-long performance claiming the Minor Premiership and earning the team a week off over semi-final week. The final is set to begin at 1pm, at Riawena Oval – your support is most welcome on the day.

It would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful help Kinross Wolaroi Cricket has received throughout the season. I would like to recognise the following people/groups for their assistance over the 2023/24 season:

• Jo Hunter: Assistance with event/program planning and wet weather arrangements each week.
• Coaches: Bruce Kerridge, Harry Priest, Will Evans, Riley Holland, Matt Byrne, Rick Bowman, Ethan Phillipsen, Walter Prowse
• KWS Cricket Club: Bruce Johnston (Pres.), Nicola Byrne (Vice Pres.) Elise Heath (Tres.), Edwin and Rochelle O’Brien (Sec.), Matt Byrne (Club Coach) and committee members for their continued support of the program.
• Grounds: Wes McDonald (Head) and Keith Howarth (Curator) – we have some of the nicest grounds in the region, thank you for all your work preparing grounds and wickets for our students to train and play on throughout the Summer.
• Players: Thank you to you for your hard work and positive attitude; win, loss, draw in sun or rain!

Finally, thank you to all the parents that have given so generously of their time to assist our coaches on match days. Be it supporting, giving throw downs, scoring or umpiring, your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Without the assistance of all those listed above (and many others) the season wouldn’t run nearly as productively or smoothly at it does.

In closing, I am hopeful that I will have the opportunity to see many of you around the grounds on Friday and Saturday this week, supporting our senior players in their respective matches.

Yours in cricket,

Will Waterson

MIC Cricket

Cricket Captain Words of Wisdom

“Greatness accepts nothing other than a strong finish”

Week 6 Fixtures:

Senior Fixtures

1st XI: 5/90 (J Anderson 21*, A Pengilly 19) defeated Cavaliers 88 (L McKenzie 3/12, J Harding 2/13, C Miller 2/15)

Centenary Cup: 120 (A Fergusson 32, H Martel 19) defeated by Centrals 4/124 (C Keirle 2/24, B Dwyer 1/6)

Junior Fixtures (Semi-Finals)

U15s

KWS Heat: 68 (M Lawson 13, N Martin & H Sinclair 11) defeated by Orange CYMS 3/69 (F Smith 2/13)

U14s

KWS Thunder: 9/128 (B Baldwinson 44, J Beaudin 33) defeated Orange CYMS Green 9/128 (B Baldwinson 2/20, D Dixon 2/22)

Week 7 Fixtures:

Centenary Cup

KWS 2nd XI: 82 (H Martel 30, H Baldwinson 13) defeated by Orange City 145 (W Haseler 3/33, C Keirle 2/14, S Spliet 2/18)

U14s Grand Final

KWS Thunder: 9/104 (J Beaudin 22, B Baldwinson 19, D Dixon 18) defeated Orange City Warriors 80 (B Baldwinson 4/9 including hat-trick, H Leader 2/10, M Kenny 1/12)

U14s Grand Final Report – Bruce Kerridge (Coach)

“Batting first the Thunder recovered from the loss of early wickets to close on 104 for 9 after 25 overs.

The innings was held together by Billy Baldwinson (19), Declan Dixon (18) and Jackson Beaudin (22). While the Thunder total was less than we would have liked and no one was able to play a major innings this was a very good performance given that we had lost our top order cheaply and this was a final with all the extra pressure that this brings. Mention should be made of lower order batsmen Ted Sheedy, Henry Francis and Sam Thomas who showed a great deal of character and helped get the total past the 100-run mark in the closing overs.

In reply, Orange City were dismissed for 80 thanks to some high-quality bowling and fielding. Billy Baldwinson made the early breakthrough and returned to clean up the tail with a hat-trick to finish with 4 for 9 from 4.4 overs. His pace and accuracy presented a challenge for all the top order players he bowled to and were simply too much for the lower order to handle. Credit should also be given to other members of the Thunder attack for the manner in which they went about their work. Crucial breakthroughs were made by Max Kenny, Tate Dwyer and Hamish Leader to dismiss some of Orange City’s best batsmen. Max’s dismissal of Talby Smith for 1 caught in the deep by Billy Baldwinson was an important early psychological blow and Hamish’s dismissals of the dangerous Zavier Felice and top-scorer Lewis Hannan were vital. One bowler who did not actually take a wicket – Jackson Beaudin – also contributed a great deal to the win by the way that he helped build pressure with a crucial post-drinks spell that saw him bowl 3 overs for 8 runs.

From a coaching perspective it was pleasing to see the Thunder finish the season with a win but it was more pleasing to see us recover with the bat and see out our overs to post a score and for the bowling attack to maintain a challenging length for the vast majority of the opposition innings and create pressure.

Thanks to Mrs Wood for her help with scoring on the day and throughout the season.

Thanks also to the parents of the KWS Thunder for their support of their players and the team in general.

Thanks to Harry Priest and Jock Litchfield for their help at the Nets every Tuesday and Thursday. The 14’s trained as a squad and anything that the Thunder achieved owes a great deal to Harry and Jock.”

Swim Team Makes a Splash at 2024 ISA Swimming Carnival in Sydney

The KWS Swim Team embarked on a journey to Sydney to showcase their prowess at the highly anticipated 2024 ISA Swimming Carnival. With determination in their hearts and strokes honed through rigorous training, the team was poised to make waves in the competitive arena.

Re-entering Division One after their promotion in 2023, our Swim Team faced stiff competition but demonstrated their skill by securing a commendable 5th place finish, solidifying their position in the elite division. This achievement serves as a testament to their dedication and sets the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future.

The girls of the Swim Team proved to be exceptional, with the junior girls finishing fourth, the intermediates securing a strong second place, and the seniors piling on points for a convincing win in their division. Collectively, the girls finished second overall, narrowly behind a formidable Barker team.

Throughout the carnival, both the boys and girls teams shattered records and raised the bar for excellence. Their camaraderie and support were evident, exemplifying the true essence of sportsmanship and unity.

In conclusion, the Swim Team's journey to the 2024 ISA Swimming Carnival in Sydney showcased their skill, determination, and teamwork. Their remarkable performance serves as an inspiration to aspiring swimmers and reaffirms their position as champions in the pool.

A big thank you goes to Brandon Lawrence and his staff for their continued efforts with the swimmers. However, most of the thanks must go to the dedication and commitment displayed by the swimmers of Kinross Wolaroi School.

Mr Adam Harrison, Head of Sport

Basketball

It is the business end of the season and it’s been a busy few weeks in the lead up to the finals.  I look forward to watching how we go as a school and the development as a team and as individual players.

“A champion team will always beat a team of champions”

Remember this when you take to the court in what may be your final game of the year and perhaps your final game of basketball for the school.

It was great to see a so many students from Kinross Wolaroi representing Western Associated Schools in the recent AICES basketball competition held at Castle Hill in Sydney.

In both the Open Boys and Open Girls competition, over half the representatives were from Kinross Wolaroi, which is a great accolade not only for the individuals chosen but also the School.

It is important to note that there were also lots of players that were playing above there age group. 

I would like to give a special thanks to Jarrrad Klose who accompanied the boys' Open team and Dillion from Scots All Saints who also came along to assist with coaching on the day.

I have noticed a huge improvement in skills and knowledge of the game and, as Gerald Power said at a recent assembly at school, it is during these times that our true character shines through. Its important that all members of the team do their bit, contribute, train hard and eventually reap the rewards of their labor. The rewards may not be wins: they can be friendships, skill development, learning the rules, growing as a group, and as individuals.

I would like to thank all participants for their efforts with Basketball this season. It’s a long season and a big commitment and from what I have witnessed it has been one that has been mostly successful, fun and rewarding.

Please keep an eye on the basketball HUB page for finals fixtures and transport.

Mr Lee Taylor, MIC Basketball

Touch Football

It has been a big couple of weeks featuring several touch football events.

Last Saturday saw all four of the girls teams compete in the semifinals of the ISA competition. We had some success, with the Junior A team and Division 1 team having comfortable wins to progress through to the final. Unfortunately, the Junior B team and Inter A team both lost but still did well throughout the season and fought hard in the semi finals.

Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 6 was the 7/8 and 9/10 Western All Schools Competition. Kinross Wolaroi had boy and girl teams compete in both competitions. Both 7/8 boy and girl teams, as well as the 9/10 girl team (1) made it through to the semi finals of the competition. Unfortunately, they all lost their semi final games but thoroughly enjoyed the days.

On Saturday, the finals of the ISA competition were held at Macquarie University Sport Fields. Both teams were feeling nervous, especially the Junior B team, who were without their superstar coach, Jackson Hill, (who had his own National competition up in Coffs Harbour), and also a number of players through injury and other commitments. Spirits were lifted when Ellie Madden made a surprise visit to the final, and the girls were focused and ready.

The Division 1 team scored early in the game against Redlands, and from then didn’t look like losing. They ended up with a 7-2 victory to take out the top level of the competition, and this was an amazing redemption after losing last year in the final to Redlands.

The Junior B team (Bumblebees) had a much closer game, and after being down 1-0 early in the first half, got their nose in front to lead 2-1, before the score was tied at 2-2 at full time. This resulted in an extra two minutes of playing time with only four players on the field (usually six), in which the Bumblebees managed to break through and score. As the siren sounded, celebrations began a little too early, with Barker almost scoring as the final play was not completed, but they were luckily touched just before the try line. 

This fantastic result of two teams being the ISA champions meant that Kinross Wolaroi was also awarded the ISA Championship Shield for the Girls Touch Football Competition for the 2023/24 season. 

The final competition of the term is this Tuesday in the inaugural Year 11/12 Mixed Western All School Competition, in which Kinross Wolaroi has two teams entered. It will hopefully be another successful day.

The photo is of the safe transportation of the shield on the way home in the bus. Please make sure you congratulate all the Touch Football girls on this outstanding achievement.

Orange Running Festival

On 10 March approximately 50 Kinross Wolaroi students attended the Orange Running Festival. There were staff and students competing in everything from the 2km High School Dash, right up to the Marathon.

Kinross Wolaroi School won the High School Challenge, as a result of attaining the fastest five finishers, including Max Horne and Skye Napier, who both came first in their school categories. Congratulations also go to Year 2 teacher, Mr Lachie Barrett, who had a lightning fast run in the 42.2km marathon.

Orange Chamber Music Festival

The KWS orchestra had a fantastic and enriching experience at the Orange Chamber music festival on the weekend. The collaboration with international artists, addition of local performers, and the guidance of a guest conductor, Dr Joanna Drimatis, from the Australian Music Centre must have made it a truly special event.

The preparation efforts during the school holidays and leading up to the festival showcase the dedication and hard work of the students and organizers. It has been wonderful to hear that the students served as excellent ambassadors for the school, and their performance was appreciated to the extent that they have been invited to participate again next year.

Special appreciation goes to Jackie Shields for her valuable contribution in transporting, setting up, and packing up the school's orchestra at the art gallery. It's clear that the success of such events often relies on the support and efforts of individuals like her and the helpful music students.

The positive feedback from the Dr Joanna Drimatis and the invitation to collaborate again in the future speak volumes about the talent and potential of the KWS orchestra. This experience contributes to the overall growth and development of the students involved in the musical program. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this event a success.