From the Principal

Golden Alumni Celebration

It is with much pride and gratitude that I reflect on the recent Golden Alumni gathering, a remarkable celebration of 50 years or more since our esteemed ex-students graduated. This event was a powerful testament to the enduring value of community, a cornerstone of our School's ethos.

We were honoured to welcome 75 of our distinguished alumni, many of whom travelled great distances to join us. Among our esteemed guests were Their Royal Highnesses, the Crown Prince and Princess of Malaysia, Tengku Samad (Class of 1972) and his daughter, Tengku Muna, whose presence added a touch of royal grandeur to the occasion. Their participation exemplifies the far-reaching influence and respect our School commands globally.

Our guests were also warmly supported by Dianah Hayter, Patron of the Ex-Students Association and our current Ex-Students’ President, Mitch Colton and Secretary, Jack Evans.

Our alumni were profoundly impressed by the transformation and growth of the School since their departure in 1974. For many, it was their first return, a poignant journey back in time, met with the vibrant evolution of the present. It was heartening to see old friends reconnect, sharing memories and marvelling at the advancements and achievements that define our current educational landscape.

A highlight of the day was the warm welcome extended by our current students. Their enthusiasm and hospitality were evident as they guided our visitors through the School, sharing tales with each other of both the past and present. The sense of continuity and the bridging of generations were palpable, underscoring the timeless bond that our School fosters among its members. Our students' friendliness and warmth left a lasting impression, affirming the values of kindness and community that we hold dear.

The assembly dedicated to our alumni was a wonderful opportunity to provide updates on contemporary school life. Our students and I shared insights into the current initiatives, achievements, and aspirations that define our School today. The assembly was further enriched by performances from the talented musicians of the Con Brio String Quartet, showcasing the artistic spirit that flourishes within our walls. This blend of information and entertainment highlighted the dynamic and multifaceted nature of our educational environment.

The day concluded with a delightful luncheon at Banksia, where the spirit of camaraderie and nostalgia permeated the air. It was a time for sharing stories, rekindling old friendships, and forging new connections. The joy and camaraderie evident throughout the day were a powerful reminder of the lifelong bonds that are formed here, bonds that transcend time and distance.

I would like to extend a very special thank you to our Engagement Team, particularly Harriet Alker and Jennifer Divall. Their meticulous planning and hard work were instrumental in the success of this memorable event. Their efforts ensured that every detail was perfect, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

In conclusion, the Golden Alumni gathering was more than just a celebration of the past; it was a reaffirmation of the enduring value of community. It reminded us all of the importance of staying connected, supporting one another, and cherishing the shared history that binds us. Our School is not just a place of learning; it is a family, and this event was a beautiful illustration of that truth.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this day a resounding success. Let us continue to nurture the spirit of community that makes our School so special.

Coonabarabran North West Equestrian Expo

Over the past few days our talented and enthusiastic Equestrian team have been representing the School with distinction, achieving wonderful results and being marvellous ambassadors for Kinross Wolaroi School.  Our team of 33 riders was the second largest representation from over 100 schools who competed in the event.

The Expo is the largest equestrian event for schools in the Southern Hemisphere featuring 500 students from across the country and up to 600 horses.  In a sport that can be seen to focus on individual success, Expo has also focused on team events such as Polocrosse, Team Penning, Team Six Bar and Team Barrels, recognising a school’s success in many of the disciplines in the competition.

It was a great pleasure to spend some time supporting our team in Coonabarabran, and we should all be immensely proud of their achievements.  When all the results are in, we shall publish their accomplishments.  It was very special observing how our competitors supported each other; older students helping younger and the great support provided by all our families throughout the event.  Kinross Wolaroi had a significant footprint at this outstanding equestrian event, and we were wonderfully represented.

Thank you to Bardi Mannix for all her outstanding work as our MIC Equestrian, in supporting, organising our team and ensuring such a quality experience for our students and families, and congratulations to our excellent team.

Principal's Sabbatical Leave

Following the long weekend, I shall be taking three weeks sabbatical leave to explore aspects of practice in schools that have the potential to inform our new strategic direction, primarily in the areas of Staff and Student Experience.  I shall focus on three schools who are providing some quality experiences for staff and students; Dollar Academy, St Leonard's in St Andrew’s and Cargilfield in Edinburgh.

I shall be investigating what is being done to attract and retain staff, the experience of teachers new to the profession and supports that are provided; professional development practices led by staff in their learning communities and how workloads are managed in busy independent boarding schools.

In the area of Student Experience, I wish to learn the nature of some pastoral and wellbeing initiatives; how academics and wellbeing mutually support each other, and explore the character, scope and implementation of co-curricular programs.

I shall also visit Cargilfield, an independent preparatory school in Edinburgh to explore the possibility of establishing a regular Gap position for one of our Year 12 graduates.  Currently we have Lilla Attenborough having a wonderful Gap experience there and I look forward to seeing her.

At the conclusion of my leave, I shall be undertaking a ten day walk in the Scottish Highlands along the West Highland Way journeying north from Glasgow to Fort William.

During my absence:

• Mr Trent Chapman will oversee the Senior School
• Mrs Virginia Milliken will oversee the Junior School
• Mr Trevor Delbridge will oversee School Operations

My PA, Claire Milson, will be in my office and can assist with any other enquiries in the first instance.

Wishing you all a restful long weekend and a safe and successful finish to the Term.

Staff Announcements

Head of Junior School – Mrs Virginia Milliken

I am delighted to announce that Mrs Virginia Milliken will be our next Head of Junior School, effective Monday, 3 June, following her outstanding work in an acting capacity during 2024.

Virginia joined the School in 2022 as Assistant Head of the Junior School and is well versed in all areas of Junior School management.  Her energy, leadership, vision and warm and genuine connection to our community have earned her the trust, respect and confidence of our staff and families.

Virginia grew up in the regional town of Coonabarabran and has worked across a range of socio and educational settings from Tokyo, Waverley College in Sydney and across the Hunter Valley region.  Virginia has a wealth of experience in Literacy and Numeracy, Wellbeing and has a commitment to evidence informed educational practice. She has also worked as an Education Officer for Primary Schools in the Maitland and Newcastle area and has had involvement in the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy through the University of Sydney.

Virginia has a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Leadership from the Australian Catholic University, and a Graduate Certificate in Primary Mathematics from the University of Western Sydney.  She has vast educational experience not only within the classroom setting but beyond as she works her own family farm and enjoys a range of activities including dance, drama and art.

Virginia is an innovative teacher and educational leader who sees her role as sparking student curiosity, empowering them to wonder, question and explore excellence in their learnings whilst becoming well-adjusted community members who act with courage, respect and resilience.  Over the past nine months Virginia has very successfully facilitated and led the Junior School Innovation team as they set the exciting future direction of the Junior School.

I am delighted that Virginia will be our new Head of Junior School and am excited to see her contribution as our Junior School thrives into the future. 

Please join me in offering our congratulations to Virginia as she assumes this very important role in our School community.

Appointment to Frensham – Mrs Sue-Ann Gavin

It is with very mixed emotions that Mrs Sue-Ann Gavin will be leaving us at the conclusion of this term to take up a role at Frensham in the Southern Highlands.  Sue-Ann has been an immense contributor across the full-life of the School during her 17 years of outstanding service.  Her children, Canada, Adelaide and Bradman were educated at Kinross Wolaroi.

I am saddened that Sue-Ann will be leaving us as she is such a valued and respected colleague but pleased for her as she enters a new and exciting journey in her career.

In recent years Sue-Ann has demonstrated her great talents and vision in her roles of Director of The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE) and most recently as Director of Regional and International Engagement.  She has also led Round Square and been our representative in this international organisation.

Across her marvellous years of service to Kinross Wolaroi School and to the students and families, Sue-Ann has undertaken a vast array of responsibilities, each performed with utmost professionalism and care for our students.  In the realm of Academic Curriculum and Pastoral Care, she has been the Year 7 Co-Ordinator, Head of Social Science, Head of Loader Boarding House and Student Representative Council Co-Ordinator.  In the realm of Co-Curricular Activity, Sue-Ann has coached Debating, Football, Rowing, has been Master in Charge of Tennis, Master in Charge of TWIG and Abseiling Instructor in our Cadet Unit.

Kinross Wolaroi School has benefited enormously from Sue-Ann’s dedication, skill, passion and genuine care and concern for her students and colleagues and will be greatly missed by us all.  How fortunate we have been as a school community to have benefited from her contribution and generosity of spirit.

I am sure we all wish Sue-Ann every success in the future as she takes on new challenges at Frensham.