From the Principal

How do you reach your personal best?

With students returning for the start of Term 3, there has been a real sense of energy across the School. During the holiday break, many students embraced opportunities beyond the classroom through the Ski Trip, Cadets Promotion Camp and Musical Rehearsal Week. Experiences, such as these, challenge students to develop new skills, build confidence, strengthen friendships and pursue their passions. The positive feedback I have received from each activity is a testament to the commitment of both staff and students, and I thank everyone who contributed to their success. 

The commencement of Semester 2 also provides an opportunity for reflection and renewed focus. In my Week 1 assembly address, I encouraged students to consider an important question: How do you reach your personal best? 

Many people assume that success is achieved through dramatic breakthroughs – working harder, studying longer or pushing themselves further. However, I challenged students to think differently about their approach. What if excellence is not achieved through one giant leap, but through hundreds of small steps taken consistently over time? 

To illustrate this idea, I shared the remarkable story of the British Cycling Team and performance director Sir Dave Brailsford. When Brailsford took charge in 2003, British cycling had experienced nearly a century of limited success. Rather than searching for a revolutionary solution, he introduced a philosophy known as the “aggregation of marginal gains” – the idea that improving every aspect of performance by just one percent can, over time, lead to extraordinary outcomes. 

The approach involved countless small refinements: improving equipment, fine-tuning training methods, focusing on recovery, optimising sleep and even making adjustments to the team environment. Individually, these changes seemed insignificant. Collectively, however, they transformed the team’s performance. Within a few years, British cyclists were winning Olympic gold medals, setting world records and claiming multiple Tour de France victories. 

The lesson for students is clear. Significant achievement is rarely the result of one moment or one decision. Rather, it comes from the accumulation of small, positive habits repeated consistently over time. Improving by one percent each day may not feel significant in the moment, but those gains compound and create substantial growth over the long term. 

This philosophy has powerful applications in learning. Students were encouraged to focus on small daily improvements in areas such as preparation, practice, seeking feedback and reviewing their work. Arriving prepared for lessons, spending focused time on revision, acting on teacher feedback or reducing distractions while studying may seem like minor adjustments, but over time these habits can make a profound difference to academic performance and personal development. 

As we progress through Semester 2, the challenge for every student is not to seek perfection overnight, but to identify one small improvement that can be repeated consistently. Success is often the result of simple disciplines practised every day. The students who achieve their personal best are frequently those who commit to steady progress, build positive habits and remain focused on continual growth. 

At Kinross Wolaroi School, we are committed to fostering a culture where students strive for excellence while recognising that meaningful growth occurs one step at a time. As I reminded students, there is real power in small improvements and slow gains. By focusing on becoming just one percent better each day, our students can continue to move closer to achieving their personal best. 

Term 3 Staffing Update

Mick Snowden – Head of Sport

Mick Snowden joins the School from Trinity Grammar School where he was Director of Rugby, Senior School Housemaster and a Geography Teacher. In addition to his school-based roles, Mick has been actively involved in representative rugby through NSW Rugby Union, serving as Head Coach of NSW Under 18s, and has an extensive background as a professional rugby player, competing with teams including the NSW Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels and Western Force. 

Michelle Fifield – Library Information Specialist

We also welcome Michelle Fifield to our school community as Library Information Specialist. Michelle brings extensive experience as an education and program leader, with a strong background in developing curriculum-linked resources, supporting teachers and students, and working collaboratively across schools, government and community organisations. Most recently, Michelle held a leadership role with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Jo Lenton – Head of Performing Arts Co-Curricular

I am very pleased to recognise the appointment of Jo Lenton as Head of Performing Arts Co-Curricular. Jo has been a valued member of our School community for seven years and has served in a variety of Performing Arts roles, including Music Teacher, Performing Arts 2IC (Co-Curricular), Acting Coordinator of Instrumental Music and most recently Acting Head of Performing Arts Co-Curricular. She has made a significant contribution to the School’s Performing Arts Program through her leadership of ensembles and events, coordination of performances and commitment to providing students with rich co-curricular opportunities. 

Angela Martin

I also welcome back our receptionist, Angela Martin, after a period of leave. It is great to see Ange back on our front desk. 

Gap Students

It is also a pleasure to welcome three new Gap students, Ealish Platt-Ransom, Yasmin Burgess-Williams and Eve Honey, to Kinross Wolaroi.  

Your sincerely 

Timothy Kelly

Principal