From the Head of Senior School

Allwell Testing 

Students in Years 8 and 10 have recently completed their Allwell testing. Thank you to all staff involved for their assistance in facilitating the program, and in particular to Mrs Michelle Thompson for her organisation and supervision throughout the process. 

Subject Selection Evening  

Our annual Subject Selection Evening will be held on Thursday 25 June, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in the DPA. This important event is designed to support students and families in making informed and confident decisions about academic pathways. 

The evening will feature a range of opportunities, including Industry Panel Sessions at 5:45pm and 6:30pm in the Chapel, covering Vocational and Professional Pathways. While optional, these sessions offer valuable real-world insights from members of our own community. 

Attendance is compulsory for Year 8 and Year 10 students, as they prepare for key subject selection milestones. University representatives will also be available on the mezzanine level for Years 11 and 12, providing advice on courses and admissions pathways. 

Kinross Wolaroi faculty members will be stationed throughout the venue to discuss subject offerings and expectations, making these conversations one of the most valuable aspects of the evening. Staff will also be available to provide guidance on wellbeing and academic support programs. This event is an excellent opportunity for students to explore their interests, consider future pathways, and make well-informed subject choices. 

Debating 

Our Years 7–11 debating teams have made an impressive start to the HICES Debating Competition. Students have demonstrated growing confidence, teamwork, and the ability to present thoughtful, persuasive arguments. It has been particularly pleasing to see students actively reflect on adjudicator feedback and apply it in subsequent rounds. 

A special congratulations to our Year 7 team, who remain undefeated and have progressed to the next stage of the competition. Our Year 8 team will complete their next debate on Wednesday as they compete for the opportunity to progress further. We look forward to following all teams as they continue to develop as confident communicators and critical thinkers. 

Da Vinci Decathlon 

Congratulations to our students who represented Kinross Wolaroi at the Da Vinci Decathlon hosted by Knox Grammar School. James Morrow, Laura Tan, Jessica Childs, Tim Napier, Marcus Proctor, Anna Clunas, Joshua Leung and Harold White achieved an outstanding 13th overall out of 82 teams, with notable results including 4th in Creative Producers and 6th in Art and Poetry. 

This achievement reflects the students’ creativity, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. We look forward to building on this success, with plans to attend the Thriving Minds event in Sydney later this year, where students will engage with complex and thought-provoking ideas. 

Country Women’s Association Public Speaking Competition 

Year 8 student Jessica Childs has been named the winner of the Country Women’s Association Public Speaking Competition held in Orange. She will go on to compete at the Regional level in Cowra. Jessica impressed judges with her thoughtful speech, “If I Could Change One Thing in the World,” delivering a timely message to slow down and allow time to enjoy life. Fellow competitors from Year 7, Aria Patel and Lara Hooper, also spoke confidently and demonstrated excellent preparation and public speaking skills throughout the competition. The annual CWA event encourage students across the Central West to develop confidence, communication skills and the ability to engage audiences on important issues.