Around the Senior School

Year 9 and Year 10 Geography

Recently, Years 9 and 10 Geography students have been participating in a range of fieldwork activities across Orange to support their classroom studies and develop their geographical inquiry skills.

Year 9 students explored the topic of Changing Places through an excursion and incursion focused on Orange as a growing regional centre. Students heard from guest speakers involved in tourism, politics and town planning, gaining valuable insight into the factors influencing the town’s growth and development. They then conducted first-hand investigations in Orange’s CBD and surrounds using geographical methodologies to collect important information about our growing city. 

Year 10 students investigated the factors influencing Human Wellbeing in Orange by studying the social, economic and environmental dimensions of the community. Through surveys, interviews and transects in the CBD, students examined how access to services, infrastructure and recreational spaces contributes to quality of life. Visits to Lake Canobolas allowed students to explore the social and environmental benefits these facilities provide to the community. 

These experiences provided students with valuable opportunities to apply geographical skills in real-world contexts while developing a deeper understanding of Orange as a dynamic and changing place.

Mr Winston West

Head of Social Science

National Simultaneous Storytime Performance

Our Year 9 Sport, Health and Media students together with Mr Short brought storytelling to life as they performed Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller, written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd and illustrated by Jake A. Minton, for our K–6 Junior School students as part of National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS).

NSS is a nationwide initiative where students across Australia and New Zealand read or listen to the same story at 12 noon. Our Year 9 students embraced the opportunity to perform the book for a live audience, linking seamlessly with their current unit on sports commentary.  The performance was both engaging and educational, highlighting the creativity and communication skills of our Year 9 students while fostering a love of reading among our younger learners.

At midday on May 27, classes across the Junior School paused their regular activities to read, watch, or participate in the shared storytelling experience.

Kids’ Lit Quiz National Final

Lizzy Harris, Melanie Davies, Mikhaela Coutts and Joshua Westcott proudly represented KWS and the Central West at the Kids’ Lit Quiz National Final, held on Monday, 25 May at the State Library of NSW. Competing against 15 other teams from across the country, our outstanding Year 7 and 8 students faced a challenging format that required not only accurate answers to earn two points but also speed on the buzzer. An incorrect response resulted in the loss of a point, adding to the pressure.

The competition featured five demanding categories (Animal Symbols, Authors, Reference Books and Twosomes) with fourteen questions in each. The questions were lengthy, complex and often cryptic, testing both knowledge and quick thinking.

During the event, audience members were also given the opportunity to participate in quiz questions for a chance to win book prizes. We were delighted that Mrs Harris and Mrs Coutts successfully answered a question each, showcasing their own literary knowledge.

While our team did not take home the national title or secure a place at the World Final in New Zealand, they were wonderful ambassadors for our school. Their enthusiasm, teamwork and resilience made us incredibly proud, and they gained valuable experience from this memorable event.

Bell Shakespeare Players

Students at Kinross Wolaroi School were treated to an engaging theatrical experience when the Bell Shakespeare Players visited the school for a day of live performances and workshops. Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed The Wonderful World of Will, an energetic introduction to the life and language of William Shakespeare. Year 9 students watched Such Sweet Sorrow, an interactive retelling of Romeo and Juliet, while Year 10 explored the themes and dramatic techniques of Macbeth through Macbeth: The Rehearsal. 

The performances combined humour, audience participation and close analysis of Shakespeare’s language, helping students connect with the plays in dynamic and memorable ways. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to experience professional theatre and deepen their understanding of Shakespeare in performance.

Douglas 2026 Social

Celebrating our Brightest Thinkers! 

We’re celebrating the outstanding achievements of our talented teams who represented Kinross Wolaroi at the Da Vinci Decathlon - a competition that challenges students to think creatively, collaborate effectively and solve complex problems across multiple disciplines.

 Year 8 (82 teams competing)  

• Overall – 13th  

• Art & Poetry – 6th  

• Creative Producers (Drama) – 4th  

• Science – 11th  

• English – 11th

What makes the Year 8 results even more impressive is that the team was a blend of four Year 7s and four Year 8s - a young, dynamic group already performing at a remarkable level.

A huge congratulations to all students involved. Their passion for problem‑solving, creativity and intellectual curiosity continues to inspire our entire community. We can’t wait to see what they achieve next as they keep pushing boundaries and aiming even higher.

Mr Matthew Byrne

Executive Director, Learning & Wellbeing

Reconciliation Week – “All In”

During Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), our students will be learning about what it means to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation. This year’s theme, “All In,” highlights that meaningful change requires the active participation of everyone. It is a reminder that we must step away from the sidelines and take action. Reconciliation will not happen on its own, nor without the commitment of us all.

To mark the occasion, Mr Lee Taylor, together with a few of our Indigenous students who also spoke at Assembly, ha created a wonderful display in the Library. The display features a large collaborative canvas, originally developed last year, depicting the mountain and caves, as well as a collection of artefacts and books that celebrate Indigenous culture and perspectives.

This meaningful display provides students with an opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage with the spirit of Reconciliation Week.

Home - Reconciliation Australia