From the Principal

The Value of Camps Week in a Holistic Education

As Term 1 draws to a close, our community has every reason to feel a deep sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.  It has been a term rich in activity, growth and achievement - culminating in a vibrant and varied Camps Week that perfectly exemplifies the values and educational philosophy we uphold at Kinross Wolaroi School. 

Our Senior School concluded the term with an impressive array of Camps Week offerings, each program thoughtfully designed to challenge, inspire and nurture the whole person.  From the rugged terrains of the Cadet Camp at Top Valley Station to the team building and activities of Year 7 Camp, from the creativity of Music Camp to the hands-on experiences of Work Experience to the responsibility and pride of parading cattle at the Sydney Royal Show, and from the diligent focus of the Year 12 examination practice to the selfless contribution of Community Service initiatives - every student has had the opportunity to engage, grow and contribute. 

Aristotle once said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” His vision of a rounded and balanced education, where physical activity, music, debate, service and adventure are as important as intellectual pursuit, continues to inspire educators across the world - and his wisdom lies at the heart of our approach at Kinross Wolaroi. 

Camps Week is not merely a break from the classroom; it is an essential element of our holistic education. These experiences challenge students to step beyond their comfort zones - camping under the stars, abseiling down cliffs, navigating unfamiliar environments and collaborating with peers in new and meaningful ways. They compel students to think creatively, solve problems, show initiative and adapt to new circumstances. They also foster resilience, self-confidence and camaraderie. These are not just life skills - they are character-forming experiences that shape well-rounded, empathetic and capable young people. 

It has been especially heartening to receive so much positive feedback from staff, parents and members of the broader community. Students have been widely praised for their maturity, positivity and willingness to engage fully in their chosen programs.  Whether through acts of service, moments of quiet leadership, or their enthusiastic participation in physical and team-based challenges, they have lived out the values we hold dear - respect, inclusivity, courage, commitment and resilience. 

Another challenging and spiritually fulfilling experience has been undertaken by our Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh participants who embarked on their Adventurous Journey through the rugged beauty of Kosciuszko National Park. Confronted by difficult terrain and majestic scenery, they pressed on with determination and good spirit - a shining example of perseverance and teamwork. 

These experiences do not happen by chance. A significant amount of planning, preparation and supervision is required, and I am profoundly grateful to our dedicated staff who gave so much of their time, energy, and care to ensure the success of Camps Week. Many spent extended periods away from their families, going above and beyond to support our students and bring these enriching opportunities to life. Their generosity and commitment are deeply appreciated. 

It is also important to recognise the impact our students have had on others.  Through their involvement in community service initiatives, they have brought comfort, companionship, and practical assistance to those in need. The messages I have received commending their kindness and compassion have been a source of great pride.  These moments of care and generosity are the quiet but powerful expressions of the kind of people we are striving to nurture - young adults who understand the privilege of their education and seek to use it in service to others. 

Camps Week, and indeed this entire term, have highlighted the many ways our students excel - not just in academic and co-curricular pursuits, but in character and contribution.  As we head into the holiday break, I hope all members of our community take a moment to reflect on the growth and achievements of the term. We are indeed fortunate to be part of such a warm, vibrant and caring school community. 

Thank you to our students, staff and families for a wonderful Term 1. May the Easter break provide rest, reflection, renewal and time for connection with loved ones. I look forward to all that lies ahead in Term 2. 

Congratulations

2025 Camerata Competition

The standard of musical performance in our annual Camerata competition was outstanding. 

Congratulations to our 2025 winners:

Junior Division

• Equal first place – Ella Kerdic and Anna Childs
• Highly Commended – Charlotte Hoskins, Harold White and Lucas Yabsley-Bell

Senior Division

• Equal first place – Sam Martin and William Hoskins
• Second place – Anabelle van Wyk
• Highly Commended – Isabel Wong and Ollie Hyde

Cricket Success

Our Cricketers have achieved considerable success in 2025 winning both the Wiburd Shield and the Douglas Shield.  These competitions are school statewide knock-out competitions for cricketers in the Under 15 and Open Division.  It is very rare for a school to win both in the same year, a feat which we also achieved in 2017. 

Congratulations to our outstanding players and coaches for achieving this fabulous feat! Well done!

National Selection – Touch Football

Touch Football Australia has just announced the Emus teams to represent Australia in the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup in Queensland during May. 

Congratulations to:

• Sam Hill (Men’s Under 18s)
• Lilly Clarke (Women’s Under 18s)

Wonderful to have two Kinross Wolaroi students selected at the National level. 

Australian Rowing Championships

Kinross proudly sent a group of 42 athletes to Tasmania for the Australian Rowing Championships in the last week of March. 

The squad excelled both on and off the water.   Emerging as the top performing school on the medal tally with 10 Medals – 2 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze.  Second in the Schoolgirls points score and third in the Schoolboys points score. 

Congratulations to the following students who won a National medal for the school:

Gold

• U19W4+ – Tessa Wong, Xanthe Staniforth, Olivia Searle, Lucy Reidy coxed by Philippa Martin 
• SG8+ Sprint – Tessa Wong, Xanthe Staniforth, Olivia Searle, Lucy Reidy, Rahni Jarick, Emily Wise, Laura Chudleigh, Bell Clinton coxed by Philippa Martin

Silver

• SB4x+ – Ollie Smith, Oscar Cleary, Toby Buckland, Harry Dymock coxed by Henry Baker 
• SB4x+ Sprint – Ollie Smith, Oscar Cleary, Toby Buckland, Harry Dymock coxed by Henry Baker 
• U17W4x+ – Bell Clinton, Emily Wise, Rahni Jarick, Laura Chudleigh coxed by Harriet Barnett 
• U21 Lightweight 1x – Harry Dymock 

Bronze

• U17M1x – Hamish Searle 
• U19M4x –  Ollie Smith, Oscar Cleary, Toby Buckland, Harry Dymock 
• SB4x+ Sprint – Lachie Soster, Nick Tancred, Archie Condon, Tom Robson coxed by Jane Bruce 
• SG4x+ Sprint – Maggie Kirby, Sophie Luelf, Ruby Leigo, Sienna Wilkin coxed by Emily Caro
• U23 Lightweight 2x – Harry Dymock 

Our rowers were outstanding ambassadors for their families, school and their sport during their time at the National Rowing Championships in Tasmania!  I received so many compliments about the highly impressive bearing, friendliness and conduct of our team. 

Below I include a note written to the KWS Rowing Team from a Sheffield community member who regularly supported and engaged with our students and staff:

To the wonderful Kinross Crew

What a whirlwind week you have all experienced. 

The same goes for the people of Sheffield who have thoroughly loved having you in our small but vibrant town. 

I gift you this tea towel as a token of your time with us. Perhaps you could hang it in your boatshed and be reminded how your hard work, determination, commitment to your sport, your fellow rowers, your support crew and of course yourselves that got you to the Australian Rowing Championships in 2025. 

Best wishes for your future endeavours. If your beautiful behaviour, respect that you have shown and your happy upbeat demeanour is anything to go by you will be Super Stars in your own right. 

Travel safe

Thank you for being such wonderful ambassadors. Kinross Wolaroi Sc is very proud of you. 

2025 Junior Pathway Team Boys’ Squad

We have had four boys selected in the NSW Rowing Squad. 

Rowing NSW is pleased to announce the squad of male athletes selected for the 2025 NSW Junior Pathway Team.  Crews will be selected from this squad to race at the Junior Pathway Regatta on 14-15 April at SIRC. 

• Maddox Bruem
• Toby Buckland
• Will Kirby
• Hamish Searle

Well done!