Around the Senior School
Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts Excursion to Art Express
From Mr Andrew Orme-Smith, Head of Visual Arts
It is Art Express time again, with a showcase of some of the best Visual Arts HSC submissions being displayed in a number of locations around NSW.
In order for our current Stage 6 Visual Arts students to see what it is all about, they had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of NSW for a day trip of inspiration. An early start did not diminish the high spirits which only lifted higher with a stop for breakfast at Mountain High Pies in Wentworth Falls. An interesting detour due to a creative Sat Nav had us crossing the Harbour Bridge and back, which was actually a nice bonus as we had Ellara, an English Gap Student along to assist.
On arrival we had a tour of the visiting exhibition of work by Cao Fei, a contemporary Chinese artist. The Art Gallery of NSW very generously arranged for us to see this very engaging exhibition which for many was the highlight of the day. Cao Fei had created an immersive exhibition that was a walk through, immersive Pop Art collage of China post-Cultural Revolution, reflecting the rapid technological and developmental changes and their impact.
This was followed by a quick lunch of pizzas eaten under the giant fig trees in the Domain, before heading into the Art Express exhibition. As always it is very interesting to see the exceptional standard of work on display. Both inspiring and daunting the range of work and concepts were extensive. For those who want to see some of the work themselves, Kate Adams from the Kinross class of 2024 has her work on display in the Orange Regional Gallery Art Express exhibition that will be running from 16 August to 21 September.
Back to the excursion; we had time for a walk around the Grand Halls of the original gallery, split into groups led by myself, Ms Beck Wansey and Mr Matt Thomas, unpacking some of the historical works and analysing their contemporary counterparts. It is exhausting mental work, and everyone flopped into the coach seats in relief for the long drive home. It is a big day, but well worth it, and I would like to thank everyone involved in the background organization, the staff, the gallery itself and above all the students who were attentive and beautifully behaved throughout.
TAS Department
Year 9 STEM enjoyed a double lesson working with the Spike LEGO Robotics creating battling robots during an Incursion with Western Enrichment Learning Labs.
Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Cart
After the successful trial of running a coffee shop from the classroom in Week 8 and 9, Year 11 Hospitality are upgrading to a Coffee Cart in the Anderson Centre Foyer. Supported by Fish River Roasters, and supervised by Mrs Joanne Howarth, the coffee cart will run for staff, students and visitors.
For Hospitality students, operating a coffee business fosters teamwork and communication as students collaborate to ensure smooth service, share responsibilities, and resolve conflicts. It also teaches customer service skills, helping students build confidence and interpersonal abilities as they interact with peers and staff. Time management and responsibility are reinforced through meeting opening hours, preparing orders quickly, and maintaining hygiene standards, all key principals covered as part of the Cert II Hospitality Cookery course. The location of the Anderson Centre Foyer is an undercover, central location in the school that has the capacity to host a number of customers comfortably in any weather. The Anderson Centre Foyer is growing into a Sustainability Hub that will complement the coffee cart and provide an attractive, highlight for staff, students and visitors. Overall, the Coffee cart will create a well-rounded educational experience and foster collegial community amongst staff and students.
Questions? Please contact Ms Youll at ryoull@kws.nsw.edu.au
Venue: Anderson Centre Foyer
Opening Hours: 8-8:45 Monday- Friday
We would love to see you there!
Year 12 Hospitality- Excellence
Congratulations Liv Warner on Winning the Regional World Skills Commercial Cookery Competition in 2024. Liv will travel to Brisbane in June to compete in the National World Skills competition. 2025 National Championships & Skills Show - WorldSkills Australia
Mrs Kim Barry, VET Consultant at the Association of Independent Schools NSW attended the most recent Academic to present Liv with her medal.
Thank you to Mrs Helena Rollo for being an inspiring Hospitality teacher and supporting Liv on her culinary journey!
Poetry in Action Brings Words to Life
Students from Years 7-10 gathered in the DPA for an engaging series of performances by Poetry In Action. The troupe captivated audiences with Words of War, exploring poetry’s role in conflict; The Poet’s Quest, uncovering the creative journey of poets; and Muse It or Lose It, a dynamic look at inspiration and storytelling. The performances brought poetry to life in an interactive and thought-provoking way, leaving students with a new appreciation for the power of words.
Year 12 HSC Camp
Clever Cookie with the Year 12 cohort running through a study session for English "Smashing Section 1".
