From the Principal

The great industry and activity of this very busy term continues to be evident across all domains of the School. Our Year 12 students recently sat the HSC Trial Exams following months of intensive preparation and revision. HSC practical projects are completed and are exhibiting their outstanding work, Drama and Music performances are being examined, and French language students are having their speaking skills assessed.

Our boarding communities are gathering to acknowledge the contribution of their Year 12 students in what have been marvellous occasions. I had the immense pleasure of attending the Loader House Dinner last Saturday evening and I was deeply touched by the warmth, care, and deep friendships evident among the Senior Students as they farewelled each other and wished Year 12 well for the future. The strength of our School Community and quality of relationships between our students and families within our Boarding Houses reveal a great strength of Kinross Wolaroi School.

Winter Sports programs are coming to conclusion, and a number are gearing up for their Summer seasons. Last Friday night the Rugby Club hosted the largest sports dinner in its history where over 430 members of the community gathered to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of players, coaches, and supporters. Many within the Club make a significant contribution to support their children and Rugby within the School. A highly enjoyable and positive evening. Their efforts in forging community, building friendships, and raising funds through BBQ’s and other activities are greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

Mr Tink’s leadership of the Rugby program has been outstanding and has led to improved results, an elevated spirit, and new opportunities for our students. This year Matt has forged the excellent relationship with Sydney University Rugby Club. This strategic alliance provides many benefits for our students on and off the field; opening pathways to the University and its Colleges. We are the only School in Australia that the premier Rugby Club in this country has such a partnership with, and this will provide many opportunities for our players, both boys and girls, in the future.

I am also delighted to announce another exciting initiative that Kinross Wolaroi will be embarking upon in 2024: Due to Mr Tink’s many connections and the wonderful qualities of our School, students, and our region, Kinross Wolaroi has been selected to be an 'Australian Olympic Rugby Pathway School' for Girls Rugby 7’s. Next year, we will be running girls’ rugby as a full winter sport. We will be aligned with NSW Rugby and Rugby Australia, will have a dedicated programme, and will compete in a largely Sydney based competition. This will provide our girls with a marvellous opportunity to enjoy this great game and strive to become part of the wonderful surge we are seeing in women’s sport in this country.

The Year 12 Drama Showcase, staged in the Performance Theatre on Friday 18 August was fabulous. The excellence and variety of performance was outstanding and a testament to the students' commitment, perseverance and talent. So crucial to their level of attainment is the guidance, skill and inspirational ability of their Teacher, Miss Dunkley. Congratulations to the HSC Drama Class and to Miss Dunkley. I have no doubt the HSC examiners will be most impressed. 

Wellbeing Day

This week saw our Senior School students engage in their second Wellbeing Day for the year. The day was designed around our Term 3 theme: 'Respectful Relationships'. 

Students were provided a range of activities throughout the day that focused on: teamwork, problem-solving, consent education, mindfulness, defining and setting personal boundaries, in conjunction with study skill sessions for Years 9, 11 and 12. 

The main focus of Wellbeing Day was the House Activity in the afternoon. This whole-House activity was organised and run by Year 11 students with the specific goals of developing prosocial behaviours between year groups and raising awareness for each House's Social Justice Initiative. 

I am most grateful to Ms Kite, our Staff and Senior Students for ensuring such a valuable day was a great success.

TheJunior School Barn Dance was held Saturday 19 August and was a wonderful occasion successfully organised by the Junior School P&F. The event was a fun evening with a country music and dancing from The Outback Bush Band, a monster raffle, best dressed prize, and wonderful food. The event raised $10,000 and funds will help support updates to the Glasshouse multimedia equipment and 'Area 51' . It was a great evening for families and fabulous to see so many have a tremendous evening.

Congratulations

Orange Eisteddfod

Over the past few days our bands, choirs, orchestras, string groups and small ensembles have performed and competed in the Orange Eisteddford receiving some wonderful results. There have been many outstanding performances and a full report outlining these tremendous achievements will appear in our next Family Bulletin.

Recognition of Lara McGuigan (Year 10) and Head of Swimming, Mr Brandon Lawrence  

Lara McGuigan (Year 10) was selected to represent NSW at the Australian School Sports Championships at Sydney Olympic Park and won a Bronze medal in the 16yrs 100 Breaststroke with a huge PB in the final. Congratulations to Lara for an amazing achievement which is testament to her dedication, hard work and strong motivation for success.

I would also like to congratulate our Head of Swimming, Mr Brandon Lawrence, for his dedication and commitment to our swimming team.

Ashton Quinn-Woonton (Year 9) ACYP 

Congratulations to Ashton Quinn-Woonton of Year 9, who has been short listed for the NSW Youth Advisory Council 2024.

Ashton applied for 2024 NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and has been shortlisted in the top 80 applicants from a field of over 700 applications from young people across NSW. 

Ashton said, “My passion lies in advocating for the concerns of my peers and myself. This is why I was happy when I received the news that I had the opportunity to take part in the ACYP meeting in the holidays.” 

The NSW Youth Advisory Council plays an important role in guiding NSW Government youth affairs and raising the views of young people. The Council meets regularly throughout the year to discuss a range of relevant topics, as well as monitoring and evaluating youth-related policies and legislation which affect young people.

Ashton attended the recruitment event to meet the short-listed candidates at the State Library in Sydney on 29 June. The final, 12-member YAC will be announced in September. We’ll have our fingers crossed for you to be successful, Ashton! 

ISA Netball

On the weekend of 19-20 August the Junior A ISA netball team won their grand final against Barker College. Congratulations to the Junior A team on a wonderful season and success against Barker College.

Staff Announcements

2024 Head of Trathen House – Robert Bell

I am excited to announce Mr Robert Bell has been appointed the Head of Year 7 boys' boarding house, Trathen, commencing in Term 1, 2024.

Robert is currently a Housemaster at Cranbrook School and has prior boarding experience at Ascham School. Robert is dedicated to promoting a culture of positive wellbeing, respectful relationships, and a community of trust in boarding. He values the importance of building meaningful relationships with boarding students, parents, guardians, and boarding staff.

At Cranbrook School, Robert holds the position of Assistant Head of Social Science, teaching Geography and Commerce. Robert has a Bachelor of Education (Human Movement and Health Education) from The University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Geography from Curtin University.

Robert also has extensive experience in the Co-curricular disciplines of Cross Country, Athletics, Rugby, Duke of Edinburgh, and Sailing. 

Robert and his wife Alex are expecting their third child in late 2023, therefore Robert will start in his new position at Kinross Wolaroi School in Term 1, 2024.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Robert and his family to the Kinross Wolaroi School community in 2024.

Marnie Grogan resignation

Marnie Grogan, Leader of Staff Development and Business Studies Teacher, has been on maternity leave for the last 12 months however has recently decided to resign as her family will be relocating. 

Marnie has made a wonderful contribution to the School over her 12 and a half year tenure and held teaching positions in Commerce, Geography and Business Studies. Marnie was also dedicated to our Boarding Community, School Musical productions and was coach of many sports including Touch Football, ISA Tennis, Netball, Basketball, Hockey, and Water Polo.

Marnie will therefore not be returning from maternity leave in Term 3 and she will be very missed by the staff and students of Kinross Wolaroi School.

I wish Marnie and her family all the best on their next chapter.