From the Principal

National Boarding Week 2025

‘Threads of Connection’ 

Last week, we proudly joined schools across the country in celebrating National Boarding Week – a time to acknowledge and honour the vital role boarding plays in the fabric of our school and the young people who call our boarding houses home.

Boarding is far more than just a place to sleep and study.  It is a rich, life-shaping experience that fosters independence, resilience and maturity.  At Kinross Wolaroi, it allows young people from far and wide across the state, to come together in a shared environment where growth is nurtured every day.  Whether students come from rural properties, regional towns or distant cities, they bring their unique perspectives that enhance the diversity and strength of our school culture.

This year’s theme, ‘Threads of Connection’, reminds us that boarding is ultimately about relationships—the connections that are formed in dining rooms as you share a meal, in the common rooms, during the downtime after classes and during those late-night conversations that carry laughter, reflection and sometimes homesickness.  In boarding, friendships deepen quickly.  Roommates can become trusted friends, housemates become like family.  Through shared experiences—both joyful and challenging—bonds are created that often last a lifetime.  It certainly did for me.

I have spent most of my life in boarding schools, starting as an eight 8 year old in Year 3 and was a boarder for 10 years.  I have been a boarding housemaster and have lived on school campuses for 40 years.  Boarding has enabled me to make so may wonderful friendships over the years and as we have faced the highs and lows of life we continue to always be there for each other.

These relationships are a cornerstone of student wellbeing.  In a world that can feel fast-paced and disconnected, the supportive community of a boarding house provides a true sense of belonging. Our boarders learn to look out for one another, to celebrate each other’s successes and to provide encouragement during those tough times.  They develop emotional intelligence, empathy and collaboration—skills that will serve them well beyond the school gates.

Boarding also offers students invaluable opportunities to grow in confidence and capability.  Living away from home teaches responsibility, time management and decision-making.  With the support of boarding staff and peers, students learn to navigate challenges with courage and to value routine, structure and self-discipline. These are lessons that prepare our boarders not just for academic success, but for life.

I would like to acknowledge our deep appreciation of our boarding staff—thank you. Your care, guidance and commitment to each student’s development lie at the foundation of a thriving boarding experience. At times they will spend far greater time with the boarders in their care than their own families – such is their dedication to our community.  To our boarding parents, thank you for the trust you place in us. 

And to our boarders—thank you for your contribution to our school community. Your warmth, strength and spirit help to make our school a more vibrant, welcoming place for everyone.

During this National Boarding Week, we celebrated the unique gift that boarding brings: a community bound not by geography but by connection, shared purpose and friendship.  It is these threads of connection that help our boarders to flourish and that enrich our entire school.

I would like to sincerely thank Lily Bruce and Lincoln Robinson, our Boarding Captains, for the marvellous job they have done in organising many activities for Boarding Week and for their efforts in preparing a wonderful assembly celebrating boarding life.

Thank you Lily and Lincoln.

Congratulations

Hockey

We had three players selected in the NSWCIS teams:

15 girls – Paxton Buckerfield and Phoebe Lyons

15 boys – Harry Yelland