Message from the Principal

Encouraging a Global Perspective:

Student International Exchange Program

At Kinross Wolaroi we offer a wealth of opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom that enables students to dream of a wealth of possibilities and equip them with the confidence, ambition and social awareness needed to face a lifetime of achievement and service.

We live in a vibrant and global society that presents an incredible range and depth of exciting opportunities and experiences. I believe it very important that our students develop an understanding of their place in the world and have and appreciation of the experience and context of those who live beyond our shores.

Over the years I have been a passionate advocate of international student exchange programs for the challenge they present to pre held perspectives and the personal discovery and growth they afford. Student exchanges promote intercultural awareness and understanding, forge friendships across differing cultures and backgrounds, and develop a sense of international citizenship - all contributing to an enriching and rewarding educational experience.

These experiences contribute substantially to our philosophy of providing learning experiences which are personalised and challenging, while giving students the opportunity to build independence and resilience on a global stage.

Kinross Wolaroi has had exchange relationships with two schools in New Zealand in recent years – Christchurch Girls High School and Timaru Boys High School, both whom will continue to be part of our new program. We have also undertaken exchanges in the past with Strathallen School in Scotland, situated near Perth an hour drive north of Edinburgh. Our relationship with Strathallen will be reinstate, and I will be visiting their new Headmaster in Scotland over the July vacation.

During the mid-year break I shall also be establishing exchange links with Rugby School, one of the oldest independent schools in Britain (established in 1567 when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne) and Rydal Penross School in North Wales. Both these co-educational day and boarding schools are located in magnificent settings and offer an outstanding education experience, both in and out of the classroom.

We will also be exchanging with The Doon School, a boys’ only independent boarding school in India, ranked as the best residential school in the country. A school modelled upon the leading independent schools of Britain, it has afforded marvellous exchange experiences for students in the past when it had a reciprocal relationship with The King’s School in Sydney.

We are exploring opportunities in France and Japan, both countries that will provide a rich cultural and linguistic experience for our students. More information about these opportunities will be available as details are finalised.

Exchanges will be undertaken by our students during Year 10 for a period ranging from six weeks to a term, depending on the specific arrangements agreed upon with each particular school. All students – day, boarding, girls and boys will be eligible to participate and selection will be based on application and interview. It will be crucial that we send outstanding ambassadors of Kinross Wolaroi and our nation.

An essential component of the Exchange Program is its reciprocal nature where we host students from our participating schools from around the globe at Kinross Wolaroi and with our families. Visiting students will engage in the full educational experience at KWS and share their perspectives and understandings of the world with our students. The opportunity to host students is a highly rewarding and satisfying one that can lead to the forging of lifelong friendships.

Some wonderful opportunities ahead.

More information regarding our program can be found within our FROG pages or by contacting our co-ordinator of Student International Exchanges, Mrs Catherine Litchfield (clitchfield@kws.nsw.edu.au).

Staff Movements

Mrs Lyn Vernon – Ancient History Teacher and Commanding Officer of Cadets

After 25 years of service at Kinross Wolaroi School, Mrs Lyn Vernon has announced that she will retire at the end of the 2018 academic year. Mrs Vernon has made an outstanding contribution to the life of the School, and has held positions like MIC Swimming, Hockey Coach and over 18 years of service to the Cadet program. Mrs Vernon has worked tirelessly to develop Cadets into the successful outdoor program it is today. The Cadet program will be different without Mrs Vernon, however, there is no doubt the program is much richer due to her years of dedicated service.

On behalf of the School, I wish Lyn every happiness as she moves into her retirement at the end of this year.

Mr Charlie Rowe – Director of Co-Curricular

Charlie Rowe has accepted a position at St Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill where he will be the Head of Rowing and coach of the First VIII. This exciting opportunity sees him return to his alma mater, commences at the start Term 3, 2018. Mr Rowe has thoroughly enjoyed his 4 ½ years at KWS and has found it to be one of the most fulfilling stages of his career.

Mr Rowe has been a highly respected member of the School community and has made a strong contribution to KWS in his roles as Head of Co-Curricular, teacher of PDHPE and Acting Head of Senior School. During his time, Charlie has worked on the remodeling of the Sport MIC structure, Co-curricular payments model, Variation to Routine procedures, the School Calendar and has made very positive impact on the Rowing Program. Charlie has also instigated the Athlete Development Unit, the third pillar of support for the students, which is an initiative that the School sees as part of the next strategic plan.

In his role of Head of Co-Curricular, Mr Rowe has been a wonderful support to all areas of our broad co-curricular experience.

On behalf of the School, I wish Charlie and Elizabeth every success and happiness as they return to Sydney to embark on the next exciting stage of their journey.

Dr Andrew Parry

Principal