Message from 

the Principal

HSC Commences

At last, after two years of disruption and challenge, and following the uncertainty of if or when the HSC examinations would take place, our Year 12 students commence their papers this week.

Our Year 12 students have endured two years of uncertainty and have had to forgo many of the experiences that senior students usually enjoy in their final years. I am very proud of the way in which our students have embraced these difficulties, displaying a level of character and resilience of which they should be very proud.

I am immensely grateful to our marvellous and dedicated staff who have worked hard to support our Year 12 students this Term as the students have continued to prepare and revise during the extended period of delay. To our staff, thank you for all the workshops, individual meetings, Wellbeing Walks, remote learning support, and Mentor meetings that have made the past weeks bearable and fruitful for our students.

I am sure we all wish our Year 12 the very best of luck as they commence their HSC exams this week.

The importance of wonderful teachers

Last week, on October 5, World Teachers Day was celebrated throughout schools and communities around the globe. Teachers play such a crucial role in our communities and have a profound positive impact upon the lives of students. They educate the next generation and therefore impact society as a whole. Our teachers help the next generation develop into well rounded, caring, ethical young adults who will go out into the world and themselves influence those around them.

As Franklin D Roosevelt remarked: 

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build the youth for our future.”

Our staff at Kinross Wolaroi have continued to show their resilience, leadership and adaptability throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They have adapted their learning environment, supported our students and school communities, continued to share their knowledge and stimulate learning. Regardless of the significant disruptions faced and whether our students have been learning in our classrooms or remotely, our teachers remain at the heart of the learning process.

The pandemic has illuminated the irreplaceable value of the teaching profession in society but also the difficult working conditions that many of our staff have had to confront. Teachers have been on the frontline ensuring the continuity of education when our government stipulated remote learning, while also working to provide socio-emotional support for their students, especially the most vulnerable ones. They have had to rapidly adapt to remote learning and manage new methods of delivery.

I am hugely appreciative of our teachers exceptional dedication, flexibility, creativity as well as their capacity to adapt and innovate under challenging and uncertain conditions. We are so fortunate to have teachers at Kinross Wolaroi who genuinely care about the wellbeing and success of our students and who are always prepared to ‘go the extra mile’ to make a difference.

My Mentor and friend – Mr Peter Philpott

This week I will be farewelling a man who had the most significant impact upon my development as a person and educator, Mr Peter Philpott. Peter was my teacher, mentor, coach and great friend. His influence upon me has been hugely significant in my life and because of his wonderful example I became a teacher. His love of life, spirit and positivity have been with me every day of my life and in turn I have been most fortunate that I have been able to pass this on to some of my students over the years.

He was very much my father figure at school, taking interest in me, encouraging my efforts, guiding and influencing my progress. His care gave me confidence and self-belief that enabled me to achieve in all aspects of school life and beyond. I was so fortunate to have had such an educator and mentor in my life and many of my peers feel just as blessed.

Peter had an immense impact on generations of students throughout his rich and rewarding career of 50 years as an educator. It is such examples that remind us of the great privilege we have as teachers where we can have such a positive impact on the lives of our students. 

VALE

Peter I Philpott, aged 86 years

School Master, Test Cricketer, International Coach, family man, friend and mentor to generations of students. 

Staffing Announcements

Ms Olivia Kite – Head of Student Wellbeing

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Olivia Kite as our new Head of Student Wellbeing to commence in January 2022. 

Olivia has forged an outstanding reputation as Head of Quinn House at Waverley College and as a high performing Senior HSIE teacher and HSC Marker. Olivia has been directly responsible for the pastoral care of 180 students and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of Waverley College’s Wellbeing Framework and Curriculum. She led the Wellbeing Team in incorporating the framework into the Waverley Wellbeing Curriculum which was delivered to staff and students via their Learning Management System.

At Waverley College Olivia was the Water Polo Convenor and led the Red Earth Immersion Program that sought to educate non-indigenous Australians about the hardships and day to day struggles of remote First Nations communities.

Olivia grew up in a small country town prior to moving to Sydney to attend University. Growing up in the country has allowed her to acknowledge the role and importance of a strong community and the numerous benefits a sense of belonging can have for individuals. Developing a strong sense of community has been a key objective during her time as a Head of House.

She has regularly designed and presented parent information sessions in supporting student wellbeing, assisting with School transitions and identifying at-risk behaviours based on current research and best practice. Olivia was also the recipient of the Percy Watson Excellence in Teaching Scholarship at Waverley College.

Olivia has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Teaching from the University of Sydney and is soon to complete a Master of Education (Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing) from Flinders University. 

We are very much looking forward to Olivia joining our community at Kinross Wolaroi in the New Year.

Mr Angus Brotherton – TAS Teacher

Angus will be joining our TAS Faculty and comes to us with a diverse range of professional experience. For the past three years he has taught a broad selection of subjects at Waverly College including Stage 5 and 6 Industrial Technology Timber, Stage 6 VET Construction, Stage 5 STEM and Stage 4 Technology Mandatory. Angus has also taught at Canobolas Rural Technology High School and Sydney Boys High. Prior to entering the teaching profession, Angus was a site foreman in the Building and Construction industry.

At Waverley College he embraced many opportunities to be involved in co-curricular programs. These include Rugby and Basketball coaching, STEM and a collaborative sustainability project. Angus has also been involved in cross-curricular Project–Based learning initiatives, Duke of Edinburgh walks and skills assessment.

Angus has a Bachelor or Technology and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from Southern Cross University and qualifications in the Building and Construction, Carpentry and Training and Assessing.

He enjoys Rugby Union and has experienced much success with Eastern Suburbs in Sydney and with Orange City. In 2014 Angus was Central West Rugby Union Best and Fairest player.

Mr Dean Johnston – Science Teacher

Dean has been teaching Science at Barker College since 2017 and has also taught at Northern Beaches Christian School, and Newington College.

At Barker Dean has led a very successful ‘Physics Access’ group that provided voluntary after school enrichment for Stage 6 Physics students seeking assistance and extension. He has also implemented new methods of assessment, developed innovative Science programs and assisted his faculty in ICT integration and training.

Dean has a Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Education from Macquarie University and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.

Ms Amy Keir – English Teacher

Amy joins our English Faculty and comes to us from Knox Grammar School where she has forged an excellent reputation as an enthusiastic and highly effective teacher, possessing a passion for quality teaching, student wellbeing and raising literacy standards. Amy has taught every year group and Course from Years 7 to 12 with consistent success in terms of student achievement and self-efficacy. She is an experienced HSC and NAPLAN marker.

Prior to her 7 years at Knox Grammar, Amy spent two years teaching English at Quirindi High School. Before pursing a career in education Amy worked as a Journalist and Editor of a number of regional newspapers and publications.

Amy has a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of New England.

Mr William Waterson – HSIE Teacher

Mr Waterson comes to us from The Armidale School where he has undertaken a number of roles across the life of the School. He is a recent graduate of the University of New England where he undertook a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Business Studies and Legal Studies.

At The Armidale School he taught HSIE, Mathematics and also Year 6 in the Junior School. William has worked in the Senior Boys Boarding House, served as Master in Charge of Cricket, First XI Coach and Coordinator of Girls Rugby.

William was raised in the country and attended The Armidale School as a student providing him an understanding of what ‘connects’ a regional community with a school. As a student he was a Round Square International Delegate which saw him attend conferences in Turkey and Jordan.

Mrs Susan Limberger  - Learning Support Coordinator

I am delighted to announce that Mrs Susan Limberger has been appointed as Learning Support Co-ordinator to commence in January 2022.  Ms Tina Mosh has generously offered to continue with us on a part-time basis next Term to lead our Learning Support team and arrange for an effective handover. 

Susan is a highly regarded Learning Support practitioner who brings a wealth of experience in both Secondary and Primary Schools, and in leadership. Susan comes to us from Murrumbidgee Regional High School, Griffith where she is the Assistant Principal Learning & Support and Positive Behaviour for Learning Co-ordinator. The great majority of Susan’s career has been undertaken in various Regional centres of NSW and the ACT and with a short teaching stint in the United Kingdom. 

Susan has a has a Bachelor of Primary Education (major in Special Education) from Sydney University and a Master of Special Education from University of Newcastle.

I am sure you will join with me in congratulating Susan on her appointment to this key role within the School and we look forward to welcoming her and her husband Damian into the KWS School community.

Staff Resignations and Retirements

2IC English, Mrs Antonia Suthers

It is with mixed emotion that I announce that Antonia Suthers will be leaving us at the end of Term 4. Antonia has accepted an offer of employment with St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie as their Coordinator of English and French. 

I am very happy for Antonia as she embarks upon the next exciting chapter in her life but sad for KWS as Antonia has made a significant contribution over the past eight years. Antonia’s dedication, passion and pursuit of excellence are admirable and have left Kinross Wolaroi School a far richer place. Antonia has made a significant contribution to the life of the School across many areas. She has been an outstanding 2IC of the English Faculty, a superb teacher, MIC of Water Polo, Gifted and Talented Mentor, Literacy Co-ordinator and Acting Head of Gordon House. 

Her colleagues and students will certainly miss her greatly and I am immensely grateful for Antonia’s extensive contribution. I am sure we all wish her every happiness for the future.

The move to Port Macquarie will be a new and exciting chapter for Antonia and Aaron. 

Miss Alice Bowman – English Teacher

Following six years of association with Kinross Wolaroi School, Miss Alice Bowman has made the difficult decision to resign from KWS at the end of Term 4 2021. With much sadness, I have accepted Alice’s resignation. 

Alice has accepted the exciting opportunity to work in Randwick as an English Teacher at Emanuel School and looks forward to being closer to her partner in Sydney and growing professionally as a teacher.

Alice has contributed to Kinross Wolaroi School across a number of areas – joining us as a Master of Teaching intern in 2015; then in Learning Support and more recently as an English Teacher and Literacy Co-Ordinator. Alice developed the ‘Boys Boarding Literacy Program’ with admirable enthusiasm and passion, for which I am incredibly grateful for.

Please join me in wishing Alice the very best on the next exciting and chapter of her career. 

Mr Garry Yeo – General Duties Officer

It is with very mixed feelings that I advise that Garry Yeo has advised the School that he wishes to retire at the end of his Long Service Leave at the end of this year, after 19 years of dedicated service to the School.

Garry has been a fantastic guide and mentor to the students. He has consistently promoted kindness, honesty and responsibility in leadership and provided ongoing discussion and support in the growth of Cadets and the development of their human leadership skills. His approachability, guidance and respect has always fostered an outstanding rapport with the leadership teams.

Garry came to Kinross Wolaroi with a wealth of experience and an extensive history in the Army where he was involved in service, leadership, training and various Army testing and development programs. After joining the School Garry also joined the our Army Cadet Unit (ACU) where he has made significant contributions in running and leading the program.  During that time he has held a multitude of positions and roles within the Unit. 

Garry headed up the Operations programs that Kinross Wolaroi currently uses. He has trained with and worked closely with the Australia Army Cadet (AAC) HQ team to ensure that we are delivering a broad range of effective training programs for the growth of our Cadets while in the field. He navigated the detailed, complex and evolving requirements and administration to ensure Cadet training programs meet the training compliancy requirements of the AAC to ensure safety within Cadet programs. Garry also oversaw and lead the Logistics Operations within the unit which involved the acquisition of all unit supplies, irrespective of how major such as camp supplies and uniforms or how minor, such as boot laces. In 2017 Garry was promoted to the rank of Captain (AAC) in consideration of his significant duties and responsibilities within the Cadet Unit.

Annual Cadet Camp, Bivouacs and smaller activities such as Promotions Leadership Camps, Controlled Range activities, ANZAC Day activities, and community support events such as National Serviceman’s Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veteran’s Day are all activities which Garry diligently arranged and ran with precision. Garry was as presented by AAC HQ with the Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal for his extensive involvement and contributions to the Cadet Program (19 years at KWSACU) in 2020. We have truly been blessed with his extensive commitment to this area of our School lives.

Large parts of Garry’s role in the School have gone on behind the scenes, but have nevertheless been crucial to the smooth operations of the broader business. Transport schedules for Boarding, Camps, Co-curricular, excursions for both the Junior and Senior schools to mention a few, have been planned, scheduled and maintained by Garry in his role overseeing the Transport Team.  It is hard to understate the importance of the efficient operations of this department, as it “kept the School moving” in a literal sense.

Garry also monitored student detentions, lost property, and very importantly, student uniform presentation. For this we are most grateful for Garry’s input and diligence as he always strived to make us – the Kinross Wolaroi community – a well presented and better place.

Garry will be very sorely missed by all at Kinross Wolaroi School. I am sure that you will join me in wishing Garry a well-earned retirement full of things which he loves.

Junior School staffing

New roles - 2022

Ms Amanda Dodson – Leader of Contextual Learning

Ms Amanda Dodson will take on the role of Leader of Contextual Learning. This is an important role as it provides real life opportunities for our students to consolidate their understanding of concepts learnt in the classroom through hands on, practical experiences. 

Mrs Myrri Fatai – Leader of Technology and Innovation

Mrs Myrri Fatai will move into the Leader of Technology and Innovation role. This will allow us to authentically integrate technology into the learning experience, not as an add on but a vital part of the learning journey. Working alongside Junior School staff Myrri with help to enact the vision for the School’s digital technologies programs and resources, supporting enhanced learning, communication, and business efficiency. She will continue to develop, streamline, support and build the digital capacity for all students from Pre-Kinder to Year 6, providing a firm foundation as students transition to the Senior School.

Mrs Virginia Milliken – Leader of Learning and Wellbeing 

Virginia grew up in the Coonabarabran and Warren regions and has worked across a range of socio-educational settings from Tokyo Japan, Waverley College Sydney and schools across the Hunter Valley region. Virginia’s experiences in the Hunter Valley means she is well placed in understanding what it means to teach and learn in a regional, rural setting. Virginia comes with a wealth of experience in Literacy and Numeracy and a commitment to evidence informed educational practice. 

Working closely with the Leader of Contextual Learning, Ms Amanda Dodson, Virginia and Amanda will be working with staff creating integrated, transdisciplinary units of work, within a pedagogical approach of explicit and guided inquiry. Virginia is well experienced in this area through a previous role as the Education Officer for Primary Schools in the Maitland-Newcastle area and her work with the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy through the University of Sydney.

Virginia has a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Leadership from the Australian Catholic University, a Graduate Certificate in Primary Mathematics from the University of Western Sydney and has recently completed the Science of Language and Reading course through Latrobe University. She brings a wealth of experiences not only to the classroom setting but beyond as she works on her own family farm on regenerative agriculture practices and enjoys a range of activities including dance, drama and art.

Mrs Zoe Morris – Classroom Teacher

Zoe has been looking forward to moving to Orange and being a member of the Kinross Wolaroi community since early this year. Zoe comes to us from Santa Sabina in Sydney. Zoe has a keen interest in STEM and STREAM and how these can be used to underpin teaching across all key learning areas and has a holistic view of their application as a useful pedagogical tool. Coming from a school that has engaged in the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate, Zoe is well versed in transdisciplinary learning, framing student learning through problem solving and critical thinking.

With a degree in Visual Arts, Photography and Digital Media from the University of NSW Zoe will bring an added dimension to our Junior School programs. She has a Masters of Education from Western Sydney University and a Graduate Certificate in Religious Studies from the Australian Catholic University.

Zoe is looking forward to engaging in a variety of co-curricular and extra -curricular activities with students in the Junior School, providing enriching and engaging experiences beyond the classroom.

Mr Toby Paul – Classroom Teacher

Toby knows the importance of connecting with students within the classroom. His use of strategies ranging from the guitar, to Minecraft, to understanding what it means to be a high potential learner means students are readily able to connect with learning in the classroom. Toby knows the value of a differentiated classroom where students are motivated through insightful questioning techniques and open-ended tasks and investigations.

Toby has a Bachelor of Education combined with a Certificate in Teaching and Education from the International Baccalaureate from the University of Notre Dame. As part of his studies Toby completed an international internship at the International School of Almhult in Sweden where he was nominated as an outstanding Professional experience student. Toby has a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education from the Australian Institute of Theological Studies. Toby is currently studying a Masters in Educational Management and Leadership at the University of Sydney.

Toby has roots in regional NSW and is looking forward to becoming a part of a regional community again. 

Mr Lachlan Barrett – Classroom Teacher

Lachlan has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and undertook the honours program with a focus on Aboriginal Education. His research focussed on the ways educators can authentically implement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within the daily learning environment. Throughout his university experience Lachlan has been acknowledged with awards for his application to his studies and his service to the greater community. Growing up in Coonamble and attending boarding school in Bathurst, Lachlan is no stranger to what it means to live and learn in the Central West. 

Lachlan has been developing his craft at Woollahra Public School and brings knowledge from Rugby Australia where he was the Customer Engagement Officer where part of his role involved the collaboration with the Community Team to promote safe, inclusive and engaging Rugby.

Lachlan is looking to inspire students to step out of their comfort zone, engage in new experiences and as a result achieve their goals. He has experience in swimming, athletics, rugby, tennis and debating and we look forward to his participation in our co-curricular experiences.

Resignation

Mrs Emma Charlton – Co-ordinator of Literacy and Wellbeing

Mrs Emma Charlton has resigned from her position as Co-ordinator of Literacy and Wellbeing at Kinross Wolaroi Junior School. An opportunity has arisen for Mrs Charlton to take up a position outside of the education sector and she will be leaving on Friday 12 November.

Mrs Charlton has worked with dedication, skill and commitment, always seeking to provide the very best environment for the students in her care. Mrs Charlton’s love of her students, professional satisfaction in her work, and affection for the School, has meant she has enjoyed a long and fond association with Kinross Wolaroi School. This has afforded the rest of us a great privilege: to have known, been taught by, or work with such a passionate educator. 

Mrs Charlton had a great love of her work and showed great generosity in her contributions to the life of the School both in her classes and her extra-curricular involvements. Emma has provided wise counsel as an integral member of the Junior School Executive Team, with a special responsibility for literacy and wellbeing as well as overseeing many key events aimed at building community and a strong sense of belonging, including athletics carnivals, special days and service learning. 

Please join me in wishing Emma the very best in the next chapter of her professional journey.