Message from 

the Principal

Welcome back to Term 2! 

Autumn is such a beautiful season in Orange as the trees reveal their vibrant colours, the air freshens and temperatures drop as we enjoy the radiance of a warming sun. We also welcome our Winter sports season and how fabulous it is this Term to be able to engage in our usual programs with family and community support on the side lines. I greatly enjoyed venturing to Coonabarabran last Saturday to enjoy a full round of Rugby fixtures against The Armidale School and I hear our Netball and Soccer fixtures in Orange were also enthusiastically supported. 

Year 12 have commenced their Half Yearly examinations; Year 8 have engaged with The Black Dog Institute exploring Mental Health; Debaters have been to Dubbo; Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals have been staged; Historians and Geographers have undertaken Field Trips and of course a strong start in the classroom. It’s fabulous to be back!

Senior School Assembly last week focussed upon ANZAC Day with contributions from the Senior School Drum Corp, a reading of the ODE by Toby Gough, playing of The Last Post and Reveille by Ben Hoskins-Murphy, a reflection and a moving Recessional – ‘Albioni Adagio in G minor’ by Mrs Moxey and Mrs McRae. A moving tribute was made to all those Australians and New Zealanders who have served their nation in times of conflict to protect the liberty we all enjoy today. 

During the Ceremony we reflected upon the service of one of our own, Captain Evan Richards, son of the first Headmaster of Wolaroi Grammar School, TH Richards, whom Richards House is named after. Evan fought at Gallipoli and on the Western Front but lost his life in September 1916 after being badly wounded in the battle of Mouquet Farm during the Somme offensive. 

On Sunday morning Kinross Wolaroi was superbly represented by a small contingent at the Orange ANZAC Day Commemoration staged in Robertson Park. One of the highlights of the commemoration was the performance of Julian Connan (Year 9), who skilfully played a challenging piece earning him considerable praise from those in attendance for his musicianship on the Bagpipes.  

New staff

It is with great pleasure that we welcome the following staff to the Kinross Wolaroi School Community.

Mr Adam Harrison – Science Teacher/Rowing MIC

Mr Adam Harrison joined us for the commencement of Term 2 now that he has met his commitments as Director of Rowing and First VIII Coach at Churchie in Brisbane. Prior to leading the Churchie program Adam was Head Coach and Rowing Director at Southport where he led the school to a Head of the River victory. He has also coached the 1st VIII at Newington College, St Margaret’s College, and St Andrew’s College and Christ’s College in New Zealand. 

Adam has a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary PDHPE) from Charles Sturt University, a Bachelor of Sport Coaching from the University of Canterbury and holds a NCAS Level Three Performance Rowing Coach Certificate (Aust) and a Level Two Rowing Coaching Certificate (NZ). Adam is a teacher of Science and Physical Education and has taught these subjects during his time at the Churchie, The Southport School and Newington College. 

Adam has a strong interest in pastoral care and personal development and will also be involved in our Boarding program. 

Mrs Hannah Whittemore - Head of Girls Boarding

Mrs Hannah Whittemore has commenced as Head of Girls Boarding at Kinross Wolaroi School.

Most recently, Hannah has been Deputy Head of Boarding and Head of House at St Vincent’s College, Potts Point and previously held each role at Ascham in Sydney. She comes to us with a proven record of success in the boarding environment where she has demonstrated a strong ability to develop a supportive and nurturing community.

Hannah’s extensive involvement in the boarding program at Ascham over a period of 6 years saw her implement innovative programs and practices to support learning, promote cultural awareness, enhance student wellbeing and cultivate an environment of effective communication with families. She has earnt the respect of her colleagues as a collaborative leader and has demonstrated her ability to build strong relationships with community.

Mrs Whittemore has a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) and a Post Graduate Diploma of Education from the Australian Catholic University and is soon to complete a Master of Leadership from Deakin University.

We very much look forward to welcoming Mrs Whittemore, her husband Ben and young daughter Ruby to the Kinross Wolaroi School community. 

Mr Allen Grant, who is well known to the KWS community will join the Maths Department for the first four weeks of Term until our newly recruited Maths teacher, Mr Holmes commences in Week 5. 

Mrs Louise Keye – Learning Support Teacher (Maternity Leave cover)

Mrs Louise Keye has joined us as a Learning Support Teacher while Lindy Summerton is on Maternity Leave. Louise comes to us from Melbourne where she has held numerous roles including Music Co-ordinator, Dance Instructor, Social Media Officer and Vocal Instructor. Louise has a Bachelor of Music from University of Melbourne; a Master of Teaching from Australian Catholic University in Melbourne and completed Teaching Practicum’s at Cheltenham Secondary College and Salesian College, Chadstone.

Mrs Zoe Owen – Learning Support Aide

Mrs Owen has recently relocated from Sydney and brings with her experience as a Teachers’ Aide from Kindergarten to Year 12. Prior to turning her focus to the classroom, Zoe was a Registered Nurse/Midwife for many years.

Zoe has a Diploma of Applied Science in Nursing; a Graduate Certificate in Midwifery Nursing; a Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health Nursing as well as Hyperbaric and Immunisation training for Registered Nurses. Zoe has completed many short courses relating to learning support over the last three years. 

Ms Kylie Bennett – Learning Support Aide 

Ms Kylie Bennett comes to us after seven years of experience in Education Support at Orange East Public School. Kylie has supported students with a diverse range of needs, including hearing and speech impairments. Kylie has a Certificate III in Education Support along with many qualifications specializing in a wide range of learning support areas.

I am sure you will do all you can to ensure our new staff settle in to the KWS community.

Staff Leaving KWS

Mrs Dee Gomes – English Teacher 

After extended Maternity Leave, Dee Gomes has advised that she will not be returning to Kinross Wolaroi School next year as planned. Dee has told me that she has agonized over her decision but feels that she needs to focus on nurturing her young family. She has also shared with me her fond memories of her time at KWS and how much she values her time in our community.

Dee has been a wonderful contributor to the Kinross Wolaroi School fabric and there is no doubt that she will be greatly missed by us all, especially her students. 

Please join with me to wish Dee all the very best for the next chapter in her life. 

Congratulations

Australian Rowing Selection – Bella Scammell and Freya Neville (Year 12) 

Congratulations to Bella Scammell and Freya Neville who have been selected in the 2021 Australia Rowing Team in the Junior Women’s Quad Scull. They will be joined by two students from Canberra Grammar School and will be coached by Sarah Cook who is positioned at Canberra Grammar. Rowing Australia have decided not to travel internationally this year due to the COVID situation. However there is a possibility of some International competition with New Zealand. The Junior Australian crews will compete in a ‘simulated’ World Cup Regatta in Penrith, scheduled in June against our Olympic Rowing Team.

 Australian Athletics Championships - Ben Jones (Year 11) 

Ben Jones competed in the Australian Athletics Championships during the holiday break. He competed in the 400m and 800m events and had some well deserved success, winning a Bronze Medal in the 400m event and narrowly missed the same in the 800m, winning him a 4th place in the final seconds of the race. 

Three hours later Ben ran as the anchor leg for the NSW 4 x 400m Relay Team, who stormed away for a convincing win led by Ben to the line. This was Ben’s first season of Track and Field competition and his first time representing NSW at the National level. Congratulations go to Ben for an incredible debut in his Athletics career.

Australian National Swimming Championships - Oliver McLaughlin (Year 12), Hugh Gillham (Year 12), Kyla Brown (Year 9)

Ollie McLaughlin continues his extraordinary journey in the pool after qualifying to attend the Australian Olympic trials in two events after his success at the National Swimming Championships held on the Gold Coast during the holidays. Ollie will compete in the 100m backstroke in Adelaide in June to allow him to focus on his Year 12 studies.

Hugh Gillham turned heads at the same event, swimming under Olympic qualifying time three times over the duration of the Championships. Hugh has come away with two Gold Medals, one Silver Medal and a Bronze Medal.  A truly outstanding performance!

Kyla Brown accredited herself well going from 47th in the 100 breaststroke to 9th in the final.  Amazing effort.

Vocal Star success – Scarlett Gee (Year 9)

Following an audition last year, Scarlett Gee was selected to compete in the Vocal Stars competition. The Vocal Star program includes vocal training, the opportunity to work with famous recording artists, Q&A's with industry professionals and a range of marketing support and media training. Scarlett is also a member of the Orange Theatre Company and has a role in their next production.

Sydney Royal Easter Show 

Pony Club Area Finals

Gem McGufficke, Year 10 and Jess Taylor, Year 9 competed at the Royal Easter Show in the Pony Club Area Teams Finals for both Mounted Games and Show Jumping. Both students earned their place into their respective Area team after a fierce selection process. 

Gem was part of the winning Show Jumping team, after a nail-biting finish. Jess represented her Area in the sporting events and placed in several events. Congratulations to both girls and to all of our students who pursue Equestrian sports. We look forward to seeing everyone at the North West Interschools competition in Coonabarabran later this Term. 

Cattle Team – Live Carcase and Parading Competitions 

Our Cattle Team competed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with great success. Some of the animals presented by KWS students were awarded first place in their weight category, won virtual taste tests, and received Silver and Bronze medals in carcase classes. One of the KWS carcases scored the second highest point score for the entire competition. 

Taylah Hobbs placed second in her heat of the Parading Competition.

Congratulations to Hugh Wilson, Caitlin Adam, Taylah Hobbs and a hearty thank you to those staff and families involved behind the scenes to make this competition such a huge success for our students.   

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West – TEN4TEN Leadership Program

Three Year 11 students, Eliza Ward, Ellenor Crawford and Gianrico Wynn have made successful applications for a place in the 2021 TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue.

These aspiring youth leaders will have the opportunity to meet various Local, State and Federal politicians and will be part of a mentor program designed for young regional leaders.