Message from 

the Principal

In recent weeks we have enjoyed some fabulous gatherings and School activities that have brought families together enabling those special qualities of our School – friendship and community to flourish. The past twelve months have challenged all communities to engage and the enthusiasm witnessed at our events has clearly demonstrated how important community is to our School.

Community Gathering

Over 400 parents gathered at Philip Shaw for an outstanding evening of camaraderie and friendship. The evening saw families of all facets of the School, Boarder and Day, Junior School and Senior School mingle and forge new friendships. A very special thank you to the KWS Parents’ and Friends’ for all their hard work in making this terrific evening possible. 

Performing Arts

Our Junior School enjoyed an excellent Performing Arts concert last Thursday and I was delighted by the talents of our musicians and their performances. Our Senior School Performing Arts Festival has been cancelled for Thursday 10 June due to the challenges of the snowy weather and will now be staged on Thursday 29 July at 7pm. 

Equestrian Team

Over the past few days the KWS Equestrian Team, along with their loyal supportive families, gathered in Coonabarabran for the annual North West Equestrian Expo. This is another marvellous  annual event that sees families and students from across the full spectrum of the School enjoy each other’s company and their shared love of all things equestrian. The event saw over 600 student competitors from across NSW, 34 of whom being proud Kinross Wolaroi representatives. We achieved some outstanding results and I have had numerous reports of our students’ wonderful sportsmanship and conduct. They have been first-class ambassadors and have done us all very proud indeed.

Debating

The KWS Debating Teams had a most successful day as they hosted teams from Blue Mountains Grammar School, Macquarie Anglican Grammar and Scots All Saints. An excellent day of argument and oratory that saw us win three of the five divisions and place second in the remaining two debates. Well done!

I admire our debaters for their courage and skills. Debating affords an excellent vehicle for students to express their ideas and helps build confidence in speaking publicly. There are many valuable educational and social benefits to be gained in engaging in Debating. Being part of a team, students are challenged to construct and engage with logical argument. It provides an excellent means to improve general knowledge, public speaking skills and the ability to be persuasive. Debating compliments many of the skills students learn in school. For example, learning about argumentation assists student’s writing and impromptu speaking builds confidence.

Research, reasoning and public speaking are just a few of the many benefits that come just from learning to be a good debater. From planning one’s argument – even if it is one you disagree with – to choosing your words with care, debating can prepare you to take on many of the challenges life can present you. As a debater you must prepare a compelling, succinct argument, which will gain support and backing, rather than blindly engaging in a full-blown argument. 

Cadet Farewell Parade

The KWS Cadet Farewell Parade took place on Wednesday 2nd June. The Cadet Unit has focused this term on providing a demonstration of fine drill for a formal and fitting send off to the Year 12 leaving Cadets. The parade format and manoeuvres were designed by the SUO Catie Crisp and her CUO leadership team, with the parade being conducted by all members of the Cadet Unit. 

The parade was a well-executed sight to behold, set on Kinross Wolaroi School’s stunning green main oval with the setting sun as a wonderful backdrop. It was an honour to have Camp awards presented by Rev Andrew Cunningham, the Chair of the School Council. It was also a pleasure for me to thank and present each Year 12 Cadet with a Service Certificate which reflects their service to the Cadet Unit. Congratulations must go to the RSM Griffin Robinson for being awarded the Outstanding Service Award for 2021. 

My thanks to the SUO, CUO’s and Year 12 Cadets for their effective and functional leadership of the Cadet Unit this year. After 5 years of service to the Cadet Unit, it was apparent that the Year 12’s have enjoyed growing within and subsequently leading the cadet unit. They have valued their friendships and the camaraderie formed. All will leave with fond memories of their time within the Cadet Unit. 

Congratulations

NSW All Schools Swimming

Congratulations to our KWS swimmers on some great results on 28 May at the All Schools Swimming carnival. Ollie McLaughlin won Gold in the 50m Backstroke with a new All Schools record! He also won Gold in the 100m Backstroke and Silver in the Boys Medley Relay. Kyla Brown had another magnificent swim achieving 6th in the 50m Breaststroke. Mercede Cornelius-Feltus continued her great form with a Bronze Medal in the 200m Butterfly and 5th in the 400m Individual Medley. Zac Lewis won a Silver Medal in the Medley Relay. Will Diener also a Silver Medal in the Medley Relay as did Hugh Gillham.  CONGRATULATIONS to all of our swimmers!

Song Writing Competition – Harmony Day

The judging of this year’s Harmony Day Song Writing Competition is now complete and I have great pleasure to announce that Year 5 from KWS has won First Prize in the Primary School Section in this year’s Song Writing Competition. 

A record number of more than 80 entries were received from over 250 students in this year’s competition. The prize giving ceremony will take place at NSW Parliament House in Macquarie Street, Sydney later in June. Well done Year 5 and to Mrs Pengilly for her marvellous editing and mixing effort!

POLOCROSSE 

Kinross Wolaroi School won the Division 1 Polocrosse final 5-1 vs Calrossy, under lights at the Coonabarabran Equestrian Expo. This is an absolutely incredible achievement for our students! Ryan Weston, Zoe Stevenson and Jock Stuart made up the team. 

Congratulations students, you showed incredible courage and skill! Erica Stuart also played in a combined team and made it through to the finals evening - congratulations Erica!