Message from the Principal
Welcome back to Term 3.
I hope all our students return well rested, full of energy to face the challenges that the new term will present.
School’s are quiet and eerie places over the holiday period and it is wonderful to see them come alive charged with excitement and activity when the students return.
We welcome a number of new students to the school and two exchange students from Timaru Boys High School in New Zealand. I have no doubt our community will make them feel at home as they settle in to their new surrounds.
A very busy holiday break for many as they engaged in a number of school activities – Cadet Promotions Camp; ski trip to the Snowy Mountains; Senior Art camps and rehearsals for our up coming performances of ‘High School Musical’.
I was greatly impressed by the significant number of our senior students who spent the final week of the break at School participating in our hugely successful Study Camp. This has grown year on year and provides an excellent opportunity for our senior students to prepare, learn and work together in the lead up to their High School Certificate. 104 students attended the camp, 94 being from our Year 12 cohort and all were highly engaged in sessions ranging from tutorials, seminars and workshop presentations.
17 staff contributed 72 hours of first class presentations and assistance. This is a very clear demonstration of the wonderful commitment from our staff who so freely and generously give of their time during their holiday break to assist our students. I have heard that some of the presentations by our English and Maths staff were just outstanding. This preparation will lay an excellent foundation for this term for all students who attended and I commend all that were involved for their commitment to their academic work.
As I have said many times before, success is achieved through hard work, perseverance and meaningful practice.
Thank you to all the staff who contributed to the study camp and especially to Mr Yooie Choi for all his hard work and organisation in arranging the camp. We are most grateful to all staff who gave generously of their time assisting in the various activities over the break. Thank you.
International visits
During the first week of the vacation I took the opportunity to visit three of the schools in United Kingdom with whom we wish to undertake student exchanges. My first visit was to Strathallen School in Scotland where a former colleague of mine from St Edward’s School in Oxford, Mark Lauder is now Head Master. From there we journeyed to Rydal Penrhos School in North Wales and then on to one of Britain’s most famous Public Schools – Rugby School in England.
It was immensely rewarding to spend time speaking with leading educators about their hopes and aspirations for their schools and the challenges they face in their individual contexts. Like Kinross Wolaroi, each school strongly believes in the development of the whole person and provide a plethora of experiences that develop all facets of life – academic and artistic, spiritual and sporting. To look carefully at each school’s educational offering both in and out of the classroom, to see the quality of their facilities and to share our passion for the education of our students was immensely rewarding and inspiring.
I look forward to developing strong relationships with Strathallen, Rydal Penhros and Rugby School as we exchange students over the coming years. There also appears to be a number of other exciting synergies that can be developed between our schools that will open opportunities for staff and the sharing of innovative educational practices.
New Staff Appointments
Ms Sarah Cook - Rowing Coach and Athlete Development Co-ordinator
Ms Sarah Cook joins the staff as Rowing Coach and Athlete Development Co-ordinator. Sarah comes to us with a wealth of national and international experience as an athlete, coach, administrator and as a highly respected sporting identity and leader. Over the past two years the concept of an Athletic Development Unit has been explored by the Director of Co-Curricular and Head of Sport. This new initiative will oversee the wellbeing of all students engaged in the KWS sports program. The Athlete Development Unit will also strive to foster athletic excellence and will operate in close collaboration with the academic and wellbeing areas of the School to ensure a well-balanced and developmentally appropriate sporting program.
A dual Olympian in rowing, and Australian Sailing representative, Sarah has been highly involved in improving performance in sport in Australia. Through her numerous roles in high performance administration and coaching, Sarah has led the development of winning cultures and improved the development pathway for young athletes. Since her retirement from rowing following the London Olympics, Sarah has already had a significant impact in Australian sport, influencing positive outcomes through lobbying State and Federal Governments and as an advisor to state and national sporting associations.
Sarah is currently Operations Manager for Australian Sailing where her responsibilities include organisation, strategy and management of all operations and logistics for the Australian Sailing Team and their programs. As a Rowing Coach, Sarah has coached the Australian Junior Men’s Coxed Four at the World Championships, and was Head of Rowing and Coach at St Joseph’s College in Sydney. In 2016 under Sarah’s leadership, St Joseph’s experienced their most successful year in their history, achieving podium finishes in 9 of the 11 races contested and claimed the First VIII title at the GPS Head of the River.
Sarah has an outstanding record as an Athlete. From 2004 – 2012 she represented Australia in Rowing competing at two Olympic games and 7 World Championship events, winning 6 World Championship medals. She was Australian National Champion 8 times, rowing in 5 different boat classes.
Sarah is a highly acclaimed International Rowing Commentator regularly broadcasting with World Rowing, BBC, BT Sport and Fox. She is a regular contributor to national and state radio for commentary and insights on professional and Olympic sporting news and debate.
Sarah is President of the Sydney University Boat Club (the first female to hold this position), a Director of NSW Rowing and Athletes Commission Member.
Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Canberra and University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of New England, Sarah is qualified to teach Science.
She has just returned from representing Australia as a delegate to the International Olympic Committee Conference in Greece.
Sarah grew up in Canberra is greatly looking forward to living in the beautiful centre of Orange. She is married to Tobias Wehr-Candler who will also be joining us to lead our Rowing Program.
Mr Tobias Wehr-Candler – Master in Charge of Rowing and Rugby
Mr Tobias Wehr-Candler joins us to lead and coordinate our rowing and rugby programs. Tobias will initially oversee Rowing and in 2019 assume the role of MIC Rugby.
Tobias comes to us from St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill where he has been Head of Rowing and has forged a reputation as an outstanding administrator and leader. He is also a gifted coach, achieving excellent results with the St Joseph’s crews.
Tobias has an impressive record as an athlete, representing New Zealand at six World Championships and five World Cup events. At the World Rowing Championship in 2009, Tobias won the Men’s Coxed Four Under 23 World Championship. From 2010 to 2014 he was the World Record Holder for the 1-hour ergometer.
Tobias has also sailed professionally and was a member of America’s Cup Challenge Team Australia in 2014.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Distinction) from the University of Waikato in New Zealand and a Masters of Business Management from the University of Sydney, Tobias has also worked as a Senior Management Consultant. He has advised educators, employers and students to achieve better outcomes from experiential learning collaboration, and in the field of design and implementation of client strategy and communication at the University of Sydney.
Tobias has been engaged as an industry facilitator for the Masters Level Entrepreneurship and Innovation course. Tobias has been an active member of the Sydney University Boat Club and led their Strategy and Operations Committee.
Having grown up in rural New Zealand, Tobias is very much looking forward to making Orange home and along with Sarah, making a significant contribution to the students and community of Kinross Wolaroi School.
New Staff Responsibilities
Acting Director of Co-Curricular
Following Mr Rowe’s departure to St Joseph’s in Sydney, Ms Heidi Anthony – Acting Director of Co-curricular Ms Heidi Anthony will fulfill the role of Acting Director of Co-curricular. She has made an outstanding contribution to the life of the school in her role as Head of Performing Arts. Heidi has directed the last three KWS Musicals, has been extensively involved in the Review of our Co-curricular Programs and has been a member of the Co-curricular Payments Committee.
Mrs Nicole Deans – Acting Head Librarian – Long Service Leave cover
Mrs Nicole Deans has accepted the role as the Head Librarian whilst Mrs Amanda Foster is on Long Service Leave for the remainder of the year. Mrs Deans has a Bachelor of Education, a Masters of Education in Librarianship and many other relevant qualifications. She also has many years of experience working in libraries, including as the KWS Preparatory Teacher Librarian since 2007.
Ms Tina Moshkanbaryans – Learning Support Coordinator – from the commencement of Term 3
This is a new position that came about as a result of the re-structure of our SAS team. Tina has worked tirelessly within the SAS team since commencing at Kinross Wolaroi at the beginning of last year. Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Sydney University and a Master’s in Special Education from the University of New England. Tina’s enthusiasm, energy and passion for the learning support our students will see her make an outstanding contribution in this area.
Mrs Annalie McRae – Head of Performing Arts
Mrs Annie McRae will cover for Heidi Anthony until a permanent Director of Co-curricular is recruited. Mrs McRae is well known to the Kinross community, initially starting at the school in 2005. Annie has extensive experience in our Music Department and will do a great job as the Acting Head of Performing Arts.
Ms Jennifer Roberts - Music Teacher
I am delighted that Ms Jennifer Roberts has accepted the role a Music Teacher to cover some of Annie McRae’s music load, for Terms 3 and 4. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor Education from UNSW, a Master Arts from Florida State University; was awarded a Piano Restoration Fellowship in 2008 from Northwestern University, Chicago and a Graduate Fellowship from Florida State University between 2006 -2008. Jennifer comes to KWS from the Centre for Youth and Community Music at Charles Darwin University, Darwin where she was a music teacher. Prior to that Jennifer was the Senior Music Teacher at Reddam House in Wollahra. She has extensive experience teaching curriculum music and piano to students aged from 4 years through to HSC level and has experience as a HSC music (written and performance) marker. Jennifer is also a self-employed piano and harpsicord tuner.
Miss Alice Bowman – SAS – Learning Support teacher
Miss Alice Bowman has recently finished a term at Kinross covering Trin Graham’s classes as a Long Service Leave cover. Alice will start a Maternity Leave position at the end of August to cover for Jessie Lawson who will be taking Maternity Leave until July next year.
Mrs Sue-Ann Gavin – SRC Co-ordinator
Mrs Kimberley Jones stepped down from her voluntary role as the SRC co-ordinator at the end of Term 2. She has built up the SRC as we know it today, for which I am sincerely grateful. Sue-Ann Gavin will be taking on the role, commencing in Term 3 and will take on the responsibility with dedication and enthusiasm.
Mrs Nicola Harbison – Preparatory teacher
Mrs Harbison will taking the Year 5 class for the remainder of the year, as David Hazelton embarks on a teaching role in Japan. Nicola comes to us after being a Foundation Teacher at Orange Anglican Grammar School, where she has been for over 10 years. She is both a very experienced and well-respected teacher and will no doubt be a compliment our Prep school.
Mrs Lisa Savage – Preparatory teacher
We are fortunate enough to have Mrs Lisa Savage to take on Sue Houston’s Year 2 class for the remainder of 2018. Lisa is well known to the KWS community and have been with us in various roles in the Prep school since 2010.
Mrs Suzie Maslin – Preparatory teacher
Suzie joined the KWS team earlier this year and has over 20 years experience in education. Suzie will cover for Alicia Holmes’ Maternity Leave for the remainder of 2018 and will also continue teaching Year 4 in the Prep school.
Returning Staff
Mrs Trin Graham - English teacher and RE Coordinator
After a term of well-earned Long Service Leave, Trin Graham returns to us refreshed and more keen than ever. Thanks to Alice Bowman and Bruce Kerridge for covering this leave.
Returning from Maternity Leave
Mrs Alicia van den Boss and Mrs Robyn Youll.
Long Service Leave
Mrs Amanda Foster – Library
Amanda Foster will take LSL for the remainder this year, and will be covered in by Nicole Deans.
Maternity Leave
Mrs Jessie Lawson
Jessie will be taking Maternity leave from 28th August until July next year and will be covered by Miss Alice Bowman.
Mrs Alicia Holmes
Alicia will take Maternity Leave for six months, commencing in Term 3. Suzie Maslin will provide cover for Alicia’s Maternity leave for the remainder of this year. Suzie has been working part-time in the Prep school this year.
I am sure you will join with me in welcoming our new and returning staff to Kinross Wolaroi School this term.
Congratulations
2018 John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award
I am thrilled to share with the school community the outstanding achievement of one of our Year 12 students, Ailish Seedsman. She has not only been nominated for, but has been successful in being one of those selected to receive the prestigious John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award. This award will be presented to Ailish by the Governor of NSW at Government House in September. Congratulations, Ailish. Your contribution to the community goes far above and beyond. It is an honour to have your contribution publicly recognised by the Order of Australia Association.
Fleece to Fashion competition
Our Year 12 Textiles and Design students entered the Fleece to Fashion competition. The selection and awards night was held in Armidale during the school holidays on July 7th . Maggie Rose Smith and Isabel Lamph were awarded the Whitehouse Institute Workshops Prize for their entries in the Secondary School section. The theme was ‘A Splash of Colour’, students were asked to design a contemporary garment using merino wool. The judges were eminent Australian designers Akira Isogawa and Charlie Brown as well as long standing Editor of The Land, Emma Downey.
This is a great accolade for Maggie and Isabel as they were two of only four students selected for awards in the Secondary Schools Section.
Yalari Award
Jade Jolliffe, a KWS Yalari scholar, received one of only two awards presented at the recent Yalari Dinner in Sydney. She received the award for resilience, testament to her ongoing focus and determination. The KWS community are very proud of Jade’s achievement.
Australian Schools Rugby Success
Over the holiday break Kinross Wolaroi was very well represented by three of our students playing Rugby in the NSW Schools Rugby teams: NSW Schools 1st XV - Donny Freeman; NSW Schools 2nd XV - Aidan Kelso and Will Smith. At the conclusion of the National Championships, won by the NSW 1st’s, the National Selectors named an Australian Schools Squad to play New Zealand and Tonga in October.
I am delighted that Donny Freeman and Aidan Kelso have been named in the National Squad for these fixtures. Congratulations to all these boys for such a strong performances.
ACIES success
Several KWS students have had success at ACIES events recently.
Charlotte Simmons won the girls 17yrs 4000m Cross Country; Sophie Martin won the girls 13yrs 3000m Cross Country. Well done, girls!
Fletcher Doyle has been selected in the boys 15yrs ACIES Touch Football team; Josie Clark has been selected in the girls 15yrs Touch Football team, and Lara Clark in the Open Girls Touch Football team. A terrific effort and experience for these students.
CIS success
Ineka Hart has been selected in the CIS Girls AFL team; Philipa Manix and Phoebe Litchfield have been selected in the girls Open Hockey team; Bella Noonan in the Open Netball team; Aidan Kelso and Nicholas Booth in the boys 15yrs Rugby League team; Charlotte Simmons, Maggie Smith and Sophie Martin have been selected for the CIS Cross Country team.
Dr Andrew Parry
Principal