From the Head Prefects

Well, well, well, the school year is over halfway finished. I would like to welcome everyone back to Kinross for Term 3, in what promises to be a very exciting term. I think I was meant to write about something I was passionate about – instead I thought I would take this opportunity to highlight some of the important school events coming up on the calendar. 

Term 3! 

School is back in a big way for everyone at Kinross Wolaroi, and there are many exciting times to come! At the end of this week there will be some spectacular performances put on by the amazing people involved in the school musical. This year they have chosen to play “Guys and Dolls”, a classic musical romantic-comedy that is as serious as it is funny. I would encourage everyone who can to buy a ticket to see it at the Orange Civic Theatre this Friday and Saturday. 

Another exciting event coming up on the School calendar is the Art Department’s Year 12 Major Work Showcase, which is occurring next Friday. This is a great opportunity for Year 12 to showcase the artworks and pieces they have been hard at work designing, producing and putting together for almost 12 months, and put their masterpieces on display for all to see. Currently the Year 12’s are putting the finishing touches on their pieces, which have to be submitted for marking by next Thursday. 

Kinross’ finest Netballers will take to the court on Tuesday 2 August to play in the Marianne Murphy Netball Shield against the other High Schools of Orange. Marianne was a member of Australia’s triumphant 1995 Netball World Cup Team, and since 2002 Netball teams from different High Schools in Orange have played annually for the Shield through junior, intermediate and senior age-groups, the winning school determined by a point-based scoreboard. 

There are still 4 games left in the Rugby season for Kinross Wolaroi, with upcoming fixtures against St Augustine’s, St Pius X, St Stanislaus' and St Patrick’s Colleges to round out this year’s ISA competition. The Kinross 1st XV is looking to improve their standing in the group and know that they are not out of the ISA title race yet. With some good performances in the coming weeks, there is no doubt Kinross could claim top spot and be ISA premiers.

Finally, it is with mixed feelings that I write that this year’s cohort has less than 70 days of school left before we graduate. Less than 70 days until the final day, the final lesson, the final recess, the final lunch. It is with a mixture of excitement and nervousness that we look to the future – University, gap years, trades, and all manner of things we used to associate with the activities of our parents are now closer to us than they ever have been before. While it may still feel like a world away for some, the time passes quickly – make sure you try to enjoy every moment of your high school life as much as you can, because before you know it, it will be time to sit the HSC. I know that sounds cliché, but that’s the funny thing about clichés – they are so often true. 

Mac Webster

Head Prefect 2022

When Dr Parry asked me to write an article about my school journey at Kinross Wolaroi, I was stumped. I had no idea what to write. I asked every friend I could think of and thought about it for the whole day before it was due (naturally having written it the night before). 

It was while emptying out the soon to be renovated Performance Theatre that inspiration struck. After orchestra, we were given the wonderful task of clearing away all the assorted drama junk that has accumulated in the PT over the years. We uncovered so many random props, from pink polka dot dresses to Princess Leia styled wigs. A range of interesting gems we never knew existed. And that’s when it struck me. There is so much our school doesn’t know about our tremendous Performing Arts faculty. So, here is what the Music Department has meant for me:

When I was nine years old, I decided that I wanted to play the Oboe (a kind of funny looking clarinet with a bit of wood sticking out the end). My decision wasn’t so much a choice as manipulation. My older sister informed me that it was the only instrument I was allowed to learn, since there was only one other oboist in her ensemble at the time, and they really wanted a second.

I picked up the instrument when I was 11 years old. I wasn’t very good. I spent the first few years sounding like a squawking duck – I still do sometimes. Being good at an instrument requires practice, something that I never quite figured out. 

When I was in Year 7, I had the chance to join the Band, Woodwind Ensemble, and Orchestra. I don’t think I played more than five notes in Orchestra that entire year. It took me a long time to realise most of the ensemble didn’t have much more experience than I did. 

The unique thing about playing music in an ensemble is that it gives you the chance to create art with a bunch of random strangers from all different years. At our recent Music Festival, it became clear to me that some of the closest connections I’ve made at school have been through music (hours of endless rehearsals can sometimes do that to you). It’s weird, because unlike the projects we’ve run as just a Year group, when we graduate the music programs will continue without us. It’s sad, but at the same time special, to know that you’ve been part of something that will continue for a long time after you’re gone.

Music is an everchanging ensemble. We’ve watched every year as we’ve lost our best musicians, only to discover that some shy kid in Year 7 has stepped up to reveal themselves as a hidden Mozart. 

The PT has been gutted. It looks bare and barren without its motley collection of purplish chairs and assorted furniture. But in a few weeks’ time, we’ll return from the holidays to a brand-new rehearsal space, ready to serve the performers of Kinross Wolaroi for many years to come.

Ellen Arundell

Head Prefect 2022