Farewell Year 12

The final week of Term marks the conclusion of our Year 12 students' formal schooling. A special time for them, as they reflect on friendships and their KWS journey while maintaining focus on their exams that lie only a few weeks away. I could not speak more highly about the positive and constructive manner in which our Year 12 cohort have adapted and accepted the many challenges and disruptions that have been placed before them during the pandemic. What they foresaw as their Year 12 experience is quite different to the reality of 2020. But, they have made the most of what they have had, looked for ways to do things differently and in many cases triumphed and achieved outstanding results.

One only needs to look at the wonderful HSC major works for Art, Textiles and Industrial Art – the level of skill, design and creativity are exceptional. Despite the disruptions, they have presented work of a standard that surpasses many that we have seen in the past. Our Drama students have been acknowledged with 5 OnStage nominations for their excellence. Across the full breadth of the School our students have seized the day and turned disruption and inconvenience into an opportunity to display their true ability and character.

This approach is also readily evident in our co-curricular activities. They have embraced our internal games program with much enthusiasm and good fun and many have found great enjoyment and challenge in participating in local sports competitions. I have received considerable feedback from the community about the positive contributions our students have made to local competitions and teams with the quality of their sportsmanship often being referred to.

The great US Civil Rights campaigner Martin Luther King argued that ‘the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience but where they stand at time of challenge and controversy. King’s thesis powerfully captures the quality of our Year 12 cohort. As a group they possess great character and depth. They have risen above the disruptions and disappointments, they have refocused and kept perspective, they have looked after each other, nurtured their friendships and triumphed.

The Class of 2020 have set a great example to us all and are a great credit to themselves and their families.

I wish them well for their upcoming exams and every success for their future.

KWS Scholar off to Oxford University

I recently had the great pleasure of meeting Codey Swadling who graduated from KWS in 2015. Codey was a Scholarship holder at KWS and was DUX of the School, graduating with an ATAR of 99.75.

I met with Codey to discuss the marvellous opportunity before him, where he is soon to take up a place at Balliol College at the University of Oxford to study for a Masters degree in Classics. A wonderfully enriching and life changing adventure for him.

Since leaving KWS, Codey has studied Arts Law at the University of Sydney and been a member of St Paul’s College. Codey’s gift and passion for the Classics saw him win the highly prestigious University Medal for Latin - an outstanding achievement.

It was lovely chatting with him and hearing about his journey so far. What was particularly special was listening to Codey express his immense appreciation of his teachers at KWS, particularly Mr Stevens who ignited within him a love of the Latin language and the Classics.

Codey leaves for the UK in October and we wish him every success as he immerses himself in the rich history and stimulating environment of Oxford.

Congratulations

Charlotte Haling

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

Charlotte Hailing (2019) recently received her Gold Award from Margaret Beazley- Governor of New South Wales at the Duke of Edinburgh Gold ceremony in Sydney. Charlotte started her award journey with Bronze at age 14 and progressed through to Silver and Gold whilst at Kinross Wolaroi School. In December 2018 she travelled to Cambodia with the CAMKIDS program which constituted her Residential Project for the Award. Charlotte has been a wonderful ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh award and the School.

Charlie Southwell, Year 11 – International recognition

Charlie Southwell, Year 11, has recently completed his Senior Geography Project on Sphagnum moss found in the alpine environment of Kosciuszko National Park (Thredbo fieldwork March 2020). During the project Charlie has been liaising with a leading academic, Dr David Meagher from the University of Melbourne. Dr Meagher has been so impressed by Charlie’s approach and his final report that he has sought permission to refer to Charlie’s work in his article to be published in the International Association of Bryologists early in 2021. What an extraordinary achievement for Charlie to be recognised in this way. A great credit to him.

Staffing Changes: Appointments

Acting Head of Department – Visual Arts

Ms Robyn Youll has accepted the position of Acting Head of Visual Arts for next year as Toni Bilton takes the year as Long Service Leave. Robyn is very familiar to the KWS community, commencing at the School in 2006 as a Technology teacher. Since then Robyn has been involved in many aspects of School life including being the current Tower Magazine Coordinator, TREE Field Officer and VET Hospitality teacher.

Head of Richards House – Mrs Michelle Thompson

Michelle is well known to the KWS community originally coming to us in 2014 as a Mathematics teacher. She has undertaken numerous roles in this time, including Acting Head of Brown House, Year 12 Mentor and a Rite Journey teacher. Mrs Thompson was also a team leader to Cambodia for CAMKIDS in 2019. She is passionate about the holistic education of students and pastoral care and is very excited about the opportunity to lead Richards house from 2021.

Year 7 Coordinator - Ms Alex Dunkley

After interviews for the position of Year 7 Coordinator I am pleased to announce that Ms Alex Dunkley has been successful in her application for this role.

Alex joined Kinross Wolaroi in Term 2 of 2017 after four years at The Scots School Bathurst. She has proven ability in her roles as an English Teacher and also a Senior Drama Teacher. During her time at KWS, Alex has been involved in many aspects of School life, including the School Musical Productions, Senior leadership activities, Peer Support, Year 7 Camp, Year 11 Brown House Mentor and Year 12 MAPS guide. Alex is well equipped to support our Year 7 students in their first year of high school and beyond.

Staff retirements and resignations

Mrs Tricia Finch – Mathematics Teacher

After 40 years of faithful and committed service, Mrs Tricia Finch has decided to retire from Kinross Wolaroi School. Tricia is currently on Long Service Leave and will return for Term and then will finish at the end of the year. Tricia has committed her career to the School and has made a significant contribution to the life of the School. More will be said about Tricia’s contribution later in the year.

Mr Tobias Wehr-Candler and Ms Sarah Cook

Tobi and Sarah also finish with Kinross Wolaroi School at the end of this Term, to move to Canberra where they will head the Rowing Program for Canberra Grammar School. Tobi and Sarah will be greatly missed, particularly by our rowing students who have benefited so much from the opportunities provided. We thank both Tobi and Sarah for the immense contribution to the School over the last two years.

Mr Richard Freeman

Mr Richard Freeman finishes his contract with KWS this week after several seasons with the School over the past two years. I express my sincere appreciation to Rich for his skilled, dedicated and passionate approach to our Rugby program. Rich has contributed to a number of areas within the School including the Athlete Development Program, MIC Rugby and as a member of the Boarding staff.

Paul Mirrington takes some well-earned Long Service Leave this Term. His classes will be covered by Mrs Tricia Finch before she retires from teaching.

Jade Georgiou goes on Maternity Leave at the beginning of Term 4 and will return early in Term 4 next year. We wish her all the very best for the birth of her new child.

Wishing you all a very restful and special time with your families over the break.

Dr Andrew Parry

Principal

News fromaround our School

Viking Day

Year 10 RE enjoy the sunshine while working on some challenging Ethical Dilemmas

News from
around our School