Message from the Acting Director of Co-curricular

National Wether Challenge

On Tuesday and Wednesday 28-29th August 5 students (Charlie Coddington, Harry Thompson, Fletcher Taylor, Sophie Hamilton and Claudia Hamilton) travelled to Dubbo to compete in the Rabobank National Merino Wether Challenge. The students have been preparing their wethers for 6 months and had to research and apply knowledge of nutrition, carcass growth and development, wool quality, seasonal fluctuations and other industry techniques used to produce top quality animals. The 2 day challenge consisted of judging sections for the animals in wool, condition and carcass quality. The KWS team 1 were extremely successful, placing 6th nationally in their category for meat quality and animal presentation. Both teams of wethers scored very well in the wool quality showing, with scores of 89 and 92 which were again among the top of all entries.

Students were also required to compete individually in the judging component, for both fleece and animal, where they were required to examine 4 fleeces and 4 merino rams, analysing individual characteristics and using their knowledge of conformation, staple traits, desirable sire genetic values and calculating yield potential. Charlie Coddington was successful in moving to the second round where he had to explain to over 150 students, staff and industry experts his reasons for categorising the rams. He performed exceptionally well, placing third in the under 25 section and was the only school-aged person to place, beaten only by those already in the industry. What a fantastic achievement!!

The students were impressive in every section and as a result have been invited to compete in the follow-up competition next year in May. This is aimed at students competing at the next level and is a chance for students to be identified as potential candidates for opportunities within the industry.

Thank you to Mrs Jody Haydon for her work with these students.

AFL Victory

AFL is a game that is increasing in popularity in this region, with women’s involvement in the sport receiving national attention. Many of our students play for local AFL team, the Orange Tigers. Last weekend, in wet conditions 5 of our KWS girls were part of the Orange Tigers AFL team that defeated the Bathurst Giants in the Grand Final. They became the first ever Central West Youth Girls premieres. Congratulations to all the girls in the team, and particularly to the KWS girls involved. Libby Noonan, Ineka Hart, Sarah Chamberlain, Molly Storer and Grace McRae.  

End of Season Celebrations

Last week, 3 of our major winter sports groups had their season wrap-up and presentation events. On Thursday night, the Netball presentation was held in the common room of Wolaroi House. This was a lovely event with a wonderful turnout of parents, students and staff to celebrate what has been a wonderful netball season. Students were acknowledged for their dedication, improvement, and attitude throughout the season. It was wonderful to witness an atmosphere of support and encouragement for all involved. Mrs Sophie Fardell has made an incredible impact this year in her first year as MIC of Netball. Students and coaching staff have benefited from her extensive expertise and generosity with her time. Thank you Sophie for all you have done for Netball this year.

The annual Rugby dinner was held on Friday night in the DPA. With over 300 people in attendance, there was a lovely atmosphere of celebration and comradery. The occasion was used to farewell Mr Rich Freeman as the MIC of Rugby. Rich has made an incredible impact on the program this year, sharing his passion for the sport with all involved. In a sport like Rugby there is a great deal of organisation and co-ordination involved, and Rich has taken this in his stride. Thank you Rich for your contribution to the program, and all the very best for the future.

On Saturday morning, the Hockey brunch was held in the DPA. Again, this was an occasion for all students to be celebrated for their contribution to the sport. KWS Hockey teams have had a great season, with a number of the teams making it to finals.  It has been wonderful to see more boys participating this year, with dedicated KWS boys Hockey teams in the competition. Thank you to Mrs Jade Georgiou for her work as the MIC of the Hockey program this year. Our students and coaching staff have certainly benefitted from her extensive experience and expertise.

Thank you, and congratulations to all of the students and staff involved in these competitions. Your commitment to the KWS co-curricular program is greatly appreciated. All the best to our students who will compete in finals games in the coming weeks.

Ms Heidi Anthony 

Acting Director of Co-curricular