Staff News

New staff and new roles in 2022

Every year sees a team of exciting new talent join us at Kinross Wolaroi School and 2022 is no exception. We warmly welcome them to our community.

Below for your information are profiles of our new staff and their roles, as well as information about other staff movements for Term 1.

Senior School

Ms Olivia Kite - Head of Student Wellbeing

I am delighted to welcome Ms Olivia Kite as our new Head of Student Wellbeing to commence in January 2022.

Olivia has forged an outstanding reputation as Head of Quinn House at Waverley College and as a high performing Senior HSIE teacher and HSC Marker. Olivia has been directly responsible for the pastoral care of 180 students and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of Waverley College's Wellbeing Framework and Curriculum. She led the Wellbeing Team in incorporating the framework into the Waverley Wellbeing Curriculum which was delivered to staff and students via their Learning Management System (Canvas).

At Waverley College Olivia was the Water Polo Convenor and led the Red Earth Immersion Program that sought to educate non-indigenous Australians about the hardships and day to day struggles of remote Indigenous communities.

Olivia grew up in a small country town prior to moving to Sydney to attend University. Growing up in the country has allowed her to acknowledge the role and importance of a strong community and the numerous benefits a sense of belonging can have for individuals. Developing a strong sense of community has been a key objective during her time as a Head of House.

She has regularly designed and presented parent information sessions in supporting student wellbeing, assisting with School transitions and identifying at-risk behaviours based on current research and best practice. Olivia was also the recipient of the Percy Waterson Excellence in Teaching Scholarship at Waverley College.

Olivia has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Teaching from the University of Sydney and is soon to complete a Master of Education (Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing) from Flinders University.

Ms Philippa Waters - Music Teacher and Coordinator of Choirs

Philippa will join our Music faculty in a full-time permanent capacity, commencing Term 1 2022 and will also oversee our Choirs in both the Junior and Senior School. Phillipa comes with immense experience and is a highly regarded and respected music educator in New South Wales.

At St Pius' College, Chatswood Philippa was Performing Arts Coordinator, taught Music from Year 5-12, and Vocal Ensemble Director. She has also had extensive experience at Knox Grammar School and William Clarke College. Phillipa has demonstrated a wonderful ability to engage students in the Arts regardless of their experience. She has extensive experience in designing and implementing innovative K-12 Music, Drama, and Religious programs and is a highly effective HSC Music teacher.

Philippa has a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of NSW, and AMEB Clarinet Grade 8, AMEB Pianoforte Grade 6 and AMEB Theory of Music Grade 5. She also has Orff Schulwerk levels 1,2,3 and 4.

Mr Jacob Jones - English Teacher

Jacob is a young graduate teacher who joins the English Faculty at the beginning of Term 1 in 2022. At the University of Sydney Jacob studies for a Bachelor of Secondary Education/Arts (English and History). He has undertaken Practicum experience in several schools including a block at Maningrida Central College in the Northern Territory. Jacob completed his teaching internship at SHORE.

While at the University of Sydney Jacob was a student Ambassador: Access and Outreach, where he presented workshops to students at various schools in classroom environments to improve HSC results and support higher education in low-socioeconomic areas. Jacob is an enthusiastic runner and endurance athlete who is very much looking forward to being part of the Kinross Wolaroi School community.

Ms Amy Keir - English Teacher

Amy joins our English Faculty and comes to us from Knox Grammar School where she has forged an excellent reputation as an enthusiastic and highly effective teacher, possessing a passion for quality teaching, student wellbeing and raising literacy standards. Amy has taught every year group and Course from Years 7 to 12 with consistent success in terms of student achievement and self-efficacy. She is an experienced HSC and NAPLAN marker.

Prior to her 7 years at Knox Grammar, Amy spent two years teaching English at Quirindi High School. Before pursing a career in education Amy worked as a Journalist and Editor of a number of regional newspapers and publications.

Amy has a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of New England.

Mrs  Bev  West - French Teacher

We are delighted to welcome back Bev who will be covering Chris Oldham's French classes while he is on Long Service Leave. Bev is extremely well known to many and has contributed a lifetime of dedicated service to Kinross Wolaroi School. Prior to her retirement from KWS Bev was Head of Senior School and was a marvellous contributor to our Language Faculty.

Mr Angus Brotherton - TAS Teacher

Angus will be joining our TAS Faculty and comes to us with a diverse range of professional experience. For the past three years he has taught a broad selection of subjects at Waverley College including Stage 5 and 6 Industrial Technology Timber, Stage 6 VET Construction, Stage 5 STEM and Stage 4 Technology Mandatory. Angus has also taught at Canobolas Rural Technology High School and Sydney Boys High. Prior to entering the teaching profession, Angus was a site foreman in the Building and Construction industry.

At Waverley College he embraced many opportunities to be involved in co-curricular programs. These include Rugby and Basketball coaching, STEM and a collaborative sustainability project. Angus has also been involved in cross-curricular Project-Based learning initiatives, Duke of Edinburgh walks and skills assessment.

Angus has a Bachelor or Technology and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from Southern Cross University and qualifications in the Building and Construction, Carpentry and Training and Assessing.

He enjoys Rugby Union and has experienced much success with Eastern Suburbs in Sydney and with Orange City. In 2014 Angus was Central West Rugby Union Best and Fairest player.

Miss Emily Collins - TAS Teacher

Emily will be joining our TAS Faculty this Term while Trent Chapman enjoys some Long Service Leave. Emily was a Residential Assistant for us in 2016. Since that time Emily has completed a Diploma of Dance in Elite Performing Arts at Brent Street in Sydney and has gained professional experience as a software support officer at Pulse Software and as a Digital Content Coordinator at lndesign Media Asia Pacific.

Emily has recently completed her Bachelor of Computational Design at the University of NSW and is currently studying a Masters of Secondary Teaching at Western Sydney University.

Mr Dean Johnston - Science Teacher

Dean has been teaching Science at Barker College since 2017 and has also taught at Northern Beaches Christian School, and Newington College.

At Barker, Dean has led a very successful 'Physics Access' group that provided voluntary after school enrichment for Stage 6 Physics students seeking assistance and extension. He has also implemented new methods of assessment, developed innovative Science programs and assisted his faculty in ICT integration and training.

Dean has a Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Education from Macquarie University and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.

Mr William Waterson – HSIE Teacher

Mr Waterson comes to us from The Armidale School where he has undertaken a number of roles across the life of the School. He is a recent graduate of the University of New England where he undertook a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Business Studies and Legal Studies.

At The Armidale School he taught HSIE, Mathematics and also Year 6 in the Junior School. William has worked in the Senior Boys Boarding House, served as Master in Charge of Cricket, First XI Coach and Coordinator of Girls Rugby.

William was raised in the country and attended The Armidale School as a student providing him an understanding of what 'connects' a regional community with a school. As a student he was a Round Square International Delegate which saw him attend conferences in Turkey and Jordan.

Miss Emily Collett - PDHPE Teacher

We welcome Emily to the PDHPE faculty for 2022.

For the past three years Emily has been teaching PDHPE at Parkes High School where she has also held the position of responsibility as a Year Advisor. She has also been involved in the School's Positive Behaviour for Learning Team and the Wellbeing Team. Emily has been an enthusiastic contributor to the school's sport program, particularly in the areas of Softball, Netball and Soccer.

Prior to teaching, Emily worked with the NSW Office of Sport and NSW AFL, experiences that gave her a strong sense of the importance of co-curricular activities and camps in the holistic development of young people.

Emily has a Bachelor of Physical Education (Honours) from the University of Newcastle.

Miss Ellie Madden - PDHPE Teacher

Ellie will be well known to many and will be teaching PDHPE during Term 1 of 2022. Ellie has contributed to life at KWS over the past 4 years as a Boarding Residential Assistant on the PLC site, sports coach, Learning Support Assistant and as Master in Charge of Touch Football.

Ellie has a Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education) from Charles Sturt University and a Certificate 111 in Fitness.

Mrs Susan Umberger - Learning Support Coordinator

I am delighted to announce that Mrs Susan Umberger has been appointed as Learning Support Co-ordinator to commence in January 2022. Ms Tina Mosh has generously offered to continue with us on a part-time basis next Term to lead our Learning Support team and arrange for an effective handover.

Susan is a highly regarded Learning Support practitioner who brings a wealth of experience in both Secondary and Primary Schools, and in leadership. Susan comes to us from Murrumbidgee Regional High School, Griffith where she is the Assistant Principal Learning & Support and Positive Behaviour for Learning Co-ordinator. The great majority of Susan's career has been undertaken in various Regional centres of NSW and the ACT and with a short teaching stint in the United Kingdom.

Susan has a has a Bachelor of Primary Education (major in Special Education) from Sydney University and a Master of Special Education from University of Newcastle.

I am sure you will join with me in congratulating Susan on her appointment to this key role within the School and we look forward to welcoming her and her husband Damian into the School community.

Ms Harriet Symons - Learning Support Teacher

Harriet joins us from The Armidale School where she has been a Senior Teacher of HSIE, Acting Head of Learning Support, Master in Charge of Basketball, Rugby Manager, Pastoral Care Advisor, Student Representative Council facilitator and Abseiling Team member with the TAS Cadet Unit. Harriet was also involved in the Boarding program where she was Deputy Head of Middle School Boarding for three years. Prior to teaching at TAS Harriet was at Saint Ignatius College, Riverview.

Harriet has a Bachelor of Arts (Human Resources) from Macquarie University, a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) from Charles Sturt University and is very soon to complete a Masters of Inclusive Education from Charles Sturt. Harriet is very much looking forward to relocating to the beautiful centre of Orange to continue her passion for education.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTS AND GAP YEAR STUDENTS

Mr Tim Hyman - Graduate Assistant

Tim is a dual UK and Australian Citizen who has grown up in Residential Schools in Britain and Australia. After graduating with Honours from the University of St Andrew's, Scotland with a Bachelor of Arts in Philospophy and International Relations, Tim has been working for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK) and the Cabinet Office (UK).

Tim has worked as an Overseas Volunteer with International Development NGOs in Togo (Africa) and Dominica for fourteen months. He is a Level 2 Tennis Coach and was Vice President of the University of St Andrew's Tennis Club. Tim is keen to experience education from the perspective of a teacher and would like to embark upon a career in schools.

Miss Emily Wickham - Graduate Assistant

Emily comes to us from the UK and has recently completed a Bachelor of Business and Marketing Management at Oxford Brookes University. Emily is completing a year with us prior to commencing a Master's Degree upon her return to the UK.

Emily is a keen sportswoman and has competed at county level for Tennis and Lacrosse; regional level in Athletics and has played Netball for 15 years. She has work experience in sales database management, sports coaching and in the hospitality industry and comes with exceptional references from the UK. One of which claims her to be the most delightful person in over 20 years of teaching!

Mr Joshua Fouche - GAP Assistant

Joshua comes to KWS from South Africa where he has just completed his schooling as a boarding student at Pretoria Boys High School. Joshua was heavily involved in the school choir and musical productions and was also a School Prefect, House Prefect and Dorm Prefect. He was the Captain of Hockey, Soccer, Rugby and Waterpolo teams during his school career. Joshua is also a strong swimmer reaching Provincial level in South Africa. This is Joshua's first international travel experience, and he is really looking forward to seeing the world with the view of assisting him make career and study decisions.

Mr Kian Bester - GAP Assistant

Kian also comes to us from South Africa where he completed his senior schooling as a day student at Paul Roos Gymnasium. Kian has beginner Afrikaans, Intermediate Italian and can play the piano and guitar. Kian been an avid Hockey player throughout his school career. He is heavily involved in community service at home, where he assists with a weekly river cleaning program, and also at an underprivileged school.

Kian hopes to study Psychology and pursue a career in teaching in the future.

Miss Jemima Wayman - GAP Assistant

Jemima comes to KWS from Millfield School in Suffolk where she has recently completed her final year as a boarding student. Jemima was Head of House and also the Girls Swimming Captain while at school. She has Grade 6 Piano, Violin and Grade 2 Saxophone and has reached Regional competition level for Hockey, Netball and Tennis. Jemima reached National level for swimming and was part of a six person team who swam the English Channel to raise money for a charity - Young Minds. Jemima wishes to find a career path which she is best suited to while on her Gap year.

TEACHERS' AIDE

Mr Riley Holland

Riley is a current Boarding Assistant in Trathen House and comes to this role with experience as a Teacher's Aide from Carenne Public School in Bathurst.

Riley has a Bachelor of  Communication Theatre/Media.

RETURNING FROM LONG SERVICE LEAVE

Mrs Kathryn Northam 

Mrs Toni Bilton

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

Mrs Kate Callaghan - 21C English

Mr Michael Holmes - 21C Mathematics Mr Alex Mclennan - 21C Science

Mr Peter Stevens - Acting Head of Languages

Mr Norm Moore - Acting Mclachlan House Head 

Mentor Mr Ben Ronald - Brown House Head Mentor

Miss Holly Triggs - Gifted and Talented Mentor 

Mrs Kate Anderson - Round Square Coordinator

Mrs Amy Proudford-Nalder - Senior School Literacy Coordinator

Mr  Andrew Orme-Smith -  Head of Visual Arts 

Mrs Robyn Youll - Head of TAS - Food and Fibre

Mr Simon Lun - Head of TAS - Design and Technology

Mrs Hannah Whittemore - Acting Head of Boarding 

Mrs Sophie Fardell - Head of Loader House

Mr Lee Taylor - Head of Tower House

STAFF ON LEAVE

Mr Trent Chapman - LSL for Term 12022 

Mr Chris Oldham - LSL for Terms 1 and 2 

Mrs Jade Georgiou - all of 2022

Junior School

Mrs Virginia Milliken - Leader of Learning and Wellbeing

Virginia grew up in the Coonabarabran and Warren regions and has worked across a range of socio­ educational settings from Tokyo Japan, Waverley College Sydney and schools across the Hunter Valley region. Virginia's experiences in the Hunter Valley means she is well placed in understanding what it means to teach and learn in a regional, rural setting. Virginia comes with a wealth of experience in Literacy and Numeracy and a commitment to evidence informed educational practice.

Virginia has experience in using Positive Behaviours for Learning and when working with students focuses on a model of Restorative Justice. She has worked with students and staff on developing agreements for how people within a school should relate to one another to create learning environments where each person feels safe, acts responsibly and treats all people with respect.

In the role as Leader of Learning and Wellbeing Virginia is looking to encourage and motivate students in their pursuit of high academic standards in an environment where students feel safe and supported physically, socially and emotionally. Virginia will work with Kinross Wolaroi Junior School teachers in addressing School compliance and accreditation requirements.

Working closely with the Leader of Contextual Learning, Ms Amanda Dodson, Virginia and Amanda will be working with staff creating integrated, transdisciplinary units of work, within a pedagogical approach of explicit and guided inquiry. Virginia is well experienced in this area through a previous role as the Education Officer for Primary Schools in the Maitland-Newcastle area and her work with the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy through the University of Sydney.

Virginia has a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Leadership from the Australian Catholic University, a Graduate Certificate in Primary Mathematics from the University of Western Sydney and has recently completed the Science of Language and Reading course through Latrobe University. She brings a wealth of experiences not only to the classroom setting but beyond as she works on her own family farm on regenerative agriculture practices and enjoys a range of activities including dance, drama and art.

Virginia is an innovative teacher who sees her role as sparking student curiosity, empowering them to wonder, question and explore excellence in their academics whilst becoming well-adjusted community members who act with courage, respect and resilience within the community. I look forward to Virginia starting with us in 2022.

Mrs Zoe Morris - Classroom Teacher

Zoe has been looking forward to moving to Orange and being a member of the Kinross Wolaroi community since early this year. Zoe comes to us from Santa Sabina in Sydney and brings with her a focus on individual students and the knowledge of how valuable positive relationships are in developing student knowledge and understanding. Zoe knows the value of hands on and problem-based learning and the importance of developing skills in digital literacy, collaboration and resilience in the face of challenge.

Zoe has a keen interest in STEM and STREAM and how these can be used to underpin teaching across all key learning areas and has a holistic view of their application as a useful pedagogical tool. Coming from a school that has engaged in the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate, Zoe is well versed in transdisciplinary learning, framing student learning through problem solving and critical thinking. Her classroom is an engaging, rich and safe space for students. Zoe believes her classroom is not only a space for academic learning, but somewhere where children learn more about themselves, develop their social relationships and draw deeper connections to the world around them.

With a degree in Visual Arts, Photography and Digital Media from the University of NSW Zoe will bring an added dimension to our Junior School programs. She has a Masters of Education from Western Sydney University and a Graduate Certificate in Religious Studies from the Australian Catholic University.

Zoe is looking forward to engaging in a variety of co-curricular and extra -curricular activities with students in the Junior School, providing enriching and engaging experiences beyond the classroom.

Mr Toby Paul - Classroom Teacher

Toby knows the importance of connecting with students within the classroom. His use of strategies ranging from the guitar, to Minecraft, to understanding what it means to be a high potential learner means students are readily able to connect with learning in the classroom. Toby knows the value of a differentiated classroom where students move through modelled, guided and independent work to consolidate their knowledge, skills and understanding. Where students are motivated through insightful questioning techniques and open-ended tasks and investigations.

Toby has a Bachelor of Education combined with a Certificate in Teaching and Education from the International Baccalaureate from the University of Notre Dame. As part of his studies Toby completed an international internship at the International School of Almhult in Sweden where he was nominated as an outstanding Professional experience student. Toby has a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education from the Australian Institute of Theological Studies. Toby is currently studying a Masters in Educational Management and Leadership at the University of Sydney.

Growing up in Tamworth before moving to Canberra and then Sydney to complete his education Toby is looking forward to becoming a part of a regional community again. He has a passion for music and athletics where he will be a welcome asset to our growing sporting program.

Mr Lachlan Barrett - Classroom Teacher

Lachlan has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and undertook the honours program with a focus on Aboriginal Education. His research focussed on the ways educators can authentically implement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within the daily learning environment. Throughout his university experience Lachlan has been acknowledged with awards for his application to his studies and his service to the greater community. Growing up in Coonamble and attending boarding school in Bathurst, Lachlan is no stranger to what it means to live and learn in the Central West.

Lachlan has been developing his craft at Woollahra Public School and brings knowledge from Rugby Australia where he was the Customer Engagement Officer where part of his role involved the collaboration with the Community Team to promote safe, inclusive and engaging rugby.

As Lachlan starts with us in 2022, he is looking to inspire students to step out of their comfort zone, engage in new experiences and as a result achieve their goals. He has experience in swimming, athletics, rugby, tennis and debating and we look forward to his participation in our co-curricular experiences.

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

Mrs Amanda Dodson - Leader of Contextual Learning

Mrs Myrri Fatai - Leader of Technology and Innovation

TEACHERS' AIDES

Ms Claire Bate

Claire joins the KWS team as a Pre Kinder Assistant after working at Little Wallabies Early Learning Centre. She is a trained nurse with specialization in mothers and babies. Claire is currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood.

Ms Debb Finney

Debb comes to KWS from Catherine McAuley where she has been a Teacher's Aide. Debb is a Learn to Swim Instructor and lived in Narrabri prior to moving to Orange in 2019.

Ms Corinna Guy

Corinna has moved to Orange this month and comes to us from Victoria where she was a Teacher's Aide at Heatherton Christian College. Corinna is joined by her husband who relocated here for work.