The
CHRONICLE ISSUE 5
JULY 2018
KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL
21ST CENTURY MINDS Building strong and resilient students
PREP, PRE-PREP AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE
Practice makes perfect in the Prep School
LEAP TO A NEW LEARNING PORTAL
Allowing a virtual step into the classroom from the comfort of home
T H E CH R ONI C L E
INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
The Ordinary is Extraordinary Each school year is an exciting chapter in our children’s lives. There is always change: classes, teachers, rooms, dorms, routines, systems, teams, uniforms and friendship groups, and together we are filled with optimism for what lies ahead. We start the year with zeal and enthusiasm. Orientation and information sessions, parent lectures, parent-teacher discussions, swimming and athletics carnivals, the close of summer sports and the start-up of winter sports make for a busy and complex calendar. Invariably students and staff describe the time as busy but enjoyable. Being a good student, teacher and support staff member means doing your best and believing in yourself and the School. We conclude Term 1, refresh over the holidays and charge confidently into Term 2 where again there is change. That’s why we underpin everything we do with our values set of Resilience, Courage, Inclusiveness, Commitment and Respect. We teach children of the 21st-century in an environment of constant change and we welcome debate about education. It is a fine time to be connected to our School. You will notice change in our bulletins, website and soon our intranet (FROG) because it all coincides with the work underway on our strategic plan, Strategic Directions 2019–2024, to be released in December. We hope you enjoy reading this edition, which focuses on everyday life at our School. Repeatedly, we are amazed by the results of our holistic approach to getting the best out of our students by weaving together academic and co-curricular pursuits, commitments and opportunities. The ordinary at KWS is truly quite extraordinary.
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LEARNING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Building strong and resilient students in a technologically advanced world
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WINDERMERE FARM
The Chronicle Sections
Kinross Wolaroi School is a school of the Uniting Church in Australia
From the Principal Chair of Council Features Programs and Innovation Event Coverage Student Achievements Staff Alumni
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Endless possibilities and enormous potential on the School’s new farm
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28 KWS DAY
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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
The growth and success of the KWS swim team
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PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
A celebration of all things KWS
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P IS FOR PREP, PRE-PREP AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE
The importance of practice and participation in the Prep School
Scenes from Childhood
Front cover: Year 6 student Ruby Coulton with classmates Will Steventon and Kate Adams
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T H E CH R ONI C L E FR O M T H E P R I NCIPAL
Emotional intelligence, reaction to failure, optimism, perseverance, resilience and the ability to improve and adapt on one’s feet are increasingly important.�
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At Kinross Wolaroi School we offer a rich and diverse educational experience that incorporates a vision for learning encompassing all aspects of life, not just the intellectual, but also the social, cultural, physical and spiritual dimensions, one deliberately structured to develop the whole person.
A MAGNIFICENT PREPARATION FOR LIFE
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his holistic view of education, celebrated in the pages of this edition, equips our students with the attributes they will need to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives where social and emotional skills are as important as academic and professional skills. Our varied co-curricular program provides students with a range of challenging learning experiences that play an essential role in achieving this objective. Many of my colleagues who lead Independent Schools would argue what happens outside the classroom to be just as important as what happens inside. Of course exam results matter, but not as much as the qualities that allow students to leave school in a position to thrive in the fluid, ever-changing world of the 21st Century. Emotional intelligence, reaction to failure, optimism, perseverance, resilience and the ability to improve and adapt on one’s feet are increasingly important. Students need to be able to work collaboratively in teams, to know how to learn, to self-manage and be self-reflective. We need to invest in whole people, not just academic marks, as so much successful workplace participation will be relational, and therefore interpersonal skills and co-curricular breadth are highly relevant. Co-curricular participation provides ample opportunity for students to be challenged or extended beyond their comfort zone, enabling growth in confidence, self-esteem and selfknowledge. For it is only by being extended beyond one’s capacity and trying new experiences that students discover what they are truly capable of.
The motto of Gordonstoun School in northern Scotland is Plus est en vous. The school was founded by the German educator, Kurt Hahn in the 1930s, and was attended by several members of the Royal family. French scholars know this motto literally translates as ‘More is in You’, however, at Gordonstoun they interpret it more broadly as ‘There is more in you than you think’. I have no doubt that many of our students, in being challenged and extended in the classroom, on the sports field, in musical and dramatic performances or in other ways, have discovered there is more in them than they thought. It is important we not only provide our students with a range of experiences, but be prepared to push them to discover their capabilities. Again, Kurt Hahn cofounder of the Outward Bound Scheme strongly believed in ‘coercion into experiences’. We should not be afraid to require our students to undertake experiences that we know provide the likelihood, or even the possibility of significant personal growth. I hope you enjoy reading this edition which bears witness to the varied and dynamic life of our School, one full of challenge, choice and opportunity designed to see our students grow, flourish, and discover their abilities and passions in life. Constantly, I am amazed at the results of our holistic approach to getting the best out of our students by weaving together academic and co-curricular experiences. I am grateful for all we have and we can be • Dr Andrew Parry Principal KWS
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EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR STUDENTS HAS GIFTS It’s fundamental to the KWS mission that we recognise and develop the rich diversity of talent within our school community. We need to do so within an environment that values the role each and every one of these talents plays in creating vibrant and successful communities.
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ach and every one of our students has their own unique “gift” waiting to be unlocked. Their talent may lie in the arts, academia or sport; they may have good judgment or high levels of emotional intelligence; they may have fantastic social skills or a caring nature; they may be a born teacher or leader or good at problem-solving or creating things; they may make people laugh. The range is endless. We will each discover our “gift” at different stages through life – but even when we find it, we know talent alone is never enough. Malcolm Gladwell in “Outliers: The Story of Success” studied why naturally “talented” children may not succeed in life as expected: “They lacked something that could have been given to them if we’d only known they needed it: a community around them that prepared them properly for the world.” We need to create an environment that caters for diversity in talent and interests and gives our students the best chance to discover what is undeniably unique to them. This environment must encourage our students to be curious; to motivate them to challenge themselves; to grow from failure and to develop the self-confidence and the resilience to persevere. We don’t just pay lip service to these words – the KWS management and staff have put in an enormous amount of
thought and effort to ensure all students from Pre-Prep to Year 12 have the facilities, the programs and the support networks to develop this mindset. You can see this in action each and every day – that’s just what KWS is about. Through my experience as a parent of two boys with an extreme range of interests and talents I’ve seen what a range of programs delivered by passionate and talented educators can do to change the course of a child’s life. The key is finding that “thing” that engages your child. With this in mind, we have recently purchased a 250 acre farm, “Windermere”, located less than 10 minutes from the KWS back gate. I am eager to watch the integration of this asset into the whole school program through The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE). I believe this property has the potential to anchor a range of programs to further develop diversity in skills, to allow all students to explore the interaction between mind and matter, and to provide a unique environment to ignite a passion for learning in our students. Albert Einstein said “I never teach my pupils: I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they learn.” This is also our mission. If we can together create an environment that ensures our students leave us with an inner strength and an approach to life which will support them as they follow their passions, this is the greatest “gift” each of us can give them • Mrs Christine McIntosh Chair KWS School Council
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Albert Einstein 4
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WE WELCOME THE NEW GUARDIAN OF BOARDING: MR MATTHEW CURRAN Boarding at KWS: a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.
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Director of Boarding Matt Curran with Dominique Holland, Vincent Reilly, Rhianna Simpson and Donny Freeman
We talk proudly about community and family values while the students talk of lifelong friendships and preparation for life beyond Kinross Wolaroi.”
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he boarding experience at KWS will become more than just a home away from home under the leadership and direction of its new Director of Boarding, Mr Matthew Curran. Matthew’s vision and experiences will move pastoral care at the School in a new and innovative direction. Matthew joined the KWS team in 2018, having previously worked in the United Kingdom for 12 years as Head of Boarding at the co-educational Ardingly College in West Sussex. There he was responsible for a dynamic and innovative boarding community of over 300 students. Prior to this he taught Mathematics and worked in boarding at Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, UK and at St Joseph’s College in Sydney, where he was also Master in Charge of Cricket. Matthew has taught HSC Mathematics and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching from the University of Sydney. Matthew believes, “Boarding school is an incredibly important time in a student’s personal development. However, boarding schools should recognise that every boarding student will finally outgrow their environment. At Kinross Wolaroi, we aim for our students to become ready and able to take the next step after they leave us, secure in the knowledge of who they are, and what they do best.” We are proud of the fact that almost half of the KWS Senior School live on campus. Given the huge diversity these students bring to our community, most from rural and regional Australia, Matthew wants to provide the right space for students to thrive as individuals and as a group. “It is equally important to cater, as best one can, to the needs of the individual rather than the collective, as has happened in the past.” “Our newest boarding house, built in 2015 has a focus on improved personal space, reflecting the latest thinking in boarding design.” “One of the biggest changes to our boarding environment has been the improved focus on the level of pastoral care and support that boarders have access to.” “Our Health Centre is moving towards a 24/7 model and we now have two full-time counsellors available to
work with and support our students. Our catering team have a stronger focus on providing nutritionally balanced food. All boarding staff are committed to professional development on a regular basis; attending the ABSA Conferences, visiting other schools to share best practice so as to place ourselves at the forefront of contemporary boarding practices.” For Matthew, it’s not only about improved facilities at KWS, it’s also about improved experiences. We want to foster pride, loyalty and kindness within and between boarders and match that with experiences that can broaden horizons and create opportunities for the future. He says, “Our weekend activities for boarders are more meaningful and engaging than at any point in the past. We are fortunate that on weekends the majority of our boarders are on campus, making it easier to design social activities and trips for the benefit of all.” “During the week, we encourage our boarders to look for enrichment outside of the classroom by exploring a wealth of activities, clubs and societies that the extensive co-curricular program offers at Kinross Wolaroi.” “What I find most rewarding as the Director of Boarding is the feedback from students”, says Matthew. “Boarding at Kinross Wolaroi fosters a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves. We talk proudly about community and family values while the students talk of lifelong friendships and preparation for life beyond Kinross Wolaroi, which the boarding experience has prepared them for. For us as a community, boarding offers the opportunity to focus on personal and social development, to shape young people who are confident in themselves, who are willing to take risks to grow and develop a lifelong love of learning” •
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GLORIOUS GROUNDS Kinross Wolaroi School’s educational facilities are offset by beautifully maintained and well planned gardens and grounds, which are a clever combination of features woven together by the School’s groundsmen, gardeners and builders.
KWS Grounds Team Left to right: Mick Phillips, Jacob Kain, Keith Howarth, Wes McDonald, Luke Simkins, Justin Brister and Jackson Coote
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Left: Head of Grounds, Mick Phillips Right: Jackson Coote
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he grounds of Kinross Wolaroi School have always been admired by the community for their magnificence. The gardens, sports ovals and native environments are beautifully maintained and well planned and they continue to flourish over time. Head of Grounds, Mick Phillips, says the School’s beautiful surroundings are the clever work of his team. There are six grounds staff managing 39 Ha across Kinross Wolaroi School and the PLC campus. Very few tasks are outsourced; only pest management and the tree register are contracted out. “The view from Bathurst Road into the school is sensational when the flowers are in bloom. Many of the trees are 100 years old,” says Mick. “The grounds are predominantly aesthetic as a setting for the school, sport and boarders’ backyard. The exceptions are the market garden tended by the students within The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE) program. Another garden is underway; the Indigenous garden.”
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The grounds are part of the School’s ongoing effort to provide engaging, hands-on educational experiences for all of its students via TREE. The sheer diversity of habitats and conditions on the KWS site means that Mick’s team are multi-skilled by necessity. “The team are jacks of all trades, easily repairing equipment and irrigation. They will often liaise with other local greenkeepers whenever there is a challenge.” Mick says the most challenging part of his work at the moment is the careful management of sports ovals. “Maintaining ovals is complex. Rugby specifies 35mm grass depth while cricket is 19mm depth. All sporting codes have precise requirements for markings. If cut too low, the cool climate grasses can quickly become diseased.” Another challenge this year has been the elm beetle. “An intensive program is scheduled for September and October, which requires one full-time person to inject a cocktail of earth-friendly chemicals in and around each tree.” Mick says one reason the school grounds are looking exceptional is the collegiality of his staff.
Morale in the team is high and we all go out for one another’s birthdays, which has not always been the case. There is lots of enthusiasm for going the extra mile.” Mick Phillips will retire in May 2019 after 19 years at Kinross Wolaroi School •
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The team are jacks of all trades, easily repairing equipment and irrigation.�
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LEARNING IN THE 21ST CENTURY How do we nurture and prepare our students for a technologically advanced world that does not yet exist? Serena Lewis, Head of Teaching and Learning, explores Kinross Wolaroi School’s approach in tackling the uncertainties of the future and building strong and resilient students.
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dvancing technology means that the experience of the 21st Century student is changing exponentially. The top in-demand jobs of today, like Cloud Specialists, Big Data Architects and Digital Marketers, barely existed a decade ago. Our challenge is to prepare our students for an unknown world, for jobs that currently do not exist, for challenges that we can barely envisage today, for a world that will look very different in just 5 years time and may well be entirely beyond our own recognition in 10 years time. The challenge is to develop the resilience and adaptability necessary for students to embrace this unknown future. This is very exciting but it can also be a little intimidating. Years ago the role of the teacher was to transmit information from our heads into the heads of our students. Because of the high stakes nature of assessment in the Australian system of education, it is understandable that our senior students crave the ‘spoon feeding’ method. But the implication of this is that the only point of learning
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is for examination purposes and not for the world beyond this. If we are to successfully prepare students for success in assessments and examinations but, more importantly, for success in their lives post school, we must change the paradigm. In supporting our students of all abilities and personality types, we must show them what learning looks like beyond getting something right. A classroom full of students with their hands up answering questions correctly is not a learning environment. Getting the answer wrong and engaging in meaningful discussion as to why the answer is wrong, the thought processes that led them to that conclusion, and continuing to persist in the face of challenge – now that is learning. Failure is part of the learning process. Students need to cope with getting it wrong and knowing that it is OK to ‘fail’ because mistakes are proof that you are trying. Learning occurs in the asking of questions and not in the answering of them – the latter is simply proof that you know something but it is not evidence that you are learning. Students may well demonstrate their learning in ways that we might not anticipate but it is our role as teachers
and parents to recognise the value of our kids’ learning – whatever that may look like. It is in this way that we model an understanding of the unpredictable nature of their world. We know that there is a positive relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement, but beyond this, students with involved parents experience fewer behavioural problems, healthier social and emotional development and higher quality studentteacher relationships. A Home-School partnership is crucial in supporting students’ academic achievement and positive wellbeing.
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Learning occurs in the asking of questions and not in the answering of them – the latter is simply proof that you know something but it is not evidence that you are learning.”
No two children are the same. But there is one thing they all have in common – whether or not they are explicitly aware of it – and that is the desire for a genuine interest in what they are doing at school. Today the role of the teacher is to adapt intuitively to the individual needs of the student. We believe this must be supported with well-intentioned and engaged parents at home, who enter into a three-way partnership to help develop children who thrive inside and outside of school. Technologically, there are more exciting, contemporarily relevant and personally authentic distractions for our
children than there ever were for us, and we cannot simply ignore that. We have to harness and acknowledge their world in order to grab their attention or we will lose them. We are fighting a losing battle if we simply ignore their world. If we are willing to enter and embrace their world, they will reciprocate and the learning will automatically follow. A good example of this type of hedging is KWS’s revamped FROG Student Portal, a place for students, teachers, parents and carers to access all information relevant to individuals’ subjects, sport, music and co-curricular activities. It’s essentially an online
vehicle for a three-way conversation between students, their teachers and their home life. Because school is no longer about just passing exams and preparing students for a specific job. It is about ensuring that they believe in their own ability and potential; that they are resilient in the face of adversity and flexible enough to thrive in an exponentially changing world; that they are happy in their own skin •
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Year 8 Geography students mapping Windermere with the help of Mr Ben Ronald
There is much excitement from staff and students about Kinross Wolaroi School’s latest purchase of Windermere Farm and the opportunities that now lie literally at the School’s doorstep.
WINDERMERE FARM: ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES AND ENORMOUS POTENTIAL
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n March, KWS acquired the 250 acre farm which is 10 minutes’ drive from the back gate of the School. Christine McIntosh, Chair of Kinross Wolaroi School Council, says she expects that the new space will play a pivotal role in KWS’s mission to unlock the talents of all students as well as enriching every facet of education and community-building at the school. “I believe this property has the potential to anchor a range of programs to further develop diversity in skills, to allow all students to explore the interaction between mind and matter, and to provide a unique environment to ignite a passion for learning in our students.” But it’s perhaps the benefits that Windermere will bring to The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE) that the KWS community is most excited about. It is felt that TREE will be able to flourish in a way the School Council and Senior Management intended when developing the agribusiness strategy in recent years, by giving students access to a functioning farm throughout their school life. “We want all subjects studied at KWS to have some level of engagement with the farm and its surrounding community” says KWS Director of TREE, Tom Riley. The Regional Engagement Enterprise is a KWS initiative to provide contextual, cross-curricular, community-based learning experiences for all students from Kindergarten to Year 12. “We’ve decided we want to give all of our students an idea of modern agriculture and we are really wanting to develop a love of learning through relevance. TREE is aiming to contextualise the curriculum to show students the relevance of living regionally and to break down existing preconceptions.”
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We want all subjects studied at KWS to have some level of engagement with the farm and its surrounding community.” KWS Director of TREE, Tom Riley
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“The most important thing about TREE is to engage our students with their learning”, says Director of TREE Tom Riley. “A lot of students here find it difficult to see the relevance of their subjects. They say ‘I don’t need English’. They see what the curriculum tells them to see, but they don’t see the application to real life.” “So if TREE can switch on some light bulbs for the students who don’t particularly enjoy their current studies, or if it can indeed showcase opportunities that students never felt they could have, ultimately that is going to benefit the school in an academic sense but also in terms of their wellbeing. I think it also helps ensure we provide the best students to the world that we possibly can.”
Overall, we want TREE to create a stronger bond with our local community and a realisation that there is a huge number of opportunities in living regionally and working in the agricultural sector.”
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Tom says since its inception in November 2017, TREE has quickly reached many of its ambitious curriculum goals. “The primary aim for 2018 was for every year from Pre-Prep to Year 6 to have a TREE project and for every subject in the secondary school to have a project.” “We are on track to meet and exceed this; I think we have three projects left to fill.” Examples of Windermere’s usage include: a mapping project by Year 8 Geography with the Department of Primary Industries; Year 10 Agriculture (weather permitting) have stock in the paddocks; Year 8 Mathematics are exploring and calculating areas for their unit, ‘The Amazing Farm Race’; it’s being analysed by Year 11 Biology’s ecological depth study and fenced by Year 10 as a part of the living skills program.
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Within the next year the livestock team will use the farm to run their own sheep flock in conjunction with the farm manager; TREE co-curricular students will take on beekeeping and honey making; Year 10 students will take part in a sheep genetics project including artificial insemination; Geography students will study real-life salinity management and rehabilitation on site. KWS is also working towards using the farm as an inclusion in Primary Industries, to be offered as a course for secondary students in the future. And for our rural Boarders too, the site will hopefully provide a reminder of home life. “There are so many things that we can potentially do out there.”
“Overall, we want TREE to create a stronger bond with our local community and a realisation that there is a huge number of opportunities in living regionally and working in the agricultural sector.” Kinross Wolaroi believes itself to be setting a new standard in this kind of holistic learning. “There doesn’t appear to be anyone else in Australia doing this on the same scale that we are,” says Tom. “That gives the students and the school a strong competitive advantage and underpins the reason why we spent capital on securing a new farm closer to home. We have had interest from schools nationally and internationally, who are looking to try and replicate the success story in their own schools.” As a side note, the purchase of Windermere has a wonderful serendipitous thread to it.
The farm was brought from the Sharpe family, who had previously helped establish the Kinross Wolaroi Foundation’s investments in property when they generously donated 200 acres of land near Cadia in the 1960’s • If you are interested in following any of the day-to-day happenings of TREE and Windermere Farm you can follow the Instagram account @tree_kws If you are a business looking to collaborate with the school you can find more information about TREE at theregionalengagemententerprise.com
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THE JOYS OF SPORT: A SPOTLIGHT ON TOUCH FOOTBALL AND HOCKEY The addition of high profile athlete Jade Georgiou (nee Warrender) to the sports staff at Kinross Wolaroi School is sparking new interest and participation in the sports of hockey and touch football.
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ade has been appointed as the MIC of Touch Football and Hockey, and she brings with her an illustrious career playing hockey for Australia. Jade was born in 1992 in Orange and started playing hockey when she was six years old. As a child, family life played a large part in her foray into both hockey and touch football – her parents played these sports as well, so it was easier for their children to tag along. “Mum, Dad, my sister and I, and now my husband all played in the same mixed team at one point. I love that most about sport, sharing those moments with them.” At the age of 20, in 2012 Jade started training with the Australian Women’s Hockeyroos. She played 43 caps for the team before retiring in 2013, at age 21, after successive injuries to her knee. During her time with the team, Jade was selected for the Australian Sport Hall of Fame scholarship which saw Australian netballer, Liz Ellis AM, become her mentor. Now at KWS, Jade is enthusiastic to chaperone a new wave of talented hockey and touch football athletes, as well as significantly growing participation in both sports.
KWS Touch Football The last 12 months has seen a significant period of growth for touch football at Kinross Wolaroi School. Students are showing more and more interest in the sport as additional teams come on board. MIC, Jade Georgiou says it was a great achievement for the school to enter two Kinross Wolaroi School teams into both the senior and junior competitions for the 2017/2018 season. Some new initiatives have also contributed to the overall spirit of the sport and its attractiveness to students. “The latest season kicked off with KWS hosting a Western Associated Schools (WAS) Gala Day. The atmosphere was electric with four football fields running simultaneously,” says Jade. “We had four teams last year with 35 girls in total. We also had a 15s and Open Boys team compete at the Connaughton Cup, which is a community event held by Orange High School that students started to honour student Lachie Connaughton, who tragically passed away two years ago.” “This season, KWS teams competed in the WAS Competition, Connaughton Cup
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and two KWS Cup Competitions. I am so proud of the way in which the students conducted themselves at trainings and games throughout the touch season.” Touch football is a summer sport at KWS and training occurs on Tuesday and Thursday at the Ex-students’ Oval. Team names are modelled against Super Rugby Union team names such as the Chiefs, Rebels, Crusaders and Force. Jade likes the strength of these names which she chose because she wanted girls to feel empowered. The Crusaders are the Junior Team. The KWS Chiefs remained undefeated throughout the 2017/18 season. Touch program Captain, Jemma Barrett, is one student buoyed by Mrs Georgiou’s involvement. “Without Mrs Georgiou, touch football this year wouldn’t have been a success and the KWS Gala days wouldn’t have gone ahead. The coaches have made it a fantastic season and the best turnout KWS Touch has ever had.” Jade hopes the next 12 months will see continued growth in KWS student participation in touch football.
Traditionally the sport of hockey has been well subscribed by students at KWS. It remains one of the School’s most popular sports, so much so that the School is running out of training space. This year almost 150 students are playing hockey. All teams play in the local Orange Hockey Association Competition. In the junior competition, KWS is the largest club, with multiple teams in every division. There are 14 junior and senior girl teams and three junior boy teams playing in this competition. As well as representing KWS, some individuals play for external clubs. Junior training happens on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the local Hockey Centre. This gives our players access to high quality facilities and Orange’s two artificial surfaces. Games are usually played on Friday nights and Saturday mornings for juniors. Senior training needs to be varied as there are so many teams and not enough space! Training occurs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings as well as Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Teams utilise the hockey field and KWS gym for training. Jade says, “We train with a large focus on basic skill development and implementing those skills into gamelike situations. Fundamental skills are important and players have significantly improved their performances and skill level as a result of this approach.” When it comes to umpiring, KWS is helped by the huge enthusiasm of its students. Across hockey and touch football there are 30 students umpiring on a regular basis.
For the first time this year, the KWS 1st XI Hockey team travelled to Collaroy for a specialist hockey camp. At the camp students were given a personal tour of the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) by current Head Coach of the NSWIS Hockey Program and three times Olympic gold medallist for the Hockeyroos, Katrina Powell (affectionately known as ‘Triny Powell’). Triny has represented her country 252 times and scored 141 goals. Our students were able to see the gym, recovery centre, athlete lounge, heat chambers and performance excellence facilities. At the conclusion of the tour, girls were invited to watch a hockey skills session, giving them a glimpse of how the elite train. Day Two of camp saw the girls in their first training session for the season and the final day of camp was game day with the girls taking on PLC Sydney. Jade is hoping to continue this successful camp in the years to come. Long term, Jade is hoping to continue with the grading of teams to develop skill sets that will enable more students to play representative hockey. She would also like to align with Hockey New South Wales to become a legitimate pathway for talent development and she says, of course, that a new turf at the School one day would be wonderful! “This way we could host other schools and the students could have the opportunity to play other students their age rather than playing in the Orange women’s competition” •
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Left to right: Maggie Smith, Pip Mannix, Hannah Solari, Sally Uttley and Phoebe Litchfield
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P IS FOR PREP, PRE-PREP AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE Teachers and students in the Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School are using the words ‘practice’ and ‘participation’ as a way to encourage students to strive to do their best.
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ob McLean, Head of the Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School says, ‘practice makes perfect’ is a line we often comment upon when we talk about improving our skills, whether it be in music, on the sporting field or even in the classroom. Rob says learning at the preparatory level is heavily focused on allowing students to work their way through challenges no matter how big or small. “Our Pre-Prep and Prep students have always been willing to take on challenges and to learn more each day. This can involve a complicated maths problem or working out if the letter “b” faces this way or the other way!”
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Left: Year 6 student Kate Adams with classmates Ruby Coulton and Will Steventon Below: Mr Andrew Ryan with his Year 3 class
Young students take great joy in learning something new. Every day experiences are presented to them by a team of passionate educators who are continually striving to improve the learning outcomes of our students. Rob says it’s also reassuring to see some of his most experienced staff gleaning inspiration from activities in the classroom. “Many of the staff have been at KWS for a lengthy time and are continually invigorated by the enthusiasm and exuberance of our students. Many hours are spent working together on a unit of work to present, sourcing resources which enrich the learning experiences and assessing and evaluating their work and the work of the children.” As KWS continues to develop its new strategic focus areas, staff are reminded
of how much students benefit from a range of different experiences within each school day. “We are indeed fortunate to have expertise across so many areas outside of mainstream classrooms. Our performing arts program is outstanding and to see young performers on stage in front of 400 parents reciting poetry, singing a song, playing an instrument or as part of our drama production makes all of us very proud and at times stunned by the confidence they show. There is much research supporting the academic benefits music has for students and with 180 students having individual lessons across all forms of music and versespeaking the future looks positive!” Similarly, wellbeing is becoming a key focus of the School and we are seeing that with the provision of lots of
sport and exercise; some of our smallest students are turning into very healthy and active beings with a strong sense of self esteem. “Sport is a wonderful way to learn the ups and downs of life. There are winners, losers, hills to climb, anguish, disappointment and exhilaration, with all emotions being felt in the one experience!” “Our summer season saw the introduction of Triathlon and the students were quick to enrol. Benefits have already emerged, judging by performances at swimming and athletic carnivals. In winter this year we have teams across hockey, netball, football and rugby with some students doing two sports. Parents will be busy but it’s all part of having a go and practising so you can achieve” • 21
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A NEW FOCUS FOR THE KINROSS WOLAROI FOUNDATION
Catherine Litchfield (pictured 2nd from right) is the recipient of the Kinross Wolaroi Foundation fellowship for 2018
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s a demonstration of its continuing commitment to Kinross Wolaroi School, the Kinross Wolaroi Foundation has introduced an annual Teacher Professional Learning Fellowship: The Kinross Wolaroi Foundation Teacher Fellowship. The purpose of the Foundation Fellowship is to recognise teachers who are developing their teaching capabilities through the study of aspects of learning relevant to Kinross Wolaroi School. The Award provides for the successful applicant to spend up to one term on sabbatical from their teaching duties to pursue research in their chosen area of study. Time need not be spent in formal study but may
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involve a program of visits to schools and institutions to conduct interviews, observe exemplary practices and collect resources related to learning initiatives of benefit to KWS. The inaugural Kinross Wolaroi Foundation Fellow is longstanding academic staff member Mrs Catherine Litchfield. Catherine is an accomplished academic, having taught Science, Latin, Computing, Maths and English since joining KWS in 1994. She is also involved in playing and coaching various sports and has a passion for musical theatre. Catherine is a member of the Critical and Creative Thinking (CCT) team at KWS, has trained as a CCT facilitator and has recently completed a Leadership Course as part of the National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (NESLI).
In the classroom and out, Catherine is passionate about student understanding and “making thinking visible”. “In discussions with colleagues, students and parents in our community, I feel that there is a great need to evaluate assessment at our school and to create a common language for our community that results in demystifying assessment and makes all aspects of assessment more visible, explicit, and hence, easier to understand.” Catherine says that consistency throughout our school will help to create a culture of thinking whereby students are driving their own learning and using assessment as a major tool to identify the successes in the learning journeys, as well as identifying the areas for improvement, growth and further study.
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Foundation President, Dr Sharyn Pussell, has taken the lead as the Kinross Wolaroi Foundation turns its attention to new initiatives to support the School’s teaching and learning programs at Kinross Wolaroi School. Two key initiatives were launched at the 2017 School Speech Day.
Catherine will use her Fellowship this year to investigate the need to make assessment at KWS more transparent for students, teachers and parents. She will do this by completing a range of courses that focus on teaching and learning strategies in relation to assessments, comparing KWS’ assessment types, policies and procedures to those of other schools, interviewing students and reviewing literature. More notably, in Term 4 2018, Catherine will be travelling to Europe and the UK as part of the Fellowship, to attend a conference and visit targeted schools to research best practice in regards to assessment procedures, policies and tasks. Catherine will report on her findings to the School Council and the Foundation early in 2019.
A second initiative of the Kinross Wolaroi Foundation has been launched to enhance support for regional families. The Kinross Wolaroi Foundation Boarding Bursary, to be awarded in 2019, will provide an opportunity to a student who, without financial assistance, would not otherwise be able to take up the opportunity. While the recipient need not necessarily be an outstanding academic they will have demonstrated a strong commitment to their studies and will be able to detail achievements in areas outside the academic program such as music, sport or debating. The award will allow the recipient to join the School as a boarder in Year 7 and will support their studies through to Year 12. Foundation President Sharyn Pussell says that over the next few years the
Foundation’s fundraising efforts will be focused on developing a suitable corpus of funds to be able to support both initiatives. Already, the Foundation has received a sizeable commitment from the Nell and Hermon Slade Trust to support the Bursary. New fundraising initiatives will be announced in coming months. Any person may make a donation to any of the Funds administered by the Foundation. It is not necessary to become a member of the Foundation. However, membership is open to any interested member of the community who is prepared to make a financial contribution of $2,000 or more • For more information please contact the Business Manager on 02 6392 0300 or email foundation@kws.nsw.edu.au
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Decades of research have shown that parental engagement and involvement in their child’s education can positively impact on a student’s success.”
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LEAP TO A NEW LEARNING PORTAL Kinross Wolaroi School’s new-look information sharing portal will allow parents and caregivers to take a ‘virtual’ step into the classroom from the comfort of their homes.
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erena Lewis, Head of Teaching and Learning, is excited that in Semester 2 the School will be launching a new version of FROG, the Schools Learning Management System. FROG is one of the ways in which students, parents and caregivers can communicate and collaborate online in a simple and appealing format. Students, parents, teachers and caregivers will be able to view: — A yearly overview of the student’s course — Assessment notifications — Syllabus documents, past papers, resources — Links to videos and podcasts, websites, blogs and vlogs — Information about sport and other co-curricular activities — Advice about maintaining mental health, fitness and well-being — Information about relevant events, competitions and excursions. The Student Portals will allow students to find all their information in a central location, enabling better organisation of their time. “Students will be able to easily access the relevant academic information they need to study their subjects independently outside of the classroom, practising self-management and selforganisation and taking ownership of their own learning,” says Serena. KWS is unequivocal in its insistence that this platform become a part of the daily routine of parents as well as students. Serena says the school is pushing this platform for a reason. “Decades of research have shown that parental engagement and involvement in their child’s education can positively impact on a student’s success. The 21st century learner must be at the centre of a close three-way relationship between the student, their home and their school.
We all know what makes for great lessons, immediate feedback; challenges that increase mastery, opportunities for group work, collaboration and class discussion, and feeling safe and secure. Using FROG in the classroom can literally transform the learning environment for some of our students.” And for parents at home, it means you can support your child with a better understanding of what is occurring in their lives at school. “Knowing what it is that your child is studying in any subject, at any given time of the year means that you can really engage with and support your child with their learning. From Semester 2, parents and caregivers will be able to visit the Student Portals, which are accessible from the Community Dashboard. You can chat and touch base with your child in a more informed and meaningful way; FROG will equip you to more actively and explicitly support your child with their studies through enthusiastic discussion of their homework and projects.” “Being able to access the Assessment Notifications of your child and the nature of assessments that they have coming up means that, as parents and caregivers, you can actively offer support whether that be literally helping them with their studies or creating the optimum environment for them in their independent study.” For parents of boarders, FROG will be used by staff during Prep time to offer students one-on-one assistance when needed. “Never before has Teaching and Learning been more exciting and more challenging. Whilst students must take ownership of their own learning, there is no doubt that the collaboration of students, teachers and the home environment is intrinsic to their overall success and wellbeing and we know the new FROG can facilitate this” •
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GOLDEN ALUMNI LUNCHEON Tales of a bygone era, the good old days and how times have changed filled the air at Kinross Wolaroi School’s Golden Alumni Luncheon on Friday 16 February 2018.
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he celebration, held in the Derek Pigot Auditorium, welcomed 140 alumni guests who graduated from Wolaroi College or PLC Orange over 50 years ago. The second Golden Alumni Luncheon was an opportunity for our golden alumni to reconnect with old friends, former classmates and to share fond memories from their time at School during the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s. The celebration commenced with a Chapel Service where Principal, Dr Andrew Parry, welcomed our guests back to Kinross Wolaroi School. Accompanied by our ever-talented pianist, Ms Dahle Innes, the PLC Old Girls used the occasion to proudly sing their PLC School Song, while the Wolaroi Old Boys listened on as Mr Allen Hawke (Wolaroi College Class of 1959) read the Wolaroi College reading. Chapel was followed by a tour of both campuses, a rare chance for our Alumni to see how the School sites have changed, or in some respects have not changed much at all. 26
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For two former classmates, Mr Ron Glasson (Wolaroi College Class of 1946) and Mr Robin Oates (Wolaroi College Class of 1947) their tour of the Wolaroi site ignited many memories. The two old friends became so engrossed in conversation that they lost track of time walking the grounds together! School Captains, Donny Freeman and Kate Alderman, warmly welcomed guests to the Golden Alumni Luncheon in the Auditorium. As they dined, guests were treated to musical performances by some of our current Senior School students, Hannah Solari, Ella Buesnel, Lachlan Hunt and Owen Bloomfield. During lunch a glass was raised – a toast from current Head of Senior School Mrs Bev West was made to our Golden Alumni. Distinguished PLC Orange ex-student and former staff member of Kinross Wolaroi School, Mrs Janet Appleby also gave thanks to guests for their attendance. The second Golden Alumni Luncheon could only be described as a great success – lifelong friends reminisced, lost friends rekindled their bond and a community of alumni were honoured •
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The two old friends became so engrossed in conversation that they lost track of time walking the grounds together.�
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KWS DAY
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The sun was shining and the Prep School grounds were transformed for another amazing KWS Day on Saturday 10 March 2018.
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arket stalls, local produce, gourmet foods, live acoustic music and kids’ activities provided the perfect outing for hundreds of visitors to the School. This year, each year group was responsible for running their own stall or activity, giving students the chance to help with the organisation and running of the day. There was food and drinks a plenty, baked goods, fresh produce, coffee, jewellery, plants, information stalls, craft stalls, rides, a bucking bull and even a dunking machine.
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Ella Buesnel performing at KWS Day
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To the students’ delight, School Principal Dr Andrew Parry volunteered to be dunked to raise funds for the School. It was Year 11 student Ethan Buesnel, whose handball was right on target, sending Dr Parry into the dunk tank below! Throughout the day, visitors were treated to a variety of performances by both the School’s band and also some of our very talented solo performers. Mr Paul Tierney, Mathematics Teacher and Head Tutor, also stepped into the role of Announcer and DJ, keeping the music flowing throughout the day. Children were captivated by a very impressive magician; heads were shaved as part of Australia’s Greatest Shave; and all things KWS were celebrated in another successful KWS Day. KWS Day is the major fundraiser for the Parents and Friends Association, with all funds raised this year contributing to the School’s Performing Arts Program.
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Described by Dr Parry as a ‘marvellous demonstration of community’, KWS Day is now well and truly cemented in the School’s calendar of events.
The School would like to sincerely thank all those involved in KWS Day – those within the school staff, our parents, students and those in the broader community who supported the day. KWS Day is evidence of the strength of our school community as a whole •
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REUNIONS Alumni were welcomed back to Orange for the annual KWS Ex-Students’ Reunion held on Saturday 10 March 2018.
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01 Class of 2013, Mandy Colless and Sarah Hodges 02 Class of 1988, Ingrid Botha Budge and Scott McCall 03 Class of 1988, Ingrid Botha Budge, Sandra Invine (nee Campbell), Jenianne Hall (nee Garvin) Mindy Smith and Merissa Horne 04 Class of 1988, Tanya Lollback, Cathy Tait (nee McLintock), Jarrod Rose 05 Class of 2013, Sarah Hodges and Karli Maloney 06 Class of 1988, Ben Rutherford, Rachel Henning and Peter Wiggan
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he 10 reunions invited alumni from the Classes of 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013 to celebrate their graduation from Wolaroi College, PLC Orange or Kinross Wolaroi School. As always, the reunions attracted alumni from all corners of Australia for a chance to rekindle old friendships. The reunions were planned for the same day as KWS Day – a celebration of all things KWS. Alumni were invited to attend KWS Day where they were able to take a tour of the school grounds with some of our current students, sample some home grown produce at The Regional Engagement Enterprise tent and lap up the market atmosphere. That evening, the doors of the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel Canobolas were flung open and a great night was had by all. 2019 Reunions will be for Alumni from the Classes of 1969, ’74, ‘79’, ‘84, ’89, ’94, ’99, 2004, 2009 and 2014. More information will be sent out about this celebration later in the year •
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ANZAC DAY KWS students and staff were among the thousands of people in Orange to pay tribute and show respect to fallen soldiers and their families on one of Australia’s most important national days of commemoration, ANZAC Day.
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ach year it is so impressive to see the younger generation ensuring the spirit of ANZAC continues to live on by proudly walking alongside veterans in the annual ANZAC Day March down Summer Street. Nearly 200 students from all year levels proved wonderful ambassadors for our School as they marched to honour our nation’s heroes in Orange. Boarding students who had returned home for the holidays, also represented Kinross Wolaroi School by marching proudly in their school uniforms in their home communities. The School was also able to draw upon the 350 strong Cadet Unit, and a large number of staff walked alongside our students to show their support. At the conclusion of the March, KWS students and staff gathered alongside members of the wider Orange community for the ANZAC Day Civic Commemoration Ceremony in Robertson Park. It was at this Ceremony that Head Prefects from the Senior and Preparatory School were afforded the privilege of laying wreaths at the Cenotaph. The School will continue to ensure that “the spirit of ANZAC, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice”, continues to have meaning and relevance well into the future • 34
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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.�
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SANDAKAN – AN ANZAC DAY EXPERIENCE STERLING GRAHAM WILL NOT FORGET This year Sterling Graham, Year 8 Kinross Wolaroi School student, paid his respects at an unforgettable Anzac Day service on foreign soils at Sandakan in North Borneo.
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he story of Sandakan is a tragic chapter in ANZAC history. Of the 2,434 Australian men in its Prisoner of War camp, only six escapees survived. Sadly, Sterling’s two great Uncles were amongst the men to lose their lives. He recounts that his great Uncles, L/Cpl J.A. McGregor (aged 36) from Warialda and Bdr G. F. Brownlee (aged 33) from Bellingen were captured by the Japanese in the Fall of Singapore in 1942. They were sent to Sandakan Prison Camp to build an airstrip for the Japanese forces. Living under appalling conditions for three years, both uncles died a few months before the end of the war in September 1945. They are buried among the 405 unmarked (Known Unto God) graves in the beautiful war cemetery on Labuan Island off the coast of North Borneo. Although there is now much documentation about the prisoner of war camp at Sandakan, at the time of the War there was much mystery surrounding the capture and cause of death for men in this area.
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Sterling Graham and Hayley McGregor
The following information is taken from the Official Program at the Sandakan Dawn Service. “Men at Sandakan were used as a labour force to build a military airstrip. In early 1945 the Japanese decided to move the men approximately 260km west into the mountains and a small settlement of Ranau. On three forced marches between January and June, approximately 500 prisoners died. The remaining prisoners died at the Sandakan and Ranau camps.” “Of all the men who had been alive in January 1945, by the end of August, only six – all Australian – had survived. Two of the six escaped into the jungle during the second march in June 1945. Assisted by local people, they were eventually picked up by Allied Units. Another four escaped from Ranau in July and were also fed and hidden from the Japanese by local people until the end of the War.” The Dawn Service was held at the Japanese Prisoner of War Camp Memorial Gardens in Sandakan. The Master of Ceremonies for the service was Major Samuel Pike and the Catafalque Party provided by the Australian Army Rifle Company Butterworth 2nd/30th
Training Group. The Service was conducted by the Australian Defence Force and present were many Australian and Malay dignitaries, Borneo Girl Guides, Junior Red Crescent members and visiting Australian groups • More information on the Prisoner of War Camp of Sandakan and Ranau and its six survivors can be found at the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary website anzaccentenary.gov.au
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From Sandakan to Ranau; Long Ago Where jungle canopy blocks sunlight from the ground Where towering mountain peaks lie covered in cloud Where foul black swamp and deadlines abound From Sandakan they came away Stumbling until they fell There along the track they lay Leaving only six to tell That track is silent now Their voices stilled Those scars at Ranau The years have filled The signs of massacre Have all but gone Leave those of us Who mourn; to reflect upon. Published with permission from author Private William (Billy) Young, Australian Solider and Sandakan prisoner of war.
Top: Scott McGregor, Sterling Graham, Hayley McGregor, Sophie McGregor and Dinah Hayter Bottom: Sterling Graham with army sergeants in Sandakan 37
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ANNUAL CADET CAMP
CADET UNIT FAREWELL PARADE
The highlight of the cadet calendar for most cadets is the Annual Camp held in the last week of Term 1. Top Valley Station (near Parkes) is the location, and this site provides an excellent abseiling wall. The variety of terrain provides many opportunities for challenging navigation. Cadets complete three days of trekking followed by three days of activities, including a paddle down the Macquarie River, abseiling, military skills challenge, obstacle course and survival. Including staff, there would be 400 in the field. Many younger cadets experience situations which challenge them and the senior cadets are more than prepared to nurture their young charges! •
This parade is for the young cadets to farewell their senior rank who have led them through all their training and activities throughout the year. It is also to present the awards that the platoons, companies and individuals achieved as a result of the camp competitions. This year the Parade was held on Wednesday 23 May on the Main Oval. Mayor, Mr Reg Kidd, was the Reviewing Officer and together with Mrs McIntosh and Dr Parry, inspected the cadets and presented the awards. Those on parade were Year 9 and above. The younger cadets will graduate to be on parade next year. We were lucky to have perfect weather and no rain! Afternoon tea was held in the main staffroom at the conclusion of the parade and provided a very pleasant end to a successful day •
Top: The Cadet Marching Band at the Cadet Unit Farewell Parade. Left: Cadets are inspected and presented awards at the Farewell Parade
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UNIT FORMAL CADET MESS DINNER PROMOTIONS CAMP The Formal Mess dinner was held on Friday 22 June in the Derek Pigot Auditorium. This dinner celebrates the end of the cadet year for the Year 12 Officers and it is a very pleasant evening to conclude their contribution to the program. It is great to have the parents attend so that they can witness the achievements of their children. Guest of Honour was LTCOL David Major, Chief of Staff at HQ NSW AAC Brigade, who spoke glowingly of the cadets and the program. Speeches during the evening were excellent, particularly those given by the SUO, Monique Worsley and 2IC Charlotte May. The Formal Mess dinner was an opportunity to farewell MAJ Lyn Vernon as Commanding Officer. Major Vernon will be retiring from Kinross Wolaroi School at the end of the year following 19 years service. The wonderful music was provided by Mrs Moxey and her string group and Mr Key and the Stage Band •
The Cadet Promotions Camp seeks to provide detailed training for all Cadet ranks so that students can progress through the courses and attain the skills and knowledge required to lead a platoon or company in the field or organise the running of the base camps. Held during the first week of the School Holidays from 29 June-4 July, the Corporals’ Course is for Year 9, Sergeants’ for Year 10 and CUOs’ for Year 11. The new recruits (Year 7s) come into the Unit at the beginning of Term 3 and the new Rank take on their positions, gained from their success at the Promotions Camp. These courses are run by the qualified Cadet staff in the holidays and are intensive but rewarding. The areas studied include leadership, navigation, field skills, delivery of orders and lessons, first aid, siting a platoon in the field, rank structure, chain of command and Cadet code of behaviour. The cadets work hard but gain much from their experiences •
The areas studied include leadership, navigation, field skills, delivery of orders and lessons, first aid, siting a platoon in the field, rank structure, chain of command and Cadet code of behaviour.”
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CAMERATA CONCERT Showcasing solo performances by our senior soloists.
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he Camerata Concert, showcasing some of Kinross Wolaroi School’s most esteemed musical talents was a huge success once again this year. Held in the KWS Chapel on Friday 1 June, the Camerata Concert program featured solo performances by the 2018 Concerto Competition entrants and Senior Soloists. Nine students from Years 7-12 performed individually at the concert, presenting a Concerto movement on instruments including the cello, clarinet, flute, piano, saxophone and bassoon. Students presented sophisticated works,
which were technically and stylistically challenging. All of the performers did an amazing job in presenting their item with complete professionalism and poise, and they all played magnificently. Accompanist for the concert was Mrs Anne Stevens, who did a wonderful job of performing across a multitude of styles and genres. To have a pianist of this calibre performing alongside students is hugely beneficial. Mrs Annalie McRae must also be commended for her dedication and organisation of another spectacular Performing Arts event •
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Opposite page: Owen Bloomfield on piano Left: Toby Gough on bassoon; Sally Carter on cello; Sophie HoskinsMurphy on violin
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KIDS’ LIT QUIZ
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stablished in 1991 in New Zealand, the quiz is now in the UK, South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, Indonesia and from 2012, Australia, and the popularity of the quiz only continues to grow. In March, Kinross Wolaroi School students, Sophia Nelson, Ellie Crawford, Gordon Suthers and Emily Watt, using their combined book smarts, competed in the first round of the Kids’ Lit Quiz heats at a regional level. Held on home turf, in a jam-packed Derek Pigot Auditorium, teams competed for the chance to attend the second round of national competition. Sophia, Ellie, Gordon and Emily took out first place, securing their place in the National Competition to be held in Sydney. The KWS Prep No. 1 Team also came equal first of the Primary Schools participating in the Orange heat. In the lead-up to Round 2, Sophia, Ellie, Gordon and Emily did their best to memorise characters, quotes, authors and book titles in the hope that they would have the chance to represent Australia in New Zealand at the Kids’ Lit Quiz World Finals. The team travelled to Sydney for the second round of competition on Friday 4 May. Competition was tough and Kinross Wolaroi School took out 4th place – a commendable performance but unfortunately not enough to take the team through to the World Final. Kids’ Lit Quiz National Coordinator for Australia and Teacher/Librarian at Kinross Wolaroi School, Mrs Nicole Deans was impressed with the team’s result, saying they did a fantastic job. Mrs Deans says the competition is really important because kids who are readers are often not celebrated to the same extent as students who excel in sports or other disciplines • Left to right: Ellie Crawford, Emily Watt, Sophia Nelson and Gordon Suthers
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Described as the “sport of reading” or “trivia for books”, the Kids’ Lit Quiz is an annual literature quiz where teams of four students, aged 10-13, compete by answering questions on children’s literature.
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MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST IN THE PREP SCHOOL
It is one of the important dates that come round each and every year and offers a chance for people across the world to celebrate mothers.
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very second Sunday in May, people in Australia celebrate Mother's Day by buying cards and showering their mum with a little extra love and attention (and maybe a gift or two). But while there's no question that the woman who raised us deserves our utmost gratitude and affection, Year 3 continued the tradition of having a breakfast with their mums. While snow fell outside on Friday 11 May, staff, students and their Mums all enjoyed a beautiful continental breakfast with hot tea and coffee •
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Opposite page: Thomas Hansen with mum, Sophie Left: Hugo O’Brien with mum, Tiffany Below: Emma Clinton with daughter, Bell Bottom: Mia and Cooper Martin with mum, Michele
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PREP PERFORMING ARTS CONCERT The brisk Orange winter weather did not stop hundreds of Prep School parents and friends from attending the annual Prep Performing Arts Concert in the DPA on Thursday 14 June.
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he opening act was a bold performance of ‘Viking’ by the Prep School Band. Coordinator of Preparatory Music, Katie Sinclair said, “This tricky piece of music featured all of the sections of the band, particularly the percussion and trombone sections which stoically held the fort together, whilst the other sections created colour and excitement.” A quartet of violins made up of Ruby Coulton, Madeline Sinclair, Will Knight and Mrs Moxey was to follow. Their arrangement of a fiddle tune from North America, ‘Bonaparte’s Retreat’, was superbly executed and well received. Hannah Jones and Ava Rouse, two Year 5 Speech and Drama performers were next to take the stage. Their piece,
written by their Tutor Kerry-Anne performing a medley of songs about Callaughan told of the perils of being clocks under the direction of Mrs a modern day fairy-tale character. Annie McRae. Mrs Sinclair said the performance combined singing, playing Cleverly, Dr Parry was even mentioned in the girls’ skit. percussion instruments and movement. Prep Strings captured the drama and “They watched and listened intently majesty of powerful rulers in their strong and performed with great enthusiasm, performance of ‘March of the Czar’ finishing with a wonderful movement piece, earning a rapturous round of through strong articulated playing and impressive dynamic changes. applause at the end.” From here, Mrs Sinclair said there Whilst it is always hard to follow was a change in tempo. Kindergarten, the Prep Percussion The Junior Dance ensemble appealed Ensemble did not disappoint with an to the audience with a performance inspired performance utilising ‘junk of ‘Witch Doctor’. This upbeat and percussion’. This particular piece of animated performance was thoroughly music started out with a kitchen sink enjoyed by all, not to mention the which became the inspiration for dancers themselves who were clearly creating a junk yard themed creation. savouring every moment. Students used broom handles, paint To the delight of the audience, our tubs, bins, brushes, wheel hubs and their Kindergarten students gave it their all, kitchen sink to create a well-crafted and very entertaining performance. ••• 47
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This tricky piece of music featured all of the sections of the band, particularly the percussion and trombone sections which stoically held the fort together.�
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The Year 1-2 Choir chose to delight the audience with a mischievous performance. Students performed two pieces that clearly demonstrated their love of singing. Mr Rob McLean took to the stage to acknowledge the incredible contribution made to Performing Arts by Mrs Houston over her many years at Kinross Wolaroi School. Mrs Houston has been appointed as an English Teacher at a school in Turkey from July. As a reflection of Mrs Houston’s wonderful work, Year 2 gave a stellar performance of ‘Oh the places you’ll go’ by Dr Seuss, performed with expression, vigour and enthusiasm. Six Strings ensemble demonstrated the way in which they have developed as a group with their performance of ‘Ninja’. The Year 3-4 choir followed with a piece by one of Australia’s leading choral composers, Ian Jefferson. Mrs Sinclair described the performance as a toetapping number, with its catchy melody and fast paced words, reminiscent of something from a Broadway musical.
The Koristers performed ‘Vuelie’, combining traditional Nordic style singing and a Danish hymn tune, best known from the Disney’s film ‘Frozen’. “This is a notoriously tricky piece to sing, not only due to the difficult language but the complicated combination of parts,” said Mrs Sinclair. Year 6 student Molly Slack-Smith excelled in her solo performance of ‘Folksong’ playing the notoriously difficult French Horn. Molly enchanted the audience with the haunting sound on this beautiful instrument. The Concert came to a close with the Year 5-6 Choir telling the story of migrant journeys to Australia in the 1800’s by tall ship. Mrs Sinclair said the song really captured the spirit of adventure, coming of age, taking risks and the journey to change. The choir delivered an appropriately emotion-filled performance, taking the audience on a wonderful journey right until the last note •
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PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL: SCENES FROM CHILDHOOD It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane at the Orange Civic Theatre on Thursday 21 June as our students presented the Performing Arts Festival ‘Scenes from Childhood’.
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he program began with a moving performance of ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ performed by soloists, Timothy Edwards and Angelina McRae, from the Prep School. They were then joined by the Prep Strings, iStrings and then finally the Chamber Strings. The piece was titled ‘Journey’ and was arranged by Mrs Moxey. The title emulates the experience for these students, from the moment they begin learning their instrument right through to their involvement in the chamber strings ensemble in high school. Hannah Solari played the solo when she was in kindergarten, and was proud to lead the Chamber strings as a strings leader, and Captain of Music in her final year. The senior and intermediate woodwind ensembles, saxophone and brass ensembles all presented pieces which excited and entertained the audience, and included items from Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Mozart, Folk Songs and a childhood hymn. The choirs, including VOX, Koristers and Chamber Choir performed a variety of items from film, musicals and TV shows including Les Choristes, Seussical the Musical and Playschool. ••• 51
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The audience were moved to see baby photos of the Chamber choir members as they sang a beautiful song which spoke of dreaming about fond childhood memories and friends.�
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The Stageband had everyone’s toes tapping to their renditions of Bare Necessities and the Sesame Street Theme, whilst the Symphonic Wind Ensemble took everyone on a nostalgic journey as they listened to the themes from the Aladdin film. The cast of the upcoming production ‘High School Musical’, performed some duets and a basketball dance item and some of the senior dance students performed an energetic and entertaining dance item.
The program also included a wonderful performance from the Orchestra, which featured a medley of childhood themes as well as the Russian Sailors dance. The finale was a combined Orchestra and choir performance of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’. All of the students who had performed in the festival were involved in singing or playing in the finale item, which was a lovely way to end the concert •
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I want the pool to be somewhere everyone feels welcome.�
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SWIMMING AT KWS The doors of the Kinross Wolaroi School swimming pool have been swung open to all who are interested and it’s resulted in one of the best swim teams in the School’s long history.
Kim Taylor with the 2018 National Team Back row: Oliver McLaughlin, Jade Browne, Zac Lewis, Lauren Lyons and Ethan Crisp Front row: Josie Gillham, Mercede Cornelius-Feltus, Emily Nobbs and Gabriella Shilling
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his Chronicle profiles some recent swimming achievements and introduces some of the School’s best swimmers. The strength of the KWS Swim Team comes from its well-respected leader, Head Swim Coach, Mr Kim Taylor. Kim is one of Australia’s most senior swim coaches. In his 23 years of experience he has coached for Swimming Australia, and served as the Head Swimming Coach for NSW. He holds a ASCTA Silver Licence and is currently working with the Australian Talent ID Team. After arriving at KWS two years ago, Kim’s first goal was to get more students swimming. “When we first started there were six swimmers in the KWS club; now I couldn’t tell you how many people are in the club,” he says.
“In our program the average joe-blow “To make it with the best swimmers, can come and train alongside a national which I want them to do, their medallist. We do it at the pool because, commitment to their fitness has to be number one, I want it that way and I paramount. I don’t blame anybody for want people to feel that swimming is part walking away from swimming. It’s so of their school life. I want the pool to be final and when you get to the pinnacle somewhere everyone feels welcome.” there are only 40-43 spots open for “The program is going very well, Australian representation.” I am really happy with it. We’ve had The KWS Swim Team is a great three students at the Pacific School example of building resilience in young Games, which is the pinnacle of schooladults. Kim is thoroughly dedicated to aged swimming. KWS is the only club in the betterment of all team members. the area to have representatives in the He says it mostly hinges on trust and Nationals. The year before we started the good communication. program, KWS was in the 70’s-80’s and “I like to think that the now we finished 8th at junior State, communication between myself and the Top 20 in senior State and 4th at the athletes is the thing we do best. NSW Country.” I am a journeyman, I set kids up and Although the medal tally has been find somewhere for them to go where impressive of late, Kim says the team they can swim as elite swimmers and has reached a hard point in its training. hopefully they can go on from there.” “Right now I would say the team is struggling. Kids who were winning events six months ago are now being challenged, we are no longer looking to take off a second we are looking to take off a tenth of a second.”
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This summer swimming season, Year 11 Kinross Wolaroi School day student Zoe Keown took her achievements in the pool to a new level.
Zoe Keown Swimming
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his year Zoe qualified for 50m breaststroke in the open division of the NSW State Open Championships for the first time. In February at the NSW Country Championships, Zoe swam the breaststroke leg for the Women’s 15 and Over medley relay and won silver. She followed up that event finishing 7th in the Open 50m Breaststroke. Zoe also came 4th in the 50m Breaststroke at the CIS swimming championships in March. Zoe’s results this year are the culmination of swimming at a State level for seven years. As her times in the pool get faster and her achievements more exciting, Zoe knows as well as anyone in the Kinross Wolaroi swimming community that big milestones cannot be achieved
without months and even years of prior competitions and training. She puts a lot of her successes in the pool down to the wonderful Kinross Wolaroi School swimming team who she say share in all her achievements. “We have not only grown in numbers but also in team spirit and support. It sounds clichéd but I couldn’t have done any of this without the team. Also my parents sacrificed a lot to move to Orange so I could join the KWS swimming program so a big thank you to them. My coach has also helped me so much in getting through any rough patches I’ve had with my swimming.” Zoe received Kinross Wolaroi School Full Colours for swimming earlier this year.
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Zac Lewis Swimming
Dedication and discipline pays big dividends for Year 9 Student.
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ost days begin at 5:30am for Year 9 Kinross Wolaroi School student Zac Lewis, as he and his father drive to swimming training. His day often doesn’t finish until 6:30pm. Zac’s schedule is demanding but he says it’s taught him discipline, perseverance and to keep working hard even if it feels like you are going nowhere. He swims seven to eight times a week; six morning sessions starting at 5:45am until just before school starts at 8am, and two evening sessions from 5:00-6:30pm, as well as some dry land training in the gym when he has time. Zac says it might sound like a lot of training but it’s worth it: “Eventually your hard work will show results.” This year, Zac’s training has certainly paid off. In March, cheered on by many parents and fellow swimmers at the Australian Institute of Sport in the ACT, Zac swam to qualify for the Australian Age Championships in 400m freestyle and the 400m individual medley. At this event he also received bronze Medals in all age events. “Many family and friends came to the Nationals to watch me compete and above sea level, which increases the many many more live-streamed the haemoglobin or red blood cells in your event from home and workplaces and blood that carry oxygen, so there is more sent encouraging comments to me.” oxygen available for your muscles to use.” As a result of his qualifying times and This camp was something Zac loved: good swimming Zac has also won a place “The Campbell sisters and Shayna in the Mountains and Plains National Jack were there, training for the Development Squad. Commonwealth Games. We trained with This year Kinross Wolaroi School Swim Squad held a high altitude training them during gym sets and trained next to them in the pool. On Australia Day the camp at Thredbo in preparation for the whole team climbed Mount Kosciusko Australian Age Championships. and funnily enough the Campbell sisters Zac says the training was were there too!” pretty intense. This was an incredibly motivating “The training was very intense and experience for Zac as he was lucky included 4 hours of swim sets each day enough to go to the Commonwealth and gym sessions most days. However it Games and cheer the Campbell sisters was an experience that was fun because on in many of their medal-winning of the camaraderie of team mates who swims. He did this while getting up at made it memorable and were motivated 5:30am every day to train by himself in to achieve their best. The training at preparation for Nationals. Thredbo is at high altitude, 1400 metres
Zac knows and appreciates those who are supporting him in swimming. “A special thanks to Kim Taylor, Jo Keown, Jane Gillham and Jason Crisp and my parents for never letting me quit.” Zac says there are always setbacks when you are pursuing something you really love but he says he’s been taught how to make a comeback and be stronger than ever. “Without the values of resilience and commitment I most certainly would not be where I am today.” Zac and fellow Kinross Wolaroi Students, Catie Crisp, Gabby Shilling, Zoe Keown and Oliver McLaughlin continue their vigorous training schedule in the lead-up to the NSW Country Championship Short Course in July 2018 and the NSW State Short Course Championships the following month in August. ••• 57
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Collette Lyons Swimming
Young KWS talent taking NSW Swimming world by storm.
MEDALS 2017 NSW State Age Championships
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2018 CIS School Swimming
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2016 National School Sport Championships 7 individual events 3 Relays
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2015 Pacific School Games 7 individual events 5 relays
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RECORDS 2018 ISA School Swimming 2 new records Girls 13yrs 50m breaststroke Girls 12-14yrs 4x50 medley relay 6 first place
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inross Wolaroi School year 7 day student Collette Lyons has been power paddling her way to 23 gold medals this swimming season and now her talents are being noticed by some of the top coaches in New South Wales. Collette is training with the NSW Junior Sharks Squad, a group of elite swimmers receiving training and mentorship from the best coaching staff in the State. She’s been swimming with this group for the last two years. Across the 2017/2018 swim season Collette received 30 medals, 23 of them gold or a first place. She swam in the NSW State Age Championships and the NSW Country Championships as well as representing Kinross Wolaroi at ISA and CIS level.
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Collette broke records at the ISA school swimming in March in the 13yrs girls 50m Breaststroke and the 12-14yrs Girls’ 4x50m Medley relay. Collette says her best swim this year was at the NSW Country Championships where she was awarded the Female Swimmer of the Meet and came within a second of breaking the 12yrs NSW record for the women’s 400m individual medley. Collette feels the camaraderie and support of her fellow KWS swimmers is so important. “The swimming environment can be challenging especially when you don’t achieve the times you want. The friendships are invaluable in such a tough sport. The other coaching staff are also wonderful and this together with my family, especially my sister who also swims, all contribute to my success.”
Ultimately Collette would like to swim for Australia but her short term goal is to win a medal at the Australian Age Championships in Adelaide in April 2019. But for now, as she continues training at KWS, there is a constant mix of schooling and swimming. She says it’s a big commitment especially when you are trying to fit in assessments, homework and school events at the same time. Collette swims 6-7 sessions a week, many of them in the early hours of the morning, which can sometimes mean a very long day to follow at school, and the winter mornings are particularly hard! The next big meet for Collette is the NSW Short Course Country Championships in July followed by the NSW State Short Course Championships in August.
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Lottie O’Hehir-Corones Swimming
School holidays at the swimming pool.
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ven during school holidays, you can find Year 6 Kinross Wolaroi School student Charlotte O’Hehir-Corones training at the swimming pool. Sometimes it’s once a day, occasionally twice a day. As she swims Charlotte is learning that developing the values of commitment, resilience and courage will help her on her sporting journey. “I have learnt that there are no short cuts and to succeed in swimming, commitment is fundamental. I am sure that the discipline and commitment I am learning will benefit me in later life.” This year on top of setting records in the Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School Championships, in the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly and the 50m breaststroke events, Charlotte qualified for the NSW Country Short Course Championships in July and the NSW State Championships in September. This level of commitment is not possible without some extra help. Charlotte recognises that her swimming schedule is a whole of family commitment and she is thankful for that. “I want to thank my mum and dad for all their support and for getting me up at awful hours and getting me from Bathurst to Orange for training and my little sister Poppy for being so supportive and for putting up with the endless boring hours at swim meetings and missing out on what she would have preferred to have done.” Charlotte’s younger sister Poppy is in Year 4 at Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School.
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Oliver McLaughlin Swimming
Swimming and friendship; How KWS’s swim team is producing some of the best swimmers in the State.
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he current Kinross Wolaroi School swimming squad is producing a string of elite swimmers. One such athlete who is reaching new heights in competition, commitment and camaraderie is Year 9 student Oliver McLaughlin. Oliver won two medals while representing Kinross Wolaroi on the world stage at the Pacific School Games in December last year. At this event he won bronze medals in the 14 Years 50m and 100m Backstroke events. In the months since this swim meet, Oliver has added five more medals to his tally while representing Kinross Wolaroi at State, Combined Independent Schools and NSW All Schools events. For Oliver these achievements are the culmination of hundreds of hours of training over many years. He won his first medals at the NSW State Age Championships just over three years ago when he was 11 years of age. Since then he has swum at every state and country championship in New South Wales. He also competed at the Pacific
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School Games for the first time in 2015 where he won silver in the 12 Years 4x50m Medley Relay team and achieved a NSW record. However, growing older does not come without its challenges in the swimming pool and for Oliver it’s highlighted how he values commitment. “Most recently I have been to the Australian Age Championships. Having ‘aged up’ into the 15 Years age group it meant the competition was tough, but in my best result I managed a new Personal Best of 1.01.58 in 100m backstroke and ended up in 13th place nationally.” “If swimming has taught me one thing, it is that no one is going to do the job for you. If you want to achieve something you have to do it yourself – only you can do it. Coaches can tell you how to and give you the training, but unless you commit yourself to the training and doing those early mornings it is never going to happen.” Oliver continues to train up to eight times a week, clocking up more than 5km of swimming in each pool session as well as extra training in the gym to develop power and lean muscle growth.
He is hopeful that one day there may be some scholarship opportunities in Australia or abroad. “Obviously getting into a good university after school would be great and the universities I am looking at offer great support for athletes. If this is all I get out of swimming I will still be very happy.” Oliver speaks so highly of his fellow team mates and it’s clear he has been motivated by those who have overcome adversities while swimming. “I would like to acknowledge the awesome effort of Hugh Gillham this year. Hughie, like me, has a birthday which ages him up before the Nationals, meaning he has to aim for times for the age group above. Hughie trained harder than I have ever seen him train. He often put in up to nine sessions a week as well as keeping up with his school work. His work ethic in the lead-up to the Nationals was one that I could never replicate. He fought right down to the last carnival before the Nationals but unfortunately fell short of the qualifying time.”
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Mercede CorneliusFeltus Swimming & Music
Helping in the development of all pursuits, from Swimming to Singing to Violin to Banjo.
Mercede (pictured far left) with club members, Josie Gillham, Emily Nobbs and Jade Browne
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ear 8 day student Mercede “There’s often not much time between Cornelius-Feltus has an incredible events to celebrate success, just big flair for Swimming and Music. smiles, high 5’s and hugs. Sometimes Leading by example, Mercede is finding I reward myself by buying music in a way to weave the commitments iTunes, I love Kasey Chambers!” associated with developing these talents Mercede commenced at Kinross into her everyday life at Kinross Wolaroi School this year, which means Wolaroi School. all of her favourite things can now be It’s quite a feat. achieved in one location by means of In the past year Mercede has juggled the facilities available at our school. swimming at National and State “Swimming is my passion, music swimming competitions, while practising is in my heart and makes me happy in violin for the KWS Strings Ensemble. a different way,” says Mercede. She attended KWS Chamber Choir “At swimming training I pace myself practice while also preparing for some and set good rhythm by singing. School, big performances with Mitchell Young swimming and music take up almost all Voices, playing her banjo at the Orange of my time during the week. Each week Eisteddfod and performing for Opera goes by in a flash but I am learning so NSW and the Patch Theatre Company. much and I really enjoy the rewards In 2018, in swimming Mercede that hard work and success bring.” has represented Kinross Wolaroi School In order to manage the business at the National Prep Meet and the of each week Mercede is mature in her Australian Age Championship, as well approach to how the Kinross Wolaroi as the NSW Country Championships, School values can help her juggle her ISA and the CIS team for the All schooling and extra curricular pursuits. Schools Carnival. She thinks the values of commitment, respect and resilience are most relevant to her.
“I have great respect for my team mates, ensembles members, choristers and competitors because I know how hard they have to work to achieve too. Resilience is a value that I think we have all learned a lot about. There are no guarantees with each swim or performance and sometimes you can spend hours and weeks preparing for these and still be beaten on the day.” The benefit of Kinross Wolaroi School’s diverse and rich community is that there is a team of teachers, students and community who’re working behind each and every student. “I am thankful to my family and friends, coaches, music teachers, team mates, ensemble members, choristers and competitors who all help me to achieve in two areas of my life that are very important to me. I think everything that I am learning now is going to reward me with a very happy life.” Mercede is looking forward to her brother starting at KWS in Year 7, Term 1 next year •
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STUDENT SUCCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Monique Worsley Cadets
There is a huge amount of pride in seeing students succeed at KWS. These are just a few of the inspiring and extraordinary achievements from the classroom and beyond.
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Courage, resilience and respect in life, the classroom and Cadets… and maybe all over the world
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ear 12 student Monique Worsley is proactively applying the Kinross Wolaroi School values in her endeavours inside the classroom and out. In the last year Monique has been the recipient of five Kinross Wolaroi School awards: the Outstanding Service Award for the KWS Cadet Unit; the Prize for Academic Excellence; Prize for Outstanding Effort and Achievement across all subjects; the CS Winchester Memorial Prize for Community Service and the Ina W Miller Prize for Courtesy, Character and School Spirit. The KWS values of Courage, Respect, Inclusiveness, Resilience and Commitment are sometimes more prevalent in one individual than another, but in this case Monique says it’s the values of courage, resilience and respect that drive her the most – at school and at home. “My Dad is a C4-5 quadriplegic who is paralysed from the shoulders down. For both him and my Mum this requires constant resilience and courage. Dad reclaimed so much of his life after his accident: competing in three Paralympic games, graduating with Honours and later receiving his Masters degree, as well as putting two girls through a private school. This was obviously with immense help from my Mum. For both my parents there have been times where they have been visibly defeated and they have overcome every single obstacle that life can throw at them. So for me courage
and resilience are not only key to success but to living life in the best way that you can. It’s all about getting back up and brushing yourself off and never giving up.” Monique says she has been inspired by the careful guidance of certain staff members at KWS and this, she says, has made her appreciate her education everyday. “Mr Oldham has always encouraged me to attack everything with academic rigour and I thank him for encouraging me to examine the more complex elements of my life. Since Year 9, he has helped and encouraged me as a scholar and a person. His wisdom and affability makes him someone I am always grateful to have in my life.” Monique is hoping to use her values, passions and school achievements to make big changes to the world when she leaves school: “I want to make a difference on an International scale.” Monique is hoping that her role as SUO of the Kinross Wolaroi School Cadet Unit will enable her to complete her officer training with the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. She also wants to study a Masters of Law at the Australian National University before progressing onto studies in Health Law and Bioethics. “Cadets has really influenced me as a person. I’ve learnt a lot from my 13 Cadet camps and as my parents say, ‘It’s character building,’ and it pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best possible way. I think academically I have really had to learn to work hard. I’m not a hugely intelligent person but I work hard and I think that really counts out of school.” “Community service is also really important. I think when you have the privilege to attend a school like KWS you really need to use your education to give back to the bigger picture and I think that is something that will stick with me for life.”
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Julia & Jock Stuart Polocrosse
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he Stuart siblings, Julia (Year 10) and Jock (Year 8) from Dunedoo are boarders at Kinross Wolaroi School. During the week, they live their lives within the grounds of KWS but come the weekends during winter they tend to their true passion of Polocrosse in locations around Australia. Julia has been riding horses with her mother Rosanne and father Angus since she could walk and Jock spasmodically since he was about 8. Polocrosse is a sport crossed between polo and lacrosse where a sponge ball is thrown and carried in a loose net racquet on horseback. It’s a sport seen by the family to have opened up many amazing opportunities for friendships, travel and competition. Notably, in recent months Julia has been selected to compete in a special International tournament to be held in South Africa in August 2018. She is one of only four Australian juniors in the Barbarians Junior Polocrosse team. The selection was made at the Australian Junior Polocrosse Championships recently held in Albury. The event started with three
days of coaching followed by a 3-day tournament. Julia was selected to play in the NSW No 1 Classic Team, which after three days of matches won the final of the Australian Junior Classic where Julia was also awarded Best Female No 1 (goal shooter). She has also been selected in the Australian squad team and will play for Australia in July 2018, and has been selected to play at the Australian National Polocrosse Championships in the U16’s Junior Girls team to play in Perth in October this year. At the same championships Jock was selected to play with the Northern Territory Junior Team. Jock, who is only 13, was playing in an Under 16 age bracket. Now, he is working towards the Nationals to be held in Victoria in 2020. Jock says, “You have to be committed to ride and exercise your horse everyday, even when it’s freezing cold or raining. You have to wake up early to feed, water
and rug your horses and this needs to be done twice a day. You have to drive long distances, interstate and all over the country. But most of all you need to care for your horse.” Julia says she has learnt a lot about the value of commitment from her time at Kinross Wolaroi School. “Commitment resonates with me because I have to be committed to Polocrosse if I want to excel and be successful. These achievements will definitely contribute to how I play and where I will go with the sport, but Polocrosse is just a sport. You can’t make a living out of it. I will definitely continue playing but I will have to focus on my studies as well.” “I would like to thank my parents for exercising my horses during the week and for driving us everywhere. My dad is such a huge part of my Polocrosse and he is the one who makes me push myself to my full potential.”
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STUDENT SUCCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Jennifer Quera Cattle Showing
Over the years I have worked at many shows and livestock exhibits with more 3am starts and cows to wash than you would like to imagine. I believe these things have only made my passion grow fonder.”
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he cattle ring has become a place of comfort and confidence for show cattlewoman Jen Quera. Jen is a boarder in Year 12 and comes to Kinross Wolaroi School from the cattle farm, ‘Pound Gully’ near Coolah. She has been showing cattle at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney for the last five years as well as the Royal Show in Canberra. In that time, Jen has received many accolades. The most recent was her win in the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW group final in the lead up to the Sydney Royal. Jen was awarded Champion parader at the Easter Show in 2015. From these experiences Jen knows the value of being fully committed to something you love. “Over the years I have worked at many shows and livestock exhibits with more 3am starts and cows to wash than you would like to imagine. I believe these things have only made my passion grow fonder. If you’re committed to your passion and do what you love you’ll never work a day in your whole life. I have experienced what the industry has to offer and have gained a head start by involving myself at such a young age.”
Jen is looking forward to the 2019 Royal Easter Show where the feature breed will be Angus cattle. She hopes that one day soon she can become a stud cattle breeder herself. She is also hoping to work as a Jillaroo on a cattle station in the Northern Territory. “Within the coming years I also have plans to travel overseas to Canada and the United States to work on some well-known cattle ranches. I believe that this would be an amazing experience to witness the different breeding techniques and genetics used in a foreign country, as well as experiencing the Canadian cattle-showing life, which is known for being the biggest stud show industry in the world. With these experiences under my belt it would be so beneficial in helping me to one day grow and own my own cattle stud.”
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It was a very scary experience as I was so young compared to all the other international delegates but it was a life changing experience.”
Jordan pictured far left
Jordan Alexander Cattle Showing
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t’s within the Kinross Wolaroi School ethos to allow individuals the freedom to follow their dreams and passions and it’s hoped that as a result of this students can develop values and attributes they will carry with them for the rest of their life. A passion for showing cattle is propelling Year 12 boarder Jordan Alexander into the next stage of her life. While she admits she will be focusing on the Higher School Certificate and her studies for the remainder of this year, she says cattle showing has taught her just as much about life as school has. A childhood experience with Jordan’s godparents sparked her love of showing cattle and already it’s had its rewards – taking her to America and back. “My godparents, Tom and Sophie Holt, invited me to go to a heifer show, which was about getting youth involved in the beef industry; I was 7 at the time. I met heaps of people and it was so much fun that I thought I would go to a few more. The more shows I went to the more prizes I won as my experience grew.” This year at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, Jordan was awarded the Bill Tanner Award (a herdsman award for most involved person at the Show), Champion Hereford Girl and Reserve Champion Intermediate Bull. But this was by no means the first time in the Sydney Royal cattle ring for Jordan. After winning Grand Champion Female at the Show in 2016, Jordan’s cow was selected to represent Australia on the world stage and was awarded second place.
A part of this competition includes a trip to Texas for cattle delegates. While judging occurs delegates are taken to see the best ranches and stock shows, and they meet many cattle industry representatives. “It was a very scary experience as I was so young compared to all the other international delegates but it was a life changing experience,” said Jordan. Jordan’s dream after school is to attend university in Texas USA to study Agricultural Business Economics.
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STUDENT SUCCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Hannah Solari Violin & Hockey
Practice and prioritising: Hannah’s recipe to reach perfection
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ach day students at Kinross Wolaroi School are encouraged to pursue talents and interests that lead them to future success. The school community aims to provide many experiences that develop the whole individual and sometimes this means learning to develop priorities. Year 12 student Hannah Solari is displaying excellence in a number of fields within school life including Music, Sport, Cadets and Academics. Grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to her and the dedicated individuals who’ve helped her along the way, Hannah is learning many valuable lessons to take with her when schooling is done. “I have been playing violin for 13 years and this amazing opportunity has taught me many important skills. I have learned the difficult task of prioritising music, learning to select what I can do and saying no and dropping other activities when I struggle to fit it all in. I thank my parents for helping me to make choices and encouraging me to prioritise the thing I loved most, which was music, and then helping me to decide what to drop or give up so I wasn’t overwhelmed.” Hannah Solari has been attending Kinross Wolaroi School as a day student for 12 years since she began Kindergarten in 2006. In this time she has built an incredible list of musical achievements but also an array of other extra-curricular pursuits.
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She is the Captain of Music and Strings Leader, she is the Leader of Orchestra, Chamber Strings and String Quartet. She Lorraine Moxey is my has represented Kinross Wolaroi School music teacher, mentor, at the National Music Camp (2018), Number 1 supporter completed AMusA Violin (2017) and and my inspiration.” has played as first violin in Macquarie Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Hannah also won the 2017 Senior String “Mrs Moxey went through Sydney Scholarship at the Orange Eisteddfod. Conservatorium, auditioned for and She has also represented Kinross got into the Australian Chamber Wolaroi School in the sports of hockey, Orchestra and toured the world with cross-country and triathlon (Orange this prestigious group for 14 years before representative hockey 2015/16, WAS settling down to teach in Orange. She cross country team 2013-2016, 2018 is the proof for me that it is possible and KWS All Schools Triathlon Team to make it to that next level in the 2015-2018). music industry and to achieve amazing In Cadets, Hannah has been a dreams through practice, hard work company commander for the last and determination even when you live two years. outside of a major city.” Her commitment to her interests has given Hannah a strong sense of, ‘Practice makes perfect,’ and the ability to manage her time well. “I have amazing organisational skills and time management and without these skills I would have been unable to find time to practise every day. I know first-hand that practice truly does make perfect; the key to excelling in any area, sports, in the classroom, Cadets or in a music room is determination, hard work, persistence and resilience in the face of failure. Without any of these attributes, success is futile, no matter how naturally talented someone is. I may not be the most musical or talented musician out there, but through practice and hard work, I continue to achieve my goals.” Hannah has exercised the KWS value of respect often and she says it’s really shown her how much can be gained from a good relationship with teachers.
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After a few years of focusing on my violin, music shifted from a chore to something I really loved and now I can’t imagine my life without music as a part of it.”
Sophie Hoskins-Murphy Music
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ongratulations to Kinross Wolaroi School Year 12 day student Sophie Hoskins-Murphy who has had a big year in the field of music. She has graduated with the prestigious AMusA (Associate in Music, Australia). This is a diploma awarded to outstanding candidates of music performance and music theory. These graduations occur by examination. Since 2016, Sophie has been Concert Master of the NSW Regional Youth Orchestra which recently played in a workshop with the Australian World Orchestra at Sydney Opera House. Last August, Sophie was selected as the first violin to play in a student quartet with professional cellist Peter Morrison at the Australian World Orchestra Chamber 8 concert at the Angel Place City Recital Hall. Sophie has also participated in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp and in the Macquarie Philharmonia Orchestra. In the local Orange community, Sophie is part of the Orange Youth Orchestra, the Colour City Chamber Orchestra, the Orange Symphony Orchestra and the Orange Conservatorium Chamber Academy.
Music has always been part of life for Sophie. She says it’s of great importance to those around her and so her love of it has developed over time. Her practice and performing schedule is busy so she needs to get up early to fit everything in. “I get up early in the morning to practise and get as much done as I can and then I can leave the afternoons for homework and other commitments. Ensembles in and outside school take a lot of time away from other activities. With all these commitments I have had to get a sport exemption making it easier to fit music commitments and also schoolwork.” Sophie is busy preparing for her HSC music performance and also workshops with the Opera Australia Orchestra. After school she says she would like to continue her studies at University. “I would love to complete a degree in music performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where I could meet new people who are interested in the same things as me as well as have a lot more opportunities in the world of music. After that I plan on doing a post-graduate Medicine degree as I would really love to pursue a career in Psychiatry.”
Sophie is grateful for the privilege of a great education and the teachers she has been lucky enough to work with during her time at KWS. “Loraine Moxey is my amazing violin tutor who has not only inspired me but also supported me through all the different aspects of school in my time at KWS. My family is a massive support and have worked so hard to support my endeavours and I know there is no way I could have done any of this without them.”
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STUDENT SUCCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Lazo Jalal
Dominique Holland Hammer Throwing
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t the age of just 17 the Kinross Wolaroi School Year 12 boarder Dominique Holland won bronze at the NSW Open Athletics Championships Under 20’s hammer throw, where she competed in an age bracket older than her own. To add to this, Dominique placed 7th in the Australian Junior Championships Under 20’s competition. These events are nothing new for Dominique. Her sister, Brigitta (KWS class of 2014) moved to hammer throwing from the discus and shot put events at a NSW All Schools Championships years ago and Dominique, at age 12, decided to follow in her footsteps. Dominique has represented Australia at international competitions twice and has won medals for hammer throwing at National Championships in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Dominique would not have achieved these things without her admirable level of commitment. Her qualities are exactly what Kinross Wolaroi School aims to exemplify by encouraging students to be the best they can and not to settle for mediocracy. Dominique trains, often alone, four or five times a week and regularly travels to Sydney to meet for training with her coach, former Hammer Commonwealth Games Medallist, Karen Di Marco.
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Rubik’s Cube “At times it can be difficult to persevere, especially when my performance plateaus. I train at the throwing circle at the PLC grounds and do my gym sessions at PLC. When I am at home I train in the paddocks. Dad has built me a throwing cage and a circle.”
It can be difficult because I have to be so completely self-motivated but because I value determination and resilience I keep trying and striving to do my best.” At the moment Dominique is focusing on the HSC but says throwing and training are a really good relief from school work. Her Personal Best with a 3kg hammer is 53.39m. The Australian record for hammer throw is 71.12m.
Kinross Wolaroi’s Rubik’s Cube champion-in-the-making
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t takes Year 7 day student Lazo Jalal under 15 seconds to solve a Rubik’s Cube puzzle. What started out as a hobby has quickly turned to a competitive activity that is teaching Lazo much about problem solving, competition and hard work. Lazo is currently ranked 79th in Australia. Last year he represented Kinross Wolaroi at the Rubik’s Cube Championship in Sydney and the Canberra Speed Cubing Competition in April this year. Both of these events are on the World Cube Association’s global schedule. In Sydney, Lazo received a placing in the Top 100 Australian Cubers in the 5x5 Rubik’s Cube category and in Canberra Lazo improved his rankings in all categories. He narrowly missed a placing in the final for the 2x2 cubing. He was in the Top 80 in the 5x5 category and the Top 90 in 2x2 solve. Ultimately he would like to become so fast that he could one day win a tournament. These are rarely held in Australia but are quite common in the US where there are weekly competitions.
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Rubik’s Cubing has taught me to memorise and use cognitive thinking which I believe are skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have to find mistakes in my method, do lots of solving and learn new and more efficient algorithms.”
I think respect is an important value at school; people have very diverse backgrounds, interests and skills and we are a stronger community when we accept and respect those differences.”
Jemima McPhee Latin Lazo says that cubing is highly addictive. He was introduced to the sport only two years ago by a friend and was instantly hooked. He is really drawn to the community of people involved in cubing. He likes that his competitors are super friendly rather than super competitive. “Rubik’s Cubing has taught me to memorise and use cognitive thinking which I believe are skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have to find mistakes in my method, do lots of solving and learn new and more efficient algorithms. My greatest reward is beating myself. I recently competed in a National Geographic contest and I won.” Lazo says his parents, brothers and extended family are all very proud of his achievements so far. He wants to thank them as well as his peers and teachers who have all been extremely supportive of him.
One of the best Latin students in the world!
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eaders take on many guises in our School and often students who become leaders in the academic sphere of school life are some of our quieter achievers. Year 12 student, Jemima McPhee who has been at Kinross Wolaroi School since she began in Year 2 in 2008, is one such student. In her final years, she has excelled in Latin to become one of the best Latin students in the world. Over the last four years Jemima has put in outstanding performances in the International Latin Competition, an examination sat by over 140,000 students globally. Each year Jemima has received a gold medal for her performance placing her in the top five percent of candidates. In 2017 Jemima achieved a perfect score placing her in the top one percent of students at the Year 11 level. The International Latin Competition is based in the United States and now, given her consistently excellent performances, Jemima has been invited to apply for a scholarship from the US based Examination Committee as a recognition of her achievements. Jemima says she’s been committed to what she wants to achieve at KWS. “I think it’s important to be committed to what you want to achieve as well as the values you believe in. I also think respect is an important value at school; people have very diverse backgrounds, interests and skills and we are a stronger community when we accept and respect those differences.”
As Jemima prepares for the Higher School Certificate and for life after school she now acknowledges the huge part her teachers have played in shaping the person she has become. “All the teachers are absolutely outstanding. I’ve recognised their commitment to the students more as I’ve become older and wish I’d noticed earlier. I think Latin will continue to influence me after school because it has deepened my understanding of many aspects of English and our everyday language. These insights are useful in many fields” •
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STAFF PROFILES Libraries are not simply information on subject areas. They are places where information creates critical thinking and knowledge.”
Central Western Daily Photographer Alex Crowe
Nicole Deans Teacher Librarian
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rs Nicole Deans is returning, fresh and enthusiastic, to Kinross Wolaroi School as its Teacher Librarian after a stint of long service leave. Nicole has been manning the Kinross Wolaroi School Library for over a decade and so has seen the space transition through different ‘ages’ of learning and research. “Teaching is changing and the Library is integral to student-centric learning. Libraries are not simply information on subject areas. They are places where information creates critical thinking and knowledge.” Being a librarian takes a person with a great respect for organisation and detail and Nicole’s friends describe her as just that person, someone who is passionate, caring and thorough. “This job is for people who are highly organised resource managers and information specialists.”
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While she cautions about the use of internet and the dominance of digital, Nicole loves teaching children how to access and utilise information to provide them with quality reading experiences whatever the platform. Nicole’s first professional posting was at Bourke in 1987 where she served as an itinerant governess for ten large properties educating via School of the Air. She then worked in Bourke at the Distance Education Centre and married her now husband, a Civil Engineer. But the heat of the place was to become too much and the couple moved to Boorowa for a job in Council while Nicole also picked up casual teaching in the surrounding towns and villages of Yass, Bowning, Rugby and Rye Park. The next move was to Bathurst, where she served several casual positions and a stint at Charles Sturt University Library and then finally Nicole landed the job of her dreams as a Teacher Librarian at Kinross Wolaroi School. Her family celebrated with a new car; a Honda Civic which has criss-crossed the highway between Orange and Bathurst clocking up over 230,000kms!!
In her spare time, Nicole loves supporting the Kids’ Lit Quiz Competition, which she prides herself in bringing to Australia and importantly to Orange. It’s an annual quiz event where teams of four students are asked to answer 100 questions on children’s literature. Established in 1991 in New Zealand, the quiz is now in the UK, South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, Indonesia and from 2012, Australia. Students from Kinross Wolaroi School attended the Nationals final in May and they came 4th by just 1 point. Nicole says they did a fantastic job!
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Seeing the reaction of a student overcoming challenges to achieve is magical. I love seeing the determination of some students to be their best and to push themselves onto new things.”
Emma Charlton Year 6 Teacher
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ear 6 Kinross Wolaroi School teacher Emma Charlton says she is most grateful for experience, in particular her life experiences. Emma is using these experiences to positively influence the wellbeing of students in the Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School. “I’ve learnt that every experience good or bad, has made me who I am and will continue to shape who I will be in the future. As a child I was very anxious and I have had to work hard to overcome it. This has very much shaped my commitment to looking after the wellbeing of our students in the way that I interact with and support them at school.” Emma is a founding member of the School’s KidsMatter action team and has worked hard to make sure the social and emotional wellbeing of students is on the radar. “This has been through equipping staff, getting social and emotional learning on the timetable, as well as looking at how we can build on our strengths and work on our weaknesses at school.”
Kinross Wolaroi School began implementing the KidsMatter action and wellbeing framework program three years ago. Through this focus on student’s emotional health, at school and at home, KWS is continuing to build a ‘positive school community’ by teaching children good social and emotional development skills and recognising children who may need help with mental health issues. It gives students the opportunity to care for others in the classroom and playground. It also aims to further develop a learning environment where students respect a diversity of backgrounds and celebrate those who use their voices. Emma says she loves that students are encouraged to get involved at Kinross Wolaroi School. “In the Prep School, students are happy to get up and perform because they are supported by their peers, even when they make mistakes. Seeing the reaction of a student overcoming challenges to achieve is magical. I love seeing the determination of some students to be their best and to push themselves onto new things.”
Emma is also using her travel experiences to give perspective to students about the privilege of an education. “I often talk with my students about the privilege that it is to get an education and that we don’t appreciate the true relationship between education and power in our western culture. My students are often surprised that in some countries education is denied or unattainable to females and people of minority groups. For many western students, going to school is seen as punishment, not a privilege. Malala Yousafzai is a great rolemodel for young females and a brilliant advocate as someone who knows the power of having access to education.” Emma Charlton began teaching at Kinross Wolaroi School four years ago and is now the Stage 3 Coordinator and a Year 6 Teacher. She has numerous qualifications through Charles Sturt University including a Diploma of Teaching (1993), Bachelor of Education (1998) and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (2016). ••• 71
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I’m a really active role model for exercise and its effect on mental health and wellbeing.”
Claudia McCalman Year 7 Co-Ordinator
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f you happen to be near Kinross Wolaroi School’s Year 7 quadrangle of a morning, you will experience an atmosphere full of loud and uplifting music. It’s the special morning routine of Year 7 co-ordinator Claudia McCalman, to make sure students have a happy start to their day. Claudia has a personal aim to be a “I used to drive past the main Kinross nurturing and supportive leader for Wolaroi driveway and think how much students in their first year of secondary I would like to work at the school. It was schooling. just so beautiful and that’s why I applied “I look after their everyday survival in to do my university prac there.” their first year of high school. The range Claudia admits she is a lifelong of questions I get is huge. Not only is learner who’s always looking to their academic day structured differently study more. but their whole social landscape changes “I had a good experience at school and some are terrified of making a and I had another good experience mistake, of being in the wrong place at at University and I still love learning. the wrong time and the repercussions When my children were young and of not knowing their way. It’s the same I was living on property without a job, with their parents. I am here as much for I used to study random English subjects, the parents as I am for the students and like Modernism, via distance at Charles I think it’s nice for everyone to have just Sturt University at Bathurst. I’m just one person to go to.” so passionate about English Claudia has taught Year 7 students and Literature.” every year since she started with Kinross Claudia also runs the Critical Wolaroi School in Term 4 2007, not and Creative Thinking professional only in English but also History and RE, development program for all KWS staff. academic literacy and hockey, Cadets “It’s a course run out of Harvard and triathlon. School of Education that’s all about Claudia completed her practical unit giving teachers the tools to make sure at KWS while studying her Diploma students are actively thinking.” of Education at the University of As of next year Claudia will help New England. Claudia also completed with the running of a new Wellbeing a degree at the Australian National initiative in line with the School’s new University in Canberra. strategic vision to be launched in the coming months.
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“Wellbeing is a vital cog in the wheel. Unless a student is feeling happy their academic performance will suffer. So we have to focus on getting wellbeing right so they can flourish with their studies and in their sport.” In her life outside of KWS Claudia loves running and exercise. “I’m a really active role model for exercise and its effect on mental health and wellbeing. It’s a good way to switch off, get away from social media and also it’s a great time for students to be reflective. My morning music routine is an initiative picked up from a leadership conference in Melbourne. It’s about getting students in a positive mindset every morning!”
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There is nothing better than seeing a student achieve well above their own expectations.”
David De Bruyn Head Tutor of Gordon House
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avid moved to Orange 20 years ago and commenced teaching in the TAS Department at Kinross Wolaroi School in 2006. After being at Kinross Wolaroi for 5 years, David took on the role of Head Tutor of Gordon House, which he has enjoyed for the last 7 years. As a Head Tutor, David is responsible for the overall wellbeing of just under 100 students. David is also an Industrial Technology teacher. “I do enjoy teaching Year 12 and I generally get on with them very well. I strive to help every student achieve what are sometimes very ambitious projects. There is nothing better than seeing a student achieve well above their own expectations.” This is a feeling reciprocated by the students, who at a recent Year 12 retreat described David as, “a good listener, compassionate and someone who clearly loves his family.” David’s own children attend Kinross Wolaroi School. His eldest son, Nicholas, is in Year 7 and is busy taking up all the opportunities on offer in the Senior School. David’s twin sons, Joshua and Isaac, are in Year 5. “My boys are very good at putting their hands up for new things on offer and being involved in everything – including lots of out-of-hours activities.”
Over the last 2 years, David has been pivotal in the development of iSTEM as a subject in the KWS curriculum. iSTEM is a project-based subject which asks students to utilise elements of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths curriculums in ‘hands-on’ style projects. In 2017, the first iSTEM cohort saw Year 9 students work under a theme of space exploration. “They had to learn coding, programming and CAD drawing. The final project was a simulated Space Walk carried out underwater in the KWS pool. It worked in the same way that NASA trains its astronauts in zero-gravity tasks.” In Year 10, the project is focused on Gold Exploration commencing with gold panning and progressing to making a metal detector. “Next semester they will complete a major project of their choosing. Basically it will be the accumulation of everything they’ve learnt in the past two years.” In terms of co-curricular activities, David initiated the Pedal Prix program at Kinross Wolaroi School. This program involves a team of students training to cycle a Human Powered Vehicle (a recumbent bike with aerodynamic fairing) in a 24 hour race in South Australia. The program commenced
in 2010 with David building the vehicle, fund raising, driving the team to Adelaide, cooking meals and performing all the maintenance during the race. Thankfully, things have grown and there are now two teams, additional vehicles that have been purchased and a bus driver scheduled to get the team to Adelaide. “We have had amazing families involved in the Pedal Prix program. Once they see the race, which has 3,000 competitors and 30,000 spectators – they are hooked. Their support has even meant that we are close to bringing the first race of this kind in NSW to Orange. It will be amazing for the school and town if we can achieve this.” Pedal Prix is just another example of David dreaming big and bringing his projects to fruition. David grew up in Adelaide and graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Technology and Industrial Art) from the University of South Australia •
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EX-STUDENT PROFILES The Chronicle follows up with our Alumni.
I have never represented Australia in Australia so it would be a wonderful opportunity having family and friends around.�
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Grace Hamilton KWS Class of 2009
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day in the life of ex-Kinross Wolaroi School student Grace Hamilton looks vastly different from what it might have almost ten years ago when she was a day student at the School. Although Grace was heavily involved in sport when she attended KWS, no-one, herself included, ever expected that she would be making herself famous by playing Rugby Union. It started by chance five years ago while Grace was on a University exchange at East Carolina University, North Carolina USA. She joined the girl’s rugby union team as a way to make friends and the rest is history. When Grace returned to Australia, her rugby ambitions continued to fly and after a long list of representative selections, last year her achievements reached a high point. She was chosen to play for Australia in the 2017 Women’s World Cup in Ireland and this year was selected for New South Wales in Australia’s inaugural Super W women’s rugby union competition. Her team won the national title and she is currently training with Sydney University
(her club team) and the Wallaroos Squad for the Bledisloe Cup double-header. Grace is hoping to represent the Wallaroos again and play the Black Ferns on the 18th August before the Wallabies play the All Blacks. “I have never represented Australia in Australia so it would be a wonderful opportunity having family and friends around.” An average day for Grace starts early to attend training or to coach a rugby team before work at The Scots College begins at 8am. After work it’s straight off to club or Wallaroos training and then she tries to find time for dinner before bed. Grace’s foray into the world of elite sport rings true to her definition of success: making your dreams a plan, and planning to achieve your dreams through kindness, hard work, determination and passion. “These experiences have allowed me to learn a lot about myself, appreciating all opportunities and all different types of people. I’ve gained lifelong friendships and achieved things I never thought I would.”
But her career in rugby is only one of her great achievements since leaving Kinross Wolaroi School. Grace studied at The University of Canberra to receive a Bachelor in Sports Management and a Bachelor in Tourism and Events Management (2014) and she is now studying a Masters of Teaching (secondary) as well as managing a full time job and her rugby training and playing commitments. Grace is the Sports Coordinator for The Scots College in Bellevue Hill, Sydney. Grace Hamilton was a day student at Kinross Wolaroi School for six years from Year 7 until Year 12. Each day she would travel from Panuara, near Orange. Her two siblings, Leesa (2005) and Harry (2007), also attended KWS. Grace returned to KWS last year to speak with students about her career so far.
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EX-STUDENT PROFILES Pip Job
KWS Class of 1996
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inross Wolaroi School’s boarding community is varied and diverse and more often than not students hail from farms based in localities all over New South Wales and beyond. These students and their parents are no stranger to the vagaries of the weather and the current dry times which are manifest in many parts of the state. Ex Kinross Wolaroi School student Pip Job (nee Wynn) needs no introduction to these boarding families. After a long history working alongside primary producers, Pip has this year been appointed as the State Drought Coordinator for the NSW Department of Primary Industries. “My main role is to listen to primary producers about the barriers and challenges they are facing during the drought, report these to the Government and find ways to support farmers and build their resilience during adverse conditions,” says Pip. On a daily basis, she hears stories of farmers who are being forced into real-life scenarios of resilience and courage as they try to find ways to keep paying the bills and feeding livestock during times of little rainfall. Her role deals with issues such as communication, mental health and psychology as well as financial planning and business development and is an example of a career that KWS is trying to highlight by giving students hands-on experiences through The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE) program. Pip acknowledges it’s been challenging work. “I was appointed to the role on secondment and accepted it as I knew I had the skills to engage and listen to farmers and that my farming background and first-hand experience of the millennial drought as a beef cattle producer would give me the
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empathy needed to understand the situation people are in. I felt ready for a challenging role and this is certainly proving to be one! This is a stepping stone in my career. I want to make my career diverse, so it’s about taking opportunities as they arise.” Pip says the most rewarding aspect of her work is the different types of leaders she’s been able to engage with. “I have some exceptional leaders who are inspirational and have ethics and build cultures that drive me personally. I also love the diversity in my work. I love engaging with people and feel tremendous purpose in the type of work I do.” Prior to her current role with the DPI, Pip was awarded the NSW/ACT National Rural Women’s of the Year Award in 2014. This life event was the beginning of her realisation that she had much to offer the industry of Agriculture. “This award experience was life changing and continues to be a gift that keeps giving. As a result of the award, I realised I had a career path ahead of me and that I have leadership potential. It was up to me to take this opportunity and inspire others and create a positive impact wherever I can.” Pip attended Kinross Wolaroi School as a boarder from 1991 until 1996. Since leaving the School, Pip has also worked as Senior Project Officer Business and Social Resilience with the NSW DPI. Prior to 2015, Pip was the CEO of the Little River Landcare Group in Yeoval and at the same time, she owned the business SPJ Shorthorn Stud in Cumnock. Pip completed an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture, a Diploma of Community Coordination & Facilitation and is a Certified Practitioner in Hermanns Brain Dominance Instrument. Pip is also a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors Course and has recently graduated from the Australian Rural
Leadership Foundations (ARLF) Rural Agribusiness Leadership Program. Pip has two boys, Duncan and Jack. Duncan will commence at KWS in Year 10 next year. Pip works to her own ethos that there is a positive in absolutely everything and says she could not live without a positive attitude. Q: What three words would your friends use to describe you? A: Calm, rational and organised. Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? A: Reading, gardening, listening to music and painting/drawing. Q: Where is your favourite place to be? A: At home with the family. Q: What words of advice would you pass onto your childhood self ? A: Stay away from the naughty kids. Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? A: Edward O. Wilson. He is a world renowned American biologist, researcher, theorist, naturalist and author of the most fascinating topics such as soil biology and sociobiology and human behavior among many other ecological themes. I think the wisdom, experience and insights would make for the most stimulating discussion to exponentially expand my thinking.
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I love engaging with people and feel tremendous purpose in the type of work I do.”
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EX-STUDENT PROFILES Sarah Holman KWS Class of 1985
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Sarah has been an excellent and generous supporter of TREE since its inception, in helping to source external collaborators and suggesting curriculum opportunities.” KWS Director of TREE, Tom Riley
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childhood experience of nursing a pet lamb with a broken leg, and a desire to fix it, is one experience that lead ex Kinross Wolaroi School student Sarah Holman (nee Britton) on a career path that now sees her as the Chief Veterinarian of New South Wales with the Department of Primary Industries. Sarah’s roots are deeply set on the farm where she grew up, just 15km west of Orange. She has fond memories of her first jobs being lamb-marking, picking up rocks and picking cherries. These tasks, and of course her experience with her pet lamb, sparked an early ambition to become a vet. From the moment she graduated from Kinross Wolaroi School (1985) Sarah has been working towards her current position. At the University of Sydney, she spent five years studying her Vet degree. For the following 11 years she honed her skills by working in various small veterinary practices all over New South Wales, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as a stint as the Technical Services Vet for IAMS Pet Food. Sarah founded her first Vet Clinic in Hobson’s Bay in Melbourne in 2001 and then returned home to Orange, to set up the Summer St Vet Clinic which is still in operation today, although not owned by Sarah. In 2013, Sarah started working for the NSW Department of Primary Industries in various biosecurity roles and she became Chief Veterinarian in April 2018. Since her return to Orange, Sarah has also become closely involved with KWS. Sarah joined the School Council in 2014. In 2016, Sarah became the Chair of the School’s Farm Steering Group which provides advice and consultation to the School Council and Executive on the management of KWS’s farms. This includes advice to guide best practice management of livestock programs. Director of The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE) Tom Riley says, “Sarah has been an excellent and generous supporter of TREE since its inception, in helping to source external
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Sarah with husband Warrie and children, Nick and Emma
collaborators and suggesting curriculum opportunities. The most recent Year 8 Geography project, mapping the new farm with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, was a suggestion from Sarah and has been a real success.” Sarah attended KWS from 1980-1985 as a day student and since this time her two children Nick and Emma Holman have attended KWS. Nick graduated in 2015 and her daughter Emma will finish school this year. Sarah’s brother Ian Britton graduated in 1980 and her sister also attended KWS for a few years in the mid 1970’s. Sarah’s mother-in-law, Jennifer Glasson, went to PLC. Q: One thing you couldn’t live without? A: My family, friends and animals. Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? A: Swimming, pilates and catching up with friends. Q: What is your favourite movie? A: Friday Night Lights. Q: If you could have dinner with any one person alive or dead, who would it be? A: Family – this is what is best. Q: How do you define success? A: Self-reflection and personal growth •
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ALUMNI FROM THE ACT Adam Lawrance
Scott Crossman
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KWS Class of 2004
In this edition of the Kinross Wolaroi School Chronicle we’ve reached out to the cohort of ex-students now residing in Canberra. Although we haven’t spoken with all ex-students living in the ACT, we’ve profiled a handful of those working across the Finance, Communication, Sales and Government sectors.
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riendships made at Kinross Wolaroi are for a lifetime. That’s an acknowledgement celebrated by our students past and present, time and time again. Since Adam Lawrance’s time at Kinross Wolaroi, friendships have been enriched as students have come to gather to celebrate and farewell friends. “Seeing our year group come together to bond over some tough circumstances has been a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise difficult time. It’s plain to see these bonds between friends provide a way forward in times of desperate need.” Adam attended Kinross Wolaroi as a day student from Year 7 (1999) until Year 12 (2004). After a ‘double gap year’ travelling through Europe and Africa, including the unforgettable Okavango Delta, Adam returned to the ACT to live and study. In 2012 he graduated from Australian National University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Accounting) and, after working in a handful of finance roles in the ACT, is now a Director at JB Were, private wealth management, in Canberra. As Adam’s career in finance develops he appreciates the importance of paying back the support given to him in his younger years, by the wider Kinross Wolaroi School community. “Being able to support people in the area I grew up in – the Central West – by passing on the knowledge, capabilities and skills I have accumulated from our 178 year old firm and being involved in a position of high trust and having a positive impact on the community is humbling and important.”
KWS Class of 1980
ver the sports-nut, Scott says his favourite subjects at Kinross Wolaroi School were Sport, Sport and Excursions. In fact, some of his fondest childhood memories were of water-skiing with the boarders at Burrendong Dam on the weekends. Scott was a student at KWS for 10 years from 1970-1980 and lived as a weekly boarder during Year 11 and 12. After school Scott wanted to followed his sports passion and moved to Sydney to play rugby and find a job. True to his rural roots, his first job of note was in the mailroom at wool broking firm, Dalgety Winchcombe. The echo of auctioneers on the wool floor must have seeped into Scott’s veins because now he and his wife, Gina own their own real estate business, One Agency Scott Crossman in the ACT. Scott says he fell into the job 25 years ago and he loves everything about it, including the flexibility which allows him to spend time fine tuning his personal philosophy of “living in the moment,” and enjoying pursuits of swimming, running, riding and travel. During this time, he has conducted over 3000 auctions and jointly holds the record for the highest price paid for a property in the ACT at $7.3 million. His biggest challenge has been continually working on his marriage of 28 years to his wife Gina, and his biggest achievement has been becoming a husband and a father, he says “Nothing else matters; my wife and girls, Ellie (24) and Hannah (26) are the important ones.” He defines success by being happy in your heart and in your mind. Away from the hammer of auctioneering, Scott’s favourite place to be is Austinmer Beach near Wollongong and he thinks that Canada is a beautiful place to visit.
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Arran Curll
Angus & Sophie McKerchar
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KWS Class of 1995 ormer Kinross Wolaroi School day student Arran Curll attended KWS for five years from 1990, and since leaving school has built a personal philosophy around the notion of giving. Arran works in the Finance sector in the ACT, primarily as the Chairman and as a Financial Adviser for his own company, Much More than Money, and he says when dealing with people, “If you put a dollar on the table, always leave 10 cents behind. Leaving a bit behind will always pay off in the end.” Outside of work Arran loves spending time with his family and friends and is currently training for an Ironman Challenge. He says one of his greatest achievements outside of school life is his placement on the Board of Lifeline Canberra. “It has provided me with amazing opportunities to understand the difficulties many people face, and recognise that we should all take more time to care for each other and understand that no matter what it is someone feels about something, it is their truth, no matter how trivial or illogical it may seem to us.” “For ourselves we should be more mindful of recognising and enjoying the good things in our lives – put the devices down and live in the moment.”
KWS Classes of 2003 and 2005
ot once during their customary Kinross Wolaroi School excursions to Canberra, did Angus or Sophie McKerchar (nee Morrison) imagine the nation’s capital would be the place they’d call home. Now they couldn’t see themselves living anywhere else. Angus graduated from Kinross Wolaroi School in 2003 and Sophie finished two years later in 2005. “We had very happy childhoods growing up in the country, and Canberra to us is a bigger version of Orange, with the added benefit of city living.” Since graduating from the University of Canberra in 2008 and 2010 respectively, Angus and Sophie have firmly embedded themselves in Canberra’s corporate scene. With a Master of Professional Accounting under his belt and as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Angus is a Principal Consultant at Callida Consulting where he specialises in helping government agencies improve the performance of their accounting and finance related functions. After many years playing rugby for KWS, Angus continues to have a vested interest in the game. Combining his business acumen with his love of rugby, Angus is currently the President of the Western Districts Rugby Club and he served on the ACT and Southern NSW
Rugby Union (Brumbies) Board. Sophie graduated with a Bachelor of International Studies and a Bachelor of Communications and embarked on her career at Contentgroup, a content communication agency for government and the public sector. She has been with Contentgroup for seven years, working with high-profile Australian government departments and private sector clients on communication and engagement strategies. While their careers and family life are firmly set in Canberra, Angus and Sophie travel frequently to catch up with friends and experience other places. “KWS gave us many opportunities, but one of the best things that we still value to this day is the life-long friendships we made. Our friends are living all over Australia and the world, yet we are lucky to be able to catch up regularly. It’s like nothing has changed since our time at school, which is fantastic!” Angus and Sophie were married in Spring 2014 and had a “very Canberra style” wedding in the Rose Garden at Old Parliament House. They welcomed their daughter Maisie in March 2017 •
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LET’S HAVE LUNCH! Students in the Prep School are now able to sit outside to have their lunch – rain, hail or shine. Thanks to the KWS Parents and Friends, the School has recently installed 60 metres of aluminium seating to provide shade and shelter for our young students •
CANTEEN GETS A HELPING HAND Doing the dishes is a chore that most would rather avoid and we all know dishwashers save time and water while keeping benches free of clutter. The P&F have generously provided the School Canteen with a new dishwasher in recognition of the fantastic service Canteen Manager Kelly and her team provide to our students and staff •
LASER CUTTER GETS GREAT RESULTS Last year the P&F donated an astounding $25,000 towards the purchase of the School’s laser cutter. Utilising the laser cutter, student Tharni-Jo Parkinson created a series of portraits made up of three dimensional layers for her HSC Body of Work. We are delighted to inform that Tharni-Jo’s artwork was selected for ARTEXPRESS, an annual exhibition featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts in NSW.
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It is not only Tharni-Jo who has been benefited from the laser cutter. The equipment has allowed students to develop works that were not possible before, or only possible at great expense to the individual student. One example has been using the laser cutter to cut and etch Perspex and Wood. This has saved one student over a thousand dollars and better enabled them to complete their project. We are looking forward to seeing more outstanding creations •
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Births
EMILIA LAING Amy Laing (KWS Academic Staff ) and husband Kendall A baby girl, Emilia Melanie Laing Born 6 April 2018
THOMAS KEY Sebastian Key (KWS Academic Staff ) and wife Cassandra A baby boy, Thomas Eric Isaiah Key Born 3 May 2018
ANNIE THOMAS Matt Thomas (KWS Academic Staff ) and wife Emma A baby girl, Annie Jean Thomas Born 2 March 2018
FRANCESCA MOORE Norm Moore (KWS Academic Staff ) and wife Kieron A baby girl, Francesca Winsome Moore (Frankie) Born 21 March 2018
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WESLEY WALTON Mel Schroeder (KWS Academic Staff ) and partner Devon Walton A baby boy, William Wesley Walton (Wesley) Born 19 April 2018
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IN MEMORIAM VALE Daniel Simpson KWS Class of 2017
We know that all people are equal. But, some people are special. Some people burrow in, find their spot, and take up residence – right, deep in your heart. And you know when that happens, and you know they will never leave.”
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n December the School lost a mile! He was loved by everyone because favourite son when Daniel “Boots” he embraced and supported everyone. Simpson from the class of 2017 Daniel possessed a maturity and was tragically killed in a motor vehicle compassion well beyond his years. accident. At Daniel’s funeral in Bourke on Daniel’s love and concern for his 5 January, over 300 people travelled to family and friends was just who he pay their respects and celebrate the allwas. He always put everyone else first too-short life of a wonderful young man. – “Doesn’t matter me” was his usual Boots arrived as a boarder at the answer when asked for an opinion on a beginning of 2013 and never looked back. family matter or choice to do something; He found his second home in Weymouth he would just go with the flow. As long House and it wasn’t long before the boy as he was with those he loved, it “didn’t from Bourke became a firm favourite matter him.” of the School community. Boots was so Daniel is remembered by everyone proud of Bourke and would often put for his humour and practical jokes and up “Google Maps” and “walk” his fellow his attitude of dropping everything to boarders down its streets. pitch in and help. His mature capability Boots was voted Weymouth House created a sense of safety when you Captain for 2017. He was a glorious were with him. Boots was renowned for leader. His housemates remember his helping homesick boys; he had a special election speech went something like this: empathy with the young boarders. “My name’s Dan Simpson. You can call me Many stories have been told of the Boots. I’m from Bourke. Vote for me and many random acts of kindness by Boots I can sort this House out. We need a bit of – although, with Boots, they weren’t respect here, and I reckon I can even get random, they were constant, regular acts the food improved! Well, that’s about it, of kindness. A young girl who was getting see ya later....” a hard time from her peers, would feel And vote for him they did. valued and have her day turned around Boots was a selfless soul, and that’s as the older Daniel would care enough how he led Weymouth. He was the most to purposely walk past her and say laid-back House Captain, but one of the “Hello, how’s your day”? He made all the most supportive, caring and helpful boys difference in many young students’ lives. to go through the House – by a country What a powerful legacy to leave, at such
a young age! Daniel’s friends, boarders and day-bugs alike, all loved him. And so did their parents. Parents who felt Daniel was grafted into their families, siblings who felt they had an extra brother. Far-reaching love for that young man. We know that all people are equal. But, some people are special. Some people burrow in, find their spot, and take up residence – right, deep in your heart. And you know when that happens, and you know they will never leave. Daniel Simpson did that with anyone who was fortunate enough to spend any length of time with him. “Doesn’t matter me” could be our new philosophy in memory of Daniel. He said not to worry so much because in the end it doesn’t help. What really counts is our heart and our relationships – and Boots knew that. We mourn the loss of a wise and beautiful young man and give thanks for the privilege of having been a part of his journey.
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IN MEMORIAM
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Mr David Harris Prest AM Former Headmaster Wolaroi College 1962-1968 17th July 1931 – 10th April 2018
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avid was revered as a visionary in education and schooling in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. He held the position of Headmaster and Principal at many institutions all over Australia. A hallmark of his leadership was his ability to foster innovation in schools, without compromising on traditional values or devaluing the important role of the staff. David was born in the small town of Crystal Brook in the southern Flinders Ranges in South Australia as the eldest of four children. From a young age David’s life was influenced by the educational institutions that he attended. His experience as a boarder at Prince Alfred College in Adelaide was life-changing, and it activated his distinguished dedication to education over many decades.
After graduating BSc at Adelaide University, David proceeded to the UK on a Rotary Scholarship and completed a Master of Science degree at Birmingham University before returning to teach at his old school, Prince Alfred College. He was Head of Physics and later became the Master of the Boarding School. From here he came to Orange, to Wolaroi College in 1962. In his eulogy to his father, David’s son David ( jnr) recalled, “Dad loved children and he loved schools. He used to say that he entered school at age 6 in 1937 and he left age 66 in 1997. Dad’s life and our lives centred around school. We lived in school houses, attended school plays, concerts and sports days and hosted legendary Wesley staff parties at our home in Huntingtower Road (in Melbourne).” This narrative is also true of David’s time at Wolaroi College. During his tenure as Headmaster, he and his wife Mrs EJ Prest (also a teacher and a keen tennis player) fully embedded themselves into the life of the School and embraced the staff, boarders and day students as an extension of their family. As recounted by Peter Stevens, Kinross Wolaroi School archivist, David made a notable contribution to the School’s student numbers as well. “Under his leadership Wolaroi College continued its strong progress and development. Increased enrolments and the improvement of physical facilities were consequences of the confidence, enthusiasm and drive that Mr Prest possessed in abundance. Staff members appreciated his generosity, friendship and trust as he gave care and attention to the careers of others as well as to their involvement and opportunities within the School.” “As a dedicated layman of the Methodist Church, he continued the tradition of beginning the day with a Christian service, visiting Orange churches each Sunday, involvement in Christian Fellowship meetings, and visits to homes of pensioners and sick people to assist with chores.”
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“Mr Prest’s educational philosophy was clearly expressed in his farewell speech to the College at Speech Day in 1968. The foremost point in his oration was the need for parental involvement in the education of a boy; he stressed the vital role that parents must play in the training of boys. It was the task of Wolaroi College to produce lively, interesting and responsible individuals with attitudes, values and standards sufficient to enable them to meet the challenges of whatever life may have in store for them.” David left Wolaroi College to become Headmaster at Scotch College in Perth, WA before he served as the Principal of Wesley College in Melbourne for 20 years from 1972-1991. His legacy at Wesley is still celebrated today. A service was held at the school’s Adamson Hall to mark his passing and its public condolence notice made the following remarks: “Recognised as the father of the modern Wesley, David was much admired and deeply respected. His visionary leadership of the introduction of co-education, and of Wesley's international engagement, led to a re-imagined school, something he accomplished without ever compromising its long-held values. His legacy is apparent in all that Wesley is today.” David was created a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1992 Australia Day honours list for services to education as Principal of Wesley College and through the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia.
Prof. Panlop Zeephongsekul (Jacob Zee) Wolaroi College Class of 1968 31st May 1950 – 18th November 2017
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anlop Zeephongsekul was born in Bangkok in 1950. His parents arranged for him to come to Orange to board at Wolaroi College in 1965. It was at this time that he asked to be called Jacob Zee. Jacob was an outstanding student at KWS and despite speaking limited English he came to excel at all of his studies. Below is an extract from the Eulogy of lawyer David Prest who is based in Port Moresby. David is the son of former Kinross Wolaroi School Headmaster, David H Prest AM. As the son of the headmaster, David spent a lot of time roaming around the school with the boarding students – David and Jacob developed a strong bond during this time. “Jacob arrived at Wolaroi as a shy 14 year old and spoke very little English. Four years later he came 2nd in NSW in the Higher School Certificate, and topped the State in English literature.” “Whilst at Wolaroi College, Jake excelled in all things academic. He dominated every subject.”
“Teachers reported that late at night, after a strict lights-off time, Jake was found reading Dickens under the sheets by torchlight. He was quiet and diligent and never boasted about his marks. He was a star at maths and science, and also enjoyed literature and played the piano.” After School, Jake studied Mathematics and obtained a PhD from the University of WA (Perth) in 1976. He then taught mathematics and statistics at Monash University (Melbourne) and was later appointed the Professor of Statistics at the RMIT University (Melbourne), a position he maintained for more than 20 years until he died on 18 November 2017. During his career he attended conferences all over the world and was prolific in his field. He wrote over seventy papers on mathematics and statistics that were published in Australian and international academic journals. And, as was revealed at his funeral, he was gentle thoughtful and clever, and a devoted teacher to all his students. He was survived by his wife Marie •
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PLC 90 YEARS This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the foundation of PLC Orange in 1928. To mark the occasion, Kinross Wolaroi School and the Ex-students Association are inviting PLC Orange Alumni from 1928-1978 to come together on Saturday 13 October 2018 for a high tea in the old PLC school grounds. Please contact the School to update your details if you have not received an invitation •
Needlework class at PLC Orange in 1962
Home Science class at PLC Orange in the 1950’s
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PLC Orange Ladies Hockey Team from 1965
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