14 minute read
Event Coverage
As we proudly acknowledge 130 years of education, the inaugural “KWS Day” was hosted by the School as a celebration of the past, present and future.
KWS CELEBRATES PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
As the major fundraiser for the Parents and Friends Association (P&F), the school was a hive of activity with plenty of things to see and do at KWS Day, including a busy program of events for all to enjoy. The day’s activities attracted a large crowd and provided an opportunity for both current and former students to connect with the School, to catch up with friends and enjoy the picnic style atmosphere.
Market stalls were set up in quadrangles, while children whizzed around on theme park rides. Appetites were satisfied with delicious fare and snacks on offer. The mouth-watering selection of cakes and slices prepared by the P&F delighted many. As always, the Marching Band and Cadet parade was thoroughly enjoyed as crowds lined the outskirts of the main oval.
For the first time this year a Primary Inter-School Challenge Relay was held. Sponsored by Collins Booksellers, participants grabbed their joggers and put their thinking caps on as teams of eight worked their way through a series of obstacles. St Mary’s Aces set the bar high, taking home the inaugural winning trophy.
A highlight of the fair was the premiere screening of the School documentary – From Remarkable Beginnings. The documentary depicts the journey of the School from its beginnings, including the difficult times, challenges and obstacles faced as well as the bright prospects, achievements and immense period of development brought about by a shared vision from all involved.
A tremendous amount of time was dedicated to producing the film which chronicles the 130 Year history of the School including interviews with past staff and Alumni as well as showcasing rare footage from the 1930’s. The documentary was accompanied by an archival display supported by the Ex-students’ Association.
— Students participating in the Orange Anzac Service
ANZACS HONOURED BY KWS
KWS students from Kindergarten to Year 12 marched as part of the ANZAC Day remembrance ceremonies on 25 April.
The moving and meaningful services were attended by thousands of people in Orange, who united in the beautiful weather to remember those who fought for our freedom. Drawing from a 350 strong Cadet Unit, the Marching Band and the general student body, it was no surprise to see KWS so well represented. A large number of staff were present to march and lend support to the students, many of whom returned early from holidays to be a part of the event. Following the march, KWS students and staff gathered with the Orange community in Robertson Park for a moving civic commemoration where Head Prefects from the Senior and Preparatory Schools also laid wreaths at the Cenotaph. Students formed the flag party at both the Dawn Service and the 11.00am Service.
Those students who remained in their home town for ANZAC Day Services proudly wore their school uniforms and paid tribute to those Australians who served and died in war and on Operational Services.
Making the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, these are the stories of former students Evanyn Richards and Una Keast who selflessly served in WWI and WWII respectively.
ANZACS HONOURED BY KWS
Evanyn Richards World War One
ES Richards and JW Richards were the two sons of Mr TH Richards who had founded Weymouth House as a private school in 1886 and who continued his enterprise as Wolaroi Grammar School when he moved to the Wolaroi mansion in 1893.
Evanyn Selwyn Richards was a fourth year Engineering student at the University of Sydney when he enlisted in the 20th Battalion, AIF on 12 April 1915. Aged 24, he sailed as a Second Lieutenant, trained in Egypt, and served at Gallipoli where his battalion defended Russell’s Top from August 1915 until the withdrawal in December. He was invalided to England, and rejoined his battalion in July 1916 near Pozieres in France. Promoted to Lieutenant, then Captain, and mentioned in Despatches, ES Richards was severely wounded at the battle of Mouquet Farm on 22 August. He passed away on 5 September 1916.
In a letter to Mrs Richards, Lt Col Windeyer Ralston referred to her son as ‘the keenest soldier that I have ever had under my command, and was absolutely fearless’. His orderly also wrote, saying that ‘he was a leader of men, cool and calm in action, and greatly missed by his fellow officers’. Una Clara Keast World War Two
Una Clara Keast was born 1915 in Tottenham, completing her high school education at the Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Orange. From here, she went on to study nursing, where she finished her training at Orange Base Hospital in 1938.
At the age of 25 and being brought up to “honour my God, serve my king and salute the flag”, she patriotically enlisted as a Staff Nurse in the AIF. As a part of the 2/5 Australian General Hospital unit (AGH), she set sail upon the Queen Mary in October 1940 from Sydney to Bombay.
Una served a total of six years with the AGH in Palestine, Greece, Eritrea, New Guinea and Morotai Island. During that time, she became a Captain in the Australian Army Nursing Service. During her Captaincy in Morotai in 1945, the Japanese surrendered and peace was declared. She was discharged on 2 April 1946. Una returned to Australia and went on to do her obstetrics qualification as well as become a loyal member of the 2/5 Australian General Hospital Association which was introduced to continue to foster the camaraderie and friendships amongst the 2/5 members.
COURAGE IN CONFLICT
Through a unit titled “Courage in Conflict”, Year 6 students have had the opportunity to study the historical and geographical issues related to Australian Federation and our place in the world.
Forming one major topic area of the unit, students study the meaning of ANZAC Day as well as other events in which Australians also showed great courage in adversity including the Boer War, Gallipoli, Tobruk, Kokoda, Long Tan and Afghanistan conflicts. Through reading, critical thinking, creative tasks, and the annual excursion to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, students have been able to explore in a much more meaningful way how Australia’s involvement in these battles represents and reflects aspects of the Australian psyche and sense of nationhood today.
With the introduction of two new houses, Blackman and Williams, not only was there a sea of orange and purple, the loud cheering and singing was also significantly heightened. Participation rates at the swimming, athletics and cross country were also significant with more students competing than in any previous year.
HOUSE SPIRIT ALIVE
Preparatory School
Kicking off the 2016 sporting calendar was the highly anticipated Swimming Carnival with a record number of swimmers participating in the 63 events held on the day, reinforcing the 2016 Prep catch phrase of “have a go”. Overall, McLachlan House proved to be too strong, taking out the annual shield.
At the Athletics Carnival, many personal bests were achieved, with 10 records broken. There might have been four seasons in one day, but there could only be one House winner, with Gordon House taking home the title.
Over at PLC the sun was shining on the Cross Country course with a crowd of enthusiastic parents lining the banks of the oval, giving a hearty cheer to every runner who came across the line. McLachlan House again came away with the winning trophy in what turned out be a closely fought contest. Senior School
It was pleasing to see 850 senior KWS students attend the Swimming Carnival, all of whom demonstrated exceptional House spirit and sportsmanship. There was a record number of 230 races over the course of the day with Douglas House earning enough points to finish in first place.
With the opportunity for every student to run, throw and jump, the points score was hotly contested at the Athletics Carnival. The final result saw Dean House reign supreme, to be Champions for 2016.
The battle to become the inter-House Cross Country champion was close and was secured by McLachlan House with the senior boys performing particularly well to prevent Dean House from completing the Athletics and Cross Country double.
— House spirit on display at KWS
GOLDEN ALUMNI LUNCHEON
The inaugural Golden Alumni Luncheon was held at the School on Friday 5 February 2016 to a resounding reception from PLC Orange and Wolaroi College Alumni who left their respective Schools prior to 1965.
— Alumni enjoying the luncheon
Of the 170 guests, many had travelled great distances to reconnect with old classmates and to share fond memories from their time at PLC Orange and Wolaroi College during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The day commenced with a Chapel Service where Hymns were accompanied by PLC Old Girl, Mrs Marleen Jones (nee Campbell). Smiles and laughter resonated through the Chapel as the PLC Orange girls stood to sing an enthusiastic rendition of their School Song to a captivated group of Wolaroi Old Boys.
A bus tour of both campuses followed, with many of the Wolaroi Old Boys taking the opportunity to meander through the School gardens to reflect on a time that once saw a much different school. We were delighted to be part of the conversations that described in detail where the cow paddock, duck pond and windmill once stood – where shenanigans once played out and where many friendships and lifetime bonds were formed. A trip upstairs to the Wolaroi verandah where many of the Old Boys slept, provided the opportunity to reminisce about days gone by – where canvas awnings were all that once separated the students from the elements.
Principal, Mr Brian Kennelly, warmly welcomed our visitors as they sat down to lunch in the DPA. Background entertainment was provided by current students from both the Preparatory and Senior School. Our talented soloists played to a warm reception.
Our longest standing Alumni members were invited to plant a tree to mark the special occasion, one that also coincides with the 130 Year celebrations of the School’s foundation. A slide show depicting the journey of the School thus far showcased many images from both schools throughout the decades and strongly resonated with the group.
The day concluded with many lost friendships rekindled. It was a wonderful day for a special group of Alumni and one that the School and our guests will enjoy reflecting upon over many years to come. Plans are being made in anticipation of the next reunion.
In theory, anything that endures for 50 years or more must have been built on a solid foundation. But it is remarkable that what we have seen on this anniversary tour today has developed from such simple and sparse physical structures all those years ago.
There was the main building; one small two storey building housing both primary and secondary students and a boiler room; a dilapidated dairy; duck pond; tuck shop and a bungalow. PLC infrastructure was equally sparse and spartan. What we have seen today represents a thriving metropolis of educational and recreational facilities, compared with those skeletal structures of so long ago. From swamps, duck ponds, bare paddocks, and weedy uneven fields masquerading as sporting arenas, we have seen the development of fertile and spacious pastures of educational, sporting, recreational and student accommodation amenities.
It epitomises and traverses a progressive period of evolution and rejuvenation that many in our era could never have contemplated.
But on reflection, it is not surprising that the character and culture of today had its nucleus in the primitive fibre and fabric initially sewn so many years ago. What has changed, however, is the academic and sporting prowess of this wonderful facility. It has moved from an intellectual and sporting pygmy into an intellectual and sporting giant, revered and acknowledged by all.
It has moved from an insignificant dot on the national academic and sporting map to a formidable and inspirational influence on a much broader academic, sporting and social landscape.
And that is a valuable yardstick by which to measure historical achievement. It also demonstrates outstanding and ongoing leadership by people who know the way, go the way and show the way.
In celebrating this anniversary, we pay tribute to those who have made it all possible. A school is not just an assortment of classrooms and buildings, it is a place where culture, character, people and personalities are developed, grown and harvested as promising young people imbued with the seeds and needs of success.
We recognise and applaud the boys and girls, men and women, Principals, teachers, staff, and importantly the members of the board, that have developed the modern and progressive personality and unique DNA of the School today.
They have steered the good ship “Kinross Wolaroi” through many past potentially financially-crippling storms, hazards, meltdowns and melodramas. We honour the legacy of all those who have contributed and participated in that important journey, especially those no longer with us, and we trust that the entrepreneurial spirit and momentum they collectively and carefully nurtured and developed will endure for the next 50 years and more.
Today, we hand over the baton to the current trustees of our heritage, and wish them well and Godspeed on the exciting journey ahead. We can’t change the past, but you can change the future.
Thank you.
Trevor Johnston Wolaroi College Class of 1957
MUSICAL SHOWCASE
For the first time in many years, the 2016 Performing Arts Festival was held in the Orange Civic Theatre. The feature item of the program was “The Heavens Are Telling” by Haydn, involving a combined choir and orchestral piece which featured three soloists who are tutors in the instrumental program. With many incredibly challenging pieces, Head of Performing Arts, Heidi Anthony, ensured preparations started last year. The amazing work of the academic Drama students was also highlighted with more Drama pieces being performed throughout the festival.
The Preparatory Performing Arts Concert was also enjoyed by many of the school community. Held in the Derek Pigot Auditorium, the performances showcased the Prep Performing Arts ensembles including strings, band, choirs, dance, solos and percussion with all students performing an item. Highlights included the opening item with Years 3-6 students singing in the wings, down the aisle and on stage, Kindergarten performing with finger puppets, and 5-6 Choir’s finale of “Four White Horses”. Acting Co-ordinator of Prep Music, Annalie McRae, delivered a concert which was of an exceptional standard, full of energy and enthusiasm with the atmosphere certainly being enhanced by the new stage lighting.
There will be no slowing down for the Performing Arts Department just yet, as rehearsals are in full swing for the preparation of the annual theatrical performance, Jesus Christ Superstar.
The beginning of the year has certainly been a busy time for the musically talented students and staff at KWS with both the Performing Arts Festival and Preparatory Performing Arts Concert being held.
MOTHER'S ENJOY BREAKFAST
Year 3 students hosted a special Breakfast for their mums to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was a gorgeous opportunity for the students to spoil their mothers and grandmothers, with cups of tea and muffins, whilst also providing a great social catch up. The classrooms of Richelle Coote and Emma Charlton were adorned with artworks, and books were on display for all to admire. Students also showered their mothers and grandmothers with specially crafted cards and gifts including paintings and jewellery.
— Students spoiling their mums for Mother’s Day
