The Chronicle | Issue 6 | December 2018

The

CHRONICLE ISSUE 6

DECEMBER 2018

KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL

AU REVOIR, BON VOYAGE

Farewell to Mrs Bev West after 40 Years of Service

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT PROGRAM

Providing pathways for talented student-athletes

CHARTING THE COURSE FOR THE FUTURE A strategic masterplan is launched

TH E C H R ONI C L E

INTRODUCTION A community of learners on a journey of achievement In this edition of The Chronicle we highlight the School’s next Strategic Plan with articles showcasing the key components of each of our strategic priorities for the next five years.

The new plan clearly articulates a number of areas of focus aimed at building upon the traditional strengths of the School, whilst ensuring we meet the needs of our students and community in the 21st Century.

We also take the opportunity in this edition to capture some of the highlights of what has been a very memorable year of success for our students and staff. A number of our students have had their HSC major works and performances nominated for exhibition by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for their excellence, with several first class exhibitions show-casing the outstanding achievements of our students in their HSC Major Works.

In 2018, the School was also recognised as a National Leader in Indigenous Education and Boarding by the Australian Boarding Schools Association and was presented with the Association’s Inaugural Excellence Award.

And, of course, we farewell our Head of Senior School, Mrs Bev West, after 40 years of outstanding service to our School and welcome Mr James Boyd as Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Chronicle and we wish you all a positive and exciting year ahead.

CONTENTS

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OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

A masterplan charting the course for the next 5 years is launched

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WELCOME MR JAMES BOYD

The Chronicle Sections

Kinross Wolaroi School is a school of the Uniting Church in Australia

From the Principal 2 Chair of Council 4 From the Chaplain 6 Features 8 Programs and Innovation 26 Event Coverage 40 Student Achievements 74 Staff 90 Alumni 100

James Boyd joins KWS as Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School

KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

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AU REVOIR, BON VOYAGE BEV WEST

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TREE INTERNSHIPS

A unique upskilling opportunity for students takes off

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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Farewell to one of the greats: Mrs Bev West retires after 40 years of service at KWS

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OUR NEW POWER COUPLE IN ROWING

We welcome Ms Sarah Cook and Mr Tobias Wehr-Candler Front cover: Mrs Bev West at her Farewell Dinner in November

Exemplary students deserving of recognition 1

DECEMBER 2018

THE CH R ONI C L E F R O M T H E P R IN C I PAL

Over the past 18 months our Staff, Senior Management Team and Council have been engaged in the formulation and development of our new Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

I am most grateful to them for their energy and insight and to our parental community who have provided such valuable feedback through their survey responses over the past two years.

CHARTING OUR COURSE FOR THE FUTURE

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ur plan sets our course for the next exciting chapter of Kinross Wolaroi School’s evolution.

In designing any strategy for the future one must understand who we are and what we wish to be.

Philosphers and writers such as Plato and Shakespeare have argued the importance of being true to yourself. In “knowing thyself” we can ensure our actions are true and authentic so that they best meet the needs of our students in a rapidly changing world and that we capitalise on our regional location, one that offers so many distinctive advantages and opportunities to greatly enhance our rich educational offering.

At Kinross Wolaroi we whole heartedly embrace the ethos of the Uniting Church. We are a School where ambition and the pursuit of excellence matters. Philosophically, we possess a vision for learning that encompasses all aspects of life, not just the intellectual but social, cultural, physical and spiritual dimensions, so that our students are fully equipped to lead meaningful lives and make a positive contribution to society.

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Our approach to education is deliberately structured to develop the whole person in a caring, family oriented community.

School life needs to be full of challenges, choices and opportunities so that all students can grow, flourish and discover their abilities and passions in life – to achieve what the ancient Greeks called ‘Areté’ – being the very best they can be by discovering their highest potential.

We value community and being part of a thriving regional centre creates opportunity for fostering partnerships, both long and short term. We also appreciate the great value in forging meaningful relationships with local, national and global communities.

Our plan builds upon the traditional strengths of the School and the successes of previous strategic plans but also embarks upon new initiatives to influence and inspire a new generation of students.

It will see us navigate a course that will create a dynamic learning community that implements innovative practices that will empower our students to become independent and adaptable learners.

The Kinross Wolaroi Strategic Plan clearly articulates our values and vision for the future as well as providing specific areas of strategic focus. We believe the five strategic intents of the new plan and the values embedded in them provide a vision of the future of which we can be proud.

Our five areas of strategic intent are: — Best Practice Learning — Wellbeing — Co-curricular Programs — Boarding — Engagement We are excited by our new strategic plan and the great promise it offers KWS for the future. However, plans are only words on a page unless they are lived.

I look forward to us all working together as a community as we strive to achieve our aspirations for this wonderful School over the next five years.

In Romans, St Paul challenges us to be ‘transformed’ by the renewing of the mind. It is this constant process of renewal that will enable us to nurture the hearts and minds of our students and best prepare them for the future • Dr Andrew Parry KWS Principal

KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.�

C.S. Lewis

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THE CH R ONI C L E C H A I R O F C O UN C IL

None of us is as smart as all of us.�

Ron Blanchard

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KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

A COLLABORATIVE PLAN GIVES CERTAINTY Great institutions don’t just happen. While leaders of an institution can help steer a path, institutions that stand the test of time are built by a team of passionate and skilled people driven by a meaningful vision.

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WS is a complex organisation catering for the diverse needs of our day and boarding students. With a range of stakeholders and increasing legal and financial risks and obligations, it is imperative that we establish clear and consistent plans to navigate the path to where we want to be in the long term.

The KWS Strategic Plan is the result of two years of determined and enthusiastic teamwork and has been prepared in conjunction with an architectural masterplan for the PLC and Wolaroi sites – a plan that will guide the development of the KWS facilities over the next 30 years. It has been very satisfying overseeing the evolution of these two important strategies and in particular, the collaborative and constructive way they were formulated.

While we all know, too well, that nothing in life is certain – the plans put in place this year will go a long way to help keep us all on a clear course for the future. As Winston Churchill so succinctly put it – “Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential.”

I truly believe that we have the best of both worlds in this region. It is within this context that KWS has evolved to deliver a unique experience.

It is so important we build on this strength and it has underpinned our planning strategies.

Bev West, who we pay tribute to in this edition, is an example of the many champions who have dedicated their lives building and delivering our signature programs. We are not only focussed on enhancing these programs in a way that is tailored to our students and our community, we plan to lead the way in how students learn for life beyond the ATAR. The strategic work that has been done over the past two years is already delivering results. In this edition we highlight some of the innovations and the expansion of opportunities available to our students. As momentum builds, we are seeing more and more people wanting to get on board – exceptional staff appointments and a long list of strategic alliance partners and other community members keen to support our programs.

I look forward to your support as we work together to make a significant contribution to the future of our region through our greatest asset – our students • Mrs Christine McIntosh KWS Chair of Council

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THE CH R ONI C L E F R O M T H E C H A P L A IN

LIVING THE VALUES OF THE UNITING CHURCH Kinross Wolaroi School, the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) and engagement; these three are inextricably connected.

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s a school of the UCA, Kinross Wolaroi School has a particular set of values and ethos.

Central to living them is engagement with the wider world. If our School’s education becomes constrained by its gates or a HSC result, we will have enacted an injustice toward our students.

Engagement is a Christian imperative. We want the best for the other, irrespective of their circumstance, ethnicity, identity, faith or no-faith.

We recall that for Christians, if faith is alone without actions, then it is dead.

Kinross Wolaroi School exercises faith through engagement. We discern processes, policies and practices that complement our values and ethic, not necessarily our religion. Like the UCA, Kinross Wolaroi School is moderate in its lived expression, as is demonstrated by the diversity of our key engagements.

We have a tradition of welcoming Indigenous students and their families.

At times, our Indigenous students have accounted for nearly 10% of the boarding community. Our Indigenous Education Program scaffolds the students to maximise their learning opportunities (including Wiradjuri language), enhance their sense of identity and develop skills to walk confidently in two worlds.

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‘CamKids’ refers to the CCC School, Cambodia. We raise funds to secure education for 96 students at the CCC School. We have been in a relationship with CamKids since 2014.

In December, KWS Year 12 students travelled to Cambodia to meet the CCC students and staff, assist in teaching, complete chores and encounter the children’s daily routines. Without our support, many of these children would have no option but to be under-age workers at a textile factory.

KWS has enjoyed a relationship with Amity College, Sydney, since 2015. This allows student engagement, academic learning and cultural exchange. Staff from both Amity College and ISRA (the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy) have accompanied KWS students on tours to Turkey. It is easy to fear those whom we do not know. Our engagement with the Amity and the Muslim community helps to address this social ill.

Being Christian is neither an entitlement nor a club membership.

It is a calling to be as Christ to others, to imitate Jesus’ loving engagement with mankind. As a school of the Uniting Church, we strive to instil within our students a respect for all people. It is our hope that that respect will grow into a love for the other. This can only work through engagement • Pastor Philip Worrad Chaplain

Engagement is a Christian imperative. We want the best for the other, irrespective of their circumstance, ethnicity, identity, faith or no-faith.”

Pastor Philip Worrad, Chaplain

KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

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TH E C H R ONI C L E F E ATUR E S

OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN The phrase Rethinking Learning has come to capture the wide ranging review of current practices, the deep reflection by our staff on those practices and the public commitment to innovation that has been occurring across all areas of the School.

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he KWS staff, the Senior Leadership Team led

by Dr Parry and the School Council led by Mrs Christine McIntosh have all been engaged in the formulation and development of the new Strategic Plan.

The plan clearly articulates our values and vision as a School and provides us with our areas of strategic focus for the next five years.

The key focus areas – identified as our strategic intents – are Best Practice Learning, Wellbeing, Co-Curricular Programs, Boarding and Engagement.

The strategies in each of these areas are aimed at building upon the traditional strengths of the School, whilst ensuring 8

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we are best meeting the needs of our students and community in the 21st Century. Principal Dr Parry says he is committed to maintaining the School’s traditional focus on, and success in, developing a holistic educational experience that develops the whole person.

“Our success with this approach is well reflected in the achievements of our students. However, ambition and pursuit of excellence matters at Kinross Wolaroi School. Our educational offering must present our students with challenges, choices and opportunity so that they can grow, flourish and discover their abilities and passions in life,” says Dr Parry.

The School is taking a commonsense approach towards sustaining a nurturing, supportive and inclusive

environment that allows students to fully engage their interests and talents while creating opportunities to learn from challenges and struggles. This development of academic resilience in our students – what is being termed “grit” – will enable them to discover their highest potential and be the very best that they can be.

Dr Parry says the Strategic Plan has been developed with a considerable amount of review and reflection and presents an exciting vision for the way forward.

“We have purposefully taken a global approach to the plan because the world is far greater than just regional New South Wales and Australia. I think it is really important to provide our students with opportunities to engage with that wider perspective,” he says.

KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

Best practice learning

A gritty learning experience!

It’s important that kids aren’t afraid to fail or to make mistakes. Some of the best learning comes from this experience.”

Mrs Serena Lewis, Head of Teaching and Learning

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or Kinross Wolaroi School, Best Practice Learning will be all about creating an atmosphere that is conducive to students being able to develop their academic resilience – or grit.

Head of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Serena Lewis says, “It is important that children aren’t afraid to fail or to make mistakes. Some of the best learning comes from this experience.” To facilitate this the School will focus on creating a safe environment in the classroom. Under Mrs Lewis’ leadership, all teaching staff are focused on how to re-frame negative connotations around ‘failure’ to turn them into positive learning.

The School will be redoubling its energies to ensure that students of all abilities are catered for. Programs will look to identify the specific needs for every student and to provide every child with opportunities. Students with particular academic strengths will be provided with clear pathways to “stretch” their capabilities. The practical interests and capabilities for students will also be catered for with best-practice learning initiatives.

“There are some students who are completely unaware of their potential” says Mrs Lewis. “We intend to help them find it and enjoy the challenge that comes from mastering it.”

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THE CH R ONI C L E F E AT UR E S

Mrs Toni Bilton with students in her Tutor Group

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KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

If you get wellbeing right, you set up success in all other areas.”

Head of Student Wellbeing, Mrs Emma Bylsma

Wellbeing

A foundation platform for all learning

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ll staff at Kinross Wolaroi recognise that wellbeing is a collective responsibility. In 2019 the School will continue to develop the wellbeing program based on selfawareness, psychological flexibility and values-guided action as it focuses on the key objectives of building positive relationships, a commitment to lifelong learning and social responsibility.

Through an active wellbeing program, the School expects to see positive benefits in terms of student learning, engagement and participation. Head of Student Wellbeing, Mrs Emma Bylsma says that an exciting element of the wellbeing program is a renewed focus on developing the leadership capabilities of KWS students, which will be strengthened by educating students to be ethical, socially just and civically engaged leaders both in the School and in the wider community.

“We plan to make acknowledgement of effort and living the School’s values a key component of the reward and behaviour management systems. We are also committed to promoting a school environment that is free of bullying,” says Mrs Bylsma.

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THE CH R ONI C L E F E AT UR E S

Co-curricular Programs A vital element of a “holistic” education

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KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

We believe the provision of a challenging, well-balanced and developmentally appropriate co-curricular program enhances the holistic learning opportunities for all students.”

Miss Heidi Anthony, Director of Co-curricular

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ewly appointed Director of Co-curricular Programs at KWS, Miss Heidi Anthony, is delighted to see the strategic plan has reaffirmed that co-curricular involvement is integral to our school. “We believe the provision of a challenging, well-balanced and developmentally appropriate cocurricular program enhances the holistic learning opportunities for all students,” says Miss Anthony.

A unique feature of the KWS co-curricular program is it is compulsory for all staff as well as students.

“The school expects a full commitment to the co-curricular program and the School is committed to supporting all participants in fulfilling this expectation,” says Miss Anthony.

“Your cricket team might be coached by your Maths Teacher – it helps strengthen the relationship between students and teachers. Having our staff heavily involved in the program helps our sense of community and their ability to help students across the board. My co-curricular involvement is through choirs, bands, ensembles and directing KWS musicals. I love the fact that I get to know the kids in a different context and I am grateful that I can give back to the kids in a creative sense,” says Miss Anthony.

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THE C H R O NI CL E F E AT UR E S

Boarding

Placing welfare at the centre of all that we do

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KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

I am delighted that in this strategic plan the School is again committing to maintaining and sustaining an inclusive, supportive and nurturing environment which leads kids to finding their own niche.”

Mr Matthew Curran, Director of Boarding

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he strategic plan reaffirms that boarding is central to the identity of Kinross Wolaroi School. The focus is to sustain and enhance a home environment for all boarders that is safe and supportive. Under the leadership of KWS Director of Boarding, Mr Matthew Curran, a new best-practice staffing model will be rolled out from Term 1 in 2019 with the aim of enhancing the student experience. The number of staff working in boarding has been reduced, with a corresponding increase in the number of hours each staff member will be present and “on duty” with the object of improving continuity and consistency of care. Smaller teams will mean better relationships with individual students.

Mr Curran says that there will be a greater emphasis on the integration of KWS Boarding into the daily academic activities of the school through the active recruitment of academic faculty to join the boarding team. A greater presence and availability of teaching staff to support boarders in their studies can only be of benefit. Another focus will be a centrally coordinated weekend activity schedule that runs across all boarding houses with the aim of building a balance between free time, academic time and co-curricular programs. The scope of the newly purchased Windermere farm, just seven minutes from the School, is exciting as it allows for activities such as overnight trips, mountain biking trails and other activities for boarders that are outside the traditional weekend boarding experience.

“I am delighted that in this strategic plan the School is again committing to maintaining and sustaining an inclusive, supportive and nurturing environment which leads kids to finding their own niche and we can all celebrate a diversity of achievements and successes,” says Mr Curran.

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TH E C H R ONI C L E F E ATUR E S

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KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

The world is far greater than just regional Australia and I think that is really important.”

Dr Andrew Parry, Principal

Engagement Challenges at home and around the world

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n the new Strategic Plan the School has committed to fostering engagement with the world for learning and justice. Principal Dr Parry says that the School will use this pillar to give students and staff opportunities to further their skills and learnings on a national and global scale outside of the school grounds. “The world is far greater than just regional Australia and I think that is really important,” he says. The objective will be to establish collaborative and creative relationships with local, national and international communities to enhance learning.

In doing so, we will develop social responsibility and equip our students with the agility to meet the challenges of the future.

In 2019, Kinross Wolaroi will embark on an extensive international exchange program including schools such as the Rugby School in the UK, Strathallan in Scotland as well as Schools in France and New Zealand. KWS will expand its Indigenous Program to engage with community groups and schools in Northern Australia and Arnhem Land enabling groups of students and teachers to travel to these communities and build relationships through volunteer work.

“I think we are in a privileged position and it’s really important that we share what we have with others and build a positive relationship with the community in Orange,” Dr Parry says.

“The Community Engagement pillar will focus on building stronger relationships with the Central West community enabling students to have meaningful engagement with the community in which they live.” •

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THE CH R ONI C L E F E AT UR E S

KWS has a reputation in the rowing community as a strong rowing school, and we saw a great opportunity to become involved and to help grow that success.�

KWS Rowing Coach and Athlete Development and Support Program Co-ordinator 18

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KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

OUR NEW POWER COUPLE IN ROWING Kinross Wolaroi has enthusiastically welcomed new staff members Ms Sarah Cook and Mr Tobias Wehr-Candler to take the School’s Rowing Program into the next generation of success.

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TH E C H R ONI C L E F E AT UR E S

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he couple are respectfully referred to, by some, as the School’s new power couple for their extraordinary record of achievements in sport internationally.

Tobias will lead and coordinate the KWS Rowing and Rugby Programs. He will initially oversee rowing and in 2019 he will also assume the role of Master-in-Charge of Rugby.

Sarah will coach rowing at KWS and is the Co-ordinator of the new Athlete Development and Support Program.

The pair met at the Rowing World Championships in Slovenia in 2011 and as friends, would see each other at international rowing competitions before they both retired and Tobias decided to move to Australia in 2013.

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It was not long before the couple were working together at St Joseph’s College in Sydney where Sarah, as the Head of Rowing, hired Tobias as an Assistant Coach in 2015.

As an athlete, Tobias represented New Zealand at six World Championships and five World Cup events. At the World Rowing Championship in 2009, Tobias won the Men’s Coxed Four Under 23 World Championship. From 2010 to 2014 he was the World Record Holder for the 1-hour ergometer. He also sailed professionally and was a member of America’s Cup Challenge Team Australia in 2014.

After deciding to retire from Sport, Tobias completed a postgraduate degree and started his first job as a strategy consultant working with tertiary education providers, sporting organisations, government and for-purpose charities. Looking for a different challenge, he joined an Education Technology startup before the call of sport became too much and the opportunity to coach rowing as a full-time staff member popped up.

Sarah is a dual rowing Olympian, has been Australian National Champion eight times and has won six World Championship medals, rowing in five different boat classes. She has also represented Australia in Sailing.

Sarah has coached at the World Championships and as the Head of Rowing and Coach at St Joseph’s College in Sydney she led the school to its most successful Rowing year in history (2016), winning the acclaimed GPS Head of the River title and nine podium finishes from a total of 11 teams.

On the other side of the boat, Sarah is an acclaimed International rowing commentator regularly broadcasting with World Rowing, BBC, BT Sport and Fox. She is a regular contributor to national and state radio for commentary and insights on professional and Olympic sporting news and debate.

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The School feels lucky to be gaining two individuals who are not only esteemed sporting identities but also leaders in their professional fields of administration, management and communication.

“Our big challenge is to build the program, and to promote the sport and its vast benefits to the students,” says Sarah.

“It’s such a unique opportunity to have access to this sport in the Central West, and it’s a sport that can provide real opportunities and pathways both during and post-school.”

“Rowing also promotes and instils qualities and skills such as resilience, team work, humility, organisation, time management, excellence and discipline.”

“My big hope is for us to have a fun and successful season, and I would love to have crews qualify and compete at the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK in 2019,” she says •

KWS rowers prepare for training at Spring Creek

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THE CH R ONI C L E F E AT UR E S

AU REVOIR, BON VOYAGE BEV WEST The departure of Bev West, Head of Senior School is a hugely significant moment in time for Kinross Wolaroi School.

K

WS Principal Dr Andrew Parry says, “It’s a mixture of sadness and joy.

Sadness because KWS loses a highly valued and esteemed colleague but joy as Bev will have some time to pursue her own interests.”

After almost 40 years at the School Bev’s extensive contribution is difficult to quantify.

“Unquestioned is the impact she has had on the lives of our students. Her actions have been consistently guided by the interests of the children in her care,” Dr Parry says.

Mrs Bev West came to Kinross Wolaroi in 1979 as a French Teacher and has generously dispersed herself across many facets of school life ever since: editing The Tower magazine for seven years, costuming KWS Musicals for 14 years, Head of Languages (1983-2008), Head of Miller House, Head of Prefects, Chair of the Wellbeing Team, Head of Music, Senior HSC marker (French), Head of Senior School, Acting Principal and Chair of HICES Deputies Network.

“Bev has witnessed tremendous growth and development in the School during her service. Her extensive experience across the broad life of the School has provided her an unrivalled insight and perspective, qualities that greatly enrich the Senior Management Team of the School,” Dr Parry says.

To mark her tenure, a formal farewell dinner – with a special French theme – was held on Saturday 3rd November 2018 in the Derek Pigot Auditorium which was attended by 200 guests.

In her speech, Bev explained how her childhood at Hillston and education at Griffith as well as her parents’ experiences and sense of community have all contributed to the values she holds today. Bev remembered difficult times in her life and how Kinross Wolaroi helped her to recover, especially the year of 1991 when in tragic circumstances she lost her husband Russell. With three children aged 15, 10 and 7 Bev remembered, “Kinross Wolaroi came into its own; the School provided care, support and routine for the four of us. It protected us, nourished us and showed us that we were loved and valued,” she said.

While recounting her career at the School, Bev said her decision to apply for the position of Head of Senior School in 2008 was significant as she saw the opportunity to give back to the School.

“It seemed like a way to perhaps give back in a more significant way to the place I cared so much about.

I believed my own rural background and upbringing gave me useful insights into our school community, I thought the School was heading in an interesting direction under the leadership of former Principal Brian Kennelly and I felt, frankly, it was time for co-education to look like more than just a word we threw about! Both girls and boys needed to see women in senior leadership roles and if 22

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I hope we never lose sight of the fact that young people are a work in progress and it’s our job to stand beside them, support them and show we care, as they navigate their way along what can be a bumpy road.”

Mrs Bev West, Head of Senior School

I didn’t get the gig then I hoped another woman would,” she said.

Bev said she always tried to model leadership by example but noted that above all, she appreciates students as individuals.

“I value, more than anything else, the authenticity of our students. Almost without exception, what you see is what you get.”

“I hope we never lose sight of the fact that young people are a work in progress and it’s our job to stand beside them, support them and show we care, as they navigate their way along what can be a bumpy road,” she said.

“I think we have to remember that we are shaped by our background, schooling and experiences but we should not be letting ourselves be defined by them.

Life will throw us some curve balls – we can’t predict them, we can’t avoid them, we can’t bat them away and we certainly can’t pretend they haven’t happened. If we can demonstrate to our students what integrity and dignity look like when faced with those curve balls, we have done a great job as teachers and as educational leaders.”

In her retirement Bev is looking forward to extensive travelling and will remain close by to Kinross Wolaroi in her newly renovated house along with her partner, Doug.

KWS Principal Dr Andrew Parry says, “On behalf of the School community I wish Bev every happiness as she explores new opportunities outside KWS and embraces a very exciting new chapter in her life.”

Bev is replaced by new Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School, Mr James Boyd •

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TH E C H R ONI C L E F E ATUR E S

I’m looking forward to getting to know the School through as many different lenses as possible – be it the pupils, staff, parents and wider community.”

Mr James Boyd, incoming Head of Senior School and Deputy Principal

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KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

WELCOME MR JAMES BOYD In 2019 Kinross Wolaroi School will welcome Mr James Boyd as the Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School.

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r Boyd comes to KWS from Cranbrook School in Sydney where he was the Director of Boarding and transformed the culture and quality of the boarding experience. James has extensive experience in Boarding School environments and has taught in a mix of co-educational and single sex schools such as Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, St Edwards School, Oxford and Eton College, Windsor.

James has been an educator for over 18 years, teaching Modern History to HSC, A Level and IB Diploma Level and has lead numerous School tours to Russia, the First World War Battlefields, Sri Lanka, Canada and New Zealand.

Kinross Wolaroi Principal, Dr Parry says James’ appointment comes after an extensive search that yielded a very strong field of candidates from leading schools across Australia.

“James is passionate about developing, leading and empowering excellence from staff and students, by creating and enabling a culture in which staff and students can flourish, and strive for and achieve personal bests,” he says.

James says he was initially drawn to KWS for its clear sense of purpose and direction and the School’s strong values of Resilience, Courage, Respect, Commitment and Inclusiveness and he looks forward to ensuring KWS maintains its status as one of Australia’s leading co-educational institutions.

James is a firm believer in the benefits of co-education, seeing it as a way to ‘future proof’ our pupils to allow them to learn to live alongside each other, support each other in the classroom and co-curricular domains. He says, “Perhaps more crucially, students in a co-educational setting learn to develop mutual respect for each other; a skill that is vitally important for today’s society.”

James sees co-curricular involvement as an extension of the classroom.

“These activities can help to nurture and develop pupils with diverse needs. The opportunities for personal growth through being a member of a team, leadership skills and developing resilience are invaluable in my eyes,” he says. James is a keen sportsman and he has represented Scotland on the rugby field and has also coached Scotland at age-grade level.

Over the coming months and years James intends on fully immersing himself in the school, “I’m looking forward to getting to know the School through as many different lenses as possible – be it the pupils, staff, parents and wider community,” says James.

Similarly, Dr Parry welcomes James and his family into the KWS community.

“On behalf of the Kinross Wolaroi School community, I very much look forward to formally welcoming James and his family (wife, Caroline and children, Lachlan, Harriet and Angus) to Orange and the school community.” •

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THE C H R O NI CL E PR O G R A M S A N D IN N OVAT ION

There is a long held view in sport that country kids are tougher and that’s certainly been my experience.”

Ms Sarah Cook, Athlete Development and Support Program Co-ordinator

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Kinross Wolaroi is very excited to have secured Ms Sarah Cook, highly respected Australian athlete, coach and administrator, to lead the inception of its Athlete Development and Support Program.

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT PROGRAM

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his initiative will oversee the development, support and wellbeing of talented student-athletes engaged in extracurricular sport at a representative level.

It will aim to foster excellence in all aspects of life, with a focus on sporting development and working in close collaboration with the academic and wellbeing areas of the School to ensure a well-balanced and developmentally appropriate sporting program.

The program will begin in Term 1 2019 and will start by focusing on approximately 30 student-athletes.

Sarah’s aim for the Program is to allow talented student-athletes to reach their potential by providing them with the right tools.

“There is a long held view in sport that country kids are tougher and that’s certainly been my experience. However often country kids don’t have the same exposure or the opportunities aren’t as apparent as they are to kids in city schools,” says Sarah.

“I want to bring those opportunities to the students of KWS, and to provide pathways for our student-athletes to be the very best they can be, and to experience all that sport can offer.”

Sarah is a dual Olympian in the sport of Rowing and was a member of the Australian Rowing Team for nine years. She has been Australian National Champion eight times, won six World Championship and World Cup medals, rowing in five different boat classes.

She has also represented Australia in Sailing from 2013-2015 in the 470 and 49erFX classes.

During her athletic career, Sarah completed a Bachelor of Applied Science, a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Science), and the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

She understands the importance of achieving balance in life, through the holistic development of the individual, and most critically for athletes to plan for a life and career beyond sport.

Sarah has coached at the Junior World Rowing Championships and as the Head of Rowing and Coach at St Joseph’s College in Sydney, she helped lead the

school to its most successful Rowing year in history (2016) winning the acclaimed GPS Head of the River title and nine podium finishes from a total of 11 teams.

Sarah is the first female President of the Sydney University Boat Club, Vice-President of Sydney University Sport and Fitness, a Director of NSW Rowing, and Councillor to Rowing Australia. She has just returned from representing Australia as a delegate to the International Olympic Committee’s International Olympic Academy Young Participants Session in Olympia, Greece. Since her retirement from rowing following the London Olympics, Sarah has had a significant impact in Australian sport as an advisor to state and national sporting associations lobbying Governments.

Sarah and her husband Mr Tobias Wehr-Candler have both been interested in making a tree-change to a rural and regional area for some time. Sarah’s family comes from rural NSW so when the opportunity came up in Orange, both Sarah and Tobias jumped at it.

“It’s a beautiful town, and I knew I had to live somewhere with great food, wine and coffee,” Sarah says • 27

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RESTRUCTURE OF STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES AT KWS Every child needs a champion. We are committed to bringing out the genius in everyone and valuing skills and interests that the traditional classroom does not.”

Ms Tina Moshkanbaryans, Learning Support Co-ordinator

Staff leading the Kinross Wolaroi School Student Academic Services (SAS) Team have been working tirelessly to restructure their department with the aim of ultimately providing better advocacy for pupils with learning support needs as well as for students who need to be extended.

Although still one department, SAS has effectively been split into two focus areas of Learning Support and Learning Enhancement. This allows the respective co-ordinators to focus their efforts and provide targeted support for individual students resulting in better student outcomes.

Tina Moshkanbaryans has taken on the new position of Learning Support Coordinator. Yooie Choi now becomes the Learning Enhancement Coordinator.

Learning Support

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n her new role as the Learning Support Coordinator, Tina Moshkanbaryans wants to ensure all students with learning needs are given the support they require to be able to access the curriculum on the same level as their peers.

“The traditional education system is designed for students who can read, write and process information with ease. There are so many students that don’t fit this mould and I see it as my responsibility to advocate for them,” says Tina. “To me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a struggling child recognise their strengths and value themselves for who they are, not who they think they should be.”

There are a number of new initiatives for 2019 designed to help struggling students come to grips with the learning as well as equipping them with skills relevant to their lives outside of school.

Me! Me! Me!: Provides fundamental literacy and communication skills necessary for life both in and out of school. This program will run in Year 7 and 8 as a precurser to the Be Heard! elective to be run in Year 9.

Be Heard!: A new elective in 2019 for Year 9 students aims to develop skills relevant to their age group, such as writing cover letters and CVs, going through job interviews and examining the impact of social media. Both of these electives have strong links to KWS’s The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE) program.

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Homework Club: Expanded to run from Monday to Thursday and now inviting Year 6 students to attend as well, Homework Club provides a quiet space for students to complete homework with assistance from SAS staff. It will aid students in Year 6 and 7 in the transition to the Senior School.

MultiLit: Inspired by the success of this program for the Prep Learning Support team, a small number of students will be involved in a pilot of MacqLit which is a reading intervention program for small groups of older low-progress readers.

The School aims to roll this initiative out to students in 2020.

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I want students to realise that learning is a part of life, that it needs to be mastered and practiced daily.”

Mr Yooie Choi, Learning Enhancement Co-ordinator

Learning Enhancement

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earning Enhancement aims to foster intellectual character that promotes resilience, passion and challenge as key outcomes for all learners. It will also mentor students for effective study and organisational strategies, help them to tackle procrastination and low motivation and provide enriching and challenging competitions and intellectually rigorous experiences. Learning Enhancement will also coordinate all the major competitions and challenges that provide learning opportunities.

“I want students to realise that learning is a part of life, that it needs to be mastered and practised daily.

Too often students rely on external factors such as the teacher, parent or the internet as their main source of information. This style of learning is passive, boring and disengaged and we need to shift this type of mindset drastically,” says Yooie. “Students will encounter difficulties as they navigate an increasingly globalised digital world that competes for their time and attention.

Therefore, I want students to set goals and with them, priorities that place high importance on learning so that they can engage with the school curriculum positively,” he says.

Data derived from NAPLAN results and information from teachers and mentors as well as school reports will see students placed in targeted classes in Year 7 and 8 with all students monitored for performance. The tracking of all students through data and analysis will also provide essential support for teaching staff.

“Student learning profiles will be created to give teachers a better understanding of the students in their classroom, to better track and monitor and mentor students who are underachieving and provide challenging learning opportunities of creative, curious and engaged learners beyond the classroom,” says Yooie.

Strategic learning habits will be promoted through a number of initiatives in 2019 including;

Senior Study Camp: Specialised mini workshops and lectures to assist students in note taking, combatting procrastination and prevention of cramming habits.

Gifted and Talented Program: Kinross Wolaroi School will revamp its Gifted and Talented Program, initially identifying students who need to be extended to provide them with mentoring to ensure they are academically challenged and supported socio-emotionally. The development of out-of-classroom experiences will aim to stretch and push students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills •

HSC Study Camp: The success of this camp was driven by the positive attitude of nearly 100 students and 20 staff who attended the three study camps in 2018.

The camps took place in the July and September holidays as well as a two day camp in Week 1 of Term 4. Students are supervised in study sessions, attend workshops and undergo one-to-one tutoring sessions.

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A NEW APPROACH TO STUDENT RESILIENCE

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n her first year as the Head of Teaching and Learning K-12 at KWS, Serena Lewis has started working towards a transformation in thinking about how student success is defined.

Serena says the greatest educational challenge any school faces is authentic student engagement. In order to address this she has created the ‘Grit Savvy’ campaign.

The campaign aims to foster a child’s intrinsic desire to learn and develop the individual as a life-long learner.

Serena also wants to highlight that this is something that needs to be practised everyday and is not just something that ‘comes’ to you.

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In her communication to teachers and students about the new approach, Serena has been using Aesop’s fable, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ to illustrate the values she is trying to achieve.

“There are two alternative interpretations to the Tortoise and the Hare which I favour: ‘Success depends on using your talents, not just having them’ or ‘perseverance beats speed’.”

Serena questions, “What is more helpful in preparing our students?

Rescuing them from challenges or teaching them how to face them? If our students are to succeed they need to be resilient and recognise that success is a result of hard work and effort – it has to be ardently sought for. It is not the result of ‘luck’ or ‘fixed ability’,” she says.

This campaign paints a grit savvy student as someone who: — Asks questions; — Actively seeks feedback; acts on it and uses it to identify next learning steps; — Recognises that learning outcomes are the result of effort and hard work as opposed to luck and therefore requires persistence when it becomes difficult; — Does not give up; — Sees mistakes and failures as valuable learning opportunities.

Students are being encouraged to think about struggle in learning and to accept that it is a part of the process, not something they should fear or avoid.

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The big push from Kinross Wolaroi School’s Teaching and Learning Department this year has been the creation of a pathway to activate and sustain resilient, ‘grit-savvy’ students.

If we want our students to be gritty – which we do – we need to get them out of their comfort zone and accept the fact that ‘struggling’ is a pre-requisite for learning.”

Mrs Serena Lewis, Head of Teaching and Learning

“Knowing how to be successful in their learning; recognising the importance of taking ownership of their learning and being active in the process will be every bit as important to our students as the curriculum content,” says Serena.

This approach to learning is becoming a focus across Kinross Wolaroi School.

It is a part of developing students who are well equipped to cope with the challenges of a world that is going to look very different in five years time – let alone 10! Students will need to have the critical and creative thinking skills necessary to think their way out of problems that we do not yet know are problems by using technology that currently does not exist. Perseverance in the face of challenges will be the key to the success of lifelong learners.

“The role of the teacher is no longer just to ‘teach’ or impart information.

It is to engage, to mentor, nurture, guide, demonstrate, facilitate, support, direct, lead and inspire,” says Serena. “If we want our students to be gritty – which we do – we need to get them out of their comfort zone and accepting of the fact that ‘struggling’ is a pre-requisite for learning.” •

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This year, staff and students of Kinross Wolaroi School were rewarded for their innovative approach to the Archibull Prize Competition, winning the Enterprise Skills Award for 2018.

THE ARCHIBULL PRIZE COMPETITION

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WS was one of 40 schools chosen to participate in the 2018 Archibull Art Competition and for the staff and students involved it has been an enlightening, creative and, most of all, a fun way to learn more about the 2018 showcase industry of Wool.

The project has been undertaken predominately by Year 8 Art students but what resulted for KWS was far more than just an art project, it evolved to become a cross-curricular affair.

Using Archibull as the canvas, students came up with the idea to showcase the paddock to catwalk process in the wool industry, a concept that gave students the opportunity to research and investigate the wool industry across many subjects.

Students learnt about climate change in Geography, food security and biosecurity in Science, healthy communities in PDHPE classes and the whole process was blogged about during English classes.

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Archibull Young Farming Champions, Peta Bradley and Caitlin Heppner visited students and asked them to consider how wool can be used in everyday modern materials as well as casting their minds back to wool’s proud history in Australia.

The culmination of their learnings and handmade or repurposed creations were projected on the life-sized fibreglass Archibull.

He stood on wooden slats from a shearing shed, which is also featured behind the Bull along with wool bales and shears. There was a spinning wheel on top of the Bull and in front of him mannequins are seen walking down a wool felted catwalk adorned in clothes made of various woollen fabrics. One side of the Bull featured Tom Roberts famous ‘Shearing of the Rams’ and there were other decorations on the Bull such as woollen pom poms and an Ugg Boot.

The Kinross Wolaroi Archibull will be displayed at the 2019 Royal Easter Show •

Archie visits the Australian National Field Days – he is pictured with Kathryn Cornally, Sophia Nelson, Mr Tom Riley, Benjamin Chai and Henry Wakem

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The competition was far more than just an art project; it evolved to become a cross-curricular affair.�

Mr Tom Riley, Director of TREE

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TREE INTERNSHIPS

Holly Gutterson attends to horses as part of her Internship at Central West Equine

The Kinross Wolaroi TREE Internship program is quickly growing to become a truly unique upskilling process for secondary students.

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fter a year of piloting in 2017, this year, eight students were given the opportunity to take part in an Internship with local businesses after a rigorous application and interview process.

The Internships allow select students to spend half a day each week trialing, testing and evaluating a vocational experience as a part of their secondary education; an experience that does not usually happen until after School or in some cases, University.

Students have also been asked to develop a special ‘project’ with the help of their mentor business to further enhance the experience.

“It’s very rare in education that students are asked to be involved in something that doesn’t have a tangible outcome. We are giving students the opportunity first hand to see what working in the real world is like, so they have time to further develop critical skills,” says Director of The Regional Engagement Enterprise (TREE), Tom Riley.

Tom says it is hoped the outcomes of the Program will be noticed by students in younger years.

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Henry Williams at work as part of his Internship at Angus Barrett Saddlery and Leather Goods

“They’re actually working on developing themselves and it’s hoped that the specific project will empower younger students to aspire to ‘what that student did’ or develop skills so they can get similar opportunities when they are in Year 10,” he says.

Year 10 student Heidi Strudwick is working with McCarron Cullinane stock and station agent and her project is to research, source and purchase the livestock for the new KWS Farm under the direction of the KWS Farm Steering Committee.

Digby Cooper’s project together with Awevision will be to shoot, cut and edit a film profiling the KWS Internship program to be featured on the School’s website.

It’s less about the reward and more about the opportunity.”

Mr Tom Riley, Director of TREE

Other local businesses mentoring students through the Internship program include: Angus Barrett Saddlery, Central West Equine Vet, SeeSaw Wines and BiteRiot cherries.

Already TREE is hand selecting new businesses to take part in the next round of Internships, which

will hopefully be on offer to 10 students to work a half or full day with a local business for 20 weeks.

“We want to make it a specialised and unique opportunity, so we spend a long time selecting appropriate mentors.

It needs to be something that is very special for the individual student. It’s very customised and some students need it more than others – it’s less about the reward and more the opportunity.” •

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Kinross Wolaroi School is honoured to have been judged the inaugural winner of the Excellence in Indigenous Boarding Award at the 2018 International Boarding Conference.

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Left to right: Director of Boarding, Mr Matt Curran, Chanel Knight, Anna Robinson, Brendan Coffee, Tyrese Carr-White and Indigenous Student Co-ordinator, Mr Anthony Begg

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Each initiative we undertake at KWS underpins the importance of the Indigenous Program and aims to enrich our existing School traditions.”

Mr Matthew Curran, Director of Boarding

he award recognises a boarding school or residence which has stepped out of the norm to achieve something excellent in supporting Indigenous boarders. Kinross Wolaroi Director of Boarding, Mr Matthew Curran, says this is a welcome acknowledgment of the School’s proactive focus on Indigenous Education.

“Each initiative we undertake at KWS underpins the importance of the Indigenous Program and aims to enrich our existing School traditions. We feel we have had much success in this area and are delighted to have received this award,” he says.

“Our Indigenous Student Co-ordinator, Anthony Begg, leads our School’s Indigenous Education Program and has done a wonderful job; growing the Program from the bottom up over the course of a few years,” he says.

“We are fortunate to have outstanding Indigenous boarding staff in key roles, including Head of House, Assistant Head of House and two other Residential Assistants. These staff are essential to ensure that our Indigenous boarders feel at home and that our Indigenous Program remains at the core of what we do.”

“Anthony Begg has also developed a relationship with local students from Charles Sturt University to act as volunteer mentors once a week during the evening.”

Other initiatives that have embedded our Indigenous Program into the ethos of Kinross Wolaroi include the creation of a uniquely landscaped Indigenous garden at the heart of our school. It serves as an interactive learning space for staff, students and the wider community.

KWS believes this places its Indigenous Program at the geographical and metaphorical heart of the School.

Additionally, KWS is one of the first schools to introduce a First XV Rugby Indigenous Round with special jerseys to mark the occasion.

“This has become well entrenched in our school fabric and is one of our many traditions,” says Mr Curran • 39

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ARNHEM LAND TRIP Earlier this year a group of 15 staff and students embarked on a ‘Cultural Immersion Tour’ in the Northern Territory, lead by Indigenous Students Co-ordinator, Mr Anthony Begg.

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he trip saw students and staff venture to East Arnhem Land to experience the world’s oldest living culture.

“East Arnhem Land is one of the most culturally intact and pristine regions left on Earth and is home to the Yolngu people, who have been the traditional owners of their lands for over 50,000 years,” says Anthony.

Students were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn and interact with elders and children in the community.

“Students learnt from the Dhimurru and Yirrkala Rangers about the environment and conservation techniques. They took part in art classes at the world-renowned Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and stayed in the homeland of Nyinyikay where the full immersion of culture continued through the outstanding teaching of Marcus ‘Mungul’ Lacey”, he explains.

As a component of the School’s engagement strategy, tours to Indigenous communities are planned to run every year for students in Years 10, 11 and 12. The aim of the tour is to widen our students’ frame of reference, simultaneously educating and inspiring our school’s ‘leaders of tomorrow’ through two-way learning •

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01 W alking in the footsteps of ‘Maginga’ the ancestral dog who made her home on Nyinyikay where signs of her remain until this day 02 C ultural lessons with Marcus “Mungul” Lacey 03 ‘ Gulminya’ a sacred tree signifying the border of Yirritja and Dhuwa Country 04 Basket weaving with traditional owner Nancy Mutilnga Burarrwanga and her daughters

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East Arnhem Land is one of the most culturally intact and pristine regions left on Earth.”

Mr Anthony Begg, Indigenous Students Co-ordinator

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HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL This year, Kinross Wolaroi School brought to life the smash hit Disney movie, High School Musical to sell-out crowds at the Orange Civic Theatre. It was colourful, upbeat and energetic; everything you would expect from a feel-good, boy-meets-girl story, with a touch of corny!

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irector Catherine Litchfield was thrilled with the huge success of the production and wanted to thank the students for having the courage to take the risk and get involved.

Catherine said that “having the courage and commitment to learn songs and choreography, then perform them in a stressful situation is truly character building. It is a unique experience.

We don’t improve as people if we stay in our comfort zones; if we stick to the status quo we don’t grow!”

Underpinning the High School Musical storyline are the important and relevant themes of friendship, respect and integrity. The story also sheds some light on the importance of discovering your identity and celebrating diversity.

“Whilst we don’t label our cliques here in Australia as Jocks, Brainiacs and the like, there is still personal conflict for our young people as they struggle to establish their identity and fit in. For some, it is easy but for others, being true to themselves is a struggle. To break free from the status quo requires courage and personal strength”, said Catherine.

Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in this year’s big, bold production. Thank you also to the production team, family, friends and the Orange community for your support.

That’s a wrap for another year! •

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Year 12 Visual Arts students 01 Charlotte May 02 Hannah Brien 03 Isabella Johnsen

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VISUAL ARTS AND TEXTILES Y EXHIBITION

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts and Textiles Exhibition held in August, is an annual event showcasing HSC Visual Arts students’ completed Body of Works and Textiles and Design students’ Major Textiles Projects.

Family and friends gathered in the DPA to view the gallery of artworks, the catwalk style fashion parade and celebrate the students’ talent, hard work and dedication.

ear 12 Visual Arts students have once again done a remarkable job of creating art that is both meaningful as well as being highly skilled.

This year, students made good use of the School’s laser cutter and the sublimation printer. Screen printing, drawing, mixed media, digital photography, video, eco and rust dyeing and sculpture were just some of the art forms and techniques used by students to create their conceptually multilayered works.

For Head of Visual Arts, Mrs Toni Bilton, the Visual Arts and Textiles Exhibition is a highlight of the School Year.

“The exhibition is testament to students’ dedication and hard work.

A celebration of student achievement shared with the school and wider community. Most people don’t realise that the actual artwork makes up 50%

of the HSC mark, whilst the other 50% comes from the Art Theory written examination, which is usually very challenging too”, says Mrs Bilton.

“Each of the students should be very proud of the very special achievements they have made in this subject and the journey they shared. For many, it may be the last time they ever do art and for others, it is the beginning of their artistic journey and we wish them all the best for their exciting futures.”

Year 12 never cease to amaze us with their exciting ideas, fabulous skill and determined work ethic. This year was no exception.”

Mrs Toni Bilton, Head of Visual Arts 45

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VISUAL ARTS AND TEXTILES EXHIBITION

As always, the Major Textiles involves complex and unique feats of creativity.”

Mrs Penny Chandler, Textiles and Design Teacher

Textiles and Design

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his year the Textiles and Design course had an exciting spin on it as the garments that students began creating when they were in Year 11 were sent away to be judged in the inaugural Fleece to Fashion Awards.

Incredibly, all works were selected for the fashion show with two students, Maggie Rose Smith and Isabel Lamph, being awarded the Whitehouse Institute Workshops Prize for their garments.

Students worked tirelessly for nine months on their Major Textiles Projects culminating in a combined exhibition of their practical work and folios with the HSC Visual Art class. Textiles and Design Teacher, Mrs Penny Chandler, said that “As always, the Major Textiles involves complex and unique feats of creativity.”

Students drew inspiration for their Major Projects from a variety of influences. Some related their work to pressing modern-day issues like coral bleaching, while others drew on architecture and our ever-changing seasons for inspiration.

Notably, one student created a theatrical black silk skirt and bold red knit top portraying the tragedy of the Black Saturday bushfires. In a huge accolade, Jade Lefebvre’s garment has been selected for inclusion in Texstyle, an exhibition of HSC Textiles and Design Major Projects. In addition to this, Jade has also been selected for the Shape 2018 Exhibition which features exemplary Major Projects from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students from the 2018 HSC examinations • 47

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INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION Year after year, Industrial Technology students continue to wow when they present their HSC Major Projects at the Industrial Technology Exhibition in September.

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nder the guidance of Mr Simon Lun and Mr David de Bruyn, 16 students completed the Industrial Technology course this year and were guided through the process of planning and producing their major projects over a 6 month period.

“All students have developed and used Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical knowledge, research and skills to manage, design, develop, evaluate, problem solve and create their HSC major projects,” says Simon.

“We have seen students develop skills to complete large and complex tasks, learn to manage their own time and resources and they all commit to producing high quality projects at the end of the course.”

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All projects, including a range of trailers, an off-road buggy and even a chicken caravan were on display at the exhibition that was attended by family and friends as well as industry and media representatives.

This year, an astounding 13 of the 16 projects were nominated for the InTech Exhibition of outstanding Major Projects from HSC Industrial Technology students across the state.

The exhibition covers all Industrial Technology focus areas – Timber Products and Furniture, Automotive, Electronics, Graphics, Metal and Engineering, and Multimedia. The exhibition includes students’ folios that document the design, management, communication and production of their projects.

“It was a great honour (and very well deserved) for the 13 students to have received project selection nominations for the InTech Exhibition of exemplar projects and also for a number of students who have gained related future employment after their school endeavours,” said Simon •

We have seen students develop skills to complete large and complex tasks, learn to manage their own time and resources and they all commit to producing high quality projects at the end of the course.”

Mr Simon Lun, Industrial Technology Teacher

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PREP SCHOOL PERFORMANCE WEEK Students in the Prep School performed their hearts out during the annual Prep School Performance Week in September.

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ear 5 and 6 took the audience on a trip to the Wild West, in their production of ‘Best Shot’, a musical written, produced and directed

by KWS Teacher, Mr Romko Hordynsky.

The show featured Wilhelm Kadok, who arrived in the little town of Smoggy Holly, fresh from Sweden and struggling with the English language. Wilhelm was elected as the town’s new marshal as havoc breaks out with the bumbling gunslingers, the Braxton Brothers, and rich landowner, Ben Bartlett.

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Mr Hordynsky is proud of the way that the children continue to ‘lift the bar’ and meet challenges head on with a positive mindset.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the children and see them grow in confidence and skill this year. I am very proud of the cast of Best Shot and their commitment to the production,” says Mr Hordynsky.

This year was the 30th year in which Mr Hordynsky has been at the helm, leading the students to theatrical success.

The Year 3/4 production was aptly titled, ‘A Valuable Lesson’. Over the course of only one week, the students were tasked with scripting, costuming, rehearsing and producing their own show – with a touch of guidance from their teachers here and there.

Students were to convey to their audience, their interpretation of the Kinross Wolaroi School Values of Inclusiveness, Resilience, Courage, Commitment and Respect.

Our K-2 original school production ‘Bedtime Stories – All Shook Up’, saw some classic bedtime tales brought into our current day in a singing and dancing spectacular.

KWS K-2 Co-ordinator, Mrs Carolyn Key wrote the script and directed the performance. Mrs Key said she was thrilled to be able to give every student the chance to shine.

“I think it’s exceptionally important that children are able to present themselves in front of an audience and be able to get up and speak confidently.”

The show had the audience tapping their toes and singing along to classics such as ‘What’s new Pussycat?’, ‘Staying Alive’ and ‘All Shook Up’.

Congratulations to all involved in this year’s performances! •

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YEAR 12 GRADUATION ASSEMBLY Attended by students, staff, family and friends, the Year 12 Graduation Assembly was held in September.

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pecial guest, Mr Warwick Holmes gave an outstanding and engaging address recalling his career journey and the perseverance required of him to become a worldrenowned Avionics Systems Engineer where he spent 30 years exclusively in the European Space Industry.

KWS Chair of Council, Mrs Christine McIntosh, presented the Derek Pigot Medallion and Robe to our 2018 Dux, Jemima McPhee.

The ceremony also included the official induction of our 2019 Head Prefects, Emer Spora and Stirling Taylor with outgoing Head Prefects, Kate Alderman and Donny Freeman addressing the assembly, to complete their official duties as the 2018 School Leaders.

The moving Benediction of John Rutter’s wonderful ‘The Lord Bless You And Keep You’ was sung by the KWS Chamber Choir and concluded the Ceremony with graduands receiving The Light of Christ in the Ceremony of Light •

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YEAR 12 DUX GRADUATION SPEECH: JEMIMA MCPHEE

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ood afternoon ladies and gentlemen, staff, students, and of course the graduating class of 2018.

As many of the Year 12 students will know, writing speeches is not one of my strong points, so instead I will begin with something I feel more confident about: Latin.

Did you know that ‘dux’ is a Latin word?

It means a military commander, later developing into the word ‘duke’. Quite appropriately, the word ‘graduation’ comes, from the Latin for ‘a step’ or ‘the rung of a ladder’. Finally, about halfway down your programs is the name of the presentation that involves every single Year 12 student. In Latin, it’s pronounced ‘valete’, and it means ‘be well’, like the old fashioned English ‘farewell’, or ‘goodbye’.

Leaving school marks the end of an era, and I think that every student graduating today has experienced the ridiculously complex mix of excitement, sadness, panic and relief at the realisation that we’ve finally made it to the end of Year 12.”

Jemima McPhee, Dux of Year 12 54

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The word ‘student’ even has a Latin root: the verb ‘studeo’, means ‘to strive after’ and the noun ‘studium’ is ‘zeal, eagerness, enthusiasm’. Although this has seemed ironic to me on numerous occasions this year, ultimately it does reflect the education we’ve had at KWS, which I believe is truly unique. In the last six years, we have been involved in musicals, retreats, cadet camps, sport and so much more that all reflect this.

Even within the classroom, every one of my teachers has taught me more than what I’ll need for the HSC exams in a few weeks’ time.

Mr Stevens has a knowledge and passion for Latin that is probably unrivalled in the ancient as well as the modern world, and I’m always amused by people’s amazement when I tell them Kinross Wolaroi has a Continuers class of just two students, and an Extension class in which I’m the only one. It’s fair to say it’s much harder to dodge questions than it used to be. In Ancient History, we’ve been honoured to be Mrs Vernon’s final Year 12 class before her retirement at the end of the year. I don’t think she has ever arrived for class without an enormous stack of new notes or the dreaded news that ‘we’re just off to the library to pick up another textbook’ (there are 17 to date).

Mr Mirrington has taught our maths class with incredible skill and patience over the last year although I’m sure my class would agree that the highlights were undoubtedly Friday afternoon games of 100-up. Finally, my English teacher Mrs Fleming is one of the most dedicated and inspirational people I have ever met, as well as probably the wisest. The commitment she has shown

to her classes and the whole Year 12 cohort has been extraordinary. I should also thank the other English teachers: I have been haunting your staffroom for over a year now, usually appearing at inconvenient times with battered bits of paper and varying degrees of panic, and you have never shown anything but patience and encouragement.

To the younger students in the audience: this is the sixth Grad Ceremony I’ve attended, and I have to admit that the last five have become a bit of a blur. Thanks for your support today and throughout the year, and I’m also confident that when it’s your turn this ceremony will be less about counting down items until the final hymn and more about reflecting on thirteen years of school that have finally come to an end. I know you’ve heard this a thousand times before, but make sure you enjoy the ride and make the most of your time here because the time really does go faster than you would believe.

Finally, to the Year 12 students graduating today: although I don’t know all of you as well as I would like, I believe we’ve all brought something to the Class of 2018 and this year has revealed the great diversity of the talents we have to offer the world. As a very good friend said to me yesterday, it has been a true privilege to grow up with you over the years, and I would like to wish you all the very best for the future; in Latin, it’s ‘optime agatis’ •

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Left to right: 2019 Student Leaders Deputy Head Prefects, Ethan Buesnel and Jorja Griffiths and Head Prefects, Stirling Taylor and Emer Spora

SENIOR SCHOOL LEADER INDUCTION In October, the School held its annual Leadership Induction Service where our new student leadership team were introduced to the School and presented with their badges of office.

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ach leader pledged their commitment to help our School community, uphold “the values of the School and the ethos of the Uniting Church. The School staff and students also pledged their support to our new student leadership team.

This important service was shared with many proud parents, grandparents and friends who were all present in support of their fine young leaders.

As part of his speech, Dr Parry offered our new leaders three insights to assist them on their journey:

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“Firstly, have fortitude. This refers to the emotional strength that allows someone to face adversity with courage.

As a leader you will meet your fair share of challenges. You will encounter obstacles and stumbling blocks and sometimes even failures. Reflect on these obstacles and failures and see them as learning opportunities for improvement.

As Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor who gave us the light bulb once said: ‘I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’

Secondly, be passionate about what you do. Don’t undertake tasks simply for the sake of doing so, or just because it’s the ‘popular’ thing to do. Understand and believe in what you are doing.

Albert Einstein, one of the greats of science, reflecting upon his abilities noted: “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

And thirdly, be relentless in your pursuit of excellence. Don’t give up and don’t settle for mediocrity. The English crime fiction writer Arthur Conan Doyle (best known for his detective character – Sherlock Holmes) stated: “mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognises genius.”

I encourage our new team to remember that if what you say and do inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader.” •

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Remember that if what you say and do inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader.”

Dr Andrew Parry, Principal

SENIOR LEADERS Head Prefects Emer Spora Stirling Taylor

Senior Boarder Prefects Jema O’Neill Fletcher Taylor

Deputy Head Prefects Ethan Buesnel Jorja Griffiths

SUO Cadet Olivia Hilder

Service Prefects Benjamin Gillham Charlotte Haling

Blackman Zoe Keown Noah Jones

Dean Flinn Madigan Charlie Wilson

Gordon Tupou Favia William Smith

Richards Georgina Haigh James Collett

Brown Angus Smith Mabel Brockmann

Douglas Benjamin Bellamy Harriet O’Brien

McLachlan Alexandra Wald Florence Conway

Williams William Brennan Julia Williams

Loader Lucy Kirk

New Stephanie Kennett

Weymouth Henry Ponder

Miller Olivia Hilder

Stuart Douglas Harriet O’Brien

Tower Charlie Wilson Brendan Coffee

Wolaroi Nicholas Hay-McKenzie

Captain of Music Oscar Tierney

Charity Prefects Olivia Mirrington Bradman Gavin Mission Prefects Hugh Aldersey Mabel Brockmann

TUTOR HOUSE CAPTAINS

BOARDING HOUSE CAPTAINS

Wolaroi Angus Smith

BOARDING HOUSE VICE CAPTAINS Loader Sarah Jackson

New Claudia Hamilton

Tower Brendan Coffee

Miller Libby Noonan

Stuart Douglas Sarah Hoadley

Weymouth Max Waddell

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90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF PLC ORANGE

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This year marked a memorable anniversary in our School’s history – 90 years since the foundation of the Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) in Orange in 1928.

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LC Alumni, who attended PLC Orange between 1928 and 1978, along with former staff members of PLC, were invited to celebrate this momentous anniversary on Saturday 13 October. A marquee was set up in the PLC grounds for the occasion and guests were treated to an afternoon of High Tea where they could come together to reminisce and reconnect. The chatter and laughter of over 150 old friends recalling tales of days gone by was a joy to hear.

The marquee was lined with photos from the School’s archives and there was a memorabilia table with photo albums, trophies, publications, scrapbooks, artworks and even copies of old letters from PLC girls to Wolaroi boys at the time.

Dr Parry gave a warm welcome to all of the ladies (and the few gentlemen) in attendance on the day. Guest speakers, Mrs Alison Biddulph (PLC Class of 1953) and Ms Margot Sullivan (PLC Class of 1976) then had the guests in stitches describing some of their fondest (and not so pleasant) memories of their time at boarding school.

Special thanks must go to Mrs Dinah Hayter and Mrs Janet Appleby for their significant contribution in the lead up to the event. We are so pleased that this milestone was able to be celebrated in style and that it was so well received •

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NOUMEA TRIP

In October, 34 of our Year 9 and 10 French students ventured to Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, for the annual French excursion.

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tudents were accompanied

by Head of Senior School, Mrs Bev West, Head of Languages, Mr Chris Oldham and French Teacher, Ms Holly Young.

“This was my tenth trip with students and every time I arrive in Noumea I realise I’ve forgotten just what a beautiful place it is, especially at Anse Vata, the area where we stay,” Mrs West recalls.

Students had four 3-hour French lessons, went to the Tjibaou Cultural

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Centre (which explores the Melanesian culture and history of New Caledonia) and had a day trip to Amedee Island, where they were able to snorkel, swim with turtles and experience a Pacific dancing display.

Mrs West describes the trip as a cultural immersion for students.

“It was an enriching experience for the students and it was wonderful to see their confidence grow in their use of French, both in their classes and in everyday exchanges with hotel staff and shopkeepers (especially those at the icecream store, which is just near the hotel where we stay!),” Mrs West recalls •

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SPRING SOIREE

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To celebrate the year that has been, Principal Dr Andrew Parry invited the entire Kinross Wolaroi School community to join him for cocktails and canapés at the picturesque venue ‘Hilltop’ on Heifer Station Lane for the annual Spring Soiree.

KWS parents and staff came together in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoyed a beautiful October evening by the outdoor fire. It was a great opportunity to just unwind after another busy School year and enjoy the company of other KWS parents and staff members.

Keep an eye out for our 2019 Spring Soiree! •

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PREP SCHOOL OPEN DAY A feast of activities was on display for our annual Prep School Open Day. The purpose of this day is for our current parents to have the opportunity to visit and see what is happening in our classrooms.

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he students are very proud of their school and were excited to showcase their work.

From activities for the youngest in Pre-Prep to robotics and solar cars in the Prep – the parents could watch or actively take part, which of course many did.

This year, the day was based around our School Values of Respect, Commitment, Resilience, Inclusiveness and Courage.

At the end of the day, all students performed the RESPECT song, showcasing some fine singing and keen dance moves.

Parents were of great assistance throughout the day, selling drinks and cakes that raised $560 to be donated to the Kids with Cancer charity.

Open Day brings our community together typifying the family feel of our school •

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GRANDPARENTS DAY Our Preparatory School had the privilege of welcoming over 300 Grandparents and special friends to our 2018 Grandparents Day.

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The Prep School held its annual Grandparents Day in November to showcase student achievement to their loved ones.

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he students, under the directorship of Mrs Katie Sinclair, performed a multitude of items to entertain the audience.

The concert featured solos, choirs, ensembles, bands and even a John Cleese inspired version of the famous “Dead Parrot” sketch. The audience were very appreciative of the skill of the staff and the talent of our students.

Following the concert, the grandparents enjoyed a ‘cuppa’, many commenting that they wished they could perform like their grandchildren!

A visit to the classrooms was greeted enthusiastically by the children as they proudly showed their writing, artwork and all the other tasks they have completed.

There was one message that was evident across the whole week from Pre-Prep to Year 6… Grandparents really are special! • 67

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PREP SCHOOL CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY The Prep School Celebration Assembly, held on the last day of School for our Prep students, is a wonderful finale to the school year for our younger students.

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he assembly is a chance for us to celebrate student triumphs and present awards to those who have achieved over the year.

Following the award presentations, Kindergarten Diplomas were presented and the highly anticipated Prep School Prefects and House Captains for 2019 were announced by Principal Dr Parry.

Throughout the assembly there were a number of performances by our Prep Strings, Percussion Ensemble, Year 5/6 Choir and the Prep Band. Year 6 students also performed a special song and presented a parting gift to their peers •

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Dr Parry presents David King with his Class Award and Grace Lowther is presented with her award from Mrs Christine McIntosh

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Georgia Slack-Smith with daughter Molly and Nina Smedley with her Mum Alex Gibb

132ND ANNUAL SPEECH DAY 70

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There was a mixture of emotions at the School on Wednesday 5 December as we said farewell for another year at the 132nd Annual Speech Day.

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he assembly gave an opportunity for the School to recognise the many achievements of our students over the past year and to celebrate these amongst peers.

Awards and prizes were presented to students who demonstrated excellence

in a range of fields and who epitomised Kinross Wolaroi School’s values.

This year, we were fortunate enough to have Ms Kim Brennan AM as the Guest Speaker at the assembly. Kim is a talented athlete, Olympian, qualified lawyer, the Chair of the Australian Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission and is a wife and mother.

Kim used her experiences to encourage

students to strive to make their dreams a reality and to never, ever give up.

This was the final Speech Day for our Head of Senior School Mrs Bev West, who gave a heartfelt farewell to the School and some final words of wisdom to our students, saying “Do your best to be useful; it’s the key to a long, full and satisfying life” •

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CHARITY FUNDRAISERS The generosity of the KWS community over the past year has once again been overwhelming at a time when many of our own have been feeling the effects of a long and unrelenting drought.

There have been many fundraising initiatives supporting a range of charities – Jeans for Genes Day, Ronald McDonald House, CamKids, Rural Aid, Drought Aid and Tommy’s Truck Hay Run. We thank the KWS community for their continued generosity.

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Drought Week

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rought Week was held in Term 3 to raise funds for farmers feeling the effects of the drought in our community. The week included a coin trail, cake stall and mufti day where we had line dancing on the oval. Ironically it rained on this day for the first time in a long while!

Another event was our Recycled Rambles Clothing Pop-Up Shop at PLC. Donations of second hand girls and ladies clothing were sold on the weekend to raise funds. Non-perishable food and pet food was also donated to be distributed.

KWS Rugby Club donated $500 from a home game BBQ to the cause.

Money raised was given to Tommy’s Truck Hay Run. As a thank you, earlier in Term 4, Tommy visited KWS to deliver some lambs for the students to keep and look after.

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Fiver for a Farmer and Cupcake Stall in the Prep School

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n August our Prep School held their Fiver for a Farmer day. Students from Pre-Prep to Year 6 were asked to dress up in their farm attire and donate $5.

Also on this day, our Year 5 students provided cupcakes, jelly cups and crackles for a bake sale! Every item cost $1 and the proceeds also formed part of our donation.

The day was organised by our Student Representative Council and overall they donated $2,231. Through Fiver for a Farmer, proceeds will go to Rural Aid and Drought Angels •

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STUDENT SUCCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Phoebe Litchfield Year 9 – Cricket

Talented Year 9 student and all-round sportswoman, Phoebe Litchfield, has a goal to one day represent Australia playing women’s cricket and she is well and truly on her way to making this dream a reality.

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hoebe has recently been named to play in the Australian Under 15 Female Cricket Team and will compete along with her teammates at the Under 18 National Championships in Victoria in January 2019. In this Championship Series, the Australian Under 15s will compete against Under 18 state teams from all around the Country.

This is a significant milestone in the talented cricketer’s journey to play for Australia. Already flagged as one of the players to watch in the competition, Phoebe is hoping that she will impress selectors during this series.

“My ultimate goal is to play for Australia. So hopefully after School I will get into the women’s game and see how far I can go. But I’m still a long way away,” says Phoebe.

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There is no doubt that it takes a lot to be a professional athlete and for female athletes it can take even more grit to succeed in a male-dominated sport. Although a naturally gifted sportswoman, Phoebe has trained hard in the lead up to these events.

“I do at least 3 skills sessions a week, 2 strength sessions and 1 to 2 fitness sessions, but I enjoy it,” says Phoebe.

Phoebe acknowledges the importance of being resilient in sport, saying “Resilience is a massive part of the sport, along with commitment and respect.

With resilience, you have to be able to bounce back – if it’s the smallest thing, or a crucial injury. It is also really hard when you get out and you have to be resilient to be able to have the courage to bat again the next time.”

Through her training and competing, Phoebe has had the continuous support of her family and the wider KWS Community.

“I’d like to thank my family, especially Mum and Dad. Dad is my number one choice for a Coach and he has basically taught me all I know to this day. I am thankful for all of the support from the KWS Cricket Club – it was weird for a girl to play cricket in the beginning. So they were really helpful and supportive.”

The Under 18 National Cricket Championships will take place between the 14th and 24th January 2019 across Bendigo and Ballarat in Victoria.

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Year 11 student, Philippa Mannix, or Pip as her schoolmates know her, has Hockey running through her veins.

Philippa Mannix Year 11 – Hockey

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ince she was 8 years old, Pip has played in at least 3 teams each season consecutively – a girls team for her age group, a mixed team for her age group and a team in an age group above her own. In addition to this, over the past two years, Pip has played in the Under 18’s Competition, 1st Grade and the Premier League.

“I have been a member of the NSW Hockey Teams and Squads since Under 13 – playing in the Under 13’s, Under 15’s and this year the Under 18 National Championships. I am currently in the NSW Hockey Accelerated Athletes Program. This year I played in the CIS Under 16 and Opens Hockey Teams,” Pip explains.

Pip is currently celebrating her biggest Hockey achievement so far.

She has recently been selected for the Australian Under 16 Girls All School’s Hockey Team – a huge achievement and another step forward in her journey playing elite Hockey.

“After being a member of the CIS Under 16 Hockey Team, I was then selected in the NSW team. We travelled to the Gold Coast for the National Championships, NSW won the gold medal and at the end of the tournament I was named in the Australian team to travel to Europe in 2019.”

In addition to the numerous Hockey competition games each week, Pip also plays Indoor Hockey and has State training commitments in the offseason. Between games and training commitments during the Hockey season, Pip usually has only one night off and she chooses to umpire on that night.

Pip says that to maintain such a rigorous and demanding schedule of school work, competition and training, she has had to be committed, resilient, courageous and respectful.

“You need to be committed to the sport and training and having resilience is important in sport as things don’t always go your way – for example,

overcoming injuries, missing out on team selections, not performing at your best or losing games. You need to have respect for team members, coaches, managers and umpires and have courage and belief in yourself so that you can be the best player you can be.”

“I am very passionate about Hockey and would love to be a Hockeyroo,” says Pip. “When I finish school, while I’m physically able, I will focus on my hockey and work to support that – Uni can come later, as at the moment, I have no idea what else I would like to do!”

Pip is grateful to have the support of her parents throughout this journey.

She is also appreciative of her Coach, ex-Hockeyroo, Jade Georgiou (nee Warrender).

“I just clicked with the way Mrs Georgiou coached. To have her as my School Coach plus having the privilege of playing beside her this year in the Premier League competition was just amazing.”

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Ailish & Alanah Seedsman Year 12 and Year 10 – Young Citizens Selfless musicians, Ailish (Year 12) and Alanah Seedsman (Year 10) were this year recognised as Young Citizens of Orange for using busking to fundraise for charity.

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ver the last Christmas holidays, the sisters spent hours streetside in Orange with their instruments raising more than $700 for charity.

The notion of fundraising and giving was instilled in the girls very early on in life. Ailish has been busking since she was 5 and Alanah since she was 7 years of age.

“We started busking very young and decided early on to give away what we made. Mum always taught us that it was good to give – we’ve never thought about doing it any other way,” explained Ailish.

The girls recognise that charity fundraising is a whole of community effort and would like to thank the people of Orange for their generosity.

“It is really lovely to be recognised with the Young Citizen award, but the real thanks goes to all the people who donated to us. Without their generosity we’ve got nothing to give. It is great to raise the money and it is great getting to play alongside your sister,” said Ailish.

Ailish has recently completed her HSC and will next year head off to University, whilst Alanah will commence her final two years of School.

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Julia Stuart Year 10 – Polocrosse

In Edition 5 of The Chronicle we profiled Year 10 student, Julia Stuart. Since then, this talented Polocrosse player has travelled to South Africa to compete in the Junior Barbarian Polocrosse Team, made up of riders under 16 years, from Zambia, NZ, UK and Australia. In August, competitors played in the local Paddock Tournament before travelling north to Shongweni Polocrosse Club to compete in three days of test matches.

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he Under 16’s Barbarian Team defeated South Africa 3-0; Julia won ‘Best No. 1 Overall Goal Shooter’ and also the ‘Best Female Barbarian Player’. The horse that Julia rode was also awarded ‘Overall Champion Horse’.

In October, Julia and her family made their way to Swan Valley in Western Australia to attend the Golden Jubilee of the Australian National Polocrosse Championships, held at the Perth Polocrosse Club, within the grounds of the State Equestrian Centre. This event hosted up to 400 competitors and 600 horses from all over the country. Here, Julia competed for NSW and her team was undefeated throughout the competition.

Congratulations Julia!

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Jade Lefebvre

Year 12 – Textiles and Design The Black Saturday bushfires were the inspiration behind Jade Lefebvre’s Year 12 Major Textile Project, that has been turning heads in the fashion design world.

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n what is a huge accolade, Jade’s skirt and top design and creation has been selected for inclusion in Texstyle, an exhibition of HSC Textiles and Design Major Projects.

Jade’s design has also been selected to be included in the Shape 2018 Exhibition which features exemplary Major Projects from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students from the 2018 HSC examinations.

Jade designed and created her skirt and top over the course of three school terms. The top was embellished with hand-made felt and embroidery and the skirt was black silk machine embroidered with flames. The skirt lining was created by marbling silk panels embellished with organza applique images of the media footage from the bushfire disaster.

Jade has been at home on the sewing machine for many years now and has developed a real passion for design.

“I developed a love for textiles when my Mum and I would make bags and skirts before I went away to school, and then doing Textiles and Design as an Elective in Year 9 and 10, I developed a passion for it,” says Jade.

This passion, combined with some real determination, resilience and commitment has helped Jade throughout her final year of schooling.

“Having resilience helped me get through my senior years, especially with a Textile Major. I have proven to myself and the people around me that hard work pays off and the time and dedication for this Major Project was all worth it.”

Jade has felt a huge amount of support from her family these last few years, especially from her parents.

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She is also grateful for the support of her Textiles and Design Teacher, Mrs Penny Chandler.

“Mrs Chandler is the main reason I have received this achievement.

She is the most dedicated and hardworking teacher I have ever met.

She is so passionate and enthusiastic about teaching, which is what drives the students to strive to do their best.”

Now a graduate of KWS, Jade will spend a year abroad, before attending university.

“I am participating in the Letzlive Gap Year Program next year, living in England and spending a year working

in a Prep Boarding School working as a Manager-on-Duty and a Teacher’s Assistant. I would like to be a Textiles teacher after completing my gap year – doing this Program will help me decide if I am making the right career choice.

I have recently been accepted into the University of New England, University of Canberra and University of Newcastle to study either Teaching, Business or Design degrees” The Texstyle Exhibition will be held at The Muse from 12-16 March 2019. Shape 2018 will be held at the Powerhouse Museum from 22 February until 5 May 2019.

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Maggie Smith & Isabel Lamph Year 12 – Fleece to Fashion

The Fleece to Fashion Awards are designed to showcase the use of Merino Wool by national and international fashion designers and students. The Awards “aim to educate and encourage young up-and-coming emerging designers to use wool” and the Awards Night is fast becoming a major wool industry event.

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ashion designers, university graduates and school students are all eligible and encouraged to enter the competition by designing and making a garment using one of many versatile wool and wool blend fabrics.

This year there were 100 entries in seven sections, including racewear, active/ outdoor wear, sustainable wearable art and bridal wear. KWS’s Year 12 Textile and Design students each submitted a garment into the Competition. Their garments were designed and created over three school terms and were begun as part of a Year 11 Assessment.

Aspiring designers and KWS Year 12 Graduates, Isabel Lamph and Maggie Rose Smith, were both surprised and grateful to be awarded the Whitehouse Institute Workshops Prize for their entries in the Secondary Schools section at the Fleece to Fashion Award Night on 7 July. This is a fantastic accolade for both girls, with only four individuals selected for awards within the Secondary Schools section.

The theme was ‘A Splash of Colour’ and student were asked to design a

contemporary garment using Merino Wool. The judges were eminent Australian designers Akira Isogawa and Charlie Brown as well as longstanding Editor of The Land, Emma Downey.

“We entered not expecting to win, it was just part of our assessment,” explains Isabel.

Maggie, whose garment was inspired by coral reefs in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef in particular, said “there was a lot of time and effort put into the garments, so it’s nice to get some recognition.”

Both girls say that they couldn’t have done it without the support and guidance of their Textiles and Design Teacher, Mrs Penny Chandler, with Maggie saying Mrs Chandler “always puts in her best efforts and gives up so much of her time for us.”

Isabel and Maggie’s award, entitles them to attend a week-long workshop at the Whitehouse Institute of Fashion in the upcoming school holidays.

At the workshop, they will have the opportunity to improve their fashion illustration skills.

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Maddie Hook & Lila Pearce Year 9 – Poetry

As part of a Year 9 English unit on Poetry, students Maddie Hook and Lila Pearce each entered a poem into the Red Room Poetry Object Competition.

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he annual Red Room Poetry Object poetry-writing competition is open to students in Years 3-10 and their teachers from across Australia and New Zealand and is the largest free poetry writing competition in Australasia.

This year, the organisers received a phenomenal 2,526 entries and shortlisted these to just 72 poems that celebrate students’ poetic prowess and unique relationships.

‘Mahogany Bones’ by Maddie Hook and ‘Turning Point’ by Lila Pearce both successfully made it into the Red Room Poetry Object Competition shortlist for 2018, with Maddie’s poem being awarded the REX prize.

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English Teacher and Head of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Serena Lewis, said that although writing poetry was outside of their comfort zone, students eventually came around to the idea and the results were truly beautiful.

“The thought of studying and writing poetry often fills many kids with dread but the study of contemporary poetry, including slam poetry, revealed to the students the power of words,” said Mrs Lewis.

Maddie said that her poem ‘Mahogany Bones’, has a contemporary style and is about a fictional character that popped into her head one day as she was playing the piano.

“My style, it’s like slam poetry, it’s meant to be read aloud, it’s got a rhythm and a beat,” says Maddie.

Lila said that her shortlisted entry ‘Turning Point’ was one of 3 poems that she submitted into the competition and was about her love of books and reading.

“It had to be about something that is special to us and books are some of the most special things in my life. My poem doesn’t have any capitals in it because it’s just someone’s thoughts and not someone speaking,” explains Lila.

Winning poems, including Mahogany Bones, will come alive in an animated short film that will be released in cinemas throughout Australia in December 2018. Winning writers from each section will also share in prizes valued at up to $10,000.

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Mahogany Bones

By Maddie Hook When the piano-maker crafted my grandfather Gently bending his mahogany bones He was not constructing, he was creating Bringing him to life, He gave to me a guardian With a life most complicated Whose love never outdated But who now lies in the ground ill-fated.

When I was young, I’d dance upon his golden feet.

Neat, petite, my path to the afterlife.

They sat there, quaint, to prolong the sound Of the piano, but could not prolong his life.

My grandfather’s laugh roars and groans, Rattling his mahogany bones Like stones And the tones of his voice echo as he sings, The sounds flowing grandly through his strings.

Mother pats my head and smiles and says, ‘My dear, Pa’s dead, you see.’

But as I close my eyes, hold his ivory hands, the music shapes his face And I face the fact that though he’s gone, she’s wrong He’s still here with me.

The notes he sings, changing in modulation A complication of detailed intonations and different tongues For the songs of others whose remain unsung.

My grandfather’s laugh roars and groans Rattling his mahogany bones Like stones And the tones that he sings makes the music truly sting I know now, he soars with new wings.

Turning Point

By Lila Pearce a simple pile of paper and ink unassuming at first, ‘mediocre’, you think.

You’re wrong. This saga of courage and strife will first change your mind and then your whole life eight days in you’ve finished the book you’re a bird to the sky a fish on a hook and you can’t know it yet but this is the start of a sparkling new era your young life’s best part six years in you’re smarter and sadder the work’s a bit harder the world’s a bit badder but you still have your memories through trouble and strife when a book changed your mind and then saved your life. and you’re now stepping out to a bright new day you’ll change the world once you know the right way books were your refuge your reason to live they gave you so much now it’s your turn to give.

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DECEMBER 2018

TH E C H R O NI CL E STU D E N T A C H I E V E M ENT S

Oliver Roach Year 6 – Rugby

During the Rugby season, Year 6 student, Ollie Roach always has a rugby ball in his bag.

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e has a love of all sports but is especially fond of Rugby and was this year selected as one of only two country boys for the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Primary Rugby Union Team for 2018.

“The CIS Rugby Team was selected from over 100 boys in Sydney over 2 days,” explains Ollie. “I was selected as No. 6, the ‘Open Side Break-Away’.

I was also the Vice Captain of the Team.”

The CIS Primary Rugby Union Team competed in the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Rugby Championships, held in Coffs Harbour in August. The CIS Team won all their matches and won the PSSA Championships overall.

Ever the dedicated sportsman, Ollie is currently training for his next sporting events.

“I am currently training for swimming carnivals. Swimming helps me keep up my fitness. I am also playing cricket.

I enjoy doing a variety of sports and I’m always doing some kind of sport.”

Ollie says that “being a team player is an important skill to have in life” and although he is not sure what the future will bring, he hopes to build on his recent achievements in the next few years.

Ollie would like to thank his parents for their unwavering support over the past year.

“I would like to thank my parents, in particular my Mum, who has driven over 10,000 kms this Rugby season to get me to training sessions and competitions. We have spent a lot of time in the car together!” says Ollie.

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Oliver Garard Year 3 – Fundraising

In a heart-warming act of generosity, Year 3 student Ollie Garard has gathered together his mates for a Charity Bike Ride to raise money for the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick.

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he hospital provides expert medical care for more than 69,000 critically ill and injured children every year. Over the years, Ollie has spent some time at the Sydney Children’s Hospital with a chronic illness of his own, that is unfortunately not treatable in Orange. With so much down-time during his hospital visits and a maturity beyond his years, Ollie got thinking about how he might be able to help. He came up with the idea of using his love of bike riding to put into action a charity bike ride for kids.

“I came up with this idea as sometimes I have to visit the hospital as a patient and after my last visit, I wanted to raise some money. I enjoy riding my bike so thought a bike ride for primary school kids would be fun,” Ollie explained.

“My goal is to raise money for the Sydney Children’s Hospital. This is a wonderful medical facility that I sometimes have to visit as I have a

chronic medical illness that cannot be treated in my hometown, Orange NSW.” In a heroic effort, Ollie rallied over 70 children (over 40 of the group were KWS Prep School students) to take part in the charity ride at Gosling Creek on November 4. So far, he has raised almost $8500 for the charity. This is quite an astounding effort given Ollie’s initial target was to raise a humble $200.

Ollie’s Mum, Melissa Ashton-Garard, was overwhelmed at the support her son has received.

“All the kids, big and small, rode their hearts out and I am pretty sure exceeded their parents and their own expectations of how far they could ride. The community spirit was heart-warming,” says Melissa.

Ollie says that he is now training for his next event. He would like to make it to the Olympics but he is not sure which event he would like to tackle just yet!

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TH E C H R ONI C L E STU D E N T A C H I E V E M ENT S

Respect is an influential trait of my character. Without it, we cannot be considerate or understanding. With it, we can access our full potential and recognise that when opportunities arise, they need to be taken.�

Stirling Taylor, Year 11

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Stirling Taylor

Year 11 – Spirit of Grains Competition

There is no doubt that Stirling Taylor has his feet firmly planted on the ground. The Year 11 boarding student from Grenfell has recently been inducted as Head Boy Prefect at Kinross Wolaroi for 2019 and will make a fine young leader for our students over the next year.

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orn and raised on ‘Glenalla’, the family farm in the Tyagong Valley near Grenfell, Stirling knows only too well the ups and downs that go hand in hand with farming.

His family runs a mixed farm operation producing hay, canola and wheat and they also farm sheep.

Earlier this year Stirling came across the ‘Spirit of Grains’ competition that asked students to showcase their family’s history on a grain farm in Australia and he jumped at the opportunity.

Run by GrainGrowers, the competition encouraged children on Australian farms to tell their family’s grain farming story, blending details of the past and the present. Five to eight year olds were asked to submit a drawing, nine to 14 year olds, an essay illustrated with photographs, and 15 to 18 year olds, a video.

“In the Spring holidays I submitted a video educating GrainGrowers about the heritage of my family’s farming generations. This entailed informing them about my family farming the Tyagong Valley region for over 50 years,” explains Stirling.

His spectacular video, which used a drone to capture footage of Glenalla, has been announced the winner of the 15 to 18 year old category and Stirling has won a DJI Mavic Air Drone as his prize.

Stirling is grateful for his family and the guidance and support he has received from them over the years.

“My family were instrumental in the submission of the video. Especially my Father and Grandfather. Without their hard work and everlasting commitment, our family farm would not run or be successful,” says Stirling.

“My parents are my sole source of character and values. They have allowed me to shape into the person that I am today, directing me to choose the right paths. They have encouraged me to consistently be the person that I am and to uphold my values with integrity.

Without them, I would have achieved very little.”

Admirably, it is the values of respect and courage that Stirling believes to be of utmost importance.

“I think respect and courage are instrumental values within everyone.

I believe I have both of these traits as I don’t shy away from stepping out of the crowd and I relish opportunities to speak about what needs to be addressed.

Respect is an influential trait of my character. Without it, we cannot be considerate or understanding. With it, we can access our full potential and recognise that when opportunities arise, they need to be taken,” he says.

Stirling’s video submission to the Spirit of Grains competition can be viewed on the GrainGrowers website.

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THE CH R ONI C L E STU D E N T A C H IE V E M ENT S

Isaac de Bruyn, Krishan Kandeepan, Lachlan Watts and Kajan Kandeepan Year 5 – Chess

Year 5 students, Isaac de Bruyn, Krishan Kandeepan, Lachlan Watts and Kajan Kandeepan have been proudly representing Kinross Wolaroi School over a series of tournaments in the NSW Junior Chess League’s Primary Schools Competition.

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he competition is open to primary schools throughout NSW, where teams from different schools in a geographical zone compete against one another to be named the Local Champion. Local Champions then progress to the Regional Championships and winners of this competition are then invited to compete for the State Title.

In October, Isaac, Krishan, Lachlan and Kajan travelled to Dubbo where they skilfully battled to their biggest win of the season and were named Western Region Chess Competition Champions for 2018. In the Regional Competition the boys were competing against other schools from Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Wellington, Lithgow and surrounds.

As the Regional Champions, the boys were invited to Sydney to take on the best of the best at the State Finals held in November. The boys did themselves, and the School, extremely proud at the Finals. Unfortunately, they were beaten in their final game, but still hold the title of Western Region Champions for 2018.

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Donny Freeman & Aidan Kelso Year 12 – Rugby

This year, not one, but two students have been selected to pull on the green and gold as representatives of the Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union teams for 2018.

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ear 12 Graduates, Donny Freeman and Aidan Kelso each had to overcome hurdles on the road to their Australian debuts, but in Donny’s words, “guess what… that’s footy!”

In a streak of bad luck, Donny faced multiple setbacks that left him on the sideline for most of his representative duties in 2018. Whilst playing in the Australian Schools Carnival, Donny broke his collarbone five minutes into his second game against the Canberra Brumbies. The injury meant that he was unable to play the remaining season for KWS, missing out on the opportunity to take part in the hotly contested local derby with St Stanislaus College of Bathurst.

Despite the injury, Donny remained focussed and determined and in a nod to his efforts in the prior season, was still named in the Australian School Boys squad for 2018. This good fortune was short lived, when at a routine training session he tore tendons in his hamstring

Donny Freeman (front) followed by Aidan Kelso (second from front) ready to take to the field

after a collision with the opposition.

“This cut my Australian Schoolboy journey short very quickly and I was on my way home that afternoon to attend the School Graduation the next day,” said Donny.

Despite the setbacks, Donny is looking forward to pulling on the boots again saying, “Next year I’m hoping to come back better than ever, showing that a few consecutive injuries will not slow me down in chasing my dream.

I will be playing next season with the Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club (Beasties) and training in the Waratahs Generation Blue Development Squad.”

Aidan also had to overcome some unfortunate hurdles along the way, suffering a knee injury during training, two days before playing against New Zealand. Fortunately, playing in a professional environment afforded Aidan access to the best technology, training and recovery facilities, keeping him in the game.

“I had to work very hard with intensive rehab prior to NZ and between that game and the Tonga game to ensure I could take the field in both,” said Aidan.

Aidan is appreciative for the opportunity to represent his country saying, “The pride you feel when standing, representing Australia and singing the National Anthem is second to none, and then to turn and face the NZ Haka was an eye opening and awesome experience, which I will never forget.”

Aidan looks forward to enjoying a gap year in 2019, where he will work full time and play footy in Sydney. He is in discussion with a number of clubs and hopes to finalise his plans in the coming months.

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DECEMBER 2018

THE C H R O NI CL E STU D E N T A C H I E V E M ENT S

Owen Bloomfield

Year 10 – Music and English If there has ever been a student that has demonstrated sheer grit and determination to succeed, it is Year 10 student Owen Bloomfield.

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hilst he enjoys a range of subjects including iSTEM, French and English, his true passion has always been and continues to be Music.

“Amongst my favourite subjects at school are iSTEM and French”, explains Owen. “iSTEM, as I am very interested in technology and its applications and how things work. French because I enjoy learning to express my thoughts in a different language, and because I had an exchange to France last summer holidays and the subject allows me to mentally, at least, try to keep in touch with that experience”.

“I enjoy English too, especially with Mrs Fleming. She makes lessons very entertaining, and enjoyable while also keeping an eye on the important things to learn in English, very important skills.”

Unexpectedly to him, Owen has recently been awarded an ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) Medal for English. Run by the University of NSW, the ICAS competition is designed to acknowledge academic excellence.

Each year, 1.5 million students take part in the assessment and medals are presented to students who have achieved the highest scores in their year level.

Of the 980,000 entrants in the English competition, only 514 received a medal – incredibly, Owen was one of only 11 Year 10 students to receive a medal in English.

Now, back to his passion and natural talent in the field of Music…

Owen has recently successfully auditioned on percussion for the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists Program as well as the 88

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Arts Unit Symphony Orchestra.

Designed specifically for 12 to 17 year olds, the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists Program aims to achieve excellence in students and opens the door to endless possibilities for the young musicians involved.

Owen has also recently been involved in a Regional Youth Orchestra camp and workshop with one of the world’s most revered orchestras, Staatskapelle Berlin. Owen and schoolmates, Thomas Karbowiak (Year 11) and Sophie Hoskins-Murphy (Year 12) were selected for this honour and were given the opportunity to be tutored by Staatskapelle Berlin musicians, with the camp culminating in a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Admirably, Owen says he will continue practising as much as he can to improve his instrumental standards.

He is thankful for the guidance of his music teachers at KWS; Dahle Innes for trumpet and Anne Stevens for piano, and also his mentor and teacher Richard Miller, Ex-Principal Timpanist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who has been tutoring Owen on timpani and percussion since July.

He is also grateful to have had the opportunity to receive tuition from

the late Richard Gill, who inspired Owen and has been instrumental in his career intentions.

“One of the biggest gifts of my life has been having the opportunity to be taught by Richard Gill AM, who after quite serendipitously spotting me at a combined choir workshop in Orange when I was 12, offered me lessons for the next four years. He was an incredibly generous teacher, even lending me his favourite baton when I conducted my first piece,” says Owen.

Following 12 years of schooling at Kinross Wolaroi School, Owen has been accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium High School to commence in 2019.

“After school, I would like to pursue my musical interests further, on percussion in composition or conducting, either studying in Australia or abroad to pursue a professional career, or become a music instrumental or school teacher,” says Owen.

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Slowly but surely Preston Simpson is chipping away at his goal of becoming a professional sportsman once he finishes school.

Preston Simpson Year 11 – National Rugby Sevens

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he Year 11 boarding student from Dubbo has recently been named in the NSW Youth Under 17s squad and will take to the field at the National Sevens Championships in Brisbane this December.

Rugby Sevens is a unique, fast-paced, modified version of the 15-a-side game that allows for a quick outcome, finishing in just 14 minutes of play.

NSW Rugby holds a State Championship for Sevens in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups for boys and girls in October each year. From this tournament, players are then selected for the NSW Youth (U17) teams in girls and boys to compete in the National Championships.

In the lead up to the squad selections, Preston was required to participate in intensive training sessions, trials and tournaments.

“I have had to travel to Sydney every weekend for six weeks to play and train as part of the squad. From each of these

sessions the squad was cut – originally starting with over 50 players, there are only 24 players named as part of the squad,” explains Preston.

Preston has been dedicated and committed to his sport throughout the year and is thankful for the support of his mentors at KWS. “It has been a huge commitment to travel the eight hours to and from Sydney to do a two-hour training session. I’d like to thank Mr Begg and Mrs Rattray-Wood who have been very helpful organising transport, registrations and other paperwork to allow me to get to training and the championships,” says Preston.

“I’d like to pursue professional sport after School and these programs can provide pathways and opportunities for this,” he says.

Preston will play for the NSW Youth Under 17s White Team (NSW 2s) at the Championships at Ballymore held on 7-9 December • 89

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STAFF PROFILES I love the challenge to produce the feeling in others that I feel towards learning Mathematics.”

Mr Walter Prowse, Mathematics Teacher

Walter Prowse Mathematics Teacher

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or Kinross Wolaroi School securing Walter Prowse as its newest Mathematics Teacher was a small success.

Mr Prowse comes to the School after completing a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Mathematics at the University of Newcastle in 2015 and 2 years of teaching Mathematics at Bulahdelah Central School.

Upon his appointment, Principal Dr Andrew Parry said Walter was a targeted graduate.

Walter says a career in Maths teaching was an obvious choice for him, “I very much loved learning about Mathematics and quickly found that teaching others was very enjoyable as well. I love the challenge to produce the feeling in others that I feel towards learning Mathematics.”

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For Walter part of that challenge is finding a healthy element of competition in all he does.

“My biggest personal challenge was my HSC year. I saw the HSC as another way to compete against my friends and push myself to my limits. It was very time consuming but it was a great feeling to perform to a good standard,” he says.

His competitive streak isn’t restricted to the classroom. Walter is an avid player of cricket, soccer, table tennis and mixed netball and says the sports field is his favourite place to be, “I love the competitiveness and sport is the best stress and boredom reliever.”

Most of all Walter is driven to find innovative ways to deliver his teachings and help his students understand Mathematics.

“I love that I am able to earn a living working with a subject that I love.

I’m always up for a challenge and trying to develop mathematical understanding in all my students is a very big one.”

He has really enjoyed his time at KWS so far and he admires the dedication of staff and the ambitious students.

“My students feel like a project. I put a lot of effort and thinking into making sure they will be mathematically okay by the end of the year and I’m excited to see how it will end up.”

Walter was born in Biloela in Queensland and moved to Orange at the beginning of 2018. He teaches Mathematics for Years 7 to 12.

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Gail Pearce KWS Shop Manager

You see the students grow and sometimes its actually really sad to see them go.”

Mrs Gail Pearce, KWS Shop Manager

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f you are involved in the Kinross Wolaroi community at all you will most likely have come across Gail Pearce at the School Shop. Gail has been involved with the KWS community in one way or another for almost 25 years.

Gail first came to Kinross Wolaroi in 1994 when her daughter Kellie started Kindergarten. She immediately put her hand up as a volunteer in the PrePreparatory School which was only in its second year of operation. Here she helped out in the classroom with painting and reading groups for nearly two years. Her next endeavour within the School was the Canteen where she worked for almost 10 years alongside Manager, Jenny West. She also assisted with invigilating the HSC and School Certificate exams before she started working at the KWS Shop where you can still find her today.

Anyone who comes across Gail knows she loves to talk and she has a wonderful way of getting to know people in the Shop.

“I love working in the School Shop, I get to meet all the students and their parents and guardians and of course I get to chat! Students come for their stationery supplies day in day out and it’s lovely to see them go through all the years. You see them grow and sometimes it’s actually really sad to see them go.”

Gail grew up in Carcoar and remembers getting lost in Orange when she first moved from her small village in 1973, but it hasn’t dampened her spirits in travelling the world.

“I have spread my wings since my small village upbringing going to Africa, Canada and Alaska, New Zealand, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Germany.”

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TH E C H R ONI C L E STA F F

I love the ovals for the children to play on and the outlook from my classroom would have to be one of the best in the school!”

Mrs Muriel Fatai, Prep School Classroom Teacher and e-Learning Integrator

Muriel (Myrri) Fatai Year 4 Prep Teacher, e-Learning Integrator & Ex-Student

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inross Wolaroi School has been a constant thread in Samoan born Muriel Fatai’s life from age 13, when her parents moved to Orange to become a part of the School staff over 40 years ago in 1986. Their family lived on the grounds in the current Head of Tower House residence.

Muriel left at the end of Year 12 to study a Bachelor of Teaching at University of Technology, Sydney, but it wasn’t long before she found herself back at the school teaching in the Year 2 classroom with just 12 students in 1992.

Muriel’s father Bob was responsible for establishing the Rowing Program at KWS with former Bursar, Joe Donnelly.

He was also housemaster in Wolaroi, Weymouth and Trathen and her mother, Aitaua, was the Housemother.

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Now, Muriel looks after students aged 9 and 10 years as a Prep School Classroom Teacher and is also a leader in the KWS e-Learning Program. The aim of this program is to support staff with effective implementation of technology as a teaching and learning tool. There are 3 classroom teachers in this position including Muriel, Marnie Grogan and Richard Watkins, who all work closely with Serena Lewis (Head of Teaching and Learning) and the ICT Department.

For Muriel the blood of Kinross Wolaroi runs through her veins. “Some of the things I like most about KWS are the people; the children are great, the staff are hardworking and supportive, I love the ovals for the children to play on and the outlook from my classroom would have to be one of the best in the school! I love working with people; particularly this year in the e-Learning role I have had the opportunity to work

with a variety of people – people who I wouldn’t usually cross paths with as a Prep classroom teacher.”

With her personal philosophy of ‘be kind and keep on learning’ in the back of her mind, Muriel also fosters a love of playing hockey and she is an avid supporter of rugby.

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Ben Ronald Business Studies & Social Sciences Teacher

Teaching is one of those lucky jobs where, even if you have had a bad day, you could have made the biggest difference in someone’s life without even knowing it.”

Mr Ben Ronald, Business Studies & Social Sciences Teacher

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en Ronald is a newcomer to the Kinross Wolaroi School community as a Social Sciences teacher and Master in Charge of Cricket.

Although Ben had no desire to become a teacher when he left school, over time he realised that the School environment can provide many opportunities that other workplaces cannot.

The seed to one day work at KWS was planted when Ben and his wife Leesa (ex-student, nee Hamilton 2005) travelled to Orange and drove through the beautiful grounds. “When my son, Eddie, was born I wanted to give him the same experience I had growing up in a rural setting which is special and unique so I am glad KWS has provided that opportunity for me and my family,” he says.

Orange is home to Ben and his family now, but prior to this he has lived all over the world, including Cheltenham in the UK, San Diego in the US, Sydney and he grew up on a cropping farm at Quirindi.

Before his appointment at Kinross

Wolaroi School, Ben was a teacher of Social Sciences at Shore School in Sydney. He also dabbled as the Marketing Coordinator for Bombardier Recreational Products. In fact, his curriculum vitae is varied; he has worked as a ski instructor, telemarketer, grocery store clerk, builder’s labourer and as a marketer for NSW Rugby.

Ben graduated from Wollongong University with a Graduate Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Sports Business from the Australian College of Physical Education.

“Teaching is one of those lucky jobs where, even if you have had a bad day, you could have made the biggest difference in someone’s life without even knowing it.”

Ben is excited by the KWS teachers’ motivation to continually improve academic outcomes for students and provide them with ‘real-world’ learning experiences that you may not get at other schools •

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A FAREWELL TO SOME LONGSTANDING STAFF MEMBERS This year Kinross Wolaroi School is farewelling a number of long standing staff members. Here we profile their significant contributions to the fabric of this School and learn more about the things they admire about KWS and the things they will miss.

Bev West

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rs Bev West is retiring from Kinross Wolaroi School after a massive 40 years of service.

Over the years her maternal nature has touched so many within the School community and her absence will be felt across the board. Bev came to Kinross Wolaroi in 1979 as a French Teacher and has generously dispersed herself across many facets of school life ever since: editing The Tower magazine for seven years, costuming KWS Musicals for 14 years, Head of Languages (19832008), Head of Miller House, Head of Prefects, Chair of the Wellbeing Team, Head of Music, Senior HSC marker (French), Head of Senior School, Acting Principal and Chair of HICES Deputies Network. A hallmark of her time at KWS is the focus she placed on the individual student; she had their best interests at heart. In a Speech for her farewell dinner held at the Derek Pigot Auditorium in November, Bev remarked, “Students are

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what make any school, and the students here at KWS are really special. They are talented, funny, open and real. They may not all be towering academics or elite sportsmen and women, they may not be musicians or dancers or artists but across the school we have kids who do all those things and do them exceptionally well.�

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Graeme Walters

SuellenYoung

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raeme Walters joined the Mathematics staff at Kinross Wolaroi 30 years ago in 1989.

He is retiring from his role as Mathematics Teacher and Timetabler and prior to that he was Head of Mathematics for 11 years and Head Tutor of Brown Tutor House for three years. Graeme is looking forward to joining the KWS retirees golf group, fishing, kayaking and travelling in his retirement but will miss the camaraderie of “a very special group of people on the Mathematics staff”. Of note, Graeme says he is proud of the development of the Mathematics Acceleration Program that has resulted in disproportionately large number of our students completing the highest level of mathematics than perhaps would have occurred without that program. And as for his favourite memories – it’s from the Cadet Program.

“My favourite times would have to be the down-times playing cards around a raging fire after a long day watching cadets attempt the climbs and abseiling during annual and bivouac,” he says.

uellen Young came to Kinross Wolaroi School to cover a long service leave role 15 years ago and has never left. Over the years she has taught Maths, Senior Biology, become Head Tutor of Brown House and the Director of Staff Development as well as coaching Diving and Netball and has constantly been a part of the Cadet Unit.

Suellen is proud of her work as the first ever Director of Staff Development.

“It was a new position with no history so I could develop it in a way that I thought was necessary.” Many of her favourite memories come from Cadet camps, ceremonies and celebrations as well as the “funny Senior Management Team meetings, and weird and wonderful conversations in the staff room.”

Although Suellen was promoted to senior management roles within KWS, the draw of teaching in the classroom was still strong and she returned to Science teaching. This is her parting message to those remaining, “be grateful for your job at KWS. Lots of people don’t have a job, lots of people are poorly paid for hard work, lots of people only get 4 weeks of leave a year, lots of people don’t have satisfying jobs, lots of people don’t work in beautiful surroundings, lots of people work at mind numbing repetitive jobs. Our job is none of these things!”

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Kate Edwards

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ate Edwards leaves the Kinross Wolaroi family after 11 years at the School teaching Languages and Music.

Kate started as a graduate teacher in 2007 and has taught Latin and Music to HSC level. She initiated and developed an Introductory French Course for Year 6 students which was introduced to the KWS Prep in 2014 and has been instrumental in leading Junior Latin at the School. She has also been heavily involved in co-curricular Music, Choirs, Strings, Orchestra and Music Camps.

Kate says she loved making Latin accessible, ‘perhaps even enjoyable at times’ for Year 7 and 8 students. “I loved the challenge to find new, interesting and relevant ways to present 2000-yearold content that has the potential to enrich modern day education in so many ways.”

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Bill Tink Upon the announcement of her resignation Principal Dr Parry noted, “Kate was instrumental in the establishment of the junior chamber choir known as KWS Koristers where she actively collaborated in community projects which led to unforgettable musical experiences for KWS.” Kate says she will miss the Monday morning rehearsals. “Working with the enthusiastic voices of talented young musicians – there could not be a better way to start the week and I will miss that enormously.”

This is something Kate marks as one of her greatest achievements at the School, especially seeing students on stage for the biennial Opera Australia Regional Children’s Chorus.

Kate and her family are moving to Canberra where she will commence a PhD on the value of Latin in contemporary Australian education.

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ill Tink always knew he was going to be an Art teacher, he even has a card he kept from Primary school at Narromine with those very words written on it. All these years later, Bill is leaving Kinross Wolaroi School after 14 years of teaching. He has taught six senior Visual Arts classes, was Year 7 Co-ordinator for four years and Head Tutor of Douglas House for two years before he moved to a reduced teaching load to allow for some University study amongst his other School commitments.

Similar to other teachers who are leaving the School at the end of 2018, Bill is grateful for his experiences with Cadets, “You never know what someone has to offer until you see them in a range of settings. This is why Cadets was such a great program to be a part of, seeing the kids out at camp was a highlight of my time at KWS.” Most of all, Bill has enjoyed hearing many of his students going on to creative careers and one of his fondest moments was seeing a student go from 15% in an essay at the start of Year 11 to 75% at the end of Year 12, “The student worked hard and achieved a great improvement. Talent without effort is such a waste.” Finally, Bill would like to acknowledge the efforts of the KWS P&F who raised funds for specialised Visual Arts and Design equipment and he says, “to have such a supportive community around us has been a source of inspiration.”

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Lyn Vernon

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f the 26 years Lyn Vernon has worked at Kinross Wolaroi School, she has spent 19 as an Officer of Cadets holding the rank of Major (AAC) since 2008. It hasn’t been her only role, she has also been Master In Charge of Swimming, Head Tutor for Douglas House and a Classroom Teacher (Ancient History). As a mother of five daughters who have all attended KWS, Lyn says it has been a pleasure to observe how the Cadet Program has shaped and influenced her children and other students alike.

“The program has played a significant role in the development of our students, whose confidence and maturity has been augmented by their cadet experience,” she says. “It’s been a pleasure to work with those cadets whose total commitment has revealed their many talents. Some of their defining moments at School have come from their field experiences.”

Mick Phillips Lyn’s legacy in the Cadet Program was highlighted this year when she received a commendation from Colonel Michael Miller RFD – a very proud moment for her! She is also proud of the Lake Mungo Excursion, a field trip for Year 11 Ancient History students which she developed.

She says students always report this activity to be, ‘their best experience at KWS’. Lyn says she will miss the wonderful students and the collegiality of staff at Kinross Wolaroi, but not the volume of marking!

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taff at Kinross Wolaroi regard Michael ‘Mick’ Phillips as the School’s marketing manager.

Mick is the Head of Grounds, working with a team of gardeners and grounds staff to keep the gardens, ovals and trees looking good no matter what the season.

Mick still remembers when he started at the School 21 years ago as a labourer.

“In my first week of employment I was introduced to Bev West. I remember she said that we were a large family and she was so right,” he says. Mick saw his initial job labouring at KWS as an opportunity to develop and maintain the ‘first impression’ of the School and now as the Head of Grounds he admits he will not miss winter, but he is full of praise and appreciation for the KWS community. “I would like to thank the school management for the opportunity to have worked in Grounds. I would also like to thank the group of blokes I work with everyday for making me look good in my position – they are the best team I have ever worked with.” •

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THE CH R ONI C L E STA F F

SOME PROPONENTS OF LIFE-LONG LEARNING FINISH THEIR MASTERS IN LEADERSHIP

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Sincere congratulations go to three of Kinross Wolaroi School’s academic staff – Mrs Carolyn Key, Mr Mark Pritchard and Mr Anthony Le Couteur, who have recently submitted their final assessment towards a Masters Degree.

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arolyn, Mark and Anthony will graduate from Monash University with a Masters of Leadership in May 2019 after quite a journey.

Back in June 2016, Carolyn, Mark and Anthony formed part of the first Kinross Wolaroi School Leadership Group, which was run by the National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (NESLI).

As part of this initiative, they completed a Leadership course that gave them credit towards a Master of Leadership through Monash University.

Whilst Carolyn admits that studying and working full time was ‘crazy’, she appreciated the opportunity and believes that it is important to lead by example.

“I believe it is important to show our students that we are all lifelong learners.

It has been a wonderful experience to study together under the guidance of some amazing lecturers. It has helped each of us incredibly to have the support of others when things were tough. I would highly recommend studying in small groups for this reason. It is hard but great to have others on the journey with you,” says Carolyn.

The last unit of the course required Carolyn, Mark and Anthony to complete a research project associated with their own leadership roles. Carolyn’s project studied Social Emotional Learning Programs and their impact on the behaviour of children in Kindergarten to Year 2.

“This was fascinating and has spurred me on to look further at what we do here at KWS to ensure the best outcome for our students,” says Carolyn.

Mark looked at ‘Best Practice Learning’, what is meant by this and its implication on our teaching and learning in the Preparatory School. Anthony’s study project focused on Teacher Wellbeing.

Congratulations to all three ‘life-long learners’ on this wonderful achievement • 99

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TH E C H R ONI C L E A LU M N I

EX-STUDENT PROFILES The Chronicle follows up with our Alumni.

Dr Jennifer Fenwick KWS Class of 1977

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ince leaving Kinross Wolaroi School in 1977, Dr Jennifer Fenwick’s calling as midwifery clinician, researcher and lecturer has spanned 40 years.

Her contribution to the field has been prolific and is hard to briefly quantify.

In September this year, Dr Fenwick was proud and humbled to be named Australia’s lead researcher for pregnancy and childbirth in The Australian’s Research magazine. As a Professor of Midwifery, Jennifer is acclaimed nationally and internationally for her leadership and research in transforming the way midwives look after women from pregnancy through to birth and the first weeks of motherhood.

Jennifer came to Kinross Wolaroi School as a boarder in Year 8 during the time when PLC and Wolaroi were transitioning into a co-educational entity. The School was smaller at this time (200 students at one stage) which was a wonderful thing for Jen who was severely dyslexic.

“I think most people would never have believed I would become a Professor,” she says. “Because I was so dyslexic the school was great for me.

I received individualised attention.

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It was my Year 8 English Teacher who started the ball rolling. She realised that I was having real difficulty and commenced a program of remedial reading. As I progressed into the Senior School my teachers were able to tailor their feedback so that my creativity was not stifled. They just always encouraged me to do my best. Ultimately, this allowed me to develop a range of analysis and synthesis skills, despite the spelling mistakes, and to grow in confidence.”

Throughout her childhood and schooling, Jennifer always knew she wanted to be a Midwife. When she finished School in 1977 and started Nursing at Royal North Shore and Midwifery at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Paddington, she was exposed to new concepts and it was at this time that she became curious about the traditional ways of midwifery in Australia.

This eventually led Jennifer to her 2002 PhD ‘Craving Closeness’ at the University of Technology in Sydney after a Major in Nursing Studies at Flinders University in South Australia in 1996 and a Bachelor of Health Science at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales in 1991. Jennifer was Internationally certified as a Lactation Consultant in 1992.

I think most people would never have believed I would become a Professor.”

Dr Jennifer Fenwick, KWS Class of 1977

Today Jennifer is not only a researcher and academic but also a hands-on Midwife (clinical) who is regarded as a thought-leader in the field of Midwifery across Australia. She has worked in Health services and Universities in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

“Years ago, I started to look after some of my friends the whole way through pregnancy and I started to realise the benefits of continuous care. When I had my own children I realised we were not doing it right and we needed to change things,” she says.

“My whole career has been about researching, implementing and changing how we deliver services to women. All women should have their own midwife across pregnancy, birth and six weeks into motherhood. It is about reforming the system for the benefit of women.

The thing I have enjoyed most is caring continuously for women, and healing women has always been a highlight of my work.”

Jennifer’s output to the sector is immense and she has published over 140 peer reviewed articles, co-authored two books, written numerous grant applications, supervised a variety of PhD, Master and Honours students and attracted significant levels of funding.

Jennifer was also instrumental in the establishment of the Transforming Maternity Care Collaborative at Griffith University, which aims to influence policy, legislation and regulation to promote significant and sustainable reform of maternity services.

Jennifer has three children of her own, Elise (30), Christopher (25) and Olivia (22).

In November 2018, Jen decided she was going to take her career in a different direction and has resigned as a Professor at Griffith University. She is planning to go back to clinical practice and develop a consultancy. Jennifer is living in the Central Coast of NSW.

KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

Mrs Kristen Salzer-Frost (Nee Frost) KWS Class of 1988

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I knew fairly early on that the practical application of all the cool stuff I was learning was what I wanted to do, it just took me a while to find a name for the job.”

Mrs Kristen Salzer-Frost, KWS Class of 1998

risten Salzer-Frost cites her days in the Science and Maths classrooms at Kinross Wolaroi School as the basis for her interest in Engineering which has catapulted her into a career as a Fire Engineer, based in Glasgow Scotland.

Kristen is also the first female to be elected as a Director on the Board of the Institute of Fire Engineers (the International organisation for fire professionals).

Kristen attended KWS for four years as a day student from 1995-1998 and recalls loving Maths and Science, “I think I knew fairly early on that the practical application of all the cool stuff I was learning was what I wanted to do, it just took me a while to find a name for the job,” she says.

After completing the HSC Kristen studied a Bachelor of Engineering majoring in Mechatronics at Sydney University, followed by a Master of Fire Safety Engineering through the University of Western Sydney.

Kristen also has a Bachelor of Arts (French Studies).

Her move to Scotland was a lucky one according to Kristen who says she was a bit ‘cheeky’ in combining her desire to travel and work.

“I was looking at moving to the UK from Australia, so I googled companies in the UK that did Fire Engineering and sent them my CV. I was really lucky there was an opening at just my level of experience in the Glasgow office of one of the companies I contacted and I was with them for five years before moving back to academia.”

Much of her career to date has included fire safety and evacuation plans for large public precincts including: Sydney International Airport, the Supreme Courts in Edinburgh, the Prada store in Milan and smaller projects too, such as a village primary school in Scotland.

“I do a lot of computer modelling of fire and evacuation, allowing me to work on projects that are so innovative or ambitious they couldn’t have been done before,” says Kristen.

“Once we have a design, I need to assess it for fire safety using building regulations and various engineering assessment methods; from simple equations to large computer simulations.”

Kristen says her Year 12 mentor at KWS, Alicen Miller, enabled her to follow her passions for music, maths and science.

“She was really my mentor for my whole time at school and enabled me to end up with such a fulfilling career. I haven’t given up music either, I currently run a community choir in Glasgow.”

Kristen lives with her husband and daughter, “I love it here in Scotland, especially the Highlands and Glen Coe. It is amazing to get out into the parks and wild areas of Scotland. But I also love being at home with my family; wherever they are I am happy,” she says.

In her spare time Kristen loves singing in choirs and if she has a rare quiet moment to herself she loves to knit and crochet.

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ob Cockerill attended Kinross Wolaroi School as a boarder for four years from 1996 -1999.

Rob was born in Sydney and spent part of his childhood living abroad in France and the United Kingdom before his parents bought a small farm in Mudgee which they converted into an olive grove.

It was at this time Rob came to KWS and was also the beginning of Rob’s interest in high-quality local produce which extends into his philosophy and work ethic as a chef to this day.

Rob is currently Head Chef at one of Australia’s leading restaurants, Bennelong Restaurant in the Opera House.

Rob started his studies in the Hospitality sector in Year 11 studying Commercial Cooking through TAFE. After school, he began his chef apprenticeship in Newcastle, before taking some time to truly discover the seasons while learning to spear-fish in Far North Queensland.

While Rob was developing a name for himself as a new chef in the industry, he was approached by SOHO House Group in London to work in a number of its leading restaurants – an experience that set him up well for his return to the restaurant scene in Australia.

Upon his return home he met Peter Gilmore and started cooking alongside him at Quay restaurant, a relationship that has lasted twelve consecutive years and continues today.

Mid way through 2015 Rob received the news that he was to become Head Chef for the new Bennelong Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House. The restaurant opened to huge success winning Best New Restaurant for all the major Australian food awards including; The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide, Time Out Sydney Food Awards and Gault & Millau Australia.

Bennelong Restaurant has maintained its Two Chef Hat status ever since.

Rob says he reached the heights of his career, “through hard work, determination and persistence to learn the craft. Working side by side with Peter Gilmore at both Quay and Bennelong is a humbling experience that continues to this day.”

Rob is particularly passionate about using the best quality produce as a way to highlight Australian farmers, fishermen and food producers, “Australia is already becoming known for it’s produce and food scene, I hope to see this continue to evolve.”

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Mr Robert Cockerill KWS Class of 1999

Working side by side with Peter Gilmore at both Quay and Bennelong is a humbling experience that continues to this day.”

Mr Robert Cockerill, KWS Class of 1999

KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

Wade Thomas

Alexander Proudford

Matthew Coffee

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KWS Class of 2005 ade Thomas is Orange born and bred and attended Kinross Wolaroi School as a day student from 1992–2005.

While at School Wade was interested in sports, playing Rugby, Hockey, Waterpolo and representing Kinross Wolaroi at ISA swimming. Now that he has left school and lives in Sydney, his sporting involvement has been taken to a whole new level.

Wade spends his days in the fastpaced world of sports ticketing and membership.

He is currently the Membership and Ticketing Manager at NSW Waratah’s Rugby and has held similar roles for the Sydney Kings (Basketball) and the GWS Giants (AFL).

Wade has always loved playing, talking and viewing sports, but he says it was his various retail jobs that have also influenced his career choices.

“They steered me towards the membership avenue as it has a high level of customer interaction. Being paid to talk about sport all day is a dream come true.”

Wade loves his work atmosphere as it is very collegial, much like the highprofile teams and sports men and women he looks after.

“It’s a great way to meet other people who all share a common interest and although there are some long days everyone bands together to get the job done. It builds a great comradery,” he says.

“The Sporting industry is very exciting, you ride the highs and lows of a team’s success and each season is vastly different to the next.”

KWS Class of 2011

n Friday 9 November, ex Kinross Wolaroi School Head Boy, Alexander Proudford was admitted as a Lawyer in the Supreme Court of NSW. Alexander graduated from ANU last year with a Bachelor of International Relations and First Class Honours in Law. He was selected as a summer graduate with global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, working in their Sydney office. He now works with them as a full-time solicitor.

The admission ceremony in the Banco Court was a lovely family occasion for Alexander with his parents, Alexander and Karen in attendance as well as Aunt and current KWS Academic Staff Member, Mrs Amy Proudford-Nalder.

Amy was able to move Alexander’s admission as both his Aunt and a fellow lawyer of the Supreme Court.

Congratulations Alexander!

KWS Class of 2017 ince the tender age of 5, ex-student Matthew Coffee has driven mini trotters – a competitive ‘mini’ version of harness racing. At 7 years of age, he represented NSW in the Interdom Final in Adelaide, finishing 4th, followed by a series of championships throughout his teenage years. When Matthew turned 16 he was able to apply for his Senior Drivers Licence and there has been no stopping him since.

In October, Matthew contested the JC Caffyn Plate for the second year in a row. This Indigenous Drivers series is restricted to drivers of Aboriginal Heritage and aims to put the best Indigenous drivers on display.

The youngest driver to be contesting the final, Matthew competed in heats in Maitland, securing a 2nd and 3rd placing, as well as two 6th placings at heats in Wagga Wagga. These placings gave him enough points to progress through to the final in Menangle where he drove Arcachon into 3rd place, an improvement on his 2017 series placing of 4th.

Matthew is currently working in Sydney for prominent trainer Craig Cross where they are working up to 50 horses at a time. Here he has the opportunity to learn the training side of racing.

We look forward to hearing more of Matthew’s harness racing success •

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Marriages MS EDWINA BISHOP (KWS Admissions Officer) to Mr Charlie Peach Wedding held at Mayfield Vineyard on Saturday 10 November 2018 104

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IN MEMORIAM Births

VALE Mr Ronald Arthur Glasson Wolaroi College Class of 1946 19 May 2018

BILLY COOTE Richelle Coote (KWS Academic Staff ) and husband Sam A baby boy, Billy Samuel Coote Born 16 October 2018

Mr Ronald Glasson passed away peacefully at Bathurst Base Hospital aged 89 years. Formerly of ‘The Junction’, Tuena, Ron spent most of his life in Bathurst. He was the beloved husband of Beryl, loved father and father-in-law of Helen Holmes, Margaret and Malcolm (deceased) Ball, Kathryn and Bruce Weal and David and Cathy Glasson. Ron was a cherished grandfather, great grandfather and loved brother and brother-in-law of Les (deceased), Fred and Mary Glasson and June and Don Caldwell.

Ron attended Wolaroi College from 1943 until 1946. He was a leading member of the Wolaroi First XI in 1943 and achieved the best batting average during the season. The first XI won the Dr W F Matthews Cup in 1943 for inter-school cricket in Orange, defeating Orange High School.

In February of 2018, Ron attended the Golden Alumni Luncheon held at Kinross Wolaroi School for alumnus who graduated from Wolaroi College or PLC Orange over 50 years ago. Ron and his good friend, Mr Robin Oates, are fondly remembered as the two gentlemen who became so engrossed in conversation as they wandered the school grounds, that they lost track of time!

Mrs Astrid Melanie Ciosmak (Nee Schulz) PLC Orange Class of 1964 10 January 2018

Tragically killed in a car accident aged 70 years. Astrid was a long term resident of Lithgow. Dearly loved wife of Willi (deceased), loved mother and mother-inlaw of Kerry and Patrick Curtin (Orange), Judy and Greg Treavors (Cudal), much loved Omi of Emma and Liam, Ryan, Tomhas, Beth, Liam, Sarah •

SADIE CORINTH Luke Corinth (KWS Marketing Manager) and wife Kat A baby girl, Sadie Corinth Born 11 December 2018

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Alan Marshall was an Australian writer, story teller, humanist and social documenter. He was also the brother of Wolaroi College’s Matron Marshall.

How to Appear Clever From the Wolaroi College Magazine, 1943

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f two masters are placed side by side, the head of the one being equal to the head of the other and the hand of one being placed in the hand of the other, the masters are incongruous.

This is the first thing I learned in Geometry.

When I was at school I found it difficult to prove that I was clever.

I am sure you are faced with the same problem.

However, it is quite simple if you know how. It all depends on the way you speak to masters. When talking to masters the expression should be frank, pleasing, attentive, eager, confident and – er – well, that’s enough just now.

Now, what you say to each master depends on what he teaches.

For instance, say you meet Mr. Potts walking round the garden. Go up to him, raise your hat – if you haven’t got a hat, raise your eyes – and say: “Mr. Potts, are you aware that the radius (plural radii) is the shortest distance from the centre of a circle to any point in its circumference? Why waste time walking in circles?”

Now, this is a very clever remark.

I thought of it myself. It will please Mr. Potts who will immediately think you are as clever as me.

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However, if you meet Mr. Hay looking at some flowers, your approach must be different, since he teaches a different subject. Raise your foot – this will command his attention – and remark: “Sir, I thought I would mention that bulbs are divided into two sections – Scaly bulbs and Tunicated bulbs.

Good afternoon.”

Bow and walk swiftly away, placing one foot in front of the other, not vice versa, or you will go backwards.

Mr. Bath must be spoken to in French.

Walk up to him wearing a fleur-de-lis.

If you haven’t got one, don’t bother.

“Que regardez-vous la?” you ask him.

When he replies, answer “C’est tres probable,” then run away singing the French National Anthem.

Mr. Woods will be impressed if you remark, when passing him in the hall: “The line OY cuts SP at a point Q which represents 10 percent of the gross profit.”

Don’t wait for a reply. It is not necessary.

Masters like you to ask them questions. Confront Mr. Betts when he is on his way to lunch and ask: “If A equals 0, B equals 1, and C equals 2, what does our cow equal, Mr. Clark?”

This will stagger him and no wonder.

He will be amazed at your brains.

Mr. Ball’s admiration will be gained if you mention casually that two thirds of South America lies within the tropics while two-thirds of Australia is within the Temperate Zone.

Talking to Head Masters is so difficult that very few people can do it successfully. I am one of the few that can.

I grasp them by the lapel of their coat and say earnestly, my voice trembling with emotion: “Sir, the production of a flower or flowers seems to be the subject of every plant. I want to blossom into knowledge, Sir. Will you help me?”

Talking to the Matron is easy.

Go up to her and say you are ill. She will immediately become interested and ask you a lot of questions. Tell her you are too ill to answer them. However, be sure to say to her, “Matron, the illness from which I am suffering cannot be cured by medicine of any kind. Going to bed won’t help it. All I want is to lie in the sun and read my comics.”

I nearly forgot – Don’t tell her I said to say this.

Alan Marshall.

KI NR OSS WOL AR OI S C HO O L

Darrelle Fraser (nee Williamson) attended PLC Orange as a boarding student from 1950-57.

Darrelle dutifully wrote home to her parents and siblings each week. Below are some of the letters Darrelle wrote whilst in 3rd Class in 1950.

Letters Home Darrelle Fraser Dear Mother and Father, Miss Shave is my School Teacher.

I hope you are all well. Give Margaret a big kiss for me. Please tell Ian I will write to him next time. There are swings, see-saws, tennis courts and blackberry bushes in our playgrounds. We play on the see-saws and swings every day when we come out of school. Gynette Kingsmill is on the same balcony as me.

There is no more news.

Love from Darrelle.

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Dear Mum and Dad,

I hope you are well. Give Margaret a big kiss for me. We get sixpence to spend every Saturday. Yesterday we were all going to take our tea out to a park but it rained. Did you have any rain out there?

The junior preps have not been in the swimming pool yet but might be going in tomorrow. Are there any more little calves? One of the girls had her birthday last Friday. I got two letters from you last Friday. Did you get my other letter?

Every Sunday afternoon all the girls have to go up to their beds and rest. Two girls saw a snake down at the pool yesterday.

The name of my library book is The Water Babies. I am up to page ten now.

We had dancing last night. We have not had tea yet. There is no more news.

I got a letter from Aunty Lila last week.

Children in England sent Christmas cards to the School and Miss Shave pinned them up on the wall in our class room and yesterday we wrote to thank them for the cards. We had a lot of frogs in our class room last week. It is exactly three weeks till we go home for Easter.

I am going to bring my doll back with me after Easter. I am in third class now.

Must write to Aunty Lila on Sunday.

The sun is out here today. We had singing yesterday. I hope you are well.

Give Margaret a big kiss for me please.

No more news.

I hope you are all well at home. When do I have to have seven teeth filled? There is only seven weeks in this term. I lost my tie pin in the gym room. Every time I get a clean pair of stockings I get one of mine and one of Beverley’s. They give us our hymn books soon. Tomorrow we are going over to Wolaroi to a fete. Saturday week the Marsden girls are coming over.

I have not started to make my play apron for the show yet. We had some heavy rain here last week. Will you send me some tape and elastic please? Matron made a little cradle for our dormitory. She put a little doll in it and worked roses on the quilt. If we spill anything on the table cloth we have to give Miss Stablesen nine pence. No more news. Beverley and I are in the same house and our house won the order marks.

Love from Darrelle.

Love from Darrelle.

Love from Darrelle • 107

DECEMBER 2018

kws.nsw.edu.au