our history
Over 130 Years of Excellence
The history of the School has been well chronicled, with documented triumphs and hardships throughout the years serving only to add to the rich fabric of the School as we know it today - the legacy of the first Principal, Mr TH Richards, who had the foresight to recognise the need for a private school in Orange in the late 19th Century.
Amalgamation
celebrating 50 years
In 2025, Kinross Wolaroi School proudly commemorates 50 years since its formation through the unification of Kinross School (formerly PLC Orange) and Wolaroi College. This landmark moment signalled a transformative era for education in the Orange community and the broader Central West region of NSW.
By merging the rich traditions, values, and strengths of two distinguished schools, a single, unified institution was born—dedicated to academic excellence and co-educational opportunities. The amalgamation was marked by visionary leadership, collaborative effort, and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional education.
from remarkable beginnings
The milestones that have made us. Honouring our rich history while shaping a future of excellence and innovation.
1886
Founding Year
Weymouth House school opened on the corner of Byng and Sale Streets in Orange on 27 January, 1886. Mr Thomas Henry Richards was the sole teacher and owner.
1893
Relocation
The school quickly outgrew its initial location and moved to Wolaroi Mansion and grounds in 1893. Built by local solicitor Mr JC McLachlan and his wife Dora in 1884, the school was renamed Wolaroi Grammar School.
1913
New Headmaster
In 1913, Mr Charles R Campbell secured the property and became the third Headmaster. Under his leadership, the school continued to grow and thrive.
1925
School Closure
When Mr N Connell, Campbell’s successor, left Orange in 1925, the school closed. The Methodist Church then purchased the property to ensure the continuation of a boys’ college in the west.
1926
Reopening
The school reopened in 1926 as Wolaroi College under the direction of Principal Mr Stanley Brown. It continued to serve the community’s educational needs for nearly 50 more years.
1928
New Girls School
Recognising the need for a girls’ school in the western area, the Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Orange opened in 1928 on a 43-acre property called “Campdale”. Miss Eleanor Linck was appointed as the first Principal.
1975
Transition to Co-ed
In response to societal changes and internal challenges, both Wolaroi and PLC independently decided to become co-educational. Facing financial difficulties, Wolaroi merged with The Kinross School to form Kinross Wolaroi School, expanding its educational reach and resources.
1977
Church Affiliation
Following the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia, Kinross Wolaroi School became one of its educational establishments, aligning with the church’s educational mission and values.
2002
Leadership Change
The school saw new leadership under Reverend David Williams as Principal, succeeded by Mr Brian Kennelly in 2007. Under their stewardship, the school continued to thrive and adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
2016
130th Anniversary
As the school celebrated 130 years of providing education, it took time to reflect on its origins, growth, and current status as a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school in regional Australia, honouring all those who have contributed to its storied past and promising future.
Heads And Principals
Weymouth House And Wolaroi Grammar
1886-1904 Mr TH Richards
1904-1912. Rev AJ Rolfe
1913-1924. Mr CR Campbell
1924-1925 Mr N Connell
Wolaroi College
1926-1940 Mr SG Brown
1941-1949 Rev EA Bennett
1950-1962 Rev DA Trathen
1963-1968 Mr DH Prest
1969-1972 Mr P Brownie
1973-1974 Mr RW Buntine
Presbyterian Ladies College Orange & Kinross School
1928-1931 Mrs E Linck
1932-1936 Miss D Knox
1936-1969 Miss IW Miller
1969-1971 Miss AW Taylor
1971-1974 Mr D Loader
Kinross Wolaroi School
1975-1978 Mr D Loader
1978-2001 Mr A Anderson
2002-2006 Rev D Williams
2007-2016 Mr B Kennelly
2017-present Dr A Parry
Student Leadership
Head Prefects
1979 James Briggs
1980 Scott Crossman
1981 Neil Fitzpatrick
1982 Robyn Castle
1983 Julie Oliver
1984 David Jolly
1985 Hunter Cocks
1986 Kim Atlee
1987 Julie Althofer
1988 Jarrod Rose
1989 Victoria Gordon
1990 Kerrie Levingston
1991 Christopher Anderson
1992 Justin Barrasch
1993 Skye Boughen
1994 Malcolm Donald
1995 Samantha Eveleigh
1996 David Donnelly
1997 Kate Cosgrove
1998 Olivia Rogers
1999 Julie Edwards
2000 Junior Brechtefeld
2001 Sarah Martin
2002 Benjamin Weise
2003 Kye Mackey, Peter Hubert
2004 Danielle Knott, Andrew Watkins
2005 Ellyse Kostoglou, Sean Hubert
2006 Jessica Shillington, Mark Grivas
2007 Annabelle Fisher, James Basha
2008 Grace Michell, Charlie Freeman
2009 Amelia Haigh, Simon Basha
2010 Georgie Quigley, Tom Fenton
2011 Eleanor Pratten, Alexander Proudford
2012 Mikaela Cato, Edward Basha
2013 Eloise Mirrington, Stan Alston
2014 Sarah Steele-Park
2015 Nicola Kermode, Jack Dodds
2016 Annabelle Tierney, Peter Alston
2017 Jocelyn Date, Ross Alston
2018 Kate Alderman, Donny Freeman
2019 Emer Spora, Stirling Taylor
2020 Lochlan Birchall, Chelsea White
2021 James Thompson, Jessica Mosely
2022 Mac Webster, Ellen Arundell
2023 Greta Bourne, High Thompson
2024 Edward Southwell, Halle Doyle
2025 Grace Simpson, Nick Tancred
Dux Of School
1975 Peter Quinton
1976 David Allison
1977 Steven Miller
1978 Linda Marr
1980 Sue Eisenhauer
1981 Suzanne Dawes
1982 Carolyn Roweth
1983 Willem De Jong
1984 Leslie Foo
1985 Raymond Chui
1986 Jodie Willis
1987 Suzanne Lapstun
1988 Jenny Jaatinen
1989 Victoria Gordon
1990 Larry Lee
1991 Michael Garvin
1992 Lawrence Chan
1993 Alistair Jaques
1994 Leanne Blackburn
1995 Michelle Doherty
1996 David Donnelly
1997 Robert Knox
1998 Philip Brydon
1999 Timothy Craig
2000 Belinda Gray
2001 Rowena Brain
2002 Fiona Knox
2003 Peter Hubert
2004 Robert Thompson
2005 Melanie Bannister-Tyrrel
l2006 Marius Mather
2007 Martin Hansen
2008 Perrin Walker
2009 Alexander Calder, Alison Goddard
2010 Victoria Cook
2011 Rachael Kwa
2012 Jack Brand
2013 Annabelle Carter
2014 Olivia Brooks
2015 Codey Swadling
2016 Alexander Mirrington
2017 Trent Russell
2018 Jemima McPhee
2019 Duncan Suthers
2020 Edward Taylor
2021 Alex Williams
2022 Harrison Crisp
2023 Shubhang Nagar
2024 William Haseler
The Archives
The school archives serve as a treasure trove of history, preserving the rich legacy of our institution. Housing a collection of photographs, documents, and memorabilia, the archives provide a window into the school's past, capturing its milestones, achievements, and the stories of the people who shaped it.
Through careful curation, the archives ensure that the heritage of our school is remembered and celebrated, offering current and future generations a deep connection to the tradition and values that continue to inspire our community today.
If you have school memorabilia or old photos you wish to donate to our archives, please get in touch today!
a strong future ahead
Building on the strong foundations of our past, we are forging towards an even brighter future.
