Stories and highlights

Kandos High School Student Selected for Prestigious SHAPE Exhibition

Kandos High School proudly congratulates Year 12 student Alexis Farrugia on the outstanding achievement of being selected for the prestigious SHAPE Exhibition, the highest possible recognition for a student studying Industrial Arts in New South Wales.

Each year, more than 1100 HSC major works are nominated for SHAPE, with only 56 projects selected for display. Alexis’s project was chosen as one of the very best in the state, reflecting her exceptional creativity, technical skill and dedication to her studies.

The SHAPE Exhibition showcases exemplary student works in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design, and is expected to attract over 5000 visitors. The exhibition celebrates innovation, craftsmanship and the high standard of work produced by HSC students across NSW.

During the exhibition, Alexis had the opportunity to meet several distinguished guests including Paul Martin, CEO of NESA, and The Hon. Steve Whan MP, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education in NSW.

A particularly meaningful connection for Alexis was with Deputy Secretary, Public Schools Deb Summerhayes, who visited Kandos High School in 2025 while Alexis was still developing her HSC major project. During that visit, Deb showed great interest in Alexis’s work and they remained in communication throughout the year. Deb was very pleased to hear of Alexis’s SHAPE nomination and delighted to see her work recognised at such a high level.

Alexis attended the exhibition alongside members of the Kandos High School community and Department of Education leadership, including Industrial Arts teacher Mr Michael Vaughan, Relieving Principal Mrs Deb Johnston, Director, Educational Leadership Lithgow Debbie-Lee Hughes, and Deputy Secretary, Public Schools Deb Summerhayes. It was also wonderful to see Alexis’s parents there to support her, sharing in this proud moment and celebrating her remarkable achievement.

Kandos High School is incredibly proud of Alexis and this significant accomplishment. Her success highlights the talent, dedication and opportunities available to students at our school.

Kandos High School Student Wins State Bush Poetry Competition

Kandos High School proudly congratulates Jocelyn Cafe on an outstanding achievement, placing first in the RAS A.B. Paterson Bush Poetry Competition, a statewide competition that forms part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Jocelyn’s winning poem was first recognised locally when it placed first at the Rylstone Kandos Show, before progressing to the state competition where it was selected as the winning Secondary School entry across New South Wales.

As a result of this remarkable achievement, Jocelyn has been invited to attend the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park, where she will receive her award during the Australian Citizenship Ceremony on Tuesday, 7 April. The award will be presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.

As part of the ceremony, Jocelyn will also have the honour of reciting her winning poem, celebrating the rich tradition of Australian bush poetry on one of the country’s most significant stages.

The Royal Agricultural Society recognises just two winners each year across New South Wales—one from Primary Education and one from Secondary Education—making this an exceptional accomplishment.

Following the ceremony, Jocelyn and her guests will attend a special luncheon hosted by the Sydney Royal Easter Show before enjoying the rest of the event.

Kandos High School is incredibly proud to see one of our students representing our school and community at such a prestigious event.

Congratulations, Jocelyn.

See below to read Jocelyn's beautiful poem "Free by Nature".

Our Mathletics World Maths Day champions, Jacob Kiely, David Taylor, Andy He, Grace Mascord, Ivy Li, Charlotte Swan, Sienna Kimmorley, Keira Nelson, William Moxham and Patrick Lus, pictured with Head Teacher Mathematics Mr Andy Kiely (left) and Relieving Principal Mrs Deb Johnston (right), placed 1st in Australia and 25th in the world. An outstanding achievement for Kandos High School!

Sienna Duffield proudly representing Kandos High School after placing 3rd in Merino Sheep Judging at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Sienna was one of seven KHS students who qualified to compete through our outstanding KHS Show Team.

Alexis Farrugia, Cody Perry-Weekes, and Teegan Reynolds have been nominated for the prestigious Department of Education Industrial Arts SHAPE Awards, an incredible achievement that highlights the talent and dedication of our Industrial Arts students and their teacher, Mr. Mick Vaughan.

Our Girls Squash Team, Mia Reddish, Alexandra Grimshaw, Teegan Reynolds and Aleisha Brennan, have made history, claiming the NSW State Championship title for the fourth year in a row under the guidance of their coach, Mrs Kerry Reynolds. An extraordinary achievement that showcases their grit, determination, and team spirit, true KHS sporting legends!

Our 2026 School Leaders were announced at our Term 3 Assembly. Congratulations to School Captains Janine Maw and Oskar Sander, and Vice Captains Emily Gallaher and Eleanor Vidler.