It is good to be home.
I have missed this school, and most of all I have missed the people here. The friendly faces, our traditions and the small routines that make each day feel like Wilderness. I have missed our lovely gardens too, and I am back just in time to see them blossom in spring.
As we begin Term 4, I want to express my sincere thanks to Mr Brad Snell, who so capably stepped into the role of Acting Principal during my study leave, and to every member of staff who helped the School run so smoothly while I was away. Thank you for your care, your hard work, and the way you looked after our girls and each other.
Term 3 at Wilderness was as exciting as ever, with a full program of learning and co-curricular activities. Even the holidays did not slow Wilderness down, with girls and staff participating in the Future Industries and Innovation Tour to the United States, Sony Camp in partnership with St Peter's College, the Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition on Kangaroo Island and Rowing Camp. My thanks to everyone who made these experiences possible.
Meanwhile, my days on study leave moved a little more slowly. I had time to read, to listen, to think and to learn.
I spent much of the term in Strasbourg, a beautiful old city in France, close to the border with Germany. I was fortunate to observe the European Parliament in session, an experience that connected closely with my studies in governance and the importance of sound decision-making, integrity and responsibility in leadership.
My learning also took me to London, where I studied finance and the latest research in education and artificial intelligence. I spent time at the Institute of Directors, the British Library and an education research conference near Hampstead Heath. These experiences offered valuable perspectives on the changing landscape of education and the importance of looking ahead as we plan for the future of our School.
It has been particularly special to return in time for the final weeks of our Year 12 girls' journey at Wilderness. Their final days at School culminated in a wonderful Valedictory Dinner last Friday evening, where we celebrated the Class of 2026 alongside their families and teachers. Each area of our community has thoughtfully farewelled our Year 12s at their own bespoke events, wishing them all the best for their futures.
This is a remarkably close cohort, whose care for one another has been evident throughout their time at Wilderness. Although I missed the Year 12 House lunches during Term 3, I was fortunate to share in the boarders' farewell and the Amaryllis breakfast, where that closeness was so apparent. I would particularly like to acknowledge our 2026 SRC, Summer, Tianney and Tam, who connected and led the cohort with warmth and real grace.
As our Year 12 girls prepare for their final examinations, I hope they approach the weeks ahead with confidence in all they have learned and achieved. Next year, many will step into something entirely new: a university course, a job, a gap year, a city or a country they are yet to know.
Being away this term reminded me of something I hope our girls will take with them. Learning does not stop when school does. I am a Principal, and I spent this term as a student again. I sat in lectures, asked questions, saw the world and felt challenged and excited. The curiosity, determination and integrity our girls have developed at Wilderness will serve them well as they navigate a rapidly changing world.
For me, coming home has been just as good as going away. I am so grateful for this experience, and I have come back full of new ideas for our School. I look forward to all that lies ahead as we finish the year and begin building towards a wonderful 2027 together.
