As the Senior School embarks on another exciting year, we continue to reflect on the values that define and strengthen our community. Our Senior girls play a vital role in bridging the past and the future, ensuring that the traditions, values and experiences that make Wilderness unique remain strong for generations to come.

At the heart of our school is a deep appreciation for the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and contributions of our students and staff. We encourage our girls to demonstrate this respect in many ways – through the way they interact with one another, their commitment to shared experiences and their pride in upholding the school’s high standards. Learning, traditions and relationships make Wilderness such a special place for every student.

Lunar New Year
Last Friday, the International Committee, led by Sindy Yang, hosted a special event in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Students enjoyed purchasing traditional Chinese lolly packs and fortune cookies on the Running Track. The girls also wrote wishes on cards and hung them on trees. This meaningful tradition, symbolising good fortune and happiness, allowed the students to reflect on their hopes for the year ahead. The event was a wonderful opportunity to foster a sense of community and optimism.

Year 11 and 12 Formal
The Year 11 and 12 Formal was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with the theme A Night in New York beautifully reflected throughout the evening. From stunning decorations to elegant attire, the event was a great success. Congratulations to the Formal Committee, led by Year 12 Representative, Alessandra Cutajar, for their dedication and effort in organising such a memorable night.

Dedication Service
Thank you to all who attended our Year 12 Dedication Service on Monday. As our Year 12 students begin their final year, we recognise the leadership they bring to the School and the significant role they play in our community. This service marked an important moment in their journey and we are committed to supporting them throughout the year ahead.

Reminders
As we settle into the School year, we appreciate the ongoing support of families in upholding our School policies regarding uniform, makeup and mobile phones. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home is greatly appreciated.

• Jewellery: Students may wear only a single pair of small studs or sleepers in silver, gold or pearl. Dangling or decorative earrings are not permitted. No other jewellery, aside from a simple watch is permitted.

• Nails and Makeup: Students are reminded that nail polish and makeup do not align with our uniform expectations.

• Mobile Phones: Mobile phones must not be used during school hours. If a student needs to contact home, they can do so via the Health Centre or their Head of School.

Signing Out
If your daughter needs to leave early for an appointment, please ensure that this is communicated through the Verus app. This enables us to ensure the correct duty of care.

Year 12 students are reminded that they may not sign out for study periods before 1:05pm. If they have study periods after lunch, they may sign out via the front office.

Kind regards,
Kate Hanson
Head of Senior School

SPORT UPDATE
Wilderness sport is well and truly up and running this Term 1 Summer season! Our Middle/ Senior competitions for Rowing, Touch, Tennis, Basketball and Volleyball have commenced and it has been fantastic to see how quickly our girls and coaches have hit the competition with competitiveness.

Preparation for our Middle/ Senior Swimming Carnival is almost finalised as we look forward to 20 February for the big day. It will be the first opportunity of 2025 for our 5 Houses to battle it out for some silverware.

Jonathon Koutsikas
Director of Sport and Recreation

WILDERNESS IN NEPAL
Dear all,
Wilderness in Nepal (WIN Ltd) is very pleased to announce and extend an invitation to those interested to attend our 6th Medical Clinic and the opportunity to trek in Nepal in 2025.

The 6th WIN Ltd Medical Clinic is to be held in Junbesi, Everest Region, for a total of 3 nights/4 days from Wednesday 1 October to Saturday 4 October 2025. This unique experience is open to both medical professionals and general volunteers with limited or no medical/health background.

An information session will be held at Wilderness School on Tuesday 18 February.

Please see the links below for various WIN Resources:
Information Booklet
WIN Websit
Register your Interest
Queries: please email Sally Nobbs or Lauren Walker

Kind Regards,
Sally Nobbs and Lauren Walker on behalf of WIN Ltd.

ROUND SQUARE
International Service Vietnam trip
In December 2024, Summer and I attended a Round Square International Service trip (RSIS) to Vietnam, a 14-day experience that pushed us out of our comfort zones and allowed us to connect with people from around the world. We started in Hanoi, where we explored the city, visited local markets, and tried new foods. On the third day, we traveled to a small village near Mai Chau, where we spent 10 days working on community projects, such as building a dam and installing solar panels. We also visited the local primary school, playing games and bonding with the children, which was such a special experience.

Throughout the trip, we formed strong friendships with people from different countries and backgrounds. Working together on physically demanding projects and adjusting to a new environment helped us build a sense of teamwork and support, making the experience even more rewarding. Staying in homestays was also an eye-opening experience. The houses were built on stilts to prevent flooding and keep animals out. We slept on the top level while our hosts stayed below, and the floors were made of thin, flat bamboo. The trip ended with a boat tour of Ha Long Bay. Initially, we were nervous about meeting new people and being far from home, but this experience helped us adapt, build confidence, and embrace challenges. It was an unforgettable journey that shaped our perspectives and personal growth.
Layla Balestrin (Year 11)