As we move from Summer to Autumn, one could be forgiven for being confused about what season we are actually in, with the temperature changing so frequently. The 40-degree temperatures which were tackled at the Interhouse Swimming Carnival at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre a couple of weeks ago – to the girls and staff’s credit – have been replaced with rain and cooler temperatures this week. Congratulations to Amaryllis House on taking out the Interhouse Swimming Shield for 2023.

This week, we celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) with the Executive of the Student Representative Council running a whole school assembly on Monday. The girls spoke about the importance of equity and provided excellent examples for all in attendance. All members of the SRC attended the 2023 Adelaide International Women's Day Breakfast held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday, with nearly 3000 attendees to hear Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, US Ambassador to Australia, speak. The theme of the IWD 2023 ‘#EmbraceEquity’ campaign is to get the world talking about why equal opportunities are not enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity, which is so important to achieve equality. As I have mentioned in past years, I look forward to the day when we do not have to use the word ‘equality’, as we will then know that we have a truly just world for everyone regardless of background or sex.

Last weekend, the Wilderness Rowing Club hosted the fourth and final Super Series Regatta at West Lakes. It was wonderful to see a sea of blue at the finish line and have so many parents helping to run this regatta. The very successful day was capped off with the Senior First VIII and Second VIII winning their races, a feat that has not occurred for over 15 years.

A reminder that the Parent/Supervising Driver Information Session will be held next Tuesday 14 March from 6.00pm to 7.00pm in Hender Hall. Darren Davis (Today Tonight, ABC Radio Road Safety Expert) from the Get Home Safe Foundation will be presenting an informal discussion-based session, developed in conjunction with SA Police. The program aims to support and complement the role of the Parent/Supervising Driver in ensuring young drivers are equipped with enough skills and knowledge to drive safely. If your daughter has their Learners Licence (or is due to get it this year), you are encouraged to attend this session to help her prepare for a safe driving future.

Finally, after a four-year hiatus due to COVID-19, I am thrilled that in 2024 we are intending to offer girls in Year 9, 10 and 11 (this year) the chance to travel to Nepal for the 2024 Nepal Trek. This is an amazing opportunity for your daughter to experience a physical, emotional, mental and cultural challenge in an incredible part of the world. Girls will also visit the Bahadure School and community, which has been developed and supported through the long-standing commitment of the Wilderness School community. A meeting will be held for interested parents and girls in Hender Hall next Thursday 16 March at 6.00pm in Hender Hall. This session will be recorded for parents who are unable to attend.

Winter Sport Nominations Close Next Friday

Winter sport seasons are currently available for nomination through Clipboard and can be changed up until the closing date. Please note that nominations for Term 2 and 3 Middle and Senior School Sport closes on Friday 17 March.