There is no greater indicator of how strong a community is than when we are confronted by difficult situations.

The Wilderness School girls, staff and families have demonstrated strength yet again, following the very sad news of the passing of Mr Gavin Haydn - a much loved and respected member of the Mathematics Department.

I am deeply touched by how beautifully the community responded to this unexpected and overwhelming loss, wrapping around each other so that nobody felt alone in their grief and working together to minimise disruption to learning for Mr Hayden’s students.

How we respond and support each other as a community at Wilderness is one of the reasons why I wanted to lead this school, which undoubtedly has been an incredibly special part of my life for a very long time.

To be entrusted by the Council of Governors to lead our school as we guide each girl through the Wilderness is an incredible honour.

Since arriving at Wilderness in 2005, I have witnessed the unique spirit of the School and how it has left its mark on all of our girls.

Each day of school, the campus is brought to life by girls who are discovering and growing, ultimately realising the power of relationships - founded on values of respect, kindness, and compassion.

It is an absolute pleasure to watch each student find joy in learning as they grow their independence and respond to global topics as responsible citizens of the future - author their own academic stories and cement lifelong friendships before courageously stepping out and taking on the world.

I am enormously proud to continue the legacy of success established by the Misses Brown by building strong connections with parents, students and community partners, and I thank all who have supported me during this transitionary period. I have been overwhelmed with your messages of support, for which I would like to thank you.

I look forward to strengthening those relationships and continuing to care for each and every girl who enters our gates. Nurturing their positivity, resilience, and persistence to enable every girl to be the best she can be throughout her life.