On Friday 4 March, the easing of COVID restrictions enabled us to recommence Playgroup in our Mamie House Garden. This group is dear to our hearts because for many families it is their first step into the Wilderness. For our old scholars, of which there are many, it marks the beginning of their return to the School, this time proudly with their daughters.

Each week our Mamie House teacher, Mrs Wendy Menzies, works to create an inspiring and welcoming environment for our Playgroup children and their families. However, Friday 8 April was a special one as Wendy arranged for our ELC Yoga Teacher, Kaysee Liebeknecht, to lead a yoga class with our littlest children and their parents/caregivers. This delightful session was spent outdoors stretching, singing, dancing and practising poses. It was also a lovely way to end the term together.

If you are interested in joining our Playgroup, starting again on Friday 6 May, please email me. It is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to make friends, play in an inspiring, calm environment, develop language skills, and most of all, have fun.

Kindness

Our word of the week is … kindness. This particular message was posted by our Mamie House team to begin the week, and it has certainly been a word that has underpinned all that has occurred.

There have been so many examples of kindness in the Mamie House, but the most notable has been the beautiful way that the Mamie girls have cared for Pop and Pepper, our chickens. This week the girls moved them into their new home—complete with a chandelier! The Mamie girls eagerly prepared this new home for them by laying soft, comfortable straw, ensuring our precious chicks are both warm and comfortable. Thank you, girls, for the care you have shown to our little chicks. Your actions embody all that makes a truly kind and caring Wildy girl.

Unfortunately, in our Annie House, several girls have been away unwell this week. As families have navigated this challenging time, so much kindness has been expressed in the community. This has been incredibly heart-warming and has confirmed that we are more than a school for the girls, we are in fact, a family community.

This week has also proven the absolute dedication of our educational team as they have worked together, from home and in the Annie House, to ensure the girls at school continue to have an excellent learning experience, despite some of their much-loved friends and educators being absent. Those who have attended have found joy in their friendships, shown each other great kindness, and played and played—the true work of childhood.

Thank you, families, for a wonderful term. We wish you a safe and happy Easter and look forward to Term 2.