As the holiday break draws to a close, I hope this finds each of you having enjoyed some time to refresh, renew and connect as a family amid the largely glorious April weather. The Junior School staff are very much looking forward to welcoming our girls back as we commence Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April. The staff will spend Monday engaged in Professional Learning, collaborating as educators across our School in preparation for the remainder of the year.

It was a delight to attend the Walkerville RSL ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Walkerville Memorial Rose Garden with our Year 6 Executive members, Alice Gao and Angelina Georgiou. Joining with other schools in the Walkerville area, local members of parliament, members of the Walkerville RSL and local community members, the girls upheld the tradition of representing Wilderness School with their respectful and reverent behaviour, laying a wreath at the Memorial as part of the service. We believe it is deeply important to honour the memories of those fallen in conflict and for our future leaders, our girls, to learn through both the remarkable stories and history attached to these historic events. Thank you to the families of Alice and Angie for supporting their attendance on this important occasion.

The first two weeks of Term 2 are our uniform change over period, where students can wear either their summer or winter uniform. Girls must wear either the summer or winter uniform in their entirety (not ‘mix and match’) during this period, with full winter uniform required by Monday 13 May (Week 3).

While it seems like a long time ago now, our Junior School Swimming Carnival, held at the end of Term 2, was a successful, well-attended and joyous event for our community. As always, the work behind the scenes was both significant and appreciated, with special mentions needed for Deb Jarret and our entire Sport Department, student volunteers and all those who contributed to ensure the smooth running and success of our day. Congratulations to our overall winner, Emilia Varicchio and to all the winners. We look forward to another day of sporting celebration and team spirit when we come together for our Junior School Sports Day in Term 4.

As I write this, I am preparing to commence my leave for Terms 2 and 3. I have said to a number of people in recent weeks that Wilderness is not an easy place to leave, even for a short time. As I do so, however, I am delighted to be leaving you in the very capable hands of Gina Kadis, who will be stepping in as Acting Head of Junior School during this time. Gina is an experienced, dynamic educational leader, whose wealth of knowledge, I have no doubt, will enhance our Junior School community in the coming months. Gina and I have engaged in extensive handover and she will be ably supported by our outstanding Junior School leadership, teaching and professional support team. I am sure you will join me in welcoming Gina to Wilderness.

Please enjoy the last few days of the school holidays; stay safe, enjoy being together and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4 upon my return.

With the warmest of regards
Liz McCarthy
Head of Junior School