The beginning of Term 2 is always a positive time in schools, with this year’s commencement no exception. The strong relationships that have been built between teachers and students as well as the knowledge teachers have of each girl as a learner ensure that focused learning is underway from day one.
Staff Professional Development
Our staff engaged in a professional learning day on Monday 28 April, with a broad focus across the Junior School on Literacy Development. Our Reception to Year 2 staff undertook training on the use of a digital platform which provides strong assessment data in literacy for girls in these year levels. This data will be used to discern next steps for each girl and to inform future planning. Our Years 3 to 6 staff engaged in deeper learning on the planning and implementation of texts-units of learning. These units support the development of the higher order language and literature components of literacy, explicitly decoding texts and supporting students to become more proficient writers and readers. The staff worked together to build a scope and sequential learning across Years 3 to 6, choosing texts to challenge and build a love of reading in our girls. As a whole Junior School cohort, we then spent the afternoon continuing to build learning plans in Verus and preparing for our Semester 1 reporting cycle.
Mother’s Day
To each of our mothers, grandmothers and those who are nurturers, I hope Mother’s Day was a day of love, appreciation and time with those dearest to you. The leadership you provide in your families and the example you set for your little girls is so deeply valued and important. As a School, we see and acknowledge this and send gratitude for not only who you are within your family units but also as partners to us on your daughters learning journey. Thank you for all you are and all you do.
Year 6 Canberra Educational Tour
Our Year 6 cohort attended their Educational Tour to Canberra in Week 11 of last term. Arriving bright and early to Adelaide Airport on the Monday morning, there was palpable excitement as bags were checked and boarding passes received. The girls spent a week exploring the many important sites in Canberra, extending and deepening their learning about governance and democracy. Some highlights from the girls themselves are below:
‘The place that taught me the most was Old Parliament House because it taught me about previous politicians and more about the history of women’s rights.’ Evie C
‘When we visited the War Memorial, I felt so sad to think about how those remembered had left their homes to fight for Australia. There were so many names on the walls, and every person that had a name there made a difference in the war. Without them, there might not have been the Australia we live in today.’ Karla F
‘Visiting the museum of Australian Democracy and seeing where Australia’s first politicians worked was an amazing experience. The House of Representatives had a green colour with a beautiful pattern and to make sure we didn’t ruin anything we had to wear gloves. On the wooden table there was a gift from the Queen and important books. Next, we went to visit the Senate where everything was the colour red, symbolizing power. One exhibit that I found interesting was the place with lots of pictures and screens around the room. It interested me because of the interactive activities about democracy the screens set for us.’ Kyra S
‘The whole visit to the War Memorial was very special to me because I learn lots about the important people that helped the those in the war and the people who fought for the war. But the main part that made a big impact on myself was the nurse who helped many injured soldiers and made sure they had someone by their side and made sure their family knew they were in good hands.’ Bella M
‘Something that surprised me is that sometimes in an election, people’s 2nd preference must be taken because sometimes the votes are even.’ Jessica R
‘I was pretty surprised by the structure of Old Parliament House because it wasn’t what I expected on the outside or on the inside. It was quite old but I thought it was going to look older than what it was. It was really surprising to see the voting rooms and the different representatives’ rooms.’ Alexandrina C
‘At the War Memorial, I found the stories and the things they went through just to give us what we have today really inspiring because they risked their lives for their country and people. But I also loved the artwork people made so we can understand and honor them.’ Elizabeth J
‘I learned that Canberra was designed to be a triangle. Walter Burley Griffin designed it to look and resemble the heart of Canberra. The triangle starts from the Capital hill and goes down to Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue. The triangle stops at Lake Burley Griffin.’ Samadhi N
‘I was surprised to learn that you only have a weekend to place in your election votes. But if you go on holiday or can't make the election day you can put in your votes before the election day.’ Lottie D
‘I think that the most interesting part of the tour was the part where we went to the House of Representatives and learnt about the roles of the different people in the Lower House, such as Minister, Shadow ministers and ministers.’ Amelia D
‘I found the exhibit which displayed all the Prime Ministers in the Old Parliament House interesting because the interactive side of the exhibit was very informative, giving me a new perspective on the lives of the Prime Ministers in Parliament. It stood out to me much more than the Senate and House of Representatives because it didn't lack detail by giving more informative resources rather than the major meeting points of Parliament.’ Olivia E
‘Visiting the Exhibition helped me understand more clearly where everything was laid out and I got to understand more about why and how Walter Burley-Griffin chose to align the National Parliamentary Triangle and how he decided to dig out a man-made river.’ Vasiliki N
‘I found the process of the court interesting because there are a lot of different steps to go to the federal court. It was cool that we got to visit the highest court in Australia, and it really surprised me that the Australian constitution was a lot thinner than expected.’ Sophia R
'This year the year 6s went on a trip to Canberra. They had an amazing time visiting places like Questacon, Parliament house and so much more. The girls enjoyed everything, but the standout highlights were Questacon and The Institute of Sport. The girls learnt a lot on their camp and had a fun time exploring the capital city. While the trip eventually came to an end the girls took a lot of information back home to share with their families and put toward their learning. The Year 6s were true Wildy girls, wearing their uniform with pride and having a truly wonderful adventure in Australia’s capital.’ Millie C
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributes funding to Wilderness in the amount of $90.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion and we are most grateful for this support in ensuring a high quality learning program for our girls.
The new and consolidated understanding and knowledge the Tour provided for the girls was exceptional however, another highlight that I was most proud of was the consistent feedback from tour guides, our bus driver and members of the public we received on the way the girls conducted themselves, their manners and consideration for others and their engagement in the educational programs. While I was not surprised at this, it is always so affirming to know that our girls represent themselves, their School and families in a way they and we are so proud of. Thank you to the staff team who attended and cared for the girls on the tour, Kate Brennan, Kieran Jackson, Isabella Kasdalis, Katie Silva, Rebecca Keller and Amali Baldwin.
Student Achievements
As always, we are so very proud of all of the amazing things our Junior School girls achieve within their school class and co-curricular learning. It is also always wonderful to hear about the incredible things so many of them undertake outside of school and we enjoy celebrating and acknowledging these also.
Year 2 student, Sam Cooper, has been invited to play in the US Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Testament to Sam’s ongoing training, dedication and talent, this is a wonderful achievement and one which we congratulate her for. We look forward to hearing about Sam’s experience in the USA upon her return in July. Congratulations, Sam!
Also in Year 2, Hannah Say has been selected to perform at two of the most prestigious music venues in the world — Royal Albert Hall and the Royal College of Music in England. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Hannah's commitment, countless hours of practice, and musical talent. Hannah is currently in the UK preparing for her performances and we are looking forward to her return.
The Coach House is getting closer
I was delighted to be able to join Belinda Arnfield and Paula Jolly on a walk-through of our Coach House, the beautiful new home for our Reception to Year 2 girls. While the finishing touches both inside and outside the space are still occurring, it was entirely possible to imagine our youngest Junior School girls inhabiting, learning and playing there. With light filled classrooms, a dedicated Maker’s Space, break out areas for collaboration to the mud-laboratory, cubby-house and play equipment, each element and piece has been thoughtfully discerned to enhance learning opportunities, inspire curiosity and imaginative play and develop a deep sense of belonging. I look forward to being able to share further details with you about our expected ‘move-in’ date and the celebrations that will accompany this very special and long-awaited milestone at Wilderness.
Responsible Citizens
A focus within our Junior School this term is exploring how we live out our School value, ‘Responsible Citizenship’. Caring for our shared school environment, both in terms of keeping it clean and tidy while also considering the impact we can have on others through these seemingly small yet considered acts of service are an ongoing focus. Raising girls together who use their agency to do good in their community and to think about how actions affect others is an important aspect of the broader education at Wilderness.
Wishing you each a wonderful few weeks ahead as we move into cooler weather and the winter months.
Warm regards,
Liz McCarthy
Head of Junior School
Year 3 and Reception Buddies - Friendology
On 21 March 2025, our Year 3 and Reception Buddy classes came together to make friendship bracelets in celebration of Junior School Friendship Day. This special activity is part of our whole-school Friendology Program, a key element of the URSTRONG curriculum designed to help students develop the skills to build and maintain healthy friendships, manage conflict, and grow in resilience.
Lauren Whittle
Year 3 Teacher
