Welcome back to Wilderness for Term 2. I hope your family has had a lovely start to the new term, and that your daughters are already eagerly delving into exciting new learning. On behalf of the teaching staff, we were grateful to be able to connect in person with so many parents at the Middle and Senior School interviews held over the past fortnight. The opportunity to discuss our girls’ learning with their families is so important to us.

We began the first week of May with a series of events. On Thursday, our Year 3 to 12 students were dashing through the Parklands, completing our annual Cross Country course. Fortunately, the rain and hail held off until everyone had crossed the finish line. It certainly did not dampen the girls’ House spirit.

Just two days later, our senior students were swapping their muddy sneakers for ballgowns. The Wilderness Formal was held on Friday 6 May, and what a beautiful ‘Starry Night’ it was. Formal is an important rite of passage for all Wilderness girls. We have certainly learned in the past few years that we cannot take our treasured events like these for granted, which deepened our appreciation of the beautiful starry decorations and the chance to spend a fun evening celebrating with close friends.

Another important event in our community calendar was the Mother’s Day Classic, held in Elder Park. Students, parents and friends joined together to run and walk in the fight against breast cancer. Thank you to every person who gave up their Sunday morning to get active and raise money for this worthy cause—especially our Parents and Friends who coordinated our team and set up the booth. Yesterday, we were named the largest participating school for the 11^th year in a row.

Athletic pursuits, celebrating the friendships and memories made over a lifetime at school and our community joining together for a crucial cause. If those are the highlights we can fit into one week at Wilderness, imagine how many exciting moments are still to come throughout the term.

One upcoming event that we are all looking forward to is the Wilderness Old Scholars Quiz Night, which is fast approaching on Friday 20 May at 6.30pm. There is still time to register your table of ten here for what is bound to be a fabulous evening. We cannot wait to see you there.

Influenza Season

You may be aware that there are increasing numbers of Influenza A cases in the community. SA Health advises that Influenza A is a nasty virus and also very infectious.

To prevent the virus from spreading, we encourage you to refer to the attached flyer that outlines symptoms, signs and treatment options for children.

Belinda Arnfield
Principal