It was wonderful to bring a sense of normality back to the school year for the senior girls at the Convention Centre last Friday evening, as we celebrated the 2022 Wilderness Formal. The theme was ‘A Starry Night’ and the girls and their partners sparkled as they danced the night away under the ceiling of fairy lights. I could not have been prouder of the way the Year 11 and 12 girls conducted themselves throughout the evening and I was very grateful for the numerous staff who gave up their Friday night to be a part of this important night for the School community. This means a lot to the girls and speaks volumes of the relationships that the girls have with their teachers.

Term 2 is going to be a busy and fast-paced term. After a 11-week Term 1, we now have a shorter 9-week term. As I mentioned at the Senior School Assembly on Monday this week, planning and time management is going to be important for all girls this term. They have all been emailed the live link to the electronic assessment planner and they are encouraged to review this document to identify their heavy assessment periods this term and plan accordingly.

The Year 11 and 12 girls will have their mid-year exams in Weeks 7 and 8, which will come around very quickly, while the Year 10 girls will have their university pathways and work experience week during Week 8 (Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 July). For parents of Year 10 girls, can you please check in with your daughters to ensure that they have submitted the necessary paperwork to the Careers Office so that their work experience arrangements can be finalised?

Next week we look forward to the annual Merit Ceremony, which will be held at Government House on Thursday 19 May to celebrate the academic achievements of those girls who were awarded a Governor’s Academic Merit for their Stage 2 studies in 2021. It is pleasing that these achievements will be recognised publicly rather than through a virtual ceremony (which was mooted at the start of the year).

We will also welcome Mr Paul Dillon back to Wilderness on Tuesday to speak to all Senior School girls about Drugs and Alcohol. Paul’s presentations are looked forward to and enjoyed by all girls over their final three years at Wilderness. Paul is a leader in education in this field and is committed to ensuring the community has access to accurate and up-to-date alcohol and other drugs information. The School will provide an online presentation for parents on Tuesday 28 June at 6.00pm. Please put this date in your diary.

Over the holiday period several girls excelled in their areas of co-curricular interest. In Water Polo, Year 12 students Olivia Scamoni and Imogen Cavill won gold with the U18 Adelaide Jets Water Polo team at the Australian National Championships in Brisbane, as did Kasundi Stone (Year 11) with the U16 Adelaide Jets Team. Sachi Syme (12 ANT) was the vice-captain of the South Australian U18 AFLW team that was undefeated at the U18 National Championships. As a result of her performances, Sachi was named in the U18 All Australian Team. These are wonderful achievements and reward the hours of hard work put in by the girls—well done!

As we head into a busy Term 2, I encourage all girls to persist and understand that perseverance is important when they are challenged and feel out of their depth or comfort zone. The difficulty or delay in success will lead to a much greater sense of achievement and satisfaction. Taking the easy option often leads to disappointment and does not lead to personal growth.

Finally, a reminder that from the start of next week all girls are to be wearing the winter uniform. The outer garment must be the School Blazer when outside the School in uniform.

Year 12 Class Representative Event

To all the Year 12 parents: let’s celebrate raising courageous young women, and reflect on our time at Wilderness as parents of the 2022 student cohort.

Wilderness Year 12 Parent Reflection Party
Saturday 27 August
7.00pm – 11.00pm
National Wine Centre

$100 per person
Ticket price includes a range of hot and cold canapes for all food preference types and a glass of wine/beer upon arrival. Additional drinks can be purchased on the night from an extensive wine list.

The dress theme for the evening is: SPARKLE

Click here for more information.