On Friday last week, the Middle and Senior School girls enjoyed the Battle of the Departments organised by the Student Representative Council. This new initiative saw Subject Departments compete against each other in a range of quizzes, practical tasks and food challenges. Thank you to all staff who gave up their lunchtime on Friday to put on a show for all students to enjoy. Congratulations to the Creative Arts and English on a well-deserved tie in the inaugural competition.

Paul Dillon on Teens Socialising, Alcohol and Other Drugs

This week we were pleased to welcome back Paul Dillon to the School to present to the Year 10, 11 and 12 girls on the topic of drugs and alcohol. Paul has worked in the drug education field for almost 25 years and addressed the following themes for each year level:

• Year 10: Young people, alcohol and risk-taking: Looking after your mates.
• Year 11: Alcohol and cannabis: What if something goes wrong?
• Year 12: Last year at school: What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs?

Paul’s message is not one of telling students what not to do but highlights the risks and the importance of safety and looking after your friends.

‘Girls Like That’ Premiere

I was fortunate to attend the opening night of the Year 12 Drama production ‘Girls Like That’ by Evan Placey on Tuesday evening. The production provided valuable insight into the trials and tribulations of social media and technology for youth today. ‘Girls Like That’ is an important, urgent and explosive play that explores the pressures for young women in the wake of advancing technology, the legacy of feminism and what it means to be a feminist for young women today when the vulnerability of one threatens the safety and identity of the whole flock. Congratulations to the cast and crew on their outstanding performances.

Artist in Residence

Next week we will welcome our 2021 Artist in Residence, Rosina Possingham to Wilderness. Rosina is an emerging multi-disciplinary artist, designer and photographer who values collaborative environments where ideas and conceptual thinking are shared. She uses digital technology, mapping and the environment as sources of inspiration, creating unique solutions that communicate thoughtfully and intelligently. This is a wonderful opportunity for our girls to interact with external specialists in their fields.

Productive, Happy and Healthy

As we head towards the halfway mark of Term 2, it is important that the girls keep on top of their assessment work and look after themselves. The Student Representative Council highlighted the importance of sleep, exercise, diet and taking time out at Assembly this week. While no doubt all girls are busy, time management and taking care of themselves is vital for their mental and physical health.

RGSSA John Lewis Medal Winner

Finally, congratulations to Meg Beinssen (Class of 2020), who was awarded the RGSSA John Lewis Bronze Medal by the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia. Meg achieved this honour for being the SACE Board of South Australia’s equal top student in Geography for 2020 by the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le. Congratulations to Meg and also her teacher, Ms April Bickley, on this outstanding achievement.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) on school students with disabilities. The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about support provided to students with disabilities. To learn more about how Wilderness School will be complying with the NCCD please click here.