“Individuals can and do make a difference.” Dr Jane Goodall.

As a world-renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall is admired by many of us. I was interested to read over the weekend that she made a special visit to Cleland Wildlife Park as part of her global mission to inspire young people to care for the environment. I admire her presence and efforts to inspire each of us to ‘do our bit’ as individuals to improve our environment. I’ve also been inspired by the fabulous Outdoor Education learning curriculum that we have in place at Wilderness School. All our girls from ELC to Year 9 participate in a carefully designed age-appropriate program, to get out into the environment, learn from experts and get to know themselves and their peers. As individuals, we all can and do make a difference in preserving our environment. Here are some of our Junior School Outdoor Education adventures that have happened over the last few weeks….

Reception students attended the “Muddle Puddles” Outdoor Education Adventure – Adelaide Hills
On Friday 17 May, both our Reception classes with Ms Melissa Foster and Ms Katie Chataway, led by Ms Kate Mitchell spent the day at the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and Woodhouse, participating in open space nature play activities, exploring the gardens, an adventure walk and an outdoor picnic lunch. Thank you to our Outdoor Assistant Lilly Liang and Co-Educators Emma Franzon and Meagan Steffensen for their invaluable hard work with the girls on this excursion – keeping all safe and engaged in quality learning.

Please see a few reflections from our Reception girls and photos from the excursion in the image gallery below.

“We loved sitting around the campfire having a story and then we picked up sticks for our Scavenger Hunt.” – Adelaide Nieuwenhoven RC

“I loved making seed balls and it was so muddy and dirty.” – Sonia Schwarz RC

“I enjoyed jumping in the leaves and throwing them in the air. It was raining leaves!” – Leah Chang RC

“I loved jumping in the muddy puddles, and I got wet!” – Heather Fa RC

“I loved rolling down the hills. I got really dizzy!” – Harriet Moses RF

“I loved making the clay seed balls. My hands got really muddy!” – Elizabeth Withers RF

Receptions had a lovely day on Friday 17 May at our Muddy Puddles day trip. We went to Woodhouse first, where the girls really enjoyed making seed balls with clay and flower seeds, and also going on a scavenger hunt. We then hopped on the bus to Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens where we had such a nice walk around the lake, rolled down the hills and also had a great fun throwing the gorgeous autumn leaves.

Year 4 “Walking the Boundaries” Outdoor Education Camp, Douglas Scrub
In week 5 (4Z) and week 6 (4R) the Year 4 students enthusiastically embarked on a captivating journey, immersing themselves in the splendor of nature during a memorable three-day, two-night excursion at 'Douglas Scrub' in McClaren Vale. Amidst the picturesque setting, each student experienced the thrill of camping, but in the communal comfort of a dormitory as the weather was very wet and cold overnight as we lived out our class novel Walking the Boundaries.

Despite the wet and chill, Year 4 girls seized every opportunity to embrace the great outdoors, with a highlight being a challenging hike into the breathtaking Onkaparinga Gorge where they were treated to sightings of wedge tailed eagles and wild deer. Despite the rugged terrain, the students exhibited remarkable resilience and unwavering determination, a testament to their adventurous spirits.

Beyond the exhilarating trek, the days were filled with a plethora of engaging activities. From frolicking in the gorge to crafting candles, to savoring the simple pleasure of making butter and cooking damper in the fire, to igniting our imaginations with campfire games, each moment was infused with joy and camaraderie.

Moreover, we were honored to welcome Indigenous educator, musician and artist, Dave Booth, whose interactive session enriched our understanding of indigenous culture and heritage. The girls delighted to hear him play the yidaki and learn a dance that involved the movements of the emu. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Reconciliation Week. As the days unfolded, the students revelled in the freedom of outdoor play, tested their limits on the bouldering wall, and discovered enchanting magic spots to pen their reflections in journals, forging unforgettable memories along the way.

Sincere thanks to all our staff for their planning and dedication to give our students this learning adventure: Ms Kate Mitchell, Camp Leader; Ms Celine Zammit, Class Teacher and Mr Nathan Rice Class Teacher and outdoor education co-educators: Holli Rawson, Lilly Laing Tameliya Klimentenok and Cass Marousopoulos. Research shows that powerful learning takes place when our girls can link their classroom work to real life situations. Not all families have the time to get their girls into the outdoors for prolonged periods of time. This is why our unique learning experiences prepare our girls for life and strengthen their opportunity to make a difference globally.

Please see the photo gallery below for our girls in 4Z and 4R enjoying this learning journey.

Year 3 National Reconciliation Netball Round Medal Winner – Naomi NGUYEN
On Wednesday 22 May, the Year 3 Netball team participated in Reconciliation Round at St Peters Girls. The coaches of St Peters Girls awarded a Reconciliation Medal to a player who showed the best team spirit, courage and compassion throughout the game. This medal was awarded to Naomi Nguyen. Congratulations to Naomi and the entire Year 3 Netball team for their enthusiastic start to school sport and ability to work as a team, receiving their first win.

The Year 3 girls have really come together working as a group encouraging each other whilst learning netball. Well done Naomi. Well done team.

Ms Ashlee Thiele, Year 3 Netball Coach

Congratulations to Angelina Georgiou 6J – Just Dance e-sports
We extend our warmest wishes to Angelina Georgiou, for winning the overall South Australian Champion award at this event held at Pulteney Grammar. Angelina will represent South Australian students in the National e-sports competition, to be held on the Gold Coast in November. Sincere thanks to Mr Sloan and Mr Jackson for supporting the girls at this event.

Junior School Friendology Program
Many of our Junior School parents joined the online workshop on the Language of Friendship two weeks ago.

You are invited to take advantage of a FREE Parent Membership to access hundreds of resources – including an 8 session video series. This will allow you to learn the same language & strategies being taught in the classroom through the Friendology 101 curriculum.

We hope that, as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.

We believe that empowering our students with these skills will create a culture of kindness at our school and we hope that, together, we can support your children to have healthy, feel-good friendships.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, connecting with family and friends.