At Wilderness, one of our core values is to enable our girls to be responsible global citizens and leaders. Education within the bounds of our School is vital, but it’s also important to facilitate the girls’ understanding of where they fit into the world around them.

Our staff and teachers are always seeking to broaden the girls’ horizons and deepen their sense of self. This will undoubtedly be the case for those trekking the Jatbula Trail located in Nitmiluk National Park, NT over the coming break. The 62km walked by our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award students over 5 nights 6 days creates time and space for deep introspection, as well as connection to the environment and each other.

Environmentalism is also the theme of the Round Square conference in Rockhampton. Four of our Year 8 students spent this last week of term in Rockhampton Qld with students from New Zealand, India, Malaysia, Japan and Australia. They participated in a range of activities including snorkeling, boom netting, canoeing, hiking, water sports and revegetation. We know the coming generations will repeatedly be facing topics and hurdles surrounding the environment in the future; meeting peers and leaders in this space will assist them greatly in critical thinking and being solution-oriented for the challenges that could lie ahead.

We are so excited to be farewelling our music students on their journey overseas. Year 8 to 12 girls will be travelling and performing throughout Italy and Switzerland. This is an incredible opportunity for our girls to showcase their talent while exploring new cities, cultures and languages. I am certain they will return with memories and lessons to last a lifetime.

Part of what allows our girls to step out so confidently into the world is the knowledge of the safety and comfort awaiting them back home. While we say a bittersweet farewell to two members of the Wilderness staff entering into retirement now after 10 and 23 years respectively, we celebrate their commitment, as well as the commitment of our whole team and also our engaged community of learners worldwide, to shaping and defining our culture.

As we reach end of Term, I urge the girls to take some time to consider and acknowledge all the people who support us, and I would encourage parents to do the same. It’s a perfect time to reflect on how grateful we are for each person that contributes to our lives, in both big and small ways. Perhaps most importantly: let them know.

I wish everyone a relaxing break, filled with gratitude and hope you all return feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle Term 3.

Belinda Arnfield
Principal