Junior School Sport at Wilderness enables girls to participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate sports. Our focus is on participation and inclusion, regardless of ability.

Participation in sports from an early age allows girls to have fun while experiencing the important social aspects of being part of a team. For our girls who are building their confidence and competence, there is a ‘Training Only’ option available to allow them to work toward playing in games against other schools.

Our Junior School Sports Program offers opportunities to senior girls to take up leadership activities such as umpiring and coaching. It is a fantastic opportunity to encourage positive interaction between our junior and senior girls in an enjoyable environment.

For girls who are seeking a more competitive pathway, there are substantial opportunities to trial and compete for positions in district teams for the South Australian Primary Schools Amateur Sports Association (SAPSASA). SAPSASA offers girls the opportunity to compete in representative teams for the North Adelaide District and state representation. Many of our girls are actively involved in SAPSASA sports. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, there will not be interstate competitions this year, but there are still statewide events on offer. Currently, we have girls nominating for selection in SAPSASA hockey and soccer, of which we hope to share their successes with the community soon.

Junior School Sport offerings change each term allowing girls to participate in multiple sports.

Year 1 and 2

This term, our Year 1 and 2 girls have continued to have their lunchtime multi-sports which are focused on developing confidence and movement competence in a wide range of games and activities. These sessions are run in the Gym and coached by our Senior School girls.

For Term 2, we were also able to offer Auskick to our Year 1 and 2 students after school on Wednesday. The AFL facilitates Auskick through volunteers to introduce players to Australian Rules Football.

Year 3 and 4

Our Year 3 and 4 girls have had the opportunity to play minkey, a modified version of hockey playing six a side. Our girls have fielded two teams under the watchful eye of the Hockey Head Coach, Mr Travis Henderson and a number of experienced Senior School players and coaches.

Girls have also had the opportunity to be involved in ‘Training Only Lacrosse’, which has been a popular choice for many students learning the sport’s fundamental skills. The Junior School Lacrosse Program has been run by three of our Wildy Graduates from 2020 who are still involved in club lacrosse.

Year 5 and 6

Our Year 5 and 6 girls have been able to play netball and hockey. Both sport opportunities have progressed from the modified Year 3 and 4 offerings of nettaball and minkey, respectively. The girls have been fortunate to be under the guidance of experienced senior girls and coaches of our Senior School sports.

Indigenous Round Footy

Last Friday evening, all grades of our AFL teams sported the colours of the Indigenous flag in support of the Indigenous Round. This is a celebrated Round of AFL, highlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to the great game of Australian Football that even included a Smoke Ceremony at Westminster. Myarn Alden tossed the coin before the Senior A game against Concordia, which we won 49-2. Well done, girls!

State Cross Country Championships

Wilderness had six girls competing in the SAPSASA North Adelaide District Team and 19 girls competing for Wilderness in the Years 8-12 Championship event.

Caitlin Hardin (Year 7) placed second in the 12 Years Event individually.

Caitlin Hardin (Year 7), India Goodall (Year 6) and Margot Tembel (Year 6) were all part of the North Adelaide District Team who won the 12 Years Girls Age Championships for the SAPSASA North Adelaide District.

Madeleine Forde (Year 8), Emily Powers (Year 8), Gia Rinaldi (Year 8) and Bella Browning (Year 8) were part of the Wilderness 13 Years Girls Team who placed third in the 13 Years Girls Age Championships.

Sascha Hardin (Year 7) placed third in the 15 Years Girls Event individually.

Sascha Hardin (Year 9), Molly Dwyer (Year 9), Jasmin Thirlwell (Year 9), Matilda Ryan (Year 10) and Lulu Detmold-Cox (Year 9) were part of the Wilderness 15 Years Girls Team who won the 15 Years Girls Age Championships.