Term 3 signals a time of thinking about the future for all girls in the Senior School. Last week, the Year 12s had the opportunity think about life after school as they attended the Year 12 Combined Tertiary Information Night at St Peter’s College. As you are aware, we have also begun the subject counselling process for 2024. Girls in Years 10 and 11 have met with key staff to hear about subjects available for them to undertake next year. As your daughter completes her final year(s) at Wilderness, it is important that she considers the subjects she enjoys and that are prerequisites for her future studies at university.

On Monday this week, the girls were fortunate to hear from Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk (Executive Director, Government Chief Information Officer at Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Government of South Australia) and be involved in a HerTechPath day. HerTechPath is on a mission to help girls see what they can be and women to see all that they can be with careers in technology, cyber and STEM, as there are so many diverse, well-paid and exciting career opportunities in in tech, cyber and the additional STEM disciplines of science, engineering and mathematics. Mrs Caroline Palmer is thanked for her organisation of this engaging day.

In a rapidly changing world, where innovation and technology drive the future, preparing your daughter for the world of work has never been more crucial. As parents, we play a pivotal role in guiding our daughters towards a future full of opportunities and empowerment. It is important to select subjects that align with your daughters’ interests and the changing landscape of the professional world.

The world of work is undergoing a transformative shift. Traditional career paths are evolving, and new opportunities are emerging in fields that were once considered unconventional. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence and global connectivity has redefined industries and created a demand for skills that transcend boundaries.

Gone are the days when career choices were confined to a handful of options. As your daughters continue their educational journey, it is essential to help them choose subjects that not only align with their interests, but also equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace. With this in mind, I encourage you to consider the following:

1. Encourage Exploration: Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all career paths. Encourage your daughters to explore a variety of subjects and fields. The more they learn about different areas, the better equipped they will be to make informed decisions about their future. Take the time to visit university open days with your daughter to look at the options that are available.

2. Embrace Technology: Technology is the driving force behind many industries today. Introducing your daughters to subjects like coding, data science and digital design can empower them to excel in tech-driven professions, regardless of gender norms.

3. Cultivate Soft Skills: In addition to technical know-how, soft skills like communication, problem-solving and adaptability are highly sought after by employers. Encourage your daughters to engage in activities that nurture these skills.

4. Pursue Passions: Help your daughters identify their passions and hobbies. These interests can often translate into fulfilling and lucrative career paths. By aligning education with personal passions, your daughters are more likely to find fulfillment in their professional lives.

5. Promote Diversity: A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives and ideas. Encourage your daughters to consider careers in fields where women are underrepresented, breaking barriers and contributing to a more inclusive society.

As parents, our role is to provide guidance and support as our daughters explore their interests and career options, and not just look to our past. Open up conversations about the changing world of work, share stories of successful women in various fields and provide resources to help them make informed decisions. Our aim is to raise confident, curious and empowered young women who are ready for the ever-evolving world of work and to make a difference to the society they live in.

I look forward to working with you and your daughters to make informed decisions about their future.

Duke of Edinburgh Jatbula Trek

During the mid-year break, two groups of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award students embarked on a memorable journey to Nitmiluk National Park, eager to explore the Jatbula trail. The 62km trek began at Nitmiluk George and finished at Leliyn (Edith Falls), walking the path travelled by the Jawoyn people through many captivating landscapes.

Throughout both trips, the students demonstrated and encompassed the School’s values of Responsible Citizenship, A True and Courageous Self, Respectful Relationships and Adventurous Learning. The students became comfortable within their environments, to learn and grow as individuals, but also to support their peers and embrace the challenges that they faced along the way.

The journey had its share of highlights, offering the students countless opportunities to swim in stunning water holes and explore rock pools. Early morning starts treated them to mesmerising sunrises, while nights under the starry skies provided a serene atmosphere for reflection and appreciation. In the afternoons, they found quietness in reading books under the warm afternoon sun.

The Jatbula trail left a lasting impression on the students, providing them not only with fond memories, but also valuable lessons about themselves, the environment, resilience and the fun in a shared adventure.

Rosie Smith
Acting Head of Outdoor Education

Anglicare Outreach

Over the past two weeks, Gold Duke of Edinburgh girls (both past and present) came together to create two outreach programs in conjunction with Anglicare. These outreach programs are similar to the Fun in the Wilderness program at school. These sessions ran in the northern suburbs to promote the program to other areas and demonstrate the benefits to new families. Well done to the Year 12 students involved and the 2022 graduates who assisted with organising and running the sessions.

Rosie Smith
Acting Head of Outdoor Education

Quiz Night Casual Day

On Tuesday 29 August, there will be a casual day to support the 2023 Community Quiz Night, brought to you by the Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association and Wilderness Parents and Friends Association.

In lieu of a gold coin donation, girls should bring an item to contribute to raffle prizes for the Quiz Night.