Boarders at Wildy have hit the ground running for the start of Term 3.

The term commenced with Year 12 trial exams. The girls approached these exams with great focus and a determination to do their best. The feeling amongst them was that they were a valuable experience and have given them a sense of where they are at and what they need to further focus on.

The Year 11s have had an equally busy start to the term, with their Relationships Day at St Peters and then the Year 11 retreat. There was lots of positive feedback about both events and they are very much focused and looking forward to potential leadership opportunities and the challenges which lie ahead next year.

The other event which is garnering lots of attention and excitement is of course the annual Boarders Fashion Parade. Preparations are reaching their conclusion and everyone connected with the boarding house is working hard to ensure a fabulous night for everyone. The night is being supported by very generous fashion labels which the girls are excited to be modelling and also a range of boarding families and businesses who have made donations for both the auctions and raffle. Aside from the models, make up artists and general helpers there are also a number of boarders who have made clothes to be modelled, laptop bags and heat wheat packs to be sold to raise valuable monies for Bhadure School in Nepal. It is truly a whole community event and one which the boarding community should be very proud.

With much focus on the above, and the usual sporting and extra curricular activities, there hasn’t been as much uptake on weekend boarding house activities. These are a great way to build and cement relationships, particularly for those girls who do not have the ability to readily go home or have time away from the house. I am sure participation will increase in these over the course of the term.

I, myself, in coming to Wilderness have hit the ground running and I have really appreciated the friendliness and kindness from everyone I have come in contact with. Aside from my work within the house, I have also had the opportunity to attend the SA Heads of Boarding retreat in the Clare Valley, which was a great opportunity to meet other HOB’s and to discuss all things boarding. I am very much looking forward to heading to the Eyre Peninsula with Ben Manifold to attend the Cleve Field Days. The opportunity to head out to areas where the girls are from, enables me to have a sense of what home ground is like.

I trust the term continues well for everyone, particularly as we move into Spring and the warmer part of the year.

Carolyn Matthews
Head of Boarding