It has been wonderful to welcome our girls back into the House after a refreshing break at home. During the first week, I met with our girls and shared key messages and the goals that I have for our Boarding community in Term 3.

I shared with our girls a story about an inspiring friend of mine who, over the holidays, placed 14th in the Women’s Marathon at the World Championships. I found Sarah's approach to her run inspirational.

After several injuries, recoveries and living through the interruptions of Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdown last year, she was determined to work toward this race. Before the race she wrote on her hand, “Back yourself – make it happen.” This simple phrase was a reminder that she had to be her number one supporter.

Similarly, I encouraged our girls to be their own number one supporter this term. Using a growth mindset, I have encouraged our girls to focus on a word or phrase that motivates them to believe that they CAN achieve what they set their minds to. It is a big term for our girls and especially for our Year 12 students, who embark on their final full term at Wildy.

This term, as a Boarding House team, we are focusing on increasing a sense of connection and community across the House. A few initiatives include the introduction of new card games, board games, craft materials and Nintendo Switch consoles in the shared areas, a new fridge and snack storage in the Green Room and study desks in the music practice rooms. Already these initiatives have been welcomed and used frequently by the girls—particularly over the rainy weekend!

Boarders Fashion Parade

The 2022 Boarders Fashion Parade will be held on Friday 2 September at 7.00pm. The Fashion Parade is an annual event that our Boarding community has taken much pride in over the years. Each year the Boarding House aims to raise $6000 for the Wilderness Bhadure Boarding House in Nepal through this event. We have fashion labels confirmed for the event including Binny, Iris & Wool, Yellow Bird, Salubrious Hour and more!

Tickets are $30 per adult with a complimentary drink on arrival and $15 per student with a complimentary non-alcoholic drink on arrival. Tables of 10 can be purchased for $250. Tickets can now be purchased via this link.

We are still looking for donations of prizes for the raffle and live auction on the night. For those who would like to support this event and our friends in Nepal by making a donation, please contact our team directly.

Welcome to Wildy

We also have a new staff member joining us this term. Steph Lord will join us as a Boarding Supervisor and comes to us with four years of experience working at the Loreto Boarding House. Steph herself was a boarder at Loreto as a student for five years. Prior to working at Loreto, Steph worked in the higher education sector in student and pastoral care services at The University of Adelaide, supporting students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals and aspirations. She has also worked in State Government roles managing grant funding for South Australian independent artists and companies for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist and organisations from across South Australia. Steph is passionate about working in Boarding.

"I was fortunate enough to be a boarder, where I learned to be the best I can be; the value of caring for our fellow humanity; to be honest, fair and truthful in all interactions with each other; to value the friendships forged, to be an independent, strong, courageous, open minded and compassionate person. This is my hope for all of your daughters, to embrace the values of a Wilderness education and immerse themselves in the Boarding experience. For me, it is the most rewarding and responsible role of my career."

I hope you have the pleasure of meeting Steph around the House when you next drop by.