The SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) Board has recently launched their ‘We Are More’ campaign, a pivotal component of their THRIVE strategic plan. This campaign emphasises the importance of recognising every student's unique strengths and capabilities. The overarching goal is to ensure that success metrics are not just based on traditional academic achievements, but are also in tune with the skills and attributes that will be essential for young individuals in the future.

In line with this vision, the SACE Board is working on innovative ways to holistically evaluate and celebrate the myriad of talents and abilities of students, which might not necessarily be reflected in traditional measures.

Wilderness School has been at the forefront of this educational evolution. We were honoured to be among a select group of South Australian schools invited to contribute to the 'We Are More' conference. Furthermore, our school has successfully led pilot programs in Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) and Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) for the past two years, showcasing our commitment to this initiative.

In anticipation of this comprehensive approach to education, Wilderness School continues to actively collaborate with industry professionals. These experts are mentoring both our students and staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the educational landscape and emerge as progressive, adaptable learners.

Wilderness School has been fostering a robust relationship with MOD. at The University of South Australia, with a special emphasis on its collaboration with Dr Kristin Alford, a renowned futurist and the Director of MOD. At the onset of the term, all teaching staff participated in an intensive day of professional learning at MOD. This session was not just an educational experience, but a deep dive into the evolving landscape of education. The day was segmented into explorations of the future of assessment, led by the Director of Learning and Teaching, Mr Brad Snell, and a comprehensive look at the implications of Artificial Intelligence on the educational sector, led by the Head of Technology and Enterprise, Mr Thomas Keller.

As the term has progressed, Dr Alford recently engaged with the Middle and Senior students during Science Week, introducing them to the intriguing world of futures and foresight. She elucidated the concept by breaking it down into four categories: Probable, Plausible, Possible and Preposterous futures. This not only broadened the students' horizons, but also equipped them with a skill set to envision and navigate the future.

Furthermore, Dr Alford's expertise has been instrumental in supporting the design and development of a new Year 9 Futures and Foresight subject. This pioneering subject demonstrates the forward-thinking approach of Wilderness School, marking it as the first of its kind in Australia.

The synergy between the school and MOD., especially with Dr Alford, is a testament to our commitment to equipping students with the tools and knowledge to shape the future.

Through collaborations such as this, we will ensure that our girls are better global citizens, critical thinkers and leaders.

2024 SRC Announcement

It has been a joy to celebrate our emerging student leaders at Wilderness School throughout this week, as we cast our eyes to the coming year. Over past weeks, our Year 11 girls have gone through a carefully considered application process, where they have given speeches, shared their ideas for the future of the School and, ultimately, been elected by their peers.

I am pleased to announce that the 2024 SRC Executive is Sophia Tayeb as President, Anna McAuliffe as Vice-President and Sophie Grice as Secretary. Throughout their years at the School, these girls have demonstrated outstanding leadership capabilities and relational skills, and I have no doubt they are ready to proudly represent our school and students.

In 2024, we congratulate the following girls who have been elected as House Captains and SRC Representatives:

• Amaryllis House Captains: Isabella Abbott and Annabel Duncan
• Antholiza House Captains: Sasha Hardin and Rose Newman
• Carob House Captains: Arabella Bahr and Jasmine Lunn
• Cedar House Captains: Lulu Detmold Cox and Grace Dixon
• Sparaxis House Captains: Charlotte Williams and Sarah Zyweck
• Boarding House Captains: Edwina Marshman and Tessa Paterson
• Careers Representative: Fengfan Zhang
• Round Square Representative: Natasha Lippett
• International Representative: Rosie Lioulios
• Library Representative: Willow Rann
• Media and Magazine Representative: Emily Johannsen
• Music Representative: Elena Tsamaidis
• Sports Representative: Jasmin Thirlwell
• Student Foundation Representative: Jasmine Huynh
• Year 12 Representative: Demi Moutos.

As we celebrate these girls, it is an opportune time to thank our current SRC Executive of Allegra Kleinig (President), Jessica Craig (Vice-President) and Georgia Brown (Secretary) as they prepare to hand over their duties. Throughout the past twelve months, they have sought to bring out the best in each girl for the benefit of the entire School—embodying their chosen theme of ‘U&I: Unity and Identity’. Their peers’ confidence to elect them to these roles has been more than validated, and I have valued the opportunity to work closely with them this year.

All girls who have fulfilled a leadership role in 2023 have left a wonderful blueprint for those who will succeed them in their positions, and the Year 12 cohort has complemented them as exemplary role models, displaying everyday leadership and supporting initiatives at every step of the way.

With such a wonderful example to follow, I look forward to what our incoming leadership group will achieve.

Show Day

Please note that Monday 4 September is a pupil free day for Show Day. We will see all students back on Tuesday 5 September.