Our 140th year has been one of celebration and reflection, as well as looking at our heritage as a map for our future. A core tenant of that heritage was the Brown sisters’ strong and exemplary legacy of giving. 

As we approach the 140th year anniversary Gala in September, I take this opportunity to mention the generosity of our Foundation Board for the time and commitment they have put into this milestone event. Led by a skilful and dedicated team, the Foundation Board comprises current and past parents as well as old scholars. Chair of the Foundation, Dr Michael Petrucco will be joining me and other guests at the Gala to celebrate the School's journey and all the lives it has positively impacted since 1884. The evening has a full run sheet of events, including musical performances from old scholars and a silent auction filled with some very exclusive experiences; it is certain be a night filled with school spirit.

Our recent Winter Intercol is something that we look forward to each year. I would like to thank those who were generous with their time and energy, coming to support the girls in their respective games. We were lucky enough to be joined by outstanding supporter numbers this year, and I’m certain your Wildy spirit made all the difference.

Girls performed across hockey, soccer, football, netball, badminton, and debating, with the Senior A badminton team winning a clean sweep in all 7 of their games. This year also saw the inaugural ‘Ash Young Cup’ football trophy, in which our Senior A girls played with determination in Ash’s memory.

The Ash Young Cup is one way in which we commemorate the legacy of Ash Young, who was a much-loved leader in both sport and Wilderness School. We’re also proud to be supporting the Marjorie Jackson Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport in their Ashleigh Young Scholarship, aiding women and girls to have a fulfilling and well-rounded career in sport. You can join us in our efforts by visiting the fundraising page.

I send a huge congratulations to all the girls who competed across the course of the Winter Intercol week. As we head towards the conclusion of the 2024 winter sport season, we can share already that our Senior A Football team defeated Seymour in the Grand Final to claim the 2024 IGSSA Shield. The competition showcased both skill and teamwork. Our co-captain Sasha deservingly claimed the best on ground medal. Acknowledging the outstanding efforts of the team in her acceptance speech, she generously said, "Any of these girls could have also won this award." I would like to wish two of our soccer teams and our badminton team the best of luck in their grand finals over Week 7 and 8.

The community we have fostered around our girls in all of their endeavours is key to their growth. Through the generosity of current and past parents, old scholars, staff, students and friends of the School, we continue to grow our endowment to ensure we are able to transform the future through and for our girls.

Belinda Arnfield
Principal