A long held Wilderness School tradition, in the latter part of Term 3, is the process our girls undertake to select their Year 11 peers who will represent each and every Wilderness girl next year as a senior leader of the School.

I am pleased to introduce Allegra Kleinig (President), Jessica Craig (Vice-President) and Georgia Brown (Secretary) as the 2023 Student Representative Council (SRC) Executive. I know these girls will be exemplary leaders who will proudly represent our school. Snapshots from their election speeches demonstrate a focus on teamwork, creativity and a desire to elevate student voices:

“Teamwork is vital; just look to our school founders. They were family, there is no greater team than that, although we vie for a close second. So, when our cohort embarks on the leadership journey next year, I want to instil this idea of teamwork in all we do.”– Allegra

“The SRC this year has done an outstanding job using their creativity to plan and execute new events and initiatives, and if elected, I would try my hardest to use this skill of mine to make our last year together as enjoyable as possible, at the same time as being inclusive to all the younger year levels.” – Jessica

"I've been walking in and out of these gates for the last 14 years, and I truly cannot express how much passion I have for this School. A passion to advocate for all people in the Wilderness community, a passion to listen to the thoughts and feelings of students and peers, a passion to be courageous and think for this School with an innovative mindset.” – Georgia

As our current SRC Executive prepares to ‘pass the baton’, I take this opportunity to highlight the exceptional leadership of Amolika Bhatia (President), Harriet Craig (Vice-President) and Eliza Corbin (Secretary), who have displayed unwavering dedication, thoughtfulness and professionalism in their roles. They have been outstanding role models who embody exactly what it means to be a Wilderness girl, particularly through their selfless service to others.

The 2022 student leaders were committed to three areas of importance for their peers, ‘Appreciation, Ambition and Adventure’, and through their initiatives, they have promoted a culture of gratitude, kindness, effort, courage and joy.

Amolika, Harriet and Eliza developed and harnessed connections between the Junior, Middle and Senior School leadership teams; this was one of many achievements during their tenure. It has been a pleasure to witness each of these girls actively cultivate their leadership qualities, which will leave a lasting impact on our community.

I also wish to acknowledge all girls who fulfilled 2022 leadership roles, as well as the supportive Year 12 cohort who demonstrated strong leadership in the School, without titles.

In 2023 we welcome and congratulate the following girls elected as House Captains and SRC Representatives:

• Amaryllis House Captains: Amelia (Millie) Gosse and Jemima Langley
• Antholiza House Captains: Millie MacLachlan and Jessica (Jess) Truman
• Carob House Captains: Mia Cardone and Eliza Quick
• Cedar House Captains: Sienna Grech and Mia Heywood-Smith
• Sparaxis House Captains: Madeleine Ellis and Molly Simpson
• Boarding House Captains: Evie Basham and Amelia (Milly) Shepherd
• Careers Representative: Hannah Claughton
• Round Square Representative: Claudia John
• International Representative: Wenquin (Jennifer) Zhao
• Library Representative: Brianna Maddison
• Media and Magazine Representative: Elizabeth Parkinson
• Music Representative: Eva Barrett
• Sports Representative: Charlie Bower
• Student Foundation Representative: Lily Craig
• Year 12 Representative: Mariah Zikos.

I look forward to each one of these girls developing their leadership identity further next year, as they work in partnership with students from all year levels.