Last Tuesday 14 September, our Annie girls adventured out of the Wilderness to Wittunga House. They immersed themselves in the beautiful environment of the Wittunga Botanic Garden and engaged in experiences facilitated by a Nature Play SA educator. The girls created clay nests, painted compostable pots using natural dyes, experienced loose parts play and learnt about the value of close and critical noticing, all with nature as their teacher.

Following this excellent excursion, our Mamie girls adventured out to Linde Community Garden on Wednesday 22 September to learn about the fruit and vegetables grown at this time of year in Adelaide. This learning has been inspired by Graeme Base’s story ‘Uno’s Garden’. This beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking book communicates a powerful message about our ability as humans to affect our environment in both positive and negative ways. Combining this learning within the real-life context of the Lynde Community Garden, our Mamie girls now have the knowledge to plant and nurture their own Uno’s Garden, which they have started.

Not only did these excursions provide an excellent opportunity for our girls to extend their learning, but it was also an opportunity to embrace our Wilderness values of Adventurous Learning and Responsible Citizenship. We all enjoyed these incredibly worthwhile experiences, and we were very grateful for our parent volunteers who helped make it possible for all our girls to attend the excursion. Thank you to our exceptional class teachers and co-educators for meticulously planning these excursions and being adventurous and courageous themselves. Stepping out of the School grounds with so many precious little people in tow is a big responsibility but the girls’ learning was undoubtedly enhanced by their efforts.

We wish you all a wonderful term break and look forward to seeing you all again for our final term, beginning on Monday 11 October.