Term 3 has flown and it is hard to believe that our Year 12 cohort only has 10 official school days left for 2021. We look forward to celebrating their year in the weeks ahead.

Australian of the Year Breakfast

Last Wednesday, the incoming 2022 SRC Executive Committee and I were fortunate to attend a breakfast at the National Wine Centre of Australia held in honour of the Australian of the Year award recipients.

This included 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, the South Australian of the Year, Tanya Hosch, the South Australian Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Bruggemann, and the South Australian Young Australian of the Year, Isobel Marshall.

This exceptional group of change-makers shared their personal journeys and the importance of challenging social norms to bring about positive change. They stressed it is vital that you push your fear to one side and voice your opinions strongly.

Rowing Season Launch and Boat Christening

On Friday 17 September, the Wilderness rowing community came together to celebrate the launch of the 2021/22 season and christen the new First VIII boat.

Mr Hamish Gosse (Wilderness Old Boy, 1956) was thanked for his support of the Wilderness Rowing Club. His significant donation has allowed us to purchase the new Frist VIII boat. It was wonderful that his granddaughters Georgia (2015) and Mille (current Year 10 student), who both have been involved in Wilderness rowing, could be present at the christening.

The School paid tribute to Mrs Judy Dyson by naming the new First VIII Rowing Boat in her honour. Mrs Dyson served Wilderness School as Vice-Principal and Head of Senior School for 18 years between 1995 and 2012. She touched the lives of thousands of girls, families and staff with her grace, kindness, and wisdom.

Bonding Night

The Year 12 cohort came together for the annual Bonding Night last Friday. A range of quiz questions and games were played, which highlighted memorable moments during the girls’ time at Wilderness.

Mr Tobia Trentin, Mrs Maria Criaris, Mr Brad Snell and Mr Matthew Hawkins are thanked for giving up their Friday evening to run this enjoyable event for the girls.

Pathways Week

This week all Year 10 girls have been involved in Pathways Week. The program, coordinated by Mrs Caroline Rocco and Mrs Deb Cleggett, involved three days of work experience and university visits and sessions with new old scholars. The old scholars shared their university experiences and discussed jobs of the future. It was wonderful to hear their personal journeys, learnings and lessons.

Sony Camp

As we start the Term 3 break, we look forward to the Annual Sony Camp, which will run over the first four days of the holidays. A group of 16 Year 11 students will be responsible for the 24-hour care of a child with special needs to provide respite care for their family. This is an incredible experience for all students involved in the program and one that is so important for the campers’ families.

Debating Finals

Congratulations to our senior teams who competed in the Schools Debating Competition grand final held at the Sir Samuel Way Building.

Our Senior A Team, Nikita Page, Devika Mukherjee, Olivia Tallent and Mary-Ellen Coutsoumbes, were runners up and our Senior B Team, Chenuli Basnayake, Allegra Kleinig, Brianna Maddison and Molly Simpson, were also runners-up in their grand final.

Additionally, Devika Mukherjee was awarded the Most Valuable Team Member for 2021 as a member of the State Debating Team. Well done girls.

Term 3 Holidays

Finally, the importance of this holiday break for our Year 12s cannot be underestimated. While it is vital for them to have a break and refresh, it is also time to continue their revision and preparation for their final exams.

I wish all Senior School girls and their families a safe and happy holiday break.