It seems not that long ago that we were starting Term 3, and it is hard to believe that our Year 12 cohort only have 10 official school days left for 2022. We look forward to celebrating their final year of schooling in the first two weeks of Term 4.

Last week, staff and students came together to celebrate the life of Mr Gavin Haydn, a much loved and respected teacher and colleague of so many at Wilderness. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who had a profound impact on so many. Staff and girls shared their memories and the Old Scholars Jazz Choir provided a beautiful rendition of Paul Simon’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ under fairy lights on the Running Track outside Mr Haydn’s classroom. Mrs April Ridgway, Director of Communications and Marketing, is thanked for coordinating this important event, as is The Rev'd Canon Jenny Wilson, Precentor at St Peter's Cathedral, who led this service.

The Year 12 cohort enjoyed the annual ‘Bonding Night’ last Friday evening. The girls participated in a range of fun activities including ten pin bowling, laser tag and a Quiz Night, which highlighted memorable moments during their time at Wilderness. Mr Tobia Trentin is thanked for his coordination of the Quiz Night, as are those staff who gave up their Friday evening to run this event for the girls.

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. 15 Year 11s will be responsible for the 24-hour care of a student 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.

Our Senior A Touch Football team will travel to Queensland for the Gold Coast Titans All Schools Touch Competition. This is the world’s largest touch football competition with over 450 teams participating from Australia. We look forward to following their progress over the first week of the holidays.

Finally, the importance of this holiday break for our Year 12s cannot be underestimated. While it is important for girls 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.

Debating Grand Final

Our Senior A Wilderness team competed in the grand final of the South Australian Debating Association's Schools' Competition at Parliament House. Tasked with arguing in the affirmative, “That this house prefers a world where people cannot lie”, the impassioned and engaging team of Olivia Tallent (Year 12), Chenuli Basnayake (Year 11), Allegra Kleinig (Year 11) and Devika Mukherjee (Year 11) delivered a rigorous and layered debate that explored the morality and ethicality of lies and deception across the facets of society.

Adjudicators enjoyed the rich discussion and rebuttal between our girls and Prince Alfred College. Ultimately, in a split decision 3 to 2, the debate was awarded to Prince Alfred College. While we didn't take the victory, we are incredibly proud of these girls and their contributions. Wilderness debating is growing from strength to strength and 2023 is sure to bring even more success.

Mathew D'Aloisio
Debating Coordinator