Term 3 has been full and rewarding, with a wide range of cultural, sporting, and academic experiences. In recent weeks, students and staff have taken part in activities that reflect the strong engagement, curiosity, and collaborative spirit that characterise learning at Wilderness.
Thank you to all students, staff, and members of our community who have contributed to these events. Your involvement is valued and appreciated.
Winter Intercol
Last week’s Winter Intercol competition with Seymour College featured competitive matches across Debating, Hockey, Soccer, Netball, Football and Badminton. Our students played with determination and skill, proudly securing the Debating, Soccer and Football trophies. The overall result was close, with Seymour finishing ahead by just six points (two wins). Regardless of the final outcome, the commitment, resilience and teamwork shown by all our competitors was commendable. The support of our spectators, including students, staff, families and old scholars, was also greatly appreciated and contributed to the strength of the occasion.
Thanks are due to Jonathan Koutsikas, Director of Sport, and to the coaches and staff who prepared and supported our teams. Their leadership and commitment made a significant contribution to the overall success of the week.
Music
This week, we welcomed Australian musical theatre performer Amy Lehpamer as our Musician in Residence. Amy led rehearsals and workshops with students in preparation for the Annual Showcase of Music, From West End to Broadway, held at the Adelaide Town Hall on Thursday evening. The Showcase featured strong performances across a range of ensembles and vocal groups, reflecting the dedication and preparation of all involved.
Earlier in August, Wilderness School hosted the Gwen Robinson Piano Competition. Twelve students performed for adjudicator Vivian Choi Milton from the Elder Conservatorium at the University of Adelaide. Congratulations to Year 9 student Jacey Anand, a student of Mrs Urszula Gruszewski, who was named the overall winner, and to all participants for the quality of their performances.
We also acknowledge the recent achievements of seven ensembles who represented the school at the SA School Band and Orchestra Festival, presented by ABODA SA. Big Band 2, under the direction of Damien Hurn, received the Nick Mulder Memorial Award for Best Novice Big Band and a Gold Award as the overall winner in their section. We also thank Cassie Pope, Ensemble and Instrumental Coordinator, for her contribution to the event as part of the organising team.
Drama
Our Stage 2 Drama students recently took to the stage for their final 2025 production, The Virtuous Burglar by Italian Nobel Prize-winning playwright Dario Fo. Congratulations to the Year 12 cast and backstage crew for their work across performance, lighting, sound and costume design.
This week, our Year 9 students also presented their annual drama performance, exploring the theme of success through devised theatre. The production reflected thoughtful collaboration and creative expression.
Preparations are well underway for the remaining end-of-year productions, and we look forward to seeing these come to life in the weeks ahead.
STEM
National Science Week was celebrated across all year levels with a variety of engaging and interactive experiments and discovery activities. I extend my sincere thanks to our Head of Science, Sam Bartram, for his leadership and coordination of these events.
Entrepreneurism and Futures Thinking Showcase
Earlier this term, students, families and staff gathered at the Flinders University City Campus for the inaugural Student Showcase of our bespoke Extension Studies course, Entrepreneurism and Futures Thinking. Developed in partnership between Wilderness School and Flinders University, this course empowers students to engage with entrepreneurial thinking, scenario planning, and the development of innovative solutions to global challenges.
Student Leadership
This week, we announced the incoming SRC Executive, Boarding and House Captains, and Committee Leaders for 2026. Congratulations to our new SRC President, Summer Bishop; Vice President, Tianney Hong; and Secretary, Tam Do. We also extend our congratulations to all newly appointed Captains and Committee Leaders as they prepare to take on these important roles within the school community.
Staff Leadership
As our Year 11 students prepare to step into leadership across the student body, staff have also been actively engaged in leadership development through a series of targeted professional learning opportunities. The Staff Leadership Collective has explored themes such as leading through uncertainty and change, and the role of leadership in school culture. These conversations continue to foster a shared sense of purpose, reflection and responsibility as we shape the future of Wilderness School together.
Belinda Arnfield
Principal
