Welcome to Semester 2. I hope that you had a safe and enjoyable winter break, and that your daughters are feeling refreshed and ready for Term 3.

There are a few staffing changes ahead of the semester that may be relevant to you and your daughter. Head of Sparaxis House, Mrs Julie Grant has returned from long service leave; we thank Ms Marnie Eddington, who acted in this role throughout Term 2. While Mr Matthew Hawkins is on leave this term, the role of Acting SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) Coordinator will be filled by Mr Tobia Trentin. Head of Outdoor Education, Ms Lauren Walker has commenced maternity leave, so Ms Rosie Smith has stepped into the position of Acting Head of Outdoor Education.

Although we are only halfway through the year, it is at this time that we begin considering options for our students in 2024. Teaching staff have been carefully developing existing and new subjects for the approaching year, and in coming weeks, Years 8 to 12 students and parents will begin receiving communication about 2024 subject selections. Subject information sessions will also be held in the coming weeks.

Once students have indicated their preferences, timetabling will begin. Our class schedules shift to accommodate the students’ interests, maximising the opportunities for girls to pursue their various interests and strengths. This is not always the case in schools and universities, and it is made possible because of the hard work and creative thinking of our timetabling staff.

Soon, our Year 8 girls will undertake subject selection for the first time. We encourage breadth of experience and girls will choose from a wide range of exciting semester options as well as core subjects. Middle School is the time to take risks and develop an understanding of areas not previously explored. By the Senior School years, girls consider the subjects they want to pursue through their SACE. This is why we ensure girls are given a taste of as many subjects and extra-curricular opportunities as possible to make informed decisions.

Our curriculum is deliberately designed to create a continuous journey for all girls which engages and builds upon prior knowledge. This gives all girls a chance to explore, enjoy and problem-solve in every subject area, and extends to developing values, attributes and dispositions. Each year adds building blocks for girls to expand their knowledge in familiar areas, introduce new concepts and grow as global citizens.

An example of this also lies beyond curriculum areas. The Year 6 leadership process provides a similar experience to subject selections—girls consider the areas that make them feel confident, curious and moved to create positive change. Where are they inspired to lead their peers? How can they contribute to the life of the School? Here, we provide intentional structure and guidance for girls to consider how they can be active participants in their journey at Wilderness School, and how they want to give back to their community. We are excited to host a badge assembly for our Semester 2 Junior School leaders next week, to celebrate this step.

We encourage all girls to think carefully about their subject selections, and the subjects that they perform best in, alongside their parents and teachers. What subjects make them excited to come to class? The ones that they are most passionate about will spark their learning in other areas, utilise transferable knowledge and motivate them to dig deep when they encounter obstacles.

I look forward to all that Term 3 will bring, and I am excited to see the girls return on Wednesday 26 July.

Safety Update

In the interest of safety, our girls and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school. We ask our girls not to respond if they are approached or offered rides or gifts by strangers.

Girls are encouraged instead to seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible.

Current advice is to visibly use a mobile phone to call police as this can deter any potential offenders. A formal report can then be made to the closest police station.