Term 4 has had a momentum of its own and it is hard to believe that we are in the final few weeks of the school year for 2024.

Our Year 12s have finished their exams and bid us farewell, leaving the house noticeably quieter in their absence. That said, a number of them have been back to visit and have remarked that life is a little boring and they are missing us! We are looking forward to sharing one final dinner with them at our Year 12 Leavers Dinner after the Advent Service.

Leadership has been a focus over Term 4, with our new leaders starting work in their respective areas. Our House Captains worked tirelessly to put together two successful orientation evenings and our Buddies and Big Sisters did an excellent job of looking after their new friends. We are really looking forward to welcoming our new girls in 2025.

We value student input into the running of the Boarding House and have held two successful student forums this term. These provide staff with a valuable ‘temperature check’ as to the mood of the house, and allows us to work together to ensure that the house remains considerate of the girls needs and wants.

We have had numerous outings over the last few weeks. On Friday night a group of girls went to St Louis in Norwood for an end of week gelato treat, and on Sunday morning a group of eight girls walked down to Melbourne St in glorious weather for a healthy Sunday morning brunch at Delicia. Boarding House, honorary dog, Lenny, returned on Sunday afternoon for lots of cuddles, oohs and ahhs and play time on the memorial lawn! This weekend we have a group of girls heading down to Glenelg to the Christmas Pageant and Twilight Markets. Boarding outings are important in fostering camaraderie amongst the girls when spending time together away from the house.

Last Friday, there was some serious rivalry in the gym at lunchtime when the boarders took on the day school girls in a game of netball. The first two quarters were close but the day school girls pulled away with some accurate goal shooting to win by ten points. Whilst smaller in number, the boarders made up for this with their loud cheering and encouragement of the girls. We were all entertained by the Wildy lion and Boarding House cow who had numerous tussles on day but all in good humour.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in the boarding community for their warm welcome of me, since my arrival at the start of Term 3. I would like to wish everyone in the Wilderness community a joyous festive season and hope you all enjoy some down time with your nearest and dearest. Best wishes for the festive season.

Carolyn Matthews
Head of Boarding