As the year's end draws ever closer, our Junior School has been alive with milestone moments, courageous adventures and rich opportunities enabling our girls to demonstrate leadership, curiosity and connection. Over recent weeks, our Year 3, Year 5 and Year 6 students have each undertaken memorable experiences that not only extend their learning but also deepen their sense of belonging to our Wilderness community.
Our adventurous spirit shone brightly in the younger years as our Year 3 students embarked on their Outdoor Education Camp to Blanchetown. Whether engaging in play along the riverbank, exploring local ecosystems or working together in team-building activities, the girls embraced each challenge with enthusiasm and courage. This camp marks an important step in the development of their independence and self-confidence and is always a treasured milestone in their Junior School journey.
Meanwhile, our Year 5 students undertook their highly anticipated Educational Tour to Ballarat and Sovereign Hill, stepping back in time to immerse themselves in the stories and environments of the gold rush era. Dressed in period costume, learning by lantern light and exploring the diggings, cottages and bustling main street, the girls gained a vivid sense of what life was like in the 1850s. This experience enriched their historical understanding while strengthening friendships, curiosity and a sense of wonder about Australia's past.
Our Year 6 cohort then took on the challenge of their Outdoor Education Camp, which included an unforgettable bike-riding journey through the Fleurieu Peninsula. With the coastline stretching beside them and the encouragement of friends close at hand, the girls demonstrated remarkable perseverance, teamwork and joy. Outdoor Education at Wilderness is always more than an excursion; it is an opportunity for girls to stretch their comfort zones, discover their strengths and connect with the natural world. This year’s experience was no exception.
We concluded this series of milestone experiences with our Year 6 Farewell Leadership Assembly, a beautiful celebration of the contribution our Semester 2 leadership group have made through service, initiative and kindness. As part of the assembly, we heard from each of our outgoing Semester 2 leaders, who shared thoughtful reflections on their learnings in their role, their moments of courage, the challenges they navigated and the pride they felt in contributing to their school. The assembly acknowledged their growth, quiet and bold, reflective and dynamic, and their commitment to living out our values of Respectful Relationships, Adventurous Learning, Responsible Citizenship and True & Courageous Self. It was a moment of pride, gratitude and great hope.
Together, these experiences reflect the heart of a Wilderness education; empowering girls to be curious learners, courageous thinkers and compassionate young citizens who lead with integrity and joy. We are immensely proud of each girl, from our budding Year 3 adventurers to our poised Year 6 leaders, and grateful to the dedicated staff who plan, guide and support these transformative opportunities.
As we celebrate these milestones, we honour not only where our girls have been, but the bright and purposeful paths that lie ahead. I look forward to spending the coming weeks preparing for the end of the school year, culminating in our cherished end-of-year events.
