Honouring Mrs Judy Dyson

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

The Traditional Irish Blessing Read out by Mrs Judy Dyson at the conclusion of every Senior School Assembly. A significant memory for many old scholars.

Mrs Judy Dyson served Wilderness School as Vice Principal and Head of Senior School for 18 years between 1995 and 2012. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, she played an integral role in implementing the many initiatives that enabled Wilderness to earn its place at the forefront of Australian education. As Head of the Senior School, Mrs Dyson supported thousands of girls through their senior years. She was resolute in her desire to provide the optimum environment for each girl to grow and thrive. Her primary focus was always the development and welfare of every student under her care. Mrs Dyson immersed herself in the life of the School, working closely with both the academic and professional support staff and making lasting ties with our wider community. The relationships she formed and the culture she nurtured were underpinned by an unwavering belief in the Wilderness School values. She had faith these were the foundation for a true and courageous life. This was exemplified in her address to the 2012 graduating class at their Valedictory Dinner. “I firmly believe that with humility and compassion, you have great power – the power to take others with you in the quest for a better world,” she said. “As your teachers, our role has been to help to prepare you for a life marked by good work and characterised by respectful and ethical behaviour.” After her retirement Mrs Dyson remained closely connected to Wilderness, working on special projects in our Senior School and most importantly, as Charlotte’s proud grandma. She was deeply committed to the Wilderness School mission to enable each girl to be the best she could be. She has been the most faithful custodian of the Misses Brown’s legacy. Mrs Dyson’s leadership was characterised by grace, kindness, and wisdom. Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to Rodney, Kate, Sam, Ben, and their families. Judy, you will be greatly missed.

Jane Danvers Principal

“My enduring memory of Mrs Dyson is that she treated us as peers. She was always kind and respectful. She always made you feel that your opinion mattered.” Stella Morris (Prescott) (1999)

“I have very fond memories of Judy as the Head of Senior School during my time at Wildy. She was always engaging, kind and greeted you with a knowing smile. I also fondly recall her stories, anecdotes and the Irish blessing she often concluded assemblies with. She was a special part of my time at Wilderness.” Rosie Jervis (Sidey) (1998) “Judy Dyson was a calm and omnipresent figure in the Wilderness girls’ Senior School lives. She will be remembered fondly for the evenhanded, respectful and dignified way she treated the girls. Her approach earned her the high regard of both the girls and their parents. Judy’s considerable legacy is the sheer number of girls she moulded throughout her leadership of the Wildy Senior School. Her stewardship was instrumental in developing our daughters from schoolgirls to well rounded, confident and capable women ready to find their way in the world. Thank you and vale Judy.” Alison White Past Member of Council of Governors