Wilderness Times - 97

WINTER – SPRING 2023

ISSUE # 97

CONTENTS 4

Principal’s Thoughts

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Student Successes

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A Team of National SUBS in Schools Champions

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Thomas Morus School from the Australian Perspective

9 Round Square Exchange 10 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey 12 Meet the Middle School SRC 14 Faculty in Focus: English – Sharing Stories 16 Founders’ Day 2023: Celebrating our Milestone Moments 17 Embrace Equity 18 Introducing New Members of the Governing Council 20 Artist in Residence 2023: Leah Grant 23 Musician in Residence Program 2023 25 Thank You For Your Gift!

28 Welcome to Alex Plazas Monroy and Jason Forrest 30 The Story of Mary Home House 31 Critically Endangered Woods Well Spyridium on the Way Back from Extinction 32 Stories from the Archives – The History of Wilderness School Rowing Club 34 Mary Ann Matthews Scholarship 36 Introducing our Head of Advancement 37 Life Changing Opportunities 38 Wilderness Old Scholars – From the WOSA President 39 Meet the 2023-2024 Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association Committee 40 Wilderness Women Leading the Way 42 Industry Forums – Women on Boards 43 Old Boys Cocktail Party Southern Fleurieu Morning Tea 44 Graduating Reunions 46 Wilderness Intergenerational Families 50 Announcements

Discover the latest news and connect with our community. facebook.com/WildernessSchool linkedin.com/company/wilderness-school instagram.com/wildernessschool_sa Join the Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association page on Facebook to communicate, network and hear about upcoming alumni events. facebook.com/wildernessoldscholars

Through every positive interaction, every act of kindness and every welcoming gesture, we continue to craft a narrative that the Brown family would recognise as their own.

Belinda Arnfield, Principal

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

PRINCIPAL’S THOUGHTS

From the earliest days of our school, the Brown sisters laid a foundation of unlimited kindness in our relationships.

We can see – through correspondence sent from the Browns, the articles they wrote and the speeches they gave – that kindness was at the heart of all of their decision making. This value is the fulcrum of our community, binding together current families, generations of Wilderness women and staff. This value acts as a compass for our students, guiding them in navigating the complex social landscapes of today and tomorrow.

As we advance in the digital era, the canvas of our interactions has broadened; though, in this modern context, our commitment to compassion, kindness and hospitality remains undiminished.

In an age where social media and online interactions could dilute personal connections, as a school, we continue to champion our timeless core values, endeavouring to ensure that the relationships in our classrooms and our community are imbued with the same spirit of generosity and understanding that would have made the Brown sisters proud.

There are several groups of people in our community who embody our school’s founding spirit, continuing our traditions and setting an example for current and future generations.

Our Parents and Friends Association (P&F) create a welcoming environment that embraces all families. Their core tenet of hospitality remains constant. The P&F continue to weave the fabric of community, offering the

same warmth and inclusion that the School was built upon, ensuring every member feels like they are part of the Wilderness family.

For generations, our old scholars have been fundamental pillars of support for the School and our girls, exemplifying the School's commitment to respectful relationships. They provide a network of empowerment, echoing ongoing messages of service and nurturing the present student cohort with their wisdom and support. This enduring tradition cements the notion that at Wilderness School, relationships are not just foundational—they are transformational.

Our educators teach more than subjects; they inspire respectful relationships through their actions and words. They model collaboration and

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curiosity, respecting the individuality of each student. By doing so, they honour the value of unlimited kindness, shaping not just learners, but compassionate girls who respect others and themselves.

Despite the shifts and turns of the 21st century, the values underpinning respectful relationships at Wilderness have remained steadfast.

These principles are woven into our school. Respect is a living, breathing element of our culture, evident in the nurturing environment that every member of our community contributes to, day in and day out.

Our current and (I believe) our future community stand as a tribute to the power and grace of all that the Brown sisters held dear. We may find new expressions and applications, but our core ideals do not waver.

As we grow and change as a school, we do so with the understanding that respectful relationships are the threads that will continue to bind our past, present and future. Through every positive interaction, every act of kindness and every welcoming gesture, we continue to craft a narrative that the Brown family would recognise as their own—a narrative where our community deeply values the timeless power of positive human interaction, which we call respectful relationships.

Belinda Arnfield Principal

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

STUDENT SUCCESSES Our girls continue to amaze us both inside and outside of the Hawkers Road school gates.

Debating Congratulations to Devika Mukherjee (Year 12) on her selection to represent Australia at the World Schools Debating Championships in Hanoi this year. At the 2023 National Schools Debating Championships, held in Melbourne in May, Devika captained South Australia to its first win since 1997! The South Australian team won eight of their nine debates and defeated Queensland in the Grand Final.

Touch Football

A TEAM OF NATIONAL SUBS IN SCHOOLS CHAMPIONS

Well done to our dual Touch Football State Champions. The Open team claimed a back-to-back victory in the Secondary School Sport of South Australia Year 11/12 Touch Football Statewide Championship after defeating Marryatville High School 8–1 in the decider. This success was followed by the Year 9/10 Touch Football team, who took out the School Sport SA Statewide Touch Championship with a 6–1 win against Sacred Heart College.

Eisteddfods Congratulations to the Junior Dreamers choir, directed by our Head of Music Anna Lenartowicz and accompanied by Yundi Yuan, who won the Primary School Choirs Section in the Adelaide Choral Eisteddfods with a score of 95/100. The Dream Girls choir placed third in their category. We also congratulate our flutists: Jessica Mah (Year 6) placed first in two sections of the Adelaide Flute Eisteddfods, and Mackenzie Wilkes (Year 9) placed third in her section.

Rowing In June, the Wilderness School First VIII was named as the Rowing South Australia Champion School Girl Crew—making them only the second crew in our School’s history to receive this award. Well done to crew members Isabel Jackson (Year 10), Lillian Maerschel (Year 12), Amelia Gosse (Year 12), Gracie Dowling (Year 11), Gia Rinaldi (Year 10), Imogen Hawker (Year 10), Anelise Roos (Year 12), Zara Hoadley (Year 12) and Sophie Tayeb (Year 11), with coach Jon Trovas.

At the 2023 Australian Rowing Championships, our Schoolgirl’s Coxed Four crew earned a silver medal. Congratulations to Gia Rinaldi, Isabel Jackson, Imogen Hawker, Zara Hoadley and Sophie Tayeb, and coach Jon Trovas.

School Sport SA Cross Country Twenty Wilderness students represented the School at the Cross Country State Championships held at Oakbank Racecourse.

Congratulations to Sasha Hardin (Year 11) who won Individual Silver in the Open Girls category, while our teams placed in the 16 Years (Silver) and 14 Years (Bronze) categories.

Da Vinci Decathlon Wilderness entered three teams into the da Vinci Decathlon held at St Peter’s Girls School. This academic competition challenges students in ten disciplines—Engineering, Mathematics and Chess, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy.

Well done to our Year 7 team who placed second overall for their year level, earning first place in Art and Poetry, Creative Producers and Mathematics, as well as second place in Engineering. The Year 5/6 team and Year 9 team also placed in various disciplines, and all three teams can be very proud of their efforts.

In March 2023, the Argo-22 SUBS in Schools team – comprised of Year 10 students Madi Chau, Diya Anup Kumar, Olivia Lai and Emily Nguyen – won their division in the ROV Development Class at the National Finals in Penrith, NSW. SUBS in Schools is a program developed by Re-Engineering Australia, which challenges high school students across Australia to develop a working small-scale submarine.

Out of ten possible awards, the Argo-22 team won seven—Best Sea Trial, Best Engineered CAD (Computer-aided Design), Best Manufactured, Best Engineered, Best Graphic Design, Best Team Marketing and Best Team Trade Display.

This victory would not have been possible without the wonderful supporters who encouraged, mentored and sponsored the team, not to mention the hard work of the girls involved. We asked the four team members of Argo-22 to describe their role, its responsibilities and how they complemented each other to bring their submarine to life.

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MADI CHAU GRAPHIC DESIGNER

OLIVIA LAI MARKETER

EMILY NGUYEN ENGINEER

DIYA ANUP KUMAR TEAM LEADER

As the graphic designer of our team, I had the role of designing the visuals of our brand, including the logo, uniform, portfolios, social media content, website, merchandise and exhibition booth. I strove to represent our team’s values through consistent brand design, as the hard work of each member needed to be accurately displayed through our image. I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process of experimenting with different ideas and mediums, which presented challenges at times, but collaborating with everyone to create the perfect design was the greatest highlight. I worked closely with the rest of the team, especially our marketer, to ensure that the designs produced aligned with our public relations objectives. From this, soft skills (such as perseverance and communication for the national competition) were emphasised in order to achieve the best result. As a whole, I am grateful for this unique experience and to work with such a successful team.

As the marketer for the ARGO-22 team, my role was to find sponsorship from businesses to enable us to compete, to post updates on our team’s social media and to design and create our team display at the SUBS in Schools competition. This involved a lot of planning and time management, as there were many requirements that needed to be achieved several weeks before the competition date. However, as a team, we managed to play to our strengths and collaborate to assist each other when needed. Being the marketer allowed me to develop and improve skills such as organisation, communication, management and creativity.

This experience broadened my perspective on the defence industry and of all the pathways and the variety of job opportunities within it.

Even though there was a lot of work that went into us succeeding at the state competition and then at nationals, it was an immensely valuable experience that we achieved through working together cohesively and collaboratively.

Being the engineer allowed me to apply and learn many valuable skills, many of which I currently use today. When preparing for the SUBS in Schools competition, I was required to manufacture and construct the submarine, design the prop guards, create CAD files and assemble the engineering portfolio. Before, all these tasks seemed quite daunting; however, now I can proudly say that I can do all of this without hesitation, thanks to my new manufacturing and designing skills. Due to the tight timeline, organisation was key. As such, this competition gave me the opportunity to enhance my organisation and communication. Although we had many tasks to complete, I found that our team worked extremely well together, assisting one another during our challenges. Fortunately, Mr Thomas Keller, our teacher, was also there to support and guide us. Overall, SUBS in Schools has definitely influenced my perspective towards engineering and the defence force.

As team leader for the ARGO-22 SUBS in Schools team, I was responsible for fostering a cohesive and motivated team environment.

This role was leadership and organisationally demanding and relied on my ability to bring a positive take during a stressful situation. As the team leader, I made sure the girls were aware of what needed to be done and I often helped across all aspects, allowing me to gain different perspectives. As a team of four intelligent young women, creating an environment that stimulated us, rather than promoting competition within the team, was important. I oversaw the delegating of responsibilities and leveraged each team member’s strengths to contribute to the overall performance and cohesion. I served as a point of contact for each member, ensuring effective communication channels were established and maintained. This competition was an incredible opportunity and taught me how exciting the defence industry can be.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

THOMAS-MORUS-SCHULE AUS DEM AUSTRALISCHEN PERSPEKTIV (THOMAS MORUS SCHOOL FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE)

At Wilderness School, we believe that student experiences and exchanges allow our girls to embrace the challenges of living in a global community and facilitate the development of lifelong friendships and enduring experiences.

Emily Johannsen (Year 11) embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime student exchange opportunity to Germany. She shares about where she went, the people she met and the differences she observed between Australian and German schooling.

I went on an exchange to Germany from August to December in 2022 and attended the Thomas Morus School (TMS) in Osnabrück. I was part of a lovely class called 10a, with the amazing teachers Herr Bögershausen and Frau Santelli. I had the most wonderful experience. I met so many people and learned so much.

I made some amazing friends. On the first day, I had many students come up to me, asking questions and wanting to be my friend. The whole year level was friendly and welcoming. In the break, I met the nicest three people, Katarina, Arthur and Mathilda. These three friends I made on the first day were the friends I kept for my whole time there. They were so kind, and I fully believe we will be lifelong friends.

My third school day was our school camp to Berlin. I was really thrown in

the deep end and was terrified, but the school camp turned out to be so much fun. We travelled around Berlin in groups of three and learned so much about each other and the city. After that week, I felt so much closer to all my teachers and friends. The school system is different in Germany, and as a Year 10, I was the oldest year level at this school.

We got seniors jumpers, and it meant a lot that I could keep that as a memento of my time there.

I really liked TMS. They had a few subjects that we do not have at Wilderness. For example, Gesundheit und Soziales (which translates to Health and Social). We were taught about food and then got to spend our classes making different kinds of German breakfast foods. It was very interesting, and I learned a lot about the culture. At Wilderness, I love our Form; in Germany, we did not have Form, but we did have a

“Class-Teacher-Lesson” (KlassenLehrer-Unterricht—or KLU). It was three lessons a week where we just sat in our classroom with our teachers. As nice as it was, I missed my Wildy Form.

There are a few huge differences between the two schools. The biggest one was that everything was in German!

It was a weird feeling, everything surrounding you being in a different language. My German improved greatly, and I am so grateful for the experience.

German class over there (which is like our English class with Shakespeare and poems) was quite tricky. It was interesting writing German essays and analysing German books, and it gave me a new respect for the language. I wrote a poem in German! (It is surprisingly hard to write a poem and find rhyming words in a different language.) On the other hand, my English class was amazing.

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ROUND SQUARE EXCHANGE In 2023, Wilderness School welcomed our first exchange student since the pandemic, facilitated through Round Square. Daisy Colmer travelled to Adelaide all the way from the United Kingdom, and we were very pleased to welcome her to Wilderness.

For four weeks, I was given the opportunity to visit Wilderness School and experience Australian culture through a Round Square exchange. I was grateful to be hosted by the Balestrin family for the duration of my time away. A few days after I arrived, I was taken up to Gorge Wildlife Park where I had an amazing time, getting to feed the kangaroos and hold a koala! I was shown around the beautiful Glenelg Beach and Adelaide Hills.

On my first day at Wilderness School, I was immediately greeted with smiles and hugs. As the first day continued, I chose my subjects and was shown around the campus. During my stay, my host family took me across Adelaide and let me be fully immersed in life here. The activities that I was involved in ranged from having a simple dinner out with friends to experiencing my first AFL match. Catrina Balestrin (Year 12) also ensured that I felt fully welcomed among friends and that I tried all the Aussie snacks like Tim Tams, Vegemite and fairy bread. The highlights of my trip were the memories that I have made and the friendships I will always hold onto.

It was very easy; I was getting straight As in English for the first time in my life!

It was really interesting to learn English through the German perspective. My English teacher would always ask me to read the vocabulary to the class, so that they could hear the pronunciation. I think the class found my Australian accent funny. They laughed at the way I said “Harry Potter” as “Hary Pota”.

My favourite thing about the TMS was the school times. We started school at 7.50am and ended at 1.00pm, but still had the same number of lessons as Wilderness. I was home at 1.30pm for a hot lunch meal and had the whole day to do whatever I wanted.

Interestingly, TMS did not have assignments; the only graded things were tests. In Germany, I had school right up until Friday 23 December!

I had to go to school for two weeks longer than my friends at Wilderness.

I would not give up my experience for the world. I had an amazing time, and I realise how lucky I am to go to Wilderness. I learned so much about Germany, the language, different cultures, the world and most of all, myself. My time there was so special and I am so grateful.

Emily Johannsen Year 11

I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and the experience I have been given, and I hope to be able to come back in the future.

Daisy Colmer Round Square Exchange Student

I would 100% recommend an exchange to others as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...

The experience was amazing, and I have made lifelong memories that will never be forgotten. I think that everyone should be able to experience this.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY

WALLS OF JERUSALEM TASMANIA Earlier this year, a group of girls in Year 11 and Year 12 were fortunate enough to embark on a six-day bushwalk in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, located southwest of Launceston in Tasmania. This expedition was undertaken as part of their pursuit of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Prior to the journey, we constructed detailed menu plans, gear lists and route plans in preparation for the journey ahead. As we ventured into the alpine landscape, it was vital to continuously adapt strategies to account for factors such as timing, safety and maintaining high morale among the group.

Carrying all the necessary provisions for six days, including food, clothing and tents, proved to be a challenging task, especially with rugged summits and knee-deep swampland along the track. These obstacles evoked unity and resilience within the group as constant chatter, support and even singalongs uplifted each member.

The Walls of Jerusalem National Park revealed Tasmania's distinctive flora and fauna, creating an exceptional experience. Amidst the largest pencil pine forest in the Southern Hemisphere, girls discovered plants unique to the region, including Button Grass, and even had the pleasure of spotting a wombat.

Despite the physical and psychological demands of the trip, it served as a catalyst for personal growth and fostered a strong bond among the participants as swims in the freezing cold lakes and cooking in Trangia circles became a platform for reflection and bonding.

When given the opportunity to reflect during the celebratory dinner in Launceston, all girls expressed a newfound perspective and their gratitude for the unique experience.

Molly Simpson Year 12

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Throughout my six-day journey, I learned how much I love hiking through new environments and how much I enjoy the physical journey. I enjoyed having to carry my rucksack with all my belongings and fully immersing myself into the environment. This trip made me realise that this is something that I would love to do with friends when I am older on trips, to live in a tent for multiple nights and hike through trails around Australia. I find that I get to take a moment to be fully in the moment when I am outdoors in remote area.

Nicole Webb Year 12

Overall, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take part in this trip, with amazing teachers, guides and friends, especially after a year of immersing myself in studies. During my solo walk, I reflected on how having the time to stop and be present in the environment was something that I had taken for granted and wished I did more of throughout the year. Some of my strengths that I observed on this trip were the ability to persevere through the long journey and always being willing to help others. On the other hand, upon reflection, I came to realise that making decisions and taking leadership was something that I struggled with as I am not usually very outspoken. It was due to a smaller group that I was offered greater opportunities for improving my leadership skills.

Through this experience, I have gained confidence in myself, particularly as I consider studying interstate or overseas in the future.

Isabelle Yu Class of 2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GOLD AWARDEES We thoroughly congratulate the following 16 girls who have achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

We are excited to see more students reach this milestone in the coming months and years.

Amolika Bhatia (2022) • Harriet Craig (2022) • Isabel Roberts (2022) • Inika Weber (2022) • Zoe Velliaris (2022) Suneli Athukorala (2022) • Catherine Portolesi (2022) • Isabelle Yu (2022) • Claudia John (Year 12) Lily Craig (Year 12) • Diya Gowda (Year 12) • Jessica Craig (Year 12) • Charlie Bower (Year 12) Amelia Gosse (Year 12) • Nicole Webb (Year 12) • Mariah Zikos (Year 12)

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

MEET THE

MIDDLE SCHOOL SRC LILY HARPER PRESIDENT What legacy would you like to leave Wilderness?

Being part of the Student Representative Council is a true honour and I will endeavour to fulfil this role with unwavering dedication, passion and integrity. Through my actions and words, I aim to encourage unity and empathy within our school community. By leaving a legacy of kindness, compassion and inclusion, I hope to inspire all Wildy girls to embrace their authentic self.

What does leadership mean to you?

Wilderness School actively cultivates leadership qualities in our girls. We aim to build the understanding and skills of leaders through the many varied activities of school life for each girl to become respected leaders who act with integrity and model ethical behaviour.

We were delighted to speak with our 2023 Middle School Executive and hear their thoughts about leadership.

To me, leadership is not just a position or a title, but a responsibility to guide, inspire and empower all.

Leadership means actively listening to the voices and perspectives of others, valuing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. It involves building strong relationships based on trust and respect; creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

Leadership is about making a positive impact and leaving a lasting legacy.

Tell us three things that people wouldn’t know about you.

I love baking, cooking and trying out new recipes from my rapidly expanding collection of cookbooks!

My favourite holiday destinations have been Japan and Singapore; I would love to go to Italy, France and Greece.

I have broken my right arm at netball not once, but twice. Luckily, I write with my left hand!

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party and why?

As a captivating speaker known for her powerful messages and ability to inspire others, Michelle Obama’s humour, candour and compassion would make for an evening of powerful stories and profound advice.

Ash Barty is not only an exceptional athlete, but she is also a role model for determination, sportsmanship and integrity. Her values and attitude toward success make her an inspiring figure. I would love to gain a valuable insight into her mindset, work ethic and approach to achieving goals.

Anh Do is an incredible author, actor, comedian and painter. He would add lots of fun, entertainment and laughter to the dinner party!

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JESSICA DAVEY VICE-PRESIDENT

SUMMER BISHOP SECRETARY

What legacy would you like to leave Wilderness?

What legacy would you like to leave Wilderness?

A legacy I aim to leave for Wilderness is the belief that resilience and effort can make anything possible. By demonstrating the power of determination and hard work, I strive to inspire others to be the best version of themselves and unlock their full potential. I hope that once I have left, there will still be a supportive community where everyone uplifts and encourages each other to propel towards a brighter future.

After finishing my role as secretary, I want to create a community of fun, compassionate and loving girls, where everyone feels embraced as themselves. Through building a community of acceptance and inclusivity, I want to inspire others to be confident, encouraging girls to venture beyond their comfort zone and go for all the opportunities available to them.

I hope that everyone will grow closer together as a family, and have an exciting learning journey throughout this year.

What does leadership mean to you?

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means more than just a badge or title; it is about guiding and supporting people as they face their challenges. A true leader is extremely understanding towards others and empowers everyone to achieve personal growth, whilst believing in themselves. Everyone can be a leader if they demonstrate resilience in the face of a challenge. As a leader, I strive to bring out the best in people and help them maintain a positive attitude through the obstacles they must overcome.

Tell us three things that people wouldn’t know about you.

Tell us three things that people wouldn’t know about you.

To me, a leader is someone who inspires and educates others. It does not matter if you have a badge or a title, or if you are young or old; a leader is anyone with the motivation to take action and put the value of others before themselves. A leader should take responsibility for both success and failure, admit mistakes and learn from them. I strive to be a leader who sets a positive example and listens to the perspectives of my team members, while embracing new ideas of other girls in the community.

I love to travel, and someday I want to go to places like Italy and Greece with my friends!

My favourite sports are both water and snow skiing.

I have a passion for cooking and baking, and I love to make food for my family.

I have a pet lizard, Pugsley, named after the lizard in The Terminator.

My favourite season is summer (just like my name) as I love the warm weather, going to the beach and the Christmas season.

My favourite food is Marvellous Creations chocolate.

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party and why?

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party and why?

The top of my guest list is Neil Armstrong. I am incredibly curious about his experience of being the first human on the moon. I feel it would be very interesting hearing his stories about walking in zero gravity.

The second person I would invite is Jacinda Ardern, a leader who I deeply admire. I am intrigued to hear about the hurdles she overcame in a male-dominated industry, as her experiences inspire me in my own leadership aspirations.

Finally, I would invite Tom Holland. He is one of my favourite actors, I really enjoy watching his movies, especially the Spider-Man series. I believe that Tom Holland’s sense of humour would make the event enjoyable! I am particularly interested by the fascinating stories he would share, especially about the behind the scenes of all his stunts.

Three people I would invite out to dinner would be Emma Watson, Greta Thunberg and Rebel Wilson. These three women are all incredibly powerful and passionate individuals, who demonstrate leadership within society.

Emma Watson is an actress and activist, who continues to pursue her dreams and speak up for the rights of herself and others. I would love to learn her story about how she became the person she is today.

Greta Thunberg is one of the youngest female activists, who fights against environmental issues the world faces globally, specifically climate change. She has a huge impact on our society, and I would like to talk to her about the issues regarding our environment and what will happen if we do not make changes.

Lastly, Rebel Wilson is an Australian actor, singer, writer, producer and comedian, who I love watching on TV. Her confidence and strength is something I aspire to, and I would love to have a conversation about her career and the challenges she has faced throughout it.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

FACULTY IN FOCUS: ENGLISH

Sharing stories

One of the questions that we get asked most often as English teachers is, “How do I help my daughter to read more?”

During Middle and Senior School, life often becomes busier with schoolwork, music, sporting schedules and friendships.

Amidst these competing pressures, it can be tempting to leave reading for another time. We often describe reading as our preparation for the marathon. We read every day as it strengthens our vocabulary and teaches us language patterns. It also opens our thoughts to different experiences— and develops our empathy for other people’s experiences. We read for the joy and relaxation that it provides.

As a faculty this year, we have been collaborating with the library to embed the opportunity to select and engage with personal reading into our curriculum for all girls in Years 7–9. Each fortnight, our classes visit the library to learn about new releases, select their own novels and share their enjoyment of what they have been reading. Guidance is provided to the girls to select novels that appeal to their interests, within their current reading level.

Texts are recommended to complement our curriculum and to extend the girls’ reading. Head of Library and Information Services, Mrs Emma Phillips frequently reads to the girls; her character voices are a crowd favourite.

In our English classrooms, we read to the class. We read across time periods and immerse our students in classic and contemporary texts. Some of the texts in our curriculum this year include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Coraline by Neil Gaiman and The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

Beyond our library sessions, we encourage the girls to engage with their local libraries and bookstores. One option that is worth considering is reading a novel together with your daughter or listening to an audiobook in the car. The shared experience of reading is one that needs to move beyond the classroom—our aim is to develop the joy of reading for life.

Kate Hanson Head of English

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VIVA VOCE Viva Voce is an annual event for all students in Year 10. This year, we saw more than 90 presentations from the Year 10 cohort, presented to a panel of English teachers on Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

The girls each prepared a four-minute-long speech about one aspect of the play and then answered questions from the panel. Some elements that were presented included the tensions between marriage and love, religion and mercy, and law and justice. The girls all spoke fluently and supported their thoughts with evidence from the play. We heard about social constructs, power, control and different values. The girls expressed their personal connections to the play, making relevant contemporary links.

The Viva Voce has become a rite of passage for our girls as they cross into the Senior School. Many older girls reflect on their ‘Viva’ with a sense of pride in later years. Our aim is to prepare them for the speaking situations that they will face in the broader community.

Preparing and delivering a speech can be daunting, but we may often be called upon to do this in our adult lives. The skills that we focus on developing through the Viva Voce will support the girls in preparing for interviews, delivering speeches at events and presenting their views when called on at university and in the workplace.

While standing independently and delivering their perspectives on the play, the girls learn about self-reliance and to trust their own voices. It is our goal as a faculty to ensure that every girl at Wilderness has the ability and confidence to share her ideas articulately and with confidence. We trust that this experience, of having their voices heard, will be one that they remember fondly throughout their schooling, just as those before them have.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

FOUNDERS’ DAY 2023:

CELEBRATING OUR MILESTONE M Founders’ Day is a treasured tradition at Wilderness School, a day to honour the legacy of the Misses Brown and how the values which they instilled in their very first students are still guiding Wilderness girls 139 years later.

The School historically celebrates Founders’ Day on the twentieth of May—Miss Margaret’s birthday. However, given this date fell on a Saturday in 2023, a decision was made to bring forward the festivities by one day to ensure that all students, staff and guests (including Chair of the Governing Council, Ms Shanti Berggren) could attend the special assembly.

It was pleasing to see so many old scholars arrive – umbrellas in hand – on a rainy day on Friday 19 May. The roll call is a highlight of any Founders’ Day; it is clear that this simple tradition, of inviting our old scholars back and having them stand up or wave when their name is called, is something the girls aspire to. The Junior School girls always turn around and crane their necks to see. As they showed visitors to their seats, Student Foundation volunteers could be overheard telling these old scholars about how students talk to one another about what they might be like when they are invited back for the roll call one day. It signifies a great bond between girls and their School that they are thinking about this, well before they have even graduated!

The SRC Executive spoke about the milestone moments that defined the School throughout its 139 years, including name changes, moving locations to accommodate the growing number of students and establishing a connection to Nepal.

The Junior School Choir performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Fly Away Home’, and their sweet harmonies resonated throughout the Gym (followed by great applause).

As students enjoyed a special lunchtime lamington treat, old scholars were welcomed to a high tea-style lunch hosted in The Chrysalis—complete with ribbon sandwiches, petit fours and, of course, scones with jam and cream. A few of our talented student pianists performed for the guests, and Mrs Vanessa Abela led a joyful singalong of the School Song (sung in its original key). As the weather cleared and brightened outside, many conversations and cups of coffee were enjoyed while looking out over the autumn view.

A major milestone moment beckons next year – the School’s 140th anniversary – meaning that Founders’ Day in 2024 is certain to be another great celebration, to welcome back old scholars and friends of the School. With every year, more students, staff and families benefit from the impact of the Misses Brown as they begin their Wilderness journey; this significant day is an opportunity to ensure the founders are never forgotten in the story of Wilderness School.

Bethany Slaughter Communications and Marketing Coordinator

MOMENTS

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EMBRACE EQUITY We were privileged to attend the Adelaide International Women’s Day breakfast. The event’s key speakers were Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and Senator Penny Wong. The International Women’s Day theme for 2023 was #embraceequity, which revolved around fair treatment, rather than equal treatment. This concept is important because when we act with equity, we highlight the fundamental differences between individuals’ experiences.

We recognise this celebration of uniqueness as fundamental to ensuring an inclusive environment. Accordingly, our 2023 SRC theme became U&I: an acronym for Unity and Identity. In our leadership roles, we endeavour to ensure we cater to everyone’s needs. Additionally, we consciously design initiatives that target the key areas of the school environment we would like to improve, such as inter-year-level friendships and cohort cohesion.

This International Women’s Day event provided us with a shocking understanding of the disproportionate privilege, or lack thereof, faced by women and girls in the face of global challenges like climate change, food security and migration discrimination. We live in a world where 80% of individuals displaced by climate disasters are women or girls, where 140 years are needed for women to be represented equally in positions of power and then another 142 years until the global gender gap is closed. Yet, the alarming reality remains that merely 0.12% of international humanitarian funding is dedicated to addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.

These astounding figures highlight to us the urgent need to address challenges faced by women. Gender equality is both a matter of fairness and opportunity for global prosperity. In closing the gender pay gaps in the workforce, we could add trillions of dollars to the global GDP. Further, striving to bridge the gender gap and dismantle the barriers that prevent women from achieving equal representation and empowerment is imperative. Caroline Kennedy encouraged us, as young women, to individually strive for action, emphasising the power of one person. She highlighted that education is the greatest means to impart the values of citizenship and rectify these legacies of exclusion.

In light of this, in our International Women’s Day assembly, we highlighted the significance of equity in our futures. To embrace this notion, we provided coloured paper for girls to make origami hearts, which could then be given to the most influential women in their eyes. We also held an International Women’s Day Rose Drive, through which students and staff purchased a rose to gift to an influential woman in their life. The money we raised was donated to Catherine House, a not-for-profit organisation which helps homeless women and victims of domestic violence. By planning small but inclusive initiatives like this, we maximised entire community involvement, encouraging our whole school to embrace equity. Throughout the year, we have striven to act with equity at the forefront of our minds, as cohesive unity is futile if identity and diversity are disregarded.

Allegra Kleinig, Jessica Craig and Georgia Brown 2023 SRC Executive

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

INTRODUCING NEW MEMBERS OF THE

BEN PUDNEY

MARIA O'BRIEN

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live with my partner, Claire and daughter, Niamh. We enjoy an active family lifestyle. I am coach of Niamh’s under-9 football team, a keen sideline netball supporter and play competitive squash. Professionally, I work as a defence sector executive, supporting Australia’s submarine fleet.

I am a partner at global law firm Baker McKenzie in Sydney, and I specialise in corporate insolvency. I have three children.

What is your association with Wilderness School?

My association with Wilderness School is through Niamh, who started in the Mamie House in 2018. Last year, I became involved with the governance of the School through the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and was delighted to recently join the Governing Council.

What is the mantra that you live and lead by?

Surround yourself with people who share similar values, actively pursue new experiences and strive to achieve balance in life.

What is your association with Wilderness School?

I am an old scholar: I graduated in 1987. I was a boarder and secretary of the SRC. I am a huge advocate for Wilderness; I loved it and it really set me up for life. I had sensational teachers—a special call out to Mrs Janet Farrell and Mrs Judy Cox, in particular, and to the Head of Boarding, Mrs Susan Barclay, who got me in.

What is the mantra you live and lead by?

‘Is anyone going to die?’, which is another way of saying, ‘have some perspective’ on the challenges, stresses and disappointments, as they can all be managed. I can say this as I am a lawyer, not a doctor, and in my work, no one is ever actually going to die as a result of what we do—no matter how big (or stressful) the dollar sums involved.

What virtue do you admire most in people?

Integrity.

What virtue do you admire most in people?

What is one piece of advice that you would give our girls?

Honesty, integrity and doing what they say they will do are right up there for me.

Choose your attitude. Life will throw many things at you that will be outside of your control; however, the one thing that you can always control is how you choose to respond to life’s challenges. Choose to be true and courageous.

What is something on your bucket list?

An extended summer family holiday in a small village in the south of France. The opportunity to slow right down, live a simpler life, sharpen language skills and truly experience another culture in this way is a major bucket list item.

What’s the most important business or other discovery you’ve made in the past year?

The pleasure of running. I now run 5-6 times a week and have found it to be a great way to keep fit, clear the mind and boost energy levels—all of which helps me keep pace with a busy lifestyle.

What is something on your bucket list?

This is a bit tragic, maybe, but reading the fifth and final volume of Robert Caro's outstanding biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Caro is 87 years old and he has not finished it yet. When it is released, you will not see or hear from me for two weeks.

What’s the most important business or other discovery you’ve made in the past year?

I have been really energised by the opportunities represented by the Voice to Parliament, to reset the treatment of First Nations people in this country. I am very proud that South Australia has been a leader on this.

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GOVERNING COUNCIL

DANIELLE WHITE

DR MICHAEL PETRUCCO

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

What is your association with Wilderness School?

I am a Wilderness old scholar, with 20 years of experience working in the Federal Government. Using my legal background, I have built my career in the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), in risk and intelligence, project management and business strategy. I am currently a Senior Director in data and analytics, managing the provision of data and analytic services across ATO business areas. I enjoy this role because the data and analytics environment is dynamic and ethically challenging, allowing me to continuously seek to understand why and deliver outcomes that improve the status quo.

I am the proud husband of Rebecca, and the father of four beautiful girls, Eloise, Nicola, Sabrina and Audrey, who all attended Wilderness School. Although my involvement now with the School is less seen cheering on the sidelines (as three of the girls have graduated), I am committed to the School community as the Chair of the Wilderness Foundation and very keen on maintaining the philanthropic values of the School.

What is your association with Wilderness School?

I am a proud mother of two Wilderness girls, Elodie (Year 6) and Estelle (Year 3). Between work and family time, I enjoy running and travelling, often combining the two to race in a marathon each year.

What is the mantra you live and lead by?

My personal motto is adapted from Eliud Kipchoge, who said ‘no human is limited’; I believe that through commitment and discipline, we are able to achieve any goal we set ourselves. I am pleased to be a part of the Wilderness Governing Council and look forward to serving the community.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Despite being an old man with grey hair and wrinkles – and not in the George Clooney type of way – back in the day, I attended Prince Alfred College and graduated from Flinders University of Medicine and have speciality qualifications in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. My girls continue to amaze me—their independence, strength and loyalty to family is inspiring. Further, they teach me the ways of the 21st century so I can still be considered ’hip and cool’, even though I cannot figure out how to flip the camera on Facetime. These characteristics are embodied by their time at Wilderness School, which supported their endeavours and helped shape them to be the kind and confident young women they are.

What is one piece of advice that you would give our girls?

My advice to finding your way through life is to follow your heart and work hard to attain your goals.

COUNCIL UPDATE At the annual AGM in June 2023, longtime board member Will Abel Smith stepped down from his position on the School Council. Chair of Council, Ms Shanti Berggren, paid tribute to Will at this meeting.

‘Will first joined Council in September 2013 and became a member of the Investment Committee in November 2013, before joining the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee in November

2016. He held the position of Vice Chair of Council and the Executive from May 2017 to June 2022, and has been Chair of the Investment Committee since March 2014.

‘Thank you, Will. Your involvement and contribution (both in time and philanthropically) to the School and the School Council and committees over a number of years has been enormous, and we will be forever grateful to you.’

On behalf of the School, we sincerely thank Will for the service that he has given to the School.

We also wish to advise that Ms Shanti Berggren has made the decision to step down from her role as Chair of the Governing Council at the end of 2023.

The School will honour and celebrate her leadership at the end of the year, with her final farewell address at Speech Night 2023.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 2023:

LEAH GRANT

In recent years, Adelaide has seen a growing street art movement. It has become a major feature of our cultural landscape, transforming public spaces into lively outdoor galleries. While street art is sometimes controversial and can be subject to legal and ethical debates, it has gained recognition and appreciation as a legitimate art form in many communities around the world.

Significantly, with the emergence of street art exhibitions in galleries and art institutions, recognising its cultural significance and artistic worth, our students have become well-informed and enthusiastic about exploring the techniques, processes and artistic concepts employed by street artists.

Leah Grant, a renowned muralist, designer, illustrator and educator, was warmly welcomed by the Art department as the Wilderness School Artist in Residence for 2023.

During her residency, Leah has not only enriched students' comprehension of the cultural importance and artistic merit of street art, but also engaged them in a dialogue about her own dynamic mural contributions to the Adelaide community.

Moreover, she has enlightened students about the seamless transition of her artistic practice into her gallery work, which encompasses aerosol paintings, a diverse collection of abstract and botanical-inspired ink drawings and ceramics.

In the Junior School and Middle School, Art students were introduced to the world of artists and had the opportunity to explore Leah's artwork displayed in the Art Centre gallery.

Additionally, they learned how to actively engage with artwork in a gallery setting. Leah skilfully led a variety of interactive activities that resonated with her own artistic practice, engaging Junior and Middle School students.

These involved exploring botanical drawings, incorporating elements of landscape into collage work, discussing colour selection and exploring the use of positive and negative space in ceramic design. With these activities, students' understanding of the innovative applications of different mediums in exploring colour, texture, composition and depth in artworks was enriched.

Through valuable discussion, Leah informed Senior School students of the street art form as an artistic expression that challenges traditional notions of art by blurring the boundaries between public and private spaces.

By instructing Year 10, Year 11 and motivated Year 12 students in aerosol workshops, Leah played a vital role in enhancing their comprehension of the intricacies involved in working with aerosol. As students embarked on their own visual explorations, they progressively advanced in their application of techniques. These included freehand design, stencil design and experimentation with different nozzles,

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hand adjustments, angles and distances from the artwork, resulting in a deeper understanding of the medium.

As a part of Leah’s contribution to the street art movement in Adelaide, she has fostered community engagement and participation, often collaborating with local communities, businesses and organisations to create murals that reflect the area's identity and stories. This involvement has led to a sense of ownership and pride among residents, as they see their community being transformed into vibrant and visually appealing spaces.

During Leah’s residency in Terms 1 and 3, she conducted workshops with Year 9 Art students to effectively design three vibrant murals to be installed at our Crawford campus, inspired by students’ knowledge of the environment through their diverse Coorong experiences.

By collaborating with the Art Department and Outdoor Education staff, Leah installed these with Year 9 students during their REALISE experiences, utilising a range of artistic techniques and processes. Significantly, the artwork created by the students holds great importance as it reflects their personal experiences and knowledge of the surrounding environment. Each design thoughtfully captures different aspects, such as featuring the endangered Spyridium, showcasing native foods found in the area and highlighting native flora in the designs.

We are excited about the ongoing learning opportunities that arise from the students' collaboration with Leah in completing these murals. We anticipate that this work will not only reinforce students' understanding of the Coorong environment, which they experience alongside teaching staff during their Wilderness School learning journeys, but also instil a sense of ownership and pride from participating in the transformation of Crawford's walls.

To harness the wisdom, expertise and enriching experiences that arise from having an artist in residence, the program was intentionally crafted to encompass all Art participants, including those engaging in Semester 2 subjects. As a result, Leah’s presence continues to inspire, challenge and bring joy to our students.

Brooke Porter Head of Art

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

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MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM 2023

A HARMONIOUS ENCOUNTER WITH ROSS IRWIN The transformative power of music once again graced our school as we concluded an unforgettable experience with our Musician in Residence, the talented trumpeter and composer/ arranger, Ross Irwin.

The culmination of this immersive program – the annual Jazz at The Gov evening – not only showcased the incredible talent of our students, but also highlighted the numerous benefits of engaging professional musicians at a school level in a variety of contexts.

Learning from a professional musician, such as Ross Irwin, provided a unique opportunity for our students to be inspired and mentored by someone who has mastered their craft. Ross' expertise, passion and dedication served as a source of inspiration, encouraging our students to strive for excellence and explore their musical talents to the fullest. Having Ross undertake various workshops and masterclasses in our school environment enriched our current musical education programs.

Through these sessions, Ross shared his vast knowledge and experiences, offering invaluable insights into the professional world of music. Students received firsthand instruction on technique, improvisation, composition and arranging, broadening their musical horizons and fostering a deeper understanding of their chosen instruments.

One of the greatest benefits to our girls in this annual residency is the opportunity for collaboration. In addition to undertaking workshops with Ross, students had the privilege of rehearsing and performing alongside him. This experience not only developed their ensemble skills, but also exposed them to the intricacies of working with professional musicians.

The collaborative process encourages teamwork, communication and adaptability—essential qualities for any aspiring musician.

The obvious joy and engagement on the girls’ faces – not only onstage, but also as they watched their peers – revealed transformative learning and commenced a series of lifelong connections. Our Old Scholars’ Jazz Choir took to the stage during the program under the direction of two of its members, Jacqui Raymond (2013) and Ellen Walsh (2014). It leaves me with a deep sense of satisfaction to have old scholars coming back to express their joy of music at this event, where both our current students and old scholars make memories. We are developing these young ladies with a wide range of experiences and opportunities, and their learning is lifelong.

The 2023 Musician in Residence program was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on our students' musical education.

They reaped the rewards of this extraordinary opportunity including inspiration, mentorship, enhanced musical education, collaboration, exposure to different genres, professional performance experiences and lifelong connections.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ross Irwin for his dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. The harmonious melodies that filled The Governor Hindmarsh will resonate in our hearts for a long time, reminding us of the power of music and the transformative impact it has on us all.

Anna Lenartowicz Head of Music

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT! Thank you to our generous donors who gave during our 2023 Annual Appeal.

be when they grow up—a doctor, a police officer, an animal trainer, a race car driver and even a tooth fairy!

Your valuable gifts ensure that Wilderness School continues to empower our students with unlimited choices and vast potential.

For these girls, the learning and dreaming has already begun.

This year, we asked our community to support our new redevelopment that will define a new era in Early Learning at Wilderness, where our dearest-held traditions will endure in high-quality, engaging and beautiful learning spaces for our smallest custodians. We are delighted to have commenced the first stage of the Lower Junior School redevelopment that will provide a unique and welcoming learning environment for our girls.

We were fortunate to invite our girls in the Mamie House to have a special tour of the construction site, thanks to SARAH Constructions—complete with their safety vests, helmets and goggles!

Our inquisitive Mamie girls were full of questions and ideas, and the SARAH team observed how the girls already showed key characteristics of great building site supervisors. As they were guided through 16 Hawkers Road, the girls were excited to share about all the amazing things they want to

Thank you for partnering with us to bring this exciting new precinct to life, for both this generation and the next.

There are many other ways to support Wilderness, including through the gift of education in our scholarship program, and we sincerely thank those donors who contributed to this lifechanging initiative through the Annual Appeal.

Thank you, Wilderness community, for continuing to invest in our students, our school and our world.

Lisa Taplin Head of Advancement

Should you wish to learn about other ways to support Wilderness School, please do not hesitate to contact Head of Advancement, Lisa Taplin by email at ltaplin@wilderness.com.au.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

WELCOME It is always wonderful to meet new members of staff and learn what inspired and led them to their current role.

We asked Alex Plazas Monroy and Jason Forrest a few questions to get to know them.

ALEX PLAZAS MONROY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Tell us a bit about yourself ...

Why Wilderness?

I am a clinical psychologist and I have always had a big passion for working with children and young people. I migrated to Australia almost 20 years ago with my husband from Colombia and ever since, we have called Adelaide home. I have two children (who are 16 and 12 years old respectively), who manage to keep me busy almost all the time.

I knew little about Wilderness School before coming across the job advertisement. One of my good friends is an old scholar and she always spoke highly about her schooling experience.

However, it was not until I was able to research the values and vision of the School that I realised I wanted to be part of a team that focuses on supporting the wellbeing and success of young girls/ women through the School Values, together with the actions and care from the staff and community. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be part of a team that works endlessly to ensure every girl has the best opportunities to achieve their potential and succeed in every aspect of their life.

Throughout my professional career, I have been privileged to work with children, adolescents and their families in various settings (both public and private sector). I believe that with the right support and a safe space to reflect, achieving positive mental health outcomes is possible.

Outside of work, when I am not watching my kids play sports, I love doing exercise myself and having contact with nature. I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends.

What personal qualities do you value most?

I value honesty, kindness and integrity the most. When working with children and young people, I have learned how important it is to be transparent and open to make meaningful connections to support them to thrive and succeed in their personal journeys. Also, I value the courage of people when asking for support, as looking after our mental health is equally as important as looking after our physical health and general wellbeing.

What are you looking forward to most in your role?

I believe schools are one of the most important environments for a child’s life, where we can promote wellbeing and identify issues early. I am looking forward to being able to utilise my knowledge and experience into helping our students achieve social and emotional wellbeing together with academic success. I am also hoping to partner with other school staff and leaders to support our students to reach their full potential.

What is the most rewarding aspect about the work you do and what makes it so worthwhile?

The opportunity of making a difference in the lives of students and their families is very rewarding. Also, having the capacity to offer a space where our girls can feel heard and supported in their feelings and struggles, and seeing them learn new ways to manage their wellness, is incredibly positive.

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JASON FORREST MEDIA ARTS TEACHER

What led or inspired you to get into education?

What is your vision for Wilderness students in your role?

After I had completed my Graduate Diploma in Education, I took some time off to travel and work as a freelance actor, dancer and teacher in Australia and London. Upon my return to Adelaide, I taught acting classes for a talent agency whilst working as an actor in film, theatre and television.

During this period, I had a conversation with one of my high school Drama teachers about ‘giving back’ that inspired me to explore a career as a teacher. Consequently, I feel very fortunate to have had three wonderful Drama teachers at school who believed in me and helped me to develop a sense of self-worth and confidence. They encouraged me as a young person to believe in myself and see that anything was possible. In essence, my decision to become a teacher 25 years ago was, and still is, to mentor and encourage young people to be the very best version of themselves that they can be.

I feel that it is essential for all Wilderness students to be offered a range of innovative, creative and excellent programs to strengthen their performance and inter-personal skills, to nurture their passion for learning and a sense of respect for themselves and others. Students should also be encouraged to participate in professionally run workshops and view as many live performances as possible to sharpen their critical voice and to experience first-hand possible pathways available to them in the Arts.

Why Wilderness?

Prior to returning to Adelaide in 2021, I taught in three different independent girls’ schools in Melbourne over a sixyear period. During this time, I enjoyed working with staff, students and parents in welcoming, encouraging and dynamic educational environments that focused on nurturing compassionate, committed and independent young women. I am keen to bring my energy, experience, passion, drive and curriculum knowledge to Wilderness School to ensure that Drama and Media can continue to be an integral and exciting part of the School’s life— and the lives of every girl. I am excited to collaborate with staff, students and the community to deliver engaging curriculum that is innovative, inclusive and inspirational.

What is the most rewarding aspect about the work you do and what makes it so worthwhile?

As an educator across numerous settings, I have worked with many students of diverse learning needs, genders and sexualities, socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures on a range of projects. I have ultimately found that in my dealings with all young people, they respond favourably to honesty, fairness and trust. Genuine respect for each other’s beliefs, individuality and ideas strengthens and builds relationships with students and their families—and I demonstrate such principles in all my dealings with people, in and outside of the learning space.

As such, I have established and built many trusted and longlasting relationships with students, particularly through the teaching of Drama and Media subjects. The Drama classroom is a unique space that is encouraging, nurturing, supportive and free of judgement. I have worked hard to foster a positive learning space that is accessible, exciting and empowering for all,

whether that be through the careful design of differentiated, individual and flexible learning programs or inclusive teaching. Students have always been provided with opportunities to explore their interests in my Drama and Media ‘classroom’; they are encouraged to be themselves by feeling like they have something valuable to bring from their first day. Cultivating a sense of ensemble by working together is essential for students to build positive relationships and develop a sense of belonging and identity.

Tell us something interesting about yourself…

In 2014, I spent a year in Japan working as an ETI (English Teaching Instructor) for the Okayama Prefecture Board of Education.

During this time, I also worked across four schools and presented several seminars to Japanese teachers of English. A particular highlight of my year in Japan was directing a play with visually impaired and blind students at Mogakko School.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

THE STORY OF MARY HOME HOUSE Mary Home House is more than just a house. As its name suggests, it has been a home to many young women at Wilderness over the years. Named after Mother Mary Brown, Mary Home House has been the place Wilderness boarders have called home for more than sixty years.

To celebrate the beauty, history and grace of Mary Home House that has carried generations of boarders through their journeys at Wilderness School, a commissioned watercolour painting of the building was arranged in 2022. It was most fitting that former Wilderness parent, Jan Norman was willing and able to support this venture.

With family ties to Wilderness, Jan and Malcolm Norman sent their daughters Christina (1981) and Kate (1984) to Wilderness as day girls in the 1970s. A confessed nonacademic, Jan developed her artistic prowess at a young age and her love of painting flourished. She was known for illustrating books throughout school rather than note taking. Later in life, once their daughters had grown, Jan and her husband moved to the beautiful Clare Valley,

where they farmed for several years. During this time, Jan furthered her love of watercolour, specialising in pen and wash buildings. Jan is well known in the Clare Valley for her artworks, including those of significant homesteads such as Martindale and Kookynie.

I am most grateful to old scholar and parent, Penny Drew (1986) for suggesting Jan as the artist for our commissioned painting. She has most graciously captured many a memory in her artwork.

Previously known as 29 Northcote Terrace, the building was purchased by the School in 1960. The building was first used for boarding accommodation in 1961 when the transition from the original boarding facility in Brown's House commenced. Miss Mamie Brown had supervised the Boarding House kitchen up until the end of 1960 and was persuaded to relinquish her task when the kitchen and boarders’ dining room were transferred to Mary Home House instead of the kitchen in the home of the Browns (School House).

Suggestions had been made to Miss Mamie that the boarders’ main meal should be served in the evening instead of at lunch time, but she considered it out of the question to extend the hours of the cook and domestics.

As soon as the kitchen moved to Mary Home House, they were provided with cut lunches, which they could eat with their day girl friends if they wished, and dinner was served at night. This allowed the girls to join in sports practices and club activities without having to rush through a hot midday meal. Interestingly, this remains

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The feeling of being at ‘home’ is one that is at the heart of their boarding experience.

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED WOODS WELL SPYRIDIUM ON THE WAY BACK FROM EXTINCTION In 2017, there were only 13 Spyridium fontis-woodii (Woods Well Spyridium) plants left on Earth. It is considered the most critically endangered Australian flora and fauna.

By the end of 2023, there will be more than 800 plants in South Australia, and 68 are being protected and cared for at the School’s Crawford campus. This is thanks to the efforts of students, staff and members of the Wilderness community, the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre and BioR.

similar today as boarders love their sports and frequently head out in the afternoons to join in sporting activities.

In 1966, a very exciting prospect arose when the house adjacent to Mary Home House was purchased. In April 1967, the School Council decided to put into effect the imaginative plans of architect Mr Dean Berry, who was the Chairman of the School Council from July 1948 to November 1971, to link Mary Home House with the new purchase.

Westerly wings were added, which also created a courtyard area. The School was therefore able to provide accommodation for 66 boarders in an area independent of the day school. It had its own lawns and garden, large senior and junior common rooms and a residential atmosphere that could hardly have been maintained when dormitories were intermingled with classrooms in or attached to the School House.

When the School first volunteered to participate in the SEEDS program, established by the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, it was assigned Woods Well Spyridium as a target species given its endangered status and because the only extant population was found close to the Crawford campus in the Coorong. The School also established a seed orchard at the Medindie campus in 2017, with eight plants supplied by the Botanic Gardens.

In 2022, Wilderness School’s Custodians of Crawford Seed Project obtained a $150,000 grant from the Australian Government. This grant has been used to aid propagation efforts – seeds were collected and distributed to 13 ‘green fingers’, treated with hot water, germinated and transplanted – and make Crawford rabbit-proof. It has also enabled us to build five Exclusion Zones on private property in native scrub with suitable habitats, with the permission and support of the landowners. Dr Dan Duval from the South Australian Botanic Gardens was instrumental in choosing these sites and our students have been involved in planting these seedlings.

Today, Wilderness boarders from Years 7 to 12 reside in Mary Home House and the adjacent two buildings that are connected by walkways. Mary Home House has become a home away from home for hundreds of boarders over the past sixty years. The feeling of being at ‘home’ is one that is at the heart of their boarding experience. The Boarding House is their home, and it is in the heart of our beautiful grounds, reminding us that boarding has always been part of Wilderness and that for our boarders, home is where relationships are cultivated.

These conservation and renewal efforts are ongoing, and we aim to have many seedlings to plant in 2024 (hopefully with some in Messent Conservation Park).

Renee Coventry Head of Boarding

Dr Sally Nobbs, OAM Science Teacher

The plant is still critically endangered, unless other populations can be found or until there is evidence of natural recruitment of seedlings. However, it is good news that, through this project, there has been an 89% increase in the population of Woods Well Spyridium and that these propagation efforts will continue.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

STORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES On Saturday 4 March 2023, the Wilderness Rowing Club was pleased to christen two new boats into its fleet at their host regatta.

One of these boats was named as the ‘Julie Chenery’ and its namesake – a pioneer of the Wilderness Rowing program as we know it today – was present to pop the cork.

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At the regatta, Julie told the story of the early days of the Wilderness School Rowing Club, which impacted many parents, coaches and rowers present. The program which Julie was part of during its genesis is still thriving many years later, with recent medals at the Australian National Rowing Championships and Head of the River winning crews. Her speech is shared below.

THE HISTORY OF WILDERNESS In 1985, my niece, Kate Horne (1987) and my daughter, Lisa Trott (1990), who were then in Year 10 and 7 respectively, asked me, “If girls can row at Pembroke, why don’t we have rowing at Wilderness?”

With Rod’s connections to other rowing clubs, we managed to get donations of:

My husband, Rod Elleway had rowed for Australia in the 1970s and been involved in rowing ever since. He was coaching the Girls First IV at Pembroke School at that time, so there was much talk of rowing in our home. Kate and Lisa asked around the girls, and I asked some parents. It was agreed that there was enough interest to put it to the Headmistress, Mrs Ruth Birrell.

• an old boat trailer from Scotch College that Kate’s dad, Dean Horne renovated so that it was safe and usable

The girls and I met with Mrs Birrell, who listened to our proposal and then asked what the benefit would be for the girls who rowed. I replied that rowing teaches girls many things that will continue to benefit them their whole lives: • time management and organisational skills

• two old boats and sets of oars from Paul Cudmore at Pembroke School

• use of some boat racks in the old Railways’ Rowing Shed (where Riverside Rowing Club is now located).

Dean organised the building of boat trestles to use at regattas. The keen new rowers spent weekends sanding down and painting the old wooden oars in Wilderness colours. From Rod’s past Pembroke girls, we managed to convince Amanda Cross, Denise Collins and others to help Rod and I coach the Wilderness rowers. And so, the Wilderness Girls’ Rowing Club started!

• a belief that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything.

We still needed money to buy decent boats and equipment, so we organised the first Wilderness Rowing fundraiser— an auction and dinner. Thanks to the generosity of rowing parents and their friends – especially Cheryl and Bruce Lahey, the Baxters and other friends – we raised over $6000. This was a huge amount in 1986. This allowed us to buy our first boat, the ‘Semper Verus’, and also enabled us to enter Head of the River the following year—as the first all girls’ rowing school in South Australia.

Those benefits of rowing are still the same today as they were 38 years ago. Mrs Birrell agreed to support our endeavours to start* rowing at Wilderness, but she made it clear that the School had no money at that stage to put into rowing.

Wilderness was fortunate at that time to have an amazing group of very supportive parents, who were willing to learn new skills and do whatever was needed to make the fledgling club a success.

• cooperation and teamwork • close friendships, developed through mutual goals • a healthy, strong, positive body image • calmness and control under pressure • management of equipment and logistics

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1. Christening the Julie Chenery.

2. Wilderness 'A' Team 1987.

Left to Right: Emma Castine, Georgina Lahey, Georgie McGregor Reid (cox – lying), Penny White, Kate Horne.

3. Rod Elleway 4. The 2022-23 Girls First VIII

SCHOOL ROWING CLUB Rod conducted lessons in towing boat trailers—even so, most weekends after regattas, the trailer and/or the boats required some repairs to be done by Dean, Rod and other parents. We also had to teach parents and rowers how to rig and de-rig boats, safely load and unload trailers and how to look after all the equipment. Most girls had never ever used a spanner and there was no institutional memory to hand down, as almost all the parents and rowers were learning together.

We had to continue raising money, so a committee was formed – led by Ann Reece – to run an annual rowing fundraising breakfast. Families who were very involved in those early years included the Horne, Reece, Viner-Smith, Ginos, Toogood, White, Thompson, Castine, Wheal, Scharer, Ottoson, Greentree, Baker, Patten, McGregor-Reid and Greenslade families. To others I have failed to mention, I apologise.

I hope that by outlining a little of your club’s early history, you will all have a better understanding and appreciation of the hard work and sacrifices that have been made – and continue to be made – by your parents, coaches and school so that you can all enjoy being part of what is now one of the premier girls’ school rowing clubs in Australia.

Thank you for the honour of having a Wilderness boat named after me, and I wish all who row in the Julie Chenery to row straight and fast.

Julie Chenery * A note from the School Archivist: Wilderness also briefly had a rowing club in the 1920s, then again in the 1970s.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

MARY ANN MATTHEWS SCHOLARSHIP

In May this year, I had the opportunity to travel to Phang Nga, Thailand for two weeks through the Mary Ann Matthews Scholarship.

Here, I participated in a conservation volunteering project with the international organisation GVI (Global Vision International).

The Mary Ann Matthews Scholarship, which can be applied for in Year 11 or 12, provides sponsorship for Wilderness girls looking to expand their horizons and volunteer abroad, help others or the environment and learn more about the world through global experience.

GVI runs a variety of programs in conservation and community development across 13 countries, allowing people to volunteer or intern for a cause they are passionate about. By having local partners for each of their programs, GVI tries to support communities to better support themselves and run

projects which contribute positively to both the local environment and community. The projects are centred around the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

For the project I was part of, I stayed at the GVI base in the village of Ban Nam Khem, a fishing village which is about an hour and a half north of Phuket.

This village was devastated by a tsunami in 2004, losing half of its population and the vast majority of its infrastructure. The town is rebuilt now, but memorials are prominent and tsunami education is very important in the area. Each week, the tsunami evacuation speakers are tested. I visited the Tsunami Museum and Tsunami Memorial Park, which were very educational, but sombre.

The primary aim of this volunteering project was to conserve the endangered green sea turtles. Nearly all seven species of sea turtles are endangered or critically endangered.

It is estimated that over the past 120 years, the green sea turtle population has declined by 48–67%. To care for the turtles, we cleaned and medicated them, took data on their health and growth and cleaned their tanks at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Centre. This conservation centre is a ‘head-start program’, looking after turtles in their most vulnerable life stage – when they are very young – to give them a better chance at surviving to maturity, when they will be released into the wild.

The centre also has five adult turtles.

We ran enrichment activities for these adults to help them learn how to better dive for food. Green sea turtles naturally eat sea grass, so it is important to ensure they are well prepared to survive in the wild.

Through this opportunity, I learned a lot more about the morphology of turtles, how to care for them and the complicated nature of different

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The Mary Ann Matthews Scholarship is offered annually to a current Year 11 or 12 student and is enabled by the Matthews family. Their late mother was passionate about the importance of travel and encouraged her family to experience diverse cultures and develop a deeper social conscience. This scholarship allows a student to volunteer, instilling empowerment, and make a positive difference in the world, providing a lifelong story. This is Inika Weber’s amazing experience.

I found my trip to Thailand such an incredible experience and am really grateful for the opportunity.

methods of conservation, including head-start programs.

animals, seeing snakes, monitor lizards and crabs, as well as birds.

We also had beach cleans at beaches near the village we stayed in. This helped to reduce the amount of rubbish, especially plastic pollution, ending up in the oceans and harming the wildlife. It also has the benefit of making the beach safer and cleaner for visitors.

We also had the privilege to witness a turtle release on the nearby island of Koh Kho Khao, at an event run by the Thai Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Being able to see young turtles released into the ocean was quite special.

The group also conducted biodiversity surveys in local areas. While I was there, we did a bird survey, counting the number of different species of birds and taking photos to upload with our data to the citizen science database ‘eBird’, as well as a GVI database. Using the citizen science database allows for findings to be cross-checked with the photographs we sent and form a more complete understanding of the spread of bird populations in the area. We also completed a biodiversity survey along a river called the ‘Little Amazon’, where we focused on a wider range of

This program was not only a great way to learn more about turtle conservation and help protect green turtles and their environment, but also a great way to make like-minded friends from around the world. As GVI is an international organisation, participants in the program were from a range of countries. In the time I was there, I was the only Australian, but I made friends with participants from Canada, the USA, the UK and South Africa.

On the weekends, we were free to explore Thailand, so my friends and I visited Khao Sok National Park and

Phang Nga Bay, where we saw James Bond Island (named due to its appearance in the 1974 film, The Man with the Golden Gun). We were also able to visit a selection of temples, local markets, try Muay Thai (Thai boxing), play soccer against the village kids, try Zumba with the women in the village and play soccer on a floating pitch. These were all great experiences to learn about culture and have a lot of fun.

Overall, I found my trip to Thailand such an incredible experience and am really grateful for the opportunity. I would strongly recommend both the Mary Ann Matthews Scholarship and GVI to anyone who may be interested in global volunteering.

Inika Weber Class of 2022

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INTRODUCING OUR

HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT We are pleased to introduce Lisa Taplin as Wilderness School’s Head of Advancement.

Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Advancement Team, and she is looking forward to building connections within our vast community.

LISA TAPLIN HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT Tell us a bit about yourself ...

I am a business professional with long-term experience in high-level stakeholder development in higher education, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. I have been an active committee member in university foundations, schools, committees and old scholars’ associations.

Born in the Southeast, I spent my early childhood years living interstate and overseas until I was sent to boarding school in Adelaide for my secondary education.

Aside from family, friends and my Tonkinese cats, my free time is spent outdoors, hiking, gardening, reading and yoga. I love to travel, enjoy meeting people and believe between us all, there are only six degrees of separation—slightly less so in South Australia!

What personal qualities do you value most?

Integrity, honesty and kindness.

To connect with others, have empathy and be generous with your words and deeds.

Why Wilderness?

The core values of Wilderness align with my values. Finding a role that will allow me to contribute to girls' education through community engagement and meeting those who have experienced the power of philanthropy is very rewarding.

What are you looking forward to most in your role?

In the short time I have been at Wilderness, I have met with community members whose passion for the school is inspiring.

I look forward to meeting the broader Wilderness community, both young and old, past and present, and those we have lost touch with, to work together in continuing to build a well-rounded education for girls.

What is the most rewarding aspect about the work you do and what makes it so worthwhile?

Connecting people. With more than twenty years in the Advancement sector in both higher education alumni relations and development, I have been fortunate to have met many interesting and wonderful people across the globe.

From all walks of life, the one thing they have in common is the appreciation of connection, the value of education, the impact of philanthropy and the transformational difference it can make.

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LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES Each year, we are proud to be able to offer a limited number of scholarships to girls who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability with a commitment to pursuing further academic success, who embody the School Values and in turn, make a significant contribution to the life of the School.

We invite our community to take advantage of these very special opportunities for commencement in 2025.

Year 7 ACER Academic Open Scholarship

Year 9 Wilderness School Community Entrance Scholarship

Year 11 Old Scholars’ Open Scholarship

A small number of academic scholarships are offered to current or new entrance students who will be in Year 7 in 2025. Applicants will be required to sit an ACER examination.

Applications Close: Thursday 18 January 2024

The Wilderness School Community Entrance Scholarship was established in 2021 by Wilderness School’s current and past parent, old scholar, student and donor communities, and other friends of the School, to open a doorway to a brand new future for a girl who would otherwise be unable to attend a school like Wilderness.

Applications Close: Friday 26 January 2024

The Year 11 Old Scholars’ Scholarship is awarded to a student who must be the daughter or granddaughter of an old scholar who is a financial member of the Old Scholars’ Association.

Applications Close: Friday 26 January 2024

Year 8 RH Rischbieth Family Entrance Scholarship (Boarding) The Rischbieth Scholarship opens a new world of possibilities and assists the recipient in realising their educational and personal potential.

This scholarship provides tuition and boarding at Wilderness School from Years 8–12 and is awarded to a girl who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Wilderness.

Applications Close: Friday 26 January 2024

Year 10 Creswell Entrance Scholarship Bequeathed by old scholar Miss Joan Creswell (Class of 1947), the Creswell Year 10 Entrance Scholarship provides the gift of a Wilderness education to a girl who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Wilderness.

Applications Close: Friday 26 January 2024

CONGRATULATIONS

A Wilderness tuition scholarship will provide your daughter with every opportunity to achieve her personal best and to become an independent and responsible young woman, able to take her place confidently in the world beyond school.

Discover more at wilderness.com.au/scholarships Lisa Taplin Head of Advancement

Well done to the Student Foundation Committee, who – in the space of two years – raised $6000 to establish a Middle School Prize.

This will be awarded to a girl who models ethical behaviour and channels her energy and compassion as an activist, advocate and philanthropist.

It was a privilege to gather the committee for a morning tea in Term 1, to congratulate them on their achievement and thank them for their exceptional volunteer service and fundraising.

The girls are now working towards a new goal, with fundraising proceeds to support a Junior School Student Foundation Prize.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

WILDERNESS OLD SCHOLARS

FROM THE WOSA PRESIDENT There is great value in embracing change both at a personal and organisational level. Change brings opportunity for new perspective, new energy, new ideas and – for the WOSA committee – new friendships and renewed commitment to the service given to our old scholars’ community and the School.

As I (Jacki) hand the baton to our new President, Danielle White, I do so knowing that it is crucial for the continued growth and evolution of our Association and for the benefit of our members.

Those who have run a relay know that a successful baton pass is what will keep the team moving smoothly ahead. I have every confidence that we will achieve that for WOSA under Danielle’s leadership and with the support of the WOSA Executive and Committee.

With the addition of four new committee members at the last AGM, the Association will benefit from their diverse experiences and insight, which will foster a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

This cycle of succession ensures the sustainability and longevity of the WOSA committee and the Association. It ensures that our vision to build a trusted and connected community of old scholars who continue to support each other, and Wilderness School, endures.

From outgoing President Jacki Smith: To all the committee members and school staff who I have had the pleasure of working alongside during my time with WOSA, I thank you for your support, inspiration, friendship and commitment to our community of old scholars. To all the old scholars I have reached out to over the years (most of them not knowing me at all), thank you for never resiling from my requests. The trust that underpins our community is strong and enduring— we should never underestimate the value that it offers us. I leave a richer person for knowing you all. Thank you and I wish Danielle and her WOSA team all the best as they continue to serve our old scholars.

From President Danielle White: Over the past eight years, I have been part of the WOSA Committee, supporting the WOSA community and now, I am proud to grasp the baton of WOSA President.

Under Jacki’s leadership, engagement within the Association has increased, creating new opportunities to build relationships.

Each Wilderness girl becomes a Wilderness old scholar, part of a diverse community and network of women who can support one another both professionally and personally, as a result of our education and bonds created through a similar school experience.

I look forward to continuing to build links among the community and fostering opportunities for old scholars to connect.

Danielle White (1995) President, Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association

Jacki Smith (1978) Outgoing President, Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association

WE WANT TO OLD SCHOLARS HEAR FROM YOU.

Update your details and tell us how you like to stay connected. To say thanks, you will be eligible to win $500.

Visit wilderness.com.au/old-scholars-connect

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MEET THE 2023–2024

WILDERNESS OLD SCHOLARS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

The Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association (WOSA) is run by a dedicated group of old scholars from a wide range of ages, life stages and professions.

In 2023, the WOSA Committee welcomed four new committee members following the AGM—Kirsty Wallman (1995), Preeya Goel (1999), Hayley Edwards (2011) and Sophie Howe (2014). We look forward to the contribution their experience and enthusiasm will bring to WOSA.

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

SECRETARY

Danielle White (1995) Director, Smarter Data Australian Taxation Office Cedar

Jane Lee (1970) Child and Family Counselling Services (now retired) Antholiza

Millie Maitland (2012) Accountant - William Buck Sparaxis

Neve Curtis (2017) Law Student Antholiza

2023-2024 ASSOCIATION MEMBERS:

Reshma Berggren (2017) Law/Commerce Student Amaryllis

Jaimee Charlton (2002) Chief Operating Officer Spendless Shoes Cedar

Hayley Edwards (2011) Landscape Architect and Urban Designer Antholiza

Rhiannon Giles (1996) Head of Middle School Wilderness School Cedar

Preeya Goel (1999) Chartered Accountant, Director and Business Partner ​Antholiza

Lorraine Gormly OAM (1957) The Friends of The Australian Ballet SA – Committee Member and Past President Carob

Sophie Howe (2014) Associate Lawyer Amaryllis

Mellissa Larkin (1995) Managing Director and Founder - Peripheral Blue Amaryllis

Pooja Newman (1995) Founder Global AAI Antholiza

Ketrah Parsonage (2004) Fundraising and Events Consultant Carob

Kirsty Wallman (1995) Executive Manager Children and Youth Services ​​Cedar

Emily Rocca (2002) Old Scholars Engagement Coordinator Carob

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

WILDERNESS WOMEN

LEADING THE WAY

LILY HOFFMAN CLASS OF 2013 Social Media and Content Manager, South Australian Tourism Commission

What ignited your passion for your career choice?

Can you describe your journey?

I was that annoying kid who always pestered the adults around me with questions. I had this thirst to understand the world around me.

It partly comes from my mother, a Wilderness old scholar, who showed me the power of reinvention and exploration. I was also unusually well-travelled for a child (my family has a business in Bangkok, so we commuted between Adelaide and Asia), which naturally feeds a person’s curiosity. Like Australian journalist Hugh Riminton said of his upbringing in Sri Lanka, ‘I always knew of a world beyond’.

Ultimately, I believe we arrive in the world somewhat prewired, or predisposed. My little sister, Lola is proof of that. She came to us a force of nature and no matter our influence, she will always be exactly who she is. There is a quote, ‘ Why would you try so hard to fit in, when you were born to stand out?’ We all have something that separates us.

Lola’s is her beautiful individuality, mine is my ability to weave a good yarn. So far as journeys go, that was how mine began—with a touch of fate.

My journey is made up of a series of moments where I chose courage over comfort. I set my sights on journalism during Senior School and discovered that Bond University offered one of the few straight journalism degrees in the country.

At 16, I planned my senior schooling around getting a scholarship, and after a lot of sleepless nights spent on my application, I got my golden ticket. That choice – leaving behind all that I knew to move to Queensland – would become the precedent for many more to come. It allowed me to move all over Australia, and to become a snow ski and pilates instructor, an exchange student in London and an intern in Bali.

After three years, a couple of global backpacking expeditions, an unfinished law degree, countless unpaid internships and making a bunch of lifelong friends, I could finally call myself a graduate of the Bond University journalism school. I spent my formative years building a name for myself in the industry

working for the ABC, hosting three different radio shows across Victoria and WA, while also producing a handful of others. In 2019, I stepped away from the microphone in favour of becoming a features and entertainment reporter for Seven West Media in Perth. I wrote everything from long form features, in-depth profiles, exposes, Bachie recaps, opinion columns and book reviews for The West Australian, PerthNow, The Sunday Times Magazine and The West Travel.

My career as a broadcast and print journalist had me living by the clock—timing interviews to the second on live radio, having my to-do list ruled by daily print deadlines and racing to be the first in the country with the headline. I got to interview INXS, Olympic swimmers, trailblazing scientists, Grammywinning music producers, refugees and federal politicians. But when COVID-19 hit, I was living in the most isolated city in the world, in a longdistance relationship! Right when I thought I had it all – having just been asked to host a daily entertainment podcast – I handed in my resignation and stepped back from journalism at the end of 2021. I did not know if I was making the right decision for my career, but I did know it was the right decision for me. It was time to come home and reconnect with family and friends.

My gut decision was the right one, because doing the thing I never thought I would do – moving back to my hometown – led to the best chapter of my career journey yet.

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Wilderness School is proud to celebrate the success of all our past and present students and their many outstanding achievements.

Leading the Way offers our community insight into our amazing old scholars’ lives, beyond the Wilderness School gates.

I am now the Social Media and Content Manager for the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), managing a creative and strategically driven team dedicated to changing the perceptions of what South Australia has to offer. I was promoted to this role within two months of starting, becoming one of the youngest managers on the floor, but I have never felt restricted by my age or gender at the SATC, only empowered by my colleagues and the trust they put in my skills, abilities and vision for what our digital channels could be.

What have been some key defining moments in your career and life?

I am only 27, so I hope I have many more to come. Both professionally and personally, two of the most defining moments were actually in the form of an email. One informed me that I would be moving to Queensland with a scholarship in hand, the other that I would be moving to London with a grant to complete a student exchange.

Both lifelong dreams, both goals I scribbled in journals as a teenager— and both requiring honest hard work and resilience to achieve. I have lived with Generalised Anxiety Disorder my whole life; I was diagnosed long before anyone knew what it meant in polite conversation. It essentially lives with me and within me every day, so ‘just leaning in’ is not so simple; leaning in looks like me boarding airplanes mid-panic attack.

I could live a far less challenging life if I wanted to, move less, do less, but I never wanted to let anxiety rule my life.

I have tried many different strategies, but one that has worked every time is proving to myself that I can, even when my mind is sure that I cannot.

Facing my fears. A great example was when I hiked the Lares Trek in Peru.

I had altitude sickness from the word go, vomiting and passing out, while hiking for four days to summit a 15,748 ft mountain. Everyone told me to turn around. They were worried about my oxygen levels, how long it would take me or that I could not eat. Altitude sickness means you cannot catch your breath (which feels a lot like a panic attack), which did not help. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, and proved that I was stronger than I thought and tougher than people gave me credit for.

Favourite professional memory/day?

When my documentary series Your Story, Our Story launched. Against tough circumstances, I took an idea to a collection of seven 1000-word feature stories, each accompanied by a video episode. It was not my manager’s passion project – they just wanted me to do my day-to-day job as an entertainment reporter – so I got no extra time or special exemption to do the work. If I wanted it, I had to do it in my own time. I borrowed favours across the office to secure a videographer and producer to help me film, package and sell it to the big wigs. While planning, storyboarding and executing a project of this size gave me a sense of unrivalled ownership and pride, it was the people who featured in those episodes who made the experience for me.

My documentary series taught me how the human spirit shows up in different people—from a mother braving a deadly storm to smuggle her daughter by boat out of Vietnam, to a young Afghani woman who was raised as a boy so she could hide in plain sight from the Taliban. These people let me into their homes, sharing with me their most treasured family stories as well as their most traumatic ones.

What is that, if not an honour?

Please provide one motivational/ inspirational quote that might appeal to our current students.

I have a life motto that has never led me astray—it is what I muttered to myself before stepping into my editor’s office to pitch my documentary series, after just three months on the job.

You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.

I promise you, Wildy girls, something great happens when you do the thing that scares you, because the choice that scares you the most, is the one that will see you grow.

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

ISABELLA STANLEY CLASS OF 2015 Impact Coordinator, StreetSmart Australia

What ignited your passion for your career choice? Can you describe your journey?

whether it entails grinding coffee beans, serving brunch or reviewing lectures with students.

Being drawn to roles and activities with meaning, purpose and community embedded in their practices has been a consistent thread throughout my (short) career. The why behind the what inspires my connection to and passion for the work and its impact.

Through my studies in Geography at this time, I was learning about International Development and Sustainable Communities, which led me to researching and finding Oaktree, a youth-led international development agency fighting poverty and disadvantage in the Asia-Pacific region. My time at Oaktree was an exciting introduction into the development sector and ultimately inspired my pursuit of further study in the UK.

Of course, in many jobs and roles, the why does not quite hit the mark of what you are deeply curious and passionate about. These roles and jobs, however, may still hold meaning and purpose. While studying Geography and Psychology through an Arts Degree after graduating from Wilderness, I had several hospitalitybased jobs in various cafés and delis.

These roles held value not only in the skills and experiences I gained, but in the impressions they had on the lives of people who were looking for a coffee or a chat.

In other experiences, it was easier to connect to the purpose behind the role. I found immense value and meaning in my role as an academic tutor to First Nations students.

Through tutoring with the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS), I keenly felt (and still do!) the positive difference I had the opportunity to make. It was a role through which I learned how much I enjoy working with people, collaboratively and tangibly. Finding and connecting with some element of meaning in my role has added value to the experience,

It was there, at Sussex University, that I undertook research into indefinite detention and the impact this has upon detainees’ sense of self and wellbeing.

The human rights aspect of this work deeply appealed to me and, as a result, refined my understanding of what kind of sector I would find the most personal meaning in.

What have been some key defining moments in your career and life?

A COVID-19-triggered return to Australia left me pursuing a role in the community sector (which is to say filling out many, many job applications) and led me to the role I have now: Impact Coordinator with StreetSmart Australia. We are a not-for-profit organisation, focused on raising funds and awareness for grassroots homelessness services across Australia and have distributed

over $11 million (and counting!) to respond to and prevent homelessness since 2003. Working with StreetSmart has allowed me to connect with and advocate for an incredibly diverse range of sectors, including domestic and family violence, poverty and food insecurity, criminal justice and those supporting at-risk cohorts like refugees, migrants, indigenous Australians, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people and older women.

In the past year or so, we have been able to scale up the impact of our national material aid program SleepSafe (run in collaboration with Sheridan) which provides free Sleep Kits to people in crisis, through 550 partner organisations. I have also had the chance to lead the development of our Schools for Change program, which offers free resources to educators and students to learn about homelessness, as well as fundraising tools for schools to create change for vulnerable people in their region.

What advice would you give aspiring Wilderness girls?

As my parents and many of my teachers and mentors through my years at Wilderness did for me, I would encourage you to seek experiences and roles in which you feel genuinely connected to the why, the impact or the deeper purpose behind your work.

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INDUSTRY FORUM

WOMEN ON BOARDS The Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association welcomed more than 30 existing and aspiring board directors to the Women on Boards Industry Forum held on Wednesday 14 June at Wilderness School.

The audience were inspired by our dynamic and articulate panel of Margot Forster (1979), Shanti Berggren (1981), Kellie McDonald (1994), Jaimee Lee Charlton (2002) and host Lily Hoffmann (2013). A number of themes were covered with panel members sharing their personal experience and expertise across: • Foundations—board basics, what the role of the board is, types of boards and board positions.

• Board membership—who it is for, motivations to become a board director, personal versus altruistic benefits and the juggle to make it work with other commitments.

• Pathways to board directorship—how to get there through education, relationships, mentorship, personal reputation and networking.

• Executive and leadership—the concept of the glass ceiling, balancing a board position and career/work and the impact for leadership.

• Challenges and change—barriers, obstacles, the ‘aha’ moments of learning and realisation that you can do this, how boards have changed in this new era of diversity, going in with eyes wide open and understanding the risks and requirements of board membership.

One key takeaway for me was to ‘back yourself’ and not to underestimate the value of your skill set and reputation, no matter what your age. Women have much to contribute at board level and it seems we have many old scholars who are inspired to step into these positions.

Thank you to our panel members for giving up their time to share their experience and knowledge with the old scholars community.

Jacki Smith Outgoing WOSA President

OLD BOYS COCKTAIL PARTY We were delighted to host 14 Old Boys, as well as ‘Honorary Old Boy’ Genevieve Monk (1961, past Lower Junior School Teacher and Old Scholars’ Liaison Officer) and three former male teaching staff members at a drinks evening held in the Drawing Room on Thursday 27 April.

Up to the early 1950s, Miss Wynnie Brown and Mrs Florence Hannaford’s schoolboys once explored and learned at Wilderness in Reception, Year 1 and a few stayed on for Year 2. In the early 1970s, a few boys again joined the girls for Reception and Year 1, and they are a valued part of our school history.

It was a wonderful chance to reunite with this cherished group. To all who attended, thank you for joining us.

Marg Keane School Archivist

SOUTHERN FLEURIEU MORNING TEA On Monday 6 March, WOSA hosted a morning tea at Cockles Café in Port Elliot for all old scholars living in Southern Fleurieu.

Braving the unseasonal weather, we enjoyed a warm drink together as we discussed life as a Wilderness girl and the experiences that were unanimous even across the ages.

There were new friendships made, as a few girls were reasonably new to the area and had not yet had a chance to reconnect. To our delight, Angela Forgie (1975) had brought along her Wilderness teddy bear, made from her school uniforms. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with old scholars across the country.

Amelia Dolling Class of 2016

2024 QUIZ NIGHT > Friday 10 May WILDERNESS SCHOOL 140 YEAR GALA DINNER > Saturday 14 September

SAVE THE DATE

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

GRADUATING REUNIONS

5 YEAR

10 YEAR

Class of 2018

Class of 2013

Saturday 6 May 2023

Saturday 29 April 2023

On Saturday 6 May, the Class of 2018 had their 5 Year Reunion at the newly-renovated Brompton Hotel.

The reunion started by walking through the familiar Wilderness gates; it was exciting to see the wonderful transformation that Wilderness has undergone. Walking into the new Front Office/Library and being greeted by so many familiar faces was just like old times.

It was a fantastic day that showed us the importance of friendship and networking. It was lovely to see the success of the girls since finishing school and to have the opportunity to connect with people we had not seen in a while. The ambiance, food and drinks were amazing at The Brompton Hotel and everyone had so much fun. I know we are all looking forward to our next reunion and no doubt we will see incredible journeys from everyone.

Grace Escott Class of 2018

We started catching up straight away and were all very eager to start the tour and see the new, amazing spaces we had all heard about.

Walking around the school grounds was so lovely; many of the old spaces brought back lots of fond memories and we were all wowed by the new areas the girls now get to use.

After the School Tour, we headed to The Lion Hotel to continue catching up and finding out what each other had been up to. The afternoon continued with stories of career accomplishments, baby and wedding photographs and so many lifetime achievements shared. We look forward to our next reunion, where we can share many more milestones made with one another, and to the amazing progress we know that Wilderness will make.

On behalf of the Class of 2013, thank you to Amelia Dolling for putting together our reunion and making it very memorable for all for us.

Emily Chelchowski Class of 2013

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MELBOURNE REUNION The Carlton Wine Room provided the perfect venue for the 2023 Wilderness Old Scholars Melbourne Reunion; an evening of beautiful food, wine, stories and many laughs as Wilderness women of all ages gathered and reminisced about our respective times at 30 Hawkers Road.

50 YEAR Class of 1973 Saturday 13 May 2022 On Saturday 13 May, graduates from the class of 1973 were once again ‘in the Wilderness’ as they joined us for their 50-year reunion.

Starting the day in the archives, many stories were shared as we looked through some special memories from times spent at Wilderness. Each photo brought back rich nostalgia and quite a few laughs as the girls remembered the excitement of their final year of school.

What amazed me were the inspiring journeys shared by these remarkable ladies, as they recounted their aspirations and dreams from their final year, and how their lives unfolded with extraordinary successes and happiness beyond the school gates.

On a tour of the School, the changes brought to Wilderness since 1973 were undeniable. Yet, amidst the evolving landscape, the enduring legacy of the Misses Brown permeated through the lives of every Wilderness girl.

It was unanimously agreed that despite the modernised buildings and fashionable uniforms, the Green Door – an emblem of cherished memories – stands as a timeless symbol. Its presence ensures that the heart of a Wildy girl shall be always true.

Thank you to all ladies that attended, and we do hope to see you again sometime soon!

Amelia Dolling (2016) Previous Old Scholars’ Engagement Coordinator

I am constantly reminded of just how special the Wilderness community is through events such as this. The opportunity to socialise and learn from women who walked through the same gates as you years before is quite special. The chance to build relationships with the amazing network of Wilderness women is something, I know I will be all the better for.

On behalf of all those who attended, I would like to sincerely thank Mrs April Ridgway for her work in organising such a successful event and Mrs Belinda Arnfield for the encouragement and continuation of fostering these gatherings of past Wilderness communities. I would personally recommend that all old scholars, if possible, attend their local reunions— these events can present wonderful opportunities and the foundations for new friendships.

Lily May McBain Class of 2017

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

WILDERNESS

INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILIES Ashbys at Wilderness Antholiza House, Sparaxis House, Amaryllis House Susan Ashby (Stapledon) (1961) ANT Victoria Riggs (Ashby) (1982) Antholiza House Captain ANT Georgina Robinson (Ashby) (1983) Antholiza House Captain ANT Stephanie Ashby (1986) Antholiza Vice House Captain ANT Katherine Wadlow (Ashby) (1988) SRC Secretary ANT Lilly Wadlow (2017) Boarding House Captain ANT Sarah Wadlow (2020) ANT Audrey Wadlow (Year 8) ANT Caroline Sandow (Ashby) (1988) Boarding House Captain ANT Annabel Sandow (2018) Boarding House Captain ANT Alexandra Sandow (Year 10) ANT

Heather “Biddie” Ashby (Jones) (1954) SPA Sarah Ashby (Forgan) (1982) AMA Annie Goss (Ashby) (2008) AMA Kate Ashby (2015) AMA Sarah Filmer (Ashby) (1982) SPA Rachel Southon (Ashby) (1983) SPA Isabel Southon (Year 12) Jessica Ashby (2015) Boarding House Captain SPA Sophie Ashby (2018) Boarding House Captain SPA Emily Ashby (2020) Boarding House Captain SPA

Helen Ashby Past Parents and Friends Association President Jacqui Hillier (Ashby) (1986) ANT Margot Truman (Ashby) (1988) Sports Captain ANT Isla Truman (2021) ANT Jessica Truman (Year 12) Antholiza House Captain ANT Georgie Ashby (1990) Sports Captain ANT Edwina Sutton (Ashby) (1995) ANT Imogen Sutton (Year 10) ANT Beatrice Sutton (Year 7) ANT Lucinda Dolan (Ashby) (1998) ANT Isabella Dolan (Year 7) ANT Rebecca Ashby (Riggs) (1995) Netball and Tennis Captain ANT

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ASHBY FAMILY TREE

Susan Ashby (Stapledon) (1961)

Victoria Riggs (Ashby) (1982)

Georgina Robinson (Ashby) (1983)

Lilly Wadlow (2017)

Robert Ashby (Grandson of William Brownlow Ashby)

Stephanie Ashby (1986)

Sarah Wadlow (2020)

Audrey Wadlow (Year 8)

The Ashby family has had a long association with the School, choosing to send their daughters to Wilderness for multiple generations and across many of the Ashby families. The family originally settled in Hallett in 1910, where William Brownlow Ashby and his wife Marianne founded the Ashrose Merino stud from which 13 satellite studs emanated as the family grew.

The first Ashby women to be students of Wilderness School were Susan Ashby (Stapledon, 1961), married to Rob Ashby (grandson of William Brownlow Ashby), and Heather 'Biddie' Ashby (Jones, 1954), married to Graham Ashby (grandson of William Brownlow Ashby). Robert and Sue then decided to send their five girls to boarding school at Wilderness, whilst Graham and Biddie sent two of their girls. Following suit, Rob’s brother, Peter and his wife Helen Ashby elected to send their five daughters to the School—making a tribe of Ashbys in attendance through the 1980s. Many of these families then in turn decided to send their daughters to Wilderness. All in all, there are 32 Ashby women, spanning three generations, who have attended Wilderness over a period of 70 years.

Notably, of the Ashby tribe, 18 women adopted the Boarding House as their second home for the later years of their schooling. The Boarding House holds some very fond memories for many of the Ashby women, with lifetime friendships formed and independence being established from a young age.

Georgina Robinson recalls, ‘One of the highlights during my five years in the Boarding House was the bus excursion to St Peter’s College every Sunday morning for breakfast followed by a chapel service. Dressed in our full uniform (hat and blazers), we would board a bus on Northcote Terrace and arrive at St Peter’s for an 8.00am breakfast in Da Costa House.

Katherine Wadlow (Ashby) (1988)

Annabel Sandow (2018)

Caroline Sandow (Ashby) (1988)

Alexandra Sandow (Year 10)

Toast eating and milk sculling competitions on the long tables mixed with the boys were a highlight of the morning. We were before our time, Harry Potter days!

‘Then, for the service in the beautiful St Peter’s chapel, we were given 10 cents before entering the chapel for the offertory hymn, handed out by the Matric girls (Year 12), leaving us with $1.50 for our weekly pocket money! It was 1983. We had fun playing ”two up and four across”. It was heart-beating and nerve wrecking to avoid eye contact with the masters and mistresses (facing us all) on the high pews, facing a gruelling weekly detention if we happened to be caught. Sweeping the courtyard before school was a punishment favourite! This was our weekly social event and as this – combined with the solitary “red” phone in the Boarding House – was our main contact with the outside world, it was a very much anticipated weekly event. Our friendships with the Athelney, Whyte and Allen boarders remain strong to this day. Other events for the boarders were Judy’s Dancing Classes on Friday nights and socials at St Peter’s College and Prince Alfred College on Saturdays.

‘The most loving Boarding House mistress was Mrs Harris.

She made hot chocolates and toast when we could not sleep.

She just “got it”. The other boarding favourite was Sister Colley. We were given lots of extra snacks and she let us have a sneaky day off from time to time!

‘Yes, the window bars were welded on in the ’80s by Allan the trusty groundsman. We may have not been the most wellbehaved boarding group over those years, but we had a lot of fun and have made forever friends. Although we missed being home on our farms, we thank our parents for the experience we had and having fun times with our day girlfriends and their families too!’

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

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ASHBY FAMILY TREE

Tom Ashby married Sarah Ashby (Forgon) (1982)

Annie Goss (Ashby) (2008)

Heather "Biddie" Ashby (Jones) (1954)

Graham Ashby (Grandson of William Brownlow Ashby)

Sarah Filmer (Ashby) (1982)

Kate Ashby (2015)

Rachel Southon (Ashby) (1983)

Isabel Southon (Year 12)

The Ashby boarding families have welcomed many day students to their farms for exeat weekends. Strong bonds and hilarious memories have been created through sharing paddock bonfire lunches, motorbike riding, livestock handling and hours spent in muddy dams. The country hospitality has extended to more formal affairs of the Clare Races—with the girls dressing up and spending Easter weekends trackside. In more recent years, these connections were often followed up with a ‘Tuesdays for Tea’ invitation where the boarders headed out to share dinner with a day school family.

All three sisters Jessica (2015), Sophie (2018) and Emily Ashby (2020), as well as Lilly Wadlow (2017), held the position of Boarding House Captain in their final year of schooling, under the guidance of Mrs Rosie Broderick (Head of Boarding). Together, Jessica, Sophie and Lilly raised approximately $40,000 over three fashion parades, with all proceeds going to the Bahadure Boarding House to help improve the lives of young girls and women in Nepal. Due to COVID-19, Emily’s cohort was not able to hold one, though she and Sarah Wadlow saw many changes in the Boarding House while completing their final year through the peak of the pandemic in 2020.

Aside from their contributions to boarding life, Ashby women have also been active members of the school community, excelling in both sporting and academic arenas.

Margot (1988), the runner of the family, still holds records for the Year 12 100m and 200m from the 1980s, and both Margot and Georgie Ashby (1983) held roles as Sports Captains in 1988 and 1990. Ashby women have always been involved in sport, for the most part choosing netball as their primary winter sport. We continue to be involved with Jessica Truman (Year 12) fulfilling the role of netball captain for the second year in a row in 2023, whilst Alexandra

Jessica Ashby (2015)

Matt Ashby married Toni Ashby (Mills)

Sophie Ashby (2018)

Emily Ashby (2020)

Sandow (Year 10), Imogen Sutton (Year 10), Audrey Wadlow (Year 8), Beatrice Sutton (Year 7) and Isabella Dolan (Year 7) have all hit the court for the winter season. Using sport as an outlet from boarding, Sophie and Emily Ashby were very involved in the sport community, each playing six sports through Year 12 and receiving the Blackburn Cup for Highest Standards in All Sports in their respective graduating years.

Edwina (1995) was also interested in the dramatic arts and performed in some of the iconic performances directed by the very talented Mr Roger Masters at the School, including Romeo and Juliet, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan from 1993 to 1995.

Some of Jacqui’s (1986) best memories of school years that resonate with all Ashby women are the fun and laughter that was experienced, even in the face of significant challenges. Flowing on from that are the friendships that were forged—most of which are just as strong today. These are friends who you might not see very often, but when you do catch up, it is as if no time has passed at all. Those friendships are difficult to replace and the bonds will remain with us for life. Over the years, we have often had a cousin in our year group, and it is heartening to see that the next generation of Ashby women are lucky enough to have the cousin connection, especially with Isabel Southon and Jessica Truman, Imogen Sutton and Alexandra Sandow, and Beatrice Sutton and Isabella Dolan. Knowing that you are part of a wider family unit within the Wilderness community provides yet another layer of friendship and connection for all of us as Ashby women.

Whilst our interests have been diverse, there is certainly a common thread that underpins the approach of the Ashby women to school life. Firstly, resilience is a personality trait that we all share.

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ASHBY FAMILY TREE

Helen Ashby

Edwin ‘Peter’ Ashby (Grandson of William Brownlow Ashby)

Jacqui Hillier (Ashby) (1986)

Margot Truman (Ashby) (1988)

Georgie Ashby (1990)

Edwina Sutton (Ashby) (1995)

Lucinda Dolan (Ashby) (1988)

Isla Truman (2021)

Jessica Truman (Year 12)

Imogen Sutton (Year 10)

Beatrice Sutton (Year 7)

Isabella Dolan (Year 7)

Whether that is the farming background, the School’s influence or both, none of us would shy away from a challenge or baulk at a change of circumstances. A common response that has been instilled in all of us is that if the dice does not roll your way, then it is time to roll up the sleeves and work harder.

Following on from that is a strong work ethic; there is nothing that cannot be achieved without solid commitment, persistence and dedication. Finally, being good sportswomen is somewhat of a badge of honour for the Ashbys—humble in defeat and accepting of the losses, we pride ourselves on being highly professional competitors both on and off the field.

Another way that the Ashby family has contributed over the years is through their commitment to fundraising.

Whether it be Boarding House events, the Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association (WOSA), assisting at events or fundraising through the Parents and Friends Association, all of the Ashby women have been driven by a desire to give their time or expertise to assist the community where they can. Helen Ashby (mother of Jacqueline, Margot, Georgina, Edwina and Lucinda) was the president of the Parents and Friends Association from 1988–1990. In 1984, for the centenary fate, Helen’s cake stall raised an unprecedented $12,000. As chief cake wrapper, Edwina recalls being surrounded wall-to-wall by beautiful cello-wrapped baked goods to the point that she could barely exit or enter the living room door!

In addition, Helen was involved with the Wilderness School Building Appeal, which raised an unprecedented $1.5 million for the new Science building on Northcote Terrace; it is purported that Wilderness was the first all-girls school in Australia to raise this amount of money in a fundraising appeal.

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ASHBY FAMILY TREE

James Ashby (Grandson of William Brownlow Ashby)

Marcus Ashby married Rebecca Ashby (Riggs) (1995)

More recently, Lucinda has been involved with the WOSA panel for the legal profession, in which she discussed the enjoyment and challenges associated with working as a lawyer in today’s society.

It is true that the culture of learning at Wilderness has enabled Ashby women to nurture their talents and achieve their dreams. Thus, it is no surprise that so many of the family members across multiple generations have chosen the School to educate their girls. Wilderness creates a learning environment that not only empowers women, but instils in its students a sense of belief that there are no boundaries to what one can achieve. Wilderness caters to the individual learning needs of each of its students and fosters their strengths to enable them to access their full potential.

This educational philosophy has set the foundation upon which Ashby women have established successful careers, contributing on a world stage in diverse areas including business and accounting, law, scientific research and teaching; as health professionals; and through world-class merino sheep breeding to name a few. Whilst we look back fondly on the memories obtained from our school days and are grateful for the myriad experiences that were bestowed upon us, we also look forward to the future and continuing the long and rich heritage of Ashby women at Wilderness.

Edwina Sutton (Ashby) Class of 1995

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Wilderness Times | Winter – Spring 2023

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Wilderness Engagements 1. Georgia Honan (2017) was engaged to Andrew Vogelsang at the end of 2022 on a trip to the United States.

Wilderness Babies 2. Felicity Lam (2009) and Kevin Moon welcomed Benjamin Moon on Saturday 7 January 2023.

3. Angie Seymour (Perkins) (2005) and Scott Seymour welcomed Margot Ivy Seymour on Wednesday 28 December 2022.

4. Anna Fox (2006) and Chris Evans welcomed Hamish Evans in January 2023.

5. Madeleine Riggs (Jones) (2011) and Jason Riggs welcomed Hugo Jasper Riggs on Thursday 8 September 2022.

6. Madeleine Rosser (McLaren) (2011) and Ben Rosser welcomed Louis Rosser on Tuesday 17 January 2023.

7. Kate McKinnon (Olsson) (2006) and Andrew McKinnon welcomed Maisie McKinnon on Tuesday 19 July 2022.

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We congratulate the following old scholars on their special milestones:

Wilderness Weddings 8. Paige Dahlitz (2011) married Michael Minhard on Friday 30 September 2022 at Cummins Golf Course. Old scholars in the bridal party included Paige's sisters Abbi Dahlitz (2013), Tori Dahlitz (2016) and Lucy Macleod (2011).

9. Madeline Porter (2013) married Thomas Schnaars on Saturday 11 February 2023 at Mitolo Wines.

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10. Catherine Ellis (1999) married Patrick Hassett on Thursday 20 April at Provenance Wines in Geelong. Catherine's sister Elizabeth Ellis (2002) was a member of the bridal party.

11. Zelda Chambers (2012) married William Morphett on Saturday 25 March 2023 at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Old scholars in the bridal party included Bella Chambers (2014), Eliza Colley (2012) and Harriet Craig (2012).

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If you are an old scholar, we would love to hear from you so that we can share your milestones and celebrate your success. Please email your news and accompanying photo to oldscholars@wilderness.com.au

In Memoriam We extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of the following old scholars:

Garth Palmer (attended 1947–1949)

Nedra Harrison (Brookman) (1950)

Ruve Brookman (Monfries) (1940 and Staff 1943–1945)

Poppy Crozier (2021)

Jan Muecke (Webber) (1954)

Geoff Williamson (attended 1941–1942)

Golda Packer (Cocks) (1946)

Pat Hansen (Vagg) (1953 and Staff 1973–1981)

Joan Mooney (Staff 1975–1989)

Andrew Muirhead (attended 1934)

Annabel MacKirdy (Rivaz) (1956)

Jackie Driver (1967)

Nancy Maddern (Bulley) (1948)

Lindy Irwin (1965)

Judy Carboncini (Harcus) (1961)

Marg Marshall (1965)

Allison Scott (Lowry) (1973)

If you know of an old scholar, friend or past staff member who has passed away, please let us know by emailing oldscholars@wilderness.com.au.

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