Page 34 - 2022 - Altiora Vol 74

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34 | WILDERNESS EDUCATION
WILDERNESS EDUCA
TION
WHERE THE ‘WILDLINGS’ GO
WILDLINGS’ GO
WHERE THE ‘
In a new initiative - and the brainchild of Mrs
Rachael Newton (Head of Junior School) - our
exciting Wilderness Education program is now being
introduced to students in Early Learning (Years P to 2).

Mrs Newton, in collaboration with Mr Parrish Robbins
(Head of Outdoor Education) devised a program
which will now see our littlest adventurers stepping
out to experience and explore the beautiful natural
environment we are so blessed to have on our
doorstep.
The program is called “Wildlings”, and already a large
section of the bush area adjacent to the Junior School
(in the Adventure Playground) has been dubbed
“Sticktopia”, and Mr Robbins has led his young and
very excited charges in various activities designed to
stimulate, nurture and spark their curiosity.
Meanwhile, Pre-Kindergarten teacher Mrs Laura
Fox devised a ‘30 Days Wild’ program for Pre-K and
Kindergarten, which ran throughout June. A highlight
of this was a visit to Wilson Park in Wentworth Falls
to learn about waterbugs and water ecology. Using
magnifying glasses, students viewed dragonflies and
other insect larvae up close and learned how these
creatures play a vital role in keeping our waterways
healthy.
Our Stage 2 students (Years 3 and 4) have also
ventured out on Wentworth Falls Lake to kayak with
our Year 12 students, and practised their rock climbing
with our Seniors in the Sports Centre.