Values Beyond the Classroom

Most Monday afternoons of the School year, our Cadets step into an experience that uniquely embodies the Wenona Values of Courage, Strength, Grace, Wisdom, and Kindness.

"I signed up for Cadets not knowing exactly what to expect, but it quickly became one of the best decisions I've made while at Wenona," reflects Year 11 student, Sarah. Her sentiment is common across the Years 10 and 11 Cadet cohort, whose members speak with great enthusiasm of the life lessons gained in the Shore Cadet Unit.

The Unit’s annual Ceremonial Parade, held midway through Term 1, is the perfect example. As the entire Unit presents its drill movements with precision, it is clear the skills on display extend far beyond physical discipline. For Year 11 Cadet, Scarlett, the 2025 Parade carried special significance. "Being a junior leader, this was my second time in the Parade and being able to mentor the Year 10 Cadets, not just in drill but in every aspect of Cadets over the course of the year, has been a great experience that has taught me a lot about leadership."

This year's Bivouac and Annual Field Exercise (AFX) camps challenged the girls to demonstrate remarkable courage, pushing boundaries and fostering growth through unfamiliar challenges. Year 10 student, Zoe, describes them as transformative experiences. "I enjoyed activities such as navigation, night infiltration, and high ropes. They boosted my confidence and allowed me to form bonds with people I would never usually talk to in my day-to-day life." Zoe’s experience speaks to the Wenona Value of Kindness that emerges when students support each other through challenges, creating connections that transcend year groups and regular social circles.

Cadet navigation exercises cultivate problem-solving skills and spatial awareness, complementing academic learning through applied wisdom. The night infiltration exercise teaches strategic thinking and teamwork under pressure – a demonstration of collective strength. Meanwhile, high ropes courses challenge personal boundaries, requiring both the personal courage to attempt them and the kindness to support any peers experiencing fears.

Year 10 Cadet, Sofia, articulates how these experiences build character. "Participating in the Unit has afforded me so many unexpected opportunities, allowing me to grow as a leader, foster responsibility and respect, and form connections with many new people.”

The perspective gained through Cadet training also offers the wisdom of a broader perspective. As Zoe observes, "It has given me an appreciation for people serving in the military as well as an appreciation for the comfort and security of my everyday life."

For Year 10 student, Annabelle, the interpersonal skills developed reflect both grace and kindness: "Cadets, for me, has been a really good opportunity to work on communication and teamwork skills, as we often have to collaborate. These skills will benefit me in the future when I leave School, as I am now a little more accustomed to working with a whole range of different people and better understand how each person brings different qualities to the table."

The program also creates meaningful connections to School traditions, with several Cadets demonstrating grace and kindness by serving as stewards and forming the guard of honour for the Year 12 Dining-In Night. "It was a great opportunity to support the Year 12s and gain insight into our upcoming senior year," notes Scarlett.

Now, Year 11 Cadets are anticipating the upcoming Promotions Course, which will prepare them for their final year as senior leaders. As Sarah says, "It's not just about what you learn, it's about the people, the experiences, and the moments that make every challenge worth it. It is an activity that is unlike most things you will experience in life and certainly one that I'm glad I didn't pass up."