Building Understanding

From navigating coastal waters to conversations about difference and inclusion, last week offered our Junior School students two powerful learning experiences that will shape how they see both the natural world and the people around them.

Last week, our Kindergarten to Year 2 students visited Chowder Bay as part of Wenona's Outdoor Education Program. They spent the day exploring the coast through activities that encouraged teamwork, self-expression, environmental awareness and a spirit of adventure - embracing various coastal challenges to incrementally build their outdoor skills, including rafting and a cliff walk.

"Through engaging in physical challenges, our Junior School students confront their fears and experience the pride of achievement," says Deputy Head of Junior School, Mr David Ikin. “This excursion was a wonderful opportunity for the students to build confidence and connections beyond the classroom, and forms the foundation of Wenona's carefully structured camp program, where each experience builds upon the last,” according to Head of Early Learning, Ms Carlie Plummer.

Learning About Inclusion

This term has also seen an important focus on inclusion across our Junior School, with students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participating in workshops delivered by Just Like You, a program conducted by Variety the Children's Charity.

This disability awareness initiative is designed to build understanding and acceptance. Through celebrating differences, developing empathy and creating inclusion, students learn that people with a disability are the same as everyone else. Variety is dedicated to “empowering Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn”. The Just Like You workshops are an interactive and compelling way for younger students to reflect on their own roles and actions as a citizens within the Wenona environment and the wider community.

Just Like You is tailored for specific year groups in primary schools and aligned with the Australian Curriculum. It addresses hidden disabilities alongside visible ones and helped our students develop the empathy and understanding that are central to Wenona's values of Kindness and Grace.

Both recent experiences - exploring the natural environment at Chowder Bay and learning about inclusion through the Just Like You program, reflect Wenona's commitment to nurturing well-rounded young women who are prepared to serve and shape their world with compassion and understanding.