A Year of Growth

This week, Wenona's Junior School and Senior School communities gathered for their annual Celebration Day ceremonies, marking the close of a year defined by personal growth, collective achievement, and the pursuit of authentic selfhood.

At the Junior School ceremony, Principal, Linda Douglas, drew on the theme of ‘the quest’ that has threaded through the year, sharing the beloved story of the Velveteen Rabbit to illuminate what it means to become real. "Real isn't how you are made," she quoted from the tale. "It's the things that happen to you." She encouraged students to be brave enough to be their authentic selves, to be ambitious in their outlook, kind to themselves and others, and to celebrate everyday joys. "Believe in yourself as much as we believe in you," she told them.

Head of Junior School, Justine Lind, invited students to consider the ancient Greek thought experiment known as the Ship of Theseus. That is, if every part of a ship is replaced over time, is it still the same ship? "Wenona is like a large family and just like the Ship of Theseus," she reflected. "It is the people who bring these things to life, who create the energy and spirit of a place. You are what makes our School so special."

Ms Lind then spoke of the extraordinary potential within each student, their bright minds and even bigger hearts. She reminded them that they are both beneficiaries of a rich history and co-creators of a bold future. "You are all Renaissance Women and should be incredibly proud of who you are now … and all the growth you have made to this point."

The Senior School ceremony brought a student's perspective to the fore. Head Prefect, Poppy, chose to illuminate the seemingly ordinary moments that shape a Wenona education: the friendships forged in shared subjects, the fierce rivalry of the Interhouse Debating Competition and Netball showdowns at lunchtime. She also referenced quiet acts of connection between year groups, such as her English class writing encouraging notes in Shakespeare texts for the younger students who will inherit them.

"It is quite extraordinary to belong to a community that is not united by a single ambition, but rather a culture that celebrates every unique dream and respects striving for something," Poppy observed. She spoke candidly of the hardships that accompany genuine effort, noting that behind a wholehearted laugh in class can be tears wiped away before Period 1. "A community that respects work ethic and passion the way Wenona does knows sacrifice and it knows hardship," she said. "It knows that joy is precious. It knows that support makes a difference."

Board Chair, Catherine West, acknowledged a significant milestone in the School's leadership, announcing that Ms Douglas has been appointed Vice President of the International Coalition of Girls' Schools, a recognition of her outstanding global leadership and vision. Looking ahead, she spoke of the Wenona’s 140th anniversary in 2026 and noted that community engagement has reached record levels this year.

As Poppy reminded her peers: "Life is so subtle sometimes you never notice yourself walking through doors you once prayed would open." It is a fitting reflection as the Wenona community disperses for the summer break.