This week we celebrated International Women’s Day.
An education designed for girls and young women
The solidarity of girls’ schools of Adelaide was demonstrated through a page in Wednesday’s The Advertiser in which together we articulated the value of an education in a single-sex girls’ school, where every student:
- Gets a seat at the table;
- Gets the chance to lead;
- Gets to choose her path;
- Gets the confidence to be herself;
- Gets an equal voice; and
- Gets respect.
In fact, this message was shared on the pages of newspapers around the nation.
Students educated at girls’ schools have been found to enjoy higher academic achievement, higher engagement at school, better mental health, more confident sense of self, increased leadership opportunities, and greater participation and success in those subjects and pathways that might be considered non-traditional for women. Students in girls’ schools are surrounded by strong female role models. As the saying goes: ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’. Girls’ schools ensure that their students see constant exemplars of women’s successes, leadership, entrepreneurship, and joy in living, learning, working and serving.
Cracking the Code
The UN Women Australia’s International Women’s Day theme for 2023 is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. This theme focuses on equity, inclusivity, access, education and innovation in technologies and in STEM pathways and careers for women. Walford has a strong history of female students, alumnae and staff who excel in science, technologies, engineering and mathematics endeavours.
Inspiring Alumnae
Last Friday evening’s International Women’s Day Soirée, hosted by the Old Scholars’ Association, featured the music and musings of Old Scholar and outstanding jazz musician Tiffany Gaze. I had the pleasure of interviewing Tiffany ‘on the couch’ during the evening and was impressed with her stories of the excellent teaching and arts opportunities provided to her through her Walford education, and her fearless confidence to follow her creative dreams.
On Wednesday morning, students enjoyed an uplifting event organised by our student captains, Lara Tamke and Ava Morrow. We welcomed Old Scholar Hayley Pearson (1999), who is a well-known Adelaide personality for her work at Adelady and on Hello SA. Hayley’s dynamic presentation included heartening messages about the self-belief Walford instilled in her to be all she dreamed she could be, and the importance of women supporting women. The audience also enjoyed a stunning vocal duet from students Hazel Osborne and Annabelle Fleming.
Principal’s Commissioning
Today’s Commissioning ceremony was a special event that formally welcomed me into the Walford community. The week of International Women’s Day was a meaningful time to be commissioned as the ninth Principal of Walford, a school that has for 130 years supported students to be and become formidable, principled and compassionate women of determination, achievement, and action.
I will leave you with an excerpt from my Commissioning address:
“One thing I have been speaking with students about is being brave and having a go, living with authenticity and integrity, and accepting and celebrating the uniqueness of themselves and each other. Vivienne Porritt, the founder of the global organisation WomenEd, says that ‘normal is the setting on a washing machine’, implying that ‘normal’ is not a label we should apply to people.
As Marianne Williamson famously articulated,
‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. … Our playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking … We are all meant to shine … And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.’
I continue to encourage all our young people to shine, to grow, to take up space, and to be unapologetic in their desire to learn, live, and contribute positively to the world. A woman’s place, after all, is in the history books, at the top of her field, out in front of an audience, and in any place she dreams of being, in any role she dreams of doing, achieving anything she aims to accomplish.”
Dr Deborah Netolicky
Principal
We were thrilled to host Walford’s very first International Women’s Day Morning on Wednesday 8 March. We felt very grateful to have the opportunity to address the girls from Years 6-12 in a senior school assembly.
The students were treated to an address by our special guest, Old Scholar Hayley Pearson (1999), and listened to Year 10 students Hazel Osborne and Annabelle Fleming in a duet of Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara. Hayley spoke about the importance of International Women’s Day to her, specifically the lessons she learnt from her time at Walford, and how this carried her through to her adult life and becoming the entrepreneur she is today, with her TV show, blog and fabulous magazine, Adelady. Hayley’s address was inspiring to us all and we thank her for so generously sharing her personal story.
Following the assembly, the girls enjoyed purple themed donuts, in recognition of International Women’s Day. We were thrilled to celebrate the theme of Embracing Equity with our Walford community, and wish everyone all the best for the remainder of Term 1!
Lara Tamke and Ava Morrow
School Captains
This week, we formally welcomed Junior School leaders to their roles during our Junior School Induction Assembly. As part of this service, we shared what it means to not only have a ‘growth’ rather than ‘fixed’ mindset, but to consider how we can also develop a ‘benefit mindset’ – showing an open heart to serve the wellbeing of all. Junior School students were all encouraged to consider how they can be of benefit to their families, their school and even the wider local and global communities.
We look forward to the leadership and new initiatives that our Junior School Leaders, Leader of Music, Leader of Sport and Leader of Sustainability will bring to our community, throughout 2023 in collaboration with our Junior School House Captains and Reception to Year 4 Student Representative team.
Peer support and digital technologies specialist groups are also offered, as part of renewed leadership opportunities for Year 5s at Walford.
Kate Barber
Head of Junior School
SOUTHSTART, Australia’s leading impact and innovation festival, in partnership with the University of Adelaide’s ThincLab & Future Anything held an event for schools on Tuesday 7 March. The Walford Stage 2 Business Innovation class attended the event and immersed themselves in entrepreneurial thinking and doing.
It was an epic experience for the students as they were able to hear from Chief Student Entrepreneur (ThincLab) Sam Messina and the work he is doing with selling Ortomi robots to manage mental health issues. Sam’s inspirational keynote speech and Q&A was followed by small group sessions that engaged students in a design thinking challenge.
To ensure a thriving and sustainable future for our people and planet, we must play an active role in identifying and solving the challenges of today but where do we begin? Students had the opportunity to begin by diving into one of four challenges to brainstorm creative solutions. No idea was too wild, it was time to think big. Sessions were facilitated by social engagement teams from industry and students were split into mixed groups with other schools to broaden their perspectives.
The four challenges were:
- Future ready in a changing climate (SA Water)
- A burnout free future (Adelaide University)
- The smart home of the future (RAA)
- Re-imagine a new world (Youth Inc)
Afternoon masterclasses allowed the students to hone their entrepreneurial skills with the following options:
- Perfect your Pitch
- 7 ways to maximise your impact
- The future is yours: building your dream idea
- Building your future solver tool kit
We had a wonderful day of learning through challenge and action.
Enza Iammarone
Business Innovation Teacher
To celebrate the 130 year birthday of Walford we have commissioned a special commemorative crew neck supporters’ top for all members of the family.
*Adults and students in the Middle and Senior School can select either the pale blue or washed-navy top with the printing of the 1893 logo.
Sizes range from XS to XXL and are $80.
*Students can also select the pale blue top in sizes 2,4,6,8,10 and 12. This is the most suitable sizing for the Junior School students. Cost $65. There are no Junior School children’s sizes in the washed-navy top.
*Students are able to wear the commemorative top with their sportwear for this year. The new duffle bag can also be used for sport. (Orders on Humanitix)
*All sizes are available for you to view or try on and samples of the printed crew neck tops with the logo are on display. They look fabulous!
*The tops are only available by individual orders which can be placed on the Humanitix link. Orders need to be completed by the end of the school term for delivery early next term.
So show your true colours and your support of your School by wearing one of the Walford tops throughout the year!
The Early Learning Centre children are enjoying their new enormous sandpit that is a big part of our newly developed back playspace. There is so much room for everyone to explore and engage in their play in the sand. Some choose to follow their own pursuits but many are finding the area a wonderful place to bond with friends and create wonderful play together.
Throughout Term 1 the ELC educators intentionally design experiences to capture children’s interest and bring them together. We know that wonderful learning happens when it is shared and supported by others and the connections and relationships forged become foundations for confident, happy and successful learners.
It is not always easy to reach out and make a friend and so with the help of these opportunities (and some ever present gentle adult guidance and support), the ELC children build a little tool kit of strategies to help them confidently join in games and nurture friendships.
Woven through every ELC program is a focus on opportunities for children to work together, to encourage bonds and strengthen connections with each other. This is very evident on Friday mornings when our littlest early learners and their parents join together for Playgroup. Playgroup is all about bringing people together. It is the perfect place for the children to develop social skills with other children while parents connect with other parents over a cup of coffee and a chat. It is also a wonderful way to take a peek at the Walford ELC in action!
If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our Playgroup you are most welcome come along between 10.00am and 11.30am to the Adamson Room on any Friday during term time. The first session is complimentary and then regular sessions are run on a pay per session basis.
I look forward to meeting you very soon!
Charmaine Brooks
Director of Early Learning
The Walford Swimming Carnival was held at the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre in Marion on Friday 24 February this year which saw temperatures rise outside to 41 degrees and once again, close competition between Houses.
The winners of the Barham Black Trophy for 2023 was Prince Rayner with 2001 points, 2nd was Gordon with 1756 points, 3rd was Murray with 1489 points, 4th was Fletcher with 1433 points and 5th was Cleland with 1423 points.
Individually, Emily Estcourt-Hughes dominated the day winning her events but also receiving the Beadnall Cup for Backstroke, Luker Cup for Butterfly, Championship 50m Freestyle, and Ware Invitational for 200m Freestyle. This year saw Shevonne Seet win the Smith Cup for Breaststroke.
A very big thank you extends to our outgoing Swimming Captain, Sadie Proctor, for all her help during the year as well as the assistance from our House Captains from Murray – Maisie Laird, Amelia Trengove and Edwina Lees, Gordon – Phoebe Loudon and Sofia Meyer, Prince Rayner – Charlotte Newman and Scarlett Papps-Burford, Fletcher – Evie Fragos and Elsie Schapel and Cleland – Mimi Bridgman and Scarlett Minney.
Jamie Bahnisch
Head of Sport and Coaching
Walford 130 Year Anniversary Duffle Bag
Stylish, durable Walford Limited Edition Duffle Bag.
- Zip closure
- Cotton webbing straps
- Internal slip pocket
- Crossbody strap
- Reinforced handles
$75 – Limited edition
Collect from Mrs Robson in the Front Office
Click here to order
On Thursday 9 March at Norwood Swimming Centre Walford assembled a 20-student strong squad to compete at the Adelaide South East Sapsasa Swimming Carnival.
The day saw students compete in individual events for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Relay events. All students competed very strongly during the day which included several occasions where students placed inside the Top 3 for events. Some of these placings will also earn some students selection to the State Metro Championships. Due to these placings and other strong performances by students through the day, Walford finished 3rd overall out of all competing schools. However, this also resulted in Walford being the overall winner for the Small School Section for the Adelaide South East Carnival. This is the second year in a row where Walford has won this award.
This is a fantastic achievement by our students which is testament to the work they have been doing during their Health and Physical Education Lessons this term with Ms Delvins, Ms Lamming and Mr Johnson. A big thank you is to be extended to our parents and grandparents who attended the day assisting with timekeeping and showing their support to all students competing.
Jamie Bahnisch
Head of Sport and Coaching
As shared in Week 5, this is a friendly reminder to those students and families ahead of Terms 2 and 3 to use the below links nominate for Winter Sport. Please note the link for students in Reception – Year 6 is for commitments in Term 2 only, whereas the link for students in Years 7 – 12 will be for Terms 2 and 3.
When entering these nominations please ensure you read these carefully and make sure there are no conflicts with trainings/matches that you wish to nominate for if wanting to participate across multiple sports. The nomination numbers from these forms are an integral part of the team nomination process for IGSSA sport, so we need to ensure these are as accurate as possible and ask students to honour their nomination and commitment. May we ask you to please complete by no later than Friday 17 March.
Reception – Year 6 Nominations – https://form.jotform.com/220669278081866
Years 7 – 12 Nominations – https://form.jotform.com/220668894620868
Jamie Bahnisch
Head of Sport and Coaching
At Walford Anglican School for Girls we offer more than 20 sporting programs across the Junior, Middle and Senior School to provide multiple entry points into a range of sports, enabling girls to develop mastery across a range of sporting disciplines. The model for Sport at Walford is based upon the pillars of Character, Commitment, Community and Energy. These extend across all our sporting programs to promote a positive culture, creating the ideal environment for students to thrive in their sporting endeavours.
We have the drive to always want to be better in every aspect of our participation in sport, wanting to explore every opportunity to learn, and be courageous with everything we do. Students have the opportunity to excel in sport through participation, coaching and leadership – developing themselves as stewards of their chosen pursuits in order to be the best they can be. We aim to create a supportive and engaging environment for our students to participate in, enabling all who participate to connect positively with others, develop the skills and dispositions involved with teamwork and gain a strong sense of belonging. We bring fun, enthusiasm, and passion whenever we step onto the court, run out on to the field or head out on the water.
Please follow the link to find the new Sport and Coaching Brochure and learn more about Walford Sport – https://walford.sa.edu.au/sport/
Jamie Bahnisch
Head of Sport and Coaching
As has previously been communicated, the School is intending to begin a review of its student uniform.
Wearing our Walford uniform unifies our student community. It enhances students’ sense of belonging and amplifies School spirit, instilling pride in our School and in being a Walford student. Importantly, a uniform allows students to engage in their learning and activities on an equal footing.
In Walford’s 130 years, the School’s uniform has changed over time, from the white blouses and navy skirts and tunics of the early 1900s, to the cream sports blazers of the 1920s, the introduction of pale blue items in the 1940s, and the minidress of the late 1960s. The range of hats, from straw boaters to a navy velour hat and tartan beret, can be seen in the School Shop. The current uniform was introduced in 1982 after a uniform review in 1979, which had as its aim to ensure a uniform ‘suitable for a modern school’.
2023, our 130th birthday year, 44 years since the last uniform review, and 41 years since the last significant change in Walford’s uniform, presents an opportunity to once again consider how our uniform might be improved, or even reimagined, for our students and their current world.
Any review of uniform needs to be responsive to the needs of our community, especially our students who wear it each day. Walford students and old scholars are accomplished and determined girls and women of intellect, action and service. Cost, care, comfort, safety, practicality and inclusivity are all aspects of a uniform that empowers each of our students to feel and achieve their best, in a way appropriate to their identities and daily activities.
As a first step towards a uniform review, students, parents and staff have been invited to respond to a survey on the Walford school uniform. The survey, which can be accessed here, is intended to generate perspectives around the aspects of Walford’s uniform that are working, those that could be improved or rethought, and how the uniform could better serve the needs, bodies, lives, activities, and identities, of our students.
We are at the very beginning of a considered and consultative uniform review process that will take some time. I look forward to the feedback generated through this survey, which will inform our next steps.
Deborah Netolicky
Principal
The Year 10 Miscarriages of Justice class visited the Adelaide Magistrates Court to learn about the role of criminal courts in delivering justice. They were able to see the magistrate apply the law to make decisions in an adversarial court system. This learning activity will equip the students with the capacity to think critically about our justice system and evaluate the impact it has on individuals and society.
Enza Iammarrone
Miscarriages of Justice Teacher
The Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas visited the Stage 2 Legal Studies class to discuss the role of members of the Australian Parliament in making law and governing the country. They were able to discuss a range of political issues currently being debated in parliament such as the First Nations voice and the potential changes to superannuation.
Enza Iammarrone
Legal Studies Teacher
During Week 5, the Senior String Orchestra, ChanterElle, Chica Vocé, Small Jazz Combo and the two Big Bands participated in workshops with the Australian music icon, Ross Irwin. He is an instrumentalist, singer, producer, and composer and has toured all over the world for almost 20 years with iconic Australian bands ‘The Cat Empire’ and ‘The Bamboos’. Ross is also a large-scale arranger and composer, having written for the Queensland, Melbourne, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, as well as countless jazz big bands and large ensembles. This year Ross is arranging and performing with these leading symphony orchestras along with vocalist Kate Ceberano.
During these workshops with Ross, he offered advice and guidance regarding the various pieces we were playing. It was also very exciting to have Ross working for the first time with the Senior String Orchestra.
Students performed their pieces with Ross on Thursday night at our Jazz it Up concert. This was a wonderful experience for the students as they were able to perform pieces they have been practising with friends and family to a full capacity audience. Ross joined the ensembles and performed alongside the students during the evening.
We are excited that many of these groups who performed on Thursday night will be travelling to Mount Gambier for the first live Generations in Jazz since 2020.
Elizabeth Worthley and Mia Worth
Music Captains
The PTA is organising a whole school Easter Raffle and would appreciate donations of Easter goodies to fill raffle baskets (gourmet yummies, chocolate eggs, soft toys etc)
Donations can be left in the Front Office or the Junior School Office by Monday 3 April.
Please be as creative and generous as you can!
Tickets will be $2 each and available on Humanitix from Thursday March 16.
Walford PTA Committee
Every season the Walford Rowing Parent Committee works tirelessly to support our Walford Giants. Our students have trained very hard, as they do every season, starting at school at 5am and finishing at 7:30pm some days. To support this dedication, our Parent Committee has been busy fundraising and are hoping that the wonderful Walford Community can help. On our online store there is a range of merchandise and wine for sale. Our wine fundraiser features a range of premium wines at fantastic prices where these wines will be delivered to school for collection. Our Parent Committee has also launched an online auction for a 2022 signed and framed Port Guernsey which was kindly donated by the Loudon family. This item is an absolute must for all those Port Adelaide supporters amongst us! Please follow the QR code or the link on the flyer to bid online. All funds raised will directly support Walford Rowing and we thank you in advance for your help with such a great cause in supporting our students.
Click here for Wine flyer
Click here for Silent Auction
Andrew Taylor
Rowing Parent committee
The Year 9 World of Business class toured the Haigh’s factory to learn about the resources available in an economy to create output and the way that businesses rely on those resources to make a profit. Consumers also rely on businesses for employment and product differentiation has a role in all our lives as our consumption can be responsible and also improve the quality of our lives. Concepts about productivity and profitability were also discussed and students were able to see how market forces of demand and supply shape process and output in markets. The best part of the trip was the delicious chocolate purchased and consumed!!
Enza Iammarrone
World of Business Teacher
Be a Walford Girl for a Day
Junior and Middle School – Reception to Year 9
We are very happy to offer your daughter the opportunity to be a Walford Girl for a day. A uniform is provided and class buddies will be ready to welcome her and to keep her company throughout the day. Your daughter will meet the teachers, make new friends and participate in classroom lessons and activities.
Families interested in knowing about Boarding are also welcome to visit and for their daughter to stay overnight.
Alice Scott
Head of Enrolments
Please click here to book.
The Year 8 Start Ups classes made a simple toy in class. The purpose of the learning activity was to calculate the cost of labour and materials and work out how to determine selling prices in order to generate enough revenue to generate a profit. In doing so, they learnt how to create a financially sustainable enterprise. Research from ASIC suggests that improved financial capability can empower individuals to take action to achieve their goals and achieve financial wellbeing. Financial capability refers not only to the knowledge needed to make sound financial decisions, but to a combination of financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence that leads to positive financial behaviours and money management decisions that fit the circumstances of one’s life.
Enza Iammarrone
Teacher
Friday 24 March
5.30 – 8pm in The Heart of Walford
Preparations for the Annual PTA Picnic are well underway and we are very excited to share some of the details:
*Picnic is in the Heart of Walford and on the Fig Tree Café Lawns
*Tables for year levels to meet and share their picnic
*Delicious sausage sizzle – who does a sausage cook-up better than the PTA?
*Ice-creams
*Games
*Open Mic Karaoke
*BYO chairs, picnic rugs and picnic baskets (How about bringing your new PTA Picnic Rug?)
**And the best news….The Cake Competition is Back!
Design and make your own cake to represent the theme of 130 years.
Cakes are judged and certificates and prizes are awarded.
Your chance to win your favourite cake in the Silent Auction.
Looking forward to seeing our Walford community together on this fun night for all the family.
Rebecca Maund
Walford PTA President
On Tuesday 7 March, eight Year six students, and Ms Noble, went to Prince Alfred College to engage in the Kids’ Lit Quiz, which was a quiz all about books. 21 teams competed, coming from 7 different schools around South Australia, including East Adelaide School, Heritage College, St John’s Grammar School, Saint Ignatius’ College, Trinity College, and Prince Alfred College. Each team needed four avid readers and Walford had two teams for the first time we had participated in the annual event.
There were ten rounds, each with a different category such as, book knowledge, mythology, gangs and a visual round about fictional characters. Each group had to work together as a team and collaborate to come up with an answer. Things got quite intense. I couldn’t contain my excitement a couple of times, and I had to remind myself to whisper to make sure other teams didn’t hear our answers.
Walford Team 1 made a grand total of 42 points, and Team 2 ended up with 59 points. Walford Team 2 also won round 10, with the category Prisoners and Prisons. All teams who won a round were rewarded with a book each. Saint Ignatius’ College came out on top with 73 points and will represent South Australia at the National competition.
We would recommend younger girls going into Year 6 give the Kids’ Lit Quiz a go next year, as it was a wonderful experience, and all the girls who went loved it.
Clementine Hasler
Year 6
Winter Uniform
It is a requirement for all students to wear winter uniform from the start of Term 2.
The School Shop is not open during the term break so now is the time to organise your student’s winter uniform needs. Appointments are not necessary, but please do not leave it any longer.
Students on the Senior Campus are welcome to visit the shop during recess and lunch times to be fitted and make purchases via cash, card, Flexischools or over the phone.
Parents are of course welcome to meet students at the shop during the day or attend before or after school.
Formal
Junior School students require a Winter Pinafore, Sky Blue Blouse, Grey Socks and Tights.
Years 6-10 students require a Winter Skirt, Yellow Blouse, Tie, Grey Socks and Tights.
Year 11 students wear the Yellow Blouse Term 2 and swap to the White Blouse Term 3.
New student leaders will need to purchase a leadership tie once announced.
Year 12 students wear the White blouse Terms 2 and 3.
Pants – Navy pinstripe Walford pants are an optional item for both Junior and Senior students, providing an alternative to the skirt/tunic during the cold weather. A limited number of pants are available in each size so come in early to avoid disappointment.
Other optional items available from the school shop for winter include navy knitted gloves and compact navy umbrella.
Winter Sport
All students may optionally purchase Walford Trackpants and Sports Jacket.
We will be introducing a new style of Sport Jacket this winter so please be patient as these will not be arriving until later in Term 2. An announcement will be made when they are available for purchase.
Co-Curricular Sport – Years 7 to 12
Students playing Soccer, Hockey and Badminton will require a Competition polo top.
Hockey players will also require a sport Skort.
For Hockey and Soccer students, the School Shop stocks the following items:
– Blue Skins Socks
– Mouldable Mouthguards at 2 price points $25 and $35 dependent on features.
Football players will need to purchase the football set.
Netball players in Years 7-10 are now able to purchase the new Netball Tunic
Senior squad Netball Teams will continue to wear the current Walford Netball Tunic.
Term Break
The School Shop will close 5.00pm on Thursday 6 April and resume normal operating hours Monday 24 April.
Term Open Hours
Monday and Wednesday 8.00am – 1.30pm
Tuesday and Thursday 12.30pm – 5.00pm
Fridays – Closed
Lisa Burner
School Shop Manager
130 Year Anniversary Picnic Rug
A necessity for the PTA picnic and Walford outdoor events!
Soft blanket on one side and waterproofing on the other.
Folds to a compact and easy carry bag.
$35 – Limited edition
Collect from Mrs Robson in the Front Office
Click here to order
Walford 130 Anniversary Cap
One Size $25
Click here to order
Caps to be collected from Mrs Robson in the Front Office
