We have had dynamic start to the term with big moments. In week one, our senior college students were on the final week of their successful Italy trip, visiting Rome at a significant moment in world history, the passing of the Pope Francis. We hosted Steiner Education Australia’s annual Governance Leadership, Administration and Management (GLAM) conference at the same time as our federal election. We discussed big themes of national educational direction, the views and policies of the parties and independents on education and what it means, in particular, regarding funding for Steiner schools in Australia. We examined ways we can work with our core principles of Steiner education amidst the uncertainty of the political, social and technical landscape – how we as leaders create an environment that fosters humanity and imbues students with a sense of confidence in their own ability to create, to do, to make, to feel, to think – to be the leaders of the future. It was provocative, challenging and inspirational! I’d like to back up Board Chair Tracey Taylor’s message to the Orana Community (which I hope you received during the week) regarding the GLAM conference; that the effort from the whole Orana staff and the senior college student volunteers was outstanding and much appreciated by all who attended. It was obvious that we are a welcoming, thoughtful and dynamic place. And that was just week one! That along with all the usual start-of-term lessons and adventures there were many, including me, who needed a good rest to embark on week two.
The term has come back to a somewhat normal rhythm in the last couple of weeks. However, we have been hit with much illness in our community recently which I know has stretched many Orana families and staff. Let us be especially aware of acting with kindness towards each other at this time.
There continues to be safety issues and near misses in the interface between pedestrians and traffic on roads and carparks around the school. We are aware there were particular pressures during the GLAM conference with the influx of 150 visitors and we will be making some changes to address traffic flow and safety with future events. But there remains some concerns that will need some short term measures and some long term planning.
Please be aware that we have no capacity, even with limitless resources, to make changes to public infrastructure eg. public roads, signage and markings. This needs to be done by the relevant government department. We can, however, make requests and lobby government to improve roads, paths and crossings. We have been doing this from the school’s office, but it would be helpful for you to do the same, as a concerned school community member, directly to the ACT Government. When I compare pedestrian safety infrastructure around schools in the ACT to NSW it is like we are in a different country. The standard to so low, or non-existent, that I can only assume the ACT Government has relied on the sensibility of Canberra drivers and pedestrians to have protected children from more incidents of serious injury and death. The recent incident with St Edmund’s students has brought it to the government’s attention but we don’t want further serious injuries to our children to be the only way this matter gets attention. Please help me to make changes to crossings and signage for the sake of children around our school and in the ACT in general.
In the meantime, there are some things we can do as a community to help keep our children safe around the school:
- Students are to arrive at school between 8.30am and 8.50am (unless they are Senior College students and have an 8am lesson) and to leave school grounds by 3.30pm (unless they have after school College or extra-curricular commitments). There are teachers on duty at these times but not outside these times.
- All community members who need to cross Hickey Court between the upper and lower campuses are to use the crossing not cross on other parts of the road (even if you are in a hurry).
- As a driver, please drive slowly and stop when directed at the crossing. We recently had a school parent drive straight though the crossing with the stop sign clearly indicated by our teacher on lollipop duty.
- Please supervise children in carpark areas and roads inside and outside the school grounds and ensure they are walking safely (not running).
- Please do not linger in carpark areas or on the edge of roadways.
Please help us keep everyone safe.
I had the privilege this morning of spending some time with Year 7 students as they presented their individual science projects. Such an array of experiments. Such eloquence, expertise and enthusiasm in the delivery of their findings. I went away feeling more knowledgeable and inspired. Thanks Year 7 students and science teachers for this showcase. What a treat!
I look forward to our continued community striving with curiosity, compassion and collaboration in the coming weeks.
