Teachers continually reflect on their craft and practice. When we close our eyes at night, how do we really know if we have done our job well? I firmly believe that when students can learn on their own, and no longer need us to drive their learning, we have truly succeeded. Our students need to outgrow us.
Last weekend, the Year 12 students presented their Projects to the Orana community. We were treated to presentations of bodies of work that students have spent the year preparing. From rebuilding a car engine, photography; underwater, wilderness and walkthroughs, philosophy and the sharing of perspectives through photography and tattooing, connexions with animals, creating an animation, critically examining the history and place in society of a neck tie, repurposing furniture, how sport and exercise connects us, transporting us to a fairy realm, forging Japanese katanas, mindfulness, fishing and cake art, Colombian culture, children’s fiction, and work with our seniors; dementia, dance and story.
What is the point of learning and developing a body of knowledge if it can’t be shared? All members of the audiences came away having learned something new.
Our Class 12 students have shared with us a wonderful example of how they have developed the ability to learn on their own, and drive their own learning. The teachers of these students I think can safely say that our work here is largely done. We can hang up our chalk and know that these young people will leave Orana going into the world as capable independent people, who will continue to enjoy the feeling of how rich we feel when we learn something new.
I think we all take a pause when each graduating Year 12 cohort prepare to move into the next chapter in their lives. We are left with a hole in our hearts when they leave, and for a while, the School takes on a bit of a limp to its rhythm. The students in this graduating class, have modelled wonderful examples of compassion, tolerance, kindness, service, determinate, developing resilience and tackling adversity.
To Class 12, we wish you well and safe passage. There is no one correct path to take in life. Make a list of options, and do them all. Life is big, is rich, is exciting, tough at times, but filled with joy. Thank you allowing us to share in your learning journey. It has been a joy.
Susan Pascoe
