As we get closer to the halfway point of Term 1, we look back on what has been an energetic and satisfying fortnight! School experiences this fortnight include students visiting The National Zoo and Aquarium, having music tuition on their instruments, assemblies, Indian dancing, nature walks, hearing stories, rowing at the NSW State Championships, homework club, a night time astronomy excursion at Mt Stromlo Observatory, creating artworks, sculptures and handwork, singing and playing together, learning and enjoying themselves. The hustle and bustle of the school is truly back in swing and it’s wonderful to feel this energy.
We have seen an extension of our summer weather at times during the past fortnight. With the heat, some physical activity may be modified to ensure all students keep cool. Please remember that while it is tempting for students to put on beach gear with the hot weather, there is a dress code and we do need children to be sun safe. Your help and support to maintain these guidelines is greatly appreciated.
I would like to welcome Ebony Murphy to the school as a new Inclusive Education teacher and expect that a number of children have already met her over the course of the week. Ebony shone through as the best fit for this role in the application process and we look forward to welcoming her into the School community.
During our recent School Tours, visitors have been captivated by our amazing student work and Steiner teachers. We have also hosted 70 University of Canberra Early Childhood and Primary School placement teachers this week presenting what a Steiner Education looks like. Sue Mayer and Sharaine Talip prepared presentations to the teachers followed by tours of both areas of the school. It’s an immense privilege to show case our school to outside community members and to work with such dedicated Steiner teachers. The University was extremely thankful for this experience and the opportunity to better understand what occurs at Orana Steiner School from a teacher perspective.
Further exciting news that we can officially announce is that the P&F has been successful in Round 1 of the ACT Government Non-Government School Parent Engagement Program. We have been approved to receive a grant of $10,020 (Excl GST). The P&F will be organising events for parents with this money and will communicate this information once we can officially begin. On behalf of the school I sincerely thank the P & F committee for the time and energy that was committed towards this application in particular Elisabeth Clare for her leadership.
Finally, we are launching a parent survey to support our strategic review process today. We greatly value your opinions and would like to make sure that they are represented in the review. It would be greatly appreciated if you could take the time to fill in this survey.
Kelly Armstrong — Acting Principal
