One of the very special characteristics of Orana — a school which welcomes students from their early years of learning through to Class 12 — is that the older students look out for the younger students. It is appropriate to note that even though COVID safety protocols placed restrictive practices on schools which segregated age group cohorts in recent years, our students are returning to the natural balance unique to Orana where we see our students uniting as a community. I would like to congratulate and thank our Senior College students, and Guardians, for creating such a wonderful experience for students in Classes 5 to 10 at the recent Swimming Carnival. Our Seniors showed that leadership, kindness, compassion, as well as high spirits and expectations, can exist in harmony. As for the recent Welcome Picnic last Friday afternoon, I am not sure who had more fun; the Primary students or the Senior College students running the games. Our Senior College students are preparing for the world ahead, learning what it is like to truly serve, take on responsibility and lead, and they are certainly doing this with grace.
It is also wonderful to work in a school where staff invest heavily in ensuring students experience such a range of rich learning opportunities. In the last two weeks alone, students have taken part in Swimming Carnivals, Rowing Regattas, Touch Football Carnivals, Class 9 Farm Stay, Class 10 Work Experience, Science and Engineering workshops and Duke of Edinburgh hikes. Orana is the only school in Canberra which is still prepared to organise and conduct some of these activities. I would like to thank our staff for their care and time. Our students are indeed lucky.
Some simple reminders about the weeks ahead:
- School Photos will be taken on Tuesday 14 March
- NAPLAN commences for students in Classes 7 – 9 in the High School, on Wednesday 15 March.
To finish, may I share a candid moment. Tommy, Will and Leo in Class 7, took great delight in sharing their lunchtime sculpture, elegantly named Stone and Pine Greatness. An example of joy, freedom of expression and collaboration, with a cheeky splash of determination to see how big they could make this stack.
Susan Pascoe Acting Deputy Principal High School and Senior College.
