It has been an exciting and eventful term, not different to many others we have had in the past couple of years. What has been inspiring and impressive about Orana students is their support for our community, their passion for learning and life, and their ability to meet challenges and embrace risk and change as part of their learning.
I would like to thank you for your ongoing support of Orana throughout the past month regarding staff and student absence due to COVID-19. We have been fortunate in the High School that we have been able to maintain classes and quality programs due to staff going over and beyond their normal duties to ensure this can occur. It has been no doubt difficult for students at times, having different teachers delivering lessons to them when staff are absent. Please do contact your Guardians or Coordinators if your child is struggling.
We have resumed some excursions and activities this term. They include Main Lesson excursions to the National Library, Arboretum, Botanical Gardens and the National Zoo and Aquarium. A Year 10 surf day, ACT UP School Workshop for Drama students, The National Schools Rowing Championships, High School assembly, and the Harvest Festival assembly that was held on a glorious autumn day with our Year 3 and Senior College students.
These authentic experiences enable students to develop their practical and social skills, and build self-reliance and confidence in their abilities. They learn the importance of working together to solve problems and complete tasks through realising the unique contribution of each class member. They are also able to learn through doing and physically engaging.
We value our parents and families as important partners in learning and have finished the term off with parent-teacher interviews. We hope the interviews have allowed an opportunity for feedback and growth to you and your children. We will continue the interviews the first week back of next term.
I’m looking forward to Term 2, where we can continue more incursions and excursions for students with the easing of restrictions. I hope you have a safe and wonderful break over the coming two weeks.
*image contributed by Griffin Mitchell-Jenkins
