Together we strive in 2025
In this season-turning time around equinox, things change for us as human beings internally in response to the external change to more darkness than light. At this time, it is worth reflecting on what is behind us and what is ahead. As the leaves of trees start to turn and we leave the long days of summer behind us, what has changed, what remains the same and what are we preparing for? When I compare to this time last year, Orana appears to me to be a more settled place. We still have many of the same challenges but we have made some progress. Our direction as a school is clearer with the work we have done on strategic planning; our systems are steadily improving and our cultural life is broadening in some ways and more targeted in others.
We welcomed very capable new staff at the beginning of the year and this injection of new ideas and fresh approaches has had an energising effect on the rest of us. We started the year with us all working on practical ways to improve the physical being of the school and this has continued throughout the term with students and staff involved in composting, planting, building garden beds, murals, sorting equipment, renovating and painting gazebos and rooms. We also welcomed many new families too – enriching our culture.
There were changes made at the start of this year to the Early Childhood program and funding arrangements. Up until now Orana has never received funding assistance for preschool children which was not sustainable. Last year, we decided that this needed to change. We needed to increase fees and we needed parents to have access to funding for it to be more affordable, and we wanted to provide a before and after school and holiday care for our preschool aged children. So, we applied for CCS funding and were successful. This took a lot of work and care to ensure we retained our beautiful Steiner preschool education program as well as provide developmentally appropriate care for longer care for those who need it. Thanks to the Early Childhood team for all their hard work, planning and commitment to Orana’s children. Thanks for parents’ patience and constructive approach as we navigated a new system. Special thanks to Kira du Plessis, our Early Childhood Director, who drove this whole complex process. Even though there are a still few issues for a few parents to address with the CCS system, it been a great achievement to establish a financially sustainable and culturally appropriate model for the future of the school. Our numbers are very strong in Early Childhood and we continue Orana’s long history of providing a high-quality Steiner Early Childhood program.
On Tuesday 25 March, you should have received a copy of our new draft strategic plan documents. Read the announcement and download the documents by following this link. Thanks to those who have already given feedback. If you wish to ask questions or give feedback to principalsoffice@oranaschool.com, please do so by Tuesday 1 April. We will then work on the final version to be sent distributed at the end of term. Thanks to the many people in our community who have helped with this year-long collaborative process.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our communication and collaboration. This not only applies to our daily interactions being friendly, respectful and effective but also to the tools and systems that enhance this connected environment. You should have received a notice earlier in the week about the Orana App which allows for better communication using your phone or tablet. Please download it, use it and let us know what you think. Special thanks to Nick Weatherstone, Communications and Marketing Manager and Ziheng Zhou (Joe), IT Manager, for the work you have put into designing and launching this very useful tool.
Although we have achieved successful outcomes for several projects recently, there are some that are still in process or just beginning. One such project is to investigate the need for bus transport from the north side of Canberra and if there is enough support, lobby for the establishment of a new service. There will be a survey sent out in the next couple of weeks to gauge the level of interest. Thank you to parents who brought this to my attention.
It has been a privilege have some insight into students’ lives this term with school tours in Primary and Early Childhood, teaching Bothmer gymnastics Years 4 to 6 and strumming my guitar and singing along with High School singing. What I see, overall, is that there is enthusiasm to learn new skills and knowledge, working collaboratively and enjoying each other’s company. I see evidence of our values of curiosity, collaboration and compassion in action.
I look forward to the end of term events and celebrations. Best wishes to our Senior College students who are heading to Italy in the break for a study tour. Next term we have several big and important events including hosting the Steiner Education Australia Governance Leadership, Administration and Management Conference in early May as well as several parent education and information evenings. There will be a working bee on 1 June to work on rejuvenating the ‘frog bog’ as well as many other enriching community activities. Best wishes to you and family over the break.
