A Message from James - February 2026

Together we grow

Orana has been a-buzz with activity and adventure in the first few weeks of the school year. We welcomed many new families. Thanks to the P & F who organised the welcome picnic last Friday – it allowed an opportunity to for families to get to know each other and share information and ask questions.

In Week 1, our Senior College students had their 3-day retreat in Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort and the Year 10s have been on camp this week in the Snowy Mountains with successes and challenges. They will have learned some lessons and no doubt will be transformed by these experiences. Our swimming carnival for Year 5 and up was a great success in Week 2 – much enthusiasm, striving and participation by all. I had the pleasure of joining the secondary students this week for their singing sessions in the Overture Hall. They sing together on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, joined by staff. It is a challenge for some, but we do manage to make a beautiful sound – a good way to start the day. We have had school tours for early childhood and primary where prospective parents have reminded us of how special this place is – its unique natural setting, beautiful classrooms and wonderful staff. We are fortunate to be part of this community.

All our K-12 teaching staff have embarked on a peer mentoring program where, in small groups they will be sharing their work, giving feedback, studying texts and engaged in discussions to enrich their teaching practice. We know how important our teachers are at Orana – their reputation for care and expertise, which has been evident for many years, will be enhanced by this process. Our teachers and friends will continue with staff artistic sessions this year on Monday afternoons – visual arts (coordinated by our College Chair Sharaine Talip) and on Wednesday afternoons – music with Judy Clingan (parents, friends and staff invited).

We have been working on our master plan which will be published in April. Thank you to all those who have contributed to this process; those who attended community planning sessions, sent through suggestions and questions and worked on our working group. The architect, Paul Barnett is meeting each week with Smitha, our Business Manager, and me to refine our work.

There will be a Class Parent Representative (CPR) meeting/morning tea coming up 9am Tuesday 17 March in Week 7. CPRs are chosen by class teachers and guardians each year and help with communication, support and community building in each class group.

Some other things coming up this term:

Week 5 – Year 9 camp at Ingelara, a biodynamic farm.
6 March 7pm-9pm – Grounding the Spirit – Emergency Pedagogy talk hosted by Canberra Anthroposophical Society
Weeks 6 and 7 – NAPLAN for Years 3,5,7 and 9
Friday 27 March – Twilight concert
Harvest, Autumn and Easter festivals in the last 2 weeks of term – more details to come.

I look forward to seeing you during the term.

James Goodlet – Principal