From the Chair of Council
Unprecedented times While making prophecies about emergency management, US presidential politics and climate change on his 1 October 2019 Disaster Zone program, presenter and commentator Eric Halderman declared that the ‘2019 Word of the Year’ was ‘unprecedented’. How often have we heard that word used during 2020 and 2021? It has been a difficult time for everybody. Certainly Barker’s community has been affected and as vulnerable to the vagaries and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic as anyone, whether that is economic impact, risk to health, curtailed personal freedoms or just plain disruption to School life and routine. Barker’s students from last year’s cohort and now from the Class of 2021 have been resilient in the face of interruptions to their HSC examinations preparation and to end of school rites of passage. Since the beginning of Term 3 this year and for some of last year, Barker students from Pre-K to Year 12 with their supportive families, have had to adapt to a new rhythm of School life and routine: Learning from Home. Thankfully a return to face-to-face learning has now come during Term 4. The change to School routine did bring other opportunities including the very successful Kurrajong Heights Day on 18 August 2021. This meant students, parents and staff members, indeed, the Barker community generally, could hear via an online program from leaders in their fields - writers, scientists, sports people, musicians, historians, creators, social enterprise thinkers and change agents. There was something for everyone. Dr Benjamin Zander in his inspiring presentation: ‘The Transformative Power of Classical Music’, said that leadership has to be outward looking and about taking people with you.
4 • The Barker • Issue 133 • Summer 2021
During the lockdown period, Barker’s teachers have been outward looking. They have led the way with steady assistance from support staff, and have been guided by the experienced stewardship of Barker’s ninth Head, Mr Phillip Heath AM. The teachers have ensured the most important members of Barker’s community - its current students – despite the impositions of Public Health Orders, have continued their education journey and their Barker experiences with minimum disruption and so importantly, that each and every Barker learner is valued and cared for. Remote learning has provided parents and carers with a fine appreciation of, and a new found admiration for, Barker’s teaching staff and for the leadership of Mr Heath and his Executive team. The School Council also acknowledges the splendid work of the teachers and the Support Staff in carrying into effect the online learning program, in ensuring students can still have access to some co-curricular experiences and, where possible, seeing that wellbeing opportunities are afforded to the students. While I have no doubt that teaching is a tough job, it is a calling and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and young people. I suspect it is an honour for any Barker teacher to be approached by a current or former student saying thanks or just sharing their life since School. Teaching is caring work, and the outcomes brought by the efforts of Barker’s teachers have real significance for future generations. Students never forget how their teachers made them feel. David Charles (75) Chair of Council
