O'Connor Cooperative School - An ACT Government Early Childhood School

22/04/2026

16/11/2025

IMPORTANT
Please see message from Minster Berry below. We are waiting on coms from the Directorate so please check emails.

📢 UPDATE FOR FAMILIES

Yesterday Kmart and Target issued a voluntary recall for one of their sand products, stating asbestos has been detected in some samples.

This followed a number of ACT public school closures on Friday due to the recall of Kadink Sand.

The Education Directorate commenced an audit of all ACT public schools today (Sunday 16 November 2025) for this product.

ℹ️ We have found that use of this product is widespread across ACT public schools.
▪️ 69 schools have been identified as stocking this brand of sand.
▪️ 3 schools have small stocks but these are isolated and not impacting learning.
▪️ 20 schools do not have this, or any craft sand products.

While we understand the health impacts of these products to be low, the health and safety of our staff and students is our highest priority and we continue to make all efforts to keep everyone safe.

👉 In line with our regulatory obligations, and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff and community we have decided to close public schools that have this product to allow for assessment, clean-up and remediation to occur.

We will continue to follow all advice from WorkSafe ACT and recommendations from licenced contractors.

Teams have been working around the clock across our impacted ACT public schools to safely identify, isolate and remove recalled sand products and clean learning spaces and many of those schools are now cleared to re-open.

🔗 A full list of impacted schools is on the Education website: https://www.act.gov.au/education-and-training/latest-articles/act-public-school-closures-friday-14-november-2025

ACT public school staff and families should keep an eye out for an email from your school for specific information.

Every effort is being made to have as many schools ready to re-open as soon as we can. A HUGE SHOUT OUT to the many teams working late into the night and all day again today for your hard work.

Thank you to our school communities for their support.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: For the latest updates on ACT public school closures visit the Education Directorate ACT Public School Closures page

03/04/2025

Hot off the press! The O’Connor Coop Cookbook is ready to purchase at our school fete this Saturday (April 5) from 10am - 2pm! Filled with delicious recipes from our childrendren, staff, and families, it's the perfect way to bring a taste of our school community into your kitchen. Only $5 – grab your copy before they sell out! See you there!

04/11/2024

2025 PRESCHOOL FAMILIES
See below for information on transition experiences on offer for children starting preschool with us in 2025.
Please see separate post for 2025 new kindergarten to year 2 families.

Contact our friendly front office staff to RSVP or ask any questions you may have.

04/11/2024

NEW 2025 KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 2 FAMILIES
See below for information on transition experiences on offer for children who will be new to our school in 2025. This information is for children entering kindergarten to year two.
Please see separate post for 2025 preschool families.

Contact our friendly front office staff to RSVP or ask any questions you may have.

04/11/2024

Arts and crafts day 31/10/24
Whilst the arts are used everyday as a tool for thinking, exploring and sharing ideas, last week we consciously took time to slow down and dedicate a day to playing with new art and craft mediums and techniques.

Thanks to our children’s arts committee for coming up with the idea, and to family and community members who contributed their time, expertise and talents.

Also a big thanks to the ACT Children's Week Committee for the their generous grant which supported the purchasing of materials for the event.

04/11/2024

Whilst the arts are always a means of thinking, exploring ideas and communicating in our school, last week we slowed down and enjoyed a day dedicated to learning new techniques within a range of visual art and craft mediums. Thank you to the children’s arts committee, educators and family members who shared their talents and expertise in what was a memorable experience for all.