The Owl Who Adopted A School

Abe the A Block Owl

A Block is home to the admin building along with the Year 1 and Year 2 students — it’s one of the busiest and noisiest areas of the school I work at. Despite this, one hot February day, a Boobook owl was found perched on a tree in the small garden.

Abe’s visit became a teachable moment for the students.

• Signs were placed to remind students to be quiet — owls are nocturnal.
• Features of the Australian boobook owl were discussed.
• Owl books were on frequent rotation in the library.
• Stories were written.

Although the noise level reduced to a rumble, Abe kept a close eye on everyone. Students were able to witness the fascinating way owls can swivel their heads.

Everyone was keen to make the most of the opportunity. Sooner or later, Abe would move on. A noisy school was no place for an owl. Apparently, Abe disagreed. In a real-life game of Where’s Wally, students would come to school and quietly play eye-spy, looking for Abe among the foliage. Occasionally Abe would disappear for a few days at a time. And every so often, Abe liked to trick everyone venturing across the school to visit the C Block garden for the day.

By the end of March, it was clear our new ‘student’ was here for the long haul — so with a little community help, Abe received a permanent place to call home.

For whatever reason, Abe has chosen our noisy, busy school as his home.