2012 Newsletter Term 2 Week 8 · Term 2 Week 8. Friday 22. nd. June 2012. Newsletter. Castlemaine Steiner School. PO Box 473 Castlemaine 3450. Fax: (03) 5470 6237. To carry spirit

The Penny

Term 2 Week 8Friday 22nd June

Newsletter2012

Castlemaine Steiner SchoolPO Box 473 Castlemaine 3450Tel: (03) 5470 6235Fax: (03) 5470 6237

To carry spirit light into world-winter nightMy heart is ardently impelled,

That shining seeds of soulTake root in grounds of worlds

And Word Divine through senses’ darknessResounds, transfiguring all life.

From The Calendar of the Soul by Rudolf Steiner

Fri 22nd June Mid-Winter Festival.

Fri 15th June Class 3 - Lamb Marking with Phil McConachy.

Wed 20th June Class 8 - Macbeth – Melbourne.

Mon 30th July Oz Opera visiting school for Classes 1 - 8

Fri 3rd Aug Soiree - Class 5 @ 4.00.

Tue 14th August Class 7 & 8 - Shakespeare Workshop.

Fri 17th Aug Pupil Free Day – Curriculum Day.

Mon 3rd – Wed 5th Sept Class 4 – Kangaroobie.

Mon 10th Sept Soiree - Class 4 - @ 2.15.

Wed 12th September Class 7 & 8 Immunisation.

Thu 20th Sept Parent Teacher Interviews.

Mon 22nd Oct Soiree - Class 6 @ 2.15.

Wed 24th – Fri 26th Oct Class 3 - Tea Tree Gully.

Fri 26th Oct Soiree - Class 5 @ 4.00.

Mon 5th Nov Pupil Free Day – Report Writing Day.

Tue 6th Nov Melbourne Cup Day Holiday.

Dates to Diary

2012 Term Dates:

Term 2: Wed 18th April – Fri 22nd June

Term 3: Tue 17th July – Wed 19th September

Term 4: Tue 9th October – Friday 14th December

General Office: [email protected]

School Facilitator: [email protected]

Financial Enquiries: [email protected]

Website: www.castlemainesteinerschool.com.au

Castlemaine Steiner School, PO Box 473 Castlemaine 3450Tel: (03) 5470 6235 Fax: (03) 5470 6237

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Our Penny story this issue has been prepared by Johanna Winchcomb, who proudly takes her place among the first eleven – and it’s not cricket we’re talking about, it’s the inception Castlemaine Steiner School.

Over the years many people have questioned what constitutes the “beginnings’ of Steiner Education in Castlemaine, so when I came across this quote in the school journal compiled by Ines Jewel “Inspirations – a journal of the Castlemaine Steiner School, Spring - 2003 Vol 1, I felt I could bring some options to the table – and from my own story, I can confirm that parents do respond to the “call” of Steiner Education. Often the call emanates from a place so deep in the unconscious, that conscious action is in the realms of following of the heart.

“From one point of view, parents are the founders of Waldorf schools all over the globe.

It is the parents who put their faith and their money into the teachers who would realize the goals of Waldorf education on behalf of their children.

We can ask to what degree are parents called, like Waldorf teachers, to the co-creation of Waldorf Schools?

Do schools acknowledge sufficiently that the origin, unfolding and success of the Waldorf movement is equally in the hands of parents?

Can we recognize that parents too are “called” into Waldorf communities and that the Waldorf schools can only exist effectively when parents answer that “call”.

All parents who support Waldorf education are “visionaries” in our contemporary culture.

The author of this piece is not acknowledged however the article (7 pages) entitled “Building a Waldorf Community” contains excerpts from a lecture presented at a conference on “Administration in Waldorf Schools” sponsored by AWSNA at Sunbridge College, 1995.

My daughter Sara was born in Darwin in 1982, and from those northern heights, and balmy nights we had no intention of coming to live in Castlemaine. We were leaving the NT

and had vowed not to come further south than Coffs Harbour. Before settling on the north east coast, however, we made the mammoth road trip back to Victoria to reconnect with family and friends – and the strength of those connections resulted in us looking for a home in Victoria.

After two potential purchases failed – one in Winchelsea, and the other in Elaine – just south of Ballarat, we returned to revisit a property in Campbells Creek – which we bought in July 1984.

While I cannot say I had never heard of Castlemaine before - I had been teaching in Mirboo North before moving to NT, and I remembered a colleague always extolling the virtues of Castlemaine – it certainly was not where I thought we would settle.

Nor could I say I had never heard of Rudolf Steiner before – I knew about Biodynamics, and had purchased my first book on Anthroposophy – Shepherd’s “ Scientist of the Invisible– as “light” reading for my return trip from USA in 1986.

New Winter Festival Arrangements. Soup & bread for parents and siblings from 1pm Friday, in the Eurythmy room. Winter Festival will now be part of assembly beginning at 2.15pm. Children dismissed at normal time.

Mid-Winter Festival

21st Year Celebration Stories


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I have to say, however, despite being a primary school teacher of many years’ experience, I had never heard of Steiner Education, so for me, the first playgroup meetings at Tess and Hilton Gibson’s place late 1987, were a revelation and a new direction in my life.

My involvement with Tess and Hilton’s group came about because I had been visiting local schools for Sara’s prep enrolment and wasn’t enthusiastic about what I was seeing, and a friend – Anna Lamaro suggested I come along to meet the group meeting at Tess and Hilton’s place.

It was like the “empty handed leap into the void” and so, so unconventional – not that that was an issue for me. Despite what was on the surface and my circle of acquaintances (the newly founded “arts” movement was establishing itself in the community) Castlemaine was a very conventional place in the early 80s.

When I look back on the active parents in those early days – of the first 11 enrolled students very few children were born in Castlemaine – in fact, I think only one child was born here – the rest of us “discovered” or were “called” here in the early 80’s

While our children played under the trees at Tess & Hiltons’ we were discussing the possibility of an alternative school in the area.

Tess ( Primary trained Teacher-Librarian) and Hilton were favouring the establishment of a Steiner School because they had friends with children in Steiner Education and were considering moving to Sophia Mundi to provide their daughter Briony with a Steiner Education.

In those formative days of late 1987, Lesley Yarker (deceased) was also on her journey seeking a Steiner School for her daughter – Eleanor. New schools were being planned in Mansfield, Bendigo and Ballarat. Lesley had moved to Bendigo to participate in a playgroup there, and had visited Mansfield and Ballarat to see where they were in their endeavours to open a school – neither had the numbers to officially open their doors for a school.

Our group had the student numbers – and an enthusiastic group of parents – so Lesley, as the anthroposophical networker extraordinaire, brought the Bendigo and Ballarat groups to meet us.

The three groups from Castlemaine, Bendigo and Ballarat formed the first company Castlemaine Steiner School Limited, elected the first Company Board, and prepared the Articles of Association for Castlemaine Steiner School Ltd.

Castlemaine Steiner School Ltd. Was incorporated as a public company on 23rd October, 1987.

“There are currently nine signatories to the Memorandum and Articles with provision for eleven, provided that, at all times, a majority of members of the company shall be members of the Anthroposophical Society of Australia.

The Board currently consists of three members –

Tony Envall, Wendy Baker and Tess Gibson, with provision for nine members.”

The nine signatories to the Memorandum and Articles were:

Tony Envall – HarcourtLois Blackhirst - CastlemaineWendy Baker – YandoitDianne Wall – MandurangHilton Gibson – CastlemaineTessa Gibson – CastlemaineDesmond Cullen – KewMarina Stammberger – HarcourtLesley Yarker – Kangaroo Flat.- Referenced from the first school newsletter compiled by Lesley Yarker

With the Company established and an energetic group of parents the path was ready for the next step of the journey - establishing a “Kindergarten” to provide schooling for our “prep intake” students in Helen Selligman’s studio, White Gums Road, Barker’s Creek. Fondly known as “White Gums.” …story to continue next Penny.


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The sunlight fast is dwindling,My little lamp needs kindling.It’s beam shines far in darkest night,Dear lantern, guide me with your light.

The children are enjoying our morning circle about the little gnomes, who go out to gather seeds to bring back to the King. There are beautiful fairy and gnome houses hidden throughout our Prep garden.

We have had lots of fun with Frosty the lamb who is getting very big and rather frisky. We say “goodbye” to him on Thursday when he goes to live at Kate’s house.

I wish you all a lovely, warm winter holiday and look forward to seeing the children next term.

Our class meeting will be in the first week of Term 3 on Thursday 19th July 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

Love Heather

CLASS ONE CRAFT

Please could your child bring a spare plain coloured pillow case to craft to hold their knitting and other work. Thanks Chris.

PREP NEWS

CLASS THREE NEWS

Thank you Class three children and parents for a wonderful term. We have worked hard, had fun and achieved much. Happy holidays everyone.Cheers Ann

We have come to the end of our time exploring Castlemaine’s golden history. It has been a busy end of term with Mid-Winter Festival preparations and our field trip to the Forest Creek diggings last Thursday.

On our venture to the diggings we tried our luck panning for gold, as well as visiting the historic sites of the Garfield Waterwheel and the Pennyweight Flat Children’s cemetery.

I hope our brief study of local history has awakened for the

children an appreciation of Castlemaine’s rich historic past and an interest to explore their local surroundings.

I have enjoyed my time with Class Four and wish them and their families a restful holiday ready to welcome back Dagmar next term.

I set off on my own big adventure on Sunday to study and visit America and Europe for ten weeks.

Thank you and best wishes.

Best wishes, Mary.

CLASS FOUR NEWS

Class Four “Panning for Gold”


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Thank you to all our parents for participating in our class meeting on Monday evening. This provides wonderful support for the children and myself for their ongoing education.

Thank you also to Janette and Ian who generously waited and gave their time to enable us to have a little touch of what our children experience in Eurythmy.

On Friday the bus will leave at 8am for our Persian and Mesopotamia exhibitions. We will return at 4pm.

Have a beautiful winter holiday with lots of special moments at a time of year when nature supports us to create a more calm reflective family time.

Warm wishes Lyn

CLASS FIVE NEWS

CLASS SIX NEWS

Class six have been immersed in matters of business and economy. Surveys, lists, calculations and case studies have involved them in understanding types of money, interest added and the power of gifts and donations. We realised that without donations and gifts communities can limit initiatives to profit making only. Students also come to appreciate just how much they receive from their parents as gifts. Altruism is a good thing! Best wishes and thanks,

John

CLASS SEVEN NEWS

The end of term seems to have come too soon. So much wonderful work is happening in our class. Our Midwinter festival lanterns are just about finished, and in Main Lesson we’re hearing stories of Marco Polo’s travels. Of course I won’t let the chance go by to have a look at Coleridge’s poem: In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

A stately pleasure-dome decree.

The Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! play was a highlight of the term. Last week’s performance was truly marvellous, but the journey to get there was equally exciting. The costumes, the program, the rehearsals, fantastic! And this week the students have presented their Middle Ages projects and they are now on display in the library. They are a testament of what the students are capable of and it’s a lot. Thank you for your help and support. I hope you will have a lovely holiday.

Love , Rob


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film & soup night class 7 fundraiser“within the way without” (tres en el Camino)

three stories, three journeys, one Camino de Santiago

Saturday 28th July @ 5 pm Castlemaine Steiner School

$15 entry includes Spanish soup

before with Madoka Mayuzumi, Milena Salgado & Rob Jorritsma

Tickets please contact: http://www.trybooking.com/BNVV or http://www.trybooking.com/26931

For more information please contact: http://filmanova.com/es/ficha/36-tres-no-camino/


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CLASS EIGHT NEWSMajor Projects what a success! Congratulations to all the Class 8 Students. Here are some photos.


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CLASS EIGHT NEWS CONTINUED...

LANGUAGE NEWS

Spanish Corner

It is with much sadness that I sit to write my final “Spanish News” item for the school newsletter. Circumstances have become such that I am unable to continue my work at the Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten.

I would like to thank the school for giving me the opportunity to teach Spanish here. In particular, I would like to thank all the students and their families who have made my two and a half years at this school a truly meaningful experience. Your enthusiasm for learning and your support has meant a lot to me and I will miss you. I wish you all the very best in the future and may your language learning experiences continue to take you to new and marvellous places.

Here is part of a closing verse/blessing that I use in classes 1 to 3 – just a little something for you to continue practising with your children at home:

…y que haya: luz; paz; maravillas; gratitud; compasión y acción

(…and may there be: light; peace; wonder; gratitude; compassion and action)

Abrazos (hugs), Susana

CRAFT NEWS

Thank you to all the children for another productive term in craft and art. It is truly a pleasure spending time in all the classes.

A huge thanks to all the parents who came into our craft classes and worked on the 21st Anniversary banner. A special mention to the Class 1 community for your support and enthusiasm.

Another thank you to the Class 7 parents who helped their child sew their medieval costumes; especially Ali Woodgrove who supported me in the sewing on 3 tunics.

Early next term the banner will be set up in the parents room. Please feel free to come in and make your mark on this community piece.


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Reminder Kinder, Prep & Class 1

Please ensure you return your enrolment forms. This allows the office to have your up to date details.

Office Closure

The office will be closing during the school holidays

2nd – 6th July

26th Sept – 3rd Oct

Class Photos

Last year’s class photos are now available from the office at a cost of $10.00 per photo.

Craft Group

We are getting ready for a fantastic line up of scheduled workshops led by some of our very own extraordinarily talented artists. This is a great opportunity for parents to come and learn many great skills, receiving and offering knowledge in a group setting.

Important dates for holiday workshops:

Monday 25th June 9.30am – making slippers with recycled felted jumpers.

Monday 16th July 9.30am Felt dying – commercial & natural dyes.

Next Term

Monday 23rd July 9.30am – Embroidery & hand sewing.

Tuesday 24th July 8pm – Evening craft at Anita’s house.

Monday 6th August 9.30am Crochet.

Please RSVP to Rose 54 76 2643 or Kathryn 0410 719 451 for the workshops. Unless otherwise stated the craft group will be held at the parent’s room at the Castlemaine Sterner School. Children are of course welcome to join us. We meet every Monday after assembly.

Love from the craft group.

OFFICE DESK:


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School Sun Spiral

Are there any willing helpers to wash and sort pebbles into sizes either after morning drop off or before afternoon pickup? Anytime (even half an hour) that could be contributed would be wonderful. Just make sure to ring Vanessa on 0401 183 052 to co-ordinate times.

Please don’t forget anything unclaimed will be heading to the op shop over the school break.

A couple of items have been found and are sitting at the office.

Watch, SanDisk USB stick & red lego truck.

Please collect from the office.

HEALTH MATTERSTis’ the season to be checking – tra.la.la.la.la.la.la.la.la for headlice

There is excellent information available at the office re: life cycle and treatment of these pesky critters.

Immunisation Dates Class 7 & 8

12th September

Dental Care

Maryborough District Health Service (located at the Maryborough Hospital) are offering all pre-school &Primary & Secondary School Students the following:

- Free for Concession Card Holders or Dependents

- Free for Emergency Dental Care

- $30.00 for pre-school children & Primary school students not on a concession card, to cover the cost of the examination and all dental treatment required.

Please phone 54 610 388 to make an appointment.

Community Classifieds* The content of the following notices does not necessarily reflect the views of the Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten.


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CHRISTMAS IN JULY STREET MARKET - SATURDAY JULY 14 FROM 3PMJoin us for a white xmas in Main Street, Maldon. Over 50 stalls of food and gifts, kids amusement rides, Santa, baby animal zoo, entertainment and much more. Concludes with a bonfire and fireworks from 8.30pm. Enquiries to Leonie 0408 125 639.

NetballThe Castlemaine & District Netball Association are holding their Net-Set-Go program in Term 3, running until the end of term. It is a fantastic program, non-competitive fun and active. I love netball and will be there as a parent and fill in coach. Come along and play. I am more than happy to help the children settle in and see a familiar face. Cost is $60 this is for 10 sessions and a netball pack, including a netball. How can millions of girls & women be wrong. Let’s get the girls active! Love Chris.

Free RoostersFour splendid Silky cross roosters - four of you need only take one each. Phone Sue 54733362

Wanted to buyChilds booster car seat – ph: Carol 0409 351 734

Clowning Around! Singing! Dancing! Clowning!1.30 to 3.30 pm Saturday 23rd June @ Anglican Church Hall, Castlemaine

$15/$10 conc children free (donation for face painting)

Beverage and cake $6. Call Mark Hudson for more info 0417 806 018

KIDS WHO WALK ARE ON TRACK TO BETTER HEALTH - Susie BurkeChildren who walk to school are more physically active in their day-to-day activities around their neighbourhood than those children who are driven to school, a new study finds. The study, undertaken for VicHealth by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), also suggests that children who walk to school are significantly more connected with their local community. ACER Chief Executive Officer, Professor Geoff Masters said: “The research involved analysing surveys and pictures drawn by 659 primary school aged children between the ages of 9 and 12. Children who walked to school demonstrated a greater awareness of, and familiarity with, their local environment. They drew detailed elements of green space such as parks, trees,

grass, flowers, sporting ovals and children playing football, people riding bikes, walking their dog and playgrounds.” “In contrast, children who travelled to school by car tended to depict abstract, isolated images of their neighbourhood environment with the car and the road as the central theme. They drew images of traffic lights, road signs, school crossings, local schools, office buildings, shopping centres, and fast food outlets. They also drew their own street and a lot of empty blank spaces,” Professor Masters said.

St. John’s Festival- Sunday June 24th @ 5pmA beautiful festival for children aged 3 – 10. The children get to walk into the centre of a rainbow spiral to receive a light and carry it into the dark winter world. Venue: The Christian Community, 319 Auburn Road, Hawthorn.

Free pizzaYouth pizza (10-18 years) making & movie night. Friday 22nd June 4pm – 7pm @ Continuing Education. Make your own beautiful pizza & then enjoy it while watching a movie. All ingredients provided! Limited spots available contact Sarah: 0402 087 949 – Mount Alexander Shire Council.

Community Classifieds* The content of the following notices does not necessarily reflect the views of the Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten.


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Steiner Family Day CareMarla Beddome (mum of Fin class 5 and Jade class 8) is now offering registered Family Day Care from home in Castlemaine. Call Marla on 54 723 915 or Mt Alexander Family Day Care office on 54 723 665.

Corey’s Cruise for a Cure Live Gig27th June Corey’s Cruise for a Cure will be hosting a live gig at the Theatre Royal 7pm onwards. Performing will be local band Roostar and the up and coming percussive guitarist Daniel Champagne, local performers Kestral, Sha, Lloyd Dodsworth and Dr Jaffle. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Tickets from Thomas & Chong Pharmacy and Family Videoland. Adults $15 Children/Concession $10, under 12’s free.

The Yoga of Sound with Carol FraserStarting Monday 11th June, 2012. Discover and explore the world of sound through active listening, movement, song and speech under the guidance of Carol Fraser who has trained in both western and eastern ways of music and spirituality. Further details please contact Margaret on 0394 397 594 or [email protected]

Harvest your weekend grocerLocal and organic fruit & veg - Wesley Hill Market. Home delivery Fridays. Deliveries by arrangement for school holidays. Robert 0458 705 903 or [email protected]

Victorian Goldfields RailwayTrains running Wed, Sat, Sun during school holidays. If you take out of town visitors on trains you get equivalent tickets free (not available “Steam Trains for Kids’ weekend”).

Steam Trains for Kids WeekendJuly 14th/15th at Maldon Station. Trolley rides, animal farm, steam train rides, novelty rides, diesel rides, sausage sizzle, cobb & co coach, model railway, entertainment. Please visit www.vgr.com.au for details.

The Wellbush Vineyard – Open DayLynn & David Wallace invite you to an afternoon of wine, food & music. Sunday 1st July 12noon – 4pm. Cnr Clifton Road & Huntly-Fostervielle Road, Bagshot. VicRoads Country Directory map 44 H4. Ph 54 488515 or [email protected]

Gita Style Hatha YogaClasses Term 3, 2012. Strengthening your whole self on all levels - nurturing the spirit within. Wednesday 9am – 10am. Thursday 7.30pm – 8.30pm. Continuing Education Building, Castlemaine. Advance term payment $12p/h. Casual attendance $15p/h. Bookings/Enquiries 5470 5441 – Vivienne Desmarchelier.

Camper Trailer for HireGas cooker, sink, watertank. Special Steiner rates. Weekly and weekend hire available. Call Ken 0400 203 068.

Documents

2012 Newsletter Term 2 Week 8 · Term 2 Week 8. Friday 22. nd. June 2012. Newsletter. Castlemaine Steiner School. PO Box 473 Castlemaine 3450. Fax: (03) 5470 6237. To carry spirit