From the Principal

in

The newsletter is coming to you a bit early this week as we have had to make the decision to close the school tomorrow (Friday) due to a forecasted severe weather event with heavy rains and flash flooding predicted. It is not an easy decision to close the whole school down for a day, however we have been advised by both the SES and the AIS that this is what we should do. Safety will always be at the forefront of school decisions and, in this case, the safer decision is not to have our children out on the roads tomorrow. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause parents and hope you all stay safe and dry tomorrow.

We do have a Year 8 camp due to head out next week. Katie, Ric and I will talk tomorrow evening and make a decision about whether this will need to be postponed (depending on how the weather situation develops over the next 24 hours). Parents of Year 8 students will be notified of any changes over the weekend.

This morning I attended the Primary School assembly. As this regular event is something most parents do not get to experience, I thought I might provide you with a little glimpse into what happens. The children all line up in their classes outside the Performance Hall. They are very quiet and there is an air of expectation. When all is ready, the Class 6 ushers lead each class into the hall in silence. This morning Loani was playing a very beautiful and gentle song quietly on the piano as the children walked in. After a lovely song together, a candle is lit and each class provides an item for the centre table: flowers, a shell, a beautiful rock or a special little ornament – soon the table is a thing of beauty gracing the centre of the room. After this, two Class 6 students read the Acknowledgement of Country before introducing each class. Each class brings a small presentation as a gift to the assembled student – a song, a verse, a dance or some music. The assembly finishes with some announcements from teachers, introductions of new students (and teachers) to the school and a final song together with Loani. After this the special items from the centre table are returned to each class and they file out of the hall, quietly singing. During the whole assembly there is a beautiful air of reverence and respect. The Primary School teachers have worked hard to create this special feeling in the assemblies and it is truly a privilege to witness them.

Peace

Nerrida

Bulletin 20th February

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Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School Weekly Bulletin.

TERM 1 WEEK 4  2015

From The Principal

The newsletter is coming to you a bit early this week as we have had to make the decision to close the school tomorrow (Friday) due to a forecasted severe weather event with heavy rains and flash flooding predicted.  It is not an easy decision to close the whole school down for a day, however we have been advised by both the SES and the AIS that this is what we should do.  Safety will always be at the forefront of school decisions and, in this case, the safer decision is not to have our children out on the roads tomorrow.  I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause parents and hope you all stay safe and dry tomorrow.

We do have a Year 8 camp due to head out next week.  Katie, Ric and I will talk tomorrow evening and make a decision about whether this will need to be postponed (depending on how the weather situation develops over the next 24 hours).  Parents of Year 8 students will be notified of any changes over the weekend.

This morning I attended the Primary School assembly.  As this regular event is something most parents do not get to experience, I thought I might provide you with a little glimpse into what happens.  The children all line up in their classes outside the Performance Hall.  They are very quiet and there is an air of expectation.  When all is ready, the Class 6 ushers lead each class into the hall in silence.  This morning Loani was playing a very beautiful and gentle song quietly on the piano as the children walked in. After a lovely song together, a candle is lit and each class provides an item for the centre table: flowers, a shell, a beautiful rock or a special little ornament – soon the table is a thing of beauty gracing the centre of the room.  After this, two Class 6 students read the Acknowledgement of Country before introducing each class.  Each class brings a small presentation as a gift to the assembled student – a song, a verse, a dance or some music.  The assembly finishes with some announcements from teachers, introductions of new students (and teachers) to the school and a final song together with Loani.  After this the special items from the centre table are returned to each class and they file out of the hall, quietly singing.  During the whole assembly there is a beautiful air of reverence and respect.  The Primary School teachers have worked hard to create this special feeling in the assemblies and it is truly a privilege to witness them.

Peace

Nerrida

UPCOMING EVENTS

To view our Upcoming Events Calendar click here

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Study and Discussion Group

Just a reminder that our new study and discussion group will begin next Tuesday, 24th February.  We will meet on Tuesday evenings in the library from 6.00 to 7.30 pm.  The group will be studying “The Kingdom of Childhood† and we can provide access to copies of the readings if required.  The emphasis in our study group will be on discussion and sharing of ideas.  The group is open to parents, friends and members of the wider school community and is suitable for everyone: from those who are new to Steiner Education to those who already have a deeper level of understanding.  If you would like to join the group, please call Lucille in reception to register your interest.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Nerrida

Repair Care and Maintenance Sat 7th March 9am-3pm

REPAIR, CARE & MAINTENANCE (RCM) DAY
Saturday 7th March 9am – 3pm.
Lunch supplied by School.

Our first RCM day for the year is coming up and we have lots of interesting & challenging tasks for people to do.
It is a fantastic day to socialise with other parents & staff and to see the school from a different angle and help improve & beautify the school.
We have one large challenging task, which will require several people and that is to construct another three raised vegetable garden beds near the Outdoor Classroom. Once constructed we need to fill them with garden soil. So it would be good if we could get some indication before hand if you can help out on this task.
Also we need two people to manage the BBQ Lunch, involving cleaning BBQ before and after use and preparing & serving lunch. Please let me know as soon as possible if you can do this task.
There will be lots of other cleaning, painting, oiling, small construction and repair tasks, organising tasks plus soft tasks for mums and dads with little children.
These are one of the best days in the year so come along, have fun and help out.
See You There!!!
Please ring me if you can help with BBQ Lunch or on construction of garden beds.

Site Manager
Gavin Colley
0427 847 400

 

Administration – Casual Relief Positions Available

We are seeking applications from suitably experienced people to work in the school administration as Casual Relief Staff.  Successful applicants will be given some on-site training before joining our Administration Casual Relief list.Applicants should have excellent communication skills and a range of proven office skills, along with a current NSW Working with Children Check. Applications should be forwarded to hr@http://capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au. Applications close March 2 2015.

The Rainbow Garden Playgroup – On behalf of the Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School

 

The Rainbow Garden is a Steiner based playgroup for young children, their parents and carers.  The playgroup is located in Bangalow and runs from 10am to Midday each Friday morning during the school term.
Parents, carers and children journey together and experience the changing of the seasons through songs, stories, games and celebrations. Activities include:singing, baking wholesome bread and playing creatively using handcrafted toys & dolls, craft, garden & sand play.Please contact Maxine Green on 0411 22 02 47
or email playgroup@http://capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au

COMMUNITY NOTICES

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

 

The NSW Board of Studies have informed us that school principals are no longer able to grant exemptions from attendance for holidays. This means that students who are away because they are on a holiday during term must be marked as absent. It is a legal requirement that parents sent students to school on every day unless they are sick or have an exceptional circumstance (family funeral etc.) Students who are absent without valid reason may be subject to mandatory reporting requirements.
All legal requirements aside, students who go away during term time miss valuable learning opportunities adding stress to both teachers and students . Please don’t book holidays for students in term times other than in exceptional circumstances.

SCHOOL CANTEEN

The school canteen is once again looking for parent helpers on a Tues, Wed or Thursday between 9.30am-2.30pm. Being involved is lots of fun, a great way to get to know the school community, allows you to claim RC&M hours and your child/ren receives a free lunch on the day!! If this is something you would like to do, please email Amanda at amandaeade1@bigpond.com or phone 0411837699.

Creating “Nature†Based Educational Children’s Programs Through Story, Song, and Play

Thursday  February 26th 2015 from 6-8pm 

Periwinkle Preschool

5 Sunrise Blvd, Byron Industrial Estate (Behind Supa IGA)

“Natural” play materials to benefit children’s sensory, emotional, imaginative, cognitive and physical  development. 

Transform risk /safety factors to exploration/ respect for the sacred:
From fear to anticipation
Support Children’s unique selves considering “Earth, Water, Air, Fire” 

RSVP  to Sandra at 

0-413 271308 

$25 per person which includes supper.

Sandra Frain BCS MSC (ED) is an Educator whose motto and business name is 

LivingLovingLearning&Laughing too:Educational Programs for all Ages 
Copyright © 2015 Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School, All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:
reception@capebyronsteinerschool.nsw.edu.au

 

 

Bulletin 16th February

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Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School Weekly Bulletin.

TERM 1 WEEK 4  2015

From The Principal

As February rolls on and we are experiencing the lovely wet-season patterns of rain and warm sunshine, life in the school is now settling into our lovely school day and week patterns.  Students are more settled in their classroom routines and we are all enjoying the gentle rhythms of work, activity, stillness and play (yes, even the teachers and support crew love to have some moments of play in our day).

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Kindergarten parent meeting last week.  There were many familiar faces and a few new faces too.  The parent meeting structure we have all across the school ensures that parents can come together at least twice a year (and sometimes more often) to be updated on what is happening at school, share with other parents and, often, listen to a short talk in relation to child development or our educational philosophy.  The Class Meetings are also an opportunity to ask questions and, time and circumstance permitting, join in discussion around a range of topics.  The class meetings really are an important part of the relationship between school and parents and I very strongly encourage parents to attend.

Finally, this year we are focusing on “Sustainability” as a general theme.  There are already some changes happening across the school as we seek to find more sustainable pathways on an individual and school level.  Some of our teachers and support staff are choosing to car-pool to reduce their carbon emissions.  I would like to encourage parents to consider either car-pooling or, preferably, utilising the bus service to transport children to school.  If we can reduce the number of car trips to and from school, even by just a small amount, we can reduce our impact on the environment.

Peace

Nerrida

UPCOMING EVENTS

To view our upcoming events, please click here

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Study and Discussion Group 

You are invited to attend a new study and discussion group which will meet on Tuesday evenings in the library from 6.00 to 7.30 pm.  The group will be studying “The Kingdom of Childhood†which is a series of lectures Rudolf Steiner gave to the teachers of the first Waldorf School to open in Great Britain.  The emphasis in our study group will be on discussion and sharing of ideas.  The group is open to parents, friends and members of the wider school community and is suitable for everyone: from those who are new to Steiner Education to those who already have a deeper level of understanding.  If you would like to join the group, please call Lucille in reception to register your interest.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Nerrida

Repair Care and Maintenance

Our first Repair Care & Maintenance Day is 3 weekends away on Sat 7th March.
Please provide me with your list of tasks as soon as possible with some soft tasks for mums & dads with toddlers appreciated.

This is a great opportunity to enhance the practicalities & beauty around various spaces in the school.

Parents love having teachers there and you can certainly improve your lot if you are there. Even help with paper shuffling & house keeping can be done. So use your imagination & be there!

Regards
Gavin Colley

Administration – Casual Relief Positions Available

We are seeking applications from suitably experienced people to work in the school administration as Casual Relief Staff.  Successful applicants will be given some on-site training before joining our Administration Casual Relief list.  Applicants should have excellent communication skills and a range of proven office skills, along with a current NSW Working with Children Check.  Applications should be forwarded to hr@http://capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au.  Applications close March 2 2015.

Fee Agreements Due

Signed Fee Agreement forms are due to be returned by 20th February (this Friday).  Every family must complete and return a Fee Agreement form.  Your assistance in getting these in on time will be very much appreciated as it means our Finance Staff will not have to spend time chasing families individually for this very important piece of paperwork.

 

COMMUNITY NOTICES

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

The NSW Board of Studies have informed us that school principals are no longer able to grant exemptions from attendance for holidays. This means that students who are away because they are on a holiday during term must be marked as absent. It is a legal requirement that parents sent students to school on every day unless they are sick or have an exceptional circumstance (family funeral etc.) Students who are absent without valid reason may be subject to mandatory reporting requirements.
All legal requirements aside, students who go away during term time miss valuable learning opportunities adding stress to both teachers and students . Please don’t book holidays for students in term times other than in exceptional circumstances.

SCHOOL CANTEEN

The school canteen is once again looking for parent helpers on a Tues, Wed or Thursday between 9.30am-2.30pm. Being involved is lots of fun, a great way to get to know the school community, allows you to claim RC&M hours and your child/ren receives a free lunch on the day!! If this is something you would like to do, please email Amanda at amandaeade1@bigpond.com or phone 0411837699.

Copyright © 2015 Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School, All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:
reception@capebyronsteinerschool.nsw.edu.au

 

 

 

From The Principal

in

As February rolls on and we are experiencing the lovely wet-season patterns of rain and warm sunshine, life in the school is now settling into our lovely school day and week patterns. Students are more settled in their classroom routines and we are all enjoying the gentle rhythms of work, activity, stillness and play (yes, even the teachers and support crew love to have some moments of play in our day).

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Kindergarten parent meeting last week. There were many familiar faces and a few new faces too. The parent meeting structure we have all across the school ensures that parents can come together at least twice a year (and sometimes more often) to be updated on what is happening at school, share with other parents and, often, listen to a short talk in relation to child development or our educational philosophy. The Class Meetings are also an opportunity to ask questions and, time and circumstance permitting, join in discussion around a range of topics. The class meetings really are an important part of the relationship between school and parents and I very strongly encourage parents to attend.

Finally, this year we are focusing on ‘Sustainability’ as a general theme. There are already some changes happening across the school as we seek to find more sustainable pathways on an individual and school level. Some of our teachers and support staff are choosing to car-pool to reduce their carbon emissions. I would like to encourage parents to consider either car-pooling or, preferably, utilising the bus service to transport children to school. If we can reduce the number of car trips to and from school, even by just a small amount, we can reduce our impact on the environment.

Peace

Nerrida

Bulletin 6th February 2015

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From The Principal

in

Week two is almost over and what a full and fulfilling week it has been at school. We have had a very smooth start to the school year and all of our teachers and students are quickly settling into the routine of the day and week.

I enjoyed a lovely visit down to kindergarten early in the week and was delighted to see some of our newest students playing, listening and exploring their new school surroundings. The kindergarten is such a gentle and joyful space where the experience of early childhood is really protected and nourished.

This morning it was wonderful to watch some of our Year 9 students playing running games with the Class 3 students during their recess break. Last year these High School students met and spent time with their Class 2 buddies and wrote and published story books for them. It was great to see that the relationships they built have continued and that they continue to want to spend time together.

I have been spending some time with the Year 7 class, during their maths lessons each week. I am so impressed with the way they have made the transition into the High School. We have been working hard to develop our transition program and the feedback this year is that the students are doing a great job in their new High School surroundings. Well done Year 7 students and thank you Brook and Joseph for supporting your Class so well.

Finally, some of our senior students will be heading over to Vietnam for a cultural study trip at the end of the term. They will be visiting a local school and an orphanage on their trip and are now fundraising and collecting items to give on their visit. Please see information from these students elsewhere in the bulletin and give support if you can. Learning how to gaze outwards and offer service to the wider world is a really important part of healthy adolescent growth and it would be great if we, as a community could support our students in this endeavour.

Peace

Nerrida

From The Principal

in

Welcome back to the new school year. It was wonderful to see our students arriving back to school with big smiles, stories of holiday adventures and excitement about the year ahead. For the teachers and support staff who have been working to prepare the school, the return of the students is such an exciting and happy time – our school comes to life when our students are here.

 

We finished last year on such a high note, with incredible HSC results and a graduating class who really made us proud. This year started on an equally positive note. The Class One students were so excited to walk up the hill and enter their new classroom one by one to present their new teacher, Teresa, with a rose and join the circle as Class One children. The ceremony was very moving, with accompanying music (thank you Loani, Robbie and Ian for the violin, cello and flute accompaniment) and beautifully reverent children. Teera and I may even have had to wipe away a tear or two.

We welcome our new teachers, Teresa in Class One, Mat in Class Six and Andy in the High School Maths Department. We also welcome Lucille into our Administration Team as our new receptionist.

 

This will be an exciting and busy term. There will be a introduction morning tea for new families next Monday. I look forward to meeting our new families, having a chat and answering any questions about the school. The morning tea will be held in the canteen area, please ask at reception if you don’t know where to go.

At the end of the term, I will 
be presenting a workshop at
 the International conference, “Transitions in Childhood -
from Birth to 14 Years”, at the Goetheanum in Switzerland.
(The Goetheanum is the world centre for Anthroposophically based activities, including Steiner Education.) The workshop I will 
be presenting will be about how 
to work with the changes which occur in the child between the ages of 8 and 10 years. It is an honour and an exciting opportunity to be asked to do this (and just a little bit terrifying for me). I hope to be able to present a version of the workshop for our own community in Term Two.

 

Finally, the College of Teachers 
has decided that this year our whole school initiative this year will be focused on Sustainability – for the individual, the school, the community and our planet. We will be working on ways to improve our sustainability on all of these levels, with our staff meeting to create some initial action plans next week. As one way of trying
 to act in a more personally sustainable way, we will be continuing our striving to create a more sustainable work-life balance for staff by asking that staff not send or reply to emails at night or on the weekends wherever possible. (Of course we are always willing to respond to absolute emergencies as they arise). I ask that parents also consider this and try not to send school based emails to staff members at night or on weekends (and please consider carefully whether an email needs to be sent at all). Ideally, all emails to teaching staff members should be sent through the reception email address reception@ http://capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au, rather than to teachers’ individual email addresses. Your support with this initiative will help to make our staff members’ lives a little more sustainable.

I look forward to catching up with as many parents as possible at upcoming Class Meetings, Friday markets and at the many school events which happen during the year. If you have any feedback, ideas or issues to discuss, I am happy to talk with you.

Peace Nerrida

 

Bulletin 30th January 2015

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Bulletin 30th January 2015

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Bulletin 30th January 2015

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