Term 2 Week 10 CALENDAR REMINDERS Friday 22 June – Term 2

Term 2 Week 10
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Friday 22 June – Term 2 ends at 2.45pm
Monday 16 July – Term 3 starts
Saturday 1 September – SVSS 25th Anniversary Celebration
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As we conclude another busy term, I again thank all students, parents, and staff, for your
contributions to our community over the last term. As everyone saw at the Winter Festival last
night, the Pre-school Winter Festival on Wednesday night, and many associated activities, a lot of
planning and preparation takes place so that these events are special, and hold significant meaning
for everyone participating. They are a fitting conclusion to the term of study, learning and growth. I
wish you all a relaxing and safe holiday. Special wishes for safe travels to those staff who are
travelling to Alice Springs for a conference.
Classroom Music (Primary)
During the term Jeannie Driver tendered her resignation as Primary School Classroom Music
Teacher. She will continue to teach in the strings program. Robyn Oliver has been appointed to the
position on a temporary basis until the end of the year. Jeannie and Robyn have already been
working together to ensure a smooth transition. We welcome Robyn at the beginning of Term 3.
During Terms 3 & 4, the Music Department staff, teachers, the College of Teachers, and the Senior
Leadership Team will take the opportunity to review the music program prior to making a
permanent appointment to this position for 2013 and beyond.
SVSS Embarks on Independent Research Project to Gain a Broader Understanding of our
School Community’s Needs
Thank you to parents who have already taken the time to support the School by completing our
online research questionnaire seeking feedback on the School Community‟s needs. As the term
draws to a close we urge you to take the time to complete the questionnaire prior to the school
holidays which will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes of your time. The online questionnaire can
be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SVSSFamilySurvey Again thank you to all for your
ongoing support of this important research project for the entire School Community.
Allen Kloeden
5 Narrawa Rd, Wights Mountain QLD 4520
Absentee Line: 3430 9610
T: 3430 9600 F: 3430 9630
OSHC: 3430 9614
info@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au
Term 2 Week 10
22 June 2012
The 25th Anniversary celebration has been confirmed for the 1st of September
this year. This will be a day to remember and celebrate how far our school has
come in such a short time, and to look forward to the exciting future ahead of
us. The event will kick off at 1:00pm and will include classes, an arts and
crafts show, market stalls, and a concert for the whole family to enjoy.
To accompany the schools 25th Birthday celebrations, students: past and present, parents and community
members are being asked and encouraged to enter sculpture, paintings, photography, craft or any other
media into an art exhibition. The pieces need to fit into the themes of
„CELEBRATION‟ or „REFLECTION‟
Further details about submission dates and entry details will be forth coming. I just wanted to get the
idea out there so that work can commence. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
the high school or on mpiper@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au.
Thanks, Mark
We are looking for past students and teachers of SVSS so we can invite them to this special day. Please
send contact details for past students/teachers to Mercedes at MLogan@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au
We are putting together a collection of photos and newspaper clippings from the school‟s beginnings 25
years ago through to the current day. If you have any old photos or newspapers, we would appreciate
hearing from you. Please contact Joan at info@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au.
This is an important milestone for our school, and there are some great opportunities for you to get
involved. If you‟d like to help with the general planning, organising or running this event, you can
contact Nicky and Robbie on info@svsspafa.org.au. We are specifically looking for people to help with
the following aspects of the celebration:

We are looking for people to act as roving musicians or performers on the day of the celebration. If you
are interested, or you know somebody who might be, contact Nicky on nicky419@yahoo.com.

We encourage all SVSS families and individuals, past or present, to be involved in creating a 25th
Anniversary quilt. You can help by contributing a piece of fabric, or by felting, sewing, knitting,
embroidering, or photo imaging a square. All offerings will be gratefully received. Please contact Lucie
at luciev@bigpond.com and watch for more details in upcoming newsletters.
PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
I write this on the solstice, the resting point in the year between the movements of the sun north to
south. There has certainly been stillness in the air, blue skies and crisp mornings. The outer mood of
our natural environment is reflected in our winter festival celebrations. The winter spiral, lovingly
prepared by the preschool staff, nourishes this quiet moment in the year and in our lives; space for
the still, small voice. All classes had the opportunity to experience this quality of light in the
darkness by walking the spiral to the centre where they light their candle and place it in the spiral.
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The darkened Hall becomes lighter and lighter as each student brings their light to the spiral; a
magical moment. Starting tomorrow the days get incrementally longer and conversely the nights
grow shorter. Prep and Primary Classes have also been making lanterns in preparation for the
Winter Festival Celebrations. The highlight of the performances was the Class 7 Fire Eurythmy and
this year we also saw the High School Choir perform and a story. Class 12 also prepared a
Eurythmy Presentation. And then the bonfire! The climax of all the activity.
Many people have commented on how quickly the term has gone. There has certainly been plenty
happening across all sections of the school. A couple of weeks ago the Anthroposophical Society in
Queensland, which has recently reformed, had a formal meeting on the school grounds. Renate
Briepohl, one of the founding members of the school, gave an insightful address during which she
spoke about building community. Although a small event it was a significant indicator of the
growing depth of the school. We will be taking up some of the themes from the Alice Springs
Conference in our Faculty Meetings next term. We also have some fantastic visitors early in the
term: Van James and Brian Keats. I strongly recommend parents attend any sessions that are made
available to them. In the meantime we wish everyone a restful and rejuvenating winter break.
Chris Jack
Education Administrator
FROM THE BOARD…
Since the AGM in March the Board has continued to meet monthly as part of the governance of the
school. Whilst much of our work is on‐going in nature some of our key achievements thus far
include:
 The establishment of the Kit Wyndham Teacher Training Fund, which will provide funding as
per the wishes of the generous benefactor and her estate;
 Approving the progression of the Science Building; and
 Dealing with the new Workplace Health & Safety Act.
Additionally we are working on a number of other key activities and initiatives, including:
 Finalising the Strategic Plan. The Board Strategic Plan provides a future vision for the school
and the direction and goals for where we strive to be. The Director and the leadership team then
implement operational plans in order to achieve these strategic goals. We are currently seeking
feedback from both the Senior Leadership Team and the College of Teachers before finalising
the plan for the 2012‐2016 period.
 Completing an Annual Board Work Plan. This Plan outlines our key repeatable tasks and
activities each year (our rhythm as a Board) and ensures we cover off the essential aspects of our
governance role.
 Reviewing and revising the Board‟s Governance Manual. The Manual provides an overview of
our four key areas of accountability as a Board (which arose out of the work we did last year on
the Strategic Plan), plus outlines the guidelines or „rules‟ that the Board uses to guide its rhythms
and processes. This includes the responsibilities and accountabilities of both the Board as a
whole and its individual members.
 Reviewing the Constitution. A review is being undertaken to refresh the Constitution to ensure it
is relevant to how we want to govern today. This will link in with reviews of our Governance
Manual and implementation of an Annual Board Work Plan, ensuring all of the documents are
consistent. We are lucky to have Scott Reading on the Board who finds great joy in reading
through legal Acts and the Constitution, who will be advising and guiding the Board through this
review process. Most of this work involves just the Board. However, as we work through the
Constitution, any changes that we may wish to propose will need to go to the Association
members for approval. We anticipate that a Special General Meeting will be held during Term 4
for this. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all members of the school community
to become members of the association (RSEGB). It is the members to whom we are accountable
and we would like more of you!
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Any questions about the Board and its activities can be directed to any of the Board Members. We
are currently working with Admin to have a separate „Board‟ page put onto the school‟s website
and names of Board members will be listed there. We will advise you when this is done. On behalf
of the Board I would like to thank all the staff for their efforts throughout the term. In addition, the
Board wishes all the parents and students an enjoyable and safe winter holiday break.
Steve Havas
Board President
CLASS 7 NEWS
Class 7 has been extremely busy with Peter Glasby at the helm. We are discovering the heated
delights of chemistry and everyday‟s Main Lesson time is a wonder and surprise.
Last week we started with a bonfire inside
the classroom which did send smoke
billowing through the windows and the
smell reminded us of this activity for a
number of days. This was followed by
lighting methylated spirits and pouring the
lot down a wooden board onto the
floorboards then we played with a lit Teclu
burner and some LPG gas.... Nothing too
dangerous you understand; we left that to
Peter who showed us what a freaky fire
could look like and how dangerous petrol
really is.
This week we have been a little reserved. No big fires indoors only acids and alkalines! We have
watched from a distance what happens to Caustic Soda when Sulphuric Acid is mixed into it and
the cabbage juice has been a terrific rainbow of colours. We have added fizz to get foam and
whoosh has made whizz but I cannot tell you anymore or we would give the game away.
Other lessons, well they are simply not a patch on chemistry so I shall not bore you with the details.
Have a wonderful winter festival and I hope you have fun during the holiday period.
Antonia and Class 7
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Over the past two terms Jonny Klee of Class 12 has
been working hard on making a chess set as part of
Hard Craft.
The Chess Board, named the 'championship board', is
now complete and Jonny is kindly donating it to the
school. It will live in the library for any keen chess
players that wish to use it. Jonny has been at
Samford Valley Steiner School since preschool (14
years ago) and during these years the teachers have
challenged him and he has challenged the teachers so it is fitting that he is leaving behind a game that
involves skill and a challenge. Thank you Jonny for
your hard work and dedication that went into the set. We look forward to the many years of
challenge and fun that it will give to future students.
Mercedes
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Romeo and Juliet
I approach the Shakespeare and Elizabethan ML with a very practical component where we
discover the heartbeat of iambic pentameter and we do in-depth scene study and analysis – on
stage! The students pick what roles they want to explore and we rehearse. I want to say a huge
congratulations to Class 8 who in the short
time of a main lesson produced such a high
standard of work – their presentation became
a mini-production- an impressive feat! Naomi
created a 5m x 1.2 m stunning backdrop
enlarging from a 10x30cm drawing of
Shakespeare‟s flowers. Jordan and Beatrice
coordinated all the costumes and developed a
modern look. Bea also focused on set
dressing arranging the gorgeous blooms given
to us via the lovely Debbie Tranter and her
mate Michael – thanks!
Kane worked hard with Janine and together they spent a day hanging and focusing lights then he
built in this crucial element with Kirralea‟s support. Kirralea also wrote the publicity for the
newsletter while Jodie and others made and distributed posters! This was all extra and initiated by
the students – what an impressive group of young motivated talented people. I feel so blessed and
was on high on Wednesday night remembering all the special moments of their Romeo and Juliet!
May I add a big thanks to all the parents who came and Hazel who took these stunning photos to
help us all remember an amazing live event.
While I can‟t mention every moment I‟ll share
this with you – Shaye found her own sweet,
passionate Juliet, Rohan Jago tenderly found
his Romeo, Jodie flew with Queen Mab, Bea
dramatically died in a cold tomb....Will‟s
Tybalt held the tension of realising he has killed
Mercutio, Aiden spun dizzy with love as his
Romeo and Vicki‟s presence anchored her
compassionate Friar. Ahh such memories of
this tale of woe, of all these Juliets and their
Romeos.
Molly Brumm
High School Review of Term 2 and the first Semester
Dear School Community
What a week of cultural riches. Class 8 put on a brilliant evening of excerpts from Romeo and Juliet
after their Shakespeare main lesson with Molly. It was brilliant to see how Molly had – in the very
limited time available - given a variety of roles and scenes to a diversity of very talented young
people. The Class 8 students performed extremely well – speaking clearly on the whole and with
great animation and gesture.
Yesterday at the High School Winter Festival we had an integrated program of music literature and
Eurythmy from the Class 11 Romantic Poetry main lesson and Jan‟s work with Eurythmy with
Classes 9, 10 and 12. The combined piece on Ode to Intimations of Immortality was very
impressive. Many students remained to walk the Winter Spiral in a mood of quiet and reverence
before all the high school were involved in making soup. To lighten up the afternoon, Class 11
performed a short humorous „playlet‟ on Cryogenics. The Winter Festival was a beautiful rich event
– with good food, warm lantern light glowing on faces and shining eyes, a real winter story about
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22 June 2012
our Class 9‟s winter hike, good singing, wonderful Eurythmy and a spectacular fire Eurythmy event
out of Jan‟s work with Class 7 and 12. Class 10‟s bonfire was still burning as I wrote this. It was
spectacular!!!
This was a wonderful ending to what has been a busy and fruitful semester in the High School.
Achievements this year:
 We are the first school in Queensland to be accredited as an Exchange provider under the new
regulations;
 Our first exchanges have been organised and we have had a student from Germany since the
beginning of Term 2 – Lea in Class 10. Next term more will be coming;
 We have passed the first stage of CRICOS registration – at the state level and it has now gone
for Federal recognition; Mercedes has played a key role in the huge paperwork task of getting
both those recognitions underway;
 We have had a very successful international class exchange with a Waldorf school in
Hyderabad, India where their small Class 10 joined our small Class 10 to make a combined
class for 6 weeks. Lasting connections have grown out of that and the possibility that some of
the Indian students may return. Feedback from the Hyderabad teachers is their students
returned with new confidence and personal growth. The school has been presented with a
gorgeous handmade art piece made by one of their teachers. It will hang in the library.
The combined class completed the mapping of the Mt Barney Eco Lodge property during a 2
week surveying field trip.
 We have become a SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) Centre where our Class 12 students can
now sit the test here at the school. Our Class 12 students, as well as completing the
comprehensive liberal curriculum that we offer, also sit an aptitude test as part of our Tertiary
Pathway into University; Dave Rule has been instrumental in bringing that about.
 Our students have been involved in achievements of excellence. Ruby Valks achieved an A+
for her Level 8 Cello exam. Molly Davies entered in the competition “triple j unearthed high”.
Click on this link to find Molly‟s entry.
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/Artists/View.aspx?artistid=55817
 There has been a concerted effort by the High School staff to hand back student work in a
timely fashion so that students receive feedback quickly. The demand has also been there on
students to be more productive and increase the quality of their work. Reports will be sent out
by the end of the first week of the holiday;
 A new time has been created for the High School Ensemble (early Friday morning) so that
students do not have to choose between doing their music and physical education;
 The new Science Building has been approved and the final drawings are being worked on to
receive the building approval and to put the building out to tender;
 School based apprenticeships and traineeships have begun by two of our Class 11 students;
 The camps this year have included some innovations. They have been more linked to the
curriculum and some of them have been lengthened to consolidate the important experiences
that occur. So, for example the Class 9 farming camp was extended to 3 weeks and the reports
are that it was all positive to do that. Class 9 also had an epic winter walk – the tale of which
was told at the Winter Festival – a real Winter journey;
 The professional development of our staff in Steiner Education is a high priority and numerous
opportunities have been provided this year for that to occur. Earlier in the year was the “Music,
Movement and Metal” conference. The fruits of that conference have been the singing, games
or movement which the High School starts the day with. Another fruit of that conference is the
Tuesday afternoon “Hardcraft Club” run by Mark Piper from the High School. They gather
there every Tuesday after school and the three forges are fired up to heat the metal for forging.
It has been a popular activity for a group of students from the High School and the Primary
School.
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Over the Easter break, some 10 of our staff went to the international teachers conference in Dornach
and the reports from that visit have taken up a good part of the whole school faculty meetings this
term.
Next term that will continue with a Master class in the Art being offered over 10 days during the
Class 9 Art History main lesson. Van James a Waldorf teacher from Honolulu, a well published
writer and artist who is one of the leading visual arts teachers in Waldorf Education will be working
at the school from 16 – 25th July. His program can be found on the school web site. He will be
working with Ted Muller. Following Van‟s visit, Brian Keats, our Australian astronomer and writer
of the biodynamic planting calendar, will be here working with Tim Dunn and Class 12 on the
Astronomy main lesson and with Dave Rule on the Bio-dynamic gardening program. There will
also be input to the primary school astronomy classes.
Over the holidays a convoy of people from our community are travelling in two buses across to the
centre of Australia to a combined conference of Steiner Education Australia and the
Anthroposophical Society. Two buses are leaving Samford on July 1st with about 40 people aboard
including some of our students. We will pick up another 2 buses and a van in Alice for a preconference excursion out to some of the centre‟s sacred sites such as Uluru and KataTjuta. That
party will come back on the eve of the new term.There are a number of camps coming up in Term 3
– the Bunya camp for Class 9; the Lady Musgrave/Zoology camp for Class 12; the Fraser Island
Botany camp for Class 11 and the Lamington/Patterns and Rhythms in Nature camp with Class 8.
In the meantime I would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful, multi talented staff, our
dedicated admin people, our wonderful students with all their gifts, talents and challenges and you
the parents for your support and entrusting us with your children. On behalf of the staff I would like
to wish you all a good holiday and I look forward to seeing you next term, for the second half of the
year.
Warm regards
Peter Glasby
Education Administrator
CLASS 9 MOUNTAIN CAMP
Last week Class 9 embarked upon their “Mountain Camp” – the one camp of their extensive
camping programme this year that sees them making a serious assault on a summit of formidable
proportions – this year the mysterious “Lost World” in Lamington National Park. This year‟s camp
really highlighted the need for students to pay close attention to the required gear list and to pack
carefully and as directed.
“Our first welcome as we arrived at Lamington National
Park was the icy wind gusting sheets of rain into our
doubtful faces” – Yas
Finalising our gear before we set off
It was windy and rainy when Eric our bus driver
dropped us at O‟Rielly‟s at Green Mountain. As we
tidied our packs and finalised the gear we were
carrying, another group of students, significantly older
than our group, trudged into the picnic area. They had
travelled over the weekend from Springbrook and had
experienced some inclement weather. They looked
tired. “Good luck.” intoned one student, “You may
need it...” We were not fazed; the bureau had
mentioned rain for Monday clearing to fine for the
rest of the week. They turned out to be wrong.
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After secreting all extraneous gear into our backpacks we set off in high spirits along the swept
concrete paths towards our destination for the night – Echo Point. Within an hour or so we had our
first blister and the rain was already making its way down inside our rain jackets. The raincoats did
in fact do little to keep us dry the whole camp, but they did at least give our bodies respite from the
howling wind.
“The only thing colder than the rain was the wind” – Zac
We paused for lunch and marvelled at how our thumbs
were too stiff to open a zip lock bag. Sure, we could see
our breath, but was it really that cold? We put in a good
afternoon‟s trek as the path wound down and then back
up a long steep gully. We tip toed across some well fed
streams, swollen with rain, a fore-shadowing of the
coming days. That afternoon the dark descended
relentlessly from the clouded sky as we passed some of
the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen. Alas these
were not our focus. There was no time to linger. Our
priority was now to reach our campsite. There was talk
of being tired, questions of distance and wonderings as
to whether we could do this for another four days.
Lunch on the First day
We set up our wing tarps in the dark and dripping trees of Echo Point campsite, a meagre clearing
among the towering trees. Not many of our contingent felt like cooking and it was only after stern
insistence from Tim and myself that they retired with something warm in their belly. It was now,
after having stopped for the day that some tears started to flow. Homesickness, shivering, and
doubts of their physical ability were diminished by dryish sleeping bags and fatigue. Sleep was
fleeting however. The roaring wind, driving like a fluid juggernaut up the hill, swept our dreams of
a clear dawn before it.
In the morning those that ventured the one hundred and fifty metres further down the path found
Echo Point Lookout a massive white void; a closed infinity blowing vertigo. We packed up and set
off, letting the exertion of climbing the ever narrowing Border Track warm us. Before long we
turned North North West, leaving the path and dropping off the top of Mt Warrendo. We attempted
to follow a ridge that would narrow and lead us to a saddle at the foot of the “Lost World”. This
was to be our campsite for the night.
At this point in the tale I must commend Tim Dunn on his sterling navigation through very thick
jungle. The cloud and trees prevented the sighting of any landmarks from which to take a bearing
and the mud and the thorny vines, the cold and the wet hampered our every step. Tim however was
confident and led us unfalteringly. Whether we believed in God or not, we were all asked to send a
prayer for sunshine and a break in the cloud.
And it worked. The relentless grey split and showed blue. Shafts of warm golden light struck down
through the foliage, striking our faces and hands. The spirits of our group, half of who were now
weeping openly at intervals, soared. Spontaneous singing and the telling of lame jokes prevailed.
We would be alright, we would be warm.
It didn‟t last. Again, as we pushed on, the wet twilight closed in around us. In the dark we set up our
camp, this time short of our destination at the saddle. We were perched on a narrow ridge and the
rain had made most of our gear soaked. It was difficult to find a flat spot to sleep.
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Wet clothes and wet sleeping bags meant that we were
now in survival mode. We covered sleeping bags in
garbage bags and sheets of plastic, trying to keep the
wind at bay. My scarf was given out. Our sleeping
bags lay huddled together.
Tim and I had a decision to make – Do we press on or
do we head home, and if so, how? If the sun came out
and we could get a fire lit, we would have a rest day
and get ourselves dry and then push on. But would
this blasted weather ever break? We would sleep on it
Walking in the dark and the rain
and decide in the morning.
“The camp was awesome, really hard and mentally difficult. It was funny how Dave had to
carry half of the girl’s gear. I loved the way that our class was so supportive of each other and
helped keep our spirits alive” – Jake
My sleeping bag was like a wind sock the next morning, seeming to catch the entire gale that blew
down the hill over us. It was still raining. The decision had been made for us – it was time to get
ourselves home. But how to get there?
The “Lost World” is a high plateau rimmed by cliffs with a razorback ridge that runs to its top on
the eastern side. This ridge is extremely narrow in places with the slopes on either side being very
steep. With the strong wind, slippery ground and delicate condition of the students we decided that
ascending the ridge was not an option, even if we used our climbing rope. So do we head back? We
decided against this as we had come quite a long way and the impact that retracing our steps, most
of them uphill, would have on the students would certainly be negative.
The third option was to drop off the ridge in a southerly direction, find the Albert River, and strike
west, rock hopping our way down stream until we reached the Lost World Guest House situated at
the foot of the plateau. From there Eric would meet us with the bus. We figured if we left now, we
would be there by dark – around five o‟clock. But we would have to leave now and walk hard if we
were to make it. We arranged this plan with Mercedes via mobile. We were now committed. Our
team was very excited with the idea of being home and everybody packed as quickly as possible so
that we could get started.
We walked two hundred metres further down the
ridge and found the lovely flat campsite at the
saddle intended for us last night. We had no time
for regrets. We turned left and headed for the
creek. Our descent down the steep slope was more
of a controlled slide, gripping branches and
digging in heels as we went. Within an hour we
reached the river which was flowing rapidly with
the rain. We followed the Albert River all morning.
The rocks were slippery and we had to feel our
way with our feet, trying to find a firm foothold in
the rushing water with every step. People slipped.
Many fell in. Tim lost his hat in the torrent.
Frantically packing to make our exit on the last day
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When we weren‟t slowing feeling our way along
the creek we were scrabbling over giant logs or
ducking through vines at the edge of the river
looking for an easy way downstream. There wasn‟t
one. We were making steady but very slow time.
Five kilometres of creek crawling is a very long
way. “How much further is it?” “The creek seems
to be widening. Perhaps just around the next bend.
The track to the Lost World Guest House is on the
right. Keep an eye out for it.”
Resting in the Albert River
At last there were signs of civilisation, well of man at least. A day tripper from the guest house had
made a cairn on a giant boulder; there was an old polystyrene cup, an empty tuna tin. Never had we
been so happy to see litter! We must be close.
Five o‟clock passed. For the third time the night began to close around us. Tim decided to take an
advanced party to find the track and the guest house a kilometre beyond while it was still light and
then come back to help us stragglers with our packs. They quickly disappeared ahead into the grey
light and the five of us picked our way forward, slower than ever, each step taking longer than the
last. Soon it was dark. “Anyone with a torch, get it out of your packs.”
“The awareness of limits have no reason to exist when our soul is prepared to be” – Molly
A rainforest creek at night is a lonely place when you just want to be home. At this point we had to
rationalise to keep emotions from dominating. We needed to be positive. We knew where we were.
No one was injured. We had everything we needed to survive in our backpacks. We would be O.K.
The forward party would be back for us soon, we just have to patiently and carefully push on.
Nothing else will get us home but ourselves. This didn‟t make the physical task any less however.
“This was a very hard camp but I wouldn’t trade it for anything because now I have a great
experience to draw from. Even though it was hard I now know I can do it” – Amy
After we had taken a break, shared some reassuring hugs and scouted around in vain for the track, a
beautiful sight greeted us. Tim‟s head torch came floating upstream. There were more hugs all
round. The last hour hiking out of that creek was incredibly gruelling. We all seemed to be on
autopilot, our attention focused on the little patch of white light in front of us, step after eternal step.
We held each other‟s hands as we helped the less able footed down the river. The tears had stopped
now and had been replaced by guttural sobs and grunts of effort. Finally in the dark undergrowth
we found the rope that led up the hill to the track. We were too tired to be overjoyed. We simply
trudged through the mud until we finally collapsed at the guest house. Well at least I did. Young
people seem to bounce back far more readily and they were soon chatting happily with their friends.
We had made it. It was nine o‟clock at night.
Alas, the “Lost World” will remain a mystery to us, perhaps until another time. This was one of the
toughest things that I have done in my life as I‟m sure it was for the students too. They had
recalibrated their baseline for courage and perseverance and now they know what they are capable
of. I hope that my children, when they each reach Class nine have the opportunity to be stretched in
such a genuine way – to be pushed physically and mentally to achieve a real destination, even if that
destination is simply making it home.
Dave Rule
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ADMINISTRTION NEWS
Term Dates 2013
Term 1 - Tuesday 29 January – Thursday 28 March
Term 2 - Monday 15 April – Friday 21 June
Term 3 - Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September
Term 4 – Tuesday 8 October – Friday 6 December
Student Free Day - Monday 21 October
Lost Property
The lost property basket is overflowing. Please take some time to come up to the basket on the
Primary School Administration verandah and have a look through for anything that may belong to
your children. It will be emptied at the start of Term 3.
Sports for Schools is off and running!
Start collecting vouchers – get more sporting equipment. From now until August 15th you can
collect Sports for Schools vouchers, by shopping at any Coles, Bi-Lo or Pick'n' Pay store or at
Coles online. And for this week, you can double your vouchers! You will receive 2 vouchers for
every $10 spent until Sunday 24th June.
Gold Coast Theme Parks Student Discount Cards
The school still has Student Discount Cards for the theme parks/worlds at the Gold Coast. If you would
like some, please come and see us at the office. These are only valid until 30 June.
Joan & Judy
PAFA NEWS
Woolworths Earn & Learn Extended
Woolies has extended this promotion to August 12th. Make sure you keep your
stickers over the holidays and bring them into the school next term.
Craft Group and Morning Tea
You are warmly invited to attend our regular Friday morning tea and catch-up for parents from all
parts of the school from Week 1 of Term 3. Just head along to the Hub after drop off and join us for
a hot drink and nibbles (gold coin donation gratefully appreciated). Feel free to bring along some
knitting or craft, or just relax and enjoy a chat. The Craft Group will recommence on Week 3 next
term.
Parent Education
We would like to extend a big thank you
to Chris Jack for running the Lantern
Making workshop last week.
Everyone who attended enjoyed the
opportunity to create their own lanterns.
Page | 11
Term 2 Week 10
22 June 2012
Comedy Show
Thank you to everyone who took advantage of the opportunity to buy discount tickets to the
comedy night last week. Thanks to the ticket sales, PAFA raised $180 to put towards our current
projects.
Special Thanks
PAFA would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly
during the first half of the year. Our volunteers contribute to the rich tapestry of life around the
school by working in areas as diverse as fundraising, festivals and event planning, parent education,
tuckshop, the growers market, craft group and Friday morning teas. It is this breadth of experience
and passion that has built such a strong community within and around the school. We look forward
to celebrating this strong history and community on September 1st.
We hope you all have a wonderful break over the holidays, and come back refreshed and ready to
enjoy the second half of the year.
Regards,
Lucie Verhelst (PAFA President) and Jo Davis (PAFA Vice President)
Craft Group
Our school has always had a dynamic crafting community, and has earned its reputation for
producing consistently beautiful and high quality crafts. We've been lucky to have some very
talented people among and around us who have shared their skills and their passion over the years,
so that the depth and the range of skills within our community is extraordinary! We have reason to
be very proud!! The weekly craft group has always been a large part of this craft culture, thanks to
the dedication and hard work of a long line of co-ordinators
Current craft co-ordinators, Sarah Holt and Femke Dekker, are taking some time out to take stock,
re-think the principles, and make plans and preparations for a continuation of the Wednesday
morning Craft Group, starting in early August. Sarah has graciously agreed to continue to co-lead
for another year, after having done a beautiful job last year. Femke is a future parent of the school,
who comes with a great doll making pedigree, as her mother is a celebrated doll maker in Europe.
We are very fortunate that she has offered her wonderful skills to our craft group! (Just come and
see the beautiful dolls she has made for the Treehouse!)
Sarah and Femke are hoping to create a crafting space that will be really nourishing to parents.
They also aim to plan craft projects around some basic skills that parents would like to learn:
knitting, crochet, sewing, felting and needle felting for example. They would love to be able to
provide a babysitting option for parents with toddlers (as that makes for a much more relaxing and
productive experience!), as well as a morning tea with healthy snacks.
So watch this space!
Do you know someone who would be open to babysit toddlers on a Wednesday morning for pocket
money? Or would you be prepared to do so yourself, even just once in a while? If so, please
contact one of us..... see below.
Avril O'Brien (avrilpenelope@gmail.com) Sarah Holt (cinderellastories06@yahoo.com.au)
Parent Library News
The Parent Library is looking for a kind parent who would be willing to service the Pre-school on
Wednesdays at the 12.30 pick-up time. The job entails picking up a selection of books from the
Treehouse each week, and taking them over to the Pre-school for parents to borrow. Then returning
the books to the Treehouse. This service has been faithfully undertaken by Sonja Parsonage for the
last year and a half, and we thank her sincerely for her dedication! It is a service which
substantially enhances the value of the Parent Library!
Page | 12
Term 2 Week 10
22 June 2012
ASSOCIATED INITIATIVES
These Steiner/Anthroposophically related activities and services, whilst not directly related the
school, can be seen to be in sympathy with and supportive of the impulse of Steiner education.
Little Ones Winter Festival
On Saturday night, approx 35 families from Mia Valentine's Family Daycare and Vicki Kearney's
Playgroups gathered on a perfect winter's night to celebrate their winter festival. Seated on picnic
rugs on the lawn, families enjoyed warm soups and bread before lighting their little lanterns and
making their way along a candle lit path through the paddock. Mia's beautiful voice rang out
through the forest, singing the song 'Through the darkness we shall go' etc. as little lights shone
from lanterns hanging in the trees. At the end of the walk, we all sat watching the glow of a small
bonfire before dispersing home with sleepy little children.
Vicki Kearney
Moreton Bay Birali Steiner School
Now taking enrolments for Term 4 2012 and Term 1 in 2013, Prep - Grade 3. For further
information please contact Amy Kuczynski, Secretary, Moreton Bay Birali Steiner School on 5496
8384.
CLASSIFIEDS
Please note: All Classified Advertisements
are submitted by individuals for the
community benefit. They do not in any way
express the views, opinions, endorsement or
policy of the school and should not be relied
upon as such.
Samford Show Reminder
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th July
(Last weekend of the school holidays)
This is a great show, set in beautiful
surroundings at the showgrounds at Highvale.
Reasonably priced entry, a relaxed, familyoriented event. Come and see us for coffee,
hot chocolate, tea or a snack (across from the
pavilion in the yellow food van)
Lea and Neville Smith
There is a flat $2 charge for each advertisement
and payment is required prior to inclusion.
Home for rent
Lovely 4 bedroom cottage for rent in Dayboro
village. Large block. Walk to shops.
$365/week. Ph Chris 0424 273 705 or
chris@garvey.biz
Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils
Are pure, natural and unadulterated from seed
to the sealed bottle. Essential oils are valuable
because of the extensive range of benefits
they provide for the body and mind. Studies
show that essential oils are both
psychologically and physically stimulating.
These oils are extensively tested for purity
and potency so that you can be sure they are
safe for aromatic and topical application.
Scentopia is a Young Living Independent
Distributor. For more information, make an
order, or book a presentation: website :
https://www.youngliving.org/dougholt; email:
info@scentopia.com.au; phone: 1800
SCENTOPIA (723 686)
House-sitting
Enthusiastic and responsible Steiner Mum
available for house-sitting until Feb 2013.
Horses, dogs, chooks – all animals cared for
with a loving touch. References available.
Please call Petra 0401 107 187. For anywhere
in the Shire radius.
Granny Flat/Cottage Required
For family of two. Phone Leanne on 0427
695 733
Mike Smith Landscapes
“Creating Sacred Spaces”
Specialising in landscape construction,
woodwork, children‟s furniture and
playgrounds and design. Ph 3289 3616 or
0403 813 081
Page | 13
Term 2 Week 10
22 June 2012
Felt Workshop
Would you like t be creative this winter and
decorate your home with a new piece of felt?
I offer a felt workshop at my home on
Saturday 14 July and Saturday 21 July from
9.30am – 5pm. Cost $95.
We will work with silks, yarns, and pre-felted
felt. You can make a piece of your choice
(wallhanger, cushion cover, silk scarf,
mandala etc) For enquiries please ring
Monika on 3289 3616.
Rhythm of the Earth
A Twelve Month Journey into the Seasons,
Cycles and Wisdom of the Divine Feminine
A course for women looking to reconnect
through ancient ritual and practices to the
natural cycles of the Earth, Moon and
our Bodies.
This practical course is offered to a closed
circle of 12 women and will be held over
eight one day gatherings.
Participants will journey together throughout
the year to deepen their knowledge and
connection to this ancient wisdom and
develop their own personal practice.
Participants will learn how to create circles
and altars, work with the directions and
elements, experience drum journeys, connect
with lunar cycles, chart and understand our
own cycles and much more.
This course will create a safe space in which
women can re-member their true nature and
explore all aspects of themselves.
22nd September 2012 to 3rd August 2013
Samford, Brisbane
For further information contact Susan on
0435 346 137 or 3289 2084
or email susan@naturalparenting.com.au.
Artists on the Green
Come along and support a Steiner parent
exhibiting at:
'Artists on the Green' at the Tree Frog Gallery
Exhibition runs from 16th June - 16 July 2012
Opening: Saturday 16th June, 2pm
RSVP for opening: 54352303 / 0417784520
info@treefroggallery.com
www.treefroggallery.com
926 Montville Rd, Maleny 4552, Q
Yoga Centre Samford
Classes to suit all levels of experience from
beginners to those already established in
yoga. Monday- Saturday, days and evenings.
ChiBall, Mums and Bubs, Nia Dance,
Pregnancy, Kundalini, Kids, Flowing and
Iyengar Yoga. Now on! Kids Story telling,
craft and games while the 9am yoga class
runs! Space for hire at reasonable rates.
Something for everyone. 225 Mt Glorious
Rd, Samford Valley, please call Camille on
0421 106 441, www.sattvayoga.net.au, or
email camille@sattvayoga.net.au
Homeopathy, Bowen Therapy, Reiki.
Mondays – 11:00am-4:30pm and alternate
Saturday's by appointment at Feel Therapies
and Crystals - 1/33 Main Street Samford. Ph:
3289 3993. Also Tuesday's by appointment at
Albany Creek and Wights Mountain. Phone
Michael McDowall – A/H - 0427 377 347.
www.michaelmcdowallhelpingtobuildbridgest
oyourfuture.ntpages.com.au
Yoga with Michael - Smiths Rd, Wights
Mountain.
Start your week opening the body and spirit
with Radiant Light Yoga. This flowing style
of Yoga is for everyone. Attention is focused
on connecting movement with the breath,
forming a wonderful bridge between the mind
and body. Good alignment is taught from the
beginning with postures modified to suit
everybody, from novice to experienced, so as
to provide safe, easeful and yet challenging
Yoga practice. Classes – Mondays. 9:0010:15 and 5:00-6:15pm. 10 Class Pass $100, 5
Class pass $60 or $14 Casual. Phone Michael
McDowall – 0427 377 347
www.michaelmcdowallhelpingtobuildbridgest
oyourfuture.ntpages.com.au
Dental Wellness
A whole body approach to oral health.
Dedicated to working with your whole family
to maintain an optimal standard of oral health
throughout your entire life. Mercury safe and
fluoride free preventative care. Visit our
website to receive your free special report on
creating Safer, Healthy, Beautiful smiles and
take advantage of our Safer Smile checkup. P
3511 1399 W. www.dentalwellness.com.au
1056 Waterworks Rd, The Gap.
Page | 14
Term 2 Week 10
22 June 2012
CSIRO Holiday Science – 4 July 2012
A whole day of hands-on science experiments
and activities for children aged 7 to 12.
Lawnton Community Centre
Cnr Ellis St and Todds Rd. Lawnton
Cost:
$65 Double Helix Member /
$75 non-member.
Times:
9.00am – 3.00pm. Children
need to bring their own food
and water for the day.
Please note: nuts and products containing
nuts are banned.
Note: Parents do not need to attend. Children
will be signed in and out of the care of the
CSIRO staff. Activities during the June-July
school holidays include:
 Investigating elastic potential energy and
making a rubber-band powered tractor
 Exploring plants and seed germination
 Experimenting and creating with polymer
chemistry
Sessions are limited to 30 children so
bookings are essential!
For more information and bookings:
www.csiro.au/events/SQLD-Holidays
Eyes of Heart - Empathic Counselling
Creative Therapy / Psychotherapy and
Shamanic. Healing suitable for children,
adolescents and adults. Grad. Dip.
Counselling, Dip. Education, Bach.
Education. Member of QCA. Robyn has a
background in Steiner Education and offers
the support you or your child may need in
times of challenge, grief and crisis, or simply
to foster change in behaviour or outlook.
Call Robyn Maggs on 3103 1249 or
email robyn@eyesofheart.com
Pregnant?
Nurture Midwifery and Womens‟ Wellness,
Samford, offers:
 Pregnancy Care and Education
 Postnatal check-ups and breastfeeding
support
 Primal Birthing Workshop – May
 Couples antenatal education weekend –
July (expressions of interest taken now)
 Pregnancy Yoga – Monday evenings 6.30
pm
 Pregnancy/Infant massage by appt.
 Homebirth/waterbirth enquiries welcome.
www.nurturemidwifery.com.au
jodi@passionatebirth.com.au
SHAFT June/July 2012 Holiday Program
25 June to 6 July 2012
SHAFT is a program introduced by the
Moreton Bay Regional Council for students
who reside in or attend high school in the
Moreton Bay Region. The exciting range of
activities are subsidised by Council, making
them enjoyable AND affordable.
German Tuition and Learning Support
I am offering German tuition for all skill
levels (from absolute beginners to complex
German conversation) and all age groups
(children and adults). My classes are tailored
to your individual needs.
I am also offering Holistic Learning Support
(maths, reading etc.). All ages welcome. I am
a parent at our school and a native German
speaker with tertiary qualifications from a
German University (Dipl. Psych.) and
experience in Learning Support. For enquiries
please ring Karin on 3300 2462 or email on
madlo@aapt.net.au
The complete program for is available online
or in the current SHAFT brochure, located at
libraries and Council foyers around the
region. Bookings for the June/July 2012
SHAFT Program NOW OPEN! You can
make bookings online at
www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/schoolholidayfu
n or by calling 5433 2052. Bookings are
essential!
Far Our Forest – School holiday Festival
Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4, Thursday 5 july
10am – 2pm
Brisbane City Council invites you to free
school holiday fun at the Brisbane Botanic
Gardens, For more information visit
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/botanicgardens
or phone 3403 8888.
Page | 15
Term 2 Week 10
22 June 2012
Have you ever wondered what it would be
like to work as a Zoo Keeper? Well, wonder
no more because the school holidays are back,
and so is Australia Zoo's holiday program, Zoo
Keeper For a Day!
If you are aged between seven and twelve you
can join the zoo crew to help feed the animals
and clean enclosures, with exclusive behind
the scenes access and plenty of hands-on
action with some of our gorgeous animals. It's
a day you won't forget! Places are limited so
call 07 5436 2025 to make a booking.
Ages: 7 - 12 years Price: $85 Includes: Zoo
entry, Zoo Keeper for a Day cap and water
bottle, lunch, photo with one of our animals
Duration: 5 hours Location: Australia Zoo
Dates: 23 June 2012 – 8 July 2012
Further details are available at
www.australiazoo.com.au/education/zookeeper-for-a-day
Holiday Drama!
Forget holiday dramas at home - send your
children (Grades 5, 6 and 7) to whole day
Drama and Short Film Production workshops
at Cedar Creek Hall, Closeburn in the winter
school holidays.
Workshops will run on two days
Drama Tuesday 26th June,
Short Film Tuesday 3rd July 9am - 3pm
(earlier drop off/later pick up can be arranged
for working parents, please enquire when
booking )
Facilitated by Athene Currie, Professional
Photographer and Artist, Trained Actor and
Registered Teacher (QLD College of
Teachers/ Blue Card) these one day
workshops will teach improvisation
techniques, develop acting/technical skills for
stage and screen production, build team
dynamics whilst having a huge amount of
FUN! Bookings open NOW call 3289 0148 /
0417 799 066 or athenecurrie@gmail.com
Cost Drama $45 per day Short Film $55 per
day. Includes morning tea, bring own lunch.
Page | 16