Term 1 Week 9 - Samford Valley Steiner School

Term 1 Week 9
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Friday 30 March – Primary & High School Autumn Festival – End of term (Half Day)
Monday 16 April – Student Free Day – NO SCHOOL
Tuesday 17 April – Term 2 Begins for all classes
Wednesday 25 April – ANZAC Day
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Another term is over, and as we often do, many of us again wonder at the rapidity with which the
days and weeks pass. I choose to take it as a good sign of a healthy, vibrant school: the days of
Main Lessons and practice lessons are filled with excitement, new knowledge, enjoyable learning
experiences; there are many extra-curricular activities (excursions, camps, festivals, etc); and
teachers and staff sometimes struggle to keep up the pace required. Parents possibly have a different
perspective! So the holidays are welcomed by all, I'm sure. I wish you all safe and happy times, and
some quieter moments to smell the roses, enjoy the sunsets, and enjoy family time together. A big
thank you to everyone who has contributed to SVSS in Term 1, in any way at all, no matter how
small or large, private or public, your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Dornach in Spring
5 Narrawa Rd, Wights Mountain QLD 4520 T: 3430 9600 F: 3430 9630
Absentee Line: 3430 9610 OSHC: 3430 9614
During the holidays the staff will be busy -
some travelling to Goetheanum, Dornach,
Switzerland for the World Kindergarten
Teacher's Conference, and the World
Teacher's Conference.
Jan Baker-Finch and Peter Glasby, as joint
General Secretaries of the
Anthroposophical Society Australia, are
already in Switzerland for
Anthroposophical Society Conferences.
It‘s pleasing to see that the newly introduced OSHC program is providing a useful service to
parents; that the staff, Kylie, Emma and River, have created a welcoming environment and
enjoyable program; and that the children appear to have a happy time there. While OSHC is not an
extension of the school day or program, we endeavour to ensure that the policies and procedures are
not contrary to the Steiner philosophy. Kylie is supported by Margaret King in this regard, and will
now be joining the Preschool staff at their weekly meetings, so that she also continues to grow in
her understanding of the Steiner philosophy. It is important also to remember that many practices in
Steiner schools come out of an interpretation of Steiner's thoughts and writings, and even people
who have studied Steiner in depth, will not always agree on what are and what aren't appropriate
practices in a Steiner school. The Vacation Care program commences next week - you can still
book your child/ren in for attendance on a casual basis, if you find that you need to avail yourself of
this service at any time during the holidays. Program details are available from OSHC.
I am very pleased to announce that a Literacy & Numeracy Support Teacher will join the staff from
the beginning of Term 2, working 4 days per week. Jenny McDonald is well qualified and
info@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
experienced in this field. As this service was previously provided some years ago, but unfortunately
scaled back due to financial constraints, it is a welcome return, and we look forward to the
additional support for teachers and students that she will provide.
At the end of this term we say farewell to Heide Bierbrauer as she and her children return to live in
Germany. Heide has been a great asset in the Resources role and I thank her for her dedication over
the past few years. Judy and Joan are now taking up this role.
Allen Kloeden
PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
Page | 2
As you receive this
newsletter it signals the
end of the first term
which culminated with
the Autumn Festival.
Judging by the lead up
rehearsals it will be an
excellent celebration and
a big thank you goes to
the Festival Director,
Alan Drysdale.
Now comes two weeks of Holidays with Easter in the middle. Quite a number of staff will be in
Switzerland attending the World Early Childhood Conference or the World Teachers Conference in
Dornach. This will be a rich experience as many countries will be represented. The Conference
theme is: Teaching; When the Future is Now – how the Self Finds Its Way. One of the central texts
related to this topic is Balance In Teaching, a series of lectures by Steiner. The College have been
studying this for some time now. We will continue this theme in Term 2.
I would like to remind parents that Monday 16 April is a student free day. First day of Term 2 is the
Tuesday 17 April. Because teachers will be arriving back from Switzerland there is no planned inservice.
However, some teachers will be joining the in-service programme offered at Noosa Pengari
Steiner School.
This term has seen me back in the Classroom with Class 2 relieving Lydia and the last week full
time with Class 5. It has reminded me of the energy required to hold a class and my sense of
gratitude to our teachers and their work has grown. I will continue with Class 5 for the first two
weeks and possibly third during Term 2. We are all wishing Liz a speedy recovery.
I would like to wish everyone a happy Easter and relaxing holiday and finish with a quote from
Steiner‘s The Calendar of the Soul:
When from the depths of the soul
The spirit turns to the life of worlds
And beauty wells from wide expanses,
Then out of heaven‘s distances
Streams life-strength into human bodies,
Uniting by its mighty energy
The spirit‘s being with our Human Life
Chris Jack
Education Administrator

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
PRESCHOOL NEWS - Briar Rose and Star Gold
Following the immense amount of rain, the Preschool children were captivated with the puppet
show of Tiddalick the Giant Frog who dries up all the riverbeds with his immense thirst, then when
Old Nabunum, the giant eel, makes him laugh the water comes out again…..―after the drought came
the flood – that is the way of our land‖.
As Autumn arrived rather suddenly to our valley
after the summer rains, it brought with it some
cooler weather and morning mists. So the
farewelling of Summer and preparing for our
Autumn Festival was very much the focus of
activity in both rooms these last few weeks.
Autumn ‗gifts‘ from mother earth such as orange
and red leaves, grasses, flowers, pumpkins and seed
pods have been slowly finding their way into our
morning Treasure Trove baskets, naturally
transforming our special tables to reflect the coming
of this new season.
Very rich images of Autumn have been reinforced
by the many festival preparations that the children
have so joyfully engaged in. Through songs,
gestures and rhymes we remind the children that
Autumn is the time that the Earth is starting to
wither and sleep. We thank Summer for her warmth
and light and begin our journey to harvest her gifts
of fruit and flowers ‗where by we live‘.
From Week 6 we began the wonderful Autumn singing with the children and their parents in the
Preschool garden, a truly special way to begin each day. It has been very heart-warming to have
new families and old singing with their children and learning the songs that they‘re now hearing at
home.
Preschool Autumn Festival
In the Star Gold Autumn Morning Circle, the children firstly went to the orchard to gather the
apples then visited the Farmer who helped to harvest the grain to then take to the Miller. Once he
ground our grain to flour our ponies and carts took our harvest home so we could bake the harvest
bread. During the last few weeks the children were exercising their will forces by actually grinding
wheat grain into flour in our own wooden mill which they then baked into our harvest loaf.
In the Briar Rose room the children observed the Farmer gathering turnips and carrots before
galloping with their ponies to the garden to fill their empty cart with all the vegetables they found.
In amongst the pumpkin vines they found a little snail and followed his silvery trail. After the
ponies returned home, carts laden with their harvest, we thanked Mother Earth for all the fruits
‗where by we live‘. These simple presentations were followed with Autumn singing and games in
the garden. A special visit from Mother Earth herself had all the little apples, pears, nuts and wheat
hiding in her gown.
Now as the first term nears its end, the initial uncertainty of starting school has settled into security
as the children have gently orientated themselves to the daily rhythm and the enjoyment we all
receive from the circle songs, artistic activities, stories and games. The Suns and Blossoms
Page | 3

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
(full-time Preps) are merging as one, whilst the Stars and Rosebuds (part-time Pre-Preps) are being
the best helpers for Davina and Jo and settling into harmonious play as they slowly form new
friendships.
Thank you to all our families for your trust and support this term and we wish you all a safe and
restful holiday.
Anne and Jo, Marilou and Davina
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Page | 4
I write from Switzerland where Jan and I
are taking part in the meetings of the
representatives of the Anthroposophical
Society from many lands – to name a few
Brazil, Japan, USA, Bulgaria, Georgia and
of course all the European countries. It is
all taking place in Spring time here at the
headquarters of the School for Spiritual
Science in Switzerland. Last night we went
to see a play by Class 8 at the local Steiner
School. It was beautifully done, by a class
of 35 – over half our whole high school.
Quite a few of our teachers will be
attending the World Teachers Conference
here starting on April 9 and our Prep
teachers will be attending the World
Kindergarten Teachers Conference here
next week.
Pic 1. Goetheanum.
I have been in touch with Mercedes while away and heard that the Games of Courage went well and
I trust the Michael-Autumn Festival has gone well also. The term has flown by and I have been
impressed by the way the students and teachers have worked together. The singing and games that
happen every morning have been a great start to the day and the work ethic has been good with the
‗homework room‘ well used at break times.
The camps (Class 10‘s Living Earth Canoe camp and Class 8‘s Chemistry of Food Cycling camp)
both went smoothly and were managed extremely well by the students. I have managed to
download some free software which has enabled us to develop a whole school timetable and make
changes quickly. We are close to having next terms timetable ready and we should be able to have
the whole year‘s timetable prepared in the near future.
The revised paper work for having overseas students at school and also to become an Exchange
Provider have been resent to the Government department and we are still awaiting final approval.
Early next term, we will be visited by the department to view our facilities and gain final
recognition. A big thank you to Mercedes who has carried most of that enormous paper work.

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
At the beginning of next term we will be joined by 7 students from the Abhaya Waldorf School in
Hyderabad, India. They will be joining Class 10 for two main lessons – Ancient Cultures and also
the Surveying main lesson.
We farewell Lynn and her family as they return to Germany after a long association with our
school. I would like to wish her all the best for her future education at a Waldorf school in
Germany. I am sure we will see her again and remain in warm contact. Have a wonderful holiday
break and Easter and I look forward to seeing you all in the new Winter term.
Warm regards
Peter Glasby
Education Administrator
STEINER’S GOT TALENT
The school will be holding a talent show on Thursday 3 May 6.30 – 9pm. Students from class 6 –
12 can apply. Please encourage your child to be part of this event. If they can juggle, dance, sing,
act or play a musical instrument then there is a spot for them in the show. They may wish to
perform on their own or as a group with some of their friends. It is a good opportunity for the upper
primary school to do an event with the high school students.
Applications due Tuesday 17 April.
For application forms please contact Mercedes or Brendan at the High School -
mlogan@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au or bhook@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au
ADMINISTRATION NEWS
Drop Off Zone in Primary School Car Park
At our last working bee some of our wonderful parents remarked the lines in the primary school car
park. You may have noticed the area behind the bus stop is crossed with D/O on it. This is now our
designated drop off zone. No parking is permitted in this zone. Please use this space if your children
walk to class on their own. Vehicles are permitted to stand in this area for a few minutes to allow
for drop off and pick up only. Parents should not leave their vehicle parked in this area.
Joan & Judy
PAFA NEWS
Bush Dance
We are pleased to announce that we have a date for the Bush Dance!
Our annual Bush Dance will be held on Saturday 28 April. The BBQ will start from 5pm, with
sausages and lentil burgers on the menu. Tea, coffee and cake will also be available from the coffee
shop. Mark the date on your calendar and get ready to buy your tickets in Week 1 of next term.
Parent Education
PAFA would like to say a big thank you to Kate Sharp for her time and expertise running the Parent
Education workshops last Friday and Saturday. The workshops were very successful, with the
parents who attended enjoying the opportunity to learn more about the role of Craft as Creator and
Builder.
The PAFA Parent Education coordinating team will meet at 9am at The Hub on Friday 20 April to
plan Parent Education events for Term 2. If you would like to be involved in the parent education
team we would love to see you there. If you can't make it, we'd still welcome any ideas you may
have as to what you would like to see covered during the Parent Ed workshops. Please forward your
ideas to Chris Jack (Cjack@samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au) or Geraldine Finn
(geraldine.finn7@gmail.com).
Page | 5

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
A PASSIONATE SCHOOLING
Available from the Bookshop or www.passionateschooling.com – for previous items check past
newsletters on the school website
We are moving towards the end of this section as we move to the end of term.
―When there is ‗coldness‘ and a lack of emotional warmth and enthusiasm around children, it can
be experienced by them as a lack of support for the self. The defensive reaction in the child here
can manifest as a turning away— the beginning of hate and contempt can emerge. This can lead
to feelings of social isolation and unhappiness which may show themselves as resentfulness,
rebelliousness, indifference, withdrawal, loss of confidence or, in the extreme, in self hate and
self contempt. It is usually difficult for children to identify what is wrong and, because their
feelings are hard for them to deal with, feelings are often projected onto others including class
mates, siblings, teachers and parents.
Children may attempt to buttress their threatened sense of self through an inflated sense of their
own worth or narcissism or the misuse of power in spitefulness, teasing and worse, bullying,
which becomes a problem (for both victims and bullies) for many children during these years.
These attempts to buttress the sense of self can also manifest in unhealthy identification with
others, extreme dependence on being accepted into ‗the group‘, and illusions of oneness with
popular idols. The latter behaviours in their mild forms are a normal part of development in
middle childhood, when the need to belong to the group competes strongly with the need to be
seen as an individual. However when these behaviours become more extreme, they become
destructive to a healthy sense of self. Striving to provide for beauty (along with goodness and
truth) on the other hand, helps to create an environment in which the child can feel supported and
flourish without the need for such defensiveness.
Between the ages of 14 and 21 years, the sense of self continues to evolve in the increasing
ability to think for oneself, as abstract and critical thinking emerges. Adolescents yearn to
experience truth and idealism in others and the world. Healthy adult leadership, showing
truthfulness and integrity in all aspects of life, is important in this regard. Waldorf teachers
support adolescents in this search for truth, however it might appear, across the curriculum, for
example in the scientific/material, the phenomenological, personal/ biographical, artistic etc. A
multi-perspective analysis which reveals the multi layered nature of truth in its context is
encouraged whether the subject is maths (with projective geometry), science, humanities (with
biography) or other subject areas.
During these years the sense of self can be undermined through doubt. Doubt may manifest in
clever intellectualism, narrow judgemental-ism, cynicism, unhealthy scepticism or questioning of
anything ‗spiritual‘. The formation of an idealised self-image or feelings of omniscience can be
attempts to create a bold image to bolster a sense of self weakened through doubt. Enjoy the Easter
break!
This information is taken from ―A Passionate Schooling: Key Ideas behind Steiner Waldorf
Education‖ by kind permission of Dr.Alduino Mazzone and Sue Laing. Alduino was a founder
teacher at Mount Barker School Adelaide.
Compiled by Tricia Scott
Page | 6

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
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.
There is a flat $2 charge for each advertisement
and payment is required prior to inclusion.
Easter workshop for children
Easter bread and egg making and other arty
activities including story time with an Easter
theme.
Easter Thursday 5 April
9.30am - 2.30pm
Cost $35 (incl materials, ingredients)
Please bring a mixing bowl and wooden
spoon (named) - & own lunch, morning tea.
With Kate Sharp @ 109 Dawson Creek Rd,
Highvale. Ph: 3289 7227 Book early
katshar@gotalk.net.au or
http://katesharpartstherapy.com/
Connect with Nature these Autumn school
holidays
If you are looking for school holiday activities
to entertain the kids, then the Connect with
Nature program is healthy, educational — and
fun! Join a Queensland Parks and Wildlife
ranger and enjoy the unique activities only
Queensland‘s national parks and forests can
offer. D‘Aguilar National Park, 60 Mt Nebo
Rd, The Gap.
April
2 Rapt in Reptiles show at Chermside
Shopping Centre (Families)
3 Rapt in Reptiles show at Queen Street
Mall (Families)
4 Mangrove Mania at Burleigh Heads
(Families)
5 Pouched Pals at Daisy Hill (6-8 yrs)
12 Junior Rangers at Walkabout Creek
(8-12 years)
Also every Saturday and Sunday (excluding
Christmas day) Wild Encounters – join a
guided tour of Walkabout Creek Wildlife
Centre – fees apply.
For further information or to make a booking,
phone (07) 3512 2300.
Page | 7
Easter School Holiday Workshops for Kids
*Love-ly Earth Network and Upatree Arts*
Puppet Making and Performance Workshop
Learn how to make your own puppets using
natural materials such as clay, paper-bark and
mud paint. Write your own puppet show and
wow your parents with a performance at the
end of the day.
Date: Wed 4 th April
Time: 1 – 4pm
Cost: $35 per child, $30 sibling discount.
Raw Food Cooking Class – Easter Surprises
Join us and make some yummy treats for
Easter. Raw chocolate is dairy, gluten and
sugar free, but definitely not taste free! We
will also be making a gorgeous Easter Basket
to take home, as well as playing some games.
Date: Thurs 5th April
Time: 9.30am – 11am
Cost: $35 per child, $30 sibling discount
Both events will be held at Sattva Yoga
Centre, Lifestyle, 225 Mt Glorious Rd,
Samford Valley.
Bookings and enquiries: Emma Forsberg
(07) 3289 7348.
Class sizes are limited so bookings are
essential. Payment is required at time of
booking and is non-refundable.
Pilates
@ Energy Depot on Station Street. Thursday
at 9.15am. Contact Ingrid 0401505832
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
see www.sattvayoga.net.au,
email camille@sattvayoga.net.au or call 0421
106 441.

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
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 - After hours - 0427 377
347.
www.michaelmcdowallhelpingtobuildbridgest
oyourfuture.ntpages.com.au
Kate Sharp Creative Arts Therapy
MA (creative arts therapy) Grad Dip Art
Therapy & Couns MIECAT
Member ACA
Using the Arts, Sandplay & Story to help
support times of difficulty & change, to help
bring nourishment and equilibrium. Suitable
for adults, teenagers & children
katshar@gotalk.net.au
http://katesharpartstherapy.com ph: 32897227
mb: 0402 884 205.
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 .
9:00-10:15 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
For Sale
2004 Ford Falcon blue ute. Good condition in
and out.125000 km. Hard cover.RWC.
$10,500 ONO please call Luke Sharp with
any queries 0433 761 815 Bardon.
Page | 8
Stoytelling, Craft and Games – presented by
Love-ly-Earth Network and Upatree Arts
Bring your kids to join us on a Friday for a
magical morning of storytelling, craft and
games, perhaps while you attend a yoga class.
Storyteller Emma Forsberg takes her audience
to a fantastic place; where animals talk, fairies
and angels play and people show respect for
one another and the earth. Emma uses simple
puppets made from materials found in the
natural environment, which are easy for you
and your little ones to make at home. Her
storytelling and puppetry are enhanced by her
guitar playing and beautiful singing voice.
Where: Sattva Yoga Centre – 225 Mr
Glorious Road, Samford Valley.
When: Every Friday during term time. 9 to
10:30am.
Cost: Storytelling $5 per child, $7 per family
(1/2hr) or $10 per child, $12 per family if
staying for craft & games (1 1/2hrs)
Bookings: call Emma Forsberg – 3289 7348
or go to www.love-ly-earthnetwork.com
FIRST SESSION FREE!
House for Sale - Quiet, peaceful rainforest
escape. $530,000
Positioned on 9637m2 ( 2.4 acres) of
rainforest at the end of a Cul-de-sac backing
on to Maiala National Park this beautifully
modernised mountain retreat offers excellent
privacy and escape from the busy world.
Newly decorated and with a new kitchen with
a huge euro gas oven, large walk-in pantry
and an outdoor Bathroom you will have to do
nothing but just move in. 3 bedrooms, 2 with
built-ins plus an added external air
conditioned studio/office. The pot belly stove
will keep you cosy on those cold mountain
nights, as will the reverse cycle air
conditioner on those summer days. It also has
solar HWS plus a brand new gas inline HWS
as back up so you‘ll never run out of hot
water. The yard has been landscaped adding a
BBQ area as well as climbing equipment and
an awesome cubby house to keep the kids
busy! Below the house you have your own
private rain forest to explore. Private sale –
Please email ZACHURREN@GMAIL.COM

Term 1 Week 9 30 March 2012
Creative Kid's Yoga Workshop
* Yoga * Stories * Games * Cooking *
It's on again. A morning of yoga fun with
games, stories, craft and cooking. The
children will explore the yogic theme of
letting go, receiving and giving through a fun
interactive experiences. The last children's
workshop was booked out so make sure you
reserve your place. Vicki is a highly qualified
and experience teacher who is able to ensure
all children have a wonderful experience.
Thursday the 12th April, 9:00-12:00
Cost - $35 per child $30 for siblings.
Including materials and afternoon tea!
All classes at Sattva Yoga Centre
Call Vicki now for bookings - 0424 707 818 /
yogainsamford@yahoo.com.au
Stress and Recovery Seminar – German
New Medicine
Join us and enjoy an informative week, with
leaders in the field of stress, disease and
recovery. Connect with a network of health
and wellness professionals. Enhance your
diagnostic and treatment skills, by
understanding the five biological laws. This
seminar redefines the classic perceptions of
health, stress and disease. Please register by
browsing to
www.newmedicine.ca/pacific_seminar.php or
by Emailing seminar@newmedicine.ca
Autumn Art in the Park
Come along and celebrate the onset of cooler
mornings, breezy days, falling leaves and
changes in colour, by creating wind and light
mobiles. All materials supplied.
Where: Rotary Station surrounds, John Scott
Park, Samford Village.
Who: ages 3+
When: Tuesday 10 April, 9-10am
Please email Michelle Hightower:
info@paperscissorspulp.com.au or call 0402
786 837 www.paperscissorspulp.com.au
Garage Sale
31st of March (this Saturday) @ Heide's
place. 33 Upper Wights Mountain rd, Wights
Mountain. 7am to 12pm.
Page | 9
Pumped about Pulp: 2 Day Workshop
This 2 day workshop will involve children in
the exciting and rewarding process of making
new paper from old.
When: Wednesday 11 April, 9.30am - 11am
and Friday 13 April 9.30 - 10.30am
Where: At our Stafford Heights Studio
Who: ages 4 - 12yrs
Please email Michelle Hightower:
info@paperscissorspulp.com.au or call 0402
786 837 www.paperscissorspulp.com.au
Pregnant?
Nurture Midwifery and Women’s Wellness is
just 1km from Steiner School. Experienced
midwife and complimentary therapists.
Long appointments, child friendly, education
classes. trauma counselling, breastfeeding
support. For all couples ….hospital birth,
homebirth, waterbirth. Medicare rebates
available. Pregnancy Yoga starting Monday
evenings next term. Baby Massage class
starting next term.
www.nurturemidwifery.com.au
queries: jodi@passionatebirth.com.au
Oxley investment property
> 8% rental return! Beautiful postwar
renovated home. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2
kitchens, 2 garages, 2 large offices plus a
separate professional studio space rented by a
health psychologist and a physio. Walk to
train station and new shopping precinct.
$770K. Private sale, ph 0410 584 229.