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Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School &
Kindergarten
Creating a love of learning...…
School Handbook 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Absences .................................................. 6
Administration ..................................... 15
Attendance .............................................. 6
Bikes ...................................................... 11
Birthdays................................................. 9
Bullying ................................................... 7
Bus Safety ............................................. 10
Camps ..................................................... 9
Class Teacher Period ............................. 4
College of Teachers .............................. 14
Computers .............................................. 8
Events in the School Year ..................... 5
Excursions............................................. 10
Festivals ................................................... 5
Governance Committee ....................... 13
Illness and Accidents ............................. 6
Immunisation ......................................... 7
Infectious Diseases ................................. 7
Lunches ................................................... 8
Meetings ................................................ 12
Money ...................................................... 9
Newsletter ............................................. 11
Parents & Friends ................................ 12
Policies ................................................... 15
Resolving Difficulties ........................... 16
School Clothing ...................................... 7
School Structure ................................... 13
Secondary School ................................... 5
Skateboards .......................................... 11
Smoking ................................................ 12
Television ................................................ 8
Toys ......................................................... 9
Travel
Arranging Bus Travel ............................ 10
Working Bees ....................................... 12
Workshops .............................................. 6

RUDOLF STEINER
“Receive the child in
reverence,
Educate him in love,
Let him go forth in freedom”
The philosopher and educator, Dr Rudolf Steiner was one of the most original thinkers of the
twentieth century. His writings cover a wide range of subjects and he made valuable contributions
in many fields, including education, science, medicine, agriculture (Bio-dynamics), the arts and
social reform. The basis of his research was the scientific investigation of the spiritual world, which
he called Anthroposophy.
In 1919, Dr. Steiner was invited to establish a school for the children of the workers of the Waldorf
Astoria factory in Stuttgart, Germany.
He took this opportunity to demonstrate how a school curriculum and teaching method might
develop clarity of thought, sensitivity of feeling and strength of will.
STEINER SCHOOLS
Today there are approximately 700 schools in 23 countries, 40 in Australia, which form an
educational movement rather than a system.
Our school is a member of the Steiner Education Australia which is the peak body in Australia
responsible for supporting Steiner schools and providing guidelines for best practice.
(www.steineroz.com)
A common aim amongst teachers and parents is to guide children towards an independently
thinking, socially and environmentally responsible, strong willed adulthood. This has led to the
development of unique schools, adapted to their particular time and place and each independently
managed.
Steiner schools endeavour to equally educate "hand, heart and head" in every child.
The schools have a broad curriculum providing a balance of artistic, practical and academic
subjects. The teachers work to generate a genuine inner enthusiasm for learning thus transcending
competitive testing. Schools are co-educational and non-denominational.
The schools commonly have a College of Teachers, rather than a principal, which as a group is
responsible for the school's educational and philosophical direction. The College is also actively
involved in the administrative and social spheres of the school.
Each family is encouraged to share in the rich cultural life of the school. Through festivals,
celebrations, concerts, school projects, planning and study groups, a vibrant school community
develops.
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MANSFIELD
Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School was founded in Maindample, near Mansfield, in 1985 by a group
of parents and teachers wishing to have a Steiner
education for their children in a country environment.
The mud brick school was built by the parents without
support of any Government funding.
In 1996 the school relocated to Mansfield, to a purpose
built, rammed earth building, to become more accessible
to the wider community. The 3 hectare site allows for
future growth while still retaining a rural outlook. We
have had an active building programme which has seen
the addition a number of new buildings over recent years.
HOW THE SCHOOL OPERATES
The School consists of three bodies:
1 The College of Teachers
2 The Governance Committee
3 The Parents and Friends Group
The College of Teachers at the Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School and Kindergarten are committed to
providing an education for children in the light of Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy. Our philosophical
aim is to educate the whole person in preparation for the future by providing the appropriate
nourishment at each stage of physical, emotional and intellectual development as outlined by
Rudolf Steiner. These indications can be imbued with the results of our teachers’ own spiritual and
educational research and life experience.
Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School and Kindergarten is a cultural learning community in which the
economic sphere serves the cultural life creatively and is governed by the educational needs of our
children. Our aim is to foster a culturally rich community, beginning in each classroom then
encompassing the whole school, including families and friends of the school, and ultimately sharing
our warmth with the whole community.
The school is non-denominational and celebrates both Christian and seasonal festivals throughout
the year.
In all aspects of the Governance and implementation of programmes within our school we support
and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to
elected government, the rule of law, equal rights for all before the law, freedom of religion, freedom
of speech and association, environmental considerations and, the values of openness and tolerance.
Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School and Kindergarten consists of two distinctive areas of
childhood learning – the Early Childhood programme and the Class teacher period.
SCHOOL POLICY REGARDING AGE OF ENTRY
In line with Rudolf Steiner’s advice that children need to have experienced seven spring times
before commencing Class 1; children with October birthdays will be individually assessed as to
readiness for the following year.
Our experience over past years is that most children with November and December birthdays have
needed an “extra” year at Kindergarten or Prep level. This additional year has been of great benefit
to subsequent learning, self-esteem and social development.
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CLASS TEACHER PERIOD- Class 1 to 8
Creating a love of learning…….
In Rudolf Steiner Schools, during the primary years, the class teacher generally moves up through the
class levels with the children. This affords a great sense of security, continuity and progressive growth
for child, parent and teacher. At this point of our school’s development, all classes, Classes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
and 7/8 are composite classes. The teacher moves up to the next level every two years. During this
time, relationships amongst the children and between teacher and children develop and deepen,
providing continuity, respect and trust.
The class teacher is responsible for the Main Lesson period each
day (academic subjects) with specialist teachers giving instruction
in languages, library, literacy/numeracy, music, craft, woodwork,
chemistry and physics. The Main Lesson is held every morning and
concentrates on the same subject for a block of two to four weeks
allowing for in-depth studying of new subject matter. The teacher
works creatively, always seeking to find a fresh connection with his
or her subject matter and to recognise readiness for learning.
The class teacher strives to bring a soul-quality to each lesson by
enlivening its academic content with artistic and imaginative
presentation. Children also take on their academic work through
movement - they learn by doing eg clapping and chanting
arithmetic tables, stepping to the alphabet, walking geometric shapes.
Each day in the classroom is carefully balanced through daily rhythms, which help to keep children
fresh and receptive. The morning sessions are for Main Lesson work, focussing upon new content for 2-
4 weeks. At midday the Practice sessions and artistic activities are held in which children revise and
revisit the learnt material. After lunch the children have different practical activities each day of the
week, e.g. art, craft, woodwork, gardening, sports/games etc.
In the Curriculum, writing comes before reading. The alphabet letters are introduced individually
through imagination, story and beauty. Arithmetic and the experience of number are grasped through
counting, chanting, clapping, stepping and skipping. The physical relationship to number, which the
children develop works powerfully and prepares them for fractions, sums and measurement.
Stories from the epochs of the past
nourish the children’s love of
language and strengthen their
imagination. Every class level
responds and relates to the stories of a
particular epoch. The consciousness
of the class finds relevance, comfort
and nourishment in the content of the
stories.
Eg: Class One -Fairy tales, Class Two -
Fables and Celtic Legends, Class Three
- Old Testament, Class Four - Norse
Myths, Class Five - Indian, Egyptian
and Greek Myths, Class Six - The
stories and achievements of the Romans
and in Class Seven – The Middle Ages
and Age of Discovery. Class Eight –
The Renaissance and Enlightenment,
through to the Industrial Revolution.
Through story, the groundwork is laid for the study of history, geography and science.
4

SECONDARY SCHOOL
Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School & Kindergarten offers classes from playgroup through to Class 8.
This completes the first two seven year cycles and the primary curriculum as indicated by Rudolf Steiner.
Steiner education at further secondary levels within Victoria is currently offered by Melbourne Rudolf
Steiner School, Sophia Mundi Steiner School in Melbourne and Little Yarra Steiner School in Yarra Glen.
Children from Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School have successfully moved on to local Secondary Colleges.
Academic levels reached at the end of the primary years have equipped them more than adequately for this
transition. Both academically and musically, our former pupils continue to make significant contributions to
the Mansfield Secondary College.
EVENTS IN THE SCHOOL YEAR
Events and related details in the school year are routinely advised in the weekly newsletter at the beginning
of each term and updated each week.
TERM DATES 2011
Friday 4 th February – Desk Day Students clean and prepare their desks for the new school year.
All families attend (kinder/school gathering and working bee)
TERM 1: Monday 7 th February - Friday 8 th April
TERM 2: Wednesday 27 th April – Friday 1 st July
TERM 3: Tuesday 19 th July – Friday 16 th September
TERM 4: Tuesday 11 th October – Wednesday 14 th December
OPEN DAY - EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S WORK
The Open Day is a day in which the school and wider
communities are invited to see the children’s work displayed.
By touring through the classrooms from Kindergarten to Class 8
an understanding can be gained of the growth and development
of the child and the progression of the curriculum.
ALL students are expected to be available for performance at
Open Day.
FESTIVALS
Once a term the school community comes together to share one of the seasonal festivals which have
become a tradition with our school...... Easter/Autumn, Winter, Spring and Christmas. These are
times when we acknowledge and celebrate significant turning points in the rhythm of the natural
and spiritual worlds.
Little children are open to wonder and appreciation of the natural world around them. In our very
busy modern life we feel it is important, not only for children, but for all of us to be aware of the
recurring and changing rhythm of the seasons. The festival, which is the culmination of each
season, is greatly enjoyed and looked forward to by the children.
THE CELEBRATION OF THESE SEASONAL FESTIVALS ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF
OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
Although aspects of each may vary from year to year there are also traditions which are well
established. We warmly invite your family to participate in our festivals. Each has its own
atmosphere but common to all is the celebration of the gift of life and of the earth’s gifts to us all.
5

WORKSHOPS, TALKS AND ARTISTIC WORK
Various workshops, discussion groups, craft evenings and picnics will be offered throughout the
year. These are advertised in our school newsletter.
YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL
ATTENDANCE
The greeting of the children and the morning verse are significant aspects of our school day.
Please ensure that your child is at school 10 minutes before
starting time.
8.45am Kinder/Prep start
9.00am Classes 1-8 start
11am -11.30 Playtime (Play lunch is eaten in the
classroom)
1.00-1.45pm Lunch (eaten in the classroom)
and playtime
3.15pm Kinder Rainbow program dismissed
3.25pm School is dismissed after closing verse
and farewell.
Parents are reminded that at the Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School, the teachers attempt to bring
continuity to lessons from day to day and from week to week. It is considered a priority that parents
are committed to their child’s regular attendance. Most Main Lessons continue for 3 weeks and if a
child is away for a week or two it is possible that he/she would miss a very important area of the
curriculum.
Children are expected to attend after hour’s school functions such as – music concerts, festivals,
Class plays and camps. These events are an integral part of the curriculum and the social fabric of
the school community.
ABSENCES
If your child is absent for any reason, please send a note to the class teacher with your child, on the
day he/she returns to school, giving reasons for the absence. We appreciate a telephone call if your
child is going to be away.
A practical suggestion for younger children is for notes to be taped to their lunch boxes. These
seem to arrive intact and with great enthusiasm from the message bearers!
ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS
For your child’s well being and your own peace of mind, please ensure Enrolment form have any
relevant health details completed, and notify us of any changes. These forms need to be updated
annually and initialled by parents/guardians. If your child is hurt or becomes ill during the day we
will contact you. A child who is not well needs to be cared for in the quiet and warmth of their own
home, however much they want to come to school!
If you require us to administer medication during the day, remember we are legally required to have
written details to enter in the Medication Record Book.
Immunisation
All children need to present a Certificate of Immunisation status issued by Shire Council Health
Departments.
Infectious diseases.
Please inform us if your child contracts an infectious illness. Contact your child’s teachers for
details of exclusion periods. .
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BULLYING
The school is committed to providing a safe caring
environment and each student, staff member and
parent is responsible for ensuring that this occurs.
No form of Bullying is tolerated at the School.
Being bullied or harassed means that someone is
subjected to behaviour which is hurtful, threatening or
frightening by an individual or a group.
Incidents of bullying or harassment will be
We work as a team.
investigated by the class teacher and/or other
designated teacher. The bullied student has a right to expect support, fairness and action to remedy
the situation.
All students have the right and responsibility to report any incidence of bullying or harassment
which they have experienced or where they have seen it happening to any member of staff
(preferably to the Class teacher of the person/persons involved). All children involved in the
incident will be spoken to individually and measures to resolve any disputes and rectify the
hurt/damage to the victim will be outlined.
Where repeat offences by the same individual occurs, the parents will be informed, and a formal
meeting with the parents, student and class teacher may take place. In some instances counselling
for the perpetrator and/or the victim may be recommended.
SCHOOL CLOTHING
Although we do not have a school uniform, the school code of dress is as follows:-
• Plain coloured clothing (other than black), made of natural fibres is preferred.
• Children must not wear clothing with printed pictures or messages/slogans. Plain clothing only.
• Footwear is important in our surroundings. Strong and protective shoes or gumboots are
necessary in winter. In summer, sandals are acceptable but thongs are not. Shoes must provide
the proper support to allow physical movement during outdoor activities.
Shoes are left outside the classroom door. Slippers may be left at school, for indoor wear.
Eurythmy shoes may also be used.
• Hats are essential in Term 1 & 4 and must provide adequate protection for face, ears and necks.
Sun hats are available at the school office and must stay at school. Cost of 1 hat per student is
included in fees.
NAME TAGS
Please label everything your child brings to school - footwear, lunchboxes, bags, jumpers, coats,
hats and anything else that comes to school regularly and may become separated from your child.
Please check the lost property baskets in the foyer and the kindergarten at regular intervals.
Currently all unclaimed lost property is given away at the end of each term.
TELEVISION
Regular watching of television or videos is discouraged for children of kindergarten and primary
school age. We strongly believe that to benefit fully from a Steiner education, children need every
opportunity to develop their own creative play, to learn to occupy themselves independently, to
enjoy interacting with family and friends and to learn about the world through active exploration
and participation.
Children are very vulnerable to the conditioning effects of television. The teachers find that regular
watchers tend to expect to be constantly “entertained”, find it hard to lose themselves in imaginative
play, take a superficial and short lived interest in creative activities and have difficulty settling
7

down to concentrate on stories and songs. T.V. shows and characters often dominate their
conversation and games.
This is not to deny the role of television in our modern society but to ask you to seriously consider
it’s pervasive influence on your child and on family life.
Please consider “banishing” it or strictly regulating its use while the children are young. There are
many books and articles available on this subject and many families in the school who have become
“television conscious”. If you would like information, advice or support please ask!
COMPUTERS
Computers are not introduced in Primary School.
By secondary school age, students are more psychologically and developmentally prepared to use
this technology to their advantage. Computer instruction begins at Class 7 level.
LUNCHES
Morning tea and lunch needs to be brought to school each day. The children eat together in their
class groups and although they do not share their lunches, lunchtime is very much a social and
community activity.
PLEASE KEEP LUNCHES SIMPLE AND HEALTHY.
We suggest: sandwiches/rice cakes/ a piece of fruit or two and
some dried fruit and nuts.
Do not include lollies or other highly sweetened items. (No
chewing gum at school!)
The school places great importance on environmental
awareness, so please be conscious of minimising the amount
of throw away packaging eg. Yoghurts, cardboard drink
containers.
8

Hot lunches may be brought to school in an
unbreakable thermos. Teachers cannot heat food in
the classroom.
Classes also prepare a nourishing, cooked meal once
a week using produce from the school garden.
Please do not send a lunch on this day as we strongly
encourage the children to share the meal and expand
their range of foods and flavours.
BIRTHDAYS
Each child’s birthday is celebrated in their classroom. You are welcome to bring in a birthday cake
to school to be shared at morning-tea on your child’s birthday. For particular details please speak to
your child’s teacher.
TOYS
Toys from home are not permitted at school as these usually cause social difficulties and may lead
to problems if lost or damaged
MONEY
Please do not send cash for fees to school with your child.
Place all money for excursions, school lunches etc. in an envelope marked with child’s name,
amount and purpose.
CAMPS
All children are expected to attend camps as these play a vital role in the building of positive
dynamics in the classroom. Children in the younger classes attend an overnight camp while older
children may be away from home for several days.
Included in our overall fee structure please speak to the Administrator for an approximate annual
cost of class camps/excursions.
Class fundraising can offset costs so please support your classes if special efforts are arranged.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions take place during the year
for all classes. Excursions are not
optional as they are an important part of
the children’s social development, and
are most often integrated with the
curriculum and Main Lesson work.
The school has a Cross Country Skiing programme at Mt Stirling
during the winter months for Classes 1-8. Qualified skiing instructors
teach the children in groups according to their skiing ability. The upper
classes also go down hill skiing at Mt. Buller.
In addition, the school has a Swimming programme during the summer months at the Mansfield
Swimming Pool. This programme is conducted by a qualified AUSWIM instructor.
9

TRAVEL TO AND FROM SCHOOL
AFTER SCHOOL
Children waiting for parents must wait under the Ash tree (near the school office) until collected.
Children who walk home must do so as soon as dismissed. We encourage children to walk to and
from school if possible.
Please note that it is our school policy that children may not play on the school grounds after
school, on weekends or during holidays. If parents are working at the school, it is preferable that
their children play in the designated play areas at the back of the school.
CAR PARK RULES
The following are some traffic rules which we ask you and your children to follow:-
• children must use the footpath at all times.
• children must not play in the car park area or near the road.
• parents are to park in parking bays provided.
• the turning circle is only for dropping off children and is not for parking.
• cars in car park area to travel at maximum speed limit of 10 km per hr.
ARRANGING BUS TRAVEL
It may be possible for your child to use the State bus service to and from school. Further
information and the appropriate forms are available from the office.
Any change in daily travel arrangements must be phoned through to the office staff – thank you.
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE
If the distance between your home and the nearest school bus route is more than 4.8 kms. then you
may be eligible for a conveyance allowance to that bus stop. For further details enquire at the
office.
TRAVEL AND BUS SAFETY
It is important to stress to parents and children the
importance of correct behaviour around bus stops.
• Students must wait at bus stops in an orderly fashion and not
approach the bus until it has stopped.
• In order to avoid the necessity for haste, students should
ensure punctual arrival at the bus stop.
• Boarding/alighting from the bus must be conducted in an
orderly fashion.
• Alighting passengers must immediately move away from the
vehicle and must wait on the same side of the road until the
bus has moved off.
• Students must not attempt to cross the road until the bus has left the stop and they have a clear
view in both directions.
• Students must under no circumstances approach, run beside or attempt to touch the bus as it
moves away.
• Parents waiting for students at a bus stop should wait on the same side of the road as the bus, in
order to eliminate the risk of the student running across the road.
BIKES
Bikes must be walked along the footpath from Highett Street entrance to the bike rack.
10

ITEMS NOT TO BRING TO SCHOOL.
For reasons of security and safety, various products are not permitted to be brought to school.
What not to bring to school
• Mobile phones
• Walkmans, radios or CD players
• Computer games
• Aerosol products
• Drugs or alcohol (except for prescribed medication)
• Glass, knives or other dangerous items
• Toys from home
• Scooters or skateboards
Please note that if any of these items are brought to school they must be forfeited and held at
the office until the end of the day.
YOU AND THE SCHOOL
“If the parents of our children perceive that we have the will to work in such a way that we place
into the decades lying before us people capable of dealing with ever increasing difficulties of life ~
but still have questions to ask of life ~ then the parents will stand in the right relationship to the
school. For it is on the parents’ understanding we must build. We cannot work, as do other schools,
protected by the state or any other authority. We can only work supported by a community of
parents who have this understanding” Rudolf Steiner
NEWSLETTER
The Messenger is written weekly and is
distributed on Monday or can be downloaded
from the school website
www.mansfieldsteiner.vic.edu.au
In it you will find news and notices relating to
each class. It is our most important means of
communication so please pin it to your noticeboard
for easy reference, ~ you may need to
check your child’s school bag.
If you want information to go into this newsletter please write briefly and clearly and send it to the
office by Friday.
THE SCHOOL JOURNAL
The School Journal is the school magazine publishing articles
and items of interest to parents and friends of the school.
It offers insights into many aspects of Steiner Education,
parenting and other initiatives of Rudolf Steiner.
11

CLASS PARENT MEETINGS
Meetings between the class teacher and parents are an essential part of the school’s educational
philosophy. They assist with the building of bonds between child, teacher and parent. They also
provide a chance for you to:-
• learn about the work your child is doing and will be doing during each term
• share ideas about behaviours, expectations and needs of your child
• understand what you can do to assist with the education of your child
• create a community within the classroom
• discover more about the educational philosophy and teaching methods of the school
Each class teacher will hold 2 class parent meetings per year.
We will notify you of the dates of these meetings through the weekly newsletter, giving you at least
one week’s notice of the meeting date. It is compulsory that at least 1 parent from each family
attends these evenings; your attendance makes a vital contribution to the educational well being of
your child.
1 parent/teacher interview will be held mid year.
Teachers are available anytime throughout the school term by arrangement.
WHOLE SCHOOL MEETINGS
These occur from time to time to allow for consultation and parent input into current concerns or
into the future direction of the school. Your views are greatly appreciated and assist the school in
developing strategies which reflect the needs of its community.
WORKING BEES
The Committee of Management has introduced a programme of “All School” working bees,
throughout the year. These will be advertised through the school newsletter. Parents are
encouraged to attend working bees to clean up around the school and help prepare for the new term
and Open Day. Working bees are also organised periodically by a teacher or class parent
representative for individual classes. These days are important for the ongoing maintenance and
beautification of the school and they also provide an opportunity for social gathering.
Parents please note: there is an expectation that all parents will make every effort to attend school
working bees, class parent meetings and major fundraising events such as the annual Open Day.
SMOKING
Please Note that the school and school grounds are smoke free areas.
FOR PARENTS
PARENTS & FRIENDS
Parent involvement is vital to the smooth running of the school.
There are many different ways you can contribute by offering your particular skills.
Activities aim to nourish the needs of the parents for support, information and development of
creative skills.
Parents & Friends also organise:
• social events
• fund-raising activities, including catering
• coffee mornings and supportive activities
• gardening
• working bees
• help with playground and garden development
12

PARENT RESOURCES
• Parents’ library - books and videos are available for loan.
• A selection of books and a video relevant to Steiner Education are also available at the
Mansfield Library.
• On Wednesday evening a part-time teacher training course is held at Melbourne Rudolf Steiner
School, between 7 -10pm. This is available to all interested people ~ further information is
available at the office on request.
• Practical application of Biodynamic preparations in Spring and Autumn.
• Lectures, speakers and seminars
• Anthroposophical Directory
• Information regarding specialist Steiner bookshops
• Parent wool orders
• Pondering Steiner Study Group
• BD & Organic Food Co-operative
SCHOOL STRUCTURE
THE SCHOOL IS:
• A school for Rudolf Steiner Education and is affiliated with the Steiner Education Australia.
• An incorporated Non-Profit Association.
• Funded on a per capita basis by the State and Commonwealth Governments.
• A member of the Independent Schools, Victoria (ISV).
• Registered and accredited with the Registered Schools Board for Prep to Class 8.
• Registered as a Class 2 Kindergarten with the Department of Human Services.
THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
This is the legal and governance body of the
school formed from the parents, the College of
Teachers and the School Administrator.
The Governance Committee is directly
responsible for the constitutional function and
the viability of the school.
Meetings are held monthly and are open to all
parents to attend. This offers insight into the
running of the school while enabling parents to
appreciate how their skills can be of real
benefit.
An Annual General Meeting is held each year
and all parents are encouraged to become
members of the Incorporated Association,
thereby enabling them to vote on Committee membership and matters of importance to the school.
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE - Members: Tony Retief (president), Louise Marker (vice
president), Richard Merton (Public Officer and secretary), Steve Bolitho (Treasurer), Catherine
Yencken (P&F), Camille Murphy, Craig Kappes and Two teachers.
School Administrative Committee - Review monthly school financial reports in detail Supports
and audits the School administrator. Members: Richard Merton, Steve Bolitho and Teacher Rep
School Safety Committee - Conducts regular safety inspections throughout school & Kindergarten.
Review and decides on OH & S issues. Members: Richard Merton, Rolf Attley, Taryn Baker
Building Project Committee - Oversees the new building project. Meets with architect and builder
as required throughout the life of a project. Members: Richard Merton, Matthew Reynolds, Camille
Murphy, Steve Bolitho and Tony Retief.
13

Gardens & Grounds Committee - Facilitates the
development of all aspects of the school grounds &
gardens. Members: Patrick Dowling, Maaike Steiner,
Camille Murphy and a Teacher Rep.
Policy Review & Development Committee - Reviews
existing policy and development plans and facilitates
the development new policy. Members: Richard
Merton, Craig Kappes and Teacher Rep.
Marketing, Publicity & Publications Committee -
Reviews and develops school and kindergarten
handbooks, journal and develops publicity strategy in
local papers and other arenas. Morag Sinclair Sally Singleton, Nicky Sanders and Louise Marker.
‘Wellbeing’ Committee - Works with and extends existing policy and programmes regarding
bullying, student welfare, staff welfare and general community communication and well being. To
be reformed in 2011.
Parent & Friends Committee- Facilitates craft group, social activities and fundraising. Catherine
Yencken, Nicky Sanders, Louise Marker and Fiona Bolitho, Sally Singleton (Admin).
COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
Steiner Schools have a College of Teachers rather than a Principal. The College is responsible
for the school’s educational and spiritual needs with an awareness of the administration and social
spheres of the school. As such the College constitutes the heart of the school and meets weekly to
support and consult on educational matters and to discuss, formulate and review the school
curriculum, educational policy and methodology in the light of the teachings of Rudolf Steiner.
Meetings are held every Wednesday and Thursday after school.
MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE OF TEACHERS ARE: Matthew Reynolds, Fran
Cummins, Linda Sampson, Morag Sinclair and Taryn Baker.
*Class teachers new to the school are mentored for twelve months before taking on the further
tasks involved as a member of the College of Teachers.
Teaching Staff
Kaz Wilson ~ Preschool Playgroup, Little Kindergarten
Taryn Baker, Morag Sinclair ~ Pre-school Kindergarten, Prep
Fran Cummins ~ Class 1 & 2
Linda Sampson~ Class 3 & 4
Yiota Cleary ~ Class 5 & 6
Matthew Reynolds ~ Class 7 & 8
Faculty
The faculty comprises all staff, assistants and specialty teachers.
Richard Merton ~ Administrator
Sally Singleton ~ Admin. Assistant
Howard Chaston, Serena Moring, and Jen O’Donnell
~ Music faculty
Peter Berenyi ~Literacy & Numeracy
Kaye Roberts ~ Librarian
Amanda Cleeland and Jen O’Donnell ~ LOTE
Maureen McKay ~ Craft lessons and Class aide
Maaike Steiner, Alison Retief ~ Preschool aides
Bec McMillan, ~ Preschool and Class aide
Richard Smith ~ Chemistry (Class 7/8)
Rob Allen ~ Woodwork (Class 7/8)
Sandy McKinnon ~ Latin (Class 5-8)
Ishe Boge – Bus monitor/Preschool aide
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ADMINISTRATION
The Administrator is responsible for the efficient planning and day to day running of the school.
This includes dealing with government agencies, making submissions, funding, fees, wages, legal
matters, and capital works. The Admin Assistant is responsible for office tasks such as school
reception, sick bay, data entry, assisting with accounting tasks, newsletters, general typing, student
records, correspondence, bus timetables, cleaning rosters, school promotion etc.
FEES
As an Independent School, Commonwealth and State funding subsidises some of the school’s
running costs. However it is necessary to augment this with a fee structure. Fees are kept as low as
possible to enable families of all circumstances to attend.
A fee sheet is available from the office. Family discounts apply. In cases of genuine financial
hardship, please approach the Administrator. (There are limited bursaries available.) All Bursaries
and applications are confidential.
THE EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA) is provided to assist eligible
families with the costs associated with the education of their children. To be eligible for receipt of
the EMA you must:
• be either a parent or guardian of a primary or secondary school student up to the age of
sixteen; and
• be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit within the meaning of
the State Concessions Act 2004 or be a Veterans Affairs (TPI) pensioner or be a foster parent.
The eligibility criteria must be met as at the first day of Term 1 (7 th February) and Term 3 (19 th
July) 2011. The EMA application must be submitted to the school by 28 February 2011 for the first
payment and 4 August 2011 for the second payment.
The EMA is paid in two instalments, please see administrator for details. Parents with continuing
eligibility, who are paid the first instalment of 2011 through this school will not be required to
complete a new application for the second instalment. Parents, who transfer children to another
school after 28 February 2011 and prior to or on 4 August 2011, must reapply at the new school for
the second instalment. Application forms are available from the school office.
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
SCHOOL POLICIES
The policies of the school are set out in a document, which reflects the needs of the school and the
framework for action in specific circumstances. Policies include:
• Accident management
• Anaphylaxis
• Attendance
• Behaviour code
• Classroom policy
• Communications and grievance procedures
• Discipline
• Displan
• Enrolment procedures
• Occupational Health and Safety procedures
• Smoking
• Staff Employment
The School Policy document is available in the office for all parents to read. Please see office staff
for a copy.
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RESOLVING DIFFICULTIES
It is the desire of all staff at the school to work as compatibly as possible with everyone but we
recognise that conflict does arise and needs to be handled positively. It is most beneficial if the
issue at hand can be focused upon clearly to make conflict resolution easy and to minimise personal
pain.
If you or your child have a problem related to your child’s education, the appropriate action is to
speak directly with your child’s class teacher. If you can’t see the teacher immediately, leave a
message so that you can be contacted. If, after meeting with your class teacher, the problem has not
been resolved, then you may wish to speak with the College of Teachers who offer to facilitate
communication. You may also seek another meeting with the teacher and with another parent
representative or teacher of your choice who is acceptable to both parties present.
If your difficulty is of a more general nature you may wish to bring it formally to the College of
Teachers or the Committee of Management. This may be done by presenting it in writing, or
requesting it as an agenda item.
Issues of a serious or long standing
nature should be put in writing to the
College (education) or Governance
Committee (legal/administrative). At
any meeting with the Governance
Committee, all parties have the right to
have another person, who is acceptable
to all parties, present supporting or
representing them. Decisions relating
to the matter will be dealt with using
the normal meeting procedures as
described in the School's constitution.
A properly made and minuted decision
of the Governance Committee will be
final.
ENROLMENT PROCEDURE
There are three stages to the enrolment procedure.
If you are certain of your intent, an expression of interest form is not required.
1 Contact and Enquiries
Direct enquiry to the school. Phone or visit the school. If you ring for an appointment the
administrator can organise a full tour. Complete Expression of Interest form.
2 Registration
Complete registration form and pay registration fee of $30. Read detailed information supplied to
parents. Complete child’s history and forward this to the teacher. Make an appointment for an
interview with the Class Teacher (both parents and child where applicable).
3 Enrolment
College of Teachers meet to discuss the enrolment. An orientation period may be arranged. Offer of
place is forwarded to the family. Mid year enrolments welcome.
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RECOMMENDED READING
“You Are Your Child’s First Teacher”
by Rahima Baldwin,Berkley California, Celestial Arts, 1989
“Lifeways” by Gudrun Davey & Bons Voors, UK, Hawthorn Press 1983
“The Incarnating Child” by Joan Salter, UK, Hawthorn Press, 1987
“Festivals with Children” by Brigitte Barz, Edinburgh, Floris Books, 1972
“Children at Play” by Heidi Brits-Crecelius, Edinburgh, Floris Books, 1972
“Festivals, Family & Food” by Diana Carey & Judy Harpe, UK, Hawthorn Press, 1982
“Conception, Birth and Early Childhood”
by Norbert Glass, Spring Valley, NY, Anthoposophical Press, 1973
“Phases of Childhood” by B. Lievegoed, Edinburgh, Floris Books 1987
“Who’s Bringing Them Up? - Television and Child Development”
by Martin Large, UK, M Lape for the TV Action Group 1980
“A Guide to Child Health”
by M. Glockler & W. Goebel, Edinburgh, Floris Books, 1990
“The First Three Years of the Child”
by Karl Konig, Anthoposophic Press, NY, 1969
“Natural Childhood: a practical guide to the first seven years”
by John B Thomson, ed. Chapters 4 & 5 NSW, Hodder Headline Press, 1994
“Waldorf Schools - Kindergarten and Early Grades”
Volume 1, edited by Ruth Pusch, Mercury Press, Spring Valley, NY 1993
“Happy Children”
by R. Dreikus, 1995 Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd.
“Steiner Education” by Gilbert Childs, Edinburgh Floris Books 1991
Many of these books are available for borrowing from the School library, or the books and Steiner
products should be available for purchase from:
THE STEINER STORE (Online)
ww.steinerstore.com.au
9 Strathalbyn St, Kew East
(03) 9857 0161
RUDOLF STEINER BOOK CENTRE
307 Sussex Street
SYDNEY 2000
02 9264 5169
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Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School and
Kindergarten
91 Highett St,
MANSFIELD 3722
(PO BOX 679, Mansfield 3724)
Tel: (03) 5779 1445 / Fax (03) 5779 1438
(03) 5779 1488 (Kindergarten)
E mail: admin@mansfieldsteiner.vic.edu.au
Address enquiries to Richard Merton (Administrator)
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