Casuarina Steiner School

Casuarina Chronicle

DATE NOT TO BE MISSED:

Harmony Day/ Japanese Moon Festival, Friday 26th March

• Entertainment
• Food
• Moon viewing
• Main Lesson Sharing

More information to come.

——

Stephen Scott, Casuarina School Principal

From the Principal’s Desk

Certainly one of the best aspects of being a principal and one I really enjoy, is being able to visit all the classrooms on a regular basis. The last couple of weeks I’ve been able to do this and I’ve been really impressed. There have been many things that have impressed me over the past month.  In particular I’ve enjoyed the positive attitude the children at Casuarina have     towards learning. This really is a great learning environment and most of the students are taking full advantage of the rich fabric of a learning experience that the wonderful teachers here are  providing. This actually reminds me of a short story called ‘The Magic Pebbles’:

Once upon a time there was a small group of shepherds sleeping in the hills. Suddenly they were woken by a strange bright light. Out of this light a voice spoke to them.  “Gather up as many pebbles as you can find and put them in your bags. Travel a day’s journey and tomorrow night will find you both glad and sad. Although confused and a little disappointed they bent down and picked up a few pebbles and put them in their bags.

The next day they travelled a long distance and then at night set up camp. As the pebbles were becoming heavy, they decided to empty them on the ground. To their astonishment the pebbles had disappeared and in their place were sparkling diamonds. The shepherds then began to say together –“The voice spoke the truth,   tonight we are both glad and sad. We are glad because we have these precious diamonds but we are sad because we did not pick up more.” In life we don’t know which ‘pebbles’ are going to turn into diamonds. Everything we learn without knowing the reason is a pebble. But as you will discover – that knowledge will often turn into diamonds. Clearly we need to learn all we can now – pick up as many   pebbles as possible – and look forward to a   future full of      diamonds. “If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would truly astound ourselves”

Thomas Edison

P&F Morning Tea

Already there has been several parents indicate their willingness to be involved in a school P&F. This is very pleasing and I’m extremely keen to establish an effective P&F group as soon as possible. Therefore I’d like to invite all interested parents and friends of the school to a special morning tea next Thursday at 10.15 in the staffroom. During this time there will be an open forum to discuss the best way to establish a dynamic and effective P&F group. To assist with catering could you please indicate to the office if you intend on being part of this meeting. I really hope you can be part of what I believe to be an essential aspect of developing great schools.

Principal

Steve Scott

NOTES FROM THE OFFICE

• Can the family who is paying school fees on the internet by the name durri 15 please urgently contact lee burgess?
• We now have stocks of our colorful school  t-shirts ($18.00), and our hats have also arrived ($15.00).
• Just a reminder:  It is school policy that parents notify the school if your child is absent.   Please phone the school office prior to 9.00 am.

Important Dates

• School Tour with Lana Risi:   Thursday, 11th March 2010, 10:00am
• Main Lesson Sharing:   19th March 2010 , 10:20 am
• Class 4 Swimming Dates:  March 5th, 12th and 19th
• Clean up Australia Day: Friday 5th March 2010
• Autumn Festival/Harmony day/Japanese Moon Festival: 26th March 2010
• Life Education Van: 28th/29th April 2010
• Craft Group: Every Wednesday 9.00am
• Casuarina School is starting to have No Waste Wednesdays: Starting Wednesday 24th March (See this post for more information.)

Term Dates

• Term 1:  3.2.10 – 1.4.10
• Term 2:  20.4.10 – 24.6.10
• Term 3:  20.7.10 – 24.9.10
• Term 4:  12.10.10-15.12.10

Before School Care URGENT UPDATE!!!

Due to a number of positive response to our request for feed back regarding a before school care service, we are very pleased to announce that as of Monday 8^th March 2010, the before school care service is open. We will be running the service on a trial basis for the rest of this term, to gauge the benefits that the service affords parents, and consequently the long term viability of the service.

As is the case with the after school service, we will be embracing Rudolph Steiner’s philosophies to shape the program. our aim, with guidance from Casuarina’s College of Teacher’s, will be to provide an environment where the children are cared for and nurtured, with a rhythm and mood that allows for this extra-special part of the child’s day to be enjoyed and celebrated.

The hours of operation for the before school care service will be 7:30 am – 8:30 am Monday to Friday. Please ensure that all children have eaten breakfast, or that they bring a healthy breakfast to eat at school.

The future structure of the program may allow for breakfast to provide (organic oats from Bundagen are beautiful), but we will have to wait and see.

With the warmest regards, Mike Anderson After/Before School Care Co-ordinator

Ride to School Day

Ride 2 School Day

On the 17^th of March everybody is encouraged to ride, walk or scooter to school.

It would be great if on that day as many children as possible  could come to school not by car or by school bus but by bike, walking or on a scooter. As we want everybody to be safe attempting this, we

encourage parents to accompany their children.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with me by next Monday, 8th March  so we can organise collecting points from which children can cycle to school in a group with adult supervision.

I look forward to this great event.

Elsbeth

—–

NO WASTE WEDNESDAY

“No Waste Wednesday” means that  students need to bring their lunch and recess in reusable bags or lunchboxes on Wednesdays. By   doing this and by choosing foods that don’t require packaging, such as fruit, we are hoping to reduce the amount of waste our school  produces. We appreciate your support and thank you for helping to make our school environment beautiful.

Casuarina is celebrating Grandparents Day on Friday March 19th.

Come along for Main Lesson Sharing at 10:15am in our hall, stay for morning tea and a look around our  beautiful school.  ALL Grandparents and surrogate Grandparents welcome.

What is Main Lesson Sharing?

Main Lesson Sharing is when each class in the school shares something from the Main Lesson that they have just completed over the previous 3 weeks.  They share with the whole school and parents.

Main Lesson Sharing starts at 10.20 and finishes at approx. 11.00am and is usually held in the school hall.

Parents, relatives and friends are welcome.

After Main Lesson Sharing, morning tea is available for purchase in the Breezeway area.  This morning tea is provided by Kindergarten and Peach Blossom parents and is their main fundraiser for the year.  A baked item (eg muffin) and 2 pieces of fruit can be purchased for $1.  If your child wishes to partake, make sure they have $1 in their pocket so they can line up and buy something.  Adults are also welcome to purchase morning tea.

Class 3 Building Project

Class 3 are undertaking the building of a bell tower for their building project this year.

We are inviting the school community to help us raise the necessary funds for the purchase of a brass bell.  Our first fundraising will be CRAZY HAIR DAY on the 12th of March. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this fun event.  Class 3 ask that a gold coin be given as a donation towards the bell.

Cheers and thanks,

Ruth and Class 3

___

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_______

USE OF CHILDREN’S IMAGES

Dear Parents / Guardians

The nature of a busy school means that there are many occasions when photos are being taken.  These are often taken during school excursions, camps or other school activities where many photographs will be taken.

Some of these images will find their way into our newsletter and other school publications, including the school website.

Along with these images, there are also  occasions when we invite professional photographers to the school to take photos that will be used in our promotional material, either in print advertising or on our website.

I realise that some parents have concerns about their children’s image being used for promotional reason.  Ad hoc photographs for newsletter articles can also cause concern.

We would like to know specifically if you do not want your child’s image used, or if you do not want any photographs of them  in any of the school publications or in the local newspaper.

If you DO NOT consent to your Child’s/ Children’s images being used in any of the above mentioned purposes, please email Lee Burgess  accounts@casuarina-school.com with that instruction.

Principal

Steve Scott

____

CRAZY HAIR DAY

____

Class 3 Building Project

Class 3 are undertaking the building of a bell tower for their building project this year.

We are inviting the school community to help us raise the necessary funds for the purchase of a brass bell. Our first fundraising will be CRAZY HAIR DAY on the 12th of March. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this fun event. Class 3 ask that a gold coin be given as a  donation towards the bell.                                  Cheers and thanks.

Ruth and Class 3

Staff Profiles

Linda Burke

INTERVIEW OF Linda Burke
Teacher of Class 7

Years at Casuarina: 6 and a half

Number of children in class: 10

Favourite Main Lesson: Building Main Lesson

Best camp: Road Trip to Coonabarabran and Lightning Ridge (2009)

Favourite Breezeway Food: Fresh food, such as wraps & vegetables

First job ever: Checkout person in Coles. I was 14 and three quarters.

Hobbies, sports and interests: Yoga, camping, looking at art, making art, Asian studies.

Are any of your own children students here? No- unfortunately, I don’t have any.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I never thought about teaching until I went to a Spring Fair at a Steiner School and was absolutely impressed by the children there, the work they did and how they interacted with adults.

Anything else you’d like included in your profile? I always wanted to stay with the same students to develop deep        relationships and be part of how they grow and change. I have found this very rewarding.

Elsbeth Haenggi

INTERVIEW OF  Elsbeth Haenggi
Teacher of Class 5

Years at Casuarina: 6 and a half

Number of children in class: 17

Favourite Main Lesson: Astronomy

Best camp: Class 7 Adventure Camp (raft building, rock walls etc) and Sailing.

Favourite Breezeway Food: Indian food

First job ever: Working at a shopping centre.

Hobbies, sports and interests: White-water kayaking, squash, skiing, gardening, reading.

Are any of your own children students here? No, I don’t have children.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I hadn’t thought about becoming a teacher until I studied it and then I liked it.

Anything else you’d like included in your profile? I really enjoy teaching, I love being with children. I love watching      children try their hardest and explore new things.

Kath Sheehan

INTERVIEW OF  Kath Sheehan
Teacher of Class 4

Years at Casuarina: 4

Number of children in class: 25

Favourite Main Lesson: The one I am doing at the time is my favourite.

Best camp: Class 6 to Morton Island.

Favourite Breezeway Food: Sushi.

First job ever: Washing up in a café. I was 15.

Hobbies, sports and interests: Being at the beach, exercising, playing, singing, being silly.

Are any of your own children students here? Yes, Jack in Grey Gum Kindergarten.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? When I was 9, Mum told me I was unbelievably good with kids.  I  had

managed  to get  a very energetic boy to sit quietly with me outside a shop.

Anything else you’d like included in your profile? I love Casuarina, I love Class 4 and our school rocks.

Ruth Lindsell

INTERVIEW OF  Ruth Lindsell
Teacher of Class 3

Years at Casuarina: 5

Number of children in class: 22

Favourite Main Lesson: Mechanics in Class 7: we went bike-riding to the BMX track and played at the park.

Best camp: Woody Head in Class 2: snorkelling, finding sea slugs and nudi-branches.

Favourite Breezeway Food: Dahl, rice and pappadams.

First job ever: Bridal milliner (making tiaras and veils for brides).

Hobbies, sports and interests: Being at the beach, exercising, playing, singing, being silly.

Are any of your own children students here? Yes, Allira in Class 4.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? Mum was a teacher. I loved teaching, getting to know people and helping      people.

Anything else you’d like included in your profile? Teaching should be fun. I like to have fun with my Class.

Margie Collett

INTERVIEW OF Margie Collett
Teacher of Class 2

Years at Casuarina: 8

Number of children in class: 23

Favourite Main Lesson: Australian Continental Explorers: there are many good stories.

Best camp: Class 4 Fossicking and gems.

Favourite Breezeway Food: Vegetable risotto and salad.

First job ever: Waitressing (seafood restaurant).

Hobbies, sports and interests: Travelling, Asian Studies, playing with children and grandchildren.

Are any of your own children students here? Yes, my son and granddaughter were. I now have 3 grandchildren here.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I am interested in educating children.

Allie Thompson

INTERVIEW OF Allie Thompson
Teacher of Class 1

Years at Casuarina: 4

Number of children in class: 26

Favourite Main Lesson: Capital Letters

Best camp: Sleepover

Favourite Breezeway Food: Nachos

First job ever: Babysitting

Hobbies, sports and interests: Netball, going to the beach and playing with my girls Imogen and Ava.

Are any of your own children students here? Yes, Imogen in Kinder Rose Room

Why did you decide to become a teacher? To make a difference to the future and because I love kids.

Lana Risi

INTERVIEW OF  Lana Risi
Teacher of Grey Gum, Kindergarten

Years at Casuarina: 11 and a half

Number of children in class: 20

Favourite Main Lesson: Measurement- Class 3- bushwalking.

Best camp: Yarrawarra

Favourite Breezeway Food: Thai chicken and rice.

First job ever: Nanny and working at a café.

Hobbies, sports and interests: Felting wool, gardening, painting, making things, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

Are any of your own children students here? No.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I visited a Steiner school and knew that was what I wanted to do.

Anything else you’d like included in your profile? My daughter went from kindergarten to Year 12at a Steiner school, so I would love

Casuarina to offer pre-school to high school. I have been teaching for over 25 years and am still passionate about Steiner education. Casuarina is a great school.

Rowena Parkes

INTERVIEW OF Rowena Parkes
Teacher of  Rose Room, Kindergarten

Years at Casuarina: 6 and a half

Number of children in class: about 20

First job ever: Waitress in a little café selling milkshakes (holiday). First teaching job was class 3, in a state school.

Hobbies, sports and interests: Dancing, art and parent education.

Are any of your own children students here? No, but my son and daughter went to a Steiner School throughout their education.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I loved children, loved to teach them and I had

developed skills for many ages. I thought it a wonderful journey of discovery and self-discovery.

Anything else you’d like included in your profile? I lived in a Steiner community for 7 years which was a home school and

biodynamic farm for children who were moderately to severely disabled. I had a wonderful training there and loved working with all children. They taught me a lot. I love travelling and spent time in Calcutta working with Mother Theresa- again. I learnt so much that stays with me to this day. I moved from Avalon to here 7 years ago and love being part of the community. I believe in life long learning and that education is a giving and receiving, Steiner teaching has given me a rich and varied career and I feel very blessed that I have been on this journey

INTERVIEW OF  Pierina
Part-time Teacher of KG, Class 5 and 6

Years at Casuarina: 2

Favourite Main Lesson: Circle time in Kindergarten.

Best camp: Canberra

Favourite Breezeway Food: Pasta, nachos.

First job ever: Corner store, babysitting.

Hobbies, sports and interests: Craft, gardening, walking dogs.

Are any of your own children students here? Yes, Monica in Class 6 and Amelia in Class 5.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I wanted to because I enjoyed being with children.

Anything else you’d like included in your profile? I live in Bellingen, was born in Coffs Harbour. I like to travel with children.

Thankyou to Class 7 students who created the interview question and conducted the interviews.

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