Welcome to Bilya Bardip (River Stories), Helena River Steiner School's parent, caregiver and community newsletter. We warmly invite you to read on and keep up to date with news, important information and upcoming events at our school.
Kaya from the Principal
Kaya Parents and Caregivers
Yesterday we were very fortunate to have Lou Harvey-Zahra lead a professional development workshop with our teachers and assistants on positive and creative behavior management approaches.
It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of authentic and caring relationships between teachers and students and we are blessed to have such compassionate education staff here who are so dedicated to understanding and supporting their students.
It is a practice for many Steiner teachers to contemplate one or each of their students each night, in order to "take them into their sleep".
"What is this child asking of me?" we can then ask the spiritual beings, inviting their guidance. What riches we can find when we open ourselves to spiritual as well as earthly wisdom.
Lou Harvey-Zahra, however, was full of practical, fun, take-home strategies and she will be giving a talk for parents tonight. This event will be held at the High School campus, 13 Stirling Crescent, Hazelmere at 6.30 pm.
With a wealth of knowledge, author of 7 books and 25 years of Steiner teaching experience, this is a rare opportunity for parents to gain further understanding, knowledge and inspiration on how to apply the Steiner philosophy and teachings at home.
Thursday 17 November - Thriving Children Talk
Friday 18 November - Pupil free day
Wednesday 23 November - Class 3/4 Play
Friday 25 November - High School Tour
Friday 25 November - Bilya Mia Kindy parent meeting
Wednesday 30 November - Primary School Assembly
Thursday 1 December - End of Year Music Concert
Friday 2 December - High School pupil free day
Friday 9 December - Kindy 6 Graduation
Wednesday 14 December - School Christmas Festival and last day of Term 4
KAYA...
FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Dear families
Each week at school, in our Monday morning Circle gathering, we choose a focus of the week. This week’s focus, under the general heading of respectful relationships, is ‘taking care of your belongings’ including our school property. We managed to find some owners of clothes in our ever-present, lost property box.
We are also enjoying our rehearsals for the end of year school concert on Thursdays at Ascension Hall. The concert will now be held during the day on Thursday 1 December, at 2.00pm. We are planning a low-key event as the room in the hall is quite limited.
All our teachers are busy with assessments and report writing. It’s a busy time of year. The sunshine and warmth are a welcome reprieve.
Clare O'Leary
Primary School Education Coordinator
CLASS NEWS
CLASS 2
One of my fondest memories of the term was a recent one, watching each child immerse themselves in the Class Play Main Lesson block. The children told the story of The Magpie’s Nest. During this process, I witnessed each child strengthen their will, work artistically, gain confidence when speaking in front of an audience, memorise many lines, and endeavour to speak with clarity and expression.
It was magical watching the Class 2 children rely on each other throughout the performance. When they got to play in the afternoon, it was clear that the cohesion of the class had strengthened. They all love a good chat, the makings of strong friendships.
I would like to thank my assistant Sarah for all her strength during the rehearsal process and to all the parents who helped make costumes and help me draw the blackboard backdrop.
Please enjoy the photos of the play. I wish you all a wonderful rest of the term.
Blessings
Karolina Pawlowski
Class 2 Teacher
CLASS 5/6
Class 5/6 recently returned from their Class camp at Boshack Eco Farmstay. We spent our time participating in activities like shelter building, canoeing and orienteering. In our spare time, the children rehearsed skits, swam in the lake and explored the farm. It was a wonderful experience that brought the students closer together and allowed them to enjoy some time in nature without distractions.
Kerewin de Souza
Class 5/6 Teacher
HIGH SCHOOL WOODWORK
The High School are proud to showcase their new woodwork shed. This area will be well utilised by students for many years to come. They have already been busy and have started to create some hand-made mallets, which they will use as tools throughout their high school journey.
CRAFT
Our Class 5/6 children have been getting involved in the National Reclaim the Void project, hand weaving rugs to be added to the thousands created Australia- wide. A bold cross-cultural project, it seeks to raise awareness of the story of country and its importance in Aboriginal culture.
The vision was first born from Ngalia elders in Leonora in WA, who expressed their grief at “those gaping holes left all over the country”. The idea was conceived to symbolically ‘seal’ one of the holes with a large-scale artwork installation.
Students have dived into the project with enthusiasm, and we are proud to be able to contribute to such a significant cross-cultural event, linking communities across Australia
Sneak peek of the P&F raffle! Our HRSS Craft Group have been working hard to create some handmade toys to include in our giveaway. Tickets will be on sale in the office and online. More details coming soon.
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Dear HRSS community,
We are a family of five looking for a two bedroom house to rent, for around $350 per week near Helena River Steiner School. My name is Yeang and my contact number is 0406 008 988. Thank you for your help.
Edstart is an organisation which provides families with flexible payment plans to help them manage their education costs. They have payment plans designed to fit around family budgets.
