Haere mai te Kōanga e te whānau whānui – welcome everyone to Spring!
We are emerging from our winter slumber. In Aotearoa Mahuru is the goddess of spring and the month of September is named after her. Spring, kōanga is a time for planting and the kupu kō, is a tool for digging.
We are all enjoying being out and about in our work, in our learning, and in our play.
As you know, we celebrate a cycle of festivals in our school year which witness birth, death, and new life (the life cycle); these encompass both religious celebrations and recognition of the four seasons: Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring.
As we approach Spring our thoughts turn to the equinox, when day and night are equal, and the earth breathes out her bounty after winter sleep. From Dr Steiner we understand that each of these seasons are guided by an Arch Angelic being with whom we might find relationship. The Arch Angel in the ascendant at Springtime is Raphael. Raphael also holds the gift of healing.
Our school gardens are showing the early signs of growth and renewal. And our newly established bee colony is thriving. The start-up costs for our bees including the fenced area, the hives, and the bees, were met from generous community donations following the Waldorf 100 celebrations. Dr Steiner tells us that “the entire beehive is actually permeated with love” and he is right. For every small effort the bee makes, it manifests big results. There is so much to learn about the bees from the historical, scientific, environmental, literary, spiritual, and political perspectives. Bees and all other insects are a breath of life and gift to us a fresh opportunity for devotion and appreciation of mother earth, Papatūānuku.
To respond to the seasons, to the environment, and Mātauranga Māori with reverence and curiosity brings the possibility for us and for the children to be healers of the earth both now and in the future. The size of our effort is not the measure, it is the intention, the commitment, and the spirit behind our work that will make the biggest difference.
Mauri ora!
Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa, nā, Caroline
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WĀTAKA | SCHOOL CALENDAR
12-18 Sep: Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Thu 15 Sep: Kindergarten Parent Evening 7pm
Fri 16 Sep: Gala concert
21, 22 Sep: Class 12 Projects
Thu 22 Sep: Spring Festival KG
Thu 22 Sep: Class 3 Play
26-30 Sep: Derived Grade Exam week US
Fri 30 Sep: School Formal US
26, 27 Sep: Class 5 Play
Thu 29 Sep: Spring Festival LS
Fri 30 Sep: Last day of Term 3
Mon 17 Oct: First day of Term 4
19-21 Oct: Class 4 camp
Fri 21 Oct: Athletics day
Fri 4 Nov: Athletics postponement date
Sat 5 Nov: School Spring Fair
22-25 Nov: Class 9 work experience
28 Nov-2 Dec: Class 10 work experience
Mon 12 Dec: LS advent festival
Wed 14 Dec: Last day of Term 4
KG - Kindergarten | LS - Lower School | US - Upper School
BoT Hui dates 2022: Thursdays
15 Sep - 20 Oct - 17 Nov - 15 Dec
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HAERE RĀ MADDIE
It is with great sadness that we farewell Maddie Cardwell, who is leaving us for (hopefully) sunny Nelson. Maddie has touched the lives of many of our students; most recently as a kaiako in Class 2, as a cooking teacher for classes 6 and 7, and as our lower school SENCO and learning support teacher. We have always found Maddie amazing to work with, she has been flexible and accommodating when we have been short staffed and has often stepped in to "save the day" when no relievers could be found. Her special character, form drawing and her own Steiner experience brought incredible qualities to her work. Wherever she goes, and whatever she does, Maddie works with passion and dedication, and any future employer will be so lucky to have her!
All the best for your new adventure, Maddie.
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We have an exciting vacancy for a
Woodwork & Outdoor Classroom Teacher!
Please visit the school website for further details
and a full job description.
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CantaMath!
We had two teams representing us at CantaMath 2022 on 24th August. It was so much FUN - our students were amazing & did so well, both teams finished around the middle ....and that was without much preparation and without a selection process which many other schools employ.
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Rock Band success!
The Class 6-7 rock band – Soular Power performed at the Shirley Boys’ Auditorium at the regional SmokeFree BandQuest on the 25th of August and came away with SECOND! The band performed two numbers and feedback was that they had an amazing groove and came across incredibly professionally. The band is made up of: Sian, Jordaan, Ocean, Kingston, Arabella, Charlie, and Eilidh. Big thanks to their tutor Klemens Cathcart, Lesley Murray, the whānau, and to our kura for their support! Catch them next at the Gala Concert on the 16th of September at 1:30pm.
Judging feedback:
"Cool aesthetic and stage presence, awesome crowd engagement. Loved the band introduction."
"Wow! Tight instrument section and great musicianship, smooth vocals work really well together and create and awesome sound!"
"You guys did an amazing job. Over awesome performance! Performed to such a high standard, well done!"
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Class 4 Ferrymead Heritage Park
On August the 12th, and again on August the 26th, the Class 4 children stepped back in time to be fully immersed in Local History and Local Geography at Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch.
The traditions, experiences and ways of life were strikingly different for children and families who settled in Christchurch, as there was much to overcome in terms of adversity and persevering through challenges - all part of Steiner Class 4 child development.
From joyous hoop spinning to attentive ink handwriting, slowly dipping candles into melted beeswax and getting one's immigration papers correct, the children were thoroughly and happily engaged in all learning experiences.
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"Apples of Iduna, what is your secret? Magic in the garden, shining in the trees. Gods of Asgard truth everlasting. Who will keep it? Wait and see..."
Our children of Class 4 brought Norse mythology to life, much to the joy and delight of the eager audiences. There were Gods a plenty, Giants with terrible manners and articulate Tellers of Tales to weave the performances together - from the parts to the whole.
The children were delighted to design and create their sets, stage, props and backdrop chalkboard drawings.
There was eloquent singing, beautiful celtic dancing, traditional celtic violin accompaniment and delicate lyre playing.
The growth and unfolding of learning in each child ensured successful and positive drama outcomes and experiences for all.
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ATHLETICS DAY - Friday 21st October
9am - 3pm at Hansen Park
This involves classes 5 - 12 and their teachers. Please save the date as the enjoyment and success of this day relies on the support and participation of the school community. More info to come on the running of events. Looking forward to it!
Thanks everyone!
Mia Anderson - Sports Coordinator
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DERIVED GRADE EXAMS - 26th-30th September
The Derived Grade Examinations provide students with the opportunity to sit authentic examinations following the NZQA Rules. These examinations provide verifiable evidence needed for an unexpected grade event or a derived grade. Class 11 and 12 will be on study leave during exam week. Class 10 have the option of study leave during exam week; however students can attend supervised study periods at school during exam week.
Ngā mihi nui, Maxine Ude Shankar
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Milo Holland - Class 5
'Kowhai'
Kowhai
Blue Sky
no need to cry
the breeze is warm
Yet cold and crisp
the air is a swarm
of springtime bliss
as yellow flowers open
embracing the world
their strong bright colours
swirled
with the green of leaves
with the brown of the trunk
Lightly curled to the breeze
Kowhai
Blue sky
not a need in the world
to cry.
Maia Mackintosh, Class 6
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Message from the Board of Trustees
As the school continues to move forward, the Board is evaluating how effective our organisational structures and systems are at meeting the needs of our learning community. With this in mind the Board is reviewing the function and workstreams of our talented support staff teams in administration, property and the library. All these great people provide essential services that keep our kura running.
The purpose of the review is to utilise the skills and experience of these talented staff more effectively in meeting the needs of the school. The review includes ensuring work streams and job descriptions are updated. Over the years roles and responsibilities have evolved and it is our responsibility to ensure we are a good employer and meet the school's priorities.
Also a reminder to vote in the parent election.
Closes on Wednesday, September 7th, 2022, 4pm
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Reminder statements were emailed out a couple of weeks ago.
30% of donations have been paid as of 16th August 2022.
We would like to thank you for your ongoing commitment and support. We appreciate your financial assistance. We can't do this without you.
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For this term we have 'Little Lunches' who provide packed lunches every Thursday. Simply process your order on their website by midnight Wednesday for lunch the next day.
Order by clicking "order now" or "menu" on the Little Lunches website Select our school from the drop down box & insert details including child's name & class.
For our older students and staff, next week their Buddha Bowls will be available for orders, contact feedback@ch.steiner.school.nz if you are interested in ordering this option!
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We are eagerly looking forward to WELCOMING YOU to the 2022 Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School Spring Fair. Being held on Sat 5th November it will be a chance for us to come together and reconnect with each other and the wider community of Christchurch. To all our class communities read more here...
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FAIR NOTICES
for our wonderful community
CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!
Class One craft is racing to get organised for the school fair in November and we would love your help. We need crafts to sell at our stall to fundraise - whether you have a few of something already stashed away, there's something you've made for the fair before, or something new you think would be fun to create - get in touch if you can help, with our Class Secretary Lucy, lucyak@gmail.com 0274504544
CALLING ALL PERFORMERS!
Looking for expressions of interest in performing at the Spring Fair on Saturday November 5th. Hugo and Jane will program the morning with talent from the school. In the afternoon we will be putting together a music lineup of students, parents and alumni similar to the 2020 fair. If you are keen to perform please contact Jolene - 0210616912 asap. Lineup to be confirmed asap.
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