Glenaeon Newsletter 7 March 2019

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The Gentle Cafe dedication and farewell to Michele

Naming of the Gentle Café

We were reminded yesterday of Isaac Newton’s famous words “We see so far because we stand on the shoulders of giants”. Glenaeon’s place in the world today was built by the gifts of generations of teachers and parents, mostly quiet and unobtrusive, but consistent, solid and enduring. They were giants in their generosity.

The naming of the Gentle Café was a moment to reflect with gratitude on the work of earlier generations. This was the final icing on the cake of our kitchen/deck and walkway projects that now provides a beautiful centre to the Middle Cove campus. The café has been named after Rosemary and the late Stuart Gentle, a couple whose collective contribution was decades-long and gigantic in its context. We heard some wonderful stories of the life and times of both of them, their colleagues and friends, of the school’s founder Sylvia Brose, and of the families who helped to build Glenaeon through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

School historian Glennis Mowday gave a lovely tribute to the Gentles that captured so much of the rich history of our community, and you can read it here

Farewell Michele!!

While it was a happy day yesterday for the naming of the cafe, it was also a sad day as it was Michele Harris' last day. After three years as Communications Coordinator, Michele departed the school, and this Newsletter, and is already settling into her new position at the ABC. After training in journalism, Michele aspires to a media role and it is wonderful for her that she is able to step in this new direction. Michele has created our Communications role single-handedly, transformed the Newsletter into the formidable communication channel it has become, and been a wonderfully vibrant and happy presence throughout the school. We wish her all success at the ABC, and know she will be back (often) to visit!

Open Days

The Middle Cove campus was full of visitors last Friday for our Open Day. This Saturday we focus on High School and Year 7 entry, so we extend an invitation to all parents from Kindergarten to Class 6 to come along for a specific tour on high school entry. Liz Nevieve, Deputy Head of School for Years 7 to 12, and other high school teachers will outline the exciting program that builds on all the Class Teacher years, how our unique Steiner education approach blends into the demands of the HSC program in the senior years leading to success in Year 12 and future careers. Bookings can be made via the website.

Warm wishes,
Andrew Hill 
Head of School


Supporting respectful relationships through a better understanding of child development

With Susan Laing

When you meet your children with insight and compassion, when you accept that their troubled behaviours are ‘cries for help’ which need attending to,when you truly meet their individual and developmental needs, you are creating the foundation for mutually respectful relationships. This is a complex task because children’s needs are constantly changing according to their age and circumstances— for example, what environment most nurtures healthy growth, what approaches to parental authority are appropriate, and what responses to challenging behaviours are most helpful as they grow older. There is no one rule that fits all. This talk looks at some helpful approaches based on research into child development and behaviours at different stages of childhood.

NOTE: ALL 'Glenaeon Parent Education' sessions are FREE of charge. We welcome parents to join in, learn and participate. Occasionally there is a nominal fee for craft materials which will be advised beforehand.

DATE AND TIME 
Friday 15 March 9:15am

Marion Mahony Griffin Hall
Castlecrag campus, 121 Edinburgh Road

BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES
Castlecrag office: 9958 0774
castlecrag@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Please RSVP for The Four Pillars of Simplicity Parenting Saturday March 23 2 - 5pm

with Mary Heard

NOTE: It's not too late to contact Mary to let her know you are coming on Saturday. maryheardwhat@gmail.com, or call the Castlecrag office on 99580774. 

Highly recommended by Glenaeon parents, this free three-hour workshop looks at how to declutter our family lives. You choose what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of and this way we will create our homes as places of rest and rejuvenation, ‘sanctuaries’ from a fast-paced world that is overwhelming adults and robbing children of their childhood. We become the architects of our family life as we realign with our own values and choose what is workable for our families and so create an ideal environment for the slow emergence of our children’s identities, resilience and well-being. Please click below for more information.

 

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Class 1 Autumn Nature Table

Class 1's beautiful nature table reflects the coming of Autumn with its warm colours, as the weather begins to turn cooler.

Class One News

Every morning Class One have been learning rhymes and games while they skip with class teacher Lucy Armstrong.

We have also been busy exploring consonants through the images found in the Grimm’s fairytales. Here are some Main Lesson books with the letters F and D.

Last week we had lots of fun making Gumnut creatures as part of our sculpture and beeswax lessons. We then decided to see if the creatures in their boats floated on water.

 

Class One compost

Sandra Frain has been busy digging up the compost that was created on Fair Day! It is an amazingly alive collection of litter, bugs, lime, ash and all things good for growing healthy plants! It will be used all over the school gardens. The Fair was very low waste and all of the plates, food scraps and even coconut shells were composted! The husks will provide wonderful storage of water, keeping the soils moist during dry periods.

Parent Craft

This Monday we sewed together the wet felted cherry Pip bags, ready for filling on Monday 11th.
Also on Monday 11th will be “Embroidery Basics”.  Come along and create your own needle case (pictured) to keep, decorated with your new embroidery skills.  Next Wednesday the 13th we are doing all things weaving - come and learn how to weave.

All welcome, bring your unfinished craft projects and enjoy some crafty company.


This week's cover photo

Glenaeon High School Information Morning 
Saturday  9  March  2019 
9:30-11:30am

Help us spread the word about Glenaeon's balanced education, which saw us placed in the top 50 NSW schools based on 2018 HSC results. 

From 9.30am – 11.30am, there will be an opportunity to view the classrooms, tour the bushland campus, listen to a short presentation about a Glenaeon education and enjoy a homemade morning tea from our cafe. Students are very welcome.

 

Bookings  are  essential  at: www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/school-tours

School Musical - Pirates of Penzance

Year 10 is performing Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece The Pirates of Penzance at the end of term one.

DATES: 7pm - Friday 5, Monday 8, Tuesday 9 April and 2pm - Sunday 7 April

Tickets are now available at https://www.trybooking.com/479514

Shows sell out so buy your tickets now!

Harvest Festival Information for Years 7 - 12

Please remember to send in fruit and vegetables for the Harvest Festival by next Tuesday!

We invite all families to donate fruit/vegetables for the Harvest Festival by Tuesday 19th March – the students should take donations to their classrooms or Mentor groups. The donations will be collected from all classrooms on Tuesday. They will firstly be part of the Harvest Mandala and will then be packaged up and taken to OZ HARVEST who will distribute them to a range of charities supporting Sydney’s vulnerable people. If you would like more information about the important work done by Oz Harvest please click here

Please note that this festival is a Year 7-12 students’ only event on Wednesday 20th March

Please don’t send canned or packaged goods or green vegetables that won’t keep. Hard non-perishable items like pumpkins etc can be sent in even a week ahead.

Some suggestions of welcome offerings are as follows:

  • Apples
  • Carrots
  • All types of potatoes
  • Onions
  • Pumpkins & gourds
  • Pineapples
  • Corn still in the husk
  • Whole uncut melons

Glenaeon Open Day

Open Day is always a wonderful opportunity to showcase what we do best, and different! Last Friday morning Middle Cove was alive with activities and classes for many visitors to come and see, including metalwork, Year 8 mathematical mandala drawing, biology, music, frisbee, archery and more.

It was a beautiful day and Middle Cove was shining, with all classrooms displaying their current work, as well as classes actively participating in their morning circles, music and songs, with school books on display and tours for the visitors to experience a real 'day in the life' of the school.

Thank you also to the students who helped lead the groups so competently and enthusiastically, the wonderful speakers in the hall, teachers and the coordinators of the day.

 

New garden gate

Our new Middle Cove biodynamic garden gate has arrived! A big thank you from all gardening teachers and students to last year's Year 8 Design and Technology students and to teachers Anthony, Evan and Brendan. The idea was born during meetings at the beginning of 2018, and over they year the design was developed and the gate was built. Its beautiful design reflects the transition from native bushland into our more managed garden landscape. 

In the library

Artworks displayed in the Senior Library at the moment reflect the diverse talents and experiences of our senior Visual Art students and are well worth a visit if you are coming to the senior campus.

 

 

Lunchtime in the Junior Library

The Junior Library is open at lunchtimes for reading, borrowing and quiet activities, like the Junior Chess Club on Wednesdays, monitored by librarian Lynne Collet. She also prepares some of the children's work for a regular display - this time it is Class 6's pencil portrait of Caesar. Come and have look some time!

New student up in the trees

Spotted outside Middle Cove reception this week, breaking the school rules, was the one of the biggest reptiles anyone has ever seen at Glenaeon. 

Class 6 Drawing Caesar

Class 6 enjoyed having Julia Byrne, the school's Art Therapist take them for a drawing lesson of Caesar during their Rome Main Lesson. Their attention to detail is amazing, as she works slowly with technique tips and the processes of drawing.

Class Six birthdays

Each class celebrates birthdays in their own special way. Rodney has beautiful semi-precious stone pendants that the children choose from a basket - they arrived a little late this term, so there was enormous excitement as the birthday 'catch' up of gifts took place! 

Traffic Management Plan

 Parking rules - ordinary school days

 Glenaeon is located in a residential neighbourhood with very narrow streets. Because of this restriction, the School asks that parents and guardians park and or drop-off their children in specific areas to keep the traffic flowing, children safe and our neighbours happy!

 1.   No one is to park or drop-off in Greenfield or Victoria Avenues , not even to kiss-and-ride
 2.   Parents of Class 3 and 4 students may drop off and collect in Glenroy Avenue, but must ensure they park legally and do not impede driveways .
 3.   No one is to park or stop in the No Stopping areas at any time
 4.   No one is to turn into the school driveway, or any other drivewayto drop off or to attempt a three point turnPlease turn in the cul-de-sac . Continued below

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Is this your lost property?

This week's lost property include - A yellow German main lesson book, a water bottle featuring a woodland scene, a 'Fox A' paint set palette, a white hoodie, black top, grey top and still from last week we have a brown backpack, rainbow top, flowered cap, silver gumboots, beige scarf, blue vest, black hoodie, pen in case and 3 more drink bottles. Please call or email Middle Cove reception and we can pass the item along to your child if anything belongs to you. Thank you for helping us reduce waste. 9417 3193  reception@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

 


Glenaeon Careers Centre

Glenaeon Careers Facebook group is a brilliant resource for school leavers and those students and their families beginning to think about life after school. Click HERE and ask to join the group for all the up-to-the-minute information about open days, courses, summer schools, application deadlines and articles of interest. Click below to see the carpentry skills workshop coming up in the holidays. 

 
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Sinfonietta Concert

Sinfonietta Concert

March 13th  6.30pm – 7.30pm in the Sylvia Brose Hall, at Middle Cove campus.

All welcome  - collection for Westmead Children’s Hospital Music Therapy Unit.

This is the first in a series of concerts that aim to give the students in the various ensembles more performing opportunities. Please come along and support the students of the Sinfonietta, who range from Year 6 to Year 12. There will also be some solo performances by members of the orchestra.

A collection will be taken to give to the Westmead Children’s Hospital Music Therapy Unit.

 

Glenaeon School Tours

Glenaeon School Tours & Enrolment Events

MIDDLE COVE CAMPUS (CLASSES 3 – 12)

Middle Cove Tour 
Wednesday 8 May 2019 – 9:30am-11:30am

CASTLECRAG CAMPUS (CLASSES K-2)
Castlecrag School Tour
Thursday 21 March– 9:30am-11:30am

PRESCHOOL CAMPUS
Willoughby Preschool Tour
Thursday 23 May 2019 - 9:30am - 11:30am

For further information or questions please contact our Registrar on 02 9932 2325 or email enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au


Grassroots Eco Store – Free Sonett Liquid Hand Soap

Have you tried using Sonett products in your home yet? Now is your chance to try them and receive a complimentary Calendula liquid hand soap with every bottle of 1 litre Sonett purchased, of any type, until stocks last. A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon. I appreciate your visits and support and hope to see you in the store soon. To shop at any other time please call me on 0416 035 173. Please let me know if there are any products you'd like to see in the store and I'll try to source them for you. Warmly, Felicity
Open on the Castlecrag Campus during school terms:
Monday: open by request
Tuesday: 8.45am—11.30am
Wednesday: 8.45am—3.15pm
Thursday: 8.30am—10.30am
Friday: 2.30pm—4.00pm 
Click below to read about Sonett and Felicity's complimentary liquid hand soap.

 

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Bubblewrap to go

I have a large quantity of bubble wrap and cardboard / cardboard boxes to give to anyone who can use it.

Please contact Julie Monteban – 9932 2356 musicadministrator@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au to arrange collection.

Mandarin, French and German groups after school

There are currently 3 language groups held after school by private groups/tutors. Mandarin and French are held on campus, and a small privately organised class in German is held in a home in Neutral Bay. Mandarin students have had a wonderful term, and had this to say about it!

Sofia Year 9 : "Mandarin classes are a lot of fun! We study both the language and history of Chinese, as well as the culture (myths, traditions, celebrations..). We even get to try traditional Chinese food! We practise both speaking and writing, as well as learning about the origin of each character. 
The teacher is very friendly and has a detailed, easy-to-follow teaching style. I highly recommend this class to everyone who is interested!"  
Cory Year 9 :"Our classes cover a  wide range of topics that go from the history of China to the myths and legends and the ways of writing, speaking and the meaning of the Chinese characters. The teacher herself is very friendly and has a teaching method that is easy to follow. Overall, I enjoy learning Mandarin." 
Lily Year 5 : "For me, learning Mandarin is a bit challenge but fun."  

Please CLICK below for more information on all language class times, locations, contact details and prices.

 

 

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Subject tutoring available

Maths and English Tutor available:  High School up to HSC by teacher Neil Anderson (Bachelor of Education (Hons): English, Master of Education (Distinction): Mathematics, Master of Linguistics:  Literacy, Phd in Theatre (in progress) .
Mobile  0404382192   Email: russelife03@gmail.com

Maths Tutor available:  Hi, my name is Chiara,
I am a year 11 student at Glenaeon and am available for maths tutoring for students up to Year 11. My rates are very reasonable and I'm flexible with tutoring times. I can supply references from my teachers if required. For further enquiries please contact me on calmdotti@gmail.com

Opportunities, positions available, billets & want to buy - can you help?

There are opportunities available as follows:

1. Waldorf – Family Exchange in Berlin (Germany) October - December 2019
2. S
eeking a mother and infant for infant observation
3. Wanted to buy: Diatonic Soprano 35 stringed lyre
4. Teacher Marie Peters needs a room for Steiner teacher training residential April 14 - 18 and Sept 30 - Oct 4
5. Jessica Ortlepp needs a room for Steiner teacher training residential in Sydney April 14 - 18 and Sept 30 - Oct 4 
6. Honest to Goodness buying group - Organic pantry goods at wholesale prices.
7. Market Stall Position Available: North Sydney Produce Markets
8. Alex available for 1 month homestay/work exchange in July
9. Billet/homestay wanted for 16 year old Japanese boy Goma for 2 weeks April 15 - 18
10. Byron Bay Easter Accommodation: Affordable 4 bedroom cottage for rent Easter holiday accommodation at Byron Bay - Steiner family cottage for rent
Click below for further information about the above opportunities

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Glenaeon Vacation Care and other workshops for kids

Please share if you know of a good holiday workshop coming up - it's always fun when children can go together.

1. Marion Street Theatre runs a creative holiday workshop for children - Click below for details.
2. Glenaeon Vacation Care runs a full school holiday program. See http://www.glenaeonoosh.com.au/holiday-care-bookings.html
3. Circus Akimbo in Willoughby runs holiday program
4. Wildbird Learning - Weaving Nature for children
5. Wildbird Learning - Eco-Dyeing for children

Click below fore more information and links

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German classes in Neutral Bay

A little group of children meet in our home in Neutral Bay for German language classes after school on a Thursday. They are taught by Frau Karin Weller, a very experienced German school teacher, retired from the German International School.  Karin prepares the lessons to suit the individual needs of the children.  She is warm and engaging and the kids love her.
The class is conducted in German with play-based games for younger kids & writing/reading/puzzles for older children, songs, pictures and conversation.  
Limited places may be available as we are keeping the group small at max. 4 children.
If you are interested, here are some further details 
When: Thursdays, during school term time
6-8 yr olds 1600-1700
9-10 yr olds 1700-1800
Where: 48 Young Street, Neutral Bay
Cost: $20 - $30 per class depending on size of group
Contact: Sabine Simmonds
sabinejsimmonds@gmail.com
0421 216971

The Christian Community​

The Christian Community​...a movement for the renewal of the religious impulse in humanity, founded out of the spiritual scientific work of Rudolf Steiner. Please click below for information about their playgroup, youth group, services, talks and events that are coming up. 
To us it is given at no stage ever to rest. There live and there strive active human beings from life to life, as plants grow aloft from springtime to springtime. Ever raising themselves, through error upward to truth, through fetters upward to freedom, through sickness and death upward to beauty, to health and to life.’ Rudolf Steiner

 

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Maths tutoring available

Hi, my name is Chiara,
I am a year 11 student at Glenaeon and am available for maths tutoring for students up to Year 11. My rates are very reasonable and I'm flexible with tutoring times. I can supply references from my teachers if required. For further enquiries please contact me on calmdotti@gmail.com

Yoga Classes held at Glenaeon

WEDNESDAY MORNING ON THE SYLVIA BROSE HALL DECK OR ANNEXE IN RAINY WEATHER (MIDDLE COVE CAMPUS):
Come and experience what half an hour of yoga can do for you to start your day. Held on the deck of the hall, overlooking the bush, this class is restorative and rejuvenating. Children welcome to attend this class. See image below.

SATURDAY MORNING IN THE MARION MAHONEY GRIFFIN HALL (CASTLECRAG CAMPUS)
Ki seasonal yoga with Lisa Kavanagh; also Wednesday mornings in the Uniting Church Hall in Charles St (near Castlecrag Campus). 

Please click to see images below of yoga classes an times.

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Room Required for Teacher-in-Training

Jessica Ortlepp joins the Sydney Rudolf Steiner College from the Sunshine Coast where she balances full-time work and does part-time study. Jessica is undertaking our distance teacher training course and is in her second year of a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Curtin University. Jessica enjoys the great outdoors (walks on the beach, hikes in the hinterland and scuba diving), meditation, time with family and friends, and travelling. Jessica is in her late 30s and is comfortable with pets. She can house sit and is responsible. She needs a place to stay whilst studying to become a Steiner teacher that’s close to the Castlecrag campus from April 14-18th and Sept 30th-Oct 4th. Please email Jessica on j_ortlepp@hotmail.com, if you can help.


Rudolf Steiner House

Sydney Rudolf Stiener House has ongoing talks and courses that are available, from short talks, to discussion evenings, workshops and members meetings. If you would like to contact Sydney Rudolf Steiner College about any of our courses or other information:   Address: 307 Sussex Street Sydney   Phone: +61 2 9261 4001 Email: admin@sydneyrudolfsteinercollege.com   Click below to see what the calendar looks like for the next few months, Warm regards, Anett:

CLICK HERE

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School canteen

The school canteen operates at the Middle Cove campus for Years 3-12. You can also find the menus on the School Stream app, on Instagram and on the school's Facebook page.  To sign up to volunteer for a shift at the canteen, open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, go to https://signup.zone/glenaeon-canteen, and pick a shift that works for you. Hours are 9am-1pm and your child eats free on the day you are working! It’s fun and interesting to talk, cook and enjoy the bush setting we are surrounded by, come check it out! Warm regards, Sharon & Lorna
School canteen menu for next week. Click below to see how to order lunches for C3-6. Click below for more details:

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News from Humming Cafe - you can also now order for each term in advance on Mondays and/or Tuesdays!

Humming Cafe provides delicious lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays for the Middle Cove campus. Does your child have a favourite sushi or meal from the Humming Cafe selection? Now, as another option from Humming Cafe, if you would like them to deliver a regular lunch on Mon/Tue, you can simply drop into the Humming Cafe and 'pre-book and pay' for a whole term's regular order (or however many weeks are left). It must be the same each week, and can be changed each term. It is a convenient way to manage some lunches in advance! There is no need then to fill in the order form and give to reception each week once this is done. This is the only way Class 3 are allowed to order from Humming Cafe this term (so the kids don't forget to take their orders to the office!).  As per usual though, daily order forms are ALWAYS available from reception, behind the Parent Portal on the school website or on the School Stream app. Order forms need to be placed in the basket in reception by 9am, and lunches are delivered at 12.50pm. 
Shop 4, 217 Eastern Valley Way, Middle Cove 2068 (02) 8959 4641 . Click fore photos from Humming Cafe.

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Just in case you're missing it...

We are so lucky at Middle Cove to have such an amazing cafe and school canteen. There are tasty weekly specials, all freshly made, as well as salads, baked goods and of course, a fully-optioned coffee shop! Cool drinks, hot drinks, sweet and savoury... all is possible at the now-named Gentle Cafe! Many thanks to Sharon and her team, along with parent and student volunteers for creating the delicious things that we are able to enjoy. 

Glenaeon Studios 2019 - upcoming artistic and creative workshops

As part of the Glenaeon learning community Glenaeon Studios seeks to provide opportunities for you to explore and develop your skills in a variety of artistic and practical, hands on workshops.  These may include ceramics, eco printing, indigo dyeing, basket making, painting, collage, felting, knitting and crochet.  Participant numbers are kept to a minimum to engender a more meaningful experience for everyone. Click below for the Program and more information on the wonderful classes and courses available. Our next workshop is Zimmi Forest's 'Woven Lampshades'.

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Change of Date for the Second Hand Uniform Shop

Just a quick note to say that the Second Hand Uniform Shop will now be open every 2nd THURSDAY afternoon instead of Friday. The time will remain the same, open from 3.00 - 3:45pm. This is due to timetable clashes for the convenors and we hope this will not cause any inconvenience. The amended dates of the Uniform Shop for Term 1 are: Thursday, 28 March and Thursday, 4 April. Click below to see how your purchases help others...

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French Fun Club at Glenaeon

Fun French Club at Glenaeon

When: The class is on a Monday afternoon from 3.45pm to 4.45pm
Start and End Day for Term 1 2019: 11-02-19 to 08-04-19 ( 9 weeks term )

Lefrench teaching methodology: 
Children just love the French Clubs fun approach to language learning which involves lots of games, songs, drama and other lively activities. You will be amazed at how much they learn and how quickly!

Lefrench Club's Methodology is based on informal, fun activities, such as crafts, music and songs, lively games, weekly activity sheets for each child, and progress reports for parents to reinforce at home (via email).

This interactive and communicative approach is supported by professionally designed materials including flashcards, board games and activity sheets.
The Club’s method makes learning fun and stress-free. While children play games, sing songs, act out role plays and interact with each other, they absorb the new language without consciously thinking about it. Naturally this all takes place within a carefully structured progressive sequence which enhances learning 

delphine.banse@lefrench.com.au


RSVP for Zimmi Forest's Lampshade Weaving this Sunday March 31

This Sunday is your opportunity to come and enjoy the workshop with the amazing Zimmi Forest... Her basket work and natural fire weaving is just so beautiful, and you will surprise yourself how easily you can learn the skills of natural fibre weaving. The lampshade techiniques you will learn can also be used for mandalas, sculptures and dream catchers. Zimmi has been teaching basketry & exhibiting natural fibre basketry and sculpture for over 21 years. Her art practice is ‘art with nature, about nature, in nature’.  She is a forager and collector of nature’s gifts. Having had over 10 solo exhibitions, her work is represented in various regional galleries and private collections.  Her work has also been commissioned for resorts, hospitals, public galleries and institutions as well as many private commissions. See her beautiful work at : http://www.weavingnature.com/contact
Date: Sunday 31st March , Times: 10:00am – 4:00pm  , Cost: $110 ,  Venue:    Marion Mahony Griffin Hall, Castlecrag. Click below for more information 

 

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