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  • Glenaeon Newsletter November 15, 2019
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In This Issue

School News

  • Thank you to Class Four for the Glenaeon Fair
  • Art Show Opening Night photos and Harriet Schwartzrock's donation
  • Year 9 Bundanon Art Exhibition 2019 - Opening night on Thursday November 28, 6 - 8pm
  • Twilight Concert - November 26

Castlecrag News

  • Little Kindy making Pom Poms in Craft
  • Skipping in Big Kindy
  • Parent Craft - Festive crafts up until the end of Term - no craft on Wednesday 4th December.

Middle Cove News

  • Year 12 Excursions to Sydney University with Stanley Tang
  • Class 5 Greek Olympics event

Front Desks

  • School Canteen - Gentle Cafe and Humming Cafe orders
  • Second Hand Uniform shop - dates for your diary for Term 4
  • Simple Sustainability - Glenaeon is committed to reducing waste
  • Term 4 CIP Points Due Tuesday November 20, 2019
  • Well wishes to our firefighters

Blackboard Beauties

  • This week's Blackboard Beauty

School Calendar

  • What's on at Glenaeon during the next fortnight
  • Glenaeon School Tours - join us to learn about our school
  • Final Places for Preschool and Little Kindy - Enquire now

Noticeboard

  • Mandarin, French and German groups after school
  • Subject tutoring available
  • Grassroots Eco Store – Advent and Nativity
  • Expressions of Interest – Glenaeon School Council

Community News

  • Warrah Farm Produce Delivery - Tuesdays at Castlecrag

Glenaeon Parents Association Gpa

  • Upcoming GPA meeting on November 27

Glenaeon Preschool Playgroups

  • Farewell letter from Ebba Bodame and picnic on Thursday December 5, 2019 3:30pm - 4:30pm

This Weeks Cover Photo

  • 2019 Glenaeon Carol Service : December 2, 2019 6:30pm

Other Events Groups And Workshops

  • Rudolf Steiner House
  • Early Childhood Course at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College 2020
  • Pottery Studio - Wheelfulness in Willoughby
  • Kamaroi Christmas Market - Thursday November 26, 12 - 6pm
  • The Seasonal Spring Studio - an Early Childhood course taster! November 23
  • Au Pair Position Available in Germany 2020

From The Head Of School

  • Drawing at Glenaeon Made Him a Better GP

School News

Thank you to Class Four for the Glenaeon Fair

Thank you to Class Four for the Glenaeon Fair

We are truly thankful for all the hard work and preparation that Class Four has done for our Family Fair and Art Show, which was a wonderful day and weekend filled with enjoyable activities, delicious food, music and a great circus atmosphere! What an enormous team effort, lead by Jacinta Dunn and Veronika Beck (Fair Co-ordinators and Creative Magic), Melanie Harper (Art Show Co-ordinator), Stuart Banyard (Fair Treasurer), Bill Arconati assisted by Keith Barnett (Fair Logistics) and Rino Petkovich (for electrifying everyone!) It was so smoothly run on the day and many people stayed all day, such was the great atmosphere - a true success. Thank you to all. The Fair is the GPA's major fundraising event, with which we are able to fund projects and initiatives for the school and students. Click below to see some photos from the day.

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Art Show Opening Night photos and Harriet Schwartzrock's donation

Art Show Opening Night photos and Harriet Schwartzrock's donation

Harriet Schwartzrock's donated piece of art

Harriet Schwarzrock graduated from Sydney College of the Arts in 1999 with Honours in Visual Arts, majoring in glass, after transferring from a science degree. She is an Alumni of Glenaeon and was our feature artist at the Family Fair/Show. She has generously donated this beautiful piece to Glenaeon, which sits within a wooden shelf at Middle Cove reception. ​Schwarzrock has exhibited extensively throughout Australia and abroad. Her work is widely collected, and her piece 'breathe' won the sculpture prize in the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize in 2014 (www.curtisglassart.com/harriet-schwarzrock-gallery/breathe-winner-of-the-sculpture-prize-in-the-waterhouse-natural-science-art-prize-in-2014 ). The Art show, organised by Melanie Harper, was a wonderful show of traditional and contemporary works, including sculpture, painting, glassware and jewellery. The Opening Night was a wonderful event where Harriet spoke warmly of her time at Glenaeon as well as her foray into the boundaries between gases, electricity and matter in her current work. Thank you to Harriet Schwarzrock, Stephanie Graham, Melanie Harper and parents who helped with the smooth running of the Art Show. Click below to see photos from opening night.

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Year 9 Bundanon Art Exhibition 2019 - Opening night on Thursday November 28, 6 - 8pm

Year 9 Bundanon Art Exhibition 2019 - Opening night on Thursday November 28, 6 - 8pm

Year 9 Bundanon Art Exhibition 2019

Every year, Glenaeon’s Year 9 students combine Art & Outdoor Education with an art camp on the mighty Shoalhaven River. For five days, students camp, canoe and explore the beautiful surrounds and then immerse themselves in art. The result is inspired artwork capturing the natural wonder of the river and the Shoalhaven district through painting and print making. This Exhibition showcases the talents of our 2019 Year 9 students.

Curated by Alisan Smotlak, Head of Department (Visual Arts) and Donna Miller, Art Teacher, this is Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School’s 10th Bundanon Art Exhibition.

27 November – 7 December 2019
Ewart Gallery, 33 Laurel Street Willoughby
9:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
10am-3pm Sat

Opening night: Thursday 28 November 6pm-8pm

Our Newsletter Banner Image (above) was painted by artis: Pipi Joannou, Year 9 Student, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School 2019 (Acrylic on Paper) and her work is titled  "Picturesque River" 

Artist's Statement:

“Picturesque means visually attractive in a charming way, which is what the Shoalhaven river was like. 

We started the painting by just putting in light shapes with big brush strokes as well as putting in colours like violet and orange into the background to create a warmer or earthier tone. My favourite part of the painting process was putting in the small details and highlights that made the artwork pop and look real. However, the best part was how it made me observe the landscape really well and spend so much time looking at how pretty it was from our setup on top of the hill. " - Pipi Joannou

Twilight Concert - November 26

Twilight Concert - November 26

The next Twilight Concert will be held on November 26. This will be the last Twilight concert for the year, and we thank you for supporting your children in their musical endeavours and performances. 

Castlecrag News

Little Kindy making Pom Poms in Craft

Little Kindy making Pom Poms in Craft

Here are little kindy in there creative arts lessons painting, drawing and making Pom poms in craft.

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Skipping in Big Kindy

Skipping in Big Kindy

Skipping is enjoyed during the younger classes at Glenaeon, providing many opportunities for learning, coordination and resilience. Here are some Big Kindy children with Kindergarten Teacher Catherine Pilko teaching them how to 'run in'. 

Parent Craft - Festive crafts up until the end of Term - no craft on Wednesday 4th December.

Parent Craft - Festive crafts up until the end of Term - no craft on Wednesday 4th December.

Parent craft is making festive crafts this week on Wednesdays (except the last week of term).

There will be a 'Thank You' morning tea next Wednesday 26th with a festive craft activity. All welcome.

Middle Cove News

Year 12 Excursions to Sydney University with Stanley Tang

Year 12 Excursions to Sydney University with Stanley Tang

Stanley Tang took the new Year 12 Science Extension students on an excursion last Friday to Sydney University. It is the first time that Glenaeon offers this exciting new course, which focuses on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Report. Students propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses to create their Scientific Research Report. The students enjoyed the lectures and interactive activities organised by enthusiastic researchers from the university.

In a separate excursion, Stanley Tang also took 14 Year 12 Biology students to Sydney University for their Heredity depth study workshop. Students learnt and performed the processes of DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR and restriction enzyme digestion. Everyone enjoyed the experiments and they all worked like true geneticists!  Here are two photos of students loading DNA onto a gel and the running of electrophoresis. 

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Class 5 Greek Olympics event

Class 5 Greek Olympics event

What a wonderful day was had by all at the 2019 Greek Olympics. Three schools participated in the day: Glenaeon, Kamaroi and Lorien Novalis. We started the day with all schools parading around the field in their city states, with banners held high and great excitement in the air. The opening ceremony then followed with verse, song and dance from each school. Zeus then made his appearance and spoke to the students about the great times of the early Olympians. After this, then it was time to “Let The Games Begin”. The events started with a 400m marathon, girls and then boys, with great enthusiasm, cheering and clapping from the crowd. The students then divided up into their city states: Sparta, Megara, Corinth, Athens and Thebes. They participated in the different events, rotating from one to another: Discus, Javelin, Long Jump, Wrestling and 100m sprints.

The relay and finals were held after a hearty lunch in the stands. Whilst our Olympic Games commenced, we had real Olympians training on the 400m track and this inspired the students even more. During each event the students received braided wristbands for determination, grace and beauty, good sportsmanship and the overall winners of the event. At the end of the day when all was done, we held a final ceremony of handing out medallions for the overall winners of the day. The fastest times for the marathon on the day for girls was 2.07min and boys was 2.06min. The fastest times for the 100m sprint for girls was 15.30sec and boys' sprints was 15.87sec. Javelin: girls 15.9m and boys 20.7m. Discus: girls 16.1m and boys 19.4m. The long jump: girls were 2.58m and boys 2.48m. Great results for the day as every student enthusiastically participated in every event. I’d like to say a big thank you to the teachers and all the parents that helped to make this day a wonderful success. THANK YOU - Jamie Loftus. Click below for photos

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Front Desks

School Canteen - Gentle Cafe and Humming Cafe orders

School Canteen - Gentle Cafe and Humming Cafe orders

Both the School Canteen (Wed/Thur/Fri) and Humming Cafe (Mon/Tue) are available. The school canteen operates at the Middle Cove campus for Years 3-12. You can  see the menu below and also find the menus on the School Stream app. Click below for the menu and the new information on how to order now from Humming Cafe. For Humming Cafe orders, students can just write their order, name and class on the brown bag and give it to Reception before 9am. The menu is printed up on the reception noticeboard.

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.

Humming Café  is at Shop 4, 217 Eastern Valley Way, Middle Cove 2068 (02) 8959 4641. 

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Second Hand Uniform shop - dates for your diary for Term 4

Second Hand Uniform shop - dates for your diary for Term 4

We welcome and thank Lara Taylor from year 10 who is our new 2nd Hand Uniform Shop co-ordinator. A warm thank you to Tom Williams from Year 12 for managing the shop so well in his final year. We look forward to seeing parents again this term. The uniform shop will be open from 3.00 - 3.45 every second Thursday starting on October 31, 2019.

The last Term 4 Date is:

November 28

Just a quick reminder that the uniform shop does not accept any heavily stained or torn clothes. If you wouldn’t dress your child in it, other parents won’t either. If you have damaged clothes you would like to recycle, there are two red collection bins in the Chatswood Westfield car park on the bottom (green) level at the western end. The clothes are collected and turned into rags for charity. If you are looking for warm clothes for the winter, the uniform shop has jumpers and sports jackets in various sizes as well as long pants.

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Simple Sustainability - Glenaeon is committed to reducing waste

Simple Sustainability - Glenaeon is committed to reducing waste

WAYS TO SAVE WATER

Modern dishwashers are more water efficient than hand washing.
So stack the dishwasher and help save water.

Term 4 CIP Points Due Tuesday November 20, 2019

Term 4 CIP Points Due Tuesday November 20, 2019

Dear Parents,

As It’s the last term of the year and we will be finalising our final direct debits on the 26th November it’s time to start submitting your term 4 CIPs now (if you haven’t already done so). Read below for information on how to submit. You can start submitting any time from now until Wednesday 20th November. No submissions will be accepted after this cut-off date.

Each family is billed $140 per term for the Community Involvement Program. When voluntary work is done and registered, it can be credited back to your account at the rate of $17.50 per hour (in other words 8 hours per term will entitle you to the full $140 credit).

It is now time to start claiming your CIP credits for Term 4.  As there are many families at Glenaeon it takes some time to process the credits for everybody so we ask that you submit your Term 4 CIP hours by Wednesday 20th November in order to have them credited back to you.

The CIP form is available online so it’s very simple to do! Click on this link to take you directly:

https://www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/community-involvement-program/

You can complete the form on-line and hit ‘submit’. Or if you prefer there is also a link to a paper form (pdf) at the bottom of the page which you can simply print, fill out manually and hand in at reception. The paper forms are also available in the CIP folder held at reception.

Note, you must submit your CIP hours worked regardless of which committee/event/role you participate in or hold. Note that credits are not carried over from one year to the next. Thank you.

Well wishes to our firefighters

Well wishes to our firefighters

This week, on Tuesday, the school was closed for the first time in history due to catastrophic fire conditions.  Fortunately, Middle Cove is untouched by any hand of flame. Many thanks to Chris Scrogie for maintaining a presence, and to Kylie in Accounts, and Mike and Noel for working through the day. Our hearts go out to those in the wider community who have lost loved ones, property and for those animals impacted.

Blackboard Beauties

This week's Blackboard Beauty

This week's Blackboard Beauty

This week's Blackboard beauty was drawn by Craft Teacher Melanie Harper in the junior Craft Room at the Castlecrag campus. Children learn and experience the story of sheep, wool, shearing, washing freshly cut wool, carding, hand spinning and finally knitting on their own hand-sanded knitting needles. The chalkboard is an inspiration to Classes 1 and 2 who use this room for craft lessons and other activities each week.

School Calendar

What's on at Glenaeon during the next fortnight

What's on at Glenaeon during the next fortnight

Year 12 Formal
Fri, November 15, 7pm – 9pm
Year 10 Work Experience
Mon, November 18, 8:30am – Fri, November 22, 3:30pm
Year 9 Exams
Mon, November 18, 8:30am – Wed, November 20, 3:30pm
Preschool Tour
Thu, November 21, 9:30am – 11:00am
18 Sydney St, Willoughby NSW 2068, Australia
Glenaeon Uniform Fittings
Sat, November 23, 9am – 4pm
Middle Cove Campus
Year 10 Work Experience
Mon, November 18, 8:30am – Fri, November 22, 3:30pm
School Tour
Fri, November 22, 9:30am – 10:30am
Middle Cove Campus
Preschool Tour
Thu, November 21, 9:30am – 11:00am
118 Sydney St, Willoughby NSW 2068
School Tour
Fri, November 22, 9:30am – 10:30am
Middle Cove Campus  

Glenaeon School Tours - join us to learn about our school

Glenaeon School Tours - join us to learn about our school

Glenaeon School Tours & Enrolment Events
We have a Preschool Tour at our Willoughby campus coming up on Thursday 21 November and a Class 3- Year 12 School Tour at our Middle Cove campus coming up on Friday 22 November. Bookings are open to anyone who would like to come along, including current parents who might like to see what’s ahead for their child/ren or please do mention this to friends who may be looking out for a new school. Bookings can be made via  https://enquiry.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/events

MIDDLE COVE CAMPUS (CLASSES 3 – 12)
Middle Cove Tour - Friday 22 November - 9:30am - 11:30am

CASTLECRAG CAMPUS (CLASSES K-2)
By appointment for the remainder of the year - please call Registrar

PRESCHOOL CAMPUS
Willoughby Preschool Tour
Thursday 21 November, 2019 - 9:30 - 11:30am

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

Final Places for Preschool and Little Kindy - Enquire now

Final Places for Preschool and Little Kindy - Enquire now

We are currently finalising enrolments for the last few available places at Preschool and Little Kindy for 2020.  If you, or if you know of anyone else who would like to submit an application or find out any further information, please contact us on:

Preschool Enquiries: Phone Admin on : 02 9412 4457 or admin@glenaeonpreschool.nsw.edu.au  

Little Kindy Enquiries : Glenaeon Enrolments Registrar Chandra Kennedy on 02 9932 2325 or enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Noticeboard

Mandarin, French and German groups after school

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

MANDARIN CLASSES AT GLENAEON:

There will be two Mandarin classes available this year from Week 3.

2019 Beginner Class
Time: Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm
Venue: Junior library
Fees: $200/term

2019 Intermediate Class
Time: Wednesday from 3:30-4:30pm
Venue: Junior library
Fees:$200/term

RSVP: Please contact Katrina Pau   kchou7@tpg.com.au       0418 295 428

The Mandarin teacher, Ms Katrina Pau, was born and raised in Taiwan. Before migrating to Australia, she worked as a broadcaster in TV and Radio in Hong Kong and Taipei and also managed a financial investment company in Taipei. After migrating to Australia, along with a BA degree previously from the University of Melbourne, she then achieved an honours degree in Classical Chinese literature from Macquarie University, Sydney. She later tutored university students, and adults privately, in Asian culture & Mandarin language, and has been teaching Mandarin for primary students in a private school since 2012.

FUN FRENCH CLUB AT GLENAEON

When: The class is on a Monday afternoon from 3.45pm to 4.45pm

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 consciously thinking about it. Naturally this all takes place within a carefully structured progressive sequence which enhances learning. Contact : www.lcfclubs@com.au or email support@lflclubs.com.au   Ph: 1300707 288 s

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

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Subject tutoring available

Subject tutoring available

Maths and English Tutor available:  High School up to HSC by teacher Neil Anderson (Eg B Ed English M Ed Maths M Ling Literacy Phd (Theatre) in progress Dip Steiner Speech & Drama
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

Grassroots Eco Store – Advent and Nativity

Grassroots Eco Store – Advent and Nativity

Advent begins on Sunday 1 December so if you need four affordable beeswax candles to adorn your spiral or wreath, there are wax sheets in store that you can roll into beautiful, handmade, tall candles. A limited number of Advent calendars are available too. Mary, Joseph and the donkey begin their walk to Bethlehem too. If you need any minerals, wooden trees, animals, shepherds or wise men for your nativity scene, come and have a look what's in store. There are Christmas craft supplies too! Thank you for shopping locally at Grassroots Eco Store and supporting Glenaeon. Contact Felicity on 0416 035 173.

Opening Hours during term

Monday: open by request
Tuesday: 8.45am–11.30am
Wednesday: 8.45am–3.15pm
Thursday: 8.30am–10.30am
Friday: 2.30pm–4.00pm

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Expressions of Interest – Glenaeon School Council

Expressions of Interest – Glenaeon School Council

Parents who have an interest in putting themselves forward as potential future director candidates for the Glenaeon School Council, are invited to contact the Nominations and Governance Committee.

The Glenaeon School Council is the governing body of the School and currently comprises 9  Councillors who act in the capacity of Company Directors. The Council is currently seeking potential future director candidates with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: 

    • Building/ Architecture/ Planning

    • Law/ Corporate Governance

    • Information & Communications Technology

    • Steiner Education 

    • Strategic Marketing

Expressions of interest should include a detailed resume, an outline of relevant skills and experience and a description of how these would contribute to the effectiveness of the Council. 

While the Council is looking to add to its pool of potential candidates, there is no obligation for Council to fill all currently vacant positions. Selection and nomination is generally a long-range process that is dependent upon the right mix of skills fitting with Council’s existing or future composition. 

Thank you for your interest,

Stephanie Graham

Chair, Nominations and Governance Sub-Committee, Glenaeon School Council

Email: Board@Glenaeon.nsw.edu.au 

Community News

Warrah Farm Produce Delivery - Tuesdays at Castlecrag

Warrah Farm Produce Delivery - Tuesdays at Castlecrag

Warrah Farm delivers to Glenaeon on Tuesdays

You may have stopped by the Warrah Farm stall at our recent Twilight markets. The produce was simply shining! There is a Warrah Farm biodynamic produce 'Co-op Hub' that delivers to Castlecrag on Tuesdays, ready for pick up at the end of school. http://www.warrah.org/warrah-farm/warrah-farm-shop . It comes from Warrah Farm, a Steiner community and farm village in Dural, Sydney: http://www.warrah.org/warrah . Warrah is a Rudolf Steiner organisation providing a range of engaging, responsive services for children and adults with intellectual disability that maximise each person's capacity for self-determination, creativity and contribution. Please see Warrah's co-op box information HERE and the customer information HERE. How a Co-op Hub works is everyone orders directly with Warrah, who processes the payments. Produce is packaged and delivered to the Castlecrag campus for after school pick-up, and sits under cover on the porch outside Class 2. Please contact Borja Valls (the Warrah social enterprise manager) on BValls@warrah.org or mobile 0448881060 for any further information, joining up and choose which box size works. Regular orders can be paused simply if you are away etc. and the system has been working very well so far for the Glenaeon families that are already enjoying the service.

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Glenaeon Parents Association Gpa

Upcoming GPA meeting on November 27

Upcoming GPA meeting on November 27

The next GPA meeting will be held Wednesday November 27 at 7:30pm in the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. We welcome all parents to join us and nibbles and tea are provided. Come along and listen or contribute towards updates and issues arising from the lass Parents, greater parent body and school. Our meetings are relaxed, focused and generally keep to time. It is a great way to hear more about other years at the school and updates from Head of School Andrew Hill and the School Council, and contribute if you would like to. If you would like a question considered in advance, please send to  gpa@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au. Thank you.

Glenaeon Preschool Playgroups

Farewell letter from Ebba Bodame and picnic on Thursday December 5, 2019 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Farewell letter from Ebba Bodame and picnic on Thursday December 5, 2019 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Dear Glenaeon community,

After many years working with Steiner Early Childhood, 24 years ago Glenaeon (initiated by Leony Rowan) offered me the position of Early Childhood Coordinator. This would encompass setting up playgroups, establishing a preschool, coordinating parent education programs, giving talks and workshops, helping set up playgroups and family daycare groups in the area and mentoring teachers who would take up this task. It also included teaching at Parsifal College (now Rudolf Steiner College) with the course "Journey into the world of young children”, initiated together with Susan Harris. 

While I was wondering if I could live up to the task ahead, and struggling with making a decision, one night I had a dream. In this dream I painted a picture of the madonna and her child. We all stood around this wonderful image in awe and wonder - I knew that my hand was guided by a higher destiny force. 

So my journey at Glenaeon began. Since then, I have met - in every parent - the qualities of the madonna guiding their child with care and love into life on earth. In every young one I have found the qualities of the divine child : radiance, trust, openness and courage to step into their life's path.

I also started the Parents' Library "Well of Wisdom" at Castlecrag as well as the little shelf shop, tucked into a cupboard (now the thriving Eco Store), the parent education program, craft and study groups and the very first playgroup held in the bushland of Castlecrag.

Probably the biggest task was to begin the preschool. Together with very capable people we searched for premises enduring many setbacks and, once Sydney Street premise came up, the task of designing and creating a suitable "home away from home" for children was at hand. Promoting, fundraising (now the twilight market and storytelling nights, to mention a few), and many, many meetings were part of the work, as was finding the delicate balance between the administrative dealings and the healthy inner life and rhythm of the preschool. The first group of families will always have a special place in my heart. Those children filled the newly established rooms with their play and laughter.

After the years of multi-tasking I began to concentrate on establishing playgroups. From bushland to church hall, to finally finding a beautiful home in a sunny room at Castlecrag.

My deep gratitude goes to all the families who have attended playgroup. It was a privilege to meet you all. I learned so much from you and the community that grew every year with every group and has nurtured us all. Journeying together through the year and enlivening the treasures of each season through stories and activities was pure joy. Thankfully with help of Meg Quinlisk they are captured in the book "Early Childhood Wisdom".

My gratitude goes to Glenaeon, the colleagues, management and council, who put their trust in me and allowed me to unfold my creative wings. 

I want to thank all my Early Childhood colleagues for our fruitful work together and mutual support in the work with young children. I would liked to mention many names of the people who have supported me, however, in the context of this letter it is not possible. Know you are in my heart.

Most of all I want to thank the children for their gift to be in their presence.

Now the Glenaeon journey will end (apart from Story Garden and a talk now and then).

I look around and see a thriving preschool , a rich playgroup culture in the capable hands of Sandra Frain, well-established parent education programs and and Early Childhood team that has the wellbeing of the young child at heart.

I will now gently close the door and wait till another one opens. Who knows, may be a dream will show me the way.

Thank you all and farewell,

Ebba Bodame

Dear Playgroup Families past and present:  Ebba Bodame is retiring from Glenaeon & all her playgroup work at the end of this year. She would love, as a family farewell, to gather with playgroup families past & present for a casual afternoon tea on the last playgroup Thursday of this year, December 5th, at 3.30pm - 4.30pm, in the playground at Castlecrag for a shared afternoon tea. Please bring a simple finger food plate to share. Ebba's beautiful book, made with Meg Quinlisk "Early Childhood Wisdom" will be available in the afternoon also.

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This Weeks Cover Photo

2019 Glenaeon Carol Service : December 2, 2019 6:30pm

2019 Glenaeon Carol Service : December 2, 2019 6:30pm

2019 Glenaeon Carol Service
Pitt Street Uniting Church
264 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Monday 2 December 2019 

Dear Parents & Carers,

You are all warmly invited to attend our annual Carol Service which will take place at 6.30pm on Monday 2 December at Pitt Street Uniting Church. ALL students from Class 4 to Year 11 are to attend the Carol Service in the evening and must arrive by 6pm. (*Year 10 students will be away on camp.)

There will be a rehearsal in the church during the day and Class 4 - Year 11 students will be transported by bus to and from Pitt Street Uniting Church. 

The permission slip for Classes 4, 5 and 6 is available on School stream and the permission slip for Years 7-11 is available on GLO. Please sign and return permission slip to your child’s Class Teacher/Guardian/Mentor by no later than 22 November. 

REHEARSAL DAY

Students must arrive at school by 8.45am on Monday, 2nd December.

Please note that all students will need to bring adequate snacks, lunch and water for the Carol Service rehearsal.

ARRIVAL

All students must arrive by no later than 6.15pm. The doors will open at 6pm.

UNIFORM

Please ensure that students are correctly dressed in FULL SCHOOL uniform.  Please ensure that Class 4, 5 and 6 students are wearing a blue short sleeved school polo shirt. Hair neatly tied back and shoes polished.

PERMISSION SLIP

There will be a permission slip on Schoolstream and GLO by next week which must be completed by 25/11/2019. Importantly, please read attached information on Safety Notification at Carol Service.  You can find it HERE

We look forward to seeing you at our Carol Service.

As part of our own celebrations, we are encouraging all families to donate a present that will be given to charity. It would be much appreciated if each student would wrap a present, mark it suitable for either a boy or girl, specifying the age group and then bring it to the church to be placed under the Christmas Tree.  

Thank you,

Julie Monteban, Music Administrator & 
Chris Scrogie, Operations & Facilities Manager

Other Events Groups And Workshops

Rudolf Steiner House

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:. 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

Early Childhood Course at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College 2020

Early Childhood Course at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College 2020

The Number 3

In Rudolf Steiner education and philosophy the number 3 has a prominent place. The Early Childhood Intensive was a real experience of three-folding as the timetable was designed to demonstrate breathing and rhythm, which are integral to a program for little ones. We began with a lecture in the morning, followed by a workshop and concluded with artistic activities.

Our Intensives for our Distance students are essential for making real connections with the Steiner community and save our courses from being dry theory all through a computer. In Early Childhood, the modelling that teachers do for the children can only be truly understood with a ‘real life’ model as an exemplum. So, students come away from our Intensives enriched and nurtured with the human contact through our wise, passionate and experienced tutors.

Highlights of the week of many and varied sessions included nutrition and biodynamics, a study of biographical rhythms, celebrating festivals, craft and much more.

So, come and join us in 2020, in our Foundations of Early Childhood Distance Course (EC05)!

Pottery Studio - Wheelfulness in Willoughby

Pottery Studio - Wheelfulness in Willoughby

Dear Glenaeon community, 

I have recently set up my pottery studio in Willoughby and I have some short courses for adults and teenagers, starting from next week. I will also do a weekend workshop, dedicated to making ‘Scribbly Vases’ - similar to what I recently exhibited at the Glenaeon Art Show. 

For more information, please visit my website www.wheelfulness.com.au

Kind Regards, 

Bettina Stevanovic (Class 6 parent)

Email: bettina@wheelfulness.com.au

Phone:0408284840

Kamaroi Christmas Market - Thursday November 26, 12 - 6pm

Kamaroi Christmas Market - Thursday November 26, 12 - 6pm

Kamaroi Steiner School is having it's Christmas Market on Tuesday November 26 from 12 - 6pm.

It is a wonderful place to find lovely handmade unique gists, crystals and decoration from the community.

Come along and enjoy the market, as well as delicious food from Kamaroi's kitchen.

The Seasonal Spring Studio - an Early Childhood course taster! November 23

The Seasonal Spring Studio - an Early Childhood course taster! November 23

As we move into Spring and all feelings and thoughts turn to new awakenings and new ventures, why not enrol in our Seasonal Art Studio day on Saturday, November 23?

This day will be fun and hands-on with watercolour painting, festive craft making and a special talk by Ebba Bodame on how to create a seasonal table. You will get to experience some of the artistic elements that form an essential part of our Early Childhood courses.

Bookings are limited and the Seasonal Art Studio on November 23 is open to anyone with any level of creative craft or art experience. Morning tea provided.
Please see the program attached.

.

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Au Pair Position Available in Germany 2020

Au Pair Position Available in Germany 2020

Are you about to finish school and want to live and travel in Europe next year? Do you like kids? This opportunity may be for you:

A lovely German family is looking for an au pair for 6-12 months starting February 2020. They live in Cologne Germany a vibrant, beautiful city with plenty of things to do. They have one 3 year old boy and are about to give birth to twin girls. The job will be mainly looking after their son.

JOB

  • Au pair to 3 year old boy but also supporting the mother with her twin girls

  • The job consists of looking after the child, bringing him/picking him up from kindergarten as well as taking him to afternoon clubs (music and sport). It also entails getting him ready in the morning (getting him dressed, brushing teeth etc) and eating breakfast with him

  • Cooking basic recipes and basic house work (e.g. cleaning the kitchen) is also required as well as doing some shopping

CONDITIONS

  • Food, accommodation (own room but everything in the house is available to use) and insurance is provided

  • They will pay the fees of a German language course for you to attend to strengthen your language if required

  • They will pay for public transport fares

  • Monthly payment to you is 260 Euros

  • The job will be 5 days a week (maximum 30 hours) with flexible times needed. As well as weekends you also accrue 2 days holiday a month however more can be negotiated

  • The starting date – February 2020 and the position is for 6-12 months (exact timings are negotiable)

REQUIREMENTS

  •  Basic experience with children is needed (e.g. some history of doing babysitting)

  • A driver licence is not necessary but the ability to ride a bike safely on main roads with a child on the back is required

  • Some knowledge of the German language is required

CONTACT

  • The Mother’s email address is: Christine.denstedt@outlook.de

  • The current au pair Annabelle is happy to answer any questions you may have so feel free to contact her: annabelle01@hotmail.co.uk

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From The Head Of School

Drawing at Glenaeon Made Him a Better GP

Drawing at Glenaeon Made Him a Better GP

Today we farewelled our Year 12, the Class of 2019. Entering the Hall at 9.30 am as Glenaeon students, they left the Hall at 11 am as ex-Glenaeon students, or GlenX.

It was a particularly beautiful assembly with some exceptional musical performances from both the music students in the group, and a choral piece from the whole year group.

In reflecting on what the school has brought them, I mentioned some of the many ”small things” that make up a Glenaeon education, the many small things that together make a large, meaningful and organic whole. Small things can have a big impact and I shared a story of how one small thing that we do at Glenaeon helped a young doctor become a better GP.

Here is the story in full: Dr Andrew Keyworth built a thriving family medical practice in the Newcastle area. He attended Glenaeon from Kindergarten to Class 7, and when I asked him to reflect on the role the school had played in shaping the person he is today, he gave me the following interesting statement. The bold paragraphs highlight how drawing helped him become a better GP:

"I really enjoyed the classical side to the Glenaeon curriculum -- the history and the mythology. More and more I feel it is important to give children a sense of their place in history and society. It seems that a lot of modern education and life is focused on the here and now, without a sense of where our society and culture has come from. There seems to be little value placed on our cultural heritage or the mystical history that we all share.

I feel that Glenaeon imbibed me with a sense of wonder about humanity and society through the retelling of a huge range of myths, legends and stories that at the time were more real than much of my contemporary world. I'd like to think that I carry this sense of wonder with me still and will be able to pass it on to my own children.

Glenaeon also changed my outlook on the physical world. As a pre-schooler I remember drawing pictures of my world with thickly outlined figures. At Glenaeon, we were taught that there really are no outlines, or boundaries that are that clearly defined. The shaded edges of objects blended and blurred with their background and everything was connected. This sense of connection, and being part of a wider world and society gave a sense of security. On transferring to a state high school in Canberra I remember feeling that I viewed the world differently from my contemporaries: I saw it without boundaries.

I'd like to think that I still look at the world in this way. It seems that when a lot of people examine a situation they focus on the boundaries, and set themselves artificial limits because that is convention. They look for the outlines, the rigid edges. For me, maybe because of Glenaeon, the edges of all situations, ideas, arguments, problems, solutions will always be shaded and blurred.

As a Medical Practitioner, this view is a great help. Many decisions in medicine have blurred edges, problems flow from one to another, nothing is isolated. I'm comfortable with this "grey area" that exists in my work, and in some ways I feel I started to develop my tolerance for uncertainty when I learned to draw trees without a fixed outline at Glenaeon.

Other aspects of Glenaeon I loved: the Craft, the close relationship and security of Class Teachers, the bush walks, the bamboo patch (alas, no more: ed.), the dams, the Annual BBQ, Artist's Holiday  (precursor to the Art Show: ed.) -- the sense of school community. 25 years ago Glenaeon was blurring the traditional male/female roles: everyone did knitting, everyone did woodwork. I still knit, and enjoy watching the public's reaction as I sit knitting on the two hour train trip to Sydney.

Glenaeon's curriculum laid the foundation for how I see my role as a man, father and husband. It lifted my horizons, blurred my edges, instilled in me a sense of being part of a rich and mystical society, taught me to mix metaphors and is responsible for a lot of what I am today."

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