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Wednesday 28th May 2014 Edition 355

695 Roland Road, Parkerville WA 6081 School Email: welcome@silvertree.wa.edu.au School Administrator’s email: admin@silvertree.wa.edu.au

Bursar’s Email: bursar@silvertree.wa.edu.au Community Development and Enrolments: community@silvertree.wa.edu.au Phone: 08 9295 4787

If a child is absent please ensure a note is delivered to the teacher or an email is sent to the school explaining the absence.

News for the Silver Tree Steiner

School Community

Dear Parents, This week marks a grand occasion for the Light Keepers as they experience their first ever camp with a sleep-over at the school. I am sure they and the parents accompanying them will all have a wonderful time and then be able to rest over the mid-term break. A reminder to everyone that it is mid-term break this week which means the school is closed on Friday and also on Monday for the WA Public holiday. We will see everyone back again on Tuesday morning. I would like to thank Fiona, gardener extraordinaire for her work over the weekend coring the lawns, I’m sure that was a great arm muscle workout for Fiona! You will notice that we have roped off sections of the lawn temporarily to encourage further growth of the lawn in this area. The lovely rainfall we have been having will promote this growth (as well as filling up our tanks again after a long dry summer). Thank you to all parents for their support in keeping the children away from this area before and after school, as well as encouraging children to use the foot paths for moving around the school. New growth is evident on many of the plants in our gardens and the gardens remaining undisturbed by busy feet will allow this growth to consolidate. While talking about gardens, I would like to acknowledge the work of our gardening lesson volunteer teachers, Jorg and Charles (ably assisted by Bronwyn) who brave the elements each week to lead the children and the class teachers in the development of the garden. There has been much spreading of mulch and we are eagerly watching the growth of the little broccoli and lettuce seedlings. Hopefully some sunny days this weekend will help the growth some more (and maybe even get the washing dry!) “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust”. – unknown. Blessings, Donna Bieundurry, School Administrator

Term 2 Dates Tues 29th April – Fri 4th July Mid Term Break Fri 30th May – Mon 2nd June Light Keepers Camp/Sleepover Thursday 29th May Light Keepers Parents Meeting Wednesday 11th June, 1.30pm Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Sunday 29th June

Contents

NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM

Calendar of the Soul 2

Early Childhood Chatter 2

Koorrdjenangin News 3

NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL

PPS Hours Available 3

Sewing Help 4

Loom Band Bracelets 4

Nits 4

School Policy of the Week 4

P&F News 4

Article – 5

Employment Opportunities 6

Recipe of the week 6

Silver Blossoms 7

Courses/Workshops/Events 8

Classifieds 9

Bank Details for Payment Bendigo Bank BSB: 633 000 A/C #:137 169 512 Donations to the Building Fund - Tax Deductible Bendigo Bank BSB: 633 000 A/C #: 140 071 069

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CALENDAR OF THE SOUL _____________________________________________________________________________

The world I see:

A frozen, empty, barren wasteland it would be Without the work my head and heart and hands can do.

All things must die and then be born anew.

To help in this great task, that life be not in vain, The world needs me.

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NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM ______________________________________________________________________________

EARLY CHILDHOOD CHATTER The play in the kindergartens has been amazing this week. The children are really settling into their imaginative lives and after a few minutes early on when they establish who is using what resources and how they can share, then the room settles into a busy hum of children playing together. On one day this week, three cubbies were built in various parts of the room, some children were building mansions in the block corner, a couple were reading books quietly on the sofa, some were making beautiful patterns with the geometric shapes, and others were in their own little worlds playing with maybe a spoon and an animal. All the capes and crowns were in use, and so were all the cloths, which meant there was a great deal of folding to be done at the end.

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NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM cont… KOORRDJENANGIN NEWS

You may have heard a new sound echoing around our school? If so, it was probably our new school bell that was officially 'opened' several weeks ago by the amazing group of helpers that built it with the Koorrdjenangin Class. To celebrate this special day, we invited everyone who had been part of this project to join us as we rang the bell loud and clear and sang our 'Bell Tower' song. When I first talked about building a bell tower for our 'Building' main lesson, both Ben and Marijanna,

parents in the class, put their hands up to help without any hesitation and with smiles on their faces. It was crucial to them both that the class was fully involved in all stages of the project. As a result, before they even started building, both Marijanna and Ben spent at least 4 Friday mornings with the class, leading them through planning and designing principles. In fact, the design of the bell tower is a combination of all the ideas that the children had, such as the rock and wooden beams, the idea of a door and mosaic windows, the shingles, the height, the shape and the overall use of colour. We were fortunate to have a mosaic expert in our midst, in the form of Di Hill. Di lead the class in designing the mosaics, coming up with two designs that incorporated everyone’s ideas and then spent weeks with the children helping them make the mosaics that make the bell tower extra special.

After a month of planning and designing, the actual building began, approved by the PAD committee and all teachers. It was important that the bell could be heard from far away in the bush and that the location enhanced our school. The class was involved with collecting and laying rocks, cementing, and making the shingles, which are engraved with each child’s name.

We then had the challenge of finding a suitable bell for our bell tower, a bell that not only looked good but sounded beautiful. This is where Jason entered the story, as a skilled blacksmith and a parent in our class. After some investigating and experimenting, Jason and Ben decided that an old gas cylinder would be a fantastic bell and without a second to lose, Jason began working on refitting the bell and installing it. The final stages of building required extra help and again parents put up their hands to help with the roof, shingles and copper lining – thank you to Craig, Pete Ballard and Chad for their extra assistance. Whilst it is special that the Koorrdjenangin Class have built the bell tower, what is most essential is that everyone at our school enjoys the bell tower and feels a sense of connection and ownership. We will be ringing the bell for the beginning and end of play times and for the beginning of the school day. This job is usually done by the oldest class, currently the Wayfarers, or by the duty teacher or a child they have asked to ring the bell. We ask that the bell is not touched and that it is cared for by everyone at Silver Tree. Observant eyes may have also noticed a door at the bottom of the bell tower. What could that be for? Stay tuned as another interesting project is revealed later in the year... Anna Brindal

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NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL ______________________________________________________________________________

PPS HOURS AVAILABLE FOR THE TAKING! Would you prefer to do your PPS hours at home? We have a project in the office that needs completion. Please pop in and chat to Hayley.

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NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL CONT… SEWING HELP If any parent is interested in sewing covers for the Xylophones, please see Julia Humphreys. This can be claimed as PPS Hours.

LOOM BAND BRACELETS The Loom Bands Bracelets are lovely to make at home and wear on the weekends, but please do not bring or wear your loom bands at school as per our Jewellery policy.

NITS – There has been a few confirmed cases of nits in both the Kindy and primary classes. Please check your

child's hair tonight and weekly for at least three weeks to make sure that we get rid of them. If you find nits please do not return your child to school until they have been treated.

POLICY OF THE WEEK – EXCURSIONS & CAMPS

Excursions, camps and water based activities are an important part of the Silver Tree Steiner School curriculum. Students may participate in many varied excursions throughout the year in various environments that provide opportunities to develop independence and skills in the outdoors.

Some excursions are designed to expose students to unfamiliar environments, activities, and experiences. To ensure their experiences are educationally rewarding, it is essential that prior to excursions, camps or activities, students are prepared educationally, physically, and psychologically. Staff need to be aware of students' abilities and needs to ensure maximum participation. Some programmes may need to be modified to meet this objective.

Students and parents will be provided with information about the excursions well in advance including the nature of the excursion, the place, food, clothing and equipment required.

For camps, parents will also be briefed on the specific requirements for their positive participation, menu planning, navigation, safety procedures, expected behaviour, and essential outdoor skills and knowledge.

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P&F NEWS ______________________________________________________________________________

BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE, 29th JUNE In a world where anything is possible, we may one day open our Science magazine to read that the humble sausage-inna-bun has been discovered to have incredible nutritional value and can extend the average life expectancy by 10%. Until then, let’s celebrate the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle for the amazing $2000 it usually raises, and get our names on that roster for the 29th of June! So come along, don a stripy apron, and help the brave Bunnings populace get their nutrients and energy-boost to finish off that D.I.Y. project once and for all. The sign-up roster will go up at the beginning of June. With thanks from the P&F.

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ARTICLE ______________________________________________________________________________ Sun Herald - Title: Academic pressure robs Kindy pupils of fun and games. Author: Not available.

Kindergarten has become the new first grade as schools sideline creative play and learning for a heightened focus on academic skills, particularly literacy. NAPLAN assessments and international rankings are being partly blamed for increased academic pressures that are cascading into early primary years, teachers say. The downside, teachers complain, is that there is less time to embed fundamental learning skills among slower or alternative learners. As teachers spend more time on academic content, the type of learning that inspires creativity and social interactions drops off. And among academics, the tide is beginning to turn away from the simple mantra that "earlier is better". Academic Sebastian Suggate has warned that policy makers may be engaging in a "dangerous game with children's futures" by pushing early academic skills when playful or experimental learning is equally important for good physical, language, social, motor, explorative, cognitive and intellectual development. The phenomenon of "push down", where outcome-based curricula require educators to teach their students skills at an earlier age, is part of an international trend, according to Robyn Cox, associate professor of literacy education at the Australian Catholic University. International rankings that routinely place Australia below Singapore and Hong Kong drew attention to debates about the quality of teaching, Dr Cox said, often resulting in a more academic focus in primary school. Dr Cox said Australia has not developed a high stakes culture of competitiveness such as that in Singapore, where children in year 4, as young as seven, may sit entrance tests to stream them into schools which offer a pathway to a vocational job or university. As president of the Primary English Teachers Association, however, Ms Cox is concerned that NAPLAN assessments in years 3 and 5 are increasingly being seen as a test for teacher quality and skill. With children attending preschool and long day care, experienced early childhood educators say formal reading and math instruction is beginning before kindergarten. Children are coming to kindergarten knowing how to write their name, count and are familiar with the alphabet. In kindergarten, children are being taught their letters at twice the rate they were a decade ago, and are learning to count to 50 and in multiples. Sydney University's professor of teacher education and the arts, Robyn Ewing, is worried the first year of school is being characterised by pressure to learn to read as early as possible, and heightened levels of stress that risks burnout among students in later life. Such a focus could only mean a drop-off in the time spent on imaginative and creative play, physical education, art, drama, dance, music, science and social studies, when children should be exposed to all sorts of learning experiences. The trend is being driven in part, Professor Ewing said, by government pressure for Australia to do better on international literacy and numeracy benchmarks as well as societal shifts. As parents become more invested in their children, they are keen for them to excel. Some kindergarten children are even required to practice NAPLAN tests at home because their parents are keen to secure them an advantage. Others must learn sight words for homework. Yet in most Scandinavian classes, reading instruction does not begin until the age of seven, Professor Ewing said. Dr Suggate, of the University of Regensburg in Germany, said no study had convincingly shown that early reading instruction leads to long-term advantage in reading or academic success. "Regardless of whether the research uses international data, or looks at different approaches such as play-based preschools, Montessori or Steiner, the balance of the evidence clearly indicates that early reading advantages wash out in the first years of primary school," he said. "Of course, on average, children who learn to read in kindergarten can have a small advantage later, but this is not likely due to their having learnt to read earlier. "Instead, it seems that they enjoy some natural ability or perhaps a home environment that fosters educational achievement. Because these factors remain throughout childhood, they, not early reading, lead to both better earlier and later success." Dr Suggate said authors of a recent study from the Netherlands suggested that a reason for the decline in Dutch reading skill among year 4 students in the past decade was too much early literacy. "In addition to this Dutch study, at least two others found that an overly academic preschool curriculum leads to later behavioural difficulties and also lower grades," he said. "A life-long investigation of gifted children found that those who entered school early fared less well from around adolescence, including showing lower educational achievement and social adjustment.

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ARTICLE cont… "It is important not to be alarmist about this evidence, but there is sufficient evidence here to suggest that policy makers may be engaging in a dangerous game with our children's future, especially when there is no good evidence that early academic curricula produce lasting positive effects. This to me highlights the need for a more cautious approach." Dr Suggate said he could only speculate that policy makers had an overly simplistic understanding of child development, with a focus on short-term measurable outcomes as opposed to what is really important. Reading skills were far easier to instruct and measure than wellbeing, pro-social behaviour, or innovative problem solving skills. "Yet it would seem that it is precisely these broader skills that a stimulating play-based kindergarten could foster to better equip children for later success," he said.

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EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS ____________________________________________________________________

CLASS 1 TEACHER

Silver Tree Steiner School has in excess of 145 students from Kindy to Class 6. The school offers a beautiful environment located on 25 acres of semi-rural land in Parkerville WA. The school first started in 1997 as a playgroup in the hills of Darlington, and has developed into the wonderful school we have today. The School is a Sustainable school and students take part in setting up and maintaining organic fruit and vegetable gardens. Like most Steiner Waldorf schools, our school is an independent, co-educational and non-sectarian day school, welcoming children from all backgrounds and cultures. Due to continual growth we seek a Class 1 Teacher beginning in Term 1, 2015. As the Class 1 Teacher, you will deliver lessons in accordance with Steiner Education and teaching principles; focusing on the interests and needs of the students. In Steiner education, a teacher is placed with their class for the entire school journey, so ideally applicants with the willingness to complete the 6 year journey through to Class 6 will be highly regarded. In order to be successful in this position you should be able to demonstrate experience as a Teacher and a have an understanding of Steiner pedagogy and philosophy. You will need a high level of interpersonal skills with a flexible and positive attitude. Other selection criteria include the ability to obtain a Working with Children Check and current and on-going Registration with the Teachers Registration Board. To apply, please send a covering letter and resume outlining your training and experience as well as the contact details of 3 referees to; Mrs Donna Bieundurry, School Administrator

Silver Tree Steiner School, 695 Roland Road, Parkerville or email welcome@silvertree.wa.edu.au. Applications close 5pm, 20th June 2014

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RECIPE OF THE WEEK ______________________________________________________________________________ Email Emma Ritchie your favourite recipes for publication in Silver Leaves at emmymoore77@hotmail.com

Apple Poppy Coleslaw 2 cups cabbage thinly sliced Dressing: 2 cups grated apple ¼ cup lemon juice 1 cup spring onions 2 tablespoons oil 1/2 red capsicum diced ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1/2 yellow capsicum sliced 1/2 cup mint finely sliced 1/4 cup poppy seeds Prepare vegetables and combine. Mix up dressing ingredients in a cup, shake up or whisk and mix through the vegetables. Serves 4.

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Wool, Wool, Wool and more Wool… Thanks to Sophie Hopson, we have lots and lots of wool. Beautiful colors too. Also don’t forgot the donation wool. All money goes to the Parkerville Fires fund.

Felt…. Back in stock, a HUGE range of colors for those winter projects come in and view.

Wooden gifts...

Got a birthday coming up??? Don’t forget to come in and have a look at our lovely range of wooden gifts for children.

Coming…. Sage Pastilles... Excellent relief for a sore throat, Sage Pastilles contain a selection of essential oils and herb extracts to refresh and soothe the throat. Massage Candle Orange and Ginger 70ml

The San Floriano Orange & Ginger Massage Candle warms the musculature and relieves cramping. Massage Candle Lavender 70ml The San Floriano Lavender Massage Candle pleasantly warms the body and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.

The Roster… WE NEED YOU! Please see Crystal Druantia or put your name of the roster outside the shop door, remember FREE coffee!!

SILVER BLOSSOMS

OPEN: Mon – Fri 8:30 - 9:30 & Thurs 2pm – 3pm

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COURSES/WORKSHOPS/EVENTS ______________________________________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER: The articles, advertisements and community notices in this newsletter are provided as a service

to the school community. The carrying of an article, advertisement or community notice does not imply

endorsement by Silver Tree Steiner School.

SILVER TREE WALDORF DOLL MAKING

BOOK NOW! Please join us for the joyful creation of these beautifully hand-crafted dolls! This will be a group led event run by experienced parents from Silver Tree. Doll making sessions 12th, 19th & 26nd June, 31st July, 14th &28th August. Thursday evenings from 7:30-10pm, Parkerville. We will stage the doll making over the 6 sessions from head to toe (no clothes), so attending all session would be ideal.

Cost $75 (or $40 if donating doll to School or Open day Stall). All materials and needles provided except for your choice of

embroidery cotton for the face and wool for the hair.

Bookings essential by 30th May - Max 10 people. All profits go into more crafty endeavours at the school! Email: debbietargett@gmail.com

STORYTELLING GUILD OF AUSTRALIA Humorous and heartfelt tales as well as an impromptu performance by French audience member Harvey about his first encounter with the Australia Sun. This Friday 30th at the Soul Tree Cafe in Glen Forrest, shop 6, 3-5 Railway Parade. You can also catch the show in Fremantle at Moore and Moore cafe on Thursday 5th of June. However, due to availability of our tellers the second half will feature Branan Doubh rather than Clare Stace, and Paul Vanleshout-Hunt will replace Nigel Dickinson in the first half. Other tellers will remain Sarah Loden & Jesse Williamson. Joanna Fugl as the wonderful MC. Tickets are $12 at the door ($8 for Story Guild Members) P.S. The Soul Tree cafe have informed me that they will be opening at 6pm to allow people enough time to have a meal before the show. The Soul Tree provides delicious organic and raw food meals, as well as tea, coffee and sweet delights.

FRIDAY KIDS TENNIS - MUNDARING TENNIS CLUB

Games! Fun! Prizes! 4-6 YEARS OLD: 4.00-4.30PM ($80-8 week term) 7-10 YEARS OLD: 4.30-5.30PM ($95-8 week term)

11+ YEARS OLD: 4.30-5.30PM Depending on numbers time may change ($95-8 week term).

Register at: kbtennisacademy@gmail.com or phone 0450 425 052 and speak to Kieran.

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CLASSIFIEDS NOTICES ARE ALSO POSTED ON THE NOTICEBOARD NEAR THE SCHOOL OFFICE

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DISCLAIMER: The articles, advertisements and community notices in this newsletter are provided as a

service to the school community. The carrying of an article, advertisement or community notice does not

imply endorsement by Silver Tree Steiner School.

www.thegreenhouseorganic.com

Organic Store Now open. Cnr Toodyay and Wilson Rds, Middle Swan Certified Organic and Spray Free

Fruit and Vegetables, Groceries, Takeaway Coffee, Vegetable Seedlings, Potted Herbs, Micro Greens, Heirloom Seeds, And much more……. See our stall on Market Day

We offer Seasonal Boxes, or choose your own Fruit and Vegetable boxes. Pre-order through our web page and pick up from Stacey every Thursday.

BRICKS 500 Rustic red bricks, free to silver tree community member, they need cleaning and collection from Glen Forrest. Call Peter Grant on 0411 450 784.

BATH MILK

Bath Milk – available now (No sprays used) Contact Lynley 0418 915 842

THINKING OF BUILDING ON YOUR LAND OR DEVELOPING YOUR LAND? You may need the services of a local licensed land surveyor and active supporter of the Silver Tree Steiner School. Please call Peter of Naturaliste Land Surveys on 0411 450 784 or email pag@westnet.com.au to discuss.

PATHWAYS FARM Grows fruit without pesticides. Our delicious new season apples have begun being picked and are available for purchase direct from our property. We also have an expanding range of jams, chutneys and marmalades. We are located at 171 Mundaring Weir Road, 2 ½ km down from Great Eastern Hwy, look for the sign on the left. We are open 7 days a week and can be contacted on 9295 1339.

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CLASSIFIEDS cont…. FOR SALE – MOUSE CAGE

Medium sized rat/mouse cage available. It is in good condition. Made from metal, it has a two storey design with a plastic tray at the bottom which can be easily removed for cleaning. Price $25, please contact Kim on 0419 579 429.

SOULFUL ESCAPE TO BALI

Remember to join the Facebook page "Friends of the Silver Tree Steiner School”