No: 30 21 September 2018

THE Friday FLIER

KOTAHITANGA

Waikato Waldorf School, Kindergartens and Playcircle

Dear Waikato Waldorf Community

Last week I was lucky enough to travel to Wellington with Mel to meet up with fellow Steiner principals and

colleagues. This is always a rich experience and a wonderful platform to share pictures of what we are doing

and initiatives to further develop Steiner education in Aotearoa.

We are currently reviewing our English and Maths Learning Steps progressions in the light of the change in

ministry requirements around National Standards. You will see evidence of this in the end of year reports

which we will share with you in due course. Mel represented us in the High School Working group and will

benefit from the ongoing focus on developing English, Maths, Science and Languages across the schools.

I am also heading off the new Digital Technologies working group in the light of the new government require-

ments whilst still preserving the integrity of Steiner/Waldorf Education (Aotearoa New Zealand) in service of

the best interest of the students. On the second day we were joined by our early childhood colleagues

(including Margaret) and we met with Neil Boland from AUT to hear about and discuss diversity in society and

our schools and how we need to continue focusing on developing our curriculum where all our students can

identify themselves and be seen and valued. Whilst we are about to celebrate 100 years of Waldorf Education

next year it is also a timely reminder that this amazing curriculum still needs to speak to the children of today.

Finally we are continuing to prepare for our Waldorf 100 celebrations across Aotearoa and will start to share

our thoughts and ideas with you shortly.

Back home this week there has been a real hive of activity

with our beautiful Spring Festival. It was wonderful to see

all our students taking part in this year’s celebrations with

their fine music, singing, poetry and dancing. The shared

lunch tables were adorned with a wonderful array of home-

made savoury and sweet dishes and the students were very

proud of their culinary skills and contributions. Thank you to

all the parents who were able to join in the celebrations.

Also this week we have seen Class 6 off to the Avanti-

drome, Class 7 away for two days preparing for Wilderness

Camp, Class 4 staying overnight at our local marae and finally Class 3 away for their farm visit. I have to say

the school has felt rather quiet at times, but it is so wonderful that our students are receiving such a rich

education.

Wishing you all a good weekend.

Ngā mihi

Sue

UPCOMING EVENTS

25 September Cl 6 Play

25 September Cl 4 and Cl 5 Avantidrome

26 September Whole School ‘Pyjama Day’ (Fundraiser for Cl 5 Olympic Camp)

27 September Last day of Term 3 - School finishes at 2.00 pm

28 September Teacher Only Day

15 October Start term 4

Class 5 Fundraiser

Class 5 have some firewood remaining for $110 per m3. Please see Sharon (Class 5

teacher) or Monika in the office if you would like to purchase a trailer load.

Thank you for supporting Class 5’s Olympic Camp fundraiser.

CLASS 6

A major highlight of any Class Six student’s year is our snow camp.

We set off before the sunrise and had a very uneventful voyage to our accommodations. We hopped in buses and set off

up the cloudy mountain. Half way up, we burst through the clouds and into a beautiful blue-skied paradise.

A fun and challenging four hours ensued. Many of the students took to skiing like a duck to water. Some people who had

never even seen snow before found themselves in their element.

Still others found the experience extremely challenging. But to their lasting credit, they fought through the fear they were

feeling and at least gave things a try. For this they are to be commended.

Thanks need to go out to the parents who came along and helped with this wonderful opportunity and to Sharon for being

an organisational whizz…again!

One of the instructors talked to me at the end and complemented me on the behaviour of the children. That was a lovely

thing to hear and a credit to you all.

Nick Clothier

CLASSROOM CORNER

We’ve all heard the idiom, “Music is good for the soul.” But, according to the evidence, it’s good for your

health as well. Study after study has found that music and singing has a positive effect on a broad range of

physical and psychological conditions including dementia, anxiety, depression and cancer.

Physical Benefits of Singing (and music)

Singing strengthens the immune system

According to research conducted at the University of Frankfurt, singing boosts the immune system. The study included testing pro-

fessional choir members’ blood before and after an hour-long rehearsal singing Mozart’s “Requiem”. The researchers noticed that in

most cases, the amount of proteins in the immune system that function as antibodies, known as Immunoglobulin A, were significant-

ly higher immediately after the rehearsal. The same increases were not observed after the choir members passively listened to

music.

Singing is a workout

For the elderly, disabled, and injured, singing can be an excellent form of exercise. Even if you’re healthy, your lungs will get a

workout as you employ proper singing techniques and vocal projections. Other related health benefits of singing include a stronger

diaphragm and stimulated overall circulation. Since you pull in a greater amount of oxygen while singing than when doing many

other types of exercise, some even believe that singing can increase your aerobic capacity and stamina.

Singing improves your posture

Standing up straight is part of correct technique as you’re singing, so with time, good posture will become a habit! As your chest

cavity expands and your shoulders and back align, you’re improving your posture overall.

Singing helps with sleep

Experts believe singing can help strengthen throat and palate muscles, which helps stop snoring and sleep apnoea. If you’re familiar

with these ailments, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep!

Psychological & Emotional Benefits of Singing

Singing is a natural anti-depressant

Singing is known to release endorphins, the feel-good brain chemical that makes you feel uplifted and happy. In addition, scientists

have identified a tiny organ in the ear called the sacculus, which responds to the frequencies created by singing. The response cre-

ates an immediate sense of pleasure, regardless of what the singing sounds like. Not only that, but singing can simply take your

mind off the day’s troubles to boost your mood.

Singing lowers stress levels

Making music in any form is relaxing. Singing releases stored muscle tension and decreases the levels of a stress hormone cal led

cortisol in your blood stream.

Singing improves mental alertness

Improved blood circulation and an oxygenated blood stream allow more oxygen to reach the brain. This improves mental alertness,

concentration, and memory. The Alzheimer’s Society has even established a “Singing for the Brain” service to help people with de-

mentia and Alzheimer’s maintain their memories.

Social Benefits of Singing

Singing can widen your circle of friends

Whether you’re in a choir or simply enjoy singing karaoke with your friends, one of the unexpected health benefits of singing is that

it can improve your social life. The bonds you form singing with others can be profound, since there’s a level of intimacy naturally

involved.

Singing boosts your confidence

Stage fright is a common feeling for new singers. However, performing well and receiving praise from your friends and family may

be the key to eventually overcoming your fears and boosting your self-confidence. With time, you may even find it easier to present

any type of material in front of a group with poise and good presentation skills.

Singing broadens communication skills

Singing to babies in vitro and once born helps prepare their brains for language. Music is just as important as teaching reading and

writing at a young age to prevent language problems later in life. If you enjoy writing your own lyrics, honing this talent can improve

your ability to communicate in different ways!

Singing increases your ability to appreciate other singers

Sometimes, you don’t realize how difficult something is until you try it yourself. You might even find a new style of music to appreci-

ate that you wouldn’t normally listen to! The delights of singing go beyond merely enjoying the beauty of your own vocal talent. If

so, don’t hesitate to get started – have fun with it, and do you what you enjoy!

Maree Smith RN, Anthroposophical RN 021 150 9433

Journey Through the Past…. Naming the school!

There was a meeting held Monday 25th March 1996 to decide on the school name. Suggested names

included….

Waikato Waldorf School or Waikato Rudolf Steiner School Hamilton Waldorf School or Hamilton Rudolf Steiner School Totara House (and plant lots of totara) Gabriel House (after the Archangel) Manako School (Maori for hope, longing, yearning)

Top Left: The whole school in front of the WWS sign in 1997

Last

week

set in

front of

the

new

office.

2

0

0

8

85 Barrington Drive, Huntington, Hamilton Ph: 07 855 8710 email: office@waikatowaldorf.school.nz website: www.waikatowaldorf.school.nz www.facebook.com/WaikatoWaldorf School

These notices are published as a service to the school community. Publication is at the discretion of the Editor, and does not

necessarily reflect the opinion of the Faculty.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you going away for the school holidays? Worried about your pets? I am available to look after them

and feed them in the up-coming school holidays for $ 15 a day.

Please phone Rebecca Swanepoel on 021 084 75730.

FAIRFIELD SWIM CLUB

Learn to swim and Junior Programmes available—

small classes for learn to swim—quality coaching

HEATED POOL & nice grassy banks to sit on

Free assessment day Sat Oct 13th 9.30a-12pm

Contact Angela on nickoang@hotmail.com

Or 8537400 to book your assessment.

Anthroposophic Reading Group: Four Seasons and the Archangels:

The Michael Imagination

Dear school community

We now diverge from our play with sensing and return to a seasonal topic, with a stand alone lecture. We invite you to join us for our final reading for the term, this coming Monday September 24

th at 7pm at Waikato Waldorf School

Hall. All are welcome. Please contact me if you’d like to come along. Sarah Oliver 027 805 0850.

“Boycott That Thought! Conscientious parents often boycott companies whose products and practices undermine children's well-being. Today, let's play with the idea of boycotting thoughts that undermine your parenting vision.

The human mind is like a marketplace of thoughts, and attention is the currency with which you "buy into" a thought... or not. You boycott a thought by not paying attention to it — by focusing on a better, more empowering thought instead.

A conventional boycott is only effective if large numbers of consumers participate. But there's only ONE consumer in your thought market: you. So when you boycott a thought, that thought's "market share" goes to 0% and it goes "out of busi-ness."

When you feel bad about your parenting or your child, it means you're buying into some negative thought or perspective. For example, a thought like "I suck as a parent" closes your heart and undermines your creativity, so... BOYCOTT THAT THOUGHT! ...and give your attention to encouraging thoughts like "I don't have to be perfect... My parenting is gradually improving... I'm finding my way."

The Daily Groove by Scott Noelle, [https://www.dailygroove.com/about/]

Hand in Hand Therapy Centre

Anthroposophic and Integrated Therapies

Adult, family and child therapy

Our therapy centre warmly receives individuals and families and we strive to bring to light and meet the deeper needs of

each person in our collaboration with you. There are three avenues for using the Therapy Centre:

A. Contact a therapist directly for yourself and/or your child

B. Refer yourself and/or your child or family using the Therapy Centre Referral Form.

Refer in collaboration with your child’s teacher through Janine Stark (Classes 1 - 4), Natalie Reid (Classes 5 -

8) and Margaret McCarthy at Miro House Kindergarten

Therapies offered

Anthroposophical Nursing Eurythmy Therapy Artistic therapy Play Therapies Anthroposophic Counsel-

ling Anthroposophical Parent Education Herbal Medicine Homeopathy Progressive Counselling Extra

Lesson Access Consciousness Bars

Hand in Hand Therapy Centre

Rimu Cottage, 68 Te Manatu Drive, Rototuna

Therapy Centre coordinator - Maree Smith (m 021 150 9433, 1mareesmith@gmail.com)

Tomato & basil omelette

A SUPER-QUICK, EASY AND DELICIOUS MEAL

GLUTEN-FREE VEGETARIAN

“The classic combination of tomato and basil makes this simple omelette really sing. ”

SERVES 1

COOKS IN25 MINUTES

DIFFICULTYSUPER EASY

Ingredients

2 sprigs of fresh basil

3 cherry tomatoes

2 large free-range eggs

olive oil

Method

1. Pick the leaves off the basil and roughly tear them.

2. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half on a chopping board.

3. Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl.

4. Add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Beat well with a fork until fully combined.

6. Place a small non-stick frying pan on a low heat to warm up. Meanwhile…

7. Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and turn the heat up to high.

8. Carefully add the tomatoes and fry for 1 minute.

9. Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle over the basil leaves.

10. Carefully pour in the eggs, then tilt the pan to spread them out evenly.

11. Using a fork, swirl the eggs around the pan a little. When the omelette begins to cook and firm up, but still has a little raw egg on top, use a spatula to ease around the edges of the omelette, then fold it over in half – when it starts to turn golden brown underneath, remove the pan from the heat and slide the omelette on to a plate.