Winter Festival at Trinity Gardens School |
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The winter season holds a special significance in the rich tapestry of Kaurna culture. As the cool winds sweep across the land, they bring with them a sense of transformation and renewal, inviting the community to embrace the deep connections with nature and ancestral traditions. During the winter months, the landscape undergoes a subtle yet remarkable change. The temperatures lower, and a gentle mist often blankets the Adelaide Plains, creating an ethereal ambiance that seems to bridge the physical and spiritual realms. In Kaurna culture, this time is seen as a time of reflection and introspection. The shorter days and longer nights encourage individuals to turn inward, seeking wisdom and guidance from their ancestors. The traditional knowledge and stories passed down through generations become a guiding light, providing a sense of continuity and belonging. The natural world also plays a vital role. The Kaurna people have a deep respect for the cycles of nature, and winter is no exception. The dormant plants and trees are seen as symbols of resilience and patience, reminding the community of the importance of perseverance and waiting for the right time to flourish. Moreover, the Kaurna people have an intricate understanding of celestial movements, and the winter sky holds particular significance. The stars and constellations tell stories of creation, providing a celestial map for navigation and spiritual guidance. The dark nights of winter offer a prime opportunity for stargazing, where individuals can marvel at the celestial wonders while connecting with their ancestral roots. This a time for community gatherings and celebrations. Despite the cooler temperatures, people come together to share stories, songs, and dances around warm campfires. Our winter festival at Trinity Gardens fosters a sense of unity and strengthens the bonds between community members. Our traditional ceremony acknowledges the changing of seasons and expresses gratitude for the bounties of the land. Our festival is a time of reflection, connection, and reverence for the natural world. The winter time of year invites individuals to embrace the wisdom of their ancestors, find solace in the beauty of the landscape, and celebrate the rich heritage that has shaped the Kaurna people for generations. Kudlila blessings from Abbi and Shani |
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In the mid 2000s ASEA was the driving force that brought streamed Steiner education to South Australian public schools, with the first Stream starting in 2005 at Trinity Gardens School. Our primary focus was, and still is, to ensure affordable and authentic Steiner education within Steiner Stream schools in the greater Adelaide area. These streams run within public schools, and so don’t attract the same fees as private schools, but there are still costs which come with authentic Steiner education experiences. These might be for music lessons, instrument hire, camps or excursions, or even special materials. It’s been almost 20yrs since the first Steiner Stream school in South Australia opened and we still have a commitment to helping maintain this affordability. One of the ways we do this is by providing bursaries to families in need. These are funded by ASEA membership fees. When you become a member of ASEA Steiner Stream children benefit. Lead by example and join ASEA today. Play a part in maintaining a child’s education, and their connection to their class and school community. Visit our website to learn more about ASEA’s initiatives. ASEA members are parents, grandparents, teachers, school leadership, and our greater community. Thank you for your commitment to affordable and authentic Steiner Education in South Australia. |
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Trinity Gardens Steiner Stream |
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In week 5 of term 2, Janna and Class 6 ventured off for a week in Naracoorte for their Geology camp. They explored many of the caves in the area, marvelling at the other-worldly limestone formations and caverns deep underground. The class saw stalactites, stalagmites, fossils and bones that are thousands of years old, and learned about the micro bats that live in some of the caves. They had a day trip into Mt Gambier and saw a film about the volcanoes that erupted long ago to form the Blue Lake and Valley Lake and the surrounding landscape all the way into Victoria. They visited the Umpherston Sinkhole which is like a collapsed, underground garden; and the Engelbrecht cave system that runs underneath the town and where cave divers explore deep underground for many hours at a time. -Janna Corso |
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Abbi and Class 5 had a three day bike-riding adventure. Starting at school, they rode along Karrawirra Pari all the way to the coast on the first day and set up camp for the night at West Beach Caravan Park. Some kids braved the cold water and delighted in the water park, whilst others took a walk along the beach. Day two was a ride along the coast to Seacliff where the class boarded the train and travelled to Seaford. Here they got back on the bikes and pedalled to Willunga Waldorf School. The class spent the afternoon playing games with the local class 5 and each student now has a penpal down at Willunga. Tents were pitched on the school oval for the second night. The third day, some tired legs rode back to catch the train at Seaford. They disembarked in the city and rode back along Karawirra Pari to school! What an achievement. |
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Basket Range Steiner Stream |
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Once again, we were blessed with a beautiful, crisp night for the Willunga Waldorf School winter festival on Friday 23rd June. The sunset was amazing, clouds parted making way for the stars and moon to shine upon our community. This festival is celebrated when the sun sends the least power to the earth and helps remind us of all of our ability to bring light into darker times and hold the light in our hearts. Each child walks the winter spiral on winter festival day, stories of overcoming darkness and adversity through strength and fortitude are told and then in the evening under starry skies, each Primary Class makes their way with their lanterns in a long and glowing chain of silence to our gathering. Here the beauty of many hand-crafted lanterns illuminates the night. Winter songs rise into the dark night and High School students share a work of fire and movement. The Winter Festival culminates with our Year Twelve students and lifting their torches to light the sun as the community unites in singing ‘Rise Up O’ Flame, by thy light glowing, show to us beauty, wisdom and joy” The Winter Festival always leaves us with a sense of awe at the magical night. |
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Under the guidance of Anne Scott, our Primary School craft Teacher, our Class Fives have been knitting warming garments - Fair Isle beanies. This project is a culmination of all the primary school years of knitting, using the students' skills they've learned thus far and adding colour-work to their bag of tricks. The students have persevered brilliantly; this is a real test of their will! The results so far have been astoundingly beautiful. |
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Mount Barker Waldorf School |
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Anthroposophic Book Centre |
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The Anthroposophic Book Centre in Halifax Street are looking for one or two volunteers to cover a couple of hours per week. They would really appreciate any help, even as a back-up. Please contact Renate on 0426 896 445 if you can help. Keep scrolling for more information about the bookshop. |
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Trinity Gardens Steiner Playgroup, with support from ASEA, are hosting a free workshop with Kate McMurray of Mindful Family Life, date TBC. For families from pregnancy to five years, enrolled in or curious about Steiner stream education. Register your interest at adelaidesteinereducation@gmail.com for further information. Connected Parenting Workshop: Respectful Care For All Ages Respectful care and Connected Parenting looks different with a newborn, with a toddler, with a pre-kinder child, with a childcare or kinder child and with a school child. Working through how to keep centered in our commitment to respectful care and make the right time for connection is central to a settled and mindful family life. Unpacking truly connected parenting is key to a more peaceful family where children can play more independently and adults can get on with the work of the home without so much stress.
Previously called "A Day at Home" this workshop looks at the basic rhythms of respectful care that support independence and foster joy. Daily practices, rhythms and self care for adults. |
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Fleurieu Waldorf Education Association Port Elliott Expecting mothers and newborn to crawling: Wednesdays 10-11am 1-4 years old: Thursday & Friday 9:30-11:30am 4-6 years old: Beginning term 3, 2023 Monday & Tuesday 9:30am-12:30pm Visit our website for registration and information Telephone: 0405 028 367 Email: chair.fwea@gmail.com |
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If you would like to be considered for a place in Pygmy Possums playgroup, please complete the online registration form. |
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The Rainbow Room Shop at Willunga Waldorf School The Rainbow Room is a parent, volunteer run school shop selling handmade toys, crafts, books, gifts and art, craft and some school supplies. All proceeds go towards selected school projects or initiatives that support the school and Waldorf philosophy. We stock some of the supplies that the children use or receive at school, including ‘blank’ craft bags (new families please check with your class teacher in the lower primary years), 16ply wool, modelling wax, 100% wool felt, beeswax crayons, Lyra pencils, fountain pens, fleece for wet felting, school endorsed hats, Sunshadow slippers, play cloths and tin lunch boxes. Rainbow Room: rainbowroom@wws.sa.edu.au |
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Mercurius Australia is Hiring! Join Our Education Support Team Are you passionate about providing exceptional customer service and have a connection to the education or schools environment? Mercurius Australia, a leading provider of high-quality art, craft, and learning products, is seeking a customer-focused Education Support Representative to join our team. We are a family-owned and operated business supporting Steiner Schools and Play-Based Early Learning Kindergartens. Operating for over 30 years, Mercurius is backed by a wide range of quality products, close partnerships, social and environmental responsibility and offers exceptional customer service. Within our growing Education Support Team, we are looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference in the education community. If this sounds like you, we would love to receive your application. |
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FAMILY BEGINNINGS - PREGNANCY TO ROLLING Mondays 11:30am - 1:30pm Are you pregnant or know someone who is? Or someone with a tiny wee Bub? The place to start is in the "Pregnancy to Rolling" group then move on or join up to the "Crawling to Walking" group (and then on to Integrated Family Support Nature Groups from there to take you all the way to Kinder, School or other adventures!)
You can start anytime and the first week is free. We welcome all Mums, Dads, support people and extended family but older children will need to be supported outside the group. Get in touch for more info! There is an 11 week term starting on Monday 30th January, (we are running until Monday 19th December in case you want to join us now!)
Held at the beautiful Summit Community Centre at Norton Summit. The Centre also provide some financial support for families experiencing challenging times. |
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Steiner Nature Playgroup: Integrated Family Support Ashton - All ages Wednesday and Thursday mornings at Ashton (limited numbers - bookings required) 4-6 years old plus siblings and family Tuesdays 9-11:45am at Ashton (limited numbers - bookings required) Family Beginnings at Norton Summit Pregnancy to rolling, Mondays 11:30am-1:30pm Crawling to steady walking, Mondays 9:30-11:30am For all groups please contact ashtonsteinerpg@gmail.com or 0403 890 234. |
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Mindful Family Life has grown from the need for connection, support and care for families. Nurturing well being for ourselves, our children, our family and our communities. Workshops, courses, home visits, one-on-one consults, Steiner playgroups, nature play. Please email ashtonsteinerpg@gmail.com or phone 0403 890 234 for more information. |
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CALLING all teens and adults... we're taking the plunge and bringing the FULL VERSION of Peter Pan (1954 Broadway Version)!! We've got a fantastic team of artists including Alicia Zorkovic, Lauren Holdstock, Nat MacArthur, Anne Marie Serrano and Kate Prescott . So fancy being a pirate or a brave girl/lost boy? There are some great parts and fun and adventure awaits... EOI to Jo-anne via quill@inkpot.com.au Ink Pot Arts is an award-winning NFP organisation based in Mt Barker. We offer supportive, fun, high-quality opportunities to explore the performing arts through workshops and events. Our workshops are led by creative professionals & provide not only the chance to develop new skills, but great companionship across different generations, cultures & life experiences. Regular programs include drama, singing, ukulele, and circus. Specialty workshops are available on request. Enquiries quill@inkpot.com.au or ring Jo-anne on 0429 673 327 |
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Developing the Self - Developing the World Developing the Self – Developing the World was founded by a community of individuals committed to working with inner development for world development and striving to build healthy community life in the light of anthroposophy. As an organisation, Developing the Self – Developing the World also connects individuals and communities with artists, health practitioners, farmers, and educators who offer peer support, workshops, and programs for school faculties, students, and parents. This work has grown out of this community of individuals’ work with meditation and inner development, in relationship to the Inner Work Path, which offers courses, workshops and lectures on these themes. A variety of courses and workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of any community on themes such as: caring for the senses in early childhood • external applications to harmonise the senses • social understanding, gender, and sexuality • The foundations of health and wellbeing • and more… The Y Project is a project of Developing the Self – Developing the World, accessible to young adults 16 years old and up. It provides mentors, health services, artistic programs, and events that are fully or partially funded by Developing the Self – Developing the World and donations. |
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We got so much out of the last series of online gatherings from Inner Work Path sponsored by EduCareDo in preparation for Saint John's, and heard from a number of participants who joined in with face to face local gatherings in their area with our community partner 'Developing the Self Developing the World'. It's such a joy coming together with other like minds and sharing this work together. Several EduCareDo authors contributed to the series including Laura Summer- author of the 'Exercises in Painting and Colour' course and Seamus Maynard and Meaghan Witri -authors of the 'Speech and Drama as Living Arts' course. And of course Lisa Romero - author of the ' Inner Development for World Development'. These are only some of the courses on offer through EduCareDo. If you're looking for ways of engaging with anthroposophy through perhaps starting out the journey with the Foundations in Anthroposophy course, or maybe deepening your relationship with one of the themes it covers through one of the more specific subject courses, take some time to explore the options available. These are self paced courses so you can start at any time and work with the courses in whichever way best fits your own life. Reach out via the website's contact page or by email to study@educaredo.org We look forward to hearing from you. |
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The Anthroposophical Society Australia South Australian Branch Inc. Anthroposophic Book Centre and Library 96 Halifax Street, Adelaide MAIL ORDERS WELCOME, P&H FEES APPLY Wednesday-Friday 11am-2pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm 96 Halifax Street, Adelaide Phone: 0401 667 443 (bookshop hours), 0433 944 270 (outside hours, leave a message) Email: anthroposophysa2@gmail.com Steiner books, craft supplies, gifts, Weleda products, Steiner resource library and home of the Anthroposophical Society. The Anthroposophic Book Centre currently has a lovely stock of craft, parenting and Waldorf education books; children’s books and toys; beeswax candles; gift cards; plus Weleda natural skin care products. We also have on our shelves Waldorf school materials such as beeswax block and stick crayons, Lyra pencils, coloured modelling wax and main lesson books. Library service offered for a once-only fee of $30, same hours as book shop. Study Groups If you are interested in learning more about anthroposophy, study groups offer an opportunity to join with others in deepening your understanding of selected themes. Groups meet regularly at various venues. The format is often, though not always, the study of a particular subject through reading and discussion of books. Please contact the Book Centre for more details. |
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ASEA acknowledge that this newsletter is published on the land of the Kaurna People and honour their sacred connection to this country, past, present and future. |
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