We can, in newly quickened inner life,

Sense wide horizons in ourselves.

The force and radiance of our thoughts-

Coming from soul’s sun power-

Can solve the mysteries of life,

And grant fulfilment now to wishes

Whose wings have long been incited by hope.

 - Rudolf Steiner, Calendar of the Soul

For anyone in the broader community with whom I have not yet communicated from my newly appointed role, I am delighted to be able to address you with the stability we can now build on as the now permanent leader of Kamaroi. This verse given by Rudolf Steiner for this week felt very poignant as we open up to our own new shared horizon together.

We hope you have had a wonderful and nourishing family time celebrating in the pristine autumnal weather that came.

With all that is occurring in the world presently, it seems all the more poignant to acknowledge difference. This can be enriched through appreciating ‘the other’, expanding into mindsets, customs and beliefs that are perhaps more foreign to our own. This feels vital to us reconciling the painful division we are witnessing in humanity at this time.

In Steiner schools we celebrate the diversity of different cultures, histories and mythologies.  This diversity was brought home to me in an encounter I had with two beautiful young Nepalese women who work as cleaners in the studio where I was painting on Good Friday. When I enquired as to whether they have any special festivals at this time I learnt that they were celebrating New Year. In their culture they are welcoming the year 2079.

So, it felt opportune to expand awareness of what matters to our brothers and sisters around the globe at this time, as April sees many celebrations and festivities for people of different faith and cultures:

For the indigenous Australians as the oldest culture on earth, this is the time of the Gymea Lilly stem and anticipating whales.

To those who celebrate a Christian faith, we hope you had a Happy Easter.

To any Buddhist devotees, we hope you had a Happy Theravada New Year.

April is the holiest month for The Islamic New Year, Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrated.

To those celebrating a Jewish tradition, we hope you had a Kosher and joyous Passover.

To any Sikh community, we wish that you had a joyous Vaisakhi.

To any Hindu community members, we hope you had a happy Ugadi and wish you a prosperous Rama Navami.

It feels imperative to bring our consciousness and respect, as together we are all part of providing care and cultivating new realities to the children. In a sense they need it the most. If we look to our challenges, restraints and shortcomings- they are preparing to carry the future during these times of globalisation in which humanity is much more face to face with how to evolve together, and to overcome extreme polarisations- surely this can inspire us to develop the work in our own hearts as we work to equip them.

On a more pragmatic note, we have a whole swathe of Parent Education enrichment generously funded by our dynamic PA group, who are flourishing with more members (everyone welcome, see dates for this term's meetings below).

We also welcome two new staff members this term, Lina Crawford, as a Learning Support assistant with a real passion for Steiner education and a plethora of experience. We also welcome back alumni Leah Maier who will be doing some extra assistance in the Handcraft lessons. When you see the girl donning the exquisite handmade outfits, you’ll know who it is! 

As mentioned in my previous letter to families this week, we are most grateful for the trust and generous spirit of altruism demonstrated from the community and the incredible resilience and sheer hard work of staff throughout the uncertain times we are emerging from. Again, I acknowledge our Board chair, Dayana Brooke and our other directors 5 of 6 who have newly stepped up during a very tenuous period and given untold investment of time and care in this process. 

These efforts and deeds of love for the school give such hope and confidence for the future and we can feel encouraged by the depth of experiences these very fortunate children have continued to receive daily as a result.

We keenly look forward to a wonderful term of learning and growing together as students, parents, teachers and staff.

Warmly,

Vanessa Snaith

Principal

Help us capture the beauty and spirit of Kamaroi!

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced person to produce and coordinate our social media content through the school’s social media channels.

The role will be offered on a contract basis and will require some flexibility to be on site when important content opportunities are taking place during the school day. The role will require approximately 8 hours work per week during school term time, and this will include on-site content gathering and off-site production and publication. Scheduling of posts during term breaks will also be required.

Candidates will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Passion for showcasing the rhythm of activities that happen at Kamaroi during each term
• Understanding and appreciation of Steiner education and principles
• Ability to provide descriptive narrative alongside photographic content
• Ability to capture school life through engaging photography and video
• Experience using common social media applications to upload and publish content for organisations/businesses.
• Experience using paid advertising functionality of social media applications

The following attributes are also desirable for the role:

• Graphic design experience
• Understanding of marketing principles
• Flexibility – to be able to attend the school when needed to capture content opportunities

If you are interested in taking on this role, please provide a brief resume addressing the above criteria to the school’s Business Manager,

Michael Twigg. michaelt@kamaroi.nsw.edu.au

Kind regards,

Michael Twigg

Business Manager

Green Pages 2022 is up!

The Green Pages promotes the businesses of Kamaroi families, giving us an opportunity to showcase and support the many wonderful businesses that our community has to offer.  The 2022 Green Pages includes: Architecture, a Barber, Eco Lifestyle, Homewares & Gifts, Film Production, Fitness, Health & Wellness Practitioners, and a Steiner Playgroup. Please check it out to support our families!

The Green Pages is an initiative of the Parents’ Association and is managed by the PA. It is published every year in Term 2, and updated with new inclusions throughout the year. All Kamaroi parents are invited to list their businesses, products and services.

For enquiries please contact Dana Mrkich: dana@danamrkich.com

You can download the 2022 Green Pages HERE

While Kamaroi still hopes to be able to re-offer an after-school programme at Kamaroi at some time in the future, it has become apparent that it is not feasible for us to do so at this time. 

We have recognised the need for this for some of our parents and, endeavouring to find a solution, we have contacted our neighbouring school, the Covenant Christian School.  Very kindly, they are happy to welcome our students into their After-School Care programme, which is run by Extend (see link below). 

We have contacted Extend and have been assured that there are no device-based activities other than personal computers needed by older students for set homework.  They offer a wide range of options including cooking, drama and sport.  They also provide nutritional food for the children.

Children of parents who wish to avail themselves of this option will be accompanied to Extend by one of our teachers, once we have been notified by Extend as to which children are attending that afternoon.

The NSW Government is currently offering vouchers for registered child care services including before and after school care. Information can be found here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher

To use this service, please click on the link below and enrol your child with Extend. Once enrolled, you can book to use the service. As we walk the children to the service each day, it is important that you book your child in at least the day before in order for us to know to walk your child to the service each day.

https://www.extend.com.au/school/covenant-christian-school-nsw/

For late bookings (after 5pm the day before) please do the following:

1. Book your child into the Extend service via the link
2. Call Kamaroi in the morning and inform the school of your need for After School Care on the day, to ensure your child is walked to the service at Covenant Christian School.

Kamaroi children will be walked to Covenant Christian School each day by Kamaroi teachers.

Parents will pick up their child before 6pm at Covenant Christian School after they attend After School Care.

We hope this service is helpful for our families.

Class 3 were delighted to receive their letters from their Christmas Island pen pals. The children spent time this week drafting their letters to send back. 

The PA Committee would like to invite all parents to join us for our first PA Meeting for Term 2, 2022 on Thursday 12 May @ 7.30pm via Zoom. The following Meeting will be held on Thursday 16 June. 

All Kamaroi families are automatically members of the PA, and are encouraged to attend meetings when you can. PA Meetings provide an opportunity to stay updated on new developments, vote on how PA funds are used, find out about school volunteer roles that need filling or ask questions of interest.

Meeting 1

Thurs 12 May Week 3

https://zoom.us/j/98638690054

Meeting 2

Thurs 16 June Week 8  

https://zoom.us/j/98724695489

We look forward to seeing you then!

PA Committee

The PA AGM was held at the end of Term 1 with the Principal’s Report, Chair’s Report and Treasurer’s Financial Report all acknowledging the massive year of change and challenges that was 2021.  With the collective support of our Kamaroi community we are looking forward to exploring fresh, new creative solutions for renewed connection and fund-raising so that the foundations built by those who came before us can continue to thrive into the future.

The PA would like to give thanks to the departing Committee Members who have all contributed so much for so many years in their respective roles: Co-Chairs Katie Orton and Mark Baxter, and Treasurer David Orton. Your work and dedication is deeply appreciated.  Many thanks also to Cris Fernandes for her work last year with the Stall/Clothing/Craft inventory and organisation during her final months at the school.

The PA Committee for 2022 has been confirmed:

Chair: Dana Mrkich

Treasurer: Nick Blackwood

Co-Secretary: Amanda Veronesi

Co-Secretary: Bianca Gill

Market Stall/Clothing: Bonnie Kelly

Market Stall/Clothing: Naomi Davey

Craft Group: Suzy Gilbert

Craft Group: Sophie Rowe

If you have any questions for the PA please contact us at: kamaroi.pa@gmail.com

The PA Committee

You are invited to come along to PA Craft on Wednesday mornings from 9:15am until 12:00pm.

Come for Morning Tea, have a chat, meet other Kamaroi parents and feel supported by your warm community.  We gather in the Piazza outside the Kamaroi Kitchen after drop off, order a drink or a treat and then join together in the PA (Parents Association) Room to craft and chat with like minded parents.  Absolutely no prior experience is necessary, all materials will be supplied and you are welcome to come for as long or as little as you wish.  Small children are always welcome, there are some toys for little ones to engage with while you craft.

Please keep an eye out for our craft events schedule in the Bush Telegraph, we have some exciting activities in store for you, including making and glazing a ceramic pinch pot, sewing a mermaid, dyeing colourful textiles, dry needle felting a small animal and sewing crystal pouches as well as sewing an array of felt animals, crowns, gnomes and standing story dolls.

If you are a talented parent who can share a handcraft on Wednesday mornings between 9:15am and 12pm please let us know.  Please feel free to contact the coordinators:

Sophie Rowe                      0416 013 385

Suzy Gilbert                       0411 770 373

Learn a new skill and enjoy making handcrafts and toys for the school to sell at the School Fair!

Myths and Mysteries - With Bernadette White

Eurythmy Classes available for bookings. If you are interested please SMS Danielle: 0487 982 118

Learn to be a chess champion!

Coaching for students at Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School is held on Thursdays from 3:15pm to 4:15pm, starting on 28 April 2022.

Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment.

Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard, puzzle solving and fun practice games.

Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positive qualities, which all good chess players strive to develop.

If your child is interested in taking part email enrol@sydneyacademyofchess.com.au for a copy.

For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess on (02) 9745 1170

Dear Families, please see this term's key dates and additional dates below. You can also view these on the online Kamaroi Calendar

Term 2 Key Dates

Myths and Mysteries Parent Education

Thursday 5th May - 7:30pm

Class 5 Indian Feast

Friday 6th May 

NAPLAN 

Tuesday 10th May - Friday 20th May

School Tour

Wednesday 11th May - 3:30pm

PA Meeting

Thursday 12th May - 7:30pm, Zoom

Kindergarten and Lilly Pilly Open Days

Wednesday 1st June - 3:30pm

Winter Storytelling with Ebba Bodame

Thursday 2nd June

Mid-Winter Festival Classes 5 & 6             

Tuesday 21st June

Lilly Pilly Lantern Walk  

Wednesday 22 June - 4pm

Mid-Winter Festival Classes Kindy, 1, 2, 3 & 4      

Friday 1 July

Term Dates

Term 2:

Wednesday 27th April – Friday 1st July

Term 3:

Wednesday 20th July – Friday 23rd September

Term 4:

Wednesday 12th October – Wednesday 14th December

A reminder that families can make Kamaroi Kitchen orders online via the Spriggy app.

Steps to get started:

• Go to www.spriggyschools.com.au to register and download the app.
• Add a profile for each of your children, making sure you select Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School and your child’s class.
• Start placing lunch orders! You can place orders up to 2 weeks in advance.

If you have any questions, please contact Akiko (0416225006/akkofraval@gmail.com) or Spriggy Schools via their website.

Please see the Kamaroi Kitchen menu below!

Tuesday 3 May

Morning Tea

Fresh dates, oats and cacao bliss balls (GF/DF) $1.5, Tahini Choc bliss balls (GF/DF) $1

Inari $1.5

Cheesy sticks $1.5

Spelt Anzac biscuits $2

Apple blueberry turnovers $3

Fruit cup $3

Fresh orange juice $3

Tomato basil bocconcini bruschetta with multigrain sourdough GF available $3

Lunch

Inari $1.5

Assorted sushi $3.5

Minestrone soup with garlic bread $5 GF/DF

Fresh fruit icy poles are available after lunch $2

Wednesday 4 May

Morning Tea

Fresh dates, oats and cacao bliss balls (GF/DF) $1.5, Tahini Choc bliss balls (GF/DF) $1

Basil tomato pizza GF available $3

Olive tomato pizza GF available $3

Dark choc chips sultana chia seed oats spelt biscuits $2

Watermelon mint juice $3

Fruit cup $3

Lunch

Inari $1.5

Vegetarian samosa with chutney and yoghurt mint sauce $4 GF available

Fresh fruit icy poles are available after lunch $2

Thursday 5 May

Morning Tea

Fresh dates, oats and cacao bliss balls (GF/DF) $1.5, Tahini Choc bliss balls (GF/DF) $1

Spelt raspberry cake $3

Dark choc chips sultana chia seed oats spelt biscuits $2

Inari $1.5

Cheesy sticks $1.5

Banana mixed berry smoothie $3

Fruit cup $3

Vegetable rolls $3 GF available

Lunch

Assorted sushi $3.50

Inari $1.50

Chickpea curry GF/DF $5

Fresh fruit icy poles are available after lunch $2

Tuesday 10 May

Morning Tea

Fresh dates, oats and cacao bliss balls (GF/DF) $1.5, Tahini Choc bliss balls (GF/DF) $1

Inari $1.5

Cheesy sticks $1.5

Dark choc chips sultana chia seed oats spelt biscuits $2

Apple blueberry turnover $3

Vegetable tartlets $4 GF available

Fresh orange juice $3

Fruit cup $3

Lunch

Inari $1.50 (DF)

Assorted sushi $3.50

Vegetarian ramen DF GF noodle available $5

Fresh fruit icy poles are available after lunch $2

Wednesday 11 May

Morning Tea

Fresh dates, oats and cacao bliss balls (GF/DF) $1.5, Tahini Choc bliss balls (GF/DF) $1

Basil tomato pizza GF available $3

Olive tomato pizza GF available $3

Banana blueberry smoothie $3

Fruit cup $3

Spelt Anzac biscuits $2

Lunch

Vegetarian bean tacos GF $4

Inari $1.5

Fresh fruit icy poles are available after lunch $2

Thursday 12 May

Morning Tea

Fresh dates, oats and cacao bliss balls (GF/DF) $1.5, Tahini Choc bliss balls (GF/DF) $1

Inari $1.5

Cheesy sticks $1.5

Dark choc chips sultana chia seed oats spelt biscuits $2

Apple carrot cake GF/DF $3

Banana strawberry smoothie $3

Fruit cup $3

Homemade cheese tomato garlic pizza bread $3 GF available

Lunch

Assorted sushi $3.50

Inari $1.50

Creamy pumpkin soup GF/DF with bread roll $5

Fresh fruit icy poles are available after lunch $2