From The Principal
We hope all families enjoyed a restorative winter break with fun and nourishing family time! What a wonderful beginning it’s been to Term 3 already! Having finished last term with a special event for Teachers, Staff and Board Directors, we came together face-to-face for the first time in more than two years. We did some enriching winter paintings, enjoyed an evening of sharing a meal, memories and wishes for the school as we lead into a vital and inspiring time of pending strategic planning processes. Together we ruminated on the quote below and enjoyed some comradery as the group who will be leading this process, with very valuable input to be garnered from you as our cherished parent and broader community body.
‘We all have the capacity to create our desired futures, far more than most of us realise. As the only space where we have a degree of freedom, the future is a site of great power.
Who holds that power in your life? The type of future we actually create reflects our values, ethics, morality and level of consciousness.’ (Jennifer Gidley)
In the ensuing spirit of being the best we can be for you, the staff also enjoyed some Professional Development in the lead up to the term, with some inspiring lectures from Michaela Glockler an Anthroposophical Pediatrician who has been the head of the Medical Section at the Goetheanum in Germany. Her recent book (soon to be available in parent library), ‘Education for the Future: How to nurture health and human potential?’ Is an incredible resource for any parents wanting to align more deeply with our pedagogy, or understand why we do what we do. We also worked on some new admin systems for collaborative sharing of teachers' resources and topped the day off with a deeply inspiring Blackboard Drawing session with Sofia Montiofiore from Newcastle Steiner School, (see images above and below by Sofia- to see why we were truly inspired!) You may see some extra special ‘next level’ examples on your children’s blackboards as we deepen our work and understanding the underpinnings of this special practice embedded in the children’s day to day experiences.
We have three new students and families to welcome this term: Emi with her parents Rebecca and Adam in Class One; Evie with her parents Danica and Hamish in Class Two and Eleanor with her parents Frances and Phillip in Class Three. I’m certain you will all join us in welcoming them into our vibrant parent community, whilst the children are harnessing a seamless integration into the classes with new friends.
We also officially welcome back to our faculty our dedicated and highly valued teacher Alex Taylor, who has graciously navigated the ‘Covid conundrums’ to again be available to offer his valued contributions to our school. Alex will be teaching at Kamaroi on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I know all the children have loved having him back in our midst. Likewise, we are delighted to have Ophelia Goldschmidt return, who has been lovingly tending to her new role of Library Assistant and will be working with all of the Classes One to Six in the library. We are equally thrilled to announce that Aleisha Kahn our Music Teacher is increasing her teaching load permanently to be able to take on not just teaching Music, Festival Coordination, Tutor Ensemble Coordinator but now also the Orchestra Ensemble as well as an extra Class Three Ensemble Group, as we strive to strengthen the children’s relation to instrument playing after a period of so many disruptions. I am very confident in Aleisha’s passion and proficiency and look forward to her transformative work in this area. Thank you to Alex, Ophelia and Aleisha for so willingly responding in finding avenues to meet our children’s needs.
It is a great strength of our school to have a group of colleagues both in Faculty and Admin with such a compelling belief in the integrity of Steiner Education, its values and the abundant gifts of a curriculum based in conscious and caring relationships. There is so much implicit learning for the children to have a daily experience of being held in the atmosphere and substance of this collaborative and deeply respectful foundation.
On a highly practical note – we understand the struggles of getting back into routines in the first week but can I please emphasise the request from teachers in classes 1-6 for parents to please aim to have the children at school by8.45am. It is very helpful for their learning to arrive, have that little bit of space to connect with their friends and teacher before the first bell which rings at 8.55am. This bell is for the children to run to the bathroom, wash hands and get indoor shoes on. Children arriving at 9 or a bit after are missing this and it is a disruption to a smooth beginning to the day. At 9am the children are generally lined up or in the classroom and latecomers then do have an impact on the quality to the day beginning well. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support of the teachers work.
We look forward to a wonderful term with you all of Parent Education, our Alumni Graduate Panel, Spring Festival- Open Day, Camps, Plays and the daily turnings of precious experiences that keep our humanity alive.
Warmly,
Vanessa Snaith
Principal
From the Business Manager
Learning Area Carpet Replacement
There has been much activity at Kamaroi over the recent holiday break. Hugo has been weeding and spreading mulch far and wide around the school’s garden beds, we have replaced the pavers outside the PA room, the lighting has been upgraded in the Class 1 to 4 block toilets, and we have re-laid the small entrance path to the school following damage caused by the ongoing Sydney rain event.
Most significantly, we have installed new carpet in all the learning areas throughout the school including the Kindergarten. This installation will bring a significant improvement to the children’s learning experience as the classrooms now have a more welcoming feel, and comfort is enhanced during the times that the floor is used for delivery of our integrated curriculum, including story time, game playing, and small group work.
The new carpet installation has been made possible by the generous donations made to the School’s Building Fund over many years. We thank all parents, both past and present, for their ongoing and generous support, and trust that the carpet installation project demonstrates that the School is directing your donations to projects that directly benefit the learning outcomes of your children. We encourage you to please continue giving so that we can embark on more projects that will improve Kamaroi for the benefit of all.
Michael Twigg
Business Manager
Parent Association
Next PA Meeting
Please join us for our first Meeting of Term 3!
We’ll be discussing the Spring Festival Open Day, along with other ongoing PA projects.
When: Wednesday 3rd August
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Zoom
Any questions?
Please reach out: kamaroi.pa@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
Warmly,
The PA Committee
Parent Education
Term 3 Parent Education
Biography Work to Support Health & Immunity - With Lisa Devine
Wednesday 27th July
ONSITE - Kamaroi School, 220 Forest Way, Belrose
Inviting Harmony Workshop - with Raphael’s Rooms Practitioners
Thursday 4th August
ONSITE – Kamaroi School, 220 Forest Way, Belrose
Inviting Harmony Workshop (Weekend) - With Raphael's Rooms Practitioners
Saturday 6th August
ONSITE – Kamaroi School, 220 Forest Way, Belrose
STONE SOUP and SOURDOUGH BREAD Family Workshop with Sandra Frain
Sunday 14th August
ONSITE - Kamaroi School, 220 Forest Way, Belrose
The Nature of Childhood; a Parents Perspective - with John Holmes
Thursday 18th August
ZOOM EVENT
The Transition From 6 To 7 Years - with Susan Laing
Thursday 25th August
ZOOM EVENT
All Parent Education Information can be found on the Kamaroi What's On Page
Kamaroi College Of Teachers
We ask that you join us in please holding in your heart dear Kobi Bennett, a Kamaroi Alumni from Lidija’s last class that graduated in 2014. Some of you may be aware of the tragic accident last weekend in a Pittwater boating accident. Kobi has been in a critical condition at Royal North Shore and is stabilising.
Although suffering some head injury, there is no brain damage - (thank goodness), and we give thanks to the spiritual world for this grace. Tragically, his dear 20-year-old girlfriend has crossed the threshold as a result. Kobi will have an extended period of physical medical support, dental reconstruction and psychological support.
Friends have set up a “GoFundMe” site for anyone who would like to contribute or share with other members of the community who they are in contact with from that time. Most of all please hold Kobi, his parents Shelley and Dan and sister Ella in your hearts, as well of course Kaysy’s eternal journey and her family who are in Germany and making their way to Australia.
There is a ‘GoFundMe’ for Kobi’s medical support and also one for Kaysy’s family to travel and to be part of the memorial celebrations for their daughter. We also ask in our meditations and prayers that the education Kobi received at Kamaroi will help carry him during this arduous time and that his inner life can be comforted and carried, both by the seeds that have been laid down and the love of his friends and broader community at Kamaroi.
In times like these, whilst we find it unfathomable to reconcile these life events, we give gratitude that we have a therapeutic curriculum and a community that builds inner strength and a capacity to rest in the support of the unseen loving wisdom in our lives with and for each other.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/kobi-bennett
On Behalf of Kamaroi’s College of Teachers
Community Notices
Chess at Kamaroi
For any students interested in Chess classes, the Term 3 classes will start this Thursday, 21st July in the PA room at 3.15pm.
Application forms were emailed to all families of Classes 2 - 6 on Tuesday, 19th July. If you did not receive one please contact the Kamaroi Office.
Kamaroi Events
Kamaroi Graduate Panel - Don't Forget To Register!
On Thursday 28th July, Kamaroi is holding an event for parents and children of classes 5 & 6, as well as for prospective families entitled the Kamaroi Graduate Panel.
Current and prospective families as well as children in the upper grades are always so interested in how our students found the transition into high school, what capacities and values they may have developed from their years with us, what memories they have, and what they learnt from their schooling at Kamaroi that they feel has helped them on their way in later years.
EVENT: Kamaroi Graduate Panel
DATE/TIME: Thursday, 28th July at 6.30pm
WHERE: Kamaroi, School Hall
Please register HERE
Kamaroi Market Stall
We're delighted that the Market Stall will be able to continue on Wednesday mornings in Term 3!
The first Market Stall will start in week 2 (Wednesday 27th July).
If you would like to volunteer for a shift please put your name down via the sign up zone - link below.
Kamaroi Key Dates
Term 3 Key Dates
Graduate Panel Event
Thursday 28th July
PA Meeting
Wednesday, 3rd August 7:30pm
Inviting Harmony Parent Education
Thursday 4th August
Inviting Harmony Parent Education (weekend)
Saturday 6th August
Class 3 Camp
9th - 11th August
School Tour
Wednesday 10th August 3:30pm
Stone Soup & Sourdough Bread Parent Workshop
Sunday 14th August
The Nature Of Childhood Parent Education
Thursday 18th August
Music A Viva
Tuesday 23rd August
The Transition From 6 to 7 Years Parent Education
Thursday 25th August
Class 5 Play
31st August - 2nd September
PA Meeting
Thursday 1st September 7:30pm
Class 2 Play
Week of 5th - 9th September
Spring Fair Open Day
Friday 9th September
Class 6 Camp
19th - 22nd September
Term Dates
Term 3:
Wednesday 20th July – Friday 23rd September
Term 4:
Wednesday 12th October – Wednesday 14th December
Kamaroi Kitchen
Tuesday 26 July
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
Warm honey lemon drink $3
Apple blueberry turnover $3
Fruits cups $3
Mix cheese feta spinach gozleme GF available $3
Lunch
Inari $1.5
Assorted sushi $3.5
Vegetable and tofu miso soup GF/DF $4
Wednesday 27 July
Morning Tea
Fresh dates, oats and cacao bliss balls (GF/DF) $1.5, Tahini Choc bliss balls (GF/DF) $1
HCT toastie on organic sourdough GF option $5
CT toastie on organic sourdough GF option $4
Pesto cheese toastie on organic sourdough GF option $4
Cinnamon scroll $3
Fruit cups $3
Lunch
Inari $1.5
Vegetarian bean tacos GF $4
Mexican fried rice GF DF $5
Thursday 28 July
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
Spelt Anzac biscuits $ GF/DF
banana cinnamon loaf $3
Warm honey lemon drink $3
Fruits cups $3
GF DF choc crackles with brown rice puff $2
Roasted veggie mini quiche GF available $2.5
Lunch
Inari $1.5
Assorted sushi $3.5
Chickpea curry DF/GF $5
Friday 29 July
Morning Tea
Cheesy pizza slice $3
Olive and basil pizza $3
Gluten free pizza $3
apple Crumble GF,DF available $4
Organic Hot Cocoa sweetened with maple syrup DF option $3
Fruit $1
Lunch
Nachos, GF Df option $6
Cheesy jacket potato Gf $4
Creamy Pumpkin soup Mug GF, DF $5
Roll $1
Tuesday 2 August
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
Spelt Anzac biscuits $2
Apple blueberry turnover $3
Warm honey lemon drink $3
Fruits cups $3
Tomato basil bocconcini bruschetta with multigrain sourdough $4 GF available
Lunch
Inari $1.5
Assorted sushi $3.5
Vegetable korma curry $5
Wednesday 3 August
Morning Tea
HCT toastie on organic sourdough gf option $5
Cheese and tomato toastie on sourdough gf option $4
Baked bean and cheese toastie gf option $4
Cinnamon scroll $3
Yoghurt berry cup $3
Golden honey chino $2
Fruit $1
Lunch
Sausage roll DF, GF option $4
Spinach and feta gf option $4
Vege soup mug GF, DF $5
Brown rice ball $3
Bread roll $1
Thursday 4 August
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
Carrot apple cake GF/DF $3
GF DF chocolate crackles $2
Fruits cups $3
Mix cheese feta olive and roast veggie muffins $4
Warm honey lemon drink $3
Lunch
Inari $1.5
Assorted sushi $3.5
GF DF pea veggie soup with bread roll $5
Bread roll $2
Friday 5 August
Morning Tea
Cheesy pizza slice $3
Olive and basil pizza $3
Gluten free pizza $3
apple Crumble GF,DF available $4
Organic Hot Cocoa sweetened with maple syrup DF option $3
Fruit $1
Lunch
Organic chicken broth noodle cup $5
Chicken dumpling bowl DF $5
Vege soup Mug GF, DF $5
Roll $1
