Here we are at the last newsletter for 2019 and we have held it back so as to include all the last bits of fabulous news we wish to share with families before the year ends.

I was blessed to be a part of one of my many favourite Golden Hill rites of passage this morning – the Stepping Stones graduation for our K6 Karri Kindergarten children. After being nurtured by our Early Childhood staff over the last few years, it is time for the children to progress to formal learning on their class 1-6 journey. And is ever so delightful that they are able to continue with a relationship they established in Silver Birch, with Lisa as their class teacher in partnership with Bruce and Ashley and supported by Sophia. Thank you to Denise, Bruce, Clare, Merveena and Heidi for such a wonderful gathering to recognise our kindergarten children.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Heidi Barndon for the work she has been doing in the Kindy for the past two years, providing assistance to students. Heidi in leaving her position as an Education Assistant with us to undertake an ew journey into home-schooling. I would like to thank her for her contributions to Golden Hill Steiner School and wish her and the family all the best on their new adventure.

And tomorrow is the other of my favourites. The graduation of our class 6 children, who head off to high school in the new year. Again, such a beautiful celebration of their journey at Golden Hill and the unique individuals that make up the class. I invite you to join us in the Hall at 9.30. Class 5/6 students are to gather in the classroom prior, along with any Class 6 parents who wish to join a procession from the class through bamboo village, to the hall. All other parents and guests will await their arrival in the hall where a slide show featuring our graduates will be playing.

Over the summer break the school will begin the Admin upgrade building project for which we received grant funding in 2017. This is much needed and long awaited project is scheduled for completion at the start of Term 2. Our office will be relocated to Class 3 for first term and whilst every effort will be made to ensure a smooth transition, we ask for your patience and understanding while we deal with any glitches as they arise.

Parent participation hours can be earned by assisting in the grounds over the holidays and there is of course our Busy Bee to kick of the school year om the weekend prior to school beginning. Please see the notice further in the newsletter.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the entire Golden Hill Steiner community:–

To ALL the staff who have contributed in multitudinous ways – often above and beyond the expectations of their job  description – to the education of the children and promoting Steiner education and our wonderful school to the community. Thank you all!

To the parents who have supported the staff and the children in  many and varied ways and who promote our school in the wider community as the education for a brighter future. Thank you!

And to all the children – our reason for being – who are the shining light of our school. Thank you!

Wishing you and yours all the blessings of Christmas and restful, joyous break. I leave you with these words of wisdom from Rudolf Steiner.

“Love is higher than opinion. If people love one another, the most varied opinions can be reconciled…this is one of the most important tasks for humankind today and in the future: that we learn to live together and understand one another.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rudolf Steiner.