In wintry depths of night

The  majesty of heaven is so close to me,

Becuase my heart's new power and might

Makes real and full of substance all the things I see.

There falmes in me, against all ice and frost, all rain and sleet,

the leaping, dancing fire-forces of my heart to give me

light and heat.

Dear GHSS Families,

Welcome back to a wintery (at last!) Term 3 here at Golden Hill. I hope that the three-week winter break offered everyone both outer and inner refreshment. In his recent article, Andrew Hill from Steiner Education Australia noted that this is often the time of year when things can ‘compound into a weariness that feels like you’re running on empty. In its extreme, it can have the characteristics of burnout. It’s a time to remind ourselves of what we need to do to recharge.’

After all, the excitement and novelty of a brand new school year is now seven months behind us, and the dark winter days can bring with them colds, fatigue and illnesses. Andrew Hill goes on to refer to what many call burnout as ‘soul tiredness’ - when one runs out of all creative energy and feels completely empty: our soul’ is tired.

Whilst the media often tries to convince us that the remedy to burnout or fatigue is some form of ‘retail therapy’ or decadent self-indulgence, a cheaper and perhaps more self-sustaining remedy is that of ‘wonder’. 

We are here to experience wonder. That is what we have come into this life for, I think. From the birth of a lamb to a sunset over the fields. To not live a life of wonder is to not live at all. Becoming part of the great symphony of life…. is a calling. I have been invited to take part.

There is a wonder in the moment, wonder in the action, and I know now that in the wonder, I can discover myself. 

- John Connell

Cultivating a sense of curiosity and wonder is a hallmark of Steiner education - the ability to lift our gaze and attune our hearts to the (often unnoticed) miracles around us. Each day, Steiner teachers attempt to bring in a mood of wonder into the classroom in some way - be it through story, humour, or observation. As Andrew Hill states, this gives children tools for the journey of life. It is perhaps a lesson for us all, especially at this time of year.

Eliza Allan

Principal