“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” 

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

This quote seemed such an appropriate start to this fortnight’s newsletter. My heart is truly full to overflowing, as is this newsletter, with the gratitude I feel for the work and efforts of our entire school community.

Spring Festival At the end of last term we celebrated Spring on an amazing, sun-filled day. Many thanks to all the families that joined us on the day and who supplied flowers and greenery for our garlands. The children’s performances were delightful – and the maypole by Class 3 the crowning glory. Many thanks to Ashley for his wonderful story. Robyn did a fabulous job, once again, of organising the games. Photos are included in the newsletter.

Open Afternoon and Bush Dance We returned after the break to the excitement of yet another gathering of our community with the Open Afternoon and Bush Dance. And I have heard nothing but positive feedback form the school community for this wonderful event, marking the 100^th Anniversary of Steiner Education. A huge thanks to the teachers for preparing their classes and the children for the Open Afternoon. And to parents for getting them along and visiting each of the rooms. Again, my deepest gratitude to the efforts of Mary Lou and Denise in organising the Bush Dance, to Mike for the work he did in preparing the Golden Hill Fiddlers and organising his band to ensure the success of the evening, to Robyn and Mary Lou for the advertising and promotion of the event, to Robyn for proposing the Open Afternoon to promote our school, to Rosie, Kylie and Carol for their amazing efforts in transforming our hall – and to all of our families who came along with food and friends to support and celebrate all that is wonderful about Steiner education and our school. Such a lovely drawing together of our community. 

Class 5/6 Play And again, this week, so thankful for the opportunity to see the Class 5/6 play. Well done to all the children and teachers, Kate and Ashley. It was a truly amazing performance.

Swimming A reminder that Swimming Lessons begin next week. Children are to come to school with their bathers on underneath their clothes. Please ensure that a pair of underpants, and dry towel is packed for each day, and we recommend that all items of clothing and goggles and bags are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

P&F A reminder that the meeting to re-establish our P&F is scheduled for Friday November 1^st

^{Jacqui Hamblin}

^Principal

After a hiatus of many years, an old Golden Hill tradition was reborn last Saturday night as our school hall was transformed into a country barn, and an enthusiastic and generous crowd came along to dosy-do and promenade their way through the night, with breaks to enjoy delicious soups, savouries and cakes washed down with cuppas and water. The wonderful Mike Hyder and band along with our own Golden Hill Fiddlers entertained the crowd and got everyone up dancing!

From the seed of Mary-Lou's idea, a wonderful community gathering became a celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the first Waldorf/Steiner school, which was also a way to raise much-needed funds for a very isolated Steiner Kindergarten in Kerala, South India.

Thank you, thank you to everyone who gave so generously to enable this very successful event.

A big thank you and a bouquet to; Rosie, Kylie and Carol who transformed our school hall into a beautifully stylish country barn, it looked fabulous and created a perfect atmosphere.

Thank you to the wonderful music makers, and the children who performed Thank you to Jacqui for organising the urn, new tablecloths, and hanging the bunting.

Thank you to all the parents who brought along delicious food (and in some cases bought their own food back!) Thank you to all who helped out in the very busy kitchen, and with packing up afterwards A total of more than $1300 has been raised for Bonafide Kindergarten. 

The staff there are overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the support. 

These funds will be sent directly to the Indian branch of Mercurius (Steiner schools supplier) to enable them to have their year's supplies. Kayana, the head teacher at Bonafide told me that the support restores her faith in humanity!

Thank you to everyone, and sincere apologies if I have missed anyone

Warmly Denise

What is the Parents and Friends Association?

The Parents and Friends Association is the vehicle by which the parent body contributes its time, energy and support to the teachers and students of Golden Hill. All families at our school are automatically P&F members.

Some of the roles a school P&F may play include:

• Instigating and organising social or fundraising events and assist in the planning and preparation for whole school events such as festivals and open days.
• Providing opportunities for parents and friends to become familiar with the philosophical basis upon which the school was founded, via educational evenings and workshops.
• Supporting school families in need, whether through hardship, loss, illness or other factors.

Being involved in a P&F group provides a lot of potential for fun & community connection.

Why do we need a P&F Association?

Being part of a P&F group strengthens our community’s bonds and builds a sense of belonging, which lies at the heart of our school’s culture.

How can I get involved? 

Come to the meetings when you can. Contact Penny on goodiesfarm@outlook.com for more information.

Calling for Nominations 

The first committee meeting will be on Friday 1st November at 9.30am in Peppermint Cottage. (Please feel free to add yourself to fb event if you are able to attend).

Theresa Stockdale has nominated to be Chair

Penny Goodwin has nominated for Secretary 

We are calling for nominations for a Treasurer.

All positions vacant and anyone is welcome to nominate for any position.

We intend for committee meetings to run no longer than an hour.

If you have time to stay after the meeting for an informal ideas workshop it would be helpful to set intentions for 2020, any strong ideas will be brought to the December meeting.

We will aim for monthly meetings and alternate between a day time and night time meeting. Please let Penny know what day/time would suit you better.

EVERYONE WELCOME

Please send apologies or agenda items to Penny.