Dear GHSS Families,

Our classes have adjusted back to our usual routines and rhythms and we have welcomed seven new enrolments to the school since the start of Term 2.  With the new announcements in relation to Phase 3 of the easing of restrictions related to COVID-19, we are now able to welcome parents back on site to drop and collect students.  Parent helpers are also welcome in the classrooms and Gardening Group can once again begin.  Playgroup will be returning next term and Kylie Collyer will be setting up to re-open the school shop from Term 3 also.

Term 2 is when we traditionally hold our Winter Festival.  We are being called upon this year to be creative and redesign our Festival to fit within the requirements of the time.  This year, we will be unable to invite the entire community to gather as one with the sharing of stories and soup as we would normally do.  However, we also recognise the significance of our Festivals in providing nourishment to the individual and bringing the school community together in meaningful ways.  We also appreciate that the Winter Festival is a true rite of passage for our Class 6 students.  The staff have worked with the P&F to create a Festival that will allow for as much of this as possible whilst remaining within the guidelines required at this time.  Please refer to the details further in the newsletter.

It has been some time in the making, but the netting of our Biodynamic orchard has finally been completed and we look forward to enjoying more of the bounty over the coming seasons.  Many thanks to all those involved in making this a reality – Neal Collins, Allan Rayson, Tim & Huey Dowden-Parker, Katja & Callum Lamb, Bill Hollingworth, Penny & Dale Goodwin, Mick Miller and Sharon & Craig Lynch of Possum Creek Farms.  Now to work towards our Kitchen Garden Classroom!

Winter Festival 2020

Our Winter Festival this year will take place on Friday 19th June and will be different to past years due to the restrictions in place in relation to COVID-19.  Whilst many Steiner schools have chosen to cancel altogether, the staff and P&F at GHSS have worked on a Festival that meets the guidelines for protecting the community whilst honouring the importance of festivals as a part of the Steiner tradition and a rite of passage for our Class 6 students.  We ask that families are respectful of the restrictions that are in place to ensure the safety of our community and to honour the efforts of all involved in the organisation of the event.

1. This year’s festival is by invitation only.  All children enrolled, their caregivers and siblings are invited to attend.  Extended family and outside guests are unable to be accommodated this year.
2. Social distancing must be respected during the festival.
3. Our festival will occur in two sessions.  Each family is to attend only 1 of the 2 sessions. Children from Karri to Class 4 who do not have a sibling in Class 5/6 will attend with their caregivers and siblings from 5 - 6.30pm for their lantern and spiral walk.  At the end of the spiral walk, families will be able to collect a Winter Story scroll from a basket to take home and share as a family.  Departure from the school grounds will need to be by 6.45pm.  Children from Class 5/6 will attend from 7pm with their caregivers and siblings, including Karri to Class 4 siblings, for the lantern and spiral walk and bonfire.  Families will need to assemble around the bonfire in their family group, being mindful of social distancing.
4. In the case of inclement weather, the Festival will still go ahead, however we can’t provide an indoor contingency plan as our numbers will exceed the 100 limit.  So please bring rain jackets and brollies in case of rain.  If severe or persistent rain is forecast we will postpone the event.

Families are asked to supply greenery for the creation of the spiral.  Please deliver this to the school between Wednesday and Thursday morning for the spiral to be built on Thursday afternoon.

P&F and Class Carers will be in contact in relation to the tasks for which parent assistance is required.

Attendance

Parents are reminded that they are responsible for reporting when their child is absent from school.  This must be in written form and include the reason for the child’s absence.  Children should only remain away from school when they are ill.  At all other times it is the expectation that children attend school as every day away impacts upon their learning.

Where children are absent from school for an extended period of time due to illness, staff are able to provide learning to be completed from home.  Staff are not in a position to provide work for children who are not attending for any other reason.

The easiest way to notify the school of an absence is through the Schoolzine app.  If you have not yet downloaded the app, we encourage you to do so as it the simplest way to have the whole school and all its communications at your fingertips.

Warm Regards,

Jacqui Hamblin

Principal