In striving forth toward the goal,

I feel new firmness in my soul.

The I-of-God in knowing sight

Fills all my will with gleaming light.

And in these hidden depths, this radiant glow,

By bringing light to darkness, makes the good fruit grow.

Dear GHSS Families,

There have been lots of new and exciting things taking place at Golden Hill that I would like to take the opportunity to share with you all.

Thanks to the efforts of our music teacher, Marie Limondin, I have had the pleasure of listening to the children who are participating in the Orchestral Ensemble learning their new pieces.  In the space of three short sessions I can already hear the improvement and I can certainly say that you are in for a treat when they make their debut performance!  Thank you to Marie and parents for getting behind this intitiative.  It is such a fabulous opportunity for all involved.

Class 7s have been working with Matt Sivyer of Denmark FM each Wednesday morning, to write and record segments for the local radio station.  Then they head off to sailing with Denmark Sailing Club to learn all about the science of pulleys and leavers in a very practical way as they learn all about how to sail at the rivermouth.  Oh to be a school kid again!

NAPLAN testing for years 3, 5 and 7 students takes place next week.  Thank you to those parents who submitted their withdrawal forms by the due date of today.  If you are still wanting to withdraw your child and have not done so already you will need to contact the school ASAP. 

The tests will take place in the morning.  Students not sitting the test will be engaged in other learning activities with staff.  No test takes longer than 60 mins, so please ensure that children still attend school, as we don't want them to miss all the other great learning that will happen throughout the day when the testing is not taking place.  

Jacqui Hollingworth

Principal

Each newsletter we will be sharing a virtue that will be the focus in our school over the following three weeks.  

What is Perseverance? Perseverance is being purposeful and steadfast.  It is sticking to something, staying committed, no matter how long it takes or what obstacles appear to stop you.  A good example is the story of the tortoise and the hare.  Even though the tortoise was slower than the hare, he won the race because he persevered - he didn't let anything stop him or distract him.  He kept on going.

Why Practice it? Without perseverance, people give up on things easily.  They don't keep their promises.  When we persevere, people can depend on us to finish what we start and to keep our commitments.  When we persevere, we stay friends even when the friendship is tested.  We don't give up until a problem is solved.

How do you practice it? You practice perseverence by committing to someone or something.  Choose your commitments wisely and then stick with them.  When you commit to a task, pace yourself, and be persistent, doing it step-by-step.  Stand by your friends even when they aren't much fun, or are having a hard time.  When trouble or doubts come up, be like a strong ship in a storm.  Don't let yourself become battered or blown off course.  Just ride the waves.

Signs of Success Congratulations!  You are practicing Perseverance when you...

• Think before deciding to commit to someone or something.
• Pace yourself.
• Set goals and stick with them until they are complete.
• Take one step at a time, remaining steady.
• Don't let doubts or tests blow you off course.
• Stand by your friends and loved ones.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence.  Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent... Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent'."  Anonymous

At Golden Hill Steiner School, we do not have a compulsory school uniform, but we do have a Dress Code.  This has always been a part of our Parent Handbook and also appears in our Student Code of Conduct.  However, we have noticed of late that students are beginning to come to school in clothing items that are not considered appropriate according to our Dress Code.

Please ensure that children wear clothing that:

• Is clean and in good repair without holes and tears. (This includes the holes and tears that are paid for as fashion!)
• Covers their midriff.
• Is an appropriate length. (Shorts, skirts and dresses should reach the end of the students fingertips when their arm is at rest by their side at a minimum.)
• Is not displaying large images and slogans.
• Is any colour, however, we discourage  the wearing of black.
• Is sun-safe - a broad brimmed hat and covered shoulders.
• Is appropriate footwear for the season.  On gardening and woodwork days, fully enclosed shoes and tied back hair is essential for safety reasons.

Our Djeran (Autumn) Festival was scheduled to coincide with the Equinox and Harmony Day on March 21st however, due to unforseen circumstances, we have had to move the Festival to Tuesday March 28th.  Our Festival will mark the end of the Bunuru (second summer) and the heralding in of Djeran (Autumn).  Please adjust you calendar accordingly.

Class carers will be in touch shortly in relation to the organising of the Courage Challenge activity for which each class is responsible.

It’s been a hot and dry start to the gardening year, with most classes seeking the shade in the middle of the day.  But the enthusiasm of the children to garden, cook and eat is strong!

With much excitement, Class 4 undertook their wheelbarrow licence and passed with flying colours!  They all negotiated a wheelbarrow loaded with a full watering can around a tricky obstacle course.  This week the class made basil pesto (from their own garden), served with carrot and zucchini noodles.  Insect studies will also feature in their gardening journey this year.

Class 5/6 are preparing for their main lesson in Botany with a study of some of the more common plants around the school grounds.  Botanical drawings will be a common theme for the year also.  Half of the class are developing a herb patch for herbal teas, while the others have feasted on fresh biodynamic sweet corn that grew well over the holidays.

Class 7 have each chosen a tree in the orchard to be the custodian of this year.  This will involve weeding, feeding, pruning and dealing with pests and/or diseases.  Studying plants and soil organisms will be a large part of their gardening year and we have started to look at leaves under microscopes.  The class will begin to plant quick growing vegetable crops next week in preparation for a “cafe” in Week 10.

The theme threading through this will be healthy soil equals healthy plants equals healthy people.

A reminder to parents that any help, either in the gardens or during gardening classes, would be most appreciated... Give me a call on 0456 229 124 if you would like to help, as after all, kike never sleeps!

Happy gardening to all.

Neal

Rich in royal worth and valour, rich in holy Vedic lore.  Dasaratha ruled his empire in the happy days of yore.  So begins the Indian epic, the Ramayana, and so too begins our own epic journey through the rich Class 5/6 curriculum.

Gods, goddesses, mantras, yoga, meditation and the fascinating history of this magical part of our world, have woven us into an integrated whole and set our imaginations afire!

The concepts of Maya, Karma, Dharma and reincarnation have broadened our philosophical horizons and visits from local yoga teacher Emma D'Souza have stretched more than our imagination!

This wonderful main lesson was topped off by a magnificent Indian feast.  Many thanks to all the parents and caregivers that took the time to shop, chop, measure and cook with the children.  We couldn't be prouder of what they achieved.  Keep an eye out for our upcoming cookbook launch!

Meanwhile, during our focus on the ‘Wonder and Wisdom of Words’ with Renee, after writing our hymns to Agni the fire god (in order to ensure the sun is resurrected each morning), we have explored the Chinese myth in which the sun is stolen by demons and hidden in a cave, through the text ‘Bawshou Rescues the Sun’.  We have then been using our new understandings of simile, metaphor and direct speech to retell this epic tale with flair!

Thanks to our fabulous Class Carers and all the parents who have stepped up so beautifully and wholeheartedly to support us in the first five weeks of term.  We know we are in for a rich year!

Renee and Ashley

Class 1/2 have experienced many changes this year.  We have tripled in size, welcomed our new Class 1's, as well as four new students (and families) in Henry, Harry, Jasper and Koa.

The children have met this new beginning with an openness and boundless enthusiasm for sharing, learning, helping and trying.

Much of what we have done to date is centred on meeting one another in a vast array of ways to allow our eyes, ears and hearts opportunities to see, hear and feel anew.  Planting the seed day by day for new connections, possible friendships, plenty of giggles and the formation of a new class community.

Content wise, we have begun the year with class specific form drawing.  Class 1 have since discovered and practiced their first consonants, while Class 2 have continued to challenge themselves with handwriting, word building, reading and exercising this through a range of word games.

This week Class 1 begins to experience quality in numbers, while Class 2 will begin to “chew” on the wisdom of Animal Fables from Aesop’s collection and the Panchatantra, and to write and “post” letters to their classmates.

Each Monday we have worked on a progressive series of shaded and guided drawing exercises, which encourages the children to think flexibly and to have a willingness to wait and see what might emerge.

Here is a small glimpse:

Welcome to the new school year.

My name is Rochelle Klose and I will be the School Health Nurse who visits your school this year.

School Health Nurses work in schools to promote healthy development and wellbeing so students may reach their full potential.  A major part of my work is focused on early intervention and the School Entry Health Assessment program.  Additionally, the nurse can be contacted at any time throughout primary school if you have concerns about your child’s health, development or wellbeing.

School Health Nurses serve as a health contact point for children and their families, providing information, assessment, health counselling and referral.  They also work in partnership with schools to support teachers in health related curriculum and can assist in the development of health care plans for students with complex and chronic health needs.

The services provided are free and confidential.

Please contact me on 9848 0616 / 0427 426 137 and/or rochelle.klose@health.wa.gov.au

With some beautiful warm weather still around we would love to share with you a chilled soup recipe from the book - The Waldorf School Book of Soups.

Vichyssoise (Leek and Potato Soup)

4 medium sized leeks, white part only

1 medium sized onion

1/2 cup butter

5 medium sized potatoes, peeled and finely sliced

4 cups chicken broth

1-2 cups heavy cream

sea salt and white pepper

chopped watercress, parsley, or chives

Saute leeks and onions in butter.

Add potatoes.

Add chicken broth, and sea salt and white pepper.

Simmer until vegetables are tender.

Cool.

Process in blender or food processor until smooth.

Add cream.

Chill.

Serve with garnish of watercress, parsley or chives.

Garnish at serving time with spring onions.

Serves 4

There have been several cases of Head Lice found in the school and so we ask that each family do a daily head check of their children/s hair at home (and if necessary treat) for the next fortnight.

Head lice (nits) are a common problem in primary school aged children.  Head lice do not spread disease, but their bites can cause itching and sometimes skin irritation.  There are safe and effective ways to treat head lice at home.

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed that live in the hair of humans and animals where they feed on blood by biting the skin.  Head lice commonly affect children but adults can also have lice.

What are the symptoms of head lice?

Lice often cause itching of the skin.  Bites can cause the skin to become red and irritated, which can be made worse by scratching.

You can see the lice and nits (eggs) if you look closely at your head and scalp.  Nits look like tiny white dots attached firmly to the hair.  They cannot be brushed or flicked off the hair, but must be physically removed with fingers or fingernails or special nit combs.

How are head lice spread?

Head lice are only found on the human head or hair.  Lice can spread when people are in close contact and when they share an affected comb or hair brush.

Lice need warmth and blood to survive so they do not live for long on furniture, hats, bedding, carpet or anywhere else in the environment.

How are head lice treated?

There are two main treatment options for head lice:

• wet combing using conditioner and a fine-tooth comb
• chemical removal using synthetic or natural insecticides

The wet combing method is a cheap and effective way to treat head lice.  The conditioner doesn’t kill the lice but it briefly stuns them, making it easier for the nit comb to trap and remove the lice and eggs.

If you decide to use chemical treatment, it is important that you follow the instructions closely.  Repeat the chemical treatment in a week to kill any newly hatched eggs.

No single treatment works for everyone.  You might need to try a few different treatments or a combination to find the method that works best for you.

Should I keep my child home from school?

There is no requirement to keep children home from school or child care as long as effective treatment begins before the next day of school or child care.

Can head lice be prevented?

It is difficult to prevent head lice.  There is no evidence that chemical or herbal products can ward off head lice.  Some people think that having clean hair can prevent head lice — but head lice are attracted to hair — long or short, clean or not.

Head lice are not a health threat, but they are very difficult to eradicate.  Therefore, when evidence of head lice is found on a student, this note will be sent to all families within that class.  The presence of head lice is a very common childhood occurrence and being part of a school community, it is inevitable that head lice are present.

If staff at school notice live lice in a student’s hair, parents will be telephoned and asked to come and collect their child and treat their hair.  Students are most welcome to return to school once a treatment has occurred and no live lice are present. 

Thank you in advance for your commitment and assistance with this issue.

Golden Hill Steiner School

The school car park is a busy place, especially during the times when parents are dropping children to school in the morning, or picking children up from school in the afternoon.  In the interests of keeping ALL the children (including little brothers and sisters) safe we ask that parents only use the footpaths to walk through the school grounds, and that they also speak to their children about only using the footpaths when heading into or out of the school grounds, especially around the car park.

Please see the map above which indicates by the red arrows the paths around the car park which we request families to walk on, rather than cutting across the car park to the oval or into the school grounds.

Thank you all for your assistance with this process and helping keep everyone safe!

Hi Golden Hill Families,

Have you moved house recently, changed your phone number or email address???

If any of your contact details have changed please make sure you have updated the office so we have current details on file.

If you are not sure if we have your most up-to-date details, please feel free to ring the office on 9848 1811 or come in and speak to Rebekah or Jody so that we can check.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Admin Staff

PLEASE NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED TO SECOND SEMESTER.  WE WILL ADVISE WHEN WE KNOW A DATE.

Thanks to one of our fabulous parents, Tamala Ridge, Golden Hill Steiner School has been given the opportunity to host an amazing parent workshop delivered by Above & Beyond Education.  Tammy and Todd will be presenting to parents on Friday March 24th, from 9am - 12pm.

This workshop is a free event for parents, on understanding the importance of taking a holistic brain-based approach to wellbeing & learning.  It will explain how and why a variety of factors help or hinder children, from a neuroscience perspective.  Of particular importance is that the workshop is very practical, so for every topic shared there are numerous real-life examples of how parents can use the knowledge in the real-world, with their children, every day. 

Why Steiner education works has more to do with how the brain develops and functions optimally than Rudolf Steiner ever could have known.  Sure the educator and founder of Steiner Education theorised convincingly about how children learn best, but until MRIs and other sophisticated measures of the brain were developed we had no way to prove or disprove any of Steiner’s theories with precision and accuracy - until now!  An overwhelming body of evidence from the last 20 years of neuroscientific inquiry supports Steiner’s theories, including some of the most fundamental foci of Steiner Education. 

If anyone has any questions, please reach out to us on Facebook messenger www.facebook.com/denmarksoccer or via denmarkjuniorsoccer@gmail.com

Please know that as a school we are always open to feedback should you wish to provide it.  We are constantly striving to refine our processes and make improvements where necessary.

Feel free to contact us via phone (9848 1811), email - office@goldenhill.wa.edu.au or principal@goldenhill.wa.edu.au) or come in and make an appointment to speak with someone.

Positive feedback especially welcome!