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PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 1
Periwinkle Preschool– Newsletter – December, 2012
A Word From Ellon ... Hello Everyone
Another year has closed and one can feel the air of excitement and anticipation building as we move towards Christmas and a summer holiday. For the older children who sailed their boats as part of our end of year celebrations, there is also the excitement of moving on to big school. One also feels a sense of joy as we reflect on all the journeys of the different children while they are here at Periwinkle. Our end of year celebrations evidenced how far the children had come in their journey as independent and active life-‐long learners. I am certain we can all feel confident that these children have been building a healthy foundation that will support their further development at school. I always feel moved and very humble to be part of their journey and each child deserves a big thank-‐you for allowing us all to walk with them.
As this year is rapidly coming to a close, one gets a sense of the ever-‐increasing speed at which we are all living our lives. Yes-‐even here in Byron Bay! It seems to be getting harder and harder to fine the balance between work, family life, and time for oneself. My wish for you all this Christmas is that there will be a space to slow down, rejuvenate, and enjoy the holidays with your children. Remember your children are learning through imitation and to plant the seeds of balance, taking time to slow down and relax, is a wonderful gift for their future. I do understand this is a task easier said then done and something that I am struggling with in my own life.
On behalf of all staff I would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Periwinkle community for the nurturing gifts we have been presented with this year. We have set the date (January 24th) and are all going off together to be pampered and spoilt. It makes the demands of our work and the extra efforts we sometimes have to go to in the call of duty worthwhile.
May you all have a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy HolidaysLove and BlessingsEllon
Children Sailing their Boats in 2012
Friday 14th December
AnoukArrowArwynBanjoIndigoRiverSaya
Tuesday 18th December
Angelina Caelan Che Gigi Kade Kaden
Macushla Marlon Ryan ShinWillow ShraddhaSuneeWilZane
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 2
It was a joyful afternoon last month when we finally celebrated the official unveiling of our new Periwinkle Preschool Kitchen and Craft space.
Invited guests who came on the day included kitchen builder extraordinaire, Iain Henderson (sadly, his co-‐builder Rudi was unable to make it), the Manager from Harvey Norman, Chris Greene, Barbara Wilson who made the curtains, PMC members, and Periwinkle families.
We shared some nibblies before toasting this amazing achievement. Thank you to everyone for your feedback, comments, and support. This kitchen renovation was truly a sign of the wonderful, giving community to which we belong.
Periwinkle Preschool Official Kitchen OpeningFriday 30th November, 2012
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 3
The Experience of Painting in a Steiner Pre-school
A Parent Education evening exploring one aspect of daily kindergarten life.
7th November, 2012
... and so began our evening adventure as Ellon invited the group of parents to engage in the painting process offered to the children on a weekly basis. Ellon asked us not to worry about what we would paint, but rather to immerse ourselves in the experience of painting, for only then can there be the ‘possibility of inspiration to arise’. As Ellon reminded us, when we are too busy, or stuck in our heads, we block the possibilities. Isn’t this a
metaphor for life today. Ellon shared with us that the self initiated play is a strong focus of the young child’s daily work. It is through the play that we see the young artist shine as each of them bring their own individual nature to the experience. The artistic activities are more homeopathic. The painting is programmed only once a week for the child and the goal is to allow them to experience colour. However there is an element of the painting activity that helps children to construct ‘social norms’, such as learning to feel in control of their
environment, learning to be and work in a group setting, or demonstrating care and consideration such as filling up the water glass for your friend who will paint next. Painting also allows children to pay attention to beauty and aesthetics. We all enjoyed the evening immensely, particularly being given the gift of time to indulge our senses and enjoy this unhurried exercise at the end of the year.
‘When you allow yourself the space to paint quietly, even in a crowded
room, you can become totally
absorbed in the painting...’
Working Bee, Term Three
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 4
Periwinkle’s “25 Candles for 25 Cakes”We are proud to launch Periwinkle Preschool’s new cookbook, “25 Candles for 25 Cakes” and give thanks to a number of last year’s parents who kindly baked for the 25th Celebrations and whom donated their delicious recipes, and to the editor Jenny Edney who donated her time to
ensure the book was professional and beautifully produced. Copies are now available at Periwinkle for $10. Please place your money into the cookbook envelope by the sign-‐in desk. Wouldn’t it make a wonderful Christmas gift for loved ones?
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 5
Celebrating the Seasons at Periwinkle:
Summer Festival, 2012 and Farewell Ceremony
We were welcomed to the Summer Festival with a frangipani-‐lined pathway, and flowers galore. Inside, the children enacted the story of Mary and Joseph in a
lovely simple manner, reminding us once again of the grace of the season. Each child was given a special role, perhaps as an Inn Keeper or Angel, or an animal from the barnyard or fields. It was lovely to see
the children participate and embrace their role with earnest joy.
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 6
The day continued with a shared feast of scrumptious offerings including fresh fruit, homemade dips and vegan sausage rolls.
After a time of conversation and reminiscing, children and parents
gathered together to bid farewell to those whose Periwinkle journey was complete. These children collected their walnut shell boat and sailed it upon the still water to symbolise their courage as they take steps for a new beginning.
Finally, all children received the gift of their work, all wrapped up and presented lovingly from their teachers. The highlight for me, and I’m sure I speak for all parents, was the child’s individual photographic portfolio. What a treasure to cherish for life. Thank you to the teachers, especially Ellon and Kellie, who worked hard all weekend to
finalise the printing of the books. We truly appreciate your efforts.
Celebrating the Seasons at Periwinkle:
Summer Festival, 2012 and Farewell Ceremony...
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 7
Celebrating Advent in the Home
by Tanya Wesolowski
Advent is the period including the four Sundays before Christmas. If you would like to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way with your child, observing Advent is an ideal way to prepare for this.
In our family, we light one candle each Sunday before Christmas until the light of four candles herald the birth of Christ. The first candle is accompanied by something from the mineral world, like a rock or crystal, the second candle includes something from the plant world, third from the animal world and fourth from the world of Man.
You can slowly build a nativity scene this way until the Christ child arrives in his manger on Christmas Eve. We have a felted golden ladder on a starry dark blue night sky with the rungs numbering the 4 weeks before Christmas. My children enjoy moving Baby Jesus down the ladder each morning until he reaches the manger on Earth on Christmas Eve. It is a kind of Advent calendar. You could also do the openable paper windows or a string of tiny presents -‐ one for each day leading up to Christmas. The presents need only be small things -‐ a biscuit, a small piece of wax, poem, shell etc. It is the sheer anticipation that the children enjoy.
Advent can be a time of preparation where your child prepares gifts and cards for others. This year I have been inspired to try leaving small surprises for strangers , like a coin and small card taped to a gumball machine or hand picked flowers to give randomly. I think this will be a fun way for my children to experience the joy of giving. Nativity figures and Christmas decorations can be created from odds and ends or simply the old favourite : beeswax. A Wreath is also a good Advent craft activity and can be a beautiful seasonal representation.
Whatever you choose to do in the weeks preceding Christmas, I hope it is fun and inspiring for you and your children.
Periwinkle Preschool Parent
Library ReminderAny parents who have borrowed books from the Periwinkle Preschool library this year, are kindly asked to return them before
Christmas. We hope you found the books inspiring and thought-‐provoking for your family life.
News from the Garden Gnomes...It’s hard to believe another year at Periwinkle is about to come to a close. This was our third year at this beloved school and lucky for me, we have one more!
We just wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to all the families who have helped out this year with working bees and maintenance at the school. It’s been a tremendous year for volunteering at Periwinkle. There was the kitchen remodel, the support for Christine, the fundraising efforts.. just to mention a few. And the volunteering continues!
A few weekends ago, a group of dads came to install new turf. We are so grateful to have so many loving hands doing all this work. Not only are we blessed to have the highest caliber of care in our teaching and support staff, but we also have an amazing parent community to assist them. Wishing you all a joyous holiday and hope to see you around the town!Sincerely, Cyndi and Daniel Harris
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 8
Periwinkle Preschool would like to thank Toby Andrews of www.lilypad.com.au for his
work in designing the new Periwinkle logo. Isn’t it just lovely?
2013 Dates
Orientation Night Wednesday 23rd January
7pm -‐ 8.30pmWe invite and encourage all returning parents to attend the orientation night to help us to welcome the new families to our community. Hope to see you there.
First Day of Term, 2013Wednesday children: Wed, 30th JanuaryThurs/Fri children: Thurs, 31st JanuaryMon/Tues children: Monday, 4th February
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-‐time.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder
A gift for our teachers from the Periwinkle Management
Committee, and Parents.
This year, Periwinkle Management Committee, on behalf of all parents, have gifted all Periwinkle staff with a voucher to enjoy a day out!
We have organised for our beloved team to spend the morning at Gaia Resort, swimming in the glorious pool or indulging in a sauna, relaxing with a special treatment of their choice, and enjoying lunch in these splendid surrounds.
The team plan to venture out in late January and spend this time together, regrouping and re-energising for a new start in 2013.
We wish them a lovely, sunny day!
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 9
1 Banksia Drive, Arts and Industry Estate, Byron BayPh: 1300 555 632 www.natureschild.com.au
Phone to have a FREE catalogue posted anywhere in Australia
School Slippers Wooden Toys Organic Underwear 0 – 8yrsBPA free bottles and lunchboxes School Drawing Books & Materials
Organic Cotton Bedding Organic Skincare Organic NappiesOrganic Cotton Baby Carriers
Organic Shop
Reflections on our time at Periwinkle...
When I moved next door to Periwinkle many years ago, I knew my future child would go there someday.
I feel so blessed that Indigo had the opportunity to grow in such a beautiful school. Periwinkle has really allowed her to explore, be free, imagine and dream, surrounded by warm and nurturing teachers who truly love her.
Indigo has grown into such a confident , strong girl with many friends. Periwinkle has really been another home for her when sometimes her world outside was challenging with her daddy away.
I delight in the things she has learned at Periwinkle-‐ the little songs she sings, stories of her day, new friends made or lost! and her newfound respect and awe of nature, bugs, and animals. She is ready to fearlessly take the leap into big school full of beautiful memories of Periwinkle she will keep forever.
I am also grateful to be part of such a wonderful community on her journey.We will miss you.
Thank you Periwinkle, from Tash, Indigo and her family. x
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 10
THE INNER WORK AND ANTHROPOSOPHY COURSES FOR ESTABLISHING OR DEEPENING MEDITATIVE
PRACTICE WITH LISA ROMERO
Rudolf Steiner gave many exercises and meditations to strengthen the human being through its journey of developing consciousness. Together we will explore the inner work, the birth of the higher self, the spiritual year and how exercises can bring us closer to our own experience of these processes. This will enable us to both hold and further our daily practices. Those wishing to establish a meditative life and long-‐ term meditants have found this work invaluable in deepening their relationship to the path. This is a 3-‐day commitment.
FOUNDATION COURSE 2013 DATES SUNDAYS 17TH FEBRUARY, 17TH MARCH 14TH APRIL TIME: 9.30 - 2.30VENUE: MULLUMBIMBY, NSW COST $300 (INCLUDES LUNCH)TO DISCUSS THE COURSE, PLEASE CONTACTLISA ROMERO (02) 6684 1636FOR BOOKING ENQUIRIES AND DIRECT [email protected] OR KATHERINA KISS (02)66846147
LISA ROMERO is a practising homoeopath who has applied an anthroposophic approach to her practice since 1990. In 1998 she began teaching out of anthroposophy.Lisa designed and facilitated the Educaredo Towards Health and Healing course. This training ran eight, year-‐long courses, working with therapists from all modalities as well as Waldorf teachers to bring the practical application of therapeutic and pedagogical methods.For several years Lisa was the lecturer for health and nutrition and male/female studies at Parsifal College (now Sydney Rudolf Steiner College). She also regularly lectures in numerous courses and schools within Australia, Asia and USA.The variety and quality of her lectures and knowledge allows her to meet many communities from the point of view of their needs. Essentially Lisa’s work springs from the inner work of meditation and exercises and her dedication to the path of unfolding consciousness. She brings a depth of insight that is reflected in the experiences and changes of the participants who share in this work.
"THE CONDITIONS OF ESOTERIC TRAINING"(Please contemplate these thoughts before the course begins)1. The first condition is that the student should pay heed to the advancement of bodily and spiritual health.2. The second condition is that the student should feel himself coordinated as a link in the whole of life.3. The third condition is that the student must work his way upward to the realisation that his thoughts and feelings are as important to the world as his actions. It must be realised that it is equally injurious to hate a fellow being as to strike him.4. The fourth condition is to acquire the conviction that the real being of man does not lie in his exterior but in his interior.5. The fifth condition is steadfastness in carrying out a resolution.6. The sixth condition is the development of a feeling of thankfulness for everything with which man is favoured. 7. All these conditions must be united in a seventh: to regard life unceasingly in the manner demanded by these
conditions.
"It should be emphasised that the complete fulfilment of any one of these conditions is not insisted upon, but only the corresponding effort.
No one can wholly fulfill them, but everyone can start on the path toward them. It is the effort of will that matters, and the ready disposition to enter upon this path."
Rudolf Steiner, Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and its Attainment (Chapter V)
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 11
A Full Day Workshop with Susan Perrow for Teachers, Parents & Health Practitioners
Date: Saturday 2nd March 2013
Times: 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (Registration 9.00 a.m.) Venue: Periwinkle Pre-school, 5 Sunrise Blvde, Sunrise Beach, Byron Bay
Cost: $90 / $70 conc. / (includes morning and afternoon tea) (Early bird prices - $80/ $60 conc. – to be paid by 10th February 2013)
Bookings essential (numbers limited to 20): [email protected]; 0413734125
SUSAN PERROW (M. ED) Susan is a writer, storyteller, teacher trainer and parent educator. In 2000 she developed the first course on Storytelling for an Australian University (S.C.U.). and completed her Masters Research on Storytelling in a cross-cultural situation (post-apartheid South Africa). From 2001 to 2003 she was funded by the Australian Government to pilot creative courses and (storytelling) resources for children with challenging behaviour – CARE Program, Byron Council
Today her time is spent writing, consulting with teachers, parents and therapists, and running workshops on therapeutic story-writing and storytelling. She travels internationally - from China to Africa, Europe to America and across her own sun-drenched land of Australia. Her two resource
books, ‘Healing Stories for Challenging Behaviour’, and ‘Therapeutic Storytelling’ have been translated into several languages, including Mandarin (simplified Chinese), Korean, Traditional Chinese, Croatian
and Portuguese. They will both be for sale at the workshop.
For workshop testimonials and book information, refer to www.healingthroughstories.com
Therapeutic Storytelling Healing Challenging Behaviour Through the Medium of Story
In this workshop, examples, ideas and techniques for writing healing (‘medicinal’) stories will be shared and the therapeutic use of metaphor
explored. With the support of a story-making framework, the participants will be guided to create their own stories addressing a range of challenging behaviours and challenging situations (with children, teens and adults).
PERIWINKLE PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012, PAGE 12
PERIWINKLE CONTACT DETAILSPeriwinkle PreschoolSunrise Boulevard,
Sunrise Beach Estate, Byron Bay NSW 2481
(02) 6685 [email protected] www.periwinkle.nsw.edu.au
Director: Ellon Gold NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Periwinkle parents and friends are invited to submit articles and photographs for the newsletter. Please email submissions to: [email protected]
Editor: Amber Greene
SPONSORSHIP WELCOME!Newsletter sponsorship is $10 per edition to be
prepaid by EFT or cheque. Account details:
Periwinkle PreschoolBSB: 082489
Account: 570447998
DISTRIBUTIONThis newsletter is distributed by email. Past families and others interested in Periwinkle are invited to join
the distribution list.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSBoat illlustration, http://www.etsy.com/listing/
110032936/vintage-‐children-‐pencil-‐sketch-‐playing
Term 4 photographs by Ellon Gold, Amber GreeneCyndi Harris and Tash Grey.
Wishing all our Families,
old and new,
a wonderful and safe,
Christmas season and
summer holiday.
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