No: 15 25 May 2018

THE Friday FLIER

KOTAHITANGA

Waikato Waldorf School, Kindergartens and Playcircle

Dear Waikato Waldorf Community

This year The New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI Te Riu Roa) members are leading a

campaign - “It’s Time: Community Action Planning”

So what is the Campaign all about?

1. Fixing the teacher shortage crisis

Schools are struggling to attract and retain great teachers. There is also a drop in the number of peo-

ple choosing to train as teachers. This is happening because of years of political undervaluing of the

profession. There is a 40% drop in teacher graduates in the past 5 years, growing student numbers,

and a serious shortage of teachers already. 20% more permanent fulltime teachers left teaching in

2017 than in 2013. Since the early 2000s teacher salaries have dropped significantly relative to the me-

dian NZ salary. It won't just fix itself.

2. Time to teach, time to lead.

teach, time to lead

Teachers and principals are facing immense pressure thanks to enormous workloads and more re-

sponsibilities without any additional staffing or time.

There aren't enough resources available for supporting children with additional learning needs.

Teachers and principals need time to teach, and time to lead.

You may be aware of the media release —Primary school leaders suffering stress and burnout

25 January 2017

An independent, in-depth health and wellbeing survey of primary school principals and deputies has uncovered

high levels of stress, burnout, excessive workloads and a lack of professional support from the Ministry of Edu-

cation and school boards. NZEI Te Riu Roa commissioned the study by Australian Catholic University be-

cause of anecdotal reports in the sector that increased workload was putting principals and other school lead-

ers under greater stress and risk of burnout. The extensive online survey was completed late last year by 398

primary principals (20% of the total) and 145 deputy and assistant principals.

Key findings:

· Approximately 72% of school leaders work more than 51 hours per week during term, with 25% working more

than 61 hours a week. Even during the term break, half worked more than 25 hours a week.

· The greatest reported cause of stress is the sheer quantity of work, closely followed by a lack of time to focus

on teaching and learning. Given the government’s stated focus on teaching and learning, the lack of resourcing

and funding to allow principals to lead in this area is a major problem.

· The third-highest reported cause of stress was “government initiatives”.

· Work-family conflict is far too high, at 2.2 times the rate of the general population.

· Burnout of school leaders is 1.7 times the general population, but significantly higher in rural and isolated are-

as where there is less professional support.

· School leaders score less than the general population on all positive measures of health and wellbeing and

higher on all negative measures.

NZEI President Lynda Stuart said the results were very worrying.

“The report found that school leaders are hardworking and intrinsically motivated but face considerable pres-

sure in their roles, most often from increasing workload caused by new government initiatives. The stress of

trying to budget to meet the needs of every student despite increasingly inadequate funding must also play a

part.

“Survey respondents reported very little professional support from their boards of trustees, which employ them,

or from the Ministry of Education. Those who felt supported in their role were finding support from their person-

al networks instead,” she said.

“This situation is not sustainable and places significant health risks on the people leading our schools. It’s now

a major health and safety risk that the government must address.”

“The ministry must be more proactive and we really need to look at workload as a priority, because the bureau-

cracy and paperwork is getting out of control. When principals are unable to spend adequate time focussing on

students’ teaching and learning, that’s not good for our children’s education.”

Ms Stuart also supported the report’s recommendation of opportunities for leaders to engage in regular sup-

port networks, mentoring and provision of time to access support, as well as targeted professional support.

Australian Catholic University has been running similar longitudinal studies of school leaders in Australia and

Ireland for a number of years and the New Zealand survey will now be conducted annually so trends can be

studied over time.

and career development

3. Fixing issues with relativities and career development Options for career development can vary a lot from school to school, which means that teachers aren't getting the same chances to grow in the profession. At the moment, there are some issues with relativity, and there is limited recognition for teachers and principals with specialist skills. Both these factors are contributing to the teacher shortage crisis. As you can see there are some really important issues that need to be addressed and resolved and it is im-

portant that the government sees that all the NZEI members are behind this campaign to build a better future

for all children’s education. As an integrated school our teachers are funded by the ministry and we receive

funding for each pupil in our operational grant. Therefore these issues affect all our children as well.

On Monday 25th

June our school will be closed from 12.30pm.

Our Union Members will be attending a paid union meeting (PUM) for teachers and principals in area and primary

schools This meeting will be held to update and discuss how the campaign is progressing, what is happening in

negotiations and the next steps in the campaign. It is also an opportunity to show the government that NZEI

members are serious about this campaign.

Please show us your support by collecting your child/ren on time when the school closes early to release

our staff to attend this important meeting.

Ngā mihi

Sue

28 May Class 4 Play at 1.30 & 6.30pm - please note change of date-

29 May Parent Enrichment Evening 7pm – “The 12 Senses”

1 June Arbor Day

4 June Queen’s Birthday—School closed

6 June Community Meeting 7pm in school hall

13 June 1.30pm - 3.00pm Parent Interviews in hall - Class 1, Class 2, Class 5, Class 6

3.10pm - 5.00pm Parent Interviews in classrooms - Classes 1- 7

14 June 1.30pm - 3.00pm Parent Interviews in hall - Class 3, Class 4, Class 7

3.10pm - 7.00pm Parent Interviews in classrooms - Classes 1 - 7

Mel will hold Class 8 interviews in Week 6 by mutually agreed appointments.

18 June Matariki Celebration 11.55am and Winter Festival 5.30pm

25 June School closed from 12.30pm (Union Meeting)

5 July Class 7 Play 1.40pm & 6.30pm

6 July Last day of Term – school finishes 2pm

UPCOMING EVENTS

EARLY CHILDHOOD NOTIFICATIONS:

Thursday 31st May Wellness talk: Rhythm and Warmth with Maree Smith, Rimu Cottage,

7pm to 8.30pm. $5

Friday 15th June Three Year old Change with Maria Adlam, Rimu Cottage 9.30am $5.

RSVP to Maria at rimucottage@waikatowaldorf.school.nz

Many people have grown up with the notion that we only have five senses whereas

in fact this is only part of the story. A helpful lens on human development was pro-

vided by Rudolf Steiner. He describes a rich picture of twelve interrelated senses

that can shine new light onto the way we can contribute to the healthy growth of

children.

If you are interested in finding out more about this fascinating subject please join us

on:

Tuesday 29 May 2018 at 7pm

Parent Enrichment Evening – “The 12 Senses”

Class Two

Last week Class Two had their trip down to the Kiwi

House in Otorohanga as the final part of the Māori

Animal Legends main lesson. The class heard a

number of traditional Māori legends, which were

brought to life through drama, drawing and story writ-

ing in the classroom. It was a fitting culmination to go

and see some of the birds for real as most are not

readily seen on a day-to-day basis.

We left Hamilton in a convoy of cars with twenty-nine

children and a number of rain showers on the way

there, but when we arrived the rain decided to hold

off for the duration which was fortunate for us. Rich-

ard, our very knowledgeable guide for the day, spent

some time talking about how kiwi live and the dangers they face today from “anything with four legs and teeth”, while the

class had some morning tea. We then went in to see the kea and kaka being fed and learned more about them from

their keeper. All of the parrots were very funny and were quite the show-offs as we watched their antics chasing each

other around and climbing off the roof of the aviary.

Next, we split into two groups to go into the dark room to see the

kiwi inside. This was a very special moment for those children who

had never seen a kiwi before and they were right there up close

just on the other side of the glass. The group who wasn’t looking

at kiwi was visiting the other birds at the enclosure before swap-

ping over. At midday, the class got a handful of birdseed each to

feed the kakariki parakeets in the large enclosure. While some did

come to feed, I think they must have had a big breakfast and so

the sparrows got most of the seed (and a few hungry children!).

Finally, we went back to the education room where the chil-

dren had left their bags for a welcome lunch. Attached to this

room is an enclosure with little spotted kiwi that some children

were fortunate to see as they occasionally zipped from one

corner to another. At last it was time to leave and so ended

the class’ very first trip for a main lesson. There were a few

tired children but all were buzzing from a wonderful day out.

Carl Saunders

CLASSROOM CORNER

FUNDRAISING FOR URIEL TRUST

From the OLD can come the NEW

At Woodland Homestead, Gordonton in July, especially for the school holidays

Demonstrations and display of old skills making new

During 2x3 days of the school holidays, volunteers are needed for demonstrations of spinning, knitting,

patchwork, and other crafts. Volunteers are also needed for supervision of displays in this beautiful

homestead.

Entry donations are for the Waikato Waldorf School Uriel Trust for Holistic Therapies.

There will be a craft table for sales to the public. We need knitters to make baby beanies and booties for

sale. There is wool available in the school office for this, see Monika.

If you are able to help with this fundraising please contact Clare Hutchinson on 8553785 or via

the school office.

Now I know it doesn’t need to be said but…..Hand washing is one of the BEST and most EFECTIVE ways of stopping

germs.

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Many diseases and conditions are spread by NOT washing hands with soap and clean, running water.

Not washing hands after using the toilet is a great way to transfer harmful bacteria to others. A single gram of human faces—

which is about the weight of a paper clip—can contain one trillion germs-Yuck!!

With the winter season germs have an easy time of it, coughing, sneezing, here we come. People frequently touch their

eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make

us sick. Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, table tops, or toys, and then trans-

ferred to another person’s hands.

Removing germs through hand washing therefore helps prevent diarrhoea and respiratory infections and may even help

prevent skin and eye infections.

So take the time to wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. A rule of thumb is to sing Happy Birthday

through twice then you can be assured of a job well done and clean hands!

Maree Smith RN

Anthroposophical Nurse 0211509433

85 Barrington Drive, Huntington, Hamilton Ph: 07 855 8710 email: office@waikatowaldorf.school.nz website: www.waikatowaldorf.school.nz www.facebook.com/WaikatoWaldorf School

Anthroposophic Reading Group

Our next meeting is this coming Monday the 28th May in the staffroom at 7pm. We meet every 2

nd and

4th Monday evening during school terms. Arriving at 7pm for topic discussion and/or eurythmy, with

verse and reading commencing at 7.30 and close by 9pm. Is it a warm and inclusive atmosphere for those interested in reading some of Rudolf Steiner’s writings.

Reading continues around our new topic on the senses and inspiration, intuition and imagination.

All are welcome and you can join at any time. Feel free to contact me - Sarah Oliver 027 805 0850

Scholastic Book Club / WWS School Library

I would like to thank the community for supporting our kura with the Scholastic Book Club initiative.

As indicated in a previous flier, schools benefit from Book Club as they receive a credit in the form of 'rewards' to the value of 20% of each order made by its families

This first issue (Issue 3) generated an incredible $472 worth of rewards, which we will use to develop our Library collection.

The Book Club catalogues come out twice a term, not twice a month as I had written in a previous flier.

Thank you once again!

Rob

WAIKATO WALDORF SCHOOL

HARVEST CART

OUR HARVEST CART WILL BE OUT BY THE FRONT OF OUR SCHOOL

FROM 2:30-3:15PM MONDAY 28TH

JUNE.

PRODUCE WILL BE AVAILABLE BETWEEN $2-$4

MONEY COLLECTED WILL GO TOWARDS OUR COMMUNITY GARDEN.

Ngā mihi, Class 6 and Whaea Charlotte

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ BY-ELECTION 2018

Declaration of Parent Election Results

At the close of nominations, as the number of valid nominations was equal to the num-ber of vacancies required to be filled, I hereby declare the following duly elected:

Brennan, Anita

Herbert, James

Roche, John

Monika Sullivan Returning Officer

Michela’s kale, ricotta & squash omelette PERFECTLY PORTABLE SNACK

SERVES 2 COOKS IN 20 MINUTES DIFFICULTY NOT TOO TRICKY

Ingredients

2 large free-range eggs

1 handful of fresh kale , or frozen kale powder (see below)

2 tablespoons ricotta cheese

150 g leftover roasted butternut squash

olive oil

Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl.

2. If using fresh kale, tear it into a blender (use a hand-held stick blender, if you prefer) and blitz until

fine.

3. Add the kale and ricotta to the eggs and whisk again.

4. Mash the squash with a fork, remove the skin, then add to the bowl.

5. Preheat the grill to medium-high.

6. Place a small non-stick frying pan on a medium heat, drizzle with a little oil, then pour in the mix-

ture. Tilt the pan to spread out the mixture and form an even layer, then let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes,

or until the sides start to bubble and get golden.

7. Grate a fine layer of Parmesan over one half of the omelette, then pop it under the grill for 3 to 5

minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

8. Once cooked, carefully remove the omelette to a board and portion it up, keeping the side with the

Parmesan for toddlers and adults only.

9. For babies, you can cut it into pieces or wedges, leave to cool, then let them explore holding the food

with their hands or using a spoon to mash it up, if they like.

www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/eggs-recipes/michela-s-kale-ricotta-squash-omelette/

Hand in Hand Therapy Centre

Anthroposophic and Integrated Therapies

Our service is offered to school families and the broader community. For children, our aim is to assist in developing their potential through engaging the will, imagination and feeling realms in a wholesome or ‘whole of body’ process. Our therapy team works with these

three realms using holistic therapies, to address imbalances and improve overall health. It is particularly this

engagement of the will and the feeling realms that is unique to Anthroposophic therapies.

To gather an appreciation of what is provided for children please speak with Janine Stark and for adults please contact Maree Smith (details below).

Referrals for children:

When a child is identified as potentially benefitting from learning or behaviour supportive therapy a referral is made to Hand in Hand by school in conjunction with the child's parents. Each referral is discussed within a respectful and warm therapeutic conversation and an individualized plan of care is prepared. Then, with par-ents agreement and commitment, therapy is commenced for the child.

If you would like your child to have therapy, then a referral to the Centre is undertaken through Janine Stark (Classes 1 - 4) or Natalie Reid (Classes 5 - 8) at Waikato Waldorf School and Margaret McCarthy at Miro House Kindergarten. Parents may contact the therapy centre directly to see a therapist of their choice for a private process if they prefer.

Our therapies are a collaborative effort in offering individuals and families holistic healing and

growth:

Anthroposophical Nursing

Eurythmy Therapy

Anthroposophic Counselling/Artistic Therapies Parent Education & Counselling

Herbal Medicine & Nutrition

Extra Lesson

Homeopathy

Hand in Hand Therapy Centre

School contacts - Janine Stark (janines.wws@gmail.com), Natalie Read (natalier.wws@gmail.com) Therapy Centre direct contact - Maree Smith (m 021 150 9433) Rimu Cottage, 68 Te Manatu Drive, Rototuna

WORKSHOP

CRAFT YOUR MOVEMENT - IMPROVE HOW YOU MOVE WHILE YOU CRAFT

A movement workshop for people who craft and create while sitting.

(Also suitable for those who spend a lot of time working at a desk and computer)

WHEN: Sunday, 17 June 2018

TIME: 10:00am – 15:00pm

WHERE: Waikato Waldorf School Hall (85 Barrington Drive)

WHO: Adult members of the WWS community, family & friends

COST: A cash donation towards school fundraising supporting special

character and in-school therapies.

DRESS: Please wear comfortable, loose clothing.

RSVP: By Wednesday 13 June 2018 to

Alina: 021 029 43935 / alinakom@mail.ru or Regina: 021 029 42115

Please bring a plate of wholesome food to share for lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided.

PROGRAMME:

3 Awareness Through Movement ® Lessons with Alina + 2 Crafting sessions with The Waikato Waldorf Craft Group

10:00 Welcome and introduction

10:30 Movement: CHAIR PLAY

Learn to develop more flexible ideas about how to relate to a chair (Bonus: create a more flexible body)

11:00 Craft: Felt sewn and embroidered Christmas decorations

12:00 Movement: FREE SHOULDERS

Eliminate tension and discomfort (Bonus: improve your range of motion)

12:30 Lunch

13:15 Craft: Three concurrently running groups:

Small knitted or crochet square or star

Whittle, glue and sand wooden knitting needles

Machine sew muslin veils

14:15 Movement: REDUCE EYESTRAIN

Learn to use your eyes in a new, more relaxed way relax your neck (Bonus: relax your face)

14:45 Questions

From Alina: The Feldenkrais Method® uses movement and awareness to improve our self -organisation. Movement becomes

easier and more enjoyable, stress is reduced, and more choice in actions and behavior are developed. In a group class, you are guided

through a process of movement exploration that supports a relaxed yet attentive state. By engaging your curiosity, gently and at your

own rate, you learn to explore the world of your internal sensation. You learn to use this awareness about the quality of your movement

to change old habits of tension and improve your balance, coordination, and sense of wellbeing.

Each lesson will take about 30 minutes. Lessons will be done sitting on chairs (no craft will be done during the lessons as your full atten-

tion should be focused on your senses). There will also be a bonus lesson to take home. Bring an open mind and a willingness to learn.

From The Waikato Waldorf Craft Group: We rely on the time and generosity of our wider community to help produce the beau-

tiful, hand-made items we sell in our Advent and Medieval Carnival shops. All of the money raised from these sales goes back into our

school and community.

As our family lives and work time commitments increase, it is often not possible for those who would like to contribute, or for those who

want to learn new crafting skills, to do so during the week. This workshop will allow you to learn some basic skills in the four most com-

mon crafts we employ: hand sewing, including basic embroidery; machine sewing, knitting and crochet. All of the crafting supplies we

will use will be provided. However, if you have a favourite set of knitting needles, a crochet hook you love, or embroidery needles you

can’t work without, please do bring them along! All of the items we will make on the day will go towards stocking our Advent shop.

If there is a particular project or craft you are working on that is causing you strain or pain, please feel free to bring it along!