Loose Ends

Elmfield School 4 th April 2012 Weekly Newssheet

VACANCIES School Diary Elmfield School is seeking to fill two leadership positions: Thurs 5 Apr 12.00 a.m. School closes for Easter break Sat 7 Apr 11.00 – 2.00 Elmfield Shop open Education Administrator Thurs 26 Apr School reopens for summer term to develop strategies and policies to support learning throughout the school. Wed 9 May 9.00 – 11am Open Morning for parents. Sat 12 May 1.30 to 5 pm The 12 Senses & Their Importance Business manager in Nurturing our Children Chen Atid to develop the school’s administration and business strategies. 7.30-9.30 pm Talk on 12 Senses by Chen Atid Salaries under discussion. Commitment to Steiner School Affairs education essential. Further information and job descriptions on the School’s website www.elmfield.com or Foyer make-over 17, 18, 19 April: I have 4 pairs of willing by email to [email protected] . . hands. Do you have some time then to help? If so please contact me as soon as possible. Thanks. Elaine Sheppard Middle School Class Teacher for September 2012 with strength in maths and science, to Parents’ Discussion Group: Tuesdays 9.00 am. All welcome, join an experienced team of lower school class teachers but not suitable for children. Cost 50p to cover a drink. Please and to take existing classes through the middle school. sign in by the office and collect a visitor’s badge. Janet Klaar Job description and application form from the School 01384 352177 office or [email protected] . Basic Salary from £19,356 p.a. The Twelve Senses and their Importance in Nurturing our Children: Talk and workshop by Chen Atid on Sat 12th May in Closing date for all positions: 30 April 2012. Room. Workshop 1.30 to 5 pm (2 sessions with a break) and talk 7.30 to 9.30 pm. For job description and application form, please contact the Not just the traditional five senses, Steiner talks about twelve. office on 01384 394633 / [email protected] . What are the other senses and why is nurturing the senses so Elmfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share important for the healthy growth of children of any age? This this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo talk came out of the wish from some of you who came to his a CRB Enhanced Disclosure and full checks. talks last year when he was working at Elmfield. Formerly he was also the head of the faculty at Emerson college (Waldorf development throughout the animal kingdom and questions school teacher training), and an upper school science teacher at surrounding the evolutionary inevitability of the human form. The Elmfield. Currently he teaches at an Israeli Steiner school and presentation will be accessible to everyone - no scientific trains Steiner school teachers. Suggested contributions experience needed. workshop: £6 and talk £3 pounds. We might consider child care For more details please email Judyth Sassoon during the workshop session, if a considerable number of ([email protected] ) or call Elmfield School (01384 394633). parents wish for it with an extra cost. Please contact before the No prior booking necessary but it would be useful to know how end of April if you would need child care or with any other many people are interested. Cost: contributions at the door enquiries: Tomie Boardman 821811 and Kumiko Ohashi towards research in Goethean Science. 370375 . Saturday 28th April at the Goethean Science Building, Elmfield School, Love Lane, Stourbridge. 9.30 until 1.00 pm. All Evolution, Darwinism and the inevitable human welcome. This workshop/discussion will aim to explain Darwinism and its sources, and will be followed by a review of the latest ideas in Attention All Parents !. Open Door morning for current and th biological evolution e.g. common processes in embryonic prospective parents – Wednesday May 9 , 9.00 to 11.00. A chance to see classes throughout the school in action. Increase The Challenge of Rudolf Steiner film by Jonathan Stedall your understanding of what classroom life is like for the pupils Monday, 23 rd April (part one) and Monday 30 th April (part two) and get a taste of what lies ahead for them. More information 7pm at Ruskin Glass Centre, Glasshouse College, Wollaston will follow at the start of next term, but for now, please put this Road, Stourbridge, DY8 4HF, Telephone 01384 399458 for date in your diary and tell your friends. For those of you who are enquiries. The evenings will be free of charge. unable to attend due to work or other commitments we are also planning to run a Saturday event on a day to be confirmed. There will be a short introduction by Jonathan Stedall and a discussion after the viewing of the film. This is an initiative to bring Eileen Hutchins Bursary Fund: On Sunday, 29 th April 2012 I together the people in our community who either work out of will be running the Shakespeare Half Marathon in Stratford , work in organisations based on Anthroposophy, Upon Avon to raise money for the Eileen Hutchins Bursary Fund are interested in Anthroposophy or wonder what this is all about at Elmfield. If you would like to sponsor me, please sign up on and would like to find out more. We look forward to welcoming the form (yellow passage notice board) or drop me an email: you! Jim Keown (Camphill Houses Stourbridge), Monika [email protected] Schneider (The Christian Community Stourbridge), Mike Chase Every little helps ... thank you! Elisabeth Faulkner (The Glasshouse) Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Ltd. Company No. 01141571 Charity No. 52 7521 Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship http://www.elmfield.com 1

Elmfield Work Day - a (late) Big Thank You! A very big Thank You to all who came to our work day! We had Music Matters a very productive day - draft-proofing upper and middle school Community Choir – meet Wednesdays: early Choir 7pm – 8pm windows and doors and fixing handles and locks to keep the for all singers. Late choir 8pm – 9.15pm for more experienced wind out and the heat in. It was a great team. Many thanks also singers. We meet in the Eurythmy Room or the Hall. Ring Diana to the lunch providers who fed us so deliciously and warmly. We Ball 01384 371348 or Sue Whittaker 01384 376804 if you need hope to have more work days in the future to continue making more details. our school more warm and energy efficient. Margy Henderson You are warmly invited to the STREAM of SOUND EASTER Lost Property – please collect your lost property from outside CONCERTS, which will be on the following dates: the hall by the end of term. Any left will go to charity! Friday 13th April, 7.30 pm at St Margaret’s Church, Hasbury. Saturday 14th April, 3pm at Gigmill Methodist Church, Elmfield Shop th Stourbridge. Caroline Price The shop will be open this Saturday 7 April (11.00am – 2.00pm) – an opportunity for last minute purchases for Easter! In the hope that we will have some good weather over the holidays we currently have on offer a range of Lavera 100% PTFA mineral-based sunscreen. Free from perfumes, colourants and Parents’ Library preservatives – effective immediately. The library will re-open on Friday 27 th April (8.45am – 9.30am in Wishing everyone a Happy Easter! The Shop Team. the Nursery Classroom). It should be a very lively session for us as, due to the Easter break, the majority of books out on loan Academy Group: A small group has now started to work on an will be due for return on this date! So we look forward to seeing application for Elmfield to become an Academy. This is both you again – Happy holiday reading! exciting and challenging. For the process to work we need help Jackie Inman & Sharon Rose (PL Librarians) from everyone belonging to the school community – and many beyond. There are two key ways to get involved. Firstly, express Elmfield Summer Fayre - Sunday 8th July 1-5pm your views and join the discussion at If you fancy a fairly low key get together with others from our http://elmfield.com/academy/ . Secondly, contact us if you’d like school community, put this date in your diaries now. There to get more directly involved, especially if you think you have should be some activities & games for younger people; this is a skills and connections to help with a comprehensive application, chance for classes to raise some funds and we may have a few covering visionary, educational, organisational, governance and outside stalls too. No doubt food & drinks will be on sale as business aspects! We’d like to hear from you – either way and well. If you would be happy to help shape & organise this event whatever your views! Rainer (01384 373696) – on behalf of the (it's not a mammoth task like the Advent Fayre!) please ring me Academy Group. so we can arrange a first planning meeting at a time that suits you. Sarah Clay 07752 165342

We hear that many parents would like clarification as to where they might take a concern. You might find this list helpful. It also includes a list of Who’s who below.

Please note that for the moment, the Co-ordination Group takes responsibility for educational decisions.

For Concerns? First point of contact If first point not appropriate / further contact

Teaching / educational Your class teacher / guardian Elisabeth Faulkner Estates (cleaning, repairs etc.) Stephen Bresnahan Carrie Smith Administration / Finance Carrie Smith David Harris Formal Complaint Carrie Smith (Designated Person) Elisabeth Faulkner Senior Designated Child Protection Officer Elisabeth Faulkner Elaine Sheppard Gertraud Soukup Who’s Who? Chair of Finance Committee David Harris Chair of Council Maarten Ekama Education Co-ordinator, Chair of Co- Elisabeth Faulkner ordination Group Chair of Early Years Department Jackie Irving Chair of Lower School Gertraud Soukup Chair of Upper School Paul Georghiades Chair of Estates Committee TBC Chair of College Martin Dathan Co-ordination Group Elisabeth Faulkner (Chair), Jackie Irving, Gertraud Soukup, Paul Georghiades, Martin Dathan, Carrie Smith Council members Maarten Ekama (Chair), David Harris (Finance), Mike Vaughan (Finance & Child Protection), Nick Godwin, Kate, MacMaster, Janet Klaar, Gertraud Soukup (College of Teachers) If you would like copies of the School’s audited accounts, please ask at the school office. The following documents are available there or from our website: Ofsted Report, Grievances and Complaints Policy, Equal Opportunities, Inclusion Policy, Exclusion Policy, Behaviour and Discipline Policy, Fee Policy, Admission Policy, Child Protection Policy.

Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Ltd. Company No. 01141571 Charity No. 52 7521 Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship http://www.elmfield.com 2

Alexander’s Story – Who was FM Alexander and how did he develop the “Alexander Technique”? Three practical evening About Loose Ends sessions will explore his story, and be an opportunity for us to Deadline for copy is Tuesday at 3.30 pm for publication the make our own discoveries about ourselves. Suitable as an following day, subject to space. Ads will be edited if they are very introduction to the Alexander Technique, or for any level of long. Please make sure all ads for inclusion include your name. experience as an Alexander pupil. Start date Thursday 26 April. We understand not everyone has access to email but where 7.30 - 9.00pm, Redhill, Stourbridge. £5 per session. For more possible we would appreciate copy via email as this helps us information or to book please call Clare Dannatt on 01384 greatly when compiling each issue. 824864, or email [email protected] Please be aware that Loose Ends is published on the Elmfield Open House website each week. If you would like to receive Loose Ends via email please let the office know.

Children’s Summer Camp – in Sections other than School Affairs are offered as listing Stroud, Gloucestershire is again running a Children’s Camp th th opportunities for members of the Elmfield community; however from 28 July – 7 August at a wonderful new venue, Camphill the School cannot accept responsibility for the quality of goods or Coleg Elidyr on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. The services offered in Loose Ends by third parties. camp is open to children from Class 1 – 7 from all schools and backgrounds. Pictures, more information and application forms Publication of a listing does not imply Elmfield’s approval in any can be found at our brand-new web-site www.cc-camps.org way. Any views expressed are those of the contributor and do Aaron & Judy Mirkin – 01453 299311 [email protected] not necessarily reflect those of the School. We reserve the right

th to edit content. The Editor’s decision is final. On Easter Sunday 8 April the children and their families are Maigread Reynolds, Editor. welcome to come to the Easter Garden at the church at 4.00 p.m. Please bring with you a decorated blown egg to help decorate our Easter tree. Janet Klaar For Sale Boy’s Bike for Sale – Boy’s bike with suspension and gears, A Course in Communication & Empowerment for Parents would suit age 8-10. Good working condition. £15. Call Tim and their Teenagers & Teenagers to Be Gray – 01384 829420. Your children aren't your children, they are the sons & daughters Large Hamster Cage For Sale – with exercise ball, extras, of Life's longing for itself tunnels and sawdust. £5. Call Tim Gray – 01384 829420. SUBJECTS: moods & feelings, anger, positive experiences, boundaries, conflict, to punish or ? sex&drugs&rock&roll, YOUR For Sale: OWN IDEAS & WISHES. Date: From 30/4 onwards, 6 sessions 2 x Solid Wooden Wardrobes . Also 2 x large wooden toy 7.30 – 9.00 pm. Venue: to be revealed (most likely School or boxes (also ideal for window seats). Please contact Louise on Old Quarter) Price: £60. 07982 417665 for more details and prices. ARE YOU INTERESTED? Contact: ROSA FERRIS for Blue/Grey bike for ages 8-12 years. £15. Please contact Louise GOLDEN HEART PROJECTS 07986 313838 or on 07982 417665 [email protected] Sleeping Bag (only used once) - £8. Please contact Louise on 07982 417 665 Green tip of the week from Transition Stourbridge Beautiful Doll’s House in natural wood and can be painted. Streetbank Please contact Louise on 07982 417665 Find out what your neighbours would like to share or give Roller Skates adjustable to size. Like new, in case. £8. Please you. Streetbank is already helping thousands of people in contact Louise on 07982 417665 the UK share goods and skills with their local community, from tools and camping gear, to pet sitting and IT support. Seasoned logs for sale: £60 per cubic metre. Free delivery Find out more at www.streetbank.com (tip courtesy of within Stourbridge area. Local friendly service. For more info call Friends of the Earth). Margy Henderson Dave on 07950 452722

For Sale - raised single bed, 3ft high. This is a simple home- Beginners’ and Improvers’ Ashtanga Yoga made bed that needs either one or two walls to attach to, and it th th 10 week course at Elmfield. Thursday 26 April – Thursday 5 has legs, 3ft high, so there is space play underneath or put a July 2012 (8.00pm – 9.30pm). No class on 7 th June during half- chest of drawers or similar. £10. Margy 01384 351414 term. Mind calm, body vibrant. For details please call James Critchlow – 01384 394 702 / 07967 211 748 – Estates www.yogabirmingham.co.uk House wanted to Rent Returning Elmfield family seek 3 bedroomed house, close to school or surrounding area considered. Excellent references available, please contact me Offers and Wanted on: Wales, 01834 869933 Thanks, Alison. Saul. Bonita Wanted – Choroi diatonic flute . A new girl starting in Class 2 needs one. If your child has outgrown theirs, could you offer it to House for Sale – Four bedroom house for sale, Love Lane her please? Call Alexis – 01384 620777. opposite Elmfield School. Please contact 01384 444113.

Last but not least: If everybody is thinking alialikeke then somebody isn’t thinking!

George S. Patton Jnr. Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Ltd. Company No. 01141571 Charity No. 52 7521 Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship http://www.elmfield.com 3