I am struck by the fact that
the more slowly trees grow at first
the sounder they are at the core
and I think the same is true for human beings.
We do not wish to see children precocious
Making great strides in their early years like sprouts
Producing a soft and perishable timber;
But better if they expand slowly at first
As if contending with difficulties
And so are solidified and perfected.
Such trees continue to expand with nearly equal rapidity
To an extreme old age.
- Henry David Thoreau -

 

The health and well-being of the school is created through a strong and engaged community connecting students, parents and teachers.

In the last six years the number of people and parents supporting the Motueka Rudolf Steiner Lower School has grown from a few pioneers to a lively and diverse community. Many teachers and parents visiting from larger schools have commented on the particularly warm and intimate family spirit of our school community – one that works together and plays together to create a strong and healthy foundation for our children’s lifelong learning.

The celebration of festivals marks the rhythm of the year. Some festivals such as Easter and Advent are celebrated in the school and kindergarten with the teachers and children only. Others, like the lantern festivals involve the parents and then the annual Spring Fair is a large and colourful event involving the whole community and drawing in visitors from the wider area of Tasman and Nelson. The children enjoy many genuine games which test their physical skills and courage, or allow them to use their creativity. There is a lot of fun and laughter for all, and plenty of music and good food for the adults.

All the festivals are eagerly anticipated. Easter eggs are decorated and mid winter lanterns crafted with great care. The appropriate songs are learned and sung and the passing seasons or Christian festival marked and celebrated.

During Motueka's mid-winter 'Festival of Light' parents organised lantern making workshops for young children at two local libraries. In the evening these little children and their parents enjoyed the magic of a walk through the park past miniature candle lit wintry scenes of little gnomes at work and play.

The Kindergarten Spring Festival has children (and adults) dancing around a decorated maypole in the full flowering spring garden of the Kindergarten.

Throughout the year there are other occasions to be enjoyed. Visitors include Waldorf teachers from overseas and within New Zealand who bring their knowledge and experience to share with our children, teachers, and the parent community. We have enjoyed eurythmy classes and performances, Bothmer gymnastics, violin concerts and specialist science teachers. An anthroposophical doctor visits, and we have access to a growing number of anthroposphical therapists. There are also evening talks on education and twice a year education workshops take place on a Saturday when parents and other interested people can experience aspects of Waldorf education for themselves.

A craft group called “The Midnight Elves” meet weekly making beautifully crafted dolls and other toys from wool, felt, and other natural fabrics. These toys are sold to raise money for the school, but even more important the morning is a friendly social occasion where parents talk, share their enthusiasm for craft and learn together passing on skills and knowledge. One of the warm heart centres of our community. Click here to visit their internet presence.