Class 3M have had a productive and fulfilling year. As we prepare for our first off-site camping experience to Broken Head, we relish all we have experienced together; from overnight classroom sleepovers to completing our craft project and all that lies between!
 
For craft, each child made a beautiful wooden clock to conclude our Time Main Lesson. These clocks represent the timeless qualities of beauty, love and craftsmanship, with which they have been imbued. I personally hope they will adorn our homes for decades to come, if not a lifetime. 

Recently, we completed our Money Main Lesson, in which we explored the bartering systems of earlier civilisations and the complex introduction of the decimal point dividing the dollar from the cent. We finished the lesson with our very own cafe, when we enjoyed the rewards of calculating change in dollars and cents and filling our bellies with good food and homemade lemonade. 

Our weekly gardening lessons have been an integral part of the curriculum this year. Lindsey brings to the children such a warm, calm wholesome experience, for which we are truly grateful. Recently we were blessed to have an excursion to Conscious Ground in Myocum. Here we learnt the importance of regenerative farming techniques within both agricultural and horticultural spheres. During lessons at School we have prepared and distributed biodynamic horn manure formula, stirring magic into the potions which will increase plant immunity, strengthen photosynthesis, and enhance ripening. We have also harvested fresh ingredients and made rice paper rolls.

Our class play Esther Queen of Persia was another highlight of the year. The experience of rehearsing and refining a production can be a challenging yet utterly rewarding experience. We certainly experienced both polarities!

As I review the amazing pastimes of our year together, I am in awe of the gifts these children bring. We achieve so much and experience such beauty here at Shearwater. How lucky we are to spend our days here on magical Bundjalung Land.

Maria Moston
Class 3 Teacher

Working towards a sustainable future is one of our School's strategic goals and children are never too young to start learning how to care for our planet. Recently we began a project to replace all of our disposable sponges with knitted reusable cleaning cloths. Parents and grandparents have enjoyed learning to knit and supporting us to minimise our footprint and the children are proud to use the new cloths for all their busy work.

Daily house duties are very important at Playgroup. These very first steps are an integral part of our educational program. We sweep and scrub the table after baking our bread together. Some children are very focused on their tasks and others need a little more motivation by being brought in gently by their parents or myself. Having the same routine every day helps the children to know what is coming next.

It is wonderful to see so many fathers and grandparents bringing the children to Playgroup, bringing a welcome diversity to our mornings. 

Some of the older children will be heading off to Preschool next year and their play has become more engaging and interactive with each other. It is very exciting to watch their tea parties and creative dressing up becoming richer and more imaginative.

Some of our youngest children have just attempted their very first wet on wet painting; some are making little blue-banded bees out of banksias and fleece and others are painting their completed clay work. What will we do next? Well I’ll keep that as a surprise!
​
Carina Halliday
Playgroup Coordinator

The buzz is building at Shearwater and it's not just the bees! With just a week to go until curtains up on WAVE 2022, the high school has hit Term 4 running! Tickets are on sale now for this year's Wearable Arts performance event - the school's 22nd, titled 'Horizons’.
“Amidst all the disruptions of COVID, students and staff pulled off two incredible events over the past two years,” says WAVE Director Josh Rushton. “But in 2022, eyes firmly on the horizon, we look forward to welcoming our audiences back on site to experience WAVE in all its transcendent glory.”

For the first four weeks of Term 4, every year, the Shearwater high school begins to look and sound like an episode of 80s TV drama Fame (or Glee for our milennials).

A highlight of the school’s performing arts calendar, WAVE is embedded in the curriculum  (and also a ton of fun!), with around 200 students taking on roles as dancers, musicians, actors, writers, filmmakers and editors, lighting and audio technicians, carpenters, tailors, set and prop designers and builders, choreographers, photographers, stage hands, models and caterers.

“It's always an exciting moment when the competition garments, created by students, staff and the wider creative community, begin arriving at the school,” says Rushton. 

“In this sense, Shearwater’s Wearable Arts event has built, over more than two decades, a true artistic interface between high school and world. A competition that goes out to the community; a high school production that builds an incredible show around an inspiring theme; and finally the integration of competition entries that brings the show to life.”

The performances will take place in the Shearwater Hall from November 2 to 5. Wed, Thu and Sat performances will commence at 8pm, with refreshments available from 6.30pm. The Fri performance will commence at 6pm. Winners will be announced on opening night. 

Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for school students, with family options available (not suitable for children under eight years). Book early to avoid disappointment!

Book your tickets via the WAVE website at shearwaterperformingarts.com. All ticketing enquiries to wavetickets@shearwater.nsw.edu.au or phone Shearwater on (02) 6684 3223.​

Congratulations to Year 9 dancer Amani Wiriyanjara, who recently performed the role of Hermia, in the Byron Ballet company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. The performance featured Amani's first pas de deux, opposite Zac Healy. She also performed as one of Tatania's fairies for the other two performances.

​Last month, we had a group of 13 students from Years 7 to 9 represent Shearwater at the NCIS regional athletics carnival in Coffs Harbour. With a variety of students participating in track and field, they all prepared themselves physically and mentally for a sunny day amongst some of the most talented athletes in the region.

With true Shearwater spirit, we were not the biggest cohort of students, however the support and positive encouragement for all teammates during their events was prominent! All of our athletes represented the School with great enthusiasm and some students placed on the podium, including Sol Bailey, Shanti Puzzarini and Polly Jefed. We were all proud of the students for the long day and the hard work. Congratulations to all of them!

Tai Johnston
High School Teacher

Term 3 has focused on reading for pleasure and the enjoyment of books. Students are immersed in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) during library sessions. The literacy focus culminated in Shearwater’s Book Week during Week 7. Primary students enjoyed dressing up as a favourite book character and listening to visiting author, Zanni Louise. 

“I like Zanni Louise because she is funny and explains all of her books. She inspires people. I liked the act!” 

“Zanni Louise was very creative with her activities, and it was fun. The characters were very interesting and our stories really fun to write.”

“I like Zanni Louise because she talked to us (she didn’t just speak) and she has put a picture in my head for when I’m older that I might be a book author!”

One other fun activity included The Great Book Swap which raised funds for The Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Money from our Spring Festival book stall also went toward this very worthwhile literacy organisation. This year $420 was raised! Thank you to our students and the Shearwater community for their support.

Another activity promoting shared reading this term was Read Across the Years. Primary classes had special guest readers from different areas of the School visit to read a picture book. The Primary and Year 7 students particularly enjoyed buddy reading to Preschool classes who visited the library for Book Week. 

Research shows that reading for pleasure and shared reading has educational benefits for academic performance and personal development, as well as:

• reading attainment and writing ability
• text comprehension and grammar
• breadth of vocabulary
• positive reading attitudes
• self-confidence as a reader
• pleasure in reading in later life
• building general knowledge
• understanding of other cultures
• community participation
• developing social and oral skills
• insight into human nature, building empathy and decision-making

Source:  Research evidence on reading for pleasure (pdf, 364KB) — UK Department of Education, Education Standards Research Team, 2012.

Whether at home or school, conversations about books, shared reading and connecting everyday experiences are valued activities (Melor,M., Reading for pleasure and literacy achievement).   

*Reminder for our younger readers in Years 2 to 4 to please bring a waterproof library bag each week for borrowing.

Yvonne Barrett
Shearwater Library
 ​

In Term 3, the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece gathered in Brunswick Heads for the 2022 Greek Olympics. Athletes from Chrysalis, Casuarina, Tallowood, Rainbow Ridge, Cape Byron and Shearwater Steiner schools travelled from near and far, representing with honour the city states of Athens, Sparta, Delphi, Thebes and the mighty Corinth.

An impressive opening ceremony was presented with verse, singing and musical talent from across all city states, and Zeus declared the Greek Olympics of 2022 officially open!
Athletes represented their city state in five events. Running was judged for style and grace as athletes tried themselves at high knee running, skipping, backwards high knee running, and finished with the grape vine, requiring great coordination.

Long Jump was taken to with poise and concentration as the athletes hurled themselves across vast distances from I to XI.

In Wrestling, athletes prepared themselves with strength, will, and tactics as they took to the ring; with long-standing champions taking on one another in a battle royale. Great sportsmanship pleased the gods and goddesses as competitors graciously shook hands after their match.

Athletes required great determination in the Javelin, bringing together skill and strength to arc the spear skywards to land point down in the earth.

In the Discus the gods and goddesses were looking for the composure of the athlete, and well as the cosmic spin of the disc as it spun through the air.

At the end of the day all city states came together for a grand finale marathon, in which athletes joined forces to break the Greek Olympics Marathon record. In 2020, the Class 5 marathon runners set a record of 13.38 minutes and in 2022 athletes were pleased to set a new Greek Olympic Marathon record of 13.34 minutes!

All in all, the gods and goddesses were very pleased by the comradeship of the contenders, the grace and beauty of all participants, and the calibre of athletic performance that took place throughout the day. All athletes returned home to continue the celebrations with pride and glistening medals.
 
Athena (Shosheena Stone)
Teachers Assistant

Thank you to all of the families, staff, students and community who celebrated the Shearwater story at our Spring Festival last Saturday. It was a vibrant expression of who we are as a community. Heartfelt thanks also to the Arakwal women's dance group (above) for opening our event and welcoming us to this beautiful Land, which we share, and which we acknowledge has never been ceded. And special thanks to Event Coordinator Veronika Beck, and Michael Lester and the amazing Bush Dance band!

​There is nothing like the smell of crisp mountain air and the sound of skis and boards carving through fresh snow – at the start of this term, Year 7 finally made it to their snow camp!

For most of the students, this was their first experience in Australia’s alpine region of the Snowy Mountains, and they certainly made the most of the opportunity. After plenty of warnings of cold and icy weather, we were met by blue skies and beautiful sun shining down on us throughout our days on the snow.

All the students skied or snowboarded at Thredbo, strapped on some snowshoes and cross country skis at Perisher and succumbed to fits of uncontrollable laughter during the daily snowball fights.  There is nothing like seeing pure joy radiate from the faces of our students with the Snowy Mountains as their background.

On our return journey, we visited Parliament House for a tour and education session.  We arrived the day before the current sitting of Parliament so there was plenty of activity in and around the building.  We were even treated to members of the armed forces practising their marching in formation in preparation for the ceremonies.

One of the highlights of the Year 7 camp is the opportunities it provides for the students to come together as one class and spend time with their new Guardians, who will guide them through their five years of High School. We would like to thank April, Sarah and Tom for all their support and the care and warmth they showed to the kids throughout the camp.


Penny Martin and Anja Grapentin
Class 7 Teachers

​As part of our Year 8 Science course students undertake a mini Scientific Research Task, an exercise implemented to improve and facilitate scientific writing skills. Mini-research is not limited to practicing writing skills but also trains students to communicate their writing in a scientific presentation and provides a ‘field study’ experience. 

This year students planted peas, measuring their growth (in cms) under two conditions, one in the greenhouse, the other in an open field garden plot. Both research groups were undertaken at the School’s biodynamic farm. The project, a collaboration between Science teachers and Farm staff, has seen students set up trials testing the effects of biodynamic and conventional soil treatments.

In the field trial, students prepared and planted two garden areas separated into biodynamic, control and NPK treatments. The biodynamic treatments used a compost known as cow pat pit (sometimes called manure concentrate), the control had no treatment and the conventional had a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertiliser added.  Lachie ran a pot trial in the greenhouse, in which small groups each planted three pots, biodynamic, control and NPK.

The trial encouraged students to deepen their understanding of scientific research methods and design. They were able to consider the various limitations of the trial and measure, observe (and taste) the results of the research.  To sweeten the experience, students also had a chance to forage amongst the mandarins and other citrus.

There were some challenges along the way. Rodents ate almost all of the seeds in one of the field trials and strong winds blew over the nursery pots. But the trial produced some interesting results.

In the pot trial, the NPK treatment increased growth significantly above the other treatments. In the field trial, the biodynamic treatment produced slightly better growth to the NPK and plants had a more upright growth pattern.

Biodynamics works with growth forces in the soil and atmosphere to create balanced growth and plants that are nutritious and disease resistant. The conventional approach is akin to force-feeding the plants. It can result in greater growth in the short term but also leads to poor soil conditions and plants that require continual inputs, as well as ongoing pest and disease management. 

Andrew Carter
Teacher, Primary Industries and Agriculture
Farm Manager
​

​​One of the happiest times during the learning week for Class 1 the Sun Rose is our ‘together’ time with Buddy Class 5L (Linda). On our ‘Yellow Day’ the Rainbow Buddy Bird flies into our room and sits way up high on the wooden beam and sings the most wonderful song – it is the song that tells us it can see our buddies walking from the most far away Primary classroom and that we must pack away our Main Lesson learning and form a circle for our buddies to join us. It is amazing how quickly and efficiently Class 1 can transition with such excitement and ease on Buddy Day – clearly the most enjoyable time of the week!

The aim of this program is to offer each student the opportunity to develop a relationship, with an ‘elder’, of warmth, trust, love and respect. With these delicious ingredients we have been able to consistently gather each week to embrace a variety of adventures and skills that have supported Class 1 to begin their Primary journey with such ease and satisfaction.

This unique Shearwater opportunity brings a joy-filled rhythm to our week and is deeply nourishing - full of warmth, laughter and discovery. Together with our buddies, we exchange conversations, questions, skills and joy.

Life Guides, Linda (Class 5) and Rin (Class 1) work together to bring weekly activities that enable the students to go out into the unique School nature land and make artworks, sing Shearwater songs, practice class skills, listen to stories, play and deeply connect through body language and conversations. Recently we walked over to the school Farm to observe nature and discuss all of the changes since the return from the winter holidays. As the sweet wattles danced under a blanket of blue Class 1 were introduced to ‘the magic liquorice tree’. ‘It really tastes like liquorice’ said Class 1 as they were gifted one leaf each to chew on.

We believe in the deep power of learning life skills through being together and we know these friendships are true and will travel with us far and wide throughout our Primary School journey and beyond.
 
Rin Dorczak
Class 1 Teacher

We are all very happy to be back at Birdsong Kindy this term. We have been noticing the changes in our Kindy garden, and out beyond our Kindy gate on our nature walks. We see which flowers are blossoming, which leaves are unfurling, and which trees have their branches covered in tiny buds, ready to open as Lady Spring comes closer.

The wattle trees are shining bright, covered in their sweet smelling golden suns, and we have made some Wattle Blossom friends to play with in Kindy. We used our tiny, most careful stitches to sew their golden gowns and matching crowns.

We have found ripe bananas at the Farm and made banana muffins on baking day. We have also been gifted some sweet, golden pumpkins and have made pumpkin soup and bread for a rainy day feast earlier this week. What a gift it is for children to prepare delicious treats, from the food grown here on our very own Farm, to share with our class and families. Soon we will have enough silverbeet for baking day... I wonder what we will make!

We are also noticing changes in our Kindy friends. Some are a little taller, some a little stronger, some with shorter or longer hair, some with missing teeth, or brand new adult teeth, and all are a little shinier.

Last week in Kindy was Birthday Week! We celebrated a birthday each day of the week. Each child in Kindy has a birthday celebration honouring them and the gifts they bring to our Kindy. We tell the Birthday Story and sing our Birthday Song. 
Today is a special day, today is Susie's Birthday.
Sent to us from the stars above.
She brings to us her gift of love.
Today is a special day, today is Susie's Birthday.

As we light the candles, we hear a little about the birthday child, a little picture from each year of their lives before they have joined us at Kindy. It could be something they learnt to do, their favourite thing to eat, or a memorable adventure they had with their family.

Each child is gifted with a birthday crown made just for them. We all make a drawing and include birthday messages for the birthday book and share fruit sticks to celebrate! These celebrations help us to create a class community where everyone is honoured and included. The children love, not just their own celebration but the chance to celebrate with their friends. Each one is a special day for the whole class.

Kat Barwick
Birdsong Kindergarten Teacher

By Veronika Beck

Hush do you feel the chill in the air.
The flowers are sleeping, the trees are all bare.
A cold crisp wind blows far from the north.
Is it time for King Winter to come forth?
Come listen close children to a story once told
of a King and his kingdom and times of old.
Of a beautiful palace adorned in white
blessed by the moon in her pale wintery light.
Here he reigns from his glacial throne
with his staff of crystal and precious stone.
So jump into bed and turn out the light
and I’ll tell you a tale of his travels tonight.

Long, long ago when the earth had begun
born was a child from the moon and the sun.
Then one summers day with the touch of his hand
he discovered a gift, he could cool the hot land.
From that day forth his duty was clear
he would circle the earth to lands far and near.
Covering her soil with blankets of snow and
preserving her roots for the children who follow.
Bound for the forests of the great northern lands
then south to warm waters and soft golden sands.
Conjuring the wind and the swell of the seas
frosting mountains, rivers and every last tree.
Bringing bountiful gifts of treasures sooo cold
puddles to splash in and snowballs to hold.

And he saddles his snow-bear year after year
he takes to the stars with a wintery cheer
and he rides through the wind with his piercing blue eyes
his white cloak blowing fiercely as he flies through the skies.
Then with an almighty strike of his staff to the ground
he sends out a message to those gathered round,
to the trees and the birds and the folk of the woods,
through the whispering winds and to all who are good.
Behold his proud presence with wonder and awe.
We must honour dear children his wintery law.
Hush can you hear him? He almost is here.
Dream blissful dreams as winter is near.
For when in the morning your spirits awake,
you might just be blessed with a precious snowflake.

​Our Year 9 class is currently enjoying the wonders of Far North Queensland. Our campsite on the edge of Lake Tinaroo is beautiful and we have the whole place to ourselves. We walked through rainforests, saw turtles and swam in the crystal blue waters of a volcanic crater lake and drove through misty mountains and the highest town in Australia to see a big waterfall and enjoy some hot springs. 

After leaving the Atherton tablelands and it’s lush cool climate the class headed out to Laura and it’s dry and hot weather where we have seen some amazing rock art. After spending a night sleeping under the stars we rose early and drove down to Mossman where we spent the day immersed in local indigenous culture and visited the shoreline and Mossman Gorge.

With the solstice upon us we prepared a winter festival for the Far North Steiner School and the students  helped the little ones with a beautiful spiral walk accompanied by some singing.

We are off to the Daintree today. Spirits are high and everyone is stepping up to support each other and make the most of this wonderful adventure.


Luke Wigmore
Year 9 Guardian

Class 4T was introduced to fractions in their second main lesson of Term 2. We looked at fractions in a holistic way, as parts within a whole. From an anthroposophical perspective, fractions is taught to Class 4 as the children go through the 'nine year change'. During this time, the children begin to conceive of themselves as separate from the world — an emerging individual, traversing a new emotional landscape. This can be a difficult time for the child, as she navigates new feelings of separation and aloneness. The study of fractions supports the children's understanding that while they are an individual they remain a part of a greater whole. 
 
In Fractions World, we learnt about the parts of the fraction — the numerator the denominator and the vinculum. We folded paper circles to create different fractions of the whole circle. The fractions tree was an artistic way to experience the number patterns within fractions. We also cut fruit into fractions and dehydrated it for a tasty snack. Finally we ended our main lesson work by making pizza and cutting it into fractions to eat!

Tiffany Jones
Class 4 Teacher

As winter solstice draws near, the in-breath is completed. The earth soul has drawn its forces down beneath the soil. The earth elementals (gnomes) have become intensely active underground, moving at will through the layers of rock and mineral.

In the winter night, the moon rises high in the sky, staying for about fifteen hours above the horizon, while the day time sun is gone after only nine or so hours. The moon, which regulates the ether body of the earth, now has a greater influence than the sun.

Our own consciousness is intensified in winter when our thinking life, which is connected to the gnomes, becomes active. It is especially in the activity of thinking that our ego manifests itself. It is in these times that we are being asked to stay conscious and free from despair and loss of hope—to remember the light in the darkness.

The source of energy we need is the “inner” light, the sunlight that was absorbed into the earth during the spring and summer and that is now, in winter, present beneath the ground and transformed into the spiritual light within.                   
 
We will gather together and walk the spiral one by one (parent and child) and light our lantern in the centre. We will be singing our songs the children have learned. The spiral-walk and lighting the candle represents our journey within and finding our inner light. Winter solstice has been regarded as especially sacred and a time to remember to bestow love and light on all living beings on the planet.
 
Warm wishes to all,
Carina Halliday
Playgroup

Local Bookshops – Local Authors

I popped in to The Book Room Collective in Byron Bay this week. What a wonderful bookstore with helpful staff who are very knowledgeable about children’s books. The Library now has some new books that will soon be ready to be borrowed!

I was very excited to also bump into a local author, Sarah Armstrong. Sarah’s new book Big Magic is now published and on the shelves! Sarah was kind enough to sign a copy for the Shearwater Library.  While Sarah has written other books, Big Magic is her first children's book. Have a look at her website to read more about Sarah. The Northern Rivers is home to talented children’s authors and illustrators!

Yvonne Barrett
Shearwater Library