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12th October, 2021
Class 3 learn the basic principles of architecture with marshmallows & sticks.

School Calendar Dates

14th October - School Lunches ordering deadline
15th (from 1pm) - 26th October – Half Term
27th October - Autumn Term resumes - Session Dates
11th November - Martinmas
20th November - Christmas Gathering (tbc)
25th - 26th November - Advent Prep Days (no school)
28th November - Kindergarten Advent Spiral 
17th December (1pm) - term ends
Session Dates

Click on any link above to learn more. 

College News

College News is written this term by Hester Machin - Co-Chair of College. It is emailed out to all parents of enrolled children, as well as linked to here each week. 
Appointments can be booked during the above times through the School Office. Please give the Office Staff your details and when and how you would prefer to be contacted. 

Marshmallows & Sticks: Their Educational Value


Ahead of Class 3's traditional Shelter Building Project, Steiner Teacher and former building spatial designer, Rachel Craig, led the 8- and 9-year-old pupils in a structure building exercise with marshmallows and sticks on Friday. The day before the pupils had learnt about the importance of a strong foundation; and the strength of triangle shapes in tall buildings. 

Working in small groups, the pupils worked together to create a structure as tall as possible that would hold. The exercise is invaluable in allowing the pupils to experience the learning for themselves. Each talked through their thought process when building their structures - with some, like the tepee, standing strong, whilst others collapsed on the desks. The theory is embedded deeper through this doing, even in the examples that don't remain erect.      

New German Teacher Starts After Half Term

Uschi Rosmanith will be taking on the post of Lower School German Teacher after the October break.

Uschi is a native Austrian who has been working in Scotland for over twenty years. She brings with her a love of the outdoors and travel and we look forward to welcoming her to Edinburgh Steiner School.

The language teaching curriculum in Steiner Waldorf schools advocates the introduction of two languages from different linguistic roots from Class 1 in the Lower School. The inclusion at Edinburgh Steiner School of a Romantic language, French, and a Germanic language, German, in the curriculum stimulates the development of different areas of the brain in the young child.

Working verbally with songs, poems, role play games and pictures the young child learns through imitation and interaction with each language. Flexibility is developed in their understanding and their memory is also exercised by working the rhythms of each language. Written work in each language is generally first introduced in Class 4.

Toddler Introduction To Early Years

Perhaps of interest: article on our school website about the provision of Toddler Groups in the coming months: Toddler Introduction To Early Years (8th October, 2021). Bookings are currently open for Groups starting after the October break. 

Christmas Gathering


For more than 65 years, Edinburgh Steiner School has been part of the Capital's Christmas cultural calendar; each year organised by Class 4 parents with the help of the full school community to raise funds of up to £16k for projects that benefit the school community beyond the curriculum (read more about its history). 
The magical annual event normally welcomes around 2,000 people on to the school campus for carol singing, stalls, sharing food and children's and adults workshops spread over classrooms, the hall and under marquees outside on the school grounds; with parent volunteers dressing the school with festive decorations and Christmas Trees on the Friday, manning stalls and crafts on the Saturday and returning the campus back to its ordinary setup on the Sunday ready for the school day.  
Beeswax candle dipping as part of the school day and at Christmas Market.

Last year, the covid pandemic meant the festival went ahead online, organised by a small group of parents, with hundreds of pounds raised by the sale of raffle tickets and hand crafted items donated to Health in Mind and The Yard.

It has been many terms since parents have been able to come on to campus in the normal way, enjoying the Friday Market, assemblies and performances; and many new families have joined the school community since our previous traditional Christmas Market. It is recognised there is a deep need for our school community to reconnect, with parents eager to see their children's Classes in a school performance of some kind. 

This year, Class 4 parents have been in deep discussions with each other, Class Teacher Bruce Houldsworth and on campus Health and Safety Officer, Rachel Craig to explore what would be possible in November 2021. A proposal has been drafted, which was taken to the School's external Covid advisor on Monday night. Class  4 parents convene on Zoom tonight to hear the feedback of this consultation.
An announcement of the plans will be made on the School's News section of the website tomorrow (Wednesday), ahead of the half term.

The proposed date is Saturday 20th November. 

Upper School Basketball Club Starts After Half Term

Basketball Club for Classes 6 - 8 pupils will begin from Monday 1st November. The Club will dovetail the end of the school day, from 3:15pm - 4:15pm in the School Hall. Book now

Upper School Basketball Club will go ahead on Mondays at 4:15pm - 5:15pm. Class 7 and 8 pupils can join this Club by invitation. Book now

Overseas Students Programme


The School has an active Upper School Overseas Programme: Learn English and Sea Scotland for 14-19 year olds. 
Our small class sizes, lively Main Lesson programme and supportive community spirit attract pupils from all over the world. 

Overseas pupils join our Upper School in Classes 9 - 12 for one term or more, staying with a host family who is often part of the school community or has previously had children enrolled in the School. Pupils often visit from one of the international 1,200 Waldorf schools so as to continue to follow the uniquely holistic and broad curriculum that shares many
similarities with its sister schools. We also welcome pupils from a wide range of state-maintained and independent schools abroad.

Overseas Students develop their English language skills through the world-leading EAL Programme (p29 - 30) offered by ESS, gain independence away from home and enjoy being part of an international school community. Host families too are enriched by the experience. 

Photo credit: former pupil, Jacob Murray

How Many Languages In Our School Community?


In 2019 Upper School pupils surveyed the school community, looking into how many languages were spoken as a first, second or third language in the home; and the findings were published in the magazine, produced by the Modern Studies pupils. 

There were 33 languages spoken in the school at that time, 20 languages other than English that were a first language.  

Since this survey was carried out, new families have joined the School. It would be wonderful to show the international character of our school community with an updated survey.  
 

Take part in our 2021 languages survey  

One-to-One Music Lessons Return On Campus


From after the Half Term, private music lessons can return to taking place on campus. Lessons can be taught during the school day, following a discussion with the pupil's Class Teacher about appropriate lesson time and depending on Music Teacher's availability.
Guitar Lessons  - see Douglas Anderson's advert below. 

Flute Lessons 

Cello Lessons - see Helen Duncan's advert below.
 

Seeking Violin & Piano Teachers


Many of the music teachers that have previously taught ESS pupils have now retired. The School is seeking a violin and a piano teacher.

If you would like to offer your services to ESS pupils and hold a current PVG, please get in touch with our Music Teacher, Carlijn Metselaar giving details of your experience. 

Attendance Policy 

 
If you can please take the time to familiarise yourself with the arrangements for reporting sick absence and for Leave of Absence requests: Attendance Policy

Lunchtime Clubs For Pupils in Class 8 Upwards 


From after the Half Term, parent Frances Gairns is volunteering her time to offer pupils from Class 8 upwards and teachers the opportunity of half hour lessons in:

Tuesdays: Basketball & Table Tennis (School Hall)
Fridays: Volleyball & Table Tennis (School Hall) 

We hope to add Yoga,  Pranayama (yogic breathing) & meditation and Circuit/interval training as soon as covid measures permit smaller spaces for meetings, freeing up our school hall and other curriculum spaces. 

Carpe Diem

Roseanna Holbrook is this year's Chair of the Student Council. She tells us why she decided to take on the role. 
I am very excited to be taking on this role. When the previous Chair, Saul Sutcliffe, recommended I run for this year's Student Council Chair, I wasn't sure. I knew of the responsibilities that came with the role, and what a great opportunity it would be.

So many people dream of changing the world, making it a better, more inclusive and sustainable environment for those living in it.
But how often do we get the chance to be involved in groups, such as the Student Council, which can facilitate these changes in our communities? So, after overhearing a conversation between my sisters about seizing the opportunity when it presents itself, or "Carpe Diem-ing", I realized being Chair would provide me with this opportunity: to be involved, working together with the Council to be a force for change.

Even though changing a school policy here or there, or arranging small, school events, may not seem to have such a big impact, I really believe that small changes on a community level can lead to huge changes across countries. So I seized the opportunity. I Carpe Diem-ed! 

School Lunches Pre-order Deadline This Thursday


Almost half of all school and early years pupils are this year ordering the warm school lunches. For those who have not yet placed a pre-order, these can begin after the half term if ordered by this Thursday.

Lunches are ordered through the School's Online Shop: edsteiner.org/lunch

Half Term Begins This Friday


The School's Half Term will begin at 1pm on Friday.

There will be no school lunches on this day. All pupils in ESS Wraparound up until 5.30pm or in Bikeability Club will need to bring a packed lunch. 

See: Session Dates

Stay In The Loop

Edinburgh Steiner School's social media pages for the School, Early Years, Growing Spaces, Teacher Training Course and Christmas Market can be found here.  

Putting An Advert In The Tuesday Notice


Edinburgh Steiner School’s weekly news ezine is sent out to 720 recipients’ inboxes every term-time Tuesday. (View the most recent Tuesday Notices here).

 

Anyone sharing a relationship with the School is welcome to submit a Notice for the upcoming edition(s) at £5 per edition (paid through the online school shop here), ordered in first-come-first-appears. Submissions are up to 100 words and can include link(s) to an external website and/or social media page(s).

 

Steiner Waldorf education acknowledges pupils are profoundly affected by their built environment. All proceeds from Notices go towards the School’s Growing Spaces Project, benefiting all current and future ESS pupils.

 

Submission Forms are downloaded here. Once completed, this can be emailed back to communications@edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk by Friday noon before the first edition you would like your Notice to appear in.

 

Future publication dates for the Autumn Term 2021 are:

November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Dec 7th, 14th


Edinburgh Steiner School Session Dates

Cello Teacher On Campus


I am very much looking forward to meeting some new cello pupils! I have been teaching cello at the School for 15 years and have become increasingly interested in the many ways that learning to play a musical instrument nurtures our whole beings. Learning to quieten our minds and listen to the innate wisdom of our bodies is one such way. The cello is particularly rewarding instrument as it produces such wonderful vibrations and resonances. 

I am happy to meet with interested pupils aged 7 or older and will help to find a suitable instrument for renting or buying. Lessons are weekly during term time and  cost £16 for 30 minutes. Please email or call to talk further.

Contact details:

Helen Duncan 07914 909 553
helen@belfordmews.co.uk

Seeking Room To Rent Near School


I am looking for a room to rent ( longer term is preferable) from March onwards. I have a small dog. I can pay up to five hundred pounds a month. In commuting distance to the school required. 

Please contact the School Office if you have any questions. 
Many thanks,  Alba. 

Peripatetic Guitar Lessons On Campus


From a teacher with a huge amount of experience, both teaching and performing (as well as a parent of the School, and PVG registered). 

Classical: Advanced Certificate LRSM
Flamenco: 4 years study, concerts and TV appearances in Spain
Electric: Guitar Institute Certificate, London

Mobile: 07425388992
Email douglasanderson0602@yahoo.com

30 min lessons (£15) 
Classical: Advanced Certificate LRSM
Flamenco: 4 years study, concerts and TV appearances in Spain
Electric: Guitar Institute Certificate, London

From October 27th there will be the opportunity to change to a time slot during the School day on campus (with appropriate lesson time discussed with pupil's Class Teacher ahead of booking). Flyer

Communications

Sarah Miller works alongside Alistair Pugh (Co-Chair of College), and Trustee Layla Tree. 

The Tuesday Notice is produced by the Communications Team and edited by Helen Newton - School Coordinator and Alistair Pugh.
Tel: 0131 337 3410   Ext 3 
Email: communications@edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk
Copyright © 2021 Edinburgh Steiner School Trust Ltd, All rights reserved.

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