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School NewsletterTerm 3 Week 9, 2016

IMPORTANT DATESPlease see our online website calendar

Wed 14 Sep Class 8 Play 2:30 and 7pmThu 15 Sep Spring Festival and Last day Term 3Wed 5 Oct First Student Day Term 4 IB Exhibition OpeningWed 12 Oct Whole School MeetingSun 6 Nov Spring Fair and Open DayMon 7 Nov Fair Recovery Day - No School

Term 3 Week 9, September 2016 www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

Dear Parents, Teachers and Community,

Last night at the School Board of Directors meeting it was agreed to begin the application for International CRICOS registration. Once through, this registration will strengthen Sophia Mundi to be an institution for our International friends and families to study. Over the years we have welcomed friends from other Steiner/Waldorf communities. These relationships have strengthened our Class 10 Exchange Program and brought a rich cultural tapestry to Sophia Mundi. Once the application has been approved, we will be the only Steiner/IB CRICOS registered school in the world.

The article ‘Students Lose Faith in School Safety’ in the Age Newspaper on Thursday raised the statistic that only 57% of our children feel safe at school. I believe these results do not reflect our student body at Sophia Mundi, as I have students seek me out on a weekly basis to support them managing a friendship or sharing their challenges. Our students are very good at speaking up about their home life, friendships and teachers. As a school all teachers and general staff have been up skilled around Mandatory Reporting, Child Safe Standards and child abuse.

We are looking to build an organisational cultural shift for the future. Sophia Mundi’s child safe team are: Fiona Couttie, Dianne Paull, John Rauris, Margaret Perversi, Raquel McConnell and myself. Of course, all staff can be contacted if you have concerns about the safety of a child and our school’s Code of Conduct and Child Safety Policy can be found on the school website.

‘Nourishing’ and ‘Inspiring’ were the words used to describe the presentations at the Combined Steiner School Curriculum day. These meetings are fundamental in building relationships, support mechanisms and offer fabulous collaboration opportunities for all staff.

I apologise for last week’s Board communication letter ending up in many peoples’ email spam. I am arranging for it to be resent and ask that you read it. I also invite you to join the Community Conversation (Whole School Meeting) on Wednesday 12 October.

Next newsletter admissions deadline: Wed 14 September

From Calendar of the Soul, by Rudolf Steiner

‘I feel the force of World Existence:Thus speaks thought clarity,

Recalling its own spirit’s waxingIn darkest world nights,

And to the nearing world dayIt tends the rays of hope within’

Having the Canteen up and running by Bette and her team, together with the wonderful parent volunteers makes me so happy for all the students and teachers. The food looks and tastes amazing!

With Term 4 finishing next week, culminating in our Spring Festival on Thursday, I trust you each have a wonderful and revitalising break in readiness for the commencement of Term 4: IB Senior students: Monday 3 October Prep-10: Wednesday 5 October

Warm regards, Fiona Cock, Principal

COLLETTE BRENNAN ANNOuNCED AS NEW CEO OF ABBOTSFORD CONvENTCollette is a former senior executive of the Australia Council for the Arts and Executive Director of Circa, with leadership experience in performing arts, youth arts, festivals, arts education and public programming. Collette has worked on numerous national and international boards and committees, and is currently on two International Society of Performing Arts committees.

2Term 3 Week 9, September 2016 www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

GALLOPING GALLERIES SOPhIA MuNDI INSPIRED LEARNING PROGRAM:When last we wrote, we were off to the Etruria Antiques Gallery at 246 Johnson Street, Collingwood, to see what is one of the most expansive and complete collections of English stoneware and porcelain. Entering the venue, a passing local remarked on how lovely it was to see younger people being instilled with an appreciation of antiques and fine products. The children found it incredibly interesting and enjoyable (did you know that ‘bone china’ has up to 60% ox-bone ash?), and were fascinated by some of the pieces which went back to the early 1700s. The appreciation of ceramics is as much tactile as it is visual, and we were delighted that the owner Lee, brought down an array of pieces so that the students could handle them - it was indeed a special visit. The following week, Tuesday 30 August, the class visited the Ian Potter Museum of Art, to view the Basil Sellers Prize for Art in Sport. The Basil Sellers Prize is a biennial one, and this is the 5th and last time it will be offered. The class was both impressed and amused by the various entries and the way the theme of Sport was handled - most were especially perceptive.This coming week we will be at the Australian Galleries at 35 Derby Street, in Collingwood. There we will see the exhibition of John Kelly.It will be an enjoyable day, and again I invite any parent who wishes to come along. Sadly, it will also be the last of the visits. It would be exceptionally useful if parents discussed the gallery visits with their children and even ask to see their sketch-books.Nikolas Sakellaropoulos, Head of Secondary

ThE GIFT OF GIvINGIt is inspiring when a student on their own initiative, takes up the challenge of fundraising for a cause. It is what we hope for in our children, that mix of initiative, idealism and altruism. Last week Maddie Chadwick beautifully demonstrated these qualities when she set up her cake stall to raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation. She and her sister Eve, made over $100 for the foundation. It is to be used to heap people of cataracts, a condition that causes blindness if untreated. Many people around the world cannot afford this simple operation and donations like Maddie’s give them back the gift of sight.Great work Maddie, an example to us allRobert Stemp, Class 9 Guardian

LIFESkILLS: hEADSPACE FOuNDATIONHeadspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Headspace also assists in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing, covering four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services. One in four young people have experienced a mental health issue in the past 12 months – a higher prevalence than all other age groups. Research shows that 75% of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25. By treating these issues early and providing a holistic model of support, the risk of them developing into more serious problems is greatly decreased.The relationship between student wellbeing and learning is fundamental to a students positive and successful engagement with their education. Sophia Mundi Steiner School aims to promote the link between wellbeing and learning in every aspect of the curriculum, school culture and environment.At Sophia Mundi, our Life Skills program develops the values and attitudes, knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable students to lead healthy, active and productive lives.

Last Thursday Jess from Headspace discussed Wellbeing, cultivating skills towards understanding and supporting friends experiencing challenges related to Depression and AnxietyInformation and services for young people, their families and friends as well as health professionals can be accessed at Headspace centres, and through the online counselling service eheadspace.To register chat now at eheadspace, or call 1800 650 890. Raquel McConnell, Welfare

LOST PROPERTY NOTICEAs it is coming to the end of Term - any unclaimed lost property articles will be washed and donated to charity. Please check with your Class Teacher if your child is missing any specific items such as lunch boxes, jumpers, drink bottles, bags and shoes.Gregorio Noakes ,Head of Primary School

3Term 3 Week 9, September 2016 www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

MuSIC CORNERAnnual Music Concert - Congratulations!!!On Wednesday 7 September, we held our Annual Music Concert in the beautiful Sacred Heart Oratory at The Abbotsford Convent. Every year I am blown away by the quality of the performances given by each and every student. This year was no exception, with Class 6 to 10 students performing complex pieces with confidence and courage. I was nearly brought to tears many times witnessing our students up on stage really shining in their musical talent and joy. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the powerful and very moving solo and duo performances by Dante Lacota, Clay Arnott-Ford, Atsu Tsuru, Aksel Van Gastel-Peck, Lola McLean, Camilla Cohen, Madeleine Chadwick, Evangeline La Terra, Jasper Hanna-Roberts, Finn Cassidy, Josie McMahon and Lily Bibby. I’m so proud of each and every one of you getting up in front of a 150+ person crowd and performing from your heart. It was lovely to see parents, grandparents, brothers sisters, ex-teachers, and alumni all their to enjoy the evening with us. Congratulations and many thanks to all students,

Instrumental Music Tutors, Class Teachers, Parents and everyone who contributed to creating what was an exceptional and highly

memorable evening of music. If anyone has photos or footage of the event who would like to share with the school please send them through to admin@sophiamundi.vic.edu.au. Many thanks, and again - CONGRATULATIONS!!! Myfanwy Alderson, Music Coordinator.

SPRING FAIR - EMAIL FOR ALL ENquIRIES springfair@sophiamundi.vic.edu.auhay BalesThis year we hope to have families pre-purchase a pea-straw bale that we will use at the Fair as seating and tables. If you are interested, we will have pre-order forms available soon. Bales will be $16.50 and will be available for pick up at the close of the Fair. Please email if you are interested. Market LeafletsTo promote the opportunity to have a market stall at this year’s fair we have some leaflets available from the office to distribute. If you are heading out to a market or know any producers please pass these flyers along. We still need a person to oversee the stall holder arrangements on the day of the fair. Please email if you can help.Story TellersIf you would like to be part of the story telling team on fair day, please put your name forward. We hope to have Story telling for younger children in the Vegetable Garden. Children’s MazeWe are hoping to design a children maze this year and require one or two people to help with preparations. Please put you name forward if you can offer assistance.Children’s GamesWe also hope to run children’s games and races on the day of the Fair, but we will need a few parents to help in the day. Let us knowing this sounds like fun to you!Pocket LadyLooking for some volunteers to take a twirl in the fabulous pocket lady dress (20 mins sessions) on Fair day. The pocket lady carries small presents in her pockets for young children to discover as part of a mobile lucky dip. Always a hit.Silent AuctionWe will be asking for families to donate to the silent auction again this year. We have prepared some flyers that can be used to ask your favourite (or your own!!) business to contribute some goods. Please pick some up from the office soon. This is a great fundraiser for the school.School CraftAs we do each year, there will be a ‘Steiner inspired’ craft stall. If you would like to contribute to this lovely stall, please see me for further information. All crafts need to be made with natural fibres and materials. Thanks Jacqui (Saskia (2) & Louis (Prep) mum).White ElephantPlease remember to set aside any quality used home ware or clothing that you might come across in your spring cleaning for our ever popular white elephant stall.Lemonade StallAs ever, if you have access to a bountiful lemon tree, we would love if you could squeeze and freeze lemon juice for the lemonade stall. If you have lemons but no time to squeeze them, please let us know and we can tap into community juicing power reserves!PFA MeetingWe will have a PFA meeting the first day of term 4 - Wednesday 5th, October it would be great if class carers or nominated spring fair parents could attend for discussions.

Otherwise please contact either Angel (class 2) or Jane (class 1 & 3) to meet-up. Many thanks. Stall listPrep - Children’s tentClass 1 - Coffee and CakeClass 2 - Wood Fired PizzaClass 3 - SizzleClass 4 - Soft serve & LemonadeClass 5 - Silent AuctionClass 6 - Wands and WreathsClass 7 - Wood work

4Term 3 Week 9, September 2016 www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

MOBILE PhONE - REMINDERIt is important for parents who provide students with phones to reiterate that these are not allowed to be used at school. All students from classes Prep to 10 must hand their phones in at the office. If your child needs an exception please see Ben Darby. In conjunction with our Community Conversation we are working towards creating community guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please contact Ben Darby on ben.darby@sophiamundi.vic.edu.au to join the group to work on the community guideline. Fiona Cock, Principal

SPREAD ThE GOOD NEWSSophia Mundi has an official Facebook page! Although the Newsletter continues to be the school’s primary source of information for our parent body, should users of Facebook wish to ‘like’ our page they will be further informed of any upcoming events and general goings on at school.

I WANNA BE A MERMAID AT MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE ON FRI 23 SEP!The much-loved children’s show that sold out several seasons at the Sydney Opera House and has enchanted children around Australia and New Zealand is coming up soon at Melbourne Recital Centre on Friday 23 September!! Dress up as a pirate, surfer, mermaid, or your favourite sea creature and come and join Coco’s Lunch for a magical seaside vocal adventure! (ages 3-8)‘Coco’s Lunch have a talent for crafting beautiful harmonies that possess sophistication and sass … introducing kids to the wonders of jazz, African rhythm, swing and more.’ Wellbeing Magazine, AustraliaFriday 23 Sep 10am & 11.30am, Melbourne Recital Centre Salon. Limited tickets Book Now

CLASS 6 PLAYClass Six are basking in the glory of their play, ‘O Noble Rome’, performed on Wednesday 24 August. The play was written corroboratively between teacher and students, the students themselves learning the mythology and then writing scenes themselves. The story followed the journey of Aeneas arriving on the shores of Italy, the descendant brothers Numitor and Amulius who vie for the throne, and finally the twins Romulus and Remus, born of Mars, the God of War, who found the city. The class recited the opening of the Aeneid in Latin, and performed their parts beautifully.

Forget Athens, built upon the generous gift of the olive tree, upon beauty and truth, Now is the time of Rome, built upon the spoils of war and lies

!Qigong & Meditation Classes - 2016 Term 4 courses

!Private tuition is also available for

Qigong and Meditation classes - one to one or

make your own group!

!Mindfulness Meditation for Modern Living!!

8 week course, Abbotsford!!Mindfulness Based Stillness Meditation is a meditation process where we are paying attention/observing our Self through the breath, sensations, feelings and thoughts and in doing this we are able to experience the still self behind these bodily and mind experiences.!The more we are able to experience mindfulness in meditation then the more we are able to experience the still, silent self in daily life to meet life’s challenges with curiosity rather than stress. Join me in exploring the mind and it’s intimate connection to the body whilst learning the wonderful tool of Meditation.!

Friday Mornings - 10am - 12pm!October 21 - December 9th, 2016!

$180 full/$160 conc. !

!Learn “Self Healing Qigong”!

9 week course, Abbotsford!!The Self Healing Qigong Exercise is an active form of qigong that utilises movement and visualisation to actively engage with and balance the energy “Qi” of your body. It aids in the elimination of pathogens, removal of energy blockages and promotes a balanced and harmonious flow of energy leading to increased vitality, a strengthened immune system and overall health. ! Qigong is a deeply enjoyable practice that connects you deeply to your body and to the Universal energy. Qigong is an excellent practice for many health conditions and if you already enjoy good health – you’ll feel even better!!

Wednesday Mornings - 10am - 1130am!October 12th - December 7th, 2016!

$225 full/$200 conc. !

Enquiries & Bookings:

Elemental Living Therapies & Education for Living Well !

395 Johnston Street, Abbotsford www.elementalliving.ntpages.com.au

elementalliving.lisa@gmail.com Ph: 0401 167 223

!Qigong & Meditation Classes - 2016 Term 4 courses

!Private tuition is also available for

Qigong and Meditation classes - one to one or

make your own group!

!Mindfulness Meditation for Modern Living!!

8 week course, Abbotsford!!Mindfulness Based Stillness Meditation is a meditation process where we are paying attention/observing our Self through the breath, sensations, feelings and thoughts and in doing this we are able to experience the still self behind these bodily and mind experiences.!The more we are able to experience mindfulness in meditation then the more we are able to experience the still, silent self in daily life to meet life’s challenges with curiosity rather than stress. Join me in exploring the mind and it’s intimate connection to the body whilst learning the wonderful tool of Meditation.!

Friday Mornings - 10am - 12pm!October 21 - December 9th, 2016!

$180 full/$160 conc. !

!Learn “Self Healing Qigong”!

9 week course, Abbotsford!!The Self Healing Qigong Exercise is an active form of qigong that utilises movement and visualisation to actively engage with and balance the energy “Qi” of your body. It aids in the elimination of pathogens, removal of energy blockages and promotes a balanced and harmonious flow of energy leading to increased vitality, a strengthened immune system and overall health. ! Qigong is a deeply enjoyable practice that connects you deeply to your body and to the Universal energy. Qigong is an excellent practice for many health conditions and if you already enjoy good health – you’ll feel even better!!

Wednesday Mornings - 10am - 1130am!October 12th - December 7th, 2016!

$225 full/$200 conc. !

Enquiries & Bookings:

Elemental Living Therapies & Education for Living Well !

395 Johnston Street, Abbotsford www.elementalliving.ntpages.com.au

elementalliving.lisa@gmail.com Ph: 0401 167 223

CLASS 3 CuBBIESWalking out to the Veggie Garden this week, you will see two extraordinary structures made by our Class 3 students. They are complex endeavours. The cubbies on show take ingenuity, determination, spatial awareness, mathematical skills and co-operation to get to these lofty heights. Fiona showed the cubbies proudly to numerous prospective parents in the past week. Have a look next time you are in the area!