‘Where is the book in which the teacher can read what teaching is? The children themselves are this book. We should not learn how to teach out of any book other than the one lying open before us and consisting of children themselves’ - Rudolf Steiner
Hello, Hello!
I once again bring you an action packed report on what has been happening within the EPW world! So grab your cuppa and settle in…..
We are further into our discussions with an offsite location for the opening of the school next year. It is not confirmed at this stage and much discussion still needs to be had before we can be certain this is the right location for us, however we are investigating the possibility wholeheartedly and feel good about the opportunities it may present.
We are also investigating the option to lease further land to allow for growth of up to five years at the location. This will ensure we build our capital funds and have the opportunities to apply for necessary funding to build on our school block. The next five years are going to be exhilarating and action packed!
We have dived right into the registration application by collating the different evidence and standards we require in order to become a registered school. We have a good friend, Tony French-Kennedy who was one of the pioneers who set up the Willunga Waldorf school, assisting us with this which is absolutely momentous for our small group. Tony brings with him knowledge, guidance, contacts but most importantly a sense of belief and enthusiasm; he has been where we are and succeeded. We will too.
As a part of the evidence guide of standards, we must also provide a financial report on our ongoing costs and our ability to remain financially viable before we receive our recurrent funding. We have now documented what this looks like for our first year of operation. This has been a big step as we are now able to confirm the number of students and teachers who will be required in order to open the school and grow each year. I am not going to lie, it is also a little daunting seeing the total funds required in order for us to stay financially afloat, however it is necessary information and paramount to our success. It also means when people ask, ‘how much do you need to open your school doors?’ we have an answer. We will iron a couple more details out with that budget and release the number to you all.
Continuing with the registration, we are working with our lawyer to create a legally binding document which will allow for businesses and interested parties to ‘pledge’ funds towards the school. The difference with this type of donation is that we will not be asking for the funds until we receive school registration and the donor can then receive the appropriate tax benefits. We will then lodge the documents and list of total funds as a part of our application as a way to creatively manage the need to have the funds in our bank account at the time of submission. This benefits both parties as it means donors know where the money is being spent and we can ensure we have the funds to operate the school until the recurrent funding commences. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, or would like to know more, please do get in touch with us and we would gladly talk you through it further.
As a board, we decided that as we have not had the opportunity to rebuild the playgroup after the fire, we have put the money that was donated into the registration account - we hope that people understand the importance of building that account and why playgroup has been paused at this time.
Another huge step forward for us recently was our search for expressions of interest for our first teacher/s. It makes the dream feel closer than ever and we are really on the lookout for a person/s who would like to join us on this journey. It will not be your average job, that's for sure! It is an opportunity to make a difference to our children’s lives and impact many generations to come. It will offer something unique that has not yet been offered here on the Eyre Peninsula. If you are interested, please do reach out, we would love to hear from you! Even just for a chat ....we do love a good chat (is it that obvious?)
We have a number of events coming up and would love your support with either coming to say hello at the stall, purchasing something or making something to sell (we wouldn’t say no to you manning the stall also if that is your thing. Take it from me, it's more fun than it sounds!).
2nd September - Mala Homegrown market - Collab with Mylky & Co.
Could you help with making a raw treat, please? Or manning the stall for a couple of hours?
10th September - Picken Family Market at the Rec Centre - Craft and Raw Treats
Again, you may be on a roll with making those raw treats?
Manning the stall
Coming to say hello
16th September - Garage Sale (location to be confirmed)
If you have any items to donate please let me know on 0419 845 615
24th September - Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
We are asking for 2 more helpers please. One for the morning shift and one for the afternoon shift please!
14th October - Bottle Run
Do you have any recyclable bottles to donate? We will come and pick them up the morning of the 14th
Please keep in mind we are 100% funded by our fundraising activities - we are not able to operate without them and the support from our community.
We apologise for the cancellation of the last MGM, unfortunately the board was not able to meet at that time. The next MGM will be on the 18th September at 10am @ the Library. It would be lovely to see you there.
Sending much love, as always
Renee