CLASS 1 2021 andy mckechnie

CLASS 1 2021
 andy mckechnie

THE CLASS 1 CHILD

The first major stage of development is now coming to a close
      with less rapid physical development. The child is now
          prepared for the beginning of formal education.
The principle needs of this age include security and support for
    their emerging independence, a sense of themselves as a
   connected part of a social and physical whole and to make
   meaning of their worldly experience from abstract symbols
  (letters and numbers). However, for the first half of the year
      many of the children will still have one foot in the early
                          childhood realm.
  In Class One the most important way to meet the children’s
   needs is in the way the content is introduced. The gradual
change from activity and imitation in the kindergarten, to more
    formal learning in Class One, is facilitated by involving the
 feeling life – through stories, movement, games, pictures and
   songs. Strong daily, weekly and seasonal rhythms and an
  emphasis on beauty are important keys to working with this
age group. These help to connect new concepts to the child’s
 own experience and their relationship to others and the world
                           around them.

Class 1 Curriculum
These are the Main Lessons for the year ahead. They are taken from the Australian Steiner
Curriculum Framework (ASCF). The order of the Main Lessons may well differ from below,
based on the needs of the class or school events.
The curriculum focus is stated for each Main Lesson and the Arts (music, speech, drama,
painting, drawing, modelling) are incorporated. Main Lessons, which include a Morning Circle
are taught for the first two hours of the day for class 1-5 and between recess and lunch for
class 6 & 7

            Curriculum Area                              Main Lesson - Title
 English/Mathematics                         Form drawing 1: The Straight Line and Curve
 English                                     The Alphabet: Giuseppe and Josephine’s
                                             Adventures
 Mathematics                                 Numbers Qualities
 English                                     From Letters to Text
 Mathematics                                 Counting and Informal Processes: Grouping
 Science/Geography                           Local Surroundings – World of Nature 1
 English /History /Geography                 Ancient World Tales / Lower case print
 Science/Geography                           Local Surroundings – World of Nature 2
 English/ Mathematics/ Drama                 Form Drawing and Class Play
 English/History/ Science/ Geography         Stories from the Dreaming

                                   Specialist Lessons
 Craft
 Spanish                                     Music

January 2021
Dear Class One Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome to Class One and the beginning of our six year journey!
The first day of school is a very exciting event for all children and I am sure there have been
many questions coming from your child and family discussions about school. My meeting
with the whole class went very well and I am very thankful for the time I was able to spend in
the kindergarten, slowly and gently becoming a familiar face to them. Many of the children
already know Amy too, our class assistant, which will be very helpful as they make the
transition from kindy to school.
The first day will begin with a Rose Ceremony where the children will be introduced to the
school and will receive a rose each from a year 12 student. This year’s ceremony will be
extra special as the year 12s were my first class!
By now I would have made a few home visits and will continue throughout the first term.
These home visits provide a ‘bridge’ between school and home. It is a special time for your
child to have my undivided attention, which will strengthen our relationship and give them
some extra confidence about the journey ahead. It also allows me to deepen my
understanding of each child.
Please consider the value in establishing strong rhythms for your child with eating and
sleeping leading up to the beginning of the school term and keep any screen time to as little
as possible.
Please provide recess and lunch for your child and we ask that only healthy, wrapper free
food to come to school. A hat is essential for Term One and slippers will be needed for
inside.
If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me or you are welcome to come in and
see me at the end of the school day.
I am looking forward to getting to know you all and the journey ahead!
                                                                         Warm Regards, Andy

MATERIALS
Materials are provided at Willunga Waldorf School.
From home please bring and label with name:
   -   Broad brim hat (to stay at school)
   -   Slippers (to stay at school)
   -   Spare set of clothes

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Class Teachers hold Parent /Teacher Evenings at least once per term. These are important
opportunities for parents to share with the teacher their questions and issues as well as to hear
from the teacher how the class is working and how the educational activities can be supported.
Often specific class issues are raised and discussed.
Upon enrolment both parents sign a statement of understanding that;
 Parents/caregivers are expected to fully support the aims of the school with respect to the
  philosophy and education.
 Parents/caregivers are required to attend Parent/Teacher Evenings once a term.

Parent Class Representatives: The role involves being the contact person for helping to
delegate roles for class community events when the need arises from the teacher. To be
decided at the first Class Meeting.
Once decided, it is suggested both the Parent Class Rep and Autumn Fair Rep gather fellow
class parent contact information at the first Class Meeting. This will facilitate communication
throughout the year, and be most helpful in advance of the parent-run Autumn Fair.
Autumn Fair Parent Representative:
To be decided at the first Class Meeting.
Autumn Fair Role – Class 1 - Saturday March 27th 2021

The Autumn Fair is a parent led community event and highlight of the school year. Class 1 is
responsible for the Autumn Leaf Café. The café will be located in the Class 2 classroom.
The Parents and Friends (P&F, who oversee the Fair) ask for 1-3 people to coordinate the organising
of the Café (eg. one focuses on drinks, one on food and roster, one on decoration), with all parents
asked to contribute the best they can. 1-2 coffee machines are brought in, and all school families are
asked to bake biscuits/cakes to sell, with class 10 students supporting the parent roster for service
on the day.
The café has a significant and established food safety component and P&F are looking at best
options for COVID safe supply and serving of cakes/biscuits and will work with the Coordinators on
this. Current COVID guidelines essentially require the same food safe elements as have been
recognised for some time and P&F are working on further precautionary measures to support this
stall.
The folder for this stall is well established and contains great information about all the aspects of
running the cafe. Folders are available in the school library and contain detailed instructions. The
folders cannot be removed from the library, however each folder has a plastic sleeve that can be
taken. Extra information may also be photocopied and there is a USB in the library with the digital
version of all folders (USB also may not leave the library, but can be transferred to another USB or
laptop). Digital versions can also be requested by emailing parentsandfriends@wws.sa.edu.au
Please email P&F your interest in helping to coordinate this stall.

COMMUNITY LIFE
There are lots of opportunities for you too, to receive the benefits of being part of a Waldorf
community, from educational opportunities, social events, friends of the garden, to learning a
new craft, participating in fairs and excursions, or just popping in to look at your child's
bookwork from time to time.

PARENTS AND FRIENDS
The Parents and Friends (P&F) meet fortnightly throughout the year. The P&F, amongst
many things, support the organising of the Autumn Fair and are responsible for the
distribution of Autumn Fair proceeds. The group also plans various other social events (eg.
Christmas market, quiz nights etc.), and supports school events with catering for school
festivals.

The Parents and Friends meet regularly and members can volunteer as much or as little as
they wish. They always love to see some new faces who can contribute opinion, thoughts,
ideas and energy...and practical help on occasion. Please contact the P&F via email:
parentsandfriends@wws.sa.edu.au

COFFEE AND CRAFT
Each Friday morning from 9am until 11:30am in Room B, located behind office. Beginners
and children most welcome (children under parental guidance). You are also most welcome
to bring along your own projects.

THE RAINBOW ROOM
The Rainbow Room is a parent volunteer run school shop located behind the office selling
handmade toys, crafts, gifts and art, craft and school supplies. All proceeds go towards
selected school projects or initiatives that support the school and Waldorf philosophy. Some
of the supplies that the children use or receive at school are available to purchase. This
includes 'blank' craft bags, 16ply wool, modelling wax, 100% wool felt, beeswax crayons,
Lyra pencils, fountain pens, fleece for wet-felting, school endorsed hats, slippers, playcloths,
tin lunch boxes as well as many other inspirations and gifts. Please email
rainbowroom@wws.sa.edu.au if you are interested in volunteering.

SPECIAL EVENTS DRESS
Rose Ceremony: Our year begins with the rose ceremony on the first day of school. At special
events, including the Rose Ceremony, musical performances, festivals and graduation
assemblies, all students K to 12 are expected to wear plain, coloured tops, free from logos,
pictures, advertising and writing.

STUDENT DRESS CODE
Our dress code is an agreed standard of clothing for students who attend Willunga Waldorf
School. It was developed through a consultation process with staff, parents and students.
The dress code is available on the parent app under the ‘Policies and Guidelines’ section.
Please familiarise yourself with the Primary School dress code policy. You can expect to be
notified of any dress code breaches and the consequences which are outlined in the full
policy enclosed.
At Willunga Waldorf School the colours found in living nature are recognised as supportive to
healthy child development. Natural fabrics in a range of solid colours, without excessive
decoration support the school ethos. The wearing of predominantly black clothing becomes
possible only when students transition to High School. This in addition to writing on clothing,
are the two areas that require ongoing vigilance in the Primary School. Thank-you in
anticipation of your support.

The following items fall outside of the Primary School Dress Code –
      Clothing that is predominantly black
      Advertisements, logos, brands and writing larger than a fist
      Make-up, nail polish and hair dye
      Facial or multiple ear piercings
      Thongs, ugg boots, heels
      Dangling or hoop earrings and jewellery, spacer earrings, large necklaces and large
       rings
      Temporary and other tattoos (teacher discretion applies to henna designs at
       festival times).
      Singlets, tank tops or sleeves that expose shoulders
      Clothing that does not cover from shoulder to mid-thigh
      See through materials
      Hair that falls across the face

HEALTHY EATING
Our school has an excellent approach to whole foods and reusable packaging. On the rare
occasion that you are in a rush and resort to pre-packaged food, please remove the wrapper
before putting the item in the lunchbox in order to exclude the effects of advertising and rubbish
problems at school. If required, provide utensils for your child as these are not provided.
Individual class communities are informed and regularly reminded of specific dietary
requirements particular to the student group, as is the wider school community via the
fortnightly newsletter. This, in conjunction with the implementation of a no-sharing food policy
in the Kindergarten and lower primary school classrooms, all contribute to a safer school
environment. Some students at Willunga Waldorf School have severe food allergies and a
whole school approach is vital in minimising the risk for these students. When providing food
for shared meals we encourage families to provide a full list of ingredients.

PUNCTUALITY
The class and I will greatly benefit from all children being on time to school each day. I will
open the side door at 8:45 so that your child can hang up their belongings. School begins at
8:55 am. It is important that the children develop healthy rhythms. This becomes more
difficult when they are continually interrupted. If arriving at school on time has been a struggle
in the past, please make a conscious effort to change this at the beginning of this year to set
a new rhythm that will support the learning of all students.

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Student sign in/out
      Students arriving late please sign in at the Front Office & collect a green card to
       provide to your teacher.
      If collecting your child early please sign them out via the Front Office where you will be
       given a green card to provide to the teacher.
      If you are not going to collect your child, please send a written note to the teacher in
       the morning advising the need for the student to present to the Front Office and sign
       themselves out.

Absence notification
Willunga Waldorf School is required to maintain the appropriate attendance and enrolment
registers and provide these to the Education and Early Childhood Services Registration and
Standards board when it visits the school as part of the review of registration process.
Our school has a legal requirement to maintain rolls, enrolment registers and computer records
with reasons for absences and dates of cessation of enrolment recorded.
To assist us in maintaining our records we remind all parents of the following:
      Please advise the Front Office via the absentee phone line (ph: 7123 2699), written
       note/email (absentee@wws.sa.edu.au) or via the parent app on days when children
       are away for ill health or family reasons.
      Written notification is required (or medical certificate if available) for absences of 3
       days or more.
      An application for an exemption is to be lodged via the Front Office whenever there
       is a planned extended absence such as a family holiday. This may be done in
       writing for absences of less than a month or via a Form C for absences of a month
       or more (available at the Front Office).

MEDICAL SUPPORT
We are strongly committed to the health and wellbeing of our students. It is essential that all
students with a recognised medical condition have a current Health Care Plan on file, along
with any relevant medication. All medication required to be kept on campus must be
provided to the office in a named, sealed bag and accompanied by a Medication Authority
Form which has been completed by a GP or medical specialist (blank forms are available at
the Office). This includes vitamins and homeopathics.
Please note, students who require a Health Care Plan and/or medication but fail to provide it
to the school will unfortunately be unable to attend.
Please speak to Cristy, our First Aid Officer, if your child requires other medical support or
consideration to make their school day more comfortable.

ANTHROPOSOPHIC CARE AND FIRST AID
As part of our first aid policy staff may apply the following remedies unless written notification
has been received from parents/guardians to the contrary:
      Arnica cream – as pain relief for muscle aches, sprains and bruises
      Hypercal – for painful cuts, abrasions and wounds
      Calendula cream – for cuts and grazes
      Combudoron cream – for burns, sunburn and insect bites
      Rash relief cream – for specific skin reactions
      Rescue Remedy - for calming upset students
More information on the administration of first aid is available in the complete policy. Copies
are available upon request from the Front Office.

WELLBEING SUPPORT
At Willunga Waldorf School the wellbeing of students is overseen by the Head of School, the Learning
Support faculty and the Wellbeing team. In addition, all teachers share responsibility for the health
and wellbeing of each student. Members of the wellbeing team may work with classes as a whole or
with small groups of children to support the Health and Social Education curriculum.

In the Primary and Middle School, student wellbeing workers collaborate closely with the class
teachers and the Learning Support faculty to support students. Children may engage in
programs because they do not seem happy or well -adjusted at school. Others may participate
because their teacher feels they are not fulfilling their potential academically or socially.
Students may need support with confidence, self-esteem or motivation. Mentoring support and
group activities are available to help students develop positive skills. With improved confidence,
social skills and self-esteem, students are able to devote their attention and energy to learning.
PERMISSION FOR MY CHILD TO SEE A SCHOOL WELLBEING WORKER

Parent permission is required for children to meet with Primary and Middle School wellbeing
workers, at the school. To do this, please access the WWS School Stream Parent App.
This consent will be on file throughout the time that your child attends Willunga Waldorf School
and may be revoked in writing to the Head of School, at any time.

NEWSLETTER
Published weekly, the newsletter provides parents with important information on school
matters. All families receive our school newsletter electronically. Paper copies are not
distributed however a limited number will be available in the front office each week for
collection should you require a paper copy.

WWS PARENT SCHOOL STREAM APPLICATION
This application is used to enhance communication and clarity between the school and the
community. The School Stream App will provide parents with quick and easy access to
information on demand. Examples of information which will be shared on this application
include:-
          Online absentee Line Lodgement
          School newsletter - in PDF format (Link to newsletter on app will be sent via email)
          Class specific events and information
          Instrumental teacher contact details
          Alerts – urgent notifications i.e.: fire evacuation, late camp arrival etc….
          A select range of School Policies relevant to your children

Steps to Download the School Stream Application
   Application download via the following link
    https://www.schoolstream.com.au/download/
     *** Please read online instructions on how to install, select your school and set your
     preferences before you continue
   Once installed, open the application
   Start typing Willunga Waldorf School into the search then SELECT Willunga Waldorf
    School

TEACHER CONTACT DETAILS
Andrew McKechnie         andrew_mckechnie@wws.sa.edu.au

ADMINISTRATION DIRECT CONTACTS
School Office:           08 8556 2655
Email:                   office@wws.sa.edu.au
Absentee:                7123 2699
Finance:                 7123 2696
Registrar:               7123 2695
Absentee direct email:   absentee@wws.sa.edu.au