Articles

Why Steiner Students Knit

Knitting has been gathering a lot of attention lately by crafters and scientists alike. It turns out knitting and handwork provides a host of brain and wellbeing benefits to people of all ages. For students, in particular, knitting provides an essential learning medium. A child who is knitting a hat or a toy kitten sees their will transformed into art. They see their focused, detailed work turn into something beautiful and purpose filled. They experience how the conceptual becomes concrete. This is why Waldorf education founder, Rudolf Steiner, lectured on the importance of handwork for students just under 100 years…

Drawing is the best way to learn, even if you’re no Leonardo da Vinci

By Anne Quito “I just can’t draw.” It’s a refrain most adults say when confronted with a blank piece of paper. Something happens in our teenage years that makes most of us shy away from drawing, fretting that our draftsmanship skills aren’t up to par, and leaving it to the “artists” among us. But we’ve been thinking about drawing all wrong, says the design historian D.B. Dowd. In his illuminating new book, titled Stick Figures: Drawing as a Human Practice, Dowd argues that putting a pencil to paper shouldn’t be about making art at all. “We have misfiled the significance of drawing because…

Investing in Innovative Smart Energy Solution backed with DPE Funding

As families continue to grapple with rising electricity prices and the extremes in weather changes making habitable spaces harder to keep comfortable, Chrysalis School has partnered with local renewable energy engineering firm, Enesol, and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to address the needs of its increasing student numbers and growing demand on the electricity grid. After over 35 years of Steiner education in the Thora Valley, west of Bellingen, on the mid north coast of NSW, Chrysalis is now the third biggest school in the Bellingen Shire. The geographical setting of Chrysalis is unique, and the same might…

Early Childhood Programs Open Day

We are encouraging any families interested in our Playgroups, Morning Star and also River Song Kindergartens to attend our Open Day and/or Information Evening to learn more about our Early Childhood Program and all that we offer for your children. Come along and meet other like-minded families and our teachers as well.

Honouring the school’s founders…

The Founders Shelter was named (Maam Giinganda - Peaceful Place) and officially opened by Michael Jarrett in a moving ceremony at the Maypole Green followed by an wonderful afternoon tea at the shelter on a glorious autumn day. Family, friends and school community members came to honour those who helped envision and create this metamorphic school in the Thora Valley! Steve and Kelley both spoke representing the school and their own personal families' journeys at Chrysalis. Friends and family members paid touching tributes to Geo Scott, Marek Chodkiewicz and Michael Harfield, and past teacher, Christine Riley, honoured many other key contributors in the foundation stages…

‘Lots Of Socks’ for World Down Syndrome Day

  This year Chrysalis school will be joining in the international campaign of 'Lots Of Socks' for World Down Syndrome Day. We encourage all children and teachers to wear some brightly coloured, long or mismatched socks to school on this day to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Many of the teachers have planned activities to learn about, accept and celebrate each person’s uniqueness and to understand more about Down syndrome.   Perhaps it’s time to buy a new pair of exciting socks for Autumn or borrow and swap to make a pair of wild socks, please think ahead and have some…

Preparing parents for unfolding milestones – talks by Melanie Deefholts

We are excited to announce two upcoming development talks by Melanie Deefholts. Melanie has been working in the Chrysalis community for over 8 years with enthusiastic and positive feedback from the community. We invite all families to attend on Monday March 19th at Morning Star. Melanie will work with us as we support our children in their development and explore practical ways to navigate these years. This community striving not only supports our children but also helps prepare the adults for the unfolding milestones that are waiting to blossom ahead. Understanding the Adolescent in turbulent times and their relationship with…

Queens Baton Relay comes to Bellingen

On Thursday 1 February, the Queens Baton Relay event is coming through Bellingen in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games. Chrysalis students will not be participating in this event due to the logistical challenges of the school's distance from relay. As part of event temporary parking is required by Bellingen Shire Council between 12pm and 4pm at the Park St bus stop in Bellingen. This will impact on Chrysalis parents who use this area to park when they wait for their children to return from the bus. Please be advised to seek alternative parking arrangements on this afternoon, and…

35th Anniversary Bush Dance photos

Here are some fun pictures from Saturday afternoon's festivities with Tallowood Bush Band. Many thanks to Rainbow Chai and Heang's Kitchen for their fantastic support of the event.  

Job Description – Market Stall Manager and Barista

Would you like to support the main fundraising event for Chrysalis School - by having fun on a monthly market stall? We are currently seeking a Market Stall Manager for our stall at the Bellingen Monthly Markets on the third Saturday of each month. The job involves; Pre making soup, chai or other drinks prior to the markets Arriving at the markets at 6.30am to set up- the beautiful stall and coffee machine Making Coffees and other hot drinks Leading the team of volunteers - to serve our customers with food, drink and craft goods Delivering the takings to the Market Stall…