| Sections |
| Events |
| Early Childhood News |
| Elementary School News |
| High School News |
| Alumni News |
Open House, January 10, 9am – 11am
Our January Open House is Tuesday, January 10th from 9am to 11am. We will begin in the library and then tour the school buildings and park-like grounds, visitors will step into lower and middle school classrooms to experience Waldorf Education in action, tour dedicated art studios, and visit Early Childhood classes for circle time.
Trice Atchison Concert, January 14 at The Brick House Pub
Please join us at The Brick House Pub in Housatonic on Saturday, January 14, to warm up a cold winter’s night. She’ll be singing some favorite jazz and blues classics—from Angel Eyes to Lullaby of Birdland to Fine and Mellow—with Richard Evans on piano, Don Mikkelsen (7th grade parent on trombone, and Roger Suters on bass. Music starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Brick House Pub is at 425 Park Street, Housatonic, MA. Dinner is served until 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Check out the pub’s website, http://brickhousema.com, for a menu and directions.
Suggested donation is $15, with proceeds benefiting the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School Class of 2012 fund.
Handwork for The Handcraft Fair
We hope you notice how unique our handcraft fair is. One difference is that we are the only fair without vendors. This gives our fair its special quality. Each year, all of our items are made by our community. Not only are the products we make one-of-a-kind, but the process of making them is also meaningful. Mrs. Carr and I met over the break, much enthused with new ideas and projects. We talked about the benefits of slowing down and using one’s hands to create. This act of resistance against a fast-paced, mass-produced world is refreshing and reaffirming.
Out of this discussion we decided that we would like to start handwork sessions this winter on Wednesday mornings beginning January 18 at 8:15 am in the handwork room. We picture these mornings offering us all a chance to be creative, learn new skills, engage in conversation with other parents and make things for our fair at a less hectic pace. We welcome all skill levels, there will be handcraft teachers who can give instruction. For those of you who have talked about doing something in the winter, this is your chance. We are looking forward to some wonderful sessions. Look for the posters announcing the days and crafts to be made.
Here’s another idea for the fair – Jo Valens inspired us this year when she walked into the handcraft room on fair set-up day and donated 12 of her gorgeous embroidered pouches. She told us that she made one for each month. Mrs. Carr and I decided that we are going to keep each other inspired to knit one hat for the fair each month Is there a crafty resolution you can make for the fair?
-Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Carr
World Teachers’ Conference, April 19, 2012
Dear Parents and Friends, on April 9, 2012 the ninth annual World Teachers’ Conference, will take place at the Goetheanum, in Dornach, Switzerland. This event takes place every 4 years and is attended by Waldorf Teachers from all over the globe.
The school has traditionally supported teachers attending. It is an opportunity for self and professional development and gauging the health and vigor of the Waldorf movement at large. As you can imagine, attending a European conference isn’t cheap. Between air fares, accommodations, meal plans and conference fees, it soon adds up. Even with personal funds, financial aid from the school, AWSNA and the conference organizers, it still doesn’t cover all costs. Therefore I am sending an appeal out to our community to see if anyone would be willing to consider donating frequent flyer miles to help alleviate some of the travel costs. It would be a wonderful gift, and truly appreciated by the three teachers attending.
If anyone can help, please contact me.
Thank you in advance! For the Faculty, John Greene (Faculty Administrator)
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Mornings at Matrushka, January 14
The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School continues its series of children’s puppet plays at Matrushka Toys and Gifts, 309 Main Street, Great Barrington with “The Gingerbread Man”, January 14, 2012. There will be two show times, at 10:30 and 11:30 am, performed by puppeteer and Waldorf kindergarten teacher Christine Pierce Inglis. This classic children’s tale is appropriate for all ages, and the event is free for the community.
Rhyme Time at Matrushka, every Tuesday morning at 10:30 am
In partnership with Matrushka Toys and Gifts, GBRSS hosts “Rhyme Time,” every Tuesday morning at 10:30 am at Matrushka, 309 Main Street, Great Barrington. Rhyme Time offers rhymes, finger plays, circle games and simple puppetry especially designed to delight and engage infants, crawlers, toddlers and young children. Led by Early Childhood teachers with a Waldorf background, Rhyme Time is a free, drop-in weekly event for young children with their caregiver, and all are welcome.
Parent/Toddler Winter Session, begins January 23
Parent/Toddler Circle, for parents and their children under age three is currently taking registration for the winter session (January 23 – March 19, 2012) and spring session (March 26 – May 21, 2012).
Once a week for eight weeks, Parent/Toddler creates a circle for young children (ages 1 to 3) and their parents, to experience firsthand the rhythms of a Waldorf kindergarten morning. In the cozy environment of an early childhood classroom, parents engage in home-like activities (such as baking bread) or make simple crafts, while their children help them or play nearby. Circle and story time reflect the world of nature and seasonal festivities. Led by Waldorf Early Childhood specialist Jo Valens (illustrator of The Waldorf Kindergarten Snack Book), Parent/Toddler Circle provides ample opportunity for Moms, Dads, grandparents and caregivers to share parenting skills and concerns in community, supported by Valens’s 20 years of experience as a Waldorf Early Childhood teacher.
ELEMENTARY
Congratulations!
Eighth grade students Megan Lacombe and Sofié Ruderman recently auditioned and were selected to sing in the Massachusetts Western District Music Festival, Junior Division. Only 65 young women were selected from among the auditioners for this select chorus. Their concert will be held in March at UMass, and will feature chorus, orchestra, band, and jazz band at the middle school age level.
2nd Grade Play, January 19 and 20, 9:30 am
The Second Grade will perform the play “The Legend of St. Odelia” January 19 and 20 at 9:30 am in the auditorium.
Some classes will be celebrating Chinese New Year on Monday, January 23.
8th grade fundraiser–hot lunch on January 20
Stuffed Baked Potato Lunch on January 20. See an 8th grader for details. Large baked potato ($5.00) comes with choice of meat or vegetable topping. All proceeds of fundraising contribute to their class trip.
SPORTS
Basketball
Come and support our teams. Home games are played at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Check the Sports Update line (x150) for any changes during the week.
GBRSS 2011-2012 BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Boys
| Date | Team Played | Home/Away | Game time | Return time |
| January 11, Wed. | Indian Mountain | Home | 3:30 | |
| January 14, Sat. | Cape Ann at Berkshire School | Away | 8 am-12 noon | |
| January 18, Wed. | Washington Montessori | Away | 3:45 | 6:15 |
| January 23, Mon. | BCD | Away | 3:30 | 5:15 |
| Jan 27-28, Fri.-Sat | Green Meadow Waldorf Tournament | Away | ||
| February 1, Wed. | Washington Montessori | Home | 3:45 | |
| February 6, Mon. | BCD | Home | 3:30 | |
| February 8, Wed. | Indian Mountain School | Away | 3:00 | 5:30 |
Girls
| Date | Team Played | Home/Away | Game | Return time |
| January 6, Fri. | Indian Mountain (Varsity) | Home | 3:00 | |
| January 11, Wed. | Hotchkiss | Away | 4:30 | 6:15 |
| January 14, Sat. | Cape Ann at Berkshire School | Away | 8 am-12 noon | |
| January 18, Wed. | Indian Mountain | Home | 3:30 | |
| January 25, Wed. | Washington Montessori | Away | 3:45 | 6:15 |
| Jan 27-28, Fri.-Sat. | Green Meadow Waldorf Tournament | Away | ||
| February 6, Mon. | BDC (6th grade only) | Away | 3:45 | 5:30 |
| February 8, Wed | Indian Mountain School | Away | 4:00 | 5:30 |
| February 13, Mon | Washington Montessori. | Home | 3:45 | |
| February 15, Wed. | Hotchkiss | Home | 3:30 |
After School Ski Program
Close to 40 students have signed up for the Catamount Ski Program. Our first session starts on Friday, January 6. We all need to think snow and cold weather! Students should leave their ski equipment against the red shed by the elementary school building. Buses will transport the students to Catamount after school. Parents are responsible for pick up at Catamount by 8 p.m. Please make sure your child is dressed warmly and has enough food for dinner.
Ice skating
Once the weather cooperates and we possibly get some ice on Lake Mansfield we will be going ice skating during games classes. So keep those skates ready and if your child does not have skates the school has a bunch to lend and friends usually come through with some more.
HIGH SCHOOL
Congratulations!!
Alee Danyluk, a 10th grade student at the Waldorf High School, auditioned and was selected for Massachusetts Western District Music Festival, Senior Division Orchestra. Alee’s scores were high enough to gain a second audition for Massachusetts All State Orchestra.
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7:30 pm: Open House at the high school
Student work, brief presentation of school programs, questions and answers, and refreshments. Prospective parents and students welcome. Please join us!
Friday, Jan. 27, 6 pm.: Waldorf High School Spaghetti Dinner
The spaghetti dinner is to thank Faculty & Staff. It’s Friday evening; why cook? Join us at the First Congregational Church on Main Street, Great Barrington. $10 adults; children through 8th grade pay their grade; $30 family. Come at 5:30 to mingle; dinner at 6.
OFFICE
Wish List
- We WISH to express our gratitude to Hurish Pajeski for donating the flooring to kick start the Winter Break Project, reflooring the Business Office, Faculty Administrator Office and Copy Machine Room. Hurish had sufficient remnants from an outside project to get us started and minimize the expense for a long awaited project.
- We would like to appeal to our community of many trades to keep us in mind for donations of goods and supplies. If you have extra anything (time, materials) that you think the school might need, please let us know. Our storage is minimal, and we can only accept supplies we will be able to use immediately, but our gratitude is immense and our thank you letters are expeditious.
- A very special wish list item from the EC teachers – a pair of sheepskin style “baby Ugg booties” to borrow in February during their puppet play performance. If you have a pair, please contact Ms. Valens, Mrs. Serpe or Ms. Peterson or the Front Desk.
Pay phone
Due to declining use and occasional pranks, the pay phone will be removed from the school porch in the beginning of the New Year.
From the Business Office
Tuition Assistance forms for 2012-13 will be available at the end of the month. More information regarding this will be in the Friday weekly bulletins.
Scrip!
A simple way to help the school as you shop! Contact Rebecca McFarland at mcfarland135@verizon.net or 413-528-1954 with your questions or order.
Volunteer Opportunity
Mosaic, Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School’s newsletter, is looking for a volunteer co-editor. Mosaic is currently published twice a year and contains articles and information of interest to our school community. The co-editor will work in partnership with our current editor, Sally Michael Keyes (mom to Samantha in 6th grade), in organizing, creating and/or assigning stories and articles for Mosaic and managing the production process from idea stage to publication. If you are interested or would like further information, please contact Sally at (413) 528-5131 or keyes1545@aol.com.
DEVELOPMENT
Replace your old search engine and use GOOD SEARCH
Bye, bye Google, hello Good Search…When you use Good Search the school earns a penny per search. Good Search can be used instead of Google/Yahoo or any other search engine. Make it your homepage, make it the office homepage. Start the New Year making money for your children’s school without spending a penny more. All proceeds go to the General Operating Fund for GBRSS.
- Step 1) go to www.goodsearch.com
- Step 2) Fill in your information and make this your home page and sole search engine.
- Step 3) Enter Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School name as your charity of choice.
- That’s it, you’re finished. All proceeds go to the General Operating Fund for GBRSS.
Good Shop
Good things happen when you shop at www.goodshop.com. Each time you shop at any of the online stores through this website GBRSS earns points which turns into cash. One family booked hotel rooms and the school will be getting 3% from Hotels.com. Please check out the businesses that are connected to this cause. To name a few…Amazon, Travelocity, Hertz, iTunes, Apple Store, Staples, Dell, Gap, LLBean, Kayak, HomeDepot – the list goes on and on. Almost any online merchant you can think of participates in Good Shop.
P.A.
Alum Zoe Barracano(Gangemi) was a student in Torin Finzers graduating class of 1982. Zoe is a mother of 2 daughters, ages 5 & 7 and currently resides in Burlington, VT. Her photos have been published in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Sun; closer to home, one of her photos ran on the cover of the February 2011 Art Map Burlington. Her work was also part of the 2011 juried show at the South End Art Hop. Her work has appeared around Burlington at the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, Vermont Community Access Media and at the headquarters of the American Red Cross of Northern New England.
Recently a photograph of hers was chosen by National Geographic from over 7,000 submissions for their national photo contest “A Story with out Words”. Now the ten finalists including her photo, titled MAGNETISM, are being voted for by the public at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/photostories/entries/vote/vote-finalists/
Out of the ten contestants, she is currently in second place. The winner receives a trip to the Galapagos Islands. A three step process of signing up, activating the email and logging in is required to vote. Voting is open until January 15, 2012. Please go on-line and place your vote for Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School Alum Zoe Barracano and her photo MAGNETISM.
To see more about Zoe check out this website:
http://www.wcax.com/story/16401094/a-local-photographer-wins-at-writing-a-story-
without-words
Parent Association
Parent Association Meeting, December 14th, 2011, Minutes.
The meeting began at 7:13pm, in the Faculty Room, at the GBRSS, with Ms. J. Valens (EC Rep), Sarah Malzone, Sheela Clary, Kate Staples, Preston Dorch, Joe Cooney, Monica Cleveland, Maggie Taylor, Bob Posey, and Jamie Minacci in attendance.
Old Business:
- Library- A. Abrams, 8th grade parent, will continue in January to complete the book/supplies for the classroom teachers and any other materials that have been requested. She apologizes that she has not been able to order them until January.
- Playground- Further discussion on the nature, size, scale, scope of the proposed playground additions. (To be placed in the existing yard behind Elementary school.) Mrs. Palmer spoke of a request (as the Games teacher), for a “teeter-totter. She had seen one at Glen Brook, during the 7th Grade trip. This equipment would be helpful for socialization, balance, coordination, in classes, and as an alternative to kick ball, etc. It could be “assembled” by a couple handy parents, in a few hours and would provide several years of play.
New Business:
- Parent Education – will resume after the Holiday vacation, the next will be at the end of the month (January). The topic to be announced, with the faculty leader also.
- SCRIP- to resume efforts to promote this program in the classes, with a class contest for February. Many suggestions to make the program easier to understand and more accessible to the parents. An idea was to educate parents as they enter the EC; with a handout in a folder with helpful school information. Another Rep. suggested that ‘lunch book news’ go home to remind parents of this worthy aid to our school.
Any questions can be directed to Rebecca McFarland, and there are SCRIP forms in hallway prior to the teacher’s lunchroom.
- Gifting- The idea of gifting (Holiday and end of year) teacher gifts, could be organized in a class/grade by grade designation for the subject teachers. No uniform decision was made on this topic.
- Cafe Night- Annual fund raiser for the PA, March 17th. Reminded Third Grade to start thinking of their responsibility. Will talk more in February about their plans and their need of support from the PA.
Meeting ended at 8:05 pm. Next Meeting is January 11th 2012, at 7pm. All are welcome.
Respectfully Submitted, J. Minacci, Chair