2023 Early Childhood Spring Intensive
A three-day in-person block intensive - 1-3 September 2023
Welcome the Spring term in with an invigorating Early Childhood block intensive for learning, fellowship and fun.
This in-person block intensive can be taken to complement our part-time online Early Childhood course or can build upon prior Early Childhood training or experience.
All sessions are based upon the indications of Rudolf Steiner and offer:
- practical activities that you can immediately apply to your own setting,
- skills that you build upon
- resources to learn from, and
- a colleagial environment in which you can share your experiences and questions, and discuss topics related to the challenges of todays teaching, such as:
- How do we reconcile what is asked of us by regulatory bodies with our philosophy ?
- How do we support community and our parent body with our work?
- How can we be better supported to understand and read the children who come to us with all their differences and special needs?
You will also visit a beautiful kindergarten and relax to a dinner and folkdancing on Saturday evening.
The block intensive is suitable for students studying Early Childhood, teachers and teaching assistants in the Early Childhood sector, family daycare workers, parents and anyone who would like to set up wholesome environments and daily rhythms and activities for young children
This course will give you a certificate of professional development hours referencing the Australian Teacher Professional Standards.
Tutors
Paulene Hanna
Paulene Hanna has enjoyed a long, professional career in primary, tertiary and early childhood Steiner education. A special part of this professional career was spent as a teacher at St Kilda Steiner Kindergarten where she helped the founding body of parents establish Steiner early childhood education in their neighbourhood area.
She is happy to share the knowledge and understanding gained over so many years of working with children and their families. She believes that her work is enriched by ongoing study of Steiner’s philosophy of human development. This philosophy highlights the importance of the early childhood years as well as the importance of the caregivers’ role.
Paulene is a also the mother of three grown children who attended the Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School, who have given her and her husband Trevor the ongoing joy of being grandparents to eight grandchildren.
Paulene mentors and supports educators, and offers ongoing advocacy for children and their families in the wider community. She acknowledges the challenge that parents and carers face in creating a healthy, happy play space in a very materialistic world, where the role of parenting is often not given much support.
Sharmian Deenen Villiger
Sharmian is a master doll maker and all-round gifted artist of many crafts. While her three children attended the Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School she used her talents to enhance any task she was asked to undertake. Her experience covers playgroup leadership and educational support in the kindergarten as well as extensive work with parents.
Block intensive timetable
Practical information
1-3 September 2023. Friday 9.00am – Sunday 2.30pm.
This is an in-person event and no recordings will be made.
Note that timetable above is subject to alterations.
Cost: $750. Take advantage of early bird pricing of $650 if enrolled and paid before 17 July!
Enrolment enquiries: Carmen 03 9876 5199 or email c.kwong@steinerseminar.edu.au
Accommodation
There are a number of options for accommodation:
Commercial
· Air BnB – https://www.airbnb.com.au/warranwood-australia/stays
· Bungunyah Apartments – perfect if you are bringing your family – https://www.bungunyahapartments.com.au/
Billeting
We may be able to organise billeting for a few students depending on availability of rooms in homes.
Camping or Seminar classroom
The Seminar can offer basic accommodation of a tent space or classroom (to be shared), shared kitchen, bathrooms, and shower. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries.
Please let us know if you would like to stay on the Seminar grounds.
Food
Morning and afternoon tea and Saturday dinner will be provided.
Café
There is a very good café a 10 minute walk from the Seminar for breakfast, or lunch. Lunchtime food order can be phone through at morning tea time and collected during the lunch break.
Grocery stores
There are two small shopping strips for groceries and cafes within a 5 minute drive of the Seminar at McAdam Square and North Ringwood. You are welcome to use the Seminar’s kitchen for meal preparation.
Transportation
There is a SkyBus service from Tullamarine Airport to the city. For more information see https://www.skybus.com.au/southern-cross-station/
Two train lines connect Southern Cross station with Ringwood, our closest train station. They are the Lilydale line and Belgrave line. From the Ringwood station, take the 364 bus to the front of the Seminar at 37A Wellington Park Drive.
For more information about public transportation in Victoria see https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey
Apply for the intensive
What to bring
Clothing and toiletries
Because there will be lots of movement during the intensive, please pack comfortable, loose clothing and shoes that are easy to move in. Melbourne in early September is cool to cold compared to some other parts of Australia, so please bring very warm clothes for the evening and layers for the day. Include a raincoat and Eurythmy slippers if you have them.
Study material
· Notepads or main lesson books, pencil or pen
· Folder for holding handouts
Bedding
If you are staying on the premises you will need to bring:
· Camping mattress
· Sheets, pillow
· Blankets, doona
· Towel
Refunds
Please notify us by email if you will be withdrawing from the intensive.
· If you withdraw on or before 25 August we will refund any fees paid less a $175 administration fee. If you withdraw after 25 August and before the intensive starts, we will refund any fees paid less a $245 fee for admin and food/materials costs.
No refunds will be considered once the intensive begins.
