Dear St Paul’s Steiner School community,

Each season is an invitation to deepen our connection to the natural world and the breathing rhythm of the year. Perhaps in no other season, the traditions of the school are carried both by families and staff as much as leading up to the Christmas holidays.

In the last weeks, we have brought the community together with the image of spreading light in the darkness, whether this is through lantern walks, Diwali or the Spiral. The reverence the children and young students can carry is one aspect which truly sets us apart from other forms of education.

The teachers’ gift of the Shepherds' play was enhanced by our parent choir, a chair of trustees, assistants, and staff. We see the familiar events evolve through the humour and beautiful naivety of the shepherds, the meanness and protectionism of the innkeepers and the awe and wonder of the nativity scene with the animals, in particular, Bayleaf the donkey.

The amazing Advent and Winter Fair was yet another community event to share together. Thanks to the many committed parents, we were able to transform the school in such a short time into a completely different space and then back to a school again. It was a joy to see so many current and past families and students at the fair. It is not unusual that this is how the school is discovered by those who might not be aware of its existence.

The children have been immersed in lessons that have not only expanded their knowledge, but also nurtured their sense of creativity, wonder and belonging. There are too many subjects and blocks to pick from but the children’s engagement in their learning is truly felt throughout the building every day.

This time of year invites us to pause and give thanks. I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support and commitment to the school, from each member of staff and each member of the community.

As we break for the holiday season, I wish you all a joyful and peaceful time with family and loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you all back in the new term, ready for more learning and growth.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Zarathosht Diso, and Kwansaa make it together with the Winter solstice, a cosmic time.

Warm wishes,

Ms. Anna Retsler

Head teacher

St Paul's Steiner School

The Kindergartens are looking wonderfully festive!

Thank you to the parents who kindly volunteered to collect Greenery from local Parks, and the Parks that kindly donated their greenery!  Parents also decorated our Nave which always makes the School so welcoming and gorgeous leading up to the Festive period.

We are now taking bookings for our Beehive Group for 0-3 yrs Mon - Thurs in N!6 and Saturday in school, starting on 6th January. 

Spaces are limited so please email Maisie on

parentandchild@stpaulstseinerschool.org 

for availability and to book.

Thank you to all the teachers, staff and parents choir who helped make the Shepherds' Play such a wonderful gift for the children as ever this year.  The Kindergarten children were treated to a special shortened afternoon edition, then the Classes had the full immersive theatre experience in the evening. Thank you Mrs Akuwudike for leading the merry band of actors (maybe someone you may recognise?!) for a fantastic festive show.

A heartfelt thank you to the community, parents, parents choir and staff who worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to make this year's Fair such a success. The final amount raised for the School will be finalised in the New Year, but despite the storm, the attendance was fantastic and the feedback has been warm and encouraging.  We hope you all had a wonderful time and feel proud of your generosity and hard work!!!

THANK YOU!

We welcomed a new member of staff this term, the lovely Renata Vitor who is our Class I assistant.

Renata was born and raised in the capital of Brazil where she trained as a Key Stage 1 Teacher, obtained a Psychology bachelor degree and studied and performed as a Contemporary dancer. In England, Renata lived as a volunteer in a Camphill Community, trained at the London College of Eurythmy and obtained a Level 4 Diploma from Crossfields Institute in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies (EYE). Renata has also lived in Spain for over a decade and worked in mainstream schools in Barcelona and London as a one-to-one SEN Learning Assistant as well as in respite units for SEN children. Her previous job was as a kindergarten assistant at the NLRSS where she contributed to investigations on the theme of children and staff's Mental Health. Renata's other interests are spirituality and all forms of artistic expressions, including these beautiful photographs of flowers.

Message from Appletree Kindergarten

We are in need of sheepskins to make our outdoor classroom cosy during the winter months. If you have any you no longer need we would be very grateful. As they are for outdoors they don't need to be in mint condition. 

Warm wishes,

Apple Tree Kindergarten

Spitalfields Farm

Spitalfields Farm is our local city farm and they really need your help this Winter.  Every December the wonderful Bayleaf helps Mary and Joseph find shelter for the night in our Shepherd's play for the children and delights the audience!

Why we love Bayleaf

Bayleaf is the oldest donkey at the farm and he is the wisest of the bunch. He knows exactly where the treats are hiding and very much likes to do his own thing.

• Donate £ or wish list items for Bayleaf and the Farm
• Plan your visit to see Bayleaf
• Get to know our other animal friends

https://spitalfieldscityfarm.enthuse.com/#!/

Thank you for your support!

Archway festive treasure trail

Thursday 14 November–17 December
Archway town centre

Between 14 November and 17 December, take part in a festive treasure trail to win a hamper of goodies, including two tickets to any Islington Assembly Hall gig (subject to availability). Pick up a flyer from shops in Archway, then find the letters hidden around the Archway town centre to discover the festive word.

Carols by candlelight: St Mary’s

Sunday 15 December, 4.30pm and 7pm
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX

Everyone is given a candle as they enter the church and at the beginning of the service the church falls into darkness, except for hundreds of tiny flames around the church.Slowly, the congregation’s candles are lit and the classical choir leads the celebration.The services finish with festive refreshments.

Book free tickets for 4.30pm

Book free tickets for 7pm

Carols on the steps: St Mary’s

Tuesday 17 December, 6-7pm
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, London N1 2TX

Join the choir and sing some of your favourite carols on the steps of St Mary’s. Warming refreshments will be served.

Free event, no need to book.

Carols by Candlelight: Union Chapel

Sunday 22 December
Union Chapel, 19b Compton Terrace, N1 2UN

The ever-popular event returns that sees the Union Chapel lit by candles, and a packed congregation singing well-known Christmas carols.

Check the Union Chapel website for details.

Dear St Paul's community,

I am Holly Lowe, a harp tutor based in De Beauvoir Town.  I have been teaching pupils from St Paul's for around 8 years and I am delighted to say that I have a few slots available for new harp students in the coming spring term.    

The harp is a truly magical instrument and having lessons is essential.  If you do decide to learn you will quickly begin to take pleasure in such a wonderful instrument. 

About me, I have a BMus (Hons) degree from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and a Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in performance from the Royal College of Music. I have been performing for many years now and have had master classes with some of the best harpists in the world. I have been teaching for around 15 years and take pride in what my students have achieved.  Whether it is excelling in grades and competitions or taking the simple pleasure of being able to make music for others to listen to. 

If you would like to come for a trial lesson I am offering complimentary half hour lessons. Please get in touch!