In Year 7, we are wrapping up our Primary School journey, and currently having our ‘last’ of everything. We have had our last performance – a fabulous Japanese play recounting two folk tales (thank you Katsuko!) and our last Main Lessons on autobiography and biography, where students have had a chance to reflect on their childhood and Primary School year. We are currently making preparations for our last celebration together – our graduation, where parents, teachers and students will come together for a shared dinner, slideshows and dance party.
We also had our last camp together earlier this term. Class 7CK took the bus to Sandon River and started hiking north. Class 7L began their hike at Minnie Waters and headed south. The two groups each covered 10 kms (ish), with mostly good humour, finally meeting at the beautiful beachside campground in Illaroo. This beginning, hiking in opposite directions and meeting in the middle, is symbolic of the unification of the two class groups into one. Next term, our students will become one class, with two new Guardians, Pele and Delaney, who will remain alongside them for the remainder of their schooling.
The next two days of camp were spent together – ocean swimming, playing organised games, and exploring the beach. The culmination of the camp was a much anticipated, moonlight cabaret, where all students (and some brave staff), were encouraged to perform songs, dances, comedy routines, juggling, acrobatics and more! It was a magical night and one that will not be forgotten soon.
We have loved sharing the role of class teacher with this wonderful group of humans. Over the past three years, we have spent many hours together planning and discussing the students in our care. We have been fortunate to have the support of a wonderful parent group. An added bonus has been that our collegiality has blossomed into a firm friendship along the way – while we will miss working together, we will not be saying goodbye to one another. Job sharing has enabled us to bring our best to the classroom and to live well balanced lives. As Rudolph Steiner wisely stated, ‘You will not be good teachers if you focus only on what you do and not upon who you are’.
It has been an absolute pleasure to laugh, cry, learn, camp, play, hike, snowboard, cycle, sing, knit, dance, sculpt, swim and talk with these incredible young people in 7CK. They are bright, beautiful humans, full of energy and promise. They will always hold a very special place in our hearts and we wish them all the very best for their High School journey.
Clare Scown and Karen Ashbury
Class 7 Teachers
