1. education
2. school

Loose Ends
25 th March 2015
In this issue…
Learning Support Vacancy – Urgent
Middle & Upper School Concert
Easter Festival
Polly Performance
2015/16 Term Date cards now
Upcoming Events
Wed Mar 25
Thurs Mar 26
Fri Mar 27
Thurs Mar 26
Mon 30
Wed Apr 1
12.30 & 3.15
7.30pm
7.30pm
7.30pm
12.30 & 3.15
1.50 for 2
7.00pm
12.00am
Thurs Apr 2
Thurs Apr 23
Sat Apr 25
7.30pm
Mon Apr 27
3.30pm
Thurs Apr 30 & Fri May 1
Mon May 4
tbc
Sat 9 May
11am-3pm
available
Class 2 cake stall
Class 9 Parents’ Evening
Middle & Upper School concert
Class 9 Parents’ Evening about class trip
Class 1 Easter Stall
Easter Festival
EYD end of term
Class 10 Parents’ Evening
School closes for Easter break
School reopens for Summer term
Performance of Polly
PTFA meeting – Learning Support Room
Class 8 Project Presentations
Class 4 Parents’ Evening
Volcano – Guinness World Record Attempt
Please email any entries to
loose-ends@elmfield.com. Entries
should be less than 100 words.
The views expressed in this
newsletter are not necessarily those
of the school or its staff. The school
cannot be held responsible for the
quality of products or services
offered in this newsletter. We reserve
the right to edit content. The editor’s
decision is final.
SCHOOL NEWS
Vacancy – Learning Support Assistant – Required ASAP
15 hours per week, varied timetable, please see website www.elmfield.com for more information and application form. Closing date midnight
29th March 2015.
Message from Reception - Is your child safe and accounted for? We (and you) need to know and in time!
If your child is absent please call early and leave a message on the Ansaphone - 01384 394633 - with their name, class and reason for
absence. To check your child is safe and accounted for we have to telephone parents - often on several numbers - for each child not at their
desk at registration, if we do not have an absence message or if they have not signed the purple sheets at Reception to say they are late. Any
absences after 9.30am are registered as unauthorised. Many thanks, Joanne.
Term date cards - Cards with the dates for the academic year 2015/16 are now available from the office. Please come to pick one up if you
would like one.
Wanted! Boarding families: if you have a spare bedroom and would be interested in hosting a boarding student for between 1 term and 1 year,
usually for a class in Upper School and usually from abroad, please contact Maigread Reynolds in the school office.
Advance Notice Class 3 parents have taken on the challenge of the Guinness World Record attempt for the tallest ever simulated volcano
eruption! This takes place on Saturday 9th May between 11am – 3pm, put the date in your diary, its sure to be an explosive event!
A Very Big Thank You!
To the PTFA for a generous donation of £200 to the Learning Support Department. This has enabled me to purchase much needed, inviting,
dyslexia friendly reading books and interesting reading comprehension resources. The pupils will benefit greatly as a result, Jane Newsome
Mr Neale’s Triathlon Challenge
Mr Neale is taking part in a Triathlon on the 26th of April in Wombourne, as a fundraiser. Half the money will go towards next year’s Class 11
Trip and half to a lung cancer charity. How long will it take him? Take a guess!!!! The closest time guessed will win a Nutritional Consultation
worth £40. £2 per entry. Visit the office to register your guess and pay your entry fee. Distances are Swim - 400m, Cycle - 20Km and Run
5Km. Many thanks for your support, Mr Neale
01384 394633 info@elmfield.com www.elmfield.com
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Ltd. Company No. 01141571 Charity No. 527521
Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools’ Fellowship
Elmfield Gift Shop
Classic children's fiction: This week we are highlighting our extended range of 'classic' titles e.g. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland which may
be 150 years old this year, but our anniversary edition, with original John Tenniel illustrations is still as appealing today! We've also a range of
'classic' picture books, many at special offer prices e.g. We're Going on a Bear Hunt available in a beautiful gift edition format. Sock wool: See
this season's range of beautiful colours. Circular knitting needles now available and we've re-stocked our bamboo knitting needles & crochet
hooks. Help still needed: final call for donations of small outdoor / indoor tables & chairs, or offers of help beautifying the outdoor space & cabin.
Contact us in the shop or by email: giftshop@elmfield.com Many thanks. The Shop Team
Sainsbury’s Active Kids. Please help us collect these vouchers and drop them off to the collection box located in Reception. We have been
able to order free sports, craft and cookery equipment in the past from this valuable scheme!
Taoist Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Baton Exercises, Meditation. Barry Westley is running this again on 2nd May at Elmfield, from 10 am till 1.00 pm.
Tea and biscuits provided. The days will contain gentle, spiritually based exercises suitable for all physical conditions. Over 16s only please,
bring either a mat or a thick blanket too. Barry is a 'master grade' instructor in the Li Family Style of Tai Chi and Kung Fu, inventor of the Chi
Baton Exercise system, Shiatsu practitioner, has studied martial arts for 50 years and is an ex powerlifting champion. For more information,
view www.chibaton.co.uk Cost £12. All proceeds towards fundraising for classes 2 & 5, so please give us your support.
PTFA
Summer Fayre 2015
Could each Class Rep or designated person please contact David Thorne to discuss their class’s ideas for the Summer Fayre? You can
contact David on 07932 710404 or email david.thorne86@googlemail.com Many thanks.
Parents' Library
Open every Wednesday throughout the term (8.45am - 9.30am.).Now located in the Learning Support Room (off the main entrance foyer.
Please sign it at reception and wear a visitor's badge whilst using the library. This week we are adding a couple of picture books to our
shelves. Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley is a classic, award-winning book about bereavement and The Mountains of Tibet by Mordicai
Gerstein is a gentle and inspiring look at life after death (recommended by Jackie Irving). We feel both titles will help you to explain the
concept of death to your children in a gentle and positive way. The Library Team
MUSIC MATTERS
The Annual Upper and Middle School concert - Friday 27th March at 7.30pm
All pupils from classes 6 - 10 are involved in this, and class 11 will be providing us with delicious refreshments. This is your opportunity to
come along for an evening's entertainment and hear Elmfield's orchestras and choirs at their best, as well as some talented soloists from the
Upper School. Donations raised at the concert will go towards Elmfield's piano fund - maybe by this time next year we'll have that grand piano
ready for playing in the hall!
Violin Lessons in School: Places now available after Easter, currently offering free 15min trial lessons upon request. Lesson prices: Group of
3 - £6 per pupil, 2 - £8 per pupil, 1 - £12. Please contact Ruby Swift on 07967 785456; email rubyswift2@outlook.com
Come and Sing! Elmfield Community Choir welcomes new adult voices, no experience necessary and no audition! Enjoy songs and harmonies
from around the world. Wednesday evenings in the Eurythmy room, 8pm – 9.30pm, term time, £2 per session.
Performance of Polly
When the government banned John Gaye's ballad opera Polly in 1729, they surely never expected it to resurface in the West Midlands almost
three hundred years later! Full of biting criticism of the big-wigs of the age, the production was to have followed hard on the heels of Gaye's
dazzling success The Beggars' Opera, but it was not actually performed until half a century later. Set in the Indies, we find the former
highwayman Macheath surrounded by pirates and wenches, whilst the well-to-do, in alliance with the Islanders, prepare to do battle with them.
Our heroine, Polly, works her way through all these sections of society in search of the love of her life, who was sentenced to transportation.
The twenty four singers from Stream of Sound, having gleefully taken to the subject matter, are thoroughly enjoying the challenge of bringing
the eighteenth century production back to life. Packed with songs that John Gaye borrowed from the street corner, local pub or other people's
operas, the music gives them opportunity to share their harmony singing as well as their skills as soloists. The Stourbridge-based choir will be
taking their production to several venues before the final performance of it at the Sidmouth Folk week in August. Their previous stage show,
The Beggars' Opera, was sold out at every venue, and received excellent reviews, so don't miss this rare opportunity to see the sequel - Polly.
To be performed here in Stourbridge at Elmfield School, on Saturday 25th April 2015, starting at 7:30pm
FOR SALE AND WANTED
My name is Michelle Grosshaus and I have just finished my degree in Education and Business at the University in Marburg (Germany). In my
gap year I want to improve my English and experience the Waldorf approach to education. I will be a helper in the Kindergarten here at
Elmfield and I am looking for a boarding place after the spring half term. I am 22 years old and would be willing to help with cooking,
housework, babysitting etc. I would very much appreciate your consideration and help. Obviously I will pay towards my board and lodging.
Hartwig Schneider is my uncle, who many of you may know, please telephone him 01384 372813 if you can offer a placement. Thank you
very much indeed.
Do you love the art that pupils create? Do you need some greetings cards? We are selling phenomenal cards painted by pupils in Class 6.
We have three designs: spring, summer and autumn, selling for £1.30 each. We are selling our cards for our Class 6 Business Maths Project
to go towards our class funds. Look out for our stall after school. Our cards are also on sale in the School Shop. Class 6.
Wanted - House sitting/dog sitting needed from Friday 22nd May until 27th of May. Male 15 year old Border collie - not used to little fluffy
animals or cats - needs a home or someone to come and house/dog sit for him/us, interested? Contact Mr Neale ian.neale@elmfield.com
Wanted: Spinning Wheel: Do you or any one you know have a spinning wheel that I can borrow for a course? Would need it until middle of
June. Please contact Gertraud on 07985 563650. Thank you!
Wanted: A group learning Spanish are looking for a native Spanish speaker to speak the language to us. We are flexible as to when and
would pay £12.00 per hour. If you would be interested, please contact Joan Firmstone on joan.firmstone@gmail.com
01384 394633 info@elmfield.com www.elmfield.com
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Ltd. Company No. 01141571 Charity No. 527521
Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools’ Fellowship
New family looking for house to rent: We are a mother and daughter looking for a house with at least 2 bedrooms, a garden and within
walking distance of the school. My contact number is 07960 007924. Thank you. Maria.
Edwardian Mid-Terrace House to Let. 2 Reception rooms, 2 large bedrooms + box room, period features and Garden. Former Elmfield
Class Teacher residence. Located in Brierley Hill close to High Street amenities. Easy 15 minute drive to Elmfield. £525 p/m available April,
please email tkerkuk@gmail.com if interested in viewing.
To Let: Large single furnished bed-sit. Quiet house near Mary Stevens Park, good facilities, central heating, inclusive rent, non-smoking, Tel
01384 379939 for more information.
Wanted: Willow: does anyone have access to willow – Transition Stourbridge would like to organize a basket making workshop using local
willow. Many thanks – Margy Henderson, 01384 351414.
Wanted: Reliable, committed and enthusiastic Volunteer for a 100 acre Biodynamic Farm in Wales.
You'd be working with an experienced Farm Manager and would have the chance to learn many new skills. If interested contact Judyth
Sassoon js7892@bristol.ac.uk for further details.
Accommodation Wanted: Orkney based young family looking for accommodation (no pets) in Stourbridge within easy walking distance of
park and town centre for between two and four weeks mid-July to mid-August. We could offer rent or alternatively a house swap for our newly
renovated four bedroom house in Kirkwall, Orkney near to harbour and St Magnus Cathedral. Please email Imelda: icmcghee@yahoo.co.uk
or tel. 07967 408269.
House-sitting needed / available during the Easter Weekend? We will have some guests coming over from abroad during the Easter
weekend. Is there anybody in Stourbridge, who could offer their house to our family/friends for a few nights, because you aren't
around? Please contact Rosa Ferris on 07986 313838 if you do. Thank you.
For Sale – Girls’ bikes – 2 sturdy, good-looking, nearly new girls bikes for sale, £45 each ono. Phone Rosa on 07986 313838
Farm working holidays - We are looking for a family / couple / single who would like to spend a free working holiday on beautiful Hay Farm in
Six Ashes during the time of 27th July to 23rd August for 2–3 weeks. Work includes feeding the hens, pigs and goats plus a bit of gardening in
return for the use of fresh vegetables, eggs and meat during your stay. If you are interested or for more information contact Tim at 07977
510064 or Lisa 07972 064372
EVENTS
Events at the Christian Community, 22 Baylie Street, Stourbridge DY8 1AZ
Children and their families are warmly invited to the EASTER GARDEN Sunday 5th April at 3pm. Hear the story of the Easter Hare. Bring
your painted egg to decorate our tree and walk the path of the beautiful Easter Garden to the Cave. Need more information? Phone Cecilia
0752295907
The Parent and Child Group, previously held at the Christian Community, will be restarting there after the Easter vacation on Wednesday
mornings from April 29th between 9.30am and 11.30am. All parents/carers are most welcome to come with their young child(ren). Please bring
slippers to wear indoors. To ensure that you have a place ring Janet Klaar 01384 352177. I look forward to meeting you. Janet
Spinning Workshop: We invite you to join us on a journey from raw wool to spun thread: starting with a visit to a sheep farm, learn about
fleeces, play with wool, work with a drop spindle and spinning wheel and much more. Start of course: Tuesday, April 21st, for 8 weeks from
10am to 12noon. Please book early, as places are limited. Elmfield parents: remember the course starts 2 days before the beginning of next
term. Ring or text Gertraud 07985 563650 or Yolanda 07711 998318. Cost for each session £10. Discount for paying course in advance £75.
RICH WORLD……. POOR WORLD. Who will you be in life’s lottery? … Meal or no meal? … How will you deal with this?
Fabulous food and interesting ethical dilemmas! Saturday 9th May. Tickets £10 from Carrie Smith (office or 07941 869863), Elaine Sheppard
(07912 416425), Catherine Maguire (01384 440345) or Katherine Savage (07976 648562). Booking in advance essential. Previously loved
books available for donations. Proceeds to Umunandi (Green Park School, Lusaka) and Ebola orphans. If anyone has any small items
suitable for a raffle to donate, that would be welcome. Looking forward to a fun evening. Carrie Smith.
Wellbeing at the Wishing Well – Bromsgrove. Your local holistic health centre, cafe and yoga studio welcomes you! Events, courses,
classes and therapies of all kinds. 1 day course in Homeopathy for all the family. Sat 9th May £45 Inc. lunch, drinks & a boxed remedy kit.
Yoga for ladies 60+. Every Thursday from 5th March 10am - 11am, £10 drop in £40 per month includes free tea and 'elevenses' after class!
For more info: www.wellbeingbromsgrove.co.uk Tel 01527 570 8383
Events at the Glasshouse Arts Centre:
Michael Messer, Manish Pingle and Gurdain Rayatt - Friday 17th April at 7.30pm, Tickets £12 and Concessions £10
Not to be missed for guitar fans - East meets West in this meeting of two virtuoso slide guitarists. The acclaimed Michael Messer has teamed
up with the great Hindustani guitarist from Mumbai, Manish Pingle, and the highly regarded London-based tabla player, Gurdain Ryatt. This is
one to book tickets for as it will be a great evening. There will be a licensed bar running.
Zulu Tradition - Friday 1st of May at 7.30pm.
A company of Singers and Dancers from KwaZulu Natal who deliver a heady mix of African harmonies and high energy dance. Traditional
costume and hugely entertaining. Watch trailer at http:/www.Zulutraditional.com/. Tickets £9/£7 and family of 4 £28
Yoga at The Ruskin Glass Centre – new class – starting Monday 13th April 7.15pm – 8.15pm in Harlestones, Upper Floor Room, 6
week course £30 or drop @ £6 per session
This Vinyasa based class will explore the elements Earth, Air, Fire & Water. We will focus on creating a grounded sense of self, building
strength, creating calm and cultivating mind-body connection. I am interested in cultivating mind-body connection, helping to restore physical
ailments, bringing awareness to habitual movement patterns and most importantly helping to encourage a sense of well-being. I am keen to
create an environment for all, no matter what your experience or knowledge is, you are warmly welcome. Contact Harriet Quinn
on 07512352360 or hpquinn@hotmail.co.uk
01384 394633 info@elmfield.com www.elmfield.com
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Ltd. Company No. 01141571 Charity No. 527521
Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools’ Fellowship
Test Drivers wanted - no experience required!
We're developing new Art & Craft Workshops and Great Days Out aimed at Dads, Lads & Mates and others too! Come and have a great time
together and help us out by doing a FREE Trial Run of the new workshop activities we're planning. No special creative skills needed – and you
just might amaze yourself! Ring Heath House Studios on 01299 861287 or email office@heathhousestudios.co.uk and ask for the Trial Run
sessions on offer.
Events at the Elysia Centre:
Harmonious Holistic Voice and Sound Therapy – weekly Group Therapy Sound Baths on Fridays at 7.30pm, sessions cost £10 (limited to
10 places per session). Please pre-book you place by contacting Victoria Leonard on 07737 325582, www.harmonious.sound@outlook.com
SERVICES
Baby Sitting - Tara Rose, class 8 pupil, offers BABY-SITTING at evenings, weekends and holidays. £4 per hour or as agreed. Please
contact her on 01384 936636.
Environmentally concerned? Want to help improve water quality? Organic EverClean could be your solution!
My aim is to bring back tradition cleaning methods blended with a variety of essential oils to reduce the need for mass produced
chemical/petroleum based household cleaning products. My services include – domestic cleaning and a consultancy service to learn how you
can live a greener, urban life that’s lighter on your pocket too! Contact Sonja 07503 205909 organic-everclean@outlook.com
Wanted - Sonja who has started Organic EverClean (environmental cleaning products) is also asking for the following: washing-up liquid
bottles: pump action spray bottles (inc. smaller hair conditioning bottles and hand wash; squeezy sauce bottles: large saleable soup
tubs/large glass containers (e.g. mayonnaise/gherkin jars): medium sized beauty tubs (e.g. treatment conditioners, body lotions, empty tins
etc.): old tea towels/pillow cases/tee shirts. If you can support this great environmental recycling enterprise please leave anything for Sonja
on my doorstep - 49 Heath Street DY8 1SE and I'll see that it gets to her. Or see contact numbers on her Loose Ends advertisement. Many
thanks Rosanne Adams, Transition Stourbridge
Summer holiday semi-converted barn in France. We have a semi-converted barn in the Creuse (Limoge) available for most of the summer
holiday. We can offer to a family or group of friends, in return for some gardening / cutting weeds and small jobs. Interested? Contact Rosa
07986 313838.
Pet and house sitting offered by reliable Elmfield teacher. I will take care of your house, look after your pets and water your plants while you
are away. Free Service. If interested please contact Judi on 07811 323658.
Green tip of the week from Transition Stourbridge:
Eco friendly DIY
Planning any spring DIY or building work? Try reclaimed materials or fittings instead of buying new. As well as having a lower environmental
impact, you might find some really unique items. Search online for reclamation yards, second-hand and antique sellers in your area, or
try Ebay, Freecycle or Gumtree.
Last But Not Least
I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
Maya Angelou
01384 394633 info@elmfield.com www.elmfield.com
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Ltd. Company No. 01141571 Charity No. 527521
Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools’ Fellowship