1. education
2. school

Loose Ends
18 th March 2015
In this issue
Eclipse – important
information!
Joan Marcus
PTFA Extraordinary Meeting
Upcoming Events
Wed Mar 18
Thurs Mar 19
Fri Mar 20
Sat Mar 21
Tues Mar 24
Wed Mar 25
Fri Mar 27
Thurs Mar 26
Mon 30
Wed Apr 1
Thurs Apr 2
Sat 9 May
7.30pm
3.15pm
9.15am
10am-1pm
7.30pm
12.30 & 3.15
7.30pm
7.30pm
12.30 & 3.15
1.50 for 2
7.00pm
12.00am
11am-3pm
PTFA Extraordinary Meeting
Cake Stall, Class 7
Solar Eclipse – see information below
Taoist Yoga, Hall
Stream of Sound Eurythmy Room
Class 2 cake stall
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
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
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
Solar Eclipse, 20th March
The school will be incorporating the eclipse into the children's learning on 20th March. No activity will entail children looking directly at the sun,
which carries significant risks. You may want to discuss the topic, and the risks, with your children at home.
Joan Marcus
1918 - 2015
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Joan Marcus, who died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday March 15th, aged 96. Joan
had a long-standing, deep connection with Elmfield School (from 1952), working in the Early Years and Lower School Departments as a
teacher and in later years as accompanying pianist for eurythmy lessons. She also ran parent and child groups and introduced many families
to the school. Joan remained friends for decades with many many pupils, ex-pupils, boarders, colleagues, parents and neighbours, sharing
insights, support and kindness with warmth and humour. Right to the end of her life Joan had a deep interest in the school and the children
and loved to have visits from teachers to hear about what they were doing, and into her nineties would visit regularly to see everyone during
the morning coffee break. We send her family our condolences.
The College of Teachers and all the staff at Elmfield.
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 exciting eruption will take place on Saturday 9th May between 11am – 3pm, put the date in your diary, its sure to be an explosive
event!
Elmfield Gift Shop
Speick back in stock: We have replenished our supplies of this ever-popular range of natural skin care - featuring the wild alpine plant - Speick.
Range includes shaving products, deodorant, lip balm, shampoo and conditioner, foot balm, hand cream and of course the gorgeous range of
mild soaps. If you've not experienced their classic Speick soap bar yet - we now have samples! Divine mini eggs: Bags of foil-wrapped solid
chocolate eggs made to Divine's high quality Fairtrade recipe. Ideal for Easter egg hunts! Finally we are still looking for donations of small
outdoor / indoor tables & chairs, or offers of help beautifying the outdoor space and cabin. Contact us in the shop or by email:
giftshop@elmfield.com. Many Thanks. The Shop Team
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
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!
Mrs Gallagher would like to draw your attention to the display case in Reception which contains examples of the Upper School pupil’s work
which utilised the cards, calendars etc. that you all so kindly donated. Many thanks once again!
Taoist Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Baton Exercises, Meditation. Barry Westley is running two days, 21st March and 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.
WE SALUTE YOU
Class 6 for your wonderful play, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, fabulous acting, singing and most of all laughter – well done to you all!
All those who took part in Comic Relief last Thursday – a grand total of £146.00 was raised (so far), thank you all!
PTFA
Advent Fayre 2015
How would you run the Advent Fayre? Extraordinary PTFA meeting to be held on Wednesday 18th March at 7.30pm in the Learning Support
Room, off the main entrance foyer, to discuss the future of the Advent Fayre. All welcome!
Bag2School Update
A grand total of £136.00 was raised for the PTFA funds through the November Bag2School event, many thanks to all those who donated!
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. We are proud to present the first of our new purchases, as recommended
by a borrower and seconded by the Early Years Department. 'Healing Stories for Challenging Behaviour' by Susan Perrow; a story doctor who
writes, collects and documents stories that offer a therapeutic journey for the listener - a positive, imaginative way of healing difficult situations
such as moving house, a new baby, nightmares, illness or grieving. We are now taking reservations for this title. 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!
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
MUSICAL CONGRATULATIONS
To Rufus and Saxon Westley who took part in The Dudley Music Festival on Saturday 7th March. They were in two events each, one for each
grade and one for their age groups. They came second in all four categories and achieved three Commendations and one Distinction for their
pieces.
To Noah Claridge who recently took his Grade 1 Violin and gained a distinction and his Grade 2 Piano gaining a merit.
Well done to these musical maestros!
FOR SALE AND WANTED
Free to collect: 20 concrete slabs, 2ft x 2ft (60cm x 60cm), just contact Martin Adams on 0744 216 2030
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: 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!
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
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
Wanted: Single, professional male, non-smoker, with a dog, urgently needs property to rent in Stourbridge area, contact Emma 07970 605633
Willow Wanted. 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.
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: 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.
Au pair position in Germany: Love working with children, experiencing new things and want to learn / perfect your language skills? My super
lovely German host family is looking for an au pair, preferably able to start mid-May 2015 until summer 2016 (starting in August 2015 is also a
possibility). They are a looking for a friendly, reliable, responsible fun person to help out mainly on weekday afternoons/evenings and the
occasional weekend, leaving plenty of time to attend a language course and/or visit other areas of Germany! The family have four wonderful
children aged 12, 10, 6 and 2 who attend the Waldorf school in Bielefeld (NRW) and are funny, responsible and caring, They will make you feel
part of the family in no time! If you are interested contact Dr Julia and Dr Holger Wrede at Wrede@gmx.de if you would like to know more about
what it is like to be an au pair then feel free to contact me at becalopezwalker@gmail.com
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.
Home Help Offered: Available to do whatever is needed, including deep-cleaning housework. Hours to suit, excellent references available (all
from ‘Elmfield-related, Stourbridge old-quarter’ referees). Call: Miranda on 07941 884 686
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
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.
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:
Sophie Scholl and the White Rose. A Talk by Deborah Ravetz on Friday 20th March at 7.30pm, £5 which focusses on the life of the young
activist who stood up to Hitler.
World Voice - Singing Workshop with Michael Deason-Barrow, 21st and 22nd March, Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
A Tonalis Workshop led by Michael Deason-Barrow to expand the borders of your singing. Tickets: £75, Concessions: £68
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
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
Sanctuary for the Self: Free Course. When our life if so hectic and demanding, how do we find the inner quiet centre which can support our
health and well-being? Come and join us to explore the meditative process and to share experiences on Saturday 21st March in the Staff Room.
For further information please contact either Harry Scriven on 01746 389813 or Jacqui Williams 01384 440942.
SERVICES
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 above. 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.
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 - 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.
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:
Recycle your paint!
Community RePaint is a network of paint reuse schemes across the UK. Last year, it saved thousands of litres of paint from going to waste
by giving it to individuals and communities who needed it. Find out where you can get or donate paint - www.communityrepaint.org.uk.
Last But Not Least
Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead, ought to tell a child to go to bed.
Robert Gallagher
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