our teaching team
Dear parents and whanau of Willowsong
My Journey with Steiner education began when my eldest Son began to approach school age, wanting an alternative we discovered Steiner.
Having a strong connection to Hawkes Bay we moved from Gisborne and were embraced by the Taikura community. From this emerged a desire to walk in this world myself as a teacher. Since then I have completed the Certificate in Steiner Education ECE and have had teaching and Management roles in Steiner Kindergarten and Early childhood.
It feels like it is no coincidence it has come full circle and here I am excited to be a part of Willowsongs spirit to bring Steiner education to Tairawhiti.
As a teacher I believe in creating an unhurried environment where the child can develop in their own time, with an understanding of the unfolding development of the child that arrives with a body, soul and spirit that is to be nurtured, respected and protected.
Reverence and gratitude for the uniqueness of the child guides my work, as kaiako we carry an inner picture of reverence, joy and warmth toward the child.
Children have an innate capacity for self education and in these formative years we see this in their self directed, creative play. Play is a fundamental childhood right and an essential activity where children learn to impart purpose, agency, imagination, ideas and creativity.
Healthy development unfolds fully in the context of community, human relationships are developed from a place of Aroha, manaakitanga and whanaugatanga that honor the child's unique identity which is grounded in whanau, tipuna, and whakapapa. The child is an all sense being, the sense impressions they encounter nourish their life forces. I believe in designing an environment that protects and nourishes healthy sense impressions through real experiences and a gentle rhythm.
I Have four children. Two older children and 5 year old twins with my partner Adam. We spend most of our spare time at our place in Waimarama beach. I enjoy gardening and treasure time spent with friend's and family.
When I think of the name 'Willowsong' I see the gesture of the willows flexibility and adaptability, the ability to be able to bend without breaking, thus needed in working with children of this time and their unique identities. The song of the branches calls and ushers the children softly to be embraced
I look forward to meeting you all in the very near future
Nga Mihi
Sarah
I am Sharon.
My journey as an early childhood teacher began almost 40 years ago, and I have been a dedicated Steiner kindergartener for the last 27 years.
I have been part of the teaching teams at Titirangi Rudolf Steiner school and kindergarten, Taikura kindergartens, and Te Kopere early childhood centre in Hastings.
Believing that good teachers focus on who they are as well as what they do is integral to my philosophy of teaching, as well as creating a circle of warmth and love around each child ~ seeing each child as a spiritual being on their own journey.
I strive to practice the art of listening and collaboration, being conscious of all that surrounds each child, understanding that each one comes to us not alone, but supported by the aspirations of family and the love of ancestors.
My teaching philosophy is one of learning as well ~ bringing myself to connect with the world, continuing to learn and grow, while staying connected to myself as a spiritual being.
I have 4 children of my own, 3 daughters and 1 son, and 3 grandchildren ~ one for each daughter! They are my delight and continue to bring much joy to the world, myself, and others.
My interests include handwork ~ making things, usually toys, and from childhood I would attempt making anything from anything at hand. Often inspired by nature, I also love to just be in nature.
I enjoy music, both listening and making, I have studied and practice the art of Reiki, massage for relaxation, and have been interested in herbal medicine and natural plant remedies also since my own childhood.
I believe that the young child's connection to their spiritual origins is very strong, and it is their right to be surrounded by best practice and best examples as an earthly guide
My name is Zoe Thorpe
I am a mother to four daughters. I currently run the Willowsong playgroup and run a small business hand making Waldorf dolls .
My interest in Steiner education was reignited with the arrival of my girls . Trying to recapture the unhurried childhood that I was lucky enough to experience, with the arrival of my fourth daughter the pull grew even stronger and the revival of Willowsong Tairawhiti occurred. (The original Willowsong kindergarten being built around the late eighties, where my siblings and I attended)
We started with a home based playgroup shared around the community’s homes which quickly grew, moving from place to place until finally settling in the lovely space we have now in Patutahi.
To be part of this project right from conception has been a privilege, watching the hard work and determination of the Willowsong committee finally pay off with the opening of the kindergarten.
As the playgroup facilitator I have been able to learn and grow along with the families. Putting to practice the skills I learnt while studying last year at Taruna college ( certificate In Rudolf Steiner education) , I look forward to working with our team of amazing teachers and experiencing the magic of the kindergarten years together.
As the kaiawhina I am excited to be creating nourishing seasonal meals alongside your tamariki . With a focus of fresh and local ingredients and nourishment for the body and soul.willowsong tairawhiti committee
Committee Chair - Bronwyn WalshSecretary & Treasurer - Chelsea ThorpeMember - Anya GoodallMember - Malissa Fretwell