Print this pageOrganisation
The Armidale Waldorf School is an established independent, co-educational school working to foster the educational impulses of Rudolf Steiner. The school is incorporated as a non-profit company with limited liability, is funded by fees, as well as grants on a per capita basis from the State and Commonwealth Government, is a member of the Australian Independent Schools Association, is registered with the NSW Board of Studies, and is a member of the Rudolf Steiner Schools Association.
The School has a people centred structure where three bodies are working together towards the goal of a healthy school: the College of Teachers, the School Council (or board of directors) and Administration. These three bodies work within a supportive community of family and friends. The Parents' & Friends' Association, are integral to the structure providing substantial support on many levels.
The College of Teachers is comprised of a group of experienced teachers responsible for carrying the educational impulse in the school including the educational policies, curriculum and day-to-day pedagogical needs of the school. The collaborative collegiate process and the sharing of a common philosophy and goal strives for the spiritual, academic and physical wellbeing of the school.
The School Council supports the schools vision, carries the legal responsibility for the school, monitors its economic performance and strategic plan and cares for the development and maintenance of its physical assets. Membership consists of parents or non-teaching members of the company and teachers. Council has several mandated committees: Building Committee, Finance Committee and Promotions Committee. All committees include at least one representative from Council.
Administration staff manage the day to day operations of the school and manage the physical and financial resourses associated with the school.
The Parents' & Friends' Association (or P & F) is the vehicle by which the parent body contributes its time, energy and support to the teachers and students. All parents and guardians are members of the P & F. Participation is welcomed and encouraged at many levels and in various ways: as class parents assisting directly in the classroom, involvement in school functions, festivals and fundraising events such as the annual fair. As a group the P & F nurtures the social and community realm of the school and many parents choose to be representatives of bodies and committees.
Other groups
There are several other important committees and groups within the school such as the Special Needs Support Group which brings parents and friends together to assist with funding issues associated with supporting assistants and aids for students with additional needs.
School Environment
We strive to create a place of beauty to nurture the children, with our buildings designed from Steiner’s architectural indications surrounded by acres of native gardens. A healthy indoor environment free from pollutants for the children and adults alike is a priority. We use quality art and craft supplies in lessons. Our furnishings are naturally beautiful, simple and practical.
The school values the natural environment and strives to operate at all times in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way. We clean with cloths and water alone in the majority of cases and where a cleaning product is required we use a researched product with the least harm to the cleaner and the environment. We garden organically and biodynamically; compost all possible waste and reuse or recycle; mulch our gardens to reduce our water needs; harvest rain water for our drinking and garden needs; and manage our waste with an innovative reed bed system.