History

Steiner playgroups have been running in and around Geelong and the Surf Coast since early 1990. The group of families that brought
the playgroups out of homes and into Humble Street, East Geelong, was very dedicated and focused on bringing Steiner education to Geelong.

This group of people held information evenings, began Southern Tides, became an incorporated association, organized fairs, open days, craft workshops, got local newspapers doing articles whilst continuing to run three playgroups. They also inspired many of us to become involved to help bring this beautiful education to so many children and their families

In 1997 our kindergarten began with an excited group of twelve children, one fabulous volunteer teacher and three volunteer assistants (one for each session). Three families cared for the teacher's children whilst she taught, with each family taking a turn on the cleaning roster and making evening meals for the teacher and her children. Having such a huge amount of community involvement made this a most beautiful first year for the "Friend-in-Hand Steiner Kindergarten." A most fitting name for such humble beginnings.

The kinder continued to grow and evolve with teachers, families, children and assistants coming and going and moving from our original kinder room into the big room in the Humble Street building. There was always plenty of work to be done - working bees, meetings, fairs, open days, playgroups, newsletters and cleaning - who would have thought that these wonderful people would have had the time for yet more advertising and even bigger visions.

Late in 1999 the seed was planted. Quickly it needed to be tended, mulched, weeded and watered because Summer wasn't very far away. The 'Geelong Rudolf Steiner Schoo' began in February 2000 after the dedication of many hard working teachers and parents with a vision to continue to bring this enlivening education to our children. The children that began in 2000, our pioneers, are now at high school.

In 2003 we said goodbye to our home of eight years at Humble Street and moved to our bright future at Freshwater Creek with a fresh and enlightened heart and dream.

Our Freshwater Creek families were the new pioneers, relocating school classes into portable buildings and the kinder camping in the existing house. A new, Steiner inspired building has been built and currently houses Class 1/2 and administration. Our Classes Prep, 3/4 & 5/6 and extra lesson reside in portables lovingly decorated, warmed by wood stoves and surrounded by gardens. In 2005 our playgroup and Kinder children moved out of the house and into their own room. The Kindergarten became a fully registered Children's Service in early 2005 and work continues on developing their garden (complete with chooks!).

Our 'green thumbed' parents have weaved their magic in the garden and we boast a working kitchen garden, over 40 fruit trees and the 'working girls' (the chooks). In 2006 another Commonwealth Grant enabled us to install much needed paving and shade sails creating a delightful gathering area. Work continues on developing a wet lands area, well planted with native shrubs.

We say thanks from the bottom of our hearts to the many individuals who have brought love, energy, faith, trust, enthusiasm, devotion and dedication to the Steiner Community in Geelong and the Surf Coast over the past 16 years. There is a little piece of every single one of you traveling with us each and every day!

Freshwater Creek Steiner School, Kindergarten & Playgroup.