Parent Engagement and Involvement at Samford Valley Steiner School

At Samford Valley Steiner School, we believe education is a collaborative partnership—a shared journey between parents, teachers, and the broader school community. When we work together, we create a nurturing environment that supports your child’s development, growth, and success.

Engaging with your child’s education can be as simple as showing interest in their learning, connecting school life to home, and exploring how the Steiner philosophy can inspire both you and your family. This partnership strengthens the bond between home and school, reinforces the value of learning, and supports your child’s emotional well-being and achievements.

Opportunities for Parent Involvement

We invite parents to become active participants in the life of the school. Whether it’s attending Parent/Teacher evenings, joining in seasonal festivals, enjoying concerts and community events and participating in the classroom,  there are many ways to connect with fellow families and contribute to the vibrant culture of our school.

For those who wish to be more involved, volunteering offers a chance to make a direct impact—whether through helping at festivals, assisting with celebrations, or supporting other school activities. These contributions enhance the student experience while also fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility that defines our school community.

Parent Education

Samford Valley Steiner School offers a range of in-person parent education workshops throughout the year, providing opportunities to engage more deeply with the principles of Steiner education. These sessions cover topics such as child development, Anthroposophy, and practical ways to support Steiner learning at home. Led by experienced educators and guest speakers, our workshops foster a strong connection between parents and the school’s educational philosophy, helping to build a shared understanding of the Steiner approach.

A Meaningful Partnership

When you choose Samford Valley Steiner School, you’re joining a unique community. Your involvement enriches both your child’s education and the overall life of the school. Together, we create a meaningful partnership that benefits everyone.

Parent Education Resources

The resources below offer valuable insights into your child’s development. They cover important milestones, practical activities, and the changes children go through in their early years, helping parents and caregivers support healthy growth and learning.

Articles & Online Resources

• Radish or Barbie: Waldorf Dolls
• What Can Parents Do for Their Child’s Healthy Brain Development?
• Developmental Age: 3- and 4-Year-Olds
• Five-Year-Old Development
• Older Five-Year-Old Development
• The Six-Year-Old Change (Ruth Kerr)
• Six-Year-Old Transformation (Michelle Brightwater)
• The Six-Year-Old Change (Waldorf Library)
• Older Six-Year-Old Development
• Daily Rhythm at Home (Helle Heckmann)
• Working with the Will
• The Magical Years of Childhood (Informed Family Life)
  Read online
• Practical Activities with the Young Child
  Waldorf Library Article

Recommended Articles

• How Violent Video Games Affect the Brain
  Waldorf Today
• Why Waldorf Schools Delay Children’s Interaction with Technology
  New York Times
• How Nature Shapes Early Childhood Development
  A Waldorf perspective on the role of outdoor play and natural rhythms.
  Available at Waldorf Today
• Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Steiner Education
  Insights into inclusive practices for modern classrooms.
  Available at Waldorf Library
• Technology-Free Childhoods: Benefits and Challenges
  Examining the outcomes of limiting screen time in early education.
  [Educational Research Journal]

Books for Further Reading

• Baldwin, Rahima: You Are Your Child’s First Teacher (Celestial Arts, 1989)
• Barnes, Henry: An Introduction to Steiner Education (Mercury Press, 1985)
• Childs, Gilbert: Steiner Education in Theory and Practice (Floris Books, 1991)
• Davy, Gudrun: Lifeways: Working with Family Questions (Hawthorne Press, 1983)
• Finser, Torin: School as a Journey (Anthroposophic Press, 1994)
• Gorman, Margaret: Confessions of a Steiner Parent (Rudolf Steiner College Publications, 1990)
• Harwood, A.C.: The Life of a Child (Rudolf Steiner Press, 1979)
• Querido, René: Creativity in Education: The Steiner Approach (Dakin, 1982)
• Spock, Marjorie: Teaching as a Lively Art (Anthroposophic Press, 1978)
• Steiner, Rudolf: Kingdom of Childhood (Rudolf Steiner Press, 1982)

PARENT EDUCATION TALKS

Throughout the year we run a regular morning talk “Cuppa Time”. All are welcome to come and learn more about the different facets of Anthroposophy and Steiner Education.

These talks are given by very knowledgeable staff members, teachers and sometimes by visiting experts from other Steiner schools or other Steiner Communities. Keep an eye on the newsletter and PAFA Facebook page for announcements for upcoming talks.

Cuppa Time is held on a Friday morning from 9am-11am at the Hub.

We also hold evening talks and workshop by internal and visiting speakers on a range of issues such as child development, education, child health and nutrition.

PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (PAFA)

PAFA’s role is to help foster a strong and vibrant community at Samford Valley Steiner School.  To do that we will seek to:

• Ensure that our activities are consistent with School values and the Steiner principles
• Promote and foster the adoption of Steiner principles in the school community
• Facilitate communication between various stakeholders in the school community
• Engage in community building by organising social events

Organise and carry out fundraising activities to assist the school in purchasing things for the benefit of the students.

The PAFA team keep things fun and enjoyable: no pressure, no politics, just being there to support the children and the school community. Regular meetings are held at the school every fortnight.

All parents are welcome to join the Parents and Friends Association (PAFA).