As we came together at dusk down by the lake, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation as families chatted on their journey to our school on the hill. The hum soon quietened as we entered the Performance Space with the gentle calling of the didgeridoo, followed by the children singing with the High School choir and parent’s choir. Uncle Lex shared a song in the Darug language and the whole audience was captured. At times the mood was one of stillness and reverence, while in another there was a joyous call for the whole community to participate and rejoice the new sun. S’haila and John certainly had the whole audience filling the space with their Big Warm Hearts!

To follow this beautiful singing, a circle of commitment to the Uluru Statement of the Heart was created under the stars. Under a starry, smoky sky, Mai Lynn called in the ancestors with a call that I am sure was heard throughout the stars, Flinn accompanied her on the didgeridoo, while Uncle Lex lead a smoking ceremony. And all was still…

To end our evening, children collected their lanterns and journeyed back to the lake. We had arrived in darkness, but left with light on this magical Winter’s Night.

Kirsty Edwards Kindy Garden Teacher

Kirsty has completed Studies of Anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner Education (Early Childhood) at the Sydney Rudolf Steiner College, and a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from James Cook University. She joined Kindlehill in 2008 as a Kindergarten assistant and has been Kindergarten Teacher since 2013.

“As the Kindergarten teacher, I nurture the young child as they begin their journey at Kindlehill. I enjoy creating an environment that is rich in imagination, beauty and wonder, supporting and guiding the development of the whole child”.