Partnership for childhood

By Kath Gannaway
PARENTING is a challenging task.
“The ways of the past often seem inadequate in dealing with the children of today, and there are now so many opinions about what parents ‘should do’, that anyone can feel confused about what is the ‘right’ thing to do,” says Ghilgai School’s education co-ordinator John Allison.
At Ghilgai School, some interesting developments are in the pipeline.
Ghilgai School is a small independent school in Kilsyth South providing Steiner education from kindergarten to class 6.
The school’s setting in a secluded bush park provides a sanctuary for childhood. “Here, childhood has always been deemed sacred, as a time of nurture and development when all the capacities for the future unfold,” Mr Allison said.
Recognising the increasing challenges facing families, Ghilgai is currently planning further steps to support parents in their task, and to strengthen the active partnership between parenting and teaching.
The school has always offered a range of support for parents of children enrolled in the school. However, future programs will include talks, workshops and clinics for members of the public.
“A feature of the programs will be support for the whole of parenting, from pregnancy and childbirth, through pre-school and primary years into adolescence and beyond,” Mr Allison explained.
“All tasks require a sense of direction, and specific skills. In addition, in many tasks, and especially in parenting or teaching, the core is relationship.
“Many of humanity’s present difficulties are a result of a feeling of disconnection,” he said.
“Christopher Clouder, an authority on Steiner education and co-founder of the worldwide Alliance for Childhood who recently visited Melbourne, has commented that “we can connect rapidly and easily … but have we the skills to connect well and wisely?”
At Ghilgai, Mr Allison said the aim was to provide an environment for learning, both as individuals and community, and to grow those capacities needed for life’s work: insight, effective communication, mutual support, and a “toolbox” of skills for situations.
“The word “Ghilgai” means a “waterhole in dry country” – it is a place to slake one’s thirst for understanding, compassionate acceptance, and partnership,” he said.
Inquiries about what’s on offer at Ghilgai are welcome. Phone 9761 8369.