Dear families

As Spring unfolds around us and the Easter holidays approach, we pause to reflect on the nurturing journey we have shared together throughout this term. The children have blossomed with curiosity, creativity, and joy, and it is truly inspiring to witness their growth both academically and personally.

Over the past few weeks, we have had the joy of celebrating several meaningful occasions together. We marked Nowruz – the Persian New Year, the Spring Equinox and a joyous celebration of Eid, with the help and support of our families and staff who celebrate these traditions.  Our students of all ages came together to take part in the French play, immersing themselves in a rich cultural experience.

A highlight of this term was Class VIII’s presentation of their projects. With confidence and grace, they shared their work with the younger classes, inspiring them with their dedication and creativity. It is always a moment of great joy to see the older children modelling the possibilities of what lies ahead in their own learning journeys, as well as an opportunity for our community to witness the depth and quality of a Waldorf education.

As we approach the Easter break, with its themes of renewal and transformation, it invites us to embrace the new life and energy of Spring. This time of rest and rejuvenation provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection, connection, and, of course, a chance to step outside and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. We wish you all a restful holiday and that this time together continues to nurture the hearts and minds of both our children and our families.

We look forward to welcoming you back on April 24th for the start of the Summer term!

Warmly,

Anna Retsler

Head teacher

St Paul's Steiner School

Celebrations of Nowruz in Class I, Eid, Ramadan and St Patrick's Day in Class II.

Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends of St. Paul’s,

It was so good to see you at the Eurythmy Festival in February and I would like to thank you all for your wonderful encouragement and beautiful comments the children received from you after their presentations. 

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you a few quotes from Rudolf Steiner which emphasise the centrality of eurythmy to Waldorf education.  I hope that you will enjoy reading them:

1. From "The Spiritual Ground of Education" (Oxford, 1922):

   "Eurythmy should be considered just as necessary as any other subject. It must be seen not as an extra, but as something that belongs to the whole being of the Waldorf curriculum."

2. From "The Kingdom of Childhood" (Torquay, 1924):

   "Through eurythmy, the child relates to the world not only through the head, but through the whole human being. In the current age where thinking predominates, eurythmy provides the essential counterbalance by engaging the whole body in the educational process."

3. From "Discussions with Teachers" (Stuttgart, 1919):

   "If you truly understand the developmental needs of the child, you will recognize that eurythmy is not something we add to education as a luxury, but rather something that addresses the child's fundamental need to express inner experiences through meaningful movement."

4. From "Soul Economy and Waldorf Education" (1921):

   "The movements of eurythmy are drawn directly from the human organisation itself. What the child experiences in eurythmy lessons works deeply into the physiological organisation in a way that no other educational activity can achieve."

5. From "Practical Advice to Teachers" (1919):

   "In our curriculum, we must insist on eurythmy. It brings to expression in the realm of visible movement what lives invisibly in speech and music. Through this, the child's entire being—body, soul, and spirit—is harmonized in a way essential for healthy development."

6. From "Human Values in Education" (1924):

   "A school without eurythmy would be like a face without eyes. It may function, but something essential for perceiving the world in its fullness would be missing."

Diana Skinner,

Eurythmy teacher

Below, a short description of the eurythmy presentation to the Parents and Friends from an audience member, a former trustee of St. Paul’s Steiner School who enjoys keeping in touch with the school through watching all the children’s eurythmy performances:

Joyful defines the performance of the students at the Eurythmy festival on 6th February 2025, followed by an unexpected gift of a eurythmy presentation from Mrs Skinner and Ms. Vito, accompanied by Mrs. Steggall’s recitation and Dr. Minou on piano.

 Delight was the response from the audience of students, parents and teachers shown by the applause which accompanied the gift from all the performers. 

Over the past year, Class VIII have dedicated themselves to researching a topic of their choosing. They've honed their practical skills, collaborated with mentors, and meticulously prepared engaging presentations to share their knowledge and passion. Across three evenings, the students presented their projects, with six students each night. 

Wednesday 26th March:
Erin Su - Freediving
Irah - Hip-Hop
Connie - The History of Dance
Aidan - Street Photography
Rio - Science of Sound
Eden - Contemporary Theatrical Production Design 

Thursday 27th March:
Matilda - Skincare
Odessa - Hidden Truths
Emil - Percussion 
Laila - Witches
Florence - Graphic Novel and Character Design
Dana - Dungeons and Dragons

Friday 28th March:
Juno - Codes, Cyphers and Cryptography
Giacomo - The Hour Record
Gabriel - Geometry of Sound
Smilla - Paranormal Phenomena 
Nico - Emocore
Francesco - Graphic Design in the Music Industry 

Class III spent a wonderful morning at E5 Bakehouse learning about how to make bread this week.  They ground their own flour, produced their own butter and baked flat breads.

Class VII have produced some wonderful African Ceremonial Masks in their art lessons this term.

Useful links for Islington services for families

https://www.islington.gov.uk/children-and-families/bright-start-islington-start-for-life-and-family-hubs

https://findyour.islington.gov.uk/kb5/islington/directory/advice.page?id=QSjf0l-9CKo

NEW ADDITION OF FAMILY FIRST MAGAZINE

https://familyfirst.co.uk/magazines/family-first-issue-2-2025/

Beau in Class III with her dance group

I'm reaching out on behalf of E-Kidz (Ebonessence Dance School), who are a passionate and hard-working group of young dancers based in Hackney. E-Kidz are incredibly proud to have qualified for the UDO European Championships 2025 - Belgium, travelling between June 12th and 16th 2025. This is a major achievement for the team, who train three times a week with dedication and determination.

As a community-driven dance school, it operates with limited funds. 

You can see some of E-Kidz performances on

Instagram @ekidz__

Having your support would not only unify and elevate the dancers' presence on stage, but it would also serve as a massive source of motivation to these young dancers. Ekidz are excited to represent their community and country on an international platform. Please help us reach our goal HERE!

Michelle, teacher