Gabriel Conversation Group 2010
- Imagine: a place where you find others like yourself, looking for meaning and understanding
- Imagine: a place where you can feel accepted, and encouraged to meet the challenges of parenting
- Imagine: a place where your questions are recognised, and steps are found together towards the future
Now in its 6th year this group has always been held in a home setting to highlight the importance of home as the heart of family life.
The group exists to support mothers (fathers also come from time to time and they are always very welcome) in the journey of parenting with its many facets and challenges. A key aim is to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive space where mothers feel able to share their experiences, or ask questions, or just listen. While there can be poignant moments there is always a lot of laughter as well. Friendships often develop amongst participants.
Each week there is a short presentation on an aspect of child care, child development or parenting and sharing of insight gained from many years working with families. The purpose of this is to provide a context for building a deeper understanding of child development and parenting experience/ responsibilities at different stages. The philosophy that informs this work is the concept of the human being given by Rudolf Steiner and others working in the Steiner Early Childhood area, not as a prescription or dogma but as a living picture to observe and explore. There is also a seasonal/festival focus and sometimes a simple craft activity. Singing nursery rhymes or other simple children’s songs and movement begins our group. From time to time we have a guest speaker.
Bettye Palmer facilitates the group and Lou Harvey-Zahra assists with the children; she is an experienced Steiner Playgroup leader and a teahcer with many years experience. She is also a mother of two lovely children. Lou brings enthusiasm and insight gained from many years working with children in different settings.
Due to increasing demand there is now a morning and an afternoon sessions, held fortnightly on Wednesdays during term time.
There are still some places available for next term in both sessions.
Term 3
Start Weds 14th July
Cost is $50.00 a term - payable week 1.
Read Sue’s experience of the group last year – she has been a regular participant for several years.
Contact Bettye 0400995041 after hours to register interest
Venue
1 Wilkilla Road
Kalorama 3766