CSSK Governance and Management Structure

CSSK Constitution

Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten supports and promotes the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including elected representation, the rule of law, equal rights for all before the law, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and association and the values of openness and tolerance.

CSSK Constitution – updated 2023

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors ensures that all of the School’s fundamental principles, embodied in its values and mission statement, are inherent and implemented in all programs and activities of the School.

It has ultimate responsibility for all matters relating to the overall planning and running of the school, ensuring a strategic approach to the School’s future by setting major objectives, policy frameworks and strategies, to review and monitor adherence to systems of risk management, governance and legal compliance, including the legal responsibilities as employer of all Staff at the School.

The Board’s role is to govern the School and not to get involved in day-to-day management of its operations.

Principal

The Principal leads the whole school community to effectively manage resources to achieve the school’s goals in collaboration with the Leadership Team. The Principal manages the day to day operations of the school and reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Finance Team

The Finance Coordinator and Finance Officer work together to support management of the school’s business and finances.  The Finance Coordinator reports directly to the Principal.

Leadership Teams

The principal works with the Education Team, Site and Facilities Team, Finance Team and ICT Team to support the operation of the school.

The teams meet regularly as operational “think tanks” for the Principal to discuss matters relating to Schools Operational Guidelines, VRQA registration, education provision, emergency management planning, Work Health Safety, Child Safety, site maintenance and development and ICT infrastructure and operation.

Matters that may affect the education of students are also discussed at College meetings.  This includes teaching and learning, festivals and special events and the anthroposophical impulse of the school.

College of Staff

The College of Staff, works collaboratively and commits to guiding the pedagogical, cultural, and spiritual ideals of CSSK. Through study, self-development, and in working with the 7 Core Principles of Steiner Education, the College of Staff informs overarching decisions affecting curriculum, teacher development, strategic planning, festival life, and adult education.

The College undertakes the following tasks:

  • Child study
  • Artistic development for Staff
  • Studying Rudolf Steiner’s indications on child development, the curriculum and anthroposophy, through his lectures, related readings, audio files and keynote speakers of Steiner Education.
  • Participating in SEA and other Waldorf/Steiner courses and Professional Development.
  • Planning festivals
  • Inputting into strategic planning
  • Inputting into curriculum/program implementation and reviews
  • Monitoring/reviewing selected policies
  • Student wellbeing and engagement

Board Members

Ian Cuming

Ian was on the Board of a community house in the Yarra Valley for over 25 years, on the Board of the Little Yarra Steiner School for 1 year, and his children went through Little Yarra. He also lived and worked for several years on a Camp Hill community in England (an anthroposophically-based supported living community for people with disabilities), and more recently was a biodynamic farmer in the Yarra Valley until his retirement.

Anna Campbell

Anna has worked in the education field with varying age groups from 3 to 14 year olds, since 1977, as a Primary school teacher in both city & country State schools, as a Kindergarten Director and overseas in Korea & Northern Ireland.  She has been at CSSK as a class teacher from 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Education, Graduate Certificate Early Childhood Teacher and Foundation Course in Rudolf Steiner Education.

Amanda McDonald

Amanda currently works at CSSK as a class teacher. She has 15 years’ experience working in a variety of schools (both Mainstream and Steiner) and has taught various year levels and mixed age groups. Previous experience includes volunteering as a Support Worker, assisting a child with autism using the ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) Therapy Program. She holds a Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching, Foundation Course in Rudolf Steiner Early Childhood Education and a Certificate of Rudolf Steiner Education (Primary).

Beatrice Varga

Beatrice is a parent of two children at CSSK, an alumni of The Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School and a Program Manager working for an International not-for-profit, focusing on public health research, policy, organisational governance and development practice. She holds master’s degrees in both Public Health and Social Policy. Beatrice is passionate about the benefits and opportunities a sound Steiner education provides, never more so than in current times.

Nanda Gasparini

Nanda has a daughter at CSSK, and close family connections to Little Yarra and the Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School. Working as an anthropologist for international development organizations, her focus areas include community relations, human rights, child protection and occupational health and safety. She has worked in numerous sectors, including education, and has extensive experience in project management and governance. Nanda is from Venezuela.

Marian Goodman

Marian Goodman has a whole life history of close involvement with the Waldorf School and the Anthroposophical Movements. She trained in Eurythmy in Germany and the USA and has been a practicing Eurythmist since 1989. Marian has held Board and Treasury positions at Eukarima School and for The Christian Community respectively and has a keen interest in Governance, supervision and support in ensuring a healthy, strong, flourishing and resilient school.

 

 

Leadership Team

Nerrida Johnson
(Principal)
Nerrida is an experienced Steiner educator and school leader who was Principal of Cape Byron Steiner School for 8 years, and a Class Teacher for many years at Chrysalis and Milbi Steiner Schools. Most recently, she worked for two years as Principal of Hargy International School in Papua New Guinea, a new high school that she has guided through the challenges of its first years. Nerrida brings a depth of experience in Steiner education and anthroposophy, together with strong school leadership skills and the ability to bring people together to unite behind a shared vision.  Qualifications: Bachelor of Teaching; Bachelor of Education; Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing.

Hayley Bridgwood
(Deputy Principal)
Hayley has a Bachelor of Sciences (Honours) as well as postgraduate qualifications in Teaching, Educational Leadership & Management, and Learning Difficulties Education. In the 20 years prior to commencing as a Staff member at the School, Hayley served as a member of the CSSK Board of Directors and was employed as an Education Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, an Educational Consultant for the Victorian Department of Education & Training, and as Educational Leader and Classroom Teacher in school contexts.  She was also twice nominated for the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching