Raphaeli Waldorf School Newsletter TERM 2 - 2017 | Page 2

Dear Raphaeli Parents and Friends,
Winter is a time for quiet inner reflection. Animals settle in their nests
and dens awaiting the cold, becoming furrier and also grumpier as the
bite of frost and icy winds arrive. Human beings prefer the comfort
and warmth of their homes and the inwardness of winter is also seen in
our cooking. From deep within the earth root vegetables are now
harvested and prepared as a hearty soup or stew, warming the body
and the hands. In many homes, a fire is prepared or candles are lit. A
picture of the inner warmth and light that can be held and kindled in
the quiet of winter.
Our community has experienced the traumatic experience of wild fire.
Fire which is not warming and comforting, but destructive and
frightening. A fire which gutted many peAople's homes and sense of
security in our beautiful Plettenberg Bay.
The generosity and kindness of so many strangers towards strangers,
volunteering their time and donating their resources, brought up the
image of a beautiful, glowing light. A quietly powerful contrasting
picture of the Garden Route Fire.
As we go into our St. John's Festival, we would like to hold the image of
a lantern in the dark. A fragile, but warming light, restoring faith in the
future and our own ability to heal.
Kind Regards
Wilmie Monk
Chairperson of the College of Teachers