For their economics block, Tom set the group a challenge. They were to make some products to sell at a Christmas market. He gave them a ‘loan’ to source their resources and charged ‘interest’ which they returned from the total of their sales. The interest was then shared between some charities, chosen by the children including Macmillian, Unicef, RSPCA, Greenpeace, South & East Bristol Foodbank and Shelter. The profits were split between the children to keep or reinvest. It was a great project, enjoyed by all and included market research, budgeting, product design and crafting. We’ve got some savvy entrepreneurs in the making!
The Discoveries gathered at the end of the year to say goodbye to tutor Tom and welcome tutor Athene to the group. There were some gifts for Tom to take on his travels including a t-shirt, featuring his “I trust you”, designed by one of the children. Athene takes the lead with the group from January, alongside Anna & Natasha assisting.
If you are local to Bristol, you have at some point no doubt seen these iconic boats around the harbour. Bristol Community Ferry Boats is more than just a ferry service, it is a community-owned and operated business where every pound spent on their waterbus service, private hire, or public trips is reinvested back into the company. This means that by choosing Bristol Ferry Boats, customers are directly contributing to the sustainability and growth of a vital community asset that benefits everyone in the city.
They work with community groups and charities across the city who are actively supporting local people – providing a floating safe space for people to relax and enjoy the city, from the unique vantage point of Bristol’s waterways. Their boats are an integral part of Bristol’s identity, and as part of their community outreach some of the Apple Tree children along with their families were invited to experience the joy that comes from being onboard.
The Discoveries took the lead on this and invited their siblings from the Oakens and friends along for a trip around the harbour. Not only was it an extremely enjoyable experience for all the children and families on board, they ensured everyone enjoyed the experience by waving at everyone they saw and bringing a smile to the faces of all passers-by!
While out on the boat they were surprised to spot an elf and a crocodile!
You can find out more about the Bristol Community Ferry Boats outreach and other services by visiting their website here.
As their tutor is due to go on maternity leave in the New Year, the Oakens have been writing positive affirmations for Bea to surround herself with at home! Such a heartfelt way to end the year.
The Oakens have been working very hand creating bracelets to take home. Following a pattern they have created some really intricate designs that they are very proud to wear.
Rooted in an ancient Bavarian tradition where farmers adorned tables with moss, twigs, and candlelit apples to create enchanting illuminated gardens, the Advent spiral emerged in the 1920s as a symbolic celebration. Over the years, this meaningful festival has been embraced by Waldorf schools around the world, offering a deeply reflective and heartwarming experience.
In the stillness of a darkened room, evergreen boughs, symbols of life’s enduring spirit, are carefully arranged into a spiral on the floor, with a single large candle glowing at its heart. One by one, each child enters the spiral, holding an apple with an unlit candle. Guided gently by teachers or parents, depending on their needs, the children journey inward along the spiral’s path, moving toward the radiant center. There, they light their candles from the central flame, a gesture rich with meaning, symbolising the light we carry within ourselves. On their way back, they place their lit lanterns along the spiral, slowly illuminating the room with a growing, gentle light, before quietly returning to their seats.
The Advent spiral reflects the soul’s journey during this season, as we move through the darkness of shorter days and longer nights, carrying the light of hope within us toward the return of the sun’s brilliance after the winter solstice.
For our own Apple Tree celebration, small groups gathered in the serene setting of the hall at All Saints to partake in this beautiful and magical ritual. We were especially fortunate to have talented musicians among our parent community, who filled the evening with a serene and uplifting soundscape, enriching the atmosphere and deepening the shared experience of the spiral’s quiet wonder.
The Apple Tree and their families came together to join The Hawthorns and children from Bristol Waldorf School to celebrate the festival of Martinmas. A time that, while rooted in Christian tradition, speaks to the universal light within each of us, a light we carry forward as the natural world’s brightness fades into winter. This celebration of inner light resonates with other traditions, such as Diwali, which is observed during the same season and similarly honors the triumph of light over darkness.
The celebration unfolded with a magical candlelit walk through the woods. The children, their lanterns glowing gently in the evening air, sang songs as they followed the winding path. The walk led them to one of their beloved play areas, where they gathered in harmony to sing together once more, their voices mingling with the stillness of nature. The evening concluded with a warm and nourishing treat, hot chocolate and ginger biscuits enjoyed amidst the woods, a moment of comfort and connection to end a truly heartfelt celebration.
Wet weather doesn’t stop play when you’re an Oaken! There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Although they do sometimes put this to the test when exploring their local woodland!
In the Steiner community, Michaelmas is a time of year rich with meaning and symbolism, marking the turning of the seasons as the warmth of summer gives way to autumn’s golden hues. Celebrated near the autumn equinox, Michaelmas draws upon the story of Saint Michael, the archangel who conquers the dragon, as a metaphor for courage, willpower, and the triumph of light over darkness. This festival encourages us to reflect on our inner strength and prepare to meet the challenges of the colder, darker months ahead with resilience and determination.
Apple pressing has become a cherished part of this seasonal celebration. As the trees offer their abundant harvest, the act of pressing apples reminds us of the gratitude and joy in receiving nature’s gifts. It also serves as a tangible way for children and families to connect with the rhythms of the earth, witnessing how effort and care transform the bounty of the land into something sweet and sustaining.
Together, Michaelmas and apple pressing provide a beautiful balance of inner and outer work—encouraging us to nurture qualities of courage and gratitude while celebrating the fruits of the earth. Within the Steiner tradition, this pairing deepens our connection to the cycles of nature, reminding us to approach each season with mindfulness, reverence, and community spirit.
The Oakens very proudly brought home their home made versions of the ‘Shut The Box game, complete with carry pouches to make them fully mobile so they can practice their number bonds on the go! The goal of Shut the Box is to close as many numbered tiles (or “shutters”) as possible by rolling dice and using their combined total to match and “shut” the numbers on the board. The lower your score at the end of the game, the better. This project combined woodwork, sewing and maths!
