Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School students, parents and teachers gathered on the eve of the winter solstice, last Friday to shine a light into the darkest night of the year.
I Can See The Lighthouse
The theme for this year’s Winter Festival, held at the Bangalow A&I Hall and showgrounds, was the song, ‘I Can See The Lighthouse’.
The event featured a choir, dancing, a lantern parade and a fire dance.
Students from Class 3 to 12 came together to tell the story narrated of a community that forgets to care for one another, too busy and preoccupied, until a storm shipwrecks strangers on their shores reminding them to keep the lighthouse lit – soup and quilts are shared, and kindness prevails.
A magic festival
The magic of the festival comes alive in the participation of teachers and students alike.
Alumni Phoebe Neumann, Ruby Teather and Class 12 music student River Bryant, sang Maria. Class 11 formed a one-off choir to sing Deep Peace.
Dancers from Class 10, 8 and 7 graced the stage. Class 12 reciting their verse.
A spiral lantern walk
The whole school spiralled in the lantern walk under magic of old gums, and Class 6 closed the festival with a memorable, Fire Dance led by movement teacher Hannah Gee-Clough. The firesticks blaze, like the lanterns carry in each child’s hand, was a reminder of the spark that united forges the heart of community.
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