Schooling alternative
PARENTS in “fear” of being forced to vaccinate kids are increasingly contemplating homeschooling, says an educator setting up a new venture for them.
It comes as community opposition has quashed plans for the establishment of a Steiner school – which focuses on more “experiential” learning – at the site of the old, unused and historic school at Beechmont.
Due to open in 2022 for students from prep to year 3, Evergreen Steiner School founder Sarah Richards said she was now searching for a new site.
“At this stage, our school plans have been delayed due to some unfortunate issues with our location – community issues, not building issues,” the Tallai teacher and mother of three said.
“We are now looking for a new and suitable site for our school location. We are working with a town planner and once we have a site we will reapply for accreditation to open our school.
“The good news is this whole journey has made us aware of how many Gold Coast families are seeking an alternative education for their children.”
Ms Richards said since the vaccine mandate was announced for teachers, she had been getting a lot of sudden interest, with families worried.
“Parents are contemplating homeschooling and also seem fearful of vaccine mandates for children,” she said. “I genuinely think the numbers of families who choose to homeschool from 2022 is going to jump more than ever.”
Ms Richards said to help Gold Coast families, she was busy setting up Evergreen Wonderland, “a nature-infused homeschool education provider offering enchanting daily experiences with a sprinkling of Steiner/waldorf magic”.
“These sessions will be guided by experienced educators and will provide support for homeschooling families to confidently provide an enchanting education for their children,” she said.
“We have some incredible experiences planned that simply cannot be offered within the confines of a classroom. We also plan to offer these across a variety of locations to provide a wider community offering.”
Ms Richards said families would be able to view a timetable and book into sessions that suited them – with parents and carers able to drop and go, or stay.
In term, Monday activities will be at Currumbin Creek at Gecko House, the old Currumbin school, while Tuesdays will be at Country Paradise Parklands.
“There’ll be farm days. We have something extra special planned on Fridays; we will meet our indigenous guides at Runaway Bay where they’ll take us via boat across to Stradbroke Island.”