I joined this beautiful, homely school in 2013, after teaching for three years. When I was first lured in by Carol Berry, I was reluctant. My previous teaching experience had been a rollercoaster and I was left feeling burnt out and in need of a break. However, I gradually felt myself embraced by the school. The amazing group of strong, pioneering, witty, intelligent, analytical and warm women (and a few men) who I was lucky enough to learn from allowed me to grow and gain confidence – both on a personal level as well as in a professional capacity. For most of my time at Imhoff I was the youngest of the teachers, but I was always treated with respect, with a genuine sense of trust, by teachers and students alike. I have felt so blessed to work here, have found myself almost in tears of happiness and contentment and gratitude that such a school exists and that I am lucky enough to be a part of it.
My own schooling was very uninspiring: strict, traditional, anonymous, soul-destroying. Imhoff Waldorf school has been the antithesis of this. This is a home within a school, a place of refuge and comfort in what for many are the most trying, emotional years of their lives. This is a sacred space where respect is fostered, where authenticity is praised, where mistakes are acknowledged and where everyone is equal, EVERYONE. It has always amazed me that this is a school where all ages genuinely get along. It really is something quite special. The loss of this school as a centre of learning and refuge is a devastating blow to so many and has far-reaching effects.
It has been a magical, alchemical process and family to be a part of. I will be forever grateful to all the wonderful people: students as well as colleagues, I have learnt from along the way.
It is a sad ending to what has been a beautiful journey.
by Kath Kelly
