Deepening Course 2027: Understanding Developmental Needs
Understanding Deeper Developmental Needs throughout Childhood and Adolescence
16 and 17 January 2027, Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School, 5 Helios Place, Titirangi, Auckland.
The Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education Trust is hosting its fifth January Deepening Conference at the start of the 2027 school year, and we're happy to help share the details. This year's theme is understanding the deeper developmental needs of children and young people, from early childhood through to adolescence.
The course is open to anyone who finds a connection with the theme. You do not need to be a Steiner Waldorf teacher to attend, and parents, whānau, educators and carers are all welcome. The event is organised by Kathy MacFarlane and Edith van der Meer on behalf of the Trust, which is also providing financial support.
Meet the speakers
Dr Richard Drexel is a general practitioner and anthroposophical doctor at the Sophia Healing Centre, based at the Weleda site in Havelock North. He also works as a GP at The Doctors Greenmeadows in Napier, where he brings a whole-person approach into everyday general practice. Originally from Germany, Richard studied medicine at the University of Witten/Herdecke and the University of Hamburg, where he was introduced to a view of health that unites rigorous medical science with a deeper understanding of the human being. He has been active for many years in anthroposophical medicine and adult education in Europe, and now in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. He contributes to trainings and conferences on many topics, supporting people to meet the challenges of modern life with warmth and clarity.
Rosie Simpson brings decades of reflected experience in Steiner Waldorf education. For many years she worked with children and young people in need of special soul care, both at Hohepa in Hawke's Bay and in Holland. She then moved into class teaching at Taikura School in Hastings, where she later became principal. Rosie currently co-carries the leadership of Taruna College and plays an active part in adult education programmes. For this conference, she will focus on observation of the child and approaches to Child Study, and on exploring the responsive developmental gesture of the teacher or parent.
What to expect
Richard and Rosie will give the morning lectures. On Saturday afternoon, the group will move into healing workshops, generously offered by colleagues from different fields of Waldorf education. The workshops are:
Richard Drexel: Learning to breathe
Helen Proctor: Breathing and well-being, Curative Eurythmy
Rosie Simpson: Curative Storytelling
Nicole King: Supporting health through nursing therapies
Susie Gay: Breathing through colour (painting)
Unsu Lee: The healing conversation
The practical details
Cost: $85, including morning tea on both days and afternoon tea on one day
Lunch: Bring your own, or head to Titirangi Village, which has plenty of cafes
Numbers: Limited to 100 participants, registered first-come, first-served once payment is in the bank
Registration: Please complete the registration form and return it to Edith at edith.vandermeer@gmail.com no later than 14 January 2027
You can download the timetable here and the registration form here.