History

In 1919 Emil Molt, the managing director and joint-proprietor of the factory, together with Rudolf Steiner, founded the very first Waldorf School (for the children of the factory’s workforce).  The school was given the name Waldorf School – not Astoria School, otherwise we would today be taking about Astoria Education. The founding of the first Waldorf School was an act of inspiration which enabled the merging of Rudolf Steiner’s concepts with the world of economic reality, represented by Emil Molt.  This makes Rudolf Steiner the founder of Waldorf Education and Emil Molt the founder of the first Waldorf School.  As we follow the inspirations, guidelines and recommendations of Rudolf Steiner for the first Waldorf School, we at Roseway form part of an international movement of some 890 Waldorf Schools.

The Roseway Waldorf School was founded in 1985 by a group of six families and three teachers. The school opened with just eight children - two in Class 1, three in Class 2, and three in Class 3. The school began in the February of that year after temporary premises had been obtained through a local businessman, Mr John Rumble. It was housed in a small farmhouse in Alverstone, which is now the present Kindergarten and staff housing.

Mrs Janine Hurner was invited from the Cape Town Waldorf School to become the pioneer teacher, and it was her stamina and dedication that steered the school in those early, vital years.

Every subsequent year saw the opening of a new Class 1 and a new class teacher join the staff, and all the while the other classes were growing steadily. The early years were ones of intense excitement, with the whole parent body welcoming new families with joy, and everyone feeling the pain if a family had to leave the school. Demand for Waldorf education grew steadily, and in the second term of 1986 our first Kindergarten class, could open its doors.

In a short time it became quite obvious that space was running out and that a "proper" school was needed. Again Mr Rumble came to our aid and donated seven acres of land adjacent to the then school, and plans could begin. A Foundation Stone laying ceremony was held in September 1988 on the new site, with festival activities by the children.

In September 1990 the school was officially opened by Elizabeth Sneddon. Just five-and-a-half years after the doors opened for the first time, and two years after the laying of the Foundation Stone.

Sadly our foundation teacher, Janine Hurner, passed away in 1994. Her guidance, unending strength, courage and kindness will always be lovingly remembered. She helped to build a strong foundation for the growth of the Roseway Waldorf School. With the death of John Rumble in 1993 his role as benefactor was willingly undertaken by his daughter, Janese Silen. Her advice in all matters legal and financial had always been invaluable and of the highest standard. She offered the school first option on the original piece of land where the farmhouse stands, and when we were able to purchase this, a dream of many became a reality.