We live in a world filled with other people.
We live together, work together, and play together.
In our personal lives, we need each other
for security, comfort, friendship, and love.
In our working environment, we need each other
in order to achieve our goals and objectives.
Anthony Alessandro and Phillip Hunsaker
I really don't know where to start. There's so much to be grateful for and so much I want to share with you. By now you might know I'm working from my house in Santa Barbara. It's a January tradition that I started four years ago when I needed to get away to recuperate from a year with two bouts of pneumonia. It was a big deal to leave NSW for four weeks but my health (or rather lack of it) determined the decision and I did it. I've promised myself that I would make time every year since. Four weeks has turned into two but two productive weeks both for me personally as well as professionally. Hosting my teachers for our annual retreat is a highlight of my stay. What a joy to be surrounded by the energy and dedication the teachers bring me. They fill me up.
My goal for us is to see things with a renewed light; to get reacquainted personally without the distractions of the day to day routines. Taking time to reflect isn't something we allow ourselves and yet without it, we lose perspective and focus and if that happens, how do we support the children's world of exploration and discovery? It's only if we can continue to see the beauty, recognize the surprises, and the unending theory of ideas ourselves that we can understand and value the inspiration that the children continue to offer us.
Have you taken a look at the weaving to the right as you enter the middle courtyard? We made that weaving at our retreat last year. It is our plan to add to it every year. It's a reminder that we are individuals working together as a group. Each with talents, temperaments, and passions. Each with a source of energy that supports us all. 
It is with sincere gratitude that we say "THANKS!" to all of you who continue to support our efforts to be the best we can be. We love you! xoxoxRoleen