School Newsletter Term 3 Week 10

Kaya WCSS Community

Congratulation to Class 6 and Class 5 for their performances last week. Class 6 entertained us with their wonderful play, Fiddler on the Roof and Class 5 were keen participants in the Greek Olympics. We are very proud of all of you.

Our annual MMG School Survey has been extended to the end of this week. A big thank you to parents who have already completed this. We would love some more responses so I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete this to give us feedback so we can continue to offer your children the best education we can. One or both parents can complete the survey. If you wish to both compete it or to do a survey for each individual child (if you have more than one here), please follow the instructions in the email you received from MMG to request an additional survey link.

Term 3 culminates each year in a celebration and honouring of Spring or Djilba with the beauty of this lovely season acknowledged at our Kindy Spring festivals. In the Primary School we celebrate the Michaelmas Festival with a focus on the story of the archangel Michael and the dragon. Michael is an emblem of strength and protection and is usually depicted conquering a dragon - an image that is often adopted by Waldorf schools as a metaphor for finding one's inner strength to slay internal and external "dragons".

The Michaelmas Festival is generally referred to as "the festival of strong will" which acknowledges the universal desire to strengthen our will forces and hold steadfast in the face of adversity. The festival is a very appropriate one for children to participate in given the ever-increasing challenges of our world. When the fire and fury of the dragon are strong, we learn to face challenging times with Michaelic courage. Co-operatively we can tame the dragon, face our own darkness with courage and light as peaceful warriors, taking a stand with courage for a higher truth. For the children, this festival is an opportunity for community and cooperation. As they unite in teams to complete tasks and games related to dragon lore, they discover that together we can achieve great feats and along the way have a great deal of fun doing so.

Brave and true I will be
Each good deed sets me free.
Each kind word makes me strong.
I will fight for the right,
I will conquer the wrong.

A reminder that Thursday is a Public Holiday and Friday is a Pupil Free Day. All our staff will meet with staff from the other six Steiner schools in WA at the annual WA Steiner Schools Day which is a wonderful opportunity for collegiality and learning. We are so grateful to Perth Waldorf School for hosting the event this year.

As we come to the end of this term, I thank you once again for your support in ensuring that we remain a community guided by goodness, beauty, and truth. I wish everyone strength, courage, and peace this Michaelmas season.  May you enjoy happy family times these holidays and may all your dragons be tamed!

I look forward to seeing everyone back at school for Term 4 on Monday 10 October.

Jenny Dougan

SA/Principal

ANNUAL PARENT SURVEY CLOSING SOON

The Parent Survey has been extended for those who missed the deadline. Please find 10 minutes today to give your valuable feedback about different facets of our school. 

If you have any queries regarding the questionnaire email tony.pfeiffer@mmgedu.com.au or call (02) 9369 1449. 

Perth Waldorf School Students - Community Service

It is that time of year again and a record number of five Year 11 students from Perth Waldorf School have been at West Coast doing their community service. Three West Coast alumni (Playgroup to Class 6) and two students from other primary schools.  One student did not attend a Steiner primary school and has never knitted.  The Class 2 children took care of that!  Ty has been seen knitting (and purling) around the school.

The purpose of the placement is to be of service to others and to notice the needs of individuals and help them in that need.  They have spent time in most classes, listening to reading, working with groups on spelling and maths, joining in singing and music, supervising cooking, playing with the orchestra and sprucing up some blackboards.  It is always a pleasure to have them and we look forward to some of the current Class 10s coming to work with us next year.

Blackboard Beauty

Class 6 blackboard ready for next term's Main Lesson.

WCSS Alumni and current Perth Waldorf student, Zoe Kerbey kindly created this beauty during her Year 11 Community Service at WCSS last week. 

Shining a light on....

In each newsletter we will shine light on a particular school policy as an easy refresher for parents. Do let us know if you have an area you would like featured.

WCSS Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy

There are many different reasons, occasions and circumstances, that will involve the taking, use and publication of student photos and videos. WCSS will use student images reasonably, appropriately and sensitively, consistent with our obligations under the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and our Child Protection Policy, Privacy Policy and Duty of Care Policy. 

Parents/Carers Taking Photos at School Events

The habit of parents/carers recording children at school through photographs or recordings is not in keeping with our Steiner philosophy of being present for one’s child. We believe being present and responsive for your child, fully and consciously enjoying the moment is more important than being distanced by a screen or lens.

Additionally, there can be concerns when other students in the background are identifiable, particularly privacy concerns about images of children being posted publicly without parental consent. There can also be real legal or safety concerns for the child or family concerned in some cases.

The School endeavours to respect the privacy of all members of our school community and requests that parents, students and invited guests do not photograph, film or record school performances, sporting events and other school-approved activities. 

WCSS understands the importance of seeing your child's education and milestones at school and endeavours to share what it can through the school newsletter, website, social media accounts and class emails.

See below link for the full policy.

From Administration

2023 SCHOOL FEES

In line with our Fee Policy, 2023 School Fees will be emailed to parents next month.  We hope this allows adequate planning/budgeting time for all our families. Families experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact our Business Manager (financeofficer@wcss.wa.edu.au). Families not returning in 2023 must notify our Enrolments Offer by the beginning of Term 4 (enrolments@wcss.wa.edu.au).

FAMILY COMMITMENT HOURS AVAILABLE

Don't leave your 2022 Family Commitment Hours until the last minute! We have so many ways you can help. Volunteers are needed for the Parent Kiss'n' Drive, the Kambarang Fair on October 29 and our next Busy Bee on Saturday October 8.

We also need a volunteer to pressure clean verandas in these school holidays (maximum 4 hours work).

Contact Reception for more information.

Early Childhood

2023 Kindergarten Programs

Thank you to all families who participated in recent surveys as part of a review of our Kindergarten offerings.  We are constantly striving to ensure our programs meet the needs of both students and families.

Kindergarten Programs for next year are as follows:

Kindergarten 4

Gumunt Kindy (4 year olds only) Thursday & Friday 8.30am-12.30pm

Multi-age  Monday & Wednesday 9.00am - 12.30pm.

Kindergarten 5

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 8.35am - 3.00pm

Kindergarten 6

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8.35am - 3.00pm except Thursday 2.15pm finish)

Gumnut Kindergarten: Spring Festival

It was all beautiful butterflies for our Gumnut Kindy 4 Festival on Monday. Our four year old program is so nurturing and inspiring and the perfect introduction to school. Such a joy to watch our youngest students unfold and transform.

Gungarra Kindergarten: Tell Me A Story

Story time is that special time in the day when we all come together as a class.

After the busyness and bustle of packing away toys, we come quietly together and make a circle, settle and listen.

For some children this is quite a challenge as they want to keep moving, wriggling or talking. However, the ritual of lighting a candle and singing the story verse creates a blanket of reverence for what is to come; instinctively the children respond and learn to settle into the silence.

Stories are told not read and with the aid of a few props. A little platform made from large wooden blocks, draped with cloths, stand up puppets, wooden animals, rocks or logs may be used, the scene is set. By creating the story in front of the children you are showing them that they can be storytellers too. Often weeks later a story that I told will reappear in the imaginative play of the children. Cloths are laid on the ground, houses and animals appear as do the central characters – it is never the same as mine, it has been transformed and often added to a greater adventure. Some children aren’t ready to ‘tell’ a story yet but become very engrossed in creating a place for it to appear. The story is happening inside the child.

Just recently, I have been telling a few more stories without any props, just my voice. They are not too long, but the children reward me with their attention and eagerness to hear it again. This is the beauty and value of storytelling, which we can give to our children whether you be a teacher, parent or grandparent. I encourage all to try. Start by creating the space, whether it be an afternoon story or bedtime. Remove distractions, phones on silent, light a candle, and perhaps bring the child’s favourite doll to join and listen too. If possible, practise before or if spontaneous, tell a story from your childhood. Whatever the topic, be aware that the soul of the story must be good and if there is a dilemma that there is resolution. Overly, dramatic voices or gestures are not needed, it is the intonation and the pauses that will deliver the message of the story. Storytelling with Children, by Nancy Mellon, is a wonderful starting point (there should be a copy in our school library) if you would like inspiration or encouragement to develop these skills further. Just remember storytelling is an innately human activity – it not only shares knowledge it connects us to one another, particularly for the young child.

Karen Weeramanthri

Gungarra Kindergarten Teacher

FEATURE ARTICLE - The Magic of Transitions by Vanessa Fountain

"In this time of social media, the cult of the ego and isolation, reverence is like a balm to the ills of our time. The ability to have deep respect for someone or something, to look beyond the self and behold the beauty, wonder and awe in which we live, brings us back into balance." 

We hope you take the time to read the below article about the benefits of rhythm, routine and planned transitions in daily life, particularly during the holiday period. 

Primary News

Class 3 

Shelter Projects

At the conclusion of the Class 3 Shelter Main Lesson the students have worked hard at home to research, plan, collect materials and create a model of a chosen shelter. The children thoroughly enjoyed displaying and showing their masterpieces to each other and the wider community.

Money, Money, Money!

Our excursion to the Perth Mint was an exciting event tying in with our Money Main Lesson. We saw the Australian Kangaroo one tonne pure Gold Coin, measuring 80 centimetres wide and 12 centimetres deep which is the biggest and heaviest gold bullion coin in the world. We also watched a gold pour and experienced how heavy a million-dollar gold bar is. The Money Main Lesson was a really fun set of lessons, learning about ancient bartering and the history of coins, adding coins together and calculating change, working at Market Day and creating their own currency and market experience within the classroom.

Aimee Waller

Dambart Teacher

Class 4 As part of our current Main Lesson, 'The Human Being and the Animal Kingdom' Class 4 visited the zoo on Wednesday. While I was impressed by the observations and insights made by the students as they navigated their way around the zoo, it was their considerate public presence that made me most proud. 

Class 4 students could be seen making way for younger children to stand in front of them at the exhibits, asking polite and interesting questions of zoo staff and collaborating and negotiating in their small groups to ensure everyone got to see their favourite animals. Reportedly, some brave students even requested that some rather noisy teenagers please lower their voices while in the nocturnal house. As we arrived back at school our bus driver announced that we were "the most well-behaved class" that they had ever driven! What a delight to take such a thoughtful and responsible group out for the day. Many thanks to our parent helpers who came along to make the day run smoothly. 

The Class 4 children were moved by the endangered species and were shocked to discover that there were so few numbers left of such incredible animals. We are discussing which endangered animal project we would like to hold a fundraiser for next term. 

Holly Peterson

Koodjal Koodjal Teacher

Class 5 By Class 5 students are ready to observe the world around them and engage with living science. The botany curriculum empowers Steiner students with scientific observations and discovery as well as the feelings, ideas and poetry of nature.

Class 5 have been working hard this term with Elaine Meyer, WCSS graduate Juliette Bernstein, and the late Elder’s grandson Clive Smith, to illustrate “The Book of Noongar Anatomy,” using archival materials of Elder Cliff Humphries. Lots of research into Noongar flora, fauna and culture went into creating accurate artworks showcasing the beauty of Noongar Boodjar and people.

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Class 6 Play: Fiddler on the Roof

Music News

Last weekend the Orchestra performed at their first ever Orchestra Festival. The festival took place at Churchlands Senior High School in their big concert hall and the Orchestra did a fantastic job of filling the hall with their sound! They can be very proud of their achievement. Ice Mountain in particular was fantastic and I can’t wait for them to perform it again at the Kambarang Fair in Term 4.

The Orchestra are not resting on their laurels and have already started rehearsing for their Fair performance. They will be performing Ice Mountain and are working on achieving an even better sound for the thunderous ending to the piece. Their other piece is new to them and will be quite challenging for the first violins in particular. It is the theme from Jupiter from Gustav Holst’s “The Planets”. It is sure to be a beautiful companion piece to Ice Mountain.

Class 5 have been learning about graphic score and I have been showing them different non-traditional ways of writing down music. In week 9 they finally got to write and perform their own graphic scores. They worked in small groups and produced some beautiful looking and sounding compositions. The students were so engrossed in the work they didn’t want to stop even though it was lunch time! 

Class 3 have been making good progress on their string instruments and have at last learned to play a piece that uses first finger! This is a big milestone on their string instrument journey and they are all very pleased with this achievement. Lots of practice will be required to build up the strength in this finger! Well done Class 3!

Cristina Filgueira

Strings Specialist

Handwork

Woodwork

WCSS Community Association

Dear Community,

Thank you to everyone who has been volunteering over this busy term! We still require volunteers for the fundraising Sausage Sizzle on Sunday October 16. Please sign up here if you can donate an hour or two.

THE FAIR IS COMING! Our biggest event of the year, the Kambarang Fair and Open Day is on October 29 and organisation is in progress. Class responsibilities and rosters will be sent out soon for every family to contribute some time on the day. Please get in touch if you would like to help run an activity or be on the organising committee. 

Take home sewing kits are available from Sarah Jordan and are a great way to fulfil Family Commitment Hours and create items to sell at the Fair.

As many of you know, after many years running the school shop, Jane has decided to step down and will be leaving us at the end of Term 3 . Jane will be greatly missed. Ayla Cumings has been appointed as our new Golden Threads Shop Manager and will continue the great work Jane has built up over the years.  Ayla will be taking over from Jane at the start of Term 4 . Welcome Ayla ! 

Finally, we will be holding a farewell for Jane, our Golden Threads Manager for the past 7 years on the last day of Term 3, Wednesday September 21 at 3.05pm.  Please stop by to thank Jane and wish her well on her new endeavour. Bring a plate to share if you can!

In community,

WCSSCA Committee

E: wcssca@wcss.wa.edu.au

SHOP NEWS

Hello fantastic WCSS Community,

I would like to welcome our new Golden Threads Manager Ayla Cummings. Ayla is warm and friendly, makes a great cuppa and will give love and dedication to the community and the role.  Please drop in and welcome Ayla in Term 4.  She will be actively seeking volunteers in the shop too, so if you have some time to give please let Ayla know.  I’ve always had the most amazing volunteers who have enriched us all. Many thanks to Rose, Melissa, Kirrilli, Sarah, Shannon and everyone else who has volunteered in any capacity in the shop over the past 7 years. 

We were blessed with many fantastic applications for this position, and I thank each and every person for applying.  I speak for the whole WCSSCA committee when I say you are all highly valued community members with amazing qualities that bring so much to our community. 

Finally, thank you all.  This job has been a very special time in my life. Customers have become friends.  The amazing WCSS children have always made my day. It has been beyond special to watch them grow and develop.  Warm hugs.  Laughter.  Discussion.  Delight.  Shared information and support.  Community spirit.  Gardening. Friendship.  Latte art readings (for Jenny 😂).  And of course, my beloved Hub Bubs.  We are so lucky to have the Hub space. 

Please consider joining WCSSCA - a new committee is forming and it’s an exciting time.  Huge thanks to all committee members who have supported me as Shop Manager.  You have all given so much of yourselves and been a shining example of community.   It is a really special time for all of us that are stepping down, and we love seeing new people step into the committee with energy, ideas, and excitement.  I wish you all the same journey that I have had on WCSSCA.  Amazing bonds, close friendships through working together to further enrich the school where our children thrive.  

With love and gratitude,

Jane Fisher

Golden Threads Manager

Community News

Term 4 ,2022: Restorative Yoga @ WCSS

Dear Staff, Parents & Friends,

I am very pleased to be able to offer a combination of Yin and Restorative Yoga to the community in Term 4.

Yin yoga allows for the release of deeply held tension from the fascia. Restorative yoga is a very gentle practice focused on relaxing the body and the mind. Each pose is supported by bolsters, blocks, blankets, sandbags, and eye pillows to allow the body to surrender into deep relaxation. Gentle music soothes the soul as you are guided through breath and meditation techniques to calm and restore you.

Classes typically start with pranayama (breath techniques to calm, balance and restore), a short dharma talk/story to feed body, mind, and soul and then a sequence of asana (poses) for deep relaxation. The session ends with savasana to integrate the journey and then you are ready to return to your life, centered, relaxed, and restored.

Our classes run from 4pm – 5pm. Out of respect for our fellow yogis, I ask that you arrive at least 5 mins before the class starts to ensure we are all set up and settled to begin the journey together. To ensure you can be on time for your childcare and other commitments I am committed to finishing on time.

This is an adult only class and there is no provision for childcare. Please make your childcare arrangements off school grounds – thank you.

No prior experience or fitness level required. Please wear comfy clothes that you can move in. Classes start the second Tuesday of Term 4 (Tuesday October 18) and run over the following seven weeks. The cost for the term is $98. All equipment is provided. Eye pillow covers are removed after each use and laundered. Please bring your own towel to lay over the bolster.

For bookings email saraniyoga@outlook.com  Vanessa Fountain to ensure a place is available. Returning students and staff are given priority. Payment is for the term.

Payment: Sarani Yoga

BSB: 944 600

A/C: 000 421 32

Reference: Your Name & Term 4

$98

I look forward to welcoming you.

Namaste,

Vanessa Fountain

Sarani Yoga

Coming Events

SEPTEMBER

Weds 21: Term 3 ends

OCTOBER

Sat 8: School Busy Bee 8.00am - 1.00pm

Mon 10: Term 4 starts

Tues 18: School Tour 9.15am

Sat 29: Kambarang Fair and Open Day, October 29, 10am - 3pm (compulsory attendance for students)

Mon 31: Day in Lieu

SAVE THE DATE: Parent & Staff Sundowner, November 4, 7.00pm (The Oxford Hotel)