School Newsletter Term 1 Week 2

Kaya WCSS Community

Welcome to Term 1! Steiner schools across Australia deliver an alternative curriculum known as the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework. In primary school, our curriculum is integrated covering 8 curriculum areas. Each day begins with an individual welcome for each student from the Class Teacher, a positive affirmation of your child’s unique individuality that sends the message “It’s good you are here!” This is followed by Morning Circle where the class joins together to start the day with movement, singing, speech and mindfulness. For this reason, we ask that parents support us in ensuring that students arrive at school on time. Missing these important parts of the rhythm of our school day can make for an unsettled start to the school day.

Steiner schools also organise their timetables to deliver academic subjects through a series of “big ideas” which are taught in blocks of time each morning between the start of the day and morning break. These blocks extend over three weeks, providing between 20-30 hours of explicit instruction in each “big idea”. They are called the Main Lesson as they are literally that, the “main lesson” of the day.

Each year level has a specific set of main lessons related to the student’s stage of cognitive and emotional development. The Main Lessons are both interdisciplinary units as well as the building blocks in each discipline as they build capacities and skills in every subject. Each year students work through twelve Main Lesson blocks that together cover the curriculum for the year and stage in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography.

On February 19^th the staff at WCSS invite our families to join us for the evening to be taken on a “Curriculum Journey” where you can learn about where your children have been, what they are learning this year, and how it will unfold for them in the years to come. Please RSVP here and we look forward to welcoming you at 6.30pm next Wednesday.

With warmth,

Jacqui Hollingworth

School Administrator/Principal

Administration Matters

Shining a Light On...

In order to ensure our policies and procedures are highly visible to parents/carers, we highlight a policy or important procedure in each newsletter. If you are interested in a specific policy check the Key Info Tab on the school website or email Reception to receive a copy. 

All WCSS policies are reviewed periodically and updated and/or amended guided by compliance and best practice and ratified by the School Council.

In this edition we highlight our Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy.

Steiner Spotlight

Steiner Voices Podcast Series

SEA has launched Steiner Voices, a podcast series featuring Steiner school teachers, parents, students and alumni.

The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple and through the SEA website. New episodes will be released each fortnight, where you’ll meet some of the many people who make our Australian Steiner schools such vibrant learning communities. Have a listen to the first 45 minute podcast (below) featuring Steiner parent and Simplicity Parenting Coach, Mary Heard.

The College of Teachers

Hello School Community,

We have leapt into another year!  It has been amazing to be back and see the children’s shining, joyful and expectant faces.  It is wonderful to work with your children each day and be part of the dedicated and adoring team of staff.   It is a true privilege to be tasked with helping you to create a happy, joyful childhood, which is full of laughter, learning, awe and wonder.  We would also love to support you in your job, the most important of all; being the parents of your young children.  To that end we have been working on gathering resources and learning opportunities designed to inspire, uplift and bring ease and joy to your journey.

Please watch out for:

 Steiner Parent Education Initiative -  three courses are provided per term to enrich and inspire your life.  These are by Zoom to help you fit them in to your busy life and you can find further details on current courses below.

At our very own Curriculum Journey on February 19, 6.30pm-8.00pm we will share our passion for what we are teaching in the classrooms. As well as holding their students across these first few weeks of a new school year, our teachers have put much thought and energy into this evening - please take the time to come along and support it and your child's education.

Thank you so much for your support and love, it is an honour to work and play with your children.

Yours with warmth,

Kathryn Gass

(Soft Handwork Teacher and College Chair)

Parent Education

Steiner Parent Education Initiative

Welcome to our Steiner Parent Ed Initiative program for Term 1 2025.  

This term reflects the last few months of Rudolf Steiner’s life 100 years ago. The 100th anniversary of his crossing the threshold approaches on March 30.  We pay tribute to this extraordinary individual through the presentations this term because without him we would not have this unique education approach!

Presentations begin with Andrew Hill on Thursday Feb 27, with Steiner Education: The first 100 years and it’s crucial role into the future.

Thursday March 6, is Bernadette White with Myths & Mysteries, The Human Story as a context of Meaning for Life.

Ebba Bodame on Thursday March 13, brings us The Wisdom of Consciously Creating Soul Strengthening Festivals & Celebrations in Family Life Through the Cycle of the Year.

Thursday March 20th Simplicity Parenting coach Mary Heard supports us with Bringing Boundaries Around Screens.

We trust you will find value in these presentations and welcome your feedback. Family Commitment Hours are claimable for completing these sessions. 

PLEASE NOTE TIMES ARE USUALLY ADVERTISED IN AEDT

Early Childhood

We have been experiencing wonderful days in the multi-age kindy! The children seem delighted to be back at school, and it has been a joy getting to know our new friends. The Rainbows (K6) and Swans (K5) are maintaining their familiar rhythms beautifully, offering guidance, and setting excellent examples for the newly arriving children. Meanwhile, the new Swans and Cygnets (K4) are learning to trust in their teachers and peers as they become familiar with their surroundings and daily routines. Starting with half-days has provided a gentle and gradual introduction to the year, allowing them to build resilience day by day.

On Thursdays and Fridays, we witnessed the six-year-olds from different classrooms coming together for the first time. They demonstrated great courage, enthusiasm, and excitement during their first week. Already, we can see children from different groups mixing, exploring new friendships, and forming bonds. I have already overheard their excitement about visiting the library, and it was delightful to see their faces light up when they were served our special Rainbow Rice. As I learned, they have heard stories from older children and siblings about the Rainbow days, and it was heartwarming to see them looking forward to their new rituals and routines.

It has been a wonderful start to the year, and I am excited to see how the rest of it unfolds. Wishing us all a beautiful school year ahead!

Julia Noronha

Sunflower and Rainbow Kindergarten Teacher

Primary News

Class 1 Keyen 

Class 1 2025 we welcomed with reverence and beauty into the primary school with gifts from staff members, community singing and a rose from their Class 6 friends. They have enjoyed a lovely first week!

Class 3 Dambart

We have begun the term with the Hebrew Stories Main Lesson, where the children have been deeply immersed in exploring significant themes of humanity. Through ancient tales of creation, tradition, and the search for meaning, we are engaging with narratives that speak directly to the growing child's imagination, inspiring wonder and reflection.

Each day, we have been painting scenes from the Creation Story, bringing these rich images to life through colour and form. This artistic process allows the children to connect more deeply with the lesson while also refining their painting techniques and developing their sense of composition and expression.

Movement and music have also played a key role in our learning. We have been practicing traditional Hebrew dances, such as Mayim (a joyful dance celebrating water) and Shalom Chaverim (a song of peace and friendship). These dances bring a sense of rhythm, culture, and community into our days, offering the children a lively and engaging way to experience the traditions we are studying.

Beyond the classroom, the children have been taking initiative in our gardening program. They have even started their own gardening club, where they come together to care for the plants, tend to the soil, and share in the joys of growing and nurturing life. Seeing their dedication and teamwork as they develop a deeper relationship with nature and responsibility for their surroundings has been heartwarming.

We look forward to another enriching week ahead.

Warm regards,

Kasia Rymarczyk

Class 3 Dambart Teacher

Class 4

Did you know that the world began with a sweating giant and a cow who loved to lick ice? And did you know that the clouds in the sky are remnants of that giant’s brain, after he declared a war against the gods? 

If you think this sounds confusing, Class 4 invite you to step into our classroom and immerse yourself in the magic and wonder of the Norse Myths, where all will soon make sense! We have been working hard to capture the ancient creation stories of the Vikings in our writing and artworks, exploring the mysteries of the runes, and we even have our very own Viking shield and bull’s horn! We look forward to sharing our work as the Main Lesson unfolds. 

We have also enjoyed our first Aboriginal Studies lesson with Miss Trish, and we’re delighted by a special visit this week from our former teacher Jayne and baby Helen under the picnic tree. 

What a great start to the new year! 

Elaine Meyer

Class 4 Koodjal-Koodjal Teacher 

Class 5 Maar

Class 5 have jumped wholeheartedly into their Main Lesson on Ancient India. Unfortunately, Class Teacher, Donna sustained an ankle injury during the jumping! We look forward to welcoming her back next week.

Class 6 Maar Keyen 

Astronomy

Class 6 have begun the year with astronomy; turning our eyes to the heavens and observing the blanket of glimmering pearls swirling overhead. 

We conducted an experiment to gain a practical understanding of the lunar phases and started recording nightly observations of the moon and stars, tracking their changing form and location.

Inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night, we are creating pastel artwork to illuminate the vibrancy that lives within our dark evenings. Stay tuned for more out-of-this-world observations! 

David Hammond

Class 6 Maar Keyen Wednesday Teacher

Sustainability

Terracycle are accepting more items for recycling, including extra oral care and hair care and colour items. You can collect this updated information sheet from the Recycling Hub (outside of Rose Kindy) or Reception.

Thank you for being part of our circular world!

WCSS Community Association

MARKET DAY
All are welcome to Market Day, which is held every Tuesday after school on the stage area outside the woodwork room. Each week, classes from Kindy to Class 6 take turns in hosting Market Day for the school, and all money raised goes to the hosting class. Depending on the time you have, you may be able to donate some baking or fruit or herbs or cuttings from your garden, unwanted books or games, craft items, homemade jams, or meals. These are just a few ideas, but you can be as creative as you want it to be… it is your community market!

Any homemade food items are always well received by both children and parents. Just a reminder to use safe food handling practices and clearly label the food with all ingredients. Including gluten-free, dairy free & vegan options makes for an inclusive market and please limit/avoid using artificial colours, lollies and excessive sugar.

Term 1 Market Day Roster

February 18: Class 5

February 25: Class 4

March 4: Class 3

March 11: Class 2

March 18: Class 1

March 25: Kindy

April 1: Class 4

April 8: Class 6

Parent Business Directory

Welcome to the section where we share information on WCSS family owned businesses. If you are an enrolled WCSS family, run a business and would like to promote this to our school community please send your details (a few sentences describing your business, contact details and a logo or image) to marketing@wcss.wa.edu.au

Rhema Group is a WCSS family owned  building and carpentry company specialising on all structural carpentry projects, from house framing to decks and patios. Contact them via the details below or visit their website to  learn more. 

BREATHWORK: What is it? And how it can help?

Breathwork is a practice that relaxes your nervous system with the power of your own breath. 

Breathwork will bring you out of the fight and flight state your body and mind are constantly in,  allowing you to find joy, peace and bliss in your life. 

The benefits of breathwork are endless, including helping you work on your chronic pain as well as helping with PTSD and trauma. To learn more about breathwork contact kindergarten parent, Giulia on 0451 119 102

Cheesebuddy is an Australian made Brazilian cheese bread which is gluten free, versatile, delicious... and owned and operated by a WCSS family! Cheesebuddy products are available at Woolworths, Costco, IGA, Farmer Jack’s and others. Chat with Yuri - M:0402730490

Yol Creative

Run by our very own Woodwork Specialist, Yolanda Millar, Yol Creative provides creative workshops for anyone who would like to explore their artistic side. Workshops are great for team building activities, get togethers, birthdays or just if you would like to learn some skills and have some fun! Explore the Facebook Page for more info.

Author - Nicole Watts

WCSS parent and author, Nicole Watts has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts. She has been on both sides of the mental health divide, having worked in the mental health sector and having a history of depression and anxiety. Nicole's book, Little Bundle of Sorrow, is a collection of womens' stories of postnatal depression. Find out more at her website. Copies of the book can be ordered from Amazon or publisher, Austin McCauley.

Community News

Triple P is the parenting program that helps make raising kids easier. It gives you tips and ideas to help raise happy and confident kids; see more of the behaviours you like and less of the ones you don’t; and have better relationships with your family.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is available to parents and carers of children in Western Australia. Free Triple P Seminars are offered in various locations. 

Start now with a free online program: Triple P Online (if your children are under 12), Fear-Less Triple P Online (if your children are 6+ years and having problems with anxiety), Triple P Online for Baby (if you’re a new parent or parent-to-be), Family Transitions Triple P Online (if you’re separating or divorcing) or Stepping Stones Triple P Online (for families of children with disability).

If you’re a parent of tweens to teenagers, Teen Triple P Online is available to purchase.

We are currently advertising for a passionate administration professional! Visit the employment tab of our website to read the position description and how to apply. Please direct enquiries as per the job advertisement below.

Applications close February 21.

Coming Events

February

Wednesday 19: Curriculum Journey Evening 6.30pm-8.00pm

Monday 24: Class 5 Parent Meeting 3.10pm

Friday 28: Pupil Free Day

March

Monday 03: Pupil Free Day

Wednesday 05: School Tour 9.15am

Thursday 06: Class 6 Leadership Conference Excursion

Save the Dates:

Perth Waldorf School High School Information Session March 19 at 6.30pm

Celtic Dance March 21, 5.30pm-8.00pm

For further Term Dates check the school website calendar

WEEKLY

Market Day: Tuesdays 3.05pm

Craft Group: Thursdays 12.45pm at The Hub

Parent Study Group: Thursdays 9.00am at The Hub or Library

Yarning Circle: Wednesdays 8.40am at The Hub

WA Anthroposophical Study Group: Mondays 7.30pm in the Staff Room

Golden Threads
Monday-Friday 8.00am-10.30am
Mon, Weds, Fri 2.30pm-3.30pm
Thursday 1.30pm - 3.00pm