School Newsletter Term 1 Week 6

Kaya WCSS Community

Celebrating 30 Years: A New Chapter for Our School

As you know, this year marks a significant milestone for our beloved school as we celebrate 30 years of providing a nurturing and enriching Steiner education to our community. As we reflect on our rich history, we also look ahead with great excitement to a new chapter—one that will shape the future of our school for the next 30 years and beyond.

For the past decade, the School Council has held a steadfast vision of transforming our inherited school buildings into a space that truly reflects the principles of Steiner education. Now, in our 30th year, we are thrilled to announce that this vision is finally coming to fruition. We are embarking on a long-awaited journey to rebuild our school in a way that honours our philosophy while embracing contemporary, 21st-century Steiner education.

A momentous step forward in this journey has been securing a grant of over $1 million to contribute to this redevelopment project. With this crucial funding, our School Council has been engaging with architects who will help bring our vision to life. The goal is to create an environment that fosters creativity, learning, and well-being—ensuring that our school continues to be a place of inspiration and growth for generations to come.

In moving forward, Council recognises the importance of involving our school community in this transformative process. Your input is invaluable, and we warmly invite you to share your thoughts and ideas. Starting next week, we will be sending out fortnightly communications on behalf of the School Council, updating you on the progress of the redevelopment. Additionally, a dedicated email address has been established, development@wcss.wa.edu.au, where you can submit your feedback. Council members will be monitoring this account closely and will share responses to frequently asked questions in the updates.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of our school, and we are so excited to embark on this journey with you. Together, we will create a learning environment that reflects our values, inspires our students, and ensures our school thrives for the next 30 years and beyond.

The PWS High School Journey and Beyond

We are delighted to be hosting colleagues from Perth Waldorf School next Wednesday evening, in our Performance Room, from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. This is an opportunity to hear from staff and former students about the wonderful offerings at their Bibra Lake and Parkerville campuses. We strongly recommend that parents from Classes 4, 5 and 6 attend the evening to find out more about the rich curriculum a full Steiner education offers and the wealth of opportunities available to the graduates. We also have an inspiring story about PWS Alumnus, Aaron Crook in this edition. Please RSVP here or by using the QR code in the invitation below.

Celtic Dance

Our Class 2 parents have done an amazing job of planning our Celtic Dance evening to be held on Friday, March 21. This year, our Celtic Dance will be held within the school grounds. A reminder to parents that they are responsible for the supervision of their children during the event. Staff will be monitoring out of bounds areas, and we ask that parents reiterate with children that our playground areas will be off limits. The evening is about participating in the dancing, and the playground is reserved for school recess times. We also ask that parents share this information with returning, high-school aged alumni and ask that they set a good example on the night. Tickets can be pre-purchased at Reception, including food tickets. Cheeseboards can only be pre-ordered.

With warmth,

Jacqui Hollingworth

School Administrator/Principal

Administration Matters

CELTIC DANCE 2025

Come one, come all to our annual Celtic Dance on Friday, March 21!

This year's festival will be on our school grounds, inside the gates, in the front part of the school. 

Our Class 2 students and orchestra are practising their performances and Class 2 parents are working hard to provide a wonderful night of dancing and dining under the stars.

Invite friends, family, neighbours and alumni to join our vibrant WCSS community as we celebrate at this fun night for all ages with bush band Ten Penny Bit, student performances, dinner and refreshments. Bring your own picnic or purchase from the dinner, dessert and beverage options which will be set up in the Staff Car Park area. All food can be pre-ordered from Reception (see menu below). 

Earlybird tickets are available now from Reception. Please pre-purchase to alleviate queueing on the night.

Please note this is a fundraiser and ticketed event. All children are free. 

~THIS IS USUALLY A CASH ONLY EVENT SO COME PREPARED~

Family Commitment Opportunities

Steiner Spotlight

From a Steiner Education to an Arctic Ultramarathon

“Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; 

if it is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.” – Marcus Aurelius

On Friday, March 8, Perth Waldorf School graduate Aaron Crook accomplished the impossible: winning a gruelling 380-mile ultramarathon through the Arctic Circle while raising money for youth mental health.

Named after its Arctic coordinates, the 6633 race is widely considered one of the most physically and mentally challenging ultramarathons on the planet. It tests the world’s most resilient athletes as they endure temperatures as low as -50°C, swept by icy Arctic winds at times strong enough to topple a truck. Competitors must drag all their belongings and supplies in a sled as they race across the ice through Yukon in Northern Canada, lit up by the magnificence of the Aurora Borealis.

Beginning at Eagle Plains and traversing land long inhabited by 14 Indigenous nations, the race concludes at Tuktoyaktuk on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Only 11 international athletes braved the challenge, and just four others made it to the finish line behind Aaron.

Aaron is the son of Patricia Crook, one of Perth Waldorf School’s pioneering teachers and our current Cultural Studies Teacher. Patricia taught Aaron herself at PWS during his primary and early high school years after their family arrived from Ireland and made their home in Bibra Lake. From the age of four, Aaron rode 3km to school each day, encouraged by his mum and big sister, Laura, not to give up.

Aaron’s first international ultramarathon, the 2019 Marathon des Sables, saw him face extreme heat as he raced 250km across the Sahara Desert. This time, Aaron sought a challenge that would push him to discover his true limits. His training included intensive Pilates reformer work, racing up a mountain with a backpack full of iron, dragging weights across the beach for up to 20 hours at a time, and diving into an ice bath cut out of a frozen lake in Whitehorse, Canada.

As he reached the Arctic Ocean well ahead of the pack, Aaron’s humble nature and deep sense of wonder for the natural world shone through his words:

“It is such an honour to finish this race. What a privilege to be here and to finish it. Such an amazing race—so difficult, almost impossible. I thought it was impossible many times over these last 7 or 8 days.”

Aaron has shown us all what is possible when you are committed to the well-being of your community. His dedication to youth mental health was undoubtedly inspired by his experiences as a Steiner student where community service is central to the ethos of Waldorf Education, as well as by witnessing his mother’s lifelong service to the same cause, as a pioneering teacher at PWS and teaching the state’s most vulnerable children at Banksia Hill Juvenile Prison. Aaron said:

“My journey is dedicated to raising vital funds to equip children with the essential life skills they need to overcome mental health challenges and unlock their full potential by supporting the leading well-being program, Open Parachute. Every $15 raised will provide a primary or secondary student with access to this transformative program for an entire school year.”

Congratulations to Aaron on this incredible achievement. What an outstanding ambassador for Steiner education in Australia!

To support Aaron’s ongoing efforts, please visit: https://shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/aaroncrooksracetothearcticsea

Warm regards,

Elaine Meyer

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 Group Messaging Guidelines. Whilst WCSS does not utilise group messaging services (such as Telegram or Whats App) as an official form of communication we recognise it can be very convenient for parents and so we have devised guidelines to help ensure  a healthy and respectful space.

Parents are so busy and many are trying to be present and reduce digital use, and are often in more than one group so it is important to ensure communications are respectful, efficient and school related. Please only post information necessary to the whole class group and take other conversations/comments et to another chat.  To read the guidelines in full click the link below. 

Parent Education

Parent Engagement

"West Coast Steiner School - it starts with We"

Did you know parents and caregivers can significantly impact children's academic success through active engagement at home, including creating a supportive learning environment, monitoring progress, and fostering a love of learning? Through our Parent Engagement Initiative we will offer ways for our families to support the Steiner curriculum and their child's learning and holistic development.

In this edition we focus on the importance of connecting as a family as often as you can. Sharing meals and playing board games are great ways to do this whilst strengthening social and emotional skills and cognitive function. Research has shown that regularly sharing meals with at least one family member is associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption, stronger family bonds, and better performance in school (Snuggs & Harvey, 2023). Our Games Specialist, David Hammond will regularly recommend board games with age appropriate guidelines as a way you can support your child's learning at home so watch this space!

DINNER TIME CONNECTION

from Happy Families, Table Talk: 111 Fun Questions by Lou Harvey-Zahra and Lisa Lake

Does your family eat together? Meal times are the perfect time to connect AND model social skills. Why not play a chatting game! 'Weather Report' is a way of describing your day as the weather (sunny moments, rainbow moments, cloudy moments etc), everyone has a turn with parents going first to lead the way! 

EMPIRE GAME OF THE WEEK

DIXIT

In the multi-award-winning game Dixit, one player gives the perfect clue so most (but not all) players can guess the right card. With exquisite artwork on each card, Dixit is captivating, surreal, and truly a touch of magic!

This game supports creative thinking, deduction, and artistic appreciation.

Dixit was released in 2008 by Libellud with artwork by Marie Cardouat. Over the years there have been more than ten beautiful expansions that add plenty of new cards to the game. Dixit won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres in 2010 as well as many other awards.

It suits 3-6 players, aged 8+, and takes around 30 minutes to play.

The base game of Dixit costs around $50, and expansion decks around $30-40.

I hope you enjoy playing it and would love to hear your feedback!

David “The Wanderer” Hammond

Teacher and Host of our school games club, Empire

www.empireboardgamesclub.com 

2025 Illuminating Australian Children’s Literature Course

In collaboration with the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) we are delighted to announce the 2025 Illuminating Australian Children’s Literature program - designed to inspire engagement with quality Australian children's literature.

A story will transport a child to another world, empower them, ignite their imagination, and build empathy. This course will prompt discussion about reading and illuminate examples of award-winning Australian children’s literature. It is suitable for anyone wishing to increase their engagement with reading Australian children’s literature as well as those curious to learn more about promoting enjoyment and critical appreciation of children's literature.

The course, designed and hosted by Professor Alyson Simpson from the University of Sydney, will highlight this year’s CBCA shortlist and award winners. It will provide all participants with opportunities to spend time exploring books and sharing ideas.

 ILLUMINATING AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE 

FOUR-WEEK ONLINE COURSE – APRIL 24 to MAY 22, 2025

You can watch a short introductory video for the program here.

Fees & registration 

The cost for this four-week program is $99.00 (GST inclusive) and registration is available here.

This course is open to everyone. Please direct any registration queries to Nina Goodwin at nina.goodwin@sydney.edu.au or 02 9351 6329.

Primary News

Class 1 Keyen 

Class 1 have well and truly begun their journey with King Maximo and his number knights! They are on a quest to discover the greatest number of all! The children have been exploring many creative ways to form their numbers. 

 Mel Lenzi

Class 1 Keyen Teacher

Class 3 Dambart

Measuring the world, one cubit at a time.

Our Measurement Main Lesson is underway, and the children are fully immersed in exploring how people long ago made sense of the world using cubits, spans, feet, and inches. There’s a real sense of wonder as they discover that measurement isn’t just about numbers on a ruler, it is a story carried through time, shaped by human hands and experience.

Earlier this week, we took our learning to the oval, where the children worked together to measure 300 cubits the length of Noah’s Ark! With arms outstretched and footsteps counted, they began to grasp just how enormous this ancient boat really was. Their excitement was infectious as they imagined themselves walking its great deck, picturing the towering structure around them.

This hands-on approach has found its way into every corner of our learning. The children have been measuring our classroom, the garden, and even each other using cubits, spans, and feet, bringing these old ways into their own world. It’s been a joy to see their enthusiasm and curiosity grow as they step into this living, breathing exploration of measurement.

Kasia Rymarczyk

Class 3 Dambart Teacher

Class 4 Koodjal Koodjal

Deep in the caves of Svartalfheim, two dwarves are hard at work by the bellows, creating magical and mystical weapons for the Norse Gods. Their focus will not waver, even though the mischievous Loki has disguised himself as a biting gadfly in a vain effort to thwart their endeavours. Blow, bellows, blow! Set the sparks aglow!

Class 4 were delighted to have Waldorf teacher and artist Chris McClelland in our classroom for the day, taking them through the artistic steps to visually recreate the story of the dwarves and illustrate why Thor’s mjolnir (hammer) had an unusual handle. This was the first of several lessons the class will enjoy with Chris, where he will be supporting them to refine their drawing and sculpting skills.

Another first for us was our first assembly together. The class was thrilled to share original verse and song with their parents and whole assembly. Every student stepped forward with the bold confidence of a courageous Viking, and I am sure that their Oath to All-father Odin could be heard ringing down Mayfair Street and all the way to the halls of Valhalla!

Elaine Meyer

Class 4 Koodjal-Koodjal Teacher

Class 5 Maar

Class 5 have embarked on a fascinating journey into The Magic of Sacred Geometry, as our next Main Lesson. We are exploring the beauty, patterns, and symmetry found in nature, precisely drawing and measuring using the compass, and we have  constructed beautiful geometric patterns.

We have been looking at the sacred geometry of nature; the delicate star revealed at the heart of a freshly sliced apple, the intricate spiral nestled at the centre of a sunflower, and the graceful pattern left at the base of a trimmed bunch of celery—each a quiet masterpiece, waiting to be noticed.

It is a joy to see the children eagerly embracing the use of a straight edge and compass and their growing dexterity and patience are evident. Each carefully drawn circle and perfectly measured line is a testament to their developing skills and deepening appreciation for mathematics as an art form.

Donna Shaw

Class 5 Maar Teacher

Class 6 Maar Keyen 

Dream and Lead 2025 Conference

On Thursday March 6 Class 6 trekked to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre for a leadership and networking conference. We travelled by Transperth bus to the city and were welcomed by two engaging facilitators who told us about the trials and tribulations of their rise to success. There were also some guest speakers including Wil Massara the CEO of Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA) who makes these and other events over the country happen. YLAA is a youth-led not-for-profit organisation helping to empower young individuals to become effective leaders. Class 6 students enjoyed the networking games with other Year 6 students from Western Australia and participated whole-heartedly in the fun engaging atmosphere of the event. They were all exceptional ambassadors for their school, proudly wearing their “Class of 2025 West Coast Steiner” t-shirt. It was a fun (but hot) day! Class 6 continue to learn about themselves and their leading potential.

Aimee Waller

Class 6 Maar Keyen Teacher

Soft Handwork

Sustainability

How did you go with the first R of Recycling: Reduce? 

This week we are looking at the second R: Re-use.  How did I do it recently?  I’m so glad you asked! I went around my house and wrote down all I could see.

• This list was originally written on a cardboard insert from sock packaging.  I save any bit of paper or card for writing on.  Envelopes are the ideal shape for shopping lists.
• Olive oil flagon refilled at the market and decanted into re-used bottle
• Plastic bags for bin liners and freezing dog food portions
• Net bags from oranges/onions, become pot scourers and laundry soap holders
• Gifts with purchase, toiletries bags, crochet and card game holders
• Tins can be used for lots of things.  Pictured is my 29-year-old chocolate tin that houses my crochet hooks.
• Plants found on the side of the road.  One frangipani branch recently made me 5 plants.
• Cuttings from friends and families.  Thanks to my brother for the aloe vera that I used on my burnt finger last week.
• Baking dishes, camping kettles and cast-iron pots used as succulent plant pots
• Children’s art and craft as art pieces
• Found things, see picture of branch at my front door.  I decorate it at Easter and Christmas.
• Furniture – I recently turned our family room into the dining room/music room.  I re-used furniture and art from around the house and updated my dining table by buying a bench.  Double use as seat for musicians and friends.
• Packaging and containers
• Sports bra inserts for watch storage
• Second hand kayak, guitar and amp (“Zak and Sara”, see photo of amp.  100 points for Gryffindor if you got it).

Kind regards

Vanessa Beesley

Deputy Principal

Students from Class 3 and Class 5 participated in a City of Stirling Wastewise incursion recently which involved conducting a waste audit of our school.

This fun and informative incursion helped students discover the types and amount of waste our school produces. The data collected can be used to prioritise and improve existing waste projects. We realised that much of our waste is from "Delish" icy pole wrappers and are now exploring ways to minimise this!

Read the full audit below and remember to try and pack healthy, home made lunch boxes which are waste free!

WCSS Community Association

Dear School Community,

We are well into the beginning of our school year, and with this new year came the wonderful addition of some new families. WSCCSA hosted a welcome morning tea in the first week of term, to provide friendship and support and welcome our new families to our beautiful school community.  We had a great turn out and we hope our new families felt the warmth and community spirit our school is known for. Thank you to the committee members and parents who assisted on the day with setting up, baking and making our new families feel welcome.

WSCCSA are aware that not all families could make it on the day and so we are exploring providing the tea on multiple days to ensure more families can be supported.

Our new Hub Captain, Courtney will be looking for volunteers on a Wednesday between 1.45pm and 2.45pm to assist her with maintenance of the Hub’s garden and community area. Keep an eye out for WhatsApp notifications from your Class Carers if you would like to help, or pop into the Hub on a Wednesday afternoon and lend a hand.

We are holding an Easter Craft workshop at the Hub on Thursday April 10 at 12.45pm. Come along and participate in wet felting and basket weaving. All material are supplied for a gold coin donation.

See the letter below for information on what WCSSCA is, how we contribute to the school and how you can become a member. We so  appreciate any contribution you can make to our Community Association to support our school and students.

Warmly  

WSCCSA

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

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

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

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. 

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).

Coming Events

March

Monday 17: NAPLAN Catch Up

Monday 17 - Thursday 20: Class 6 Wadjemup Camp

Tuesday 18: Soccer Incursion; Class 1 Market Day

Wednesday 19: Perth Waldorf School High School Information Session, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Thursday 20: School Tour 9.15am; Class 3 7 5 Excursion

Friday 21:  Celtic Dance, 5.30pm-8.00pm

Thursday 27: Harmony Week Assembly 8.45am

April

Thursday 03: Choir Assembly

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

Weeding Wednesday: Wednesday 1.45pm - 2.45pm

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