Looking Forward Second Edition

WCSS Redevelopment Update

Dear WCSS Families,

Many in our community may wonder how we decided to rebuild our school. As we look to the future, it is valuable to reflect on our past and the journey that has brought us to this point.

West Coast Steiner School was established in 1995 by a group of dedicated parents passionate about providing their children with a holistic education, inspired by the principles of Steiner education. The school officially opened on August 4, 1995, operating as a playgroup in a Masonic Hall in Shenton Park.

In 1996, WCSS moved to its current premises in Nollamara, initially leasing two classrooms in an unused pre-primary section of, what we then, Nollamara Primary School. Our first Class 1 was established in 1997. Over time, we gradually occupied more classrooms until, by 2002, we were leasing the entire former Early Childhood section.

The premises were leased from the Education Department of Western Australia on an annual basis from 1997 until 2004. By 2002, WCSS had 100 children enrolled from Kindergarten to Class 7, along with four playgroup sessions each week. During this period, the school explored options for purchasing land in the surrounding area where we could relocate and build our school but were unable to find a suitable location.

In 2004, the school was advised that the Education Department was interested in selling the leased property. Seizing the opportunity, WCSS purchased the site for $550,000 and entered into a written agreement with Nollamara Primary School for shared access to the oval and courts. The purchase was completed in 2005, solidifying our place in the community. To facilitate future expansion, the school also acquired 34 Nollamara Avenue.

From 2004 onwards, the school transitioned from composite classes to single-stream classes. By 2020, enrolments had grown to over 200 students. Additional buildings, including spaces for three kindergartens and a performance hall, had been constructed on site. As the school continued to expand, the School Council once again explored options to accommodate its growth. The possibility of purchasing land for relocation and selling the existing site was considered, but still no suitable location was found.

Council then examined two possibilities: renovating the existing buildings to increase classroom sizes or constructing new, purpose-built spaces onsite. A cost comparison revealed that renovating the mid-1950s buildings would be expensive and would still leave us with ageing infrastructure, outdated wiring and plumbing, and buildings that did not fully comply with current building codes. Additionally, it would be difficult to incorporate the architectural elements that are central to a Steiner school.

With these factors in mind, the decision was made to rebuild on the existing site. For many of our Council members who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, it will be too late for their own children to benefit from the outcome. However, they remain deeply committed to ensuring that future generations will thrive in the school they have helped shape.

Our school is more than just buildings; it is a vibrant community. Every step of our journey—from the first playgroup to today’s redevelopment—has been guided by the passion, dedication, and support of families, teachers, and Council members who deeply believe in the value of Steiner education. This rebuild stands as a testament to that unwavering commitment, ensuring that West Coast Steiner School remains a place of learning, creativity, and connection for generations to come.

West Coast Steiner School Redevelopment – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What plans are in place to mitigate disruptions caused by the redevelopment?

Many schools, both independent and government-run, undertake building projects while continuing to operate. At West Coast Steiner School, the safety and learning of our students will remain our top priorities throughout the redevelopment.

We will adhere to industry standards for exclusion zones, comply with City of Stirling safety regulations, and actively manage vehicle movements. Disruptive tasks will be scheduled outside school hours or during holiday breaks wherever possible, and waste disposal will align with our sustainability principles to minimise impact on students and staff.

Our Principal, Jacqui Hollingworth, brings valuable experience in managing school building projects, including major redevelopments at Mount Barker Community College and Golden Hill Steiner School. Her input will help ensure a smooth process with every effort made to minimise disruption to daily school operations.

We acknowledge that this will require considered planning. We will need to make adjustments to the way events have traditionally been held, and some accommodations will need to be made from time to time. However, these short-term inconveniences will be worth it for the school we create.

2. How is this being funded?

Thanks to careful budget management in recent years, the school can fully fund the first building and a substantial portion of the second. Additional funding will come from capital grants and low-interest loans. The council is committed to completing three permanent buildings, which will include:

• Six classroom spaces
• An ablution block
• Small group learning areas
• Reconfigured landscaping and playgrounds

3. How long will the redevelopment take?

The redevelopment will be completed in stages:

• Preparation phase: Temporary learning spaces will be set up before demolition begins. Demolition will then take place. This will occur during school holiday breaks over a 6-9 month period.
• Construction phase: Each of the three buildings will take 9-12 months to complete.

The entire project is expected to take approximately four years from commencement.

4. How will feedback be used?

We will keep the school community updated throughout the process. Feedback will be reviewed by the Council and staff and shared with architects where appropriate. While all input is valued, changes need to be considered within the constraints of building standards, budget, and the specific needs of teachers and students.

5. How will the redevelopment ensure accessibility for all students, including those with disabilities and special needs?

All new buildings will meet Australian universal access standards. Additionally, we are incorporating small-group learning spaces to provide low-stimulus environments for students needing support.

The Steiner curriculum is inherently therapeutic and designed to accommodate a wide range of learning needs. To further enhance accessibility, a recent occupational therapy assessment of our learning spaces has been shared with our architects for implementation in the new designs.

6. Will there be opportunities for in-person discussions?

Yes. A redevelopment forum will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, immediately after school, coinciding with Market Day. Council members will present an update, and parents will have the opportunity to view current plans and provide feedback via written notes.

7. Will the shared undercroft of Gungurra and Sunflower Kindy be expanded?

Yes. The third building of the redevelopment is a new Kindy-Playgroup building at 34 Nollamara Ave. It will face Sunflower and Gungurra kindergartens and the storage areas between the two buildings will be removed to create a large undercroft area between the 2 buildings. This will vastly improve access for children and parents during pick-up and drop-off times.

If you have further questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to email development@wcss.wa.edu.au  

Thank you for your support and patience as we work towards enhancing our learning environment for all students.

Warmest regards,

WCSS School Council