School Newsletter Term 3 Week 8

Coming Events

September

Sunday 14: ABODA Orchestra Festival Churchlands SHS 11.15am

Monday 15: Class 4 Play 8.45am; Class 3 Perth Mint Excursion 9.30am

Wednesday 17: Class 4 Play 8.45am & 11.20am; WCSSCA Flower Workshop 8.45am; Sounds Write Workshop 8.30am

Thursday 18: Class 4 Play 8.35am and 11.20am; School Tour 9.15am

Friday 19: Class 5 Greek Olympics, Class 3 Sleep Over, WCSSCA baked potato lunch

Tuesday 23: Class 3 & Class 4 Eco Education Centre Excursion

Wednesday 24: Kindergarten Djilba Festival 8.35am - 11am

Thursday 25: Michaelmas Festival 9.30am (parents welcome); End of Term 3

Visit our website for the full school calendar

Kaya WCSS Community

Dear Community,

In our Steiner community, we hold a deep reverence for the unfolding of each child’s inner life. We know that growth is not linear, and that challenges—both internal and external—are part of the journey toward becoming whole, capable human beings. Today, I want to speak to something that touches many families: resilience, and how we can nurture it together.

Resilience matters as there is no doubt that our children will meet with challenging situations in their lives. Resilience is not simply the ability to “bounce back.” It’s the quiet strength that allows a child to sit with discomfort, to try again after failure, and to face the unknown with curiosity rather than fear. In a world that often moves too fast and demands too much, resilience becomes a vital shield against anxiety and overwhelm.

In Steiner education, we cultivate resilience through rhythm, connection to nature, artistic expression, and meaningful work. But this can only flourish when home and school walk hand in hand.

So how can parents support this journey? We understand that watching your child struggle can be painful. The instinct to protect is strong. But sometimes, protection can inadvertently become prevention—preventing the child from developing the very tools they need to thrive.

 Here are some ways you can support your child’s resilience, and in doing so, support the school’s mission:

•              Hold the Line with Love: When a child says “I can’t,” our response matters. Gently encouraging them to try again, rather than rescuing them, builds confidence. Let them feel the discomfort of effort—it’s where growth lives.

•              Trust the Process: Steiner education may not always offer instant results. It’s a slow, intentional unfolding. Trust that the curriculum is designed to meet your child’s developmental needs, even when the path looks different from mainstream schooling.

•              Model Calm in the Storm: Children absorb our emotional states. If we meet their anxiety with our own, it amplifies. If we meet it with steadiness, it soothes. Your presence is more powerful than any solution.

•              Limit Over-Scheduling: Downtime is not wasted time. It’s where imagination, self-regulation, and resilience take root. Resist the urge to fill every moment with activity.

•              Stay Connected to Nature: Encourage outdoor play, even in less-than-perfect weather. Nature teaches patience, adaptability, and awe—all antidotes to anxiety.

 Resilience is not taught in a single lesson. It’s cultivated through consistent, loving boundaries, meaningful challenges, and the freedom to fail safely. As educators, we are committed to this work. But we cannot do it alone. It is a shared responsibility. Let us continue to build a bridge between home and school—one that supports your child not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually. Together, we can raise children who are not only capable but courageous.

Thank you to those who responded to our recent poll in relation to preferred parent talk topics from Lou Harvey-Zahra. 25% of respondents voted for Balanced Childhood: Managing Anger and Anxiety, and 20% voted for Creative discipline for harmonious homes: many practical tips for transforming behaviour in a positive way.  For those unfamiliar with Lou Harvey-Zahra, she facilitates parenting talks worldwide each year and has 30 years of experience teaching in Steiner schools and writing books on parenting in a way that fits with Steiner education. Lou will be visiting our school on Wednesday, November 19^th, and delivering a morning and evening talk for parents – save the date, and at the start of next term, we will provide you with further details.

With warmth,

Jacqui Hollingworth

School Administrator/Principal

Kite Flying 2025

Last Friday we welcomed many of our fathers and father figures for our annual Kite Flying day! The rain didn't hold any one back from making and flying some beautiful kites! Thank you to all those who attended - it was a joyful morning to remember!

Administration Matters

Family Commitment Opportunities

School Council

Help Shape the Future of Our School – Join the School Council

At West Coast Steiner School, we have a vibrant, supportive community where parents, staff, and friends work together to create a nurturing environment for our children. One of the ways our community spirit shines is through the work of our School Council, made up of people who care deeply about the wellbeing and future of our school.

We are currently looking for new members to join the School Council, including a Treasurer. The Treasurer role is a key part of helping us keep our school strong and sustainable, so if you have a background in finance, accounting, or business management, your skills could make a wonderful difference.

We also welcome people who may not have financial expertise but would like to serve as general School Council members. What matters most is your willingness to share your time, energy, and perspective in support of our school. You don’t need prior council experience – just a readiness to work collaboratively and a community-minded heart. Training and support are provided, and you’ll be warmly welcomed by a group of people who care about the same things you do: giving our children the best possible foundation for life.

Being on the School Council is also a lovely way to:

• Build deeper connections with other families and the school.
• Contribute your skills to something truly meaningful.
• Be part of shaping the future of West Coast Steiner School.

If you’re interested, or would simply like to find out more about what’s involved, please reach out to our Chairperson at chair@wcss.wa.edu.au.

Council Chair 

West Coast Steiner School Inc.

WCSS Community Association

Welcome to Spring!

Flowers for Spring Workshop Come along and make delightful felt and tissue paper flowers to mark the new life of springtime.  For a gold coin donation join us on Wednesday September 17 at 8.45am.

Kambarang Fair preparations are in full swing and class allocations have been shared. We thank those that have volunteered to be the class activity leaders. A reminder Family Commitment Hours (FCH) are claimable – please ensure you get a staff member to sign your form.

The Signup Zone roster will be shared soon so you can put down your preferred time to help on the day.

What can you do now to help?

• Chat to your Class Carer or Activity Leader on ways to help.
• Pot up cuttings and plants for the plant stall, especially vegetable seedlings;
• Able to donate raffle prizes? Begin collecting and compiling and contact wcssca@wcss.wa.edu.au with ideas of your contribution;
• Want to volunteer your time before the fair? There are jobs to do the weeks prior to the fair such as handing out flyers, putting  signage out, cooking prep, art or craft…there is something for everyone.
• And of course, spread the word! Tell your friends and family to come along, there will be student performances, talks, activities and open classrooms.

If you or someone you know would be interested in having a stall please contact Rachael at rachaelmcilduff@hotmail.com for more information. Spaces are limited and stalls must support the school's values and ethos.

Parent Craft Group are looking for helpers in sewing craft for the Kambarang Fair! Take home sew kits are available, please see Sarah at Playgroup to collect your pack – a lovely way to claim Family Commitment Hours. If you prefer to sew in a group setting, Craft Group is held each Thursday at 12.30pm at the Hub.

Next Friday September 19 WCSSCA will be offering $3 baked potatoes for lunch with cheese and sour cream. Vegan options will be available. More details will come soon via your Class Carers.

With kindness in community,

WCSSCA

Early Childhood News

The Gift of Rest in Kindergarten

In our kindergarten, rest time is not simply about getting children to sleep, but about creating the conditions for inner quietness and peace. Within a safe and reverent space, lovingly held by the teachers, children are guided towards stillness. Sometimes this stillness leads to sleep, but the true focus is on cultivating the ability to pause, breathe, and rest.

Clear rhythms and rituals around rest time are essential for young children. When the routine is steady — without surprises, choices, or competition — children feel secure and are better able to settle. In our Sunflower room, this ritual begins with each child finding their cushion and choosing between a book or continuing with their craft. They are then gently tucked into their blankets and listen to a chapter book, which always ends with the same lullaby. If desired, children may also receive a soothing foot rub. This special time allows each child to have a quiet one-on-one moment with their teacher, bringing comfort and connection.

As caregivers and parents, our own state of being deeply influences children’s ability to rest. When we bring a mood of calm and genuine restfulness to this time, children more easily follow. By teaching children how to breathe, to feel secure in their bodies, and to trust that the world is a safe and good place, we offer them the lifelong gift of rest.

As Rudolf Steiner reminds us in Understanding Young Children, “Before age nine, the most important thing is for the children to learn how to properly sleep.” Learning how to sleep is, in many ways, learning how to breathe. It is a vital life skill that allows children to restore, renew, and grow.

Sleep is not just a pause in the day—it is a time when the body and nervous system repair and replenish, and when the will that is active during waking hours builds up the growing organism. The early years of childhood are especially precious, as physical growth only occurs during sleep. On average, kindergarten children need around 12 hours of sleep each day, including naps.

A lot is happening in the slumbering brain of a pre-schooler. Sleep helps process and store memories, strengthen neural connections, and cement abilities learned during the day. In the dream state, problems are worked out, information is filed away, and the foundations for learning are quietly laid.

In our busy modern world, where attention is often drawn outward, we can easily forget that one third of our lives belongs to sleep. For children, especially, rest is not a luxury — it is the ground on which they flourish.

Julia Noronha
Sunflower Teacher

Rose Kindy Fire Engine Incursion

Rose Kindergarten children were very excited to have a visit from firefighters last Friday. They waited patiently and with great anticipation on the oval as the fire truck slowly came into view! Thank you to WCSS parent and firefighter Brendan for helping make this incursion possible!

Primary News

This week, Class 1 Keyen are excited to share the wonderful experience our students had during their recent visit from talented Indigenous artist Bel Cox. This enriching occasion allowed the children to explore and connect with traditional Indigenous culture in a meaningful way.

As part of our activities, the students were adorned with beautiful ochre face paint, symbolising the mask of wisdom. This unique face paint serves as a reminder for the children to look through it with respect, to listen and learn about the traditional ways of Indigenous peoples.

During the visit, we sang together about the sacred star children in the Noongar language, which filled the room with joy and enthusiasm. The children clapped and danced with spirit, embracing the rhythm and connection to our heritage. 

This inspiring experience has brought our class community closer together as we prepare for our end-of-year celebration performance.

Thank you to Bel Cox for sharing her knowledge and passion with us. We look forward to more visits in the future!

Mel Lenzi
Class 1 Keyen Teacher

In Class 3 Dambart we have been exploring the many kinds of homes and shelters that people have created across the world. From caves and reed huts to tree houses and bungalows, each dwelling shows us how human beings have learned to live in harmony with the environment, using what is at hand to create warmth, safety, and belonging.

Developmentally, this block meets the Class 3 child at a very special moment. At this age, children begin to seek a deeper sense of inner security. By learning about homes and then creating their own, they can give form to this need for a sanctuary.

The children have been working with great enthusiasm on their own model-sized shelters. Each design has been remarkably creative and beautifully built. We saw bark and sticks transformed into sturdy walls, leaves laid down for roofing, and carefully tied frames supporting miniature doors and windows. Many children added wonderful details, such as tiny paths, furniture, woven mats, and even gardens around their shelters.

This main lesson has allowed the children to practise many building techniques wrapping, weaving, threading, cutting, drilling, and sewing. In doing so, they developed their sense of purpose, patience, and care for detail.

The Shelters block is a fundamental part of the Waldorf Class 3 curriculum. It helps children learn how different people adapt to their landscapes, while also encouraging practical design skills and teamwork. The kindness and cooperation I have been observing while working on this project with the children have been incredible.  

Warmly,
Kasia Rymarczyk

Class 3 Dambart Teacher

Class 4 Koodjal Koodjal have been in a flutter of activity—feathering our nest with costumes, props, and learning lines and songs in both English and Noongar! At last, we are ready to spread our wings and take the community along on a magical flight of fancy as we invite you to our play:

Dreaming of Birds: A Play in Noongar - Written for Class 4 by Elaine Meyer and Patricia Crook.

This play was hatched especially for our class, with guidance from our Elder-in-Residence, Grandma Freda Ogilvie, and with the help of our Kaart, Koort Maara artists who joined us in shaping dances, set, and costumes. We have even translated songs by the Beatles and Dolly Parton into Noongar! Blending Noongar with English translation, our play is accessible to all ages and offers a special opportunity for our community to soar and dive into local language and culture while learning life lessons from our beautiful native birds.

We look forward to welcoming you into the Performance Room to enjoy one of the performances listed below:

• Monday September 15; 8:45am (dress rehearsal)

• Wednesday September 17; 8:45am & 11:20am

• Thursday September 18; 8:45am & 11:20am

Please arrive with enough time to perch and settle before the curtain rises. Latecomers will not be admitted and no photography or filming is permitted.

We can’t wait to see you there and to let our learning take flight!

Elaine Meyer

Class 4 Koodjal Koodjal Teacher

This term, Class 6 Maar Keyen are diving into a vibrant and hands-on Main Lesson all about Business Maths. This unit offers a valuable opportunity to connect mathematical thinking with real-life situations—both on a personal level and within the wider community.

From understanding the flow of goods and money to exploring the basics of bookkeeping and banking, students are being introduced to the practical side of maths. They’re engaging with real-world experiences related to business, trade, and finance—learning how money works in a community and how individuals contribute to the economy through their skills and work.

A key focus of this topic is its social dimension. Students are encouraged to consider how we rely on one another through the division of labour, and how every individual’s contributions support the greater whole. It’s a wonderful way to build financial awareness while also nurturing a sense of social responsibility and connection.

This unit is designed to meet the growing curiosity students have about the adult world. It offers practical, meaningful learning that lays a strong foundation for sound financial habits and future personal and professional success.

As a highlight of the unit, students will put their learning into action during Term 4 at the Kambarang Fair, where they will create a product or service and run their own small business. This exciting event gives them the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a creative and supportive environment — developing real-world skills like budgeting, planning, teamwork, and communication.

We look forward to seeing the innovation and enthusiasm that this experience inspires in the classroom and beyond.

Aimee Waller

Class 6 Maar Keyen Teacher

Games

During our weekly games sessions, students regularly practice skills to work together cooperatively to overcome great challenges.

In the fast-paced game of Viking Invasion (AKA Run the Gauntlet) two teams face off! A Viking longboat has landed on foreign shores, with their crew jumping off two at a time. They attempt to raid the defenders of their cherished treasures and safely return to their boat. The second team are the noble defenders, standing bravely atop their castle walls to thwart the invaders through arrows and catapults (nice and soft dodge balls). 

Who will prevail? What strategies would you use to face this challenge? 

David Hammond

Specialist Games Teacher 

Woodwork

Beautifully crafted Class 6 projects.

Learning Support

Our learning support program is seeking volunteers to read with children. Do you or someone in your family, perhaps a grandparent, have a spare hour to read with our lovely students from Classes 3-6? Assigned children will read decodable reading books 1 to 1 with volunteer support. The structure of decodable readers support our children to practice reading sounds and apply the skills they have learnt in class. As the adage goes ‘practice makes perfect!’ You will be provided with SoundsWrite specific support skills and an outline of the role in our first training and induction session on Wednesday September 17 at 8.30am. The volunteer hours are flexible and redeemable for Family Commitment Hours. If you are interested, please contact Jayne and Aimee via reception@wcss.wa.edu.au

Sustainability

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 please send your details (a few sentences describing your business and contact details) to marketing@wcss.wa.edu.au.

WCSS parents have also started a spreadsheet which is shared via Class Carers. To be included in this please message your details to Justyna 0410 829 343.

Community News

Weekly Events

Market Day: Tuesdays 3.05pm

Craft Group: Thursdays 12.45pm at The Hub

Yarning Circle: Wednesdays 8.15am in the Library

Weeding Wednesday: Wednesday 8.45am - 9.45am

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