School Newsletter Term 1 Week 8
Kaya WCSS Community
This newsletter coincides with Harmony Week which celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity and the richness and benefits this brings to all of us. The continuing message of Harmony Week is that 'Everybody Belongs.' Harmony Week has a focus on inclusiveness, respect, and the importance of a sense of belonging for everyone regardless of cultural, religion or linguistic background. We acknowledge that our school is very diverse and includes children from well over 30 different cultural backgrounds and we love the uniqueness this gives our community.
We all enjoyed celebrating Harmony Day on Tuesday with many staff, parents and students dressing in clothes that reflect their cultural backgrounds and joining to share stories at Assembly and in classrooms. The map in the photo above shows the global diversity of our Class 1 – 6 community with the magnets pointing to the various countries of origin of our staff and students. Our Global Market Day was a wonderful success with many generous staff, parents and students contributing beautiful food and produce reflective of their family backgrounds. We raised over $300 which we have sent to our sister school in Indonesia to help to develop their school library. Thank you to all for your generosity and support.
As part of Harmony Week celebrations, Classes 3 and 4 enjoyed the opportunity to learn some Javanese dances with Misca, an Indonesian dancer. You can see photos of this experience in this newsletter. Next week our Class 5 and 6 students will enjoy a Batik making experience with Misca.
You will see in the newsletter many examples of creative learning activities which highlight the complexity and variety within our Steiner curriculum. Both teachers and students are greatly enjoying their learning experiences. We are very much looking forward the Celtic Dance tonight and I hope you will all come along. Class 2 students are particularly keen to share their dancing with all of you.
To our families undertaking Ramadan this month, Ramadan Kareem, blessings to you!
With warmth and gratitude
Jenny Dougan
SA/Principal
Though much is changing, I stand strong.
And in the darkness, shine.
For sleep, the plants, and creatures long
But I have work divine.
For sun-seeds golden I’ll be sowing,
Warmly for my heart’s depth’s glowing,
Into winter’s icy flowing.
In the Light of a Child, Michael Hedley Burton
Celtic Dance Reminders
The Celtic Dance is on tonight! Please arrive for the Class 2 and orchestra performance commencing at 5.30pm sharp.
-Orchestra members (Classes 4, 5 and 6) are to wear a white t-shirt and arrive by 5.00pm to prepare in their classrooms.
-Please put mobile devices and cameras away and enjoy the evening.
-This is a CASH ONLY event
- BYO picnic set (bowls cups, cutlery) and picnic blanket. Wash up station provided.
- First Aid is available at the Raffle Table.
- Invite friends, family and neighbours. Tickets $12 at the door. All children are free.
-Parents/carers are responsible for the care of their children at all times.
A big thank you to our Class 2 parents who have been working diligently and lovingly to prepare this festival for our community!
From Administration
LISA DEVINE TALK - DATE AND TIME CHANGE
Dear Community
Please note DATE AND TIME CHANGE for the Lisa Devine Talk due to availability. We do hope you can still come along to this important talk. Lisa will explore how to create a supportive home environment for your child’s Steiner education, the importance of rhythm and boundaries at all ages and the place of positivity at all stages of development. The session will run from 6.30pm - 8.00pm and will include the opportunity to ask questions. Family commitment hours are claimable.
Neurodivergent Community Group - EOI
In the spirit of celebrating and supporting diversity, we are seeking expressions of interest in a community group for families of neurodiverse students. Neurodiverse is an umbrella term to describe people whose minds and bodies may work differently to others – this includes those with recognised conditions such as autism and ADHD; unique sensory needs, or specific learning difficulties with reading, writing, or numeracy.
This group is intended to provide a supportive space to connect with others who may share experiences, coming together to build relationships and understanding. Families are welcome to attend with or without an existing formal diagnosis. In the Steiner/Waldorf approach, the focus is on the whole child - we recognise the truth, beauty and goodness apparent in the diverse ways we interact with the world, and the unique challenges or strengths our children may experience.
Completing this 5-minute survey will provide us with valuable information about how such a community group could grow within our school. We welcome your feedback.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JVDGY2B
For further information/feedback email liz.separovich@wcss.wa.edu.au
Goodness, Beauty and Truth
Please help to care for and maintain our beautiful school by not drawing on or sticking items to exterior walls or doors. This often results in the render being pulled off and/or discolouration. Thank you.
REMINDER WCSS BUY, SELL AND GIFT GROUP
A reminder of our parent established and run Buy, Sell and Gift Facebook Page. A sustainable and easy way to pass on those no longer needed quality items to someone in our community.
To join go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/steinerbuysellgift
RAMADAN MUBARAK
Ramadan has started this week and continues during the school holidays when Easter and Passover are celebrated and ends with Lebaran (Eid) just as Term 2 starts.
We wish our WCSS families a happy, safe and blessed Ramadan.
Selamat menunaikan ibadah puasa.
Viola Sacher
Indonesian Teacher
HUB TOILET
We are so grateful for a dedicated space for our parent community but this needs to be respected and looked after by all visitors. Please supervise children at all times, particularly in the Hub toilet. The system cannot tolerate any sand - mud pies have resulted in a broken toilet this week. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining this space for all.
Shining a light on...
Electronic Devices Use on Campus
Steiner Schools strive to defend and cherish childhood.
One way we do this is by bringing to the children only natural, healthy and real experiences and by being present to the moment.
The Steiner approach places the child at the centre with parent and school striving together in the best interests of the child. To that end when on school campus please refrain wherever possible from using mobile phones, laptops or other devices.
Let us work together to give students the opportunity to imitate adults who are present to the world around them and interacting with other parents/adults in community.
Thank you.
Family Commitment Hours Opportunities
This newsletter section includes special Family Commitment Hours projects but there are many ways to help out and claim hours including joining WCSSCA Committee, gardening, volunteering at Golden Threads or the Library, monitoring Kiss 'n' Drive, baking for various events and attending talks on Steiner education. Voluntering at school provides many benefits beyond FCH.
BAKING/CATERING
We always need healthy sweet and savoury food for various events (ie. cake, slice, quiche, fruit platter, savoury platter). If you would like to contribute and earn family commitment hours please let Reception know and don't forget to include an ingredient list. 1 hour can be claimed for any baked goods and our Allergy Aware Guidelines for Event Catering can be found here.
Upcoming dates are:
Friday March 24: Celtic Dance Cake Stall (all families are encouraged to provide an item)
CUBBY REBUILD/SKILLS SHARING
The cubby in the Class 1 play area will be rebuilt Monday-Wednesday of April 3-5 during school hours. If you would to dedicate some time to be part of this team guidance will be provided by the Project Leader. A great way to learn some new skills and earn Family Commitment Hours. E: financeofficer@wcss.wa.edu.au / 9440 1771.
WOOL WINDING
Golden Threads are seeking helpers to wind wool at the Hub during shop opening hours.
Pop in to Golden Threads and speak to Ayla if you can help out.
E: goldenthreadsperth@gmail.com
RAMP REBUILD
The ramp joining the Staff Room and Music Room is in need of repair. Before engaging a contractor we thought we would offer this job to our school community. If you would like to take this on for Family Commitment Hours please let Audrey know by March 26. E: financeoffier@wcss.wa.edu.au
GARDENING
We will have some extra gardening work available in the school grounds over the holiday break. Administration staff will on campus to allow access for anyone who would like to volunteer some time. Please contact Audrey if you are interested. financeofficer@wcss.wa.edu.au
BUSY BEE
Our next school Busy Bee is on Saturday April 22, 8.00am - 1.00pm and there will be jobs to suit everyone from general gardening to window cleaning and painting.
Early Childhood
PLAYGROUP
The Ilyarrie trees are in full bloom at the moment and Playgroup parents have celebrated that this week by making some adorable Ilyarrie fairies for their craft. There is also a story featuring them at the end of each session so children can use their own fairies to retell the story at home, or to adorn their nature table.
Sarah Jordan
Playgroup Coordinator
Liminal Spaces and the Magic of Boundaries
By Vanessa Fountain
We all know that children need boundaries, but we are not always so sure of the what, when and how of boundaries. We may not immediately think of it as such, but rhythm and routine are also boundaries that support the growing child. Structure is a boundary. It is the framework in which our growth can safely happen.
So, what can boundaries look like? I think boundaries need to be:
- Developmentally appropriate
- Coming from a place of love
- Based on reflective parenting
- Firm but not rigid
- Consistent
To read the full article click the link below.
Primary News
Class 1
In Class 1 we have just completed our first block of language arts Main Lesson: “The alphabet 1” and now we are moving onto our final Main Lesson block of the term: “The introduction to numbers”. We were really in a groove with the letters and their stories, and I am sure that the numbers block will be no different. In this block, each day will be dedicated to a number, we will listen to stories and complete Main Lesson pages that feature the numbers. Our guiding story follows a book that was recommended to me by one of the teachers at our school: King Maximo and the Number Knights by Howard Schrager.
The premise of the story is that King Maximo is on a quest to find the greatest of all of the numbers and he has many knights who, one by one, come to him and tell him why each number should be considered the king of all the numbers. This story will be accompanied by our daily fairy tales to add to the array of characters that teach us about numbers. There are many aspects to early mathematics teaching that do not involve working with numbers. Earlier this month we have begun mathematics practice sessions by exploring, classifying and sorting. These activities enable students to begin thinking mathematically by looking for common attributes that objects may have which is the beginning of geometry and making patterns. As an introduction to this, the students heard about Autumn Fairy who loved collecting and sorting things that she found but one day Brother Wind broke into her house and mixed up all of her collections so she called for help to reorganise her collections which the children thoroughly enjoyed.
Kasia Rymarczyk
Class 1/Keyen Teacher
Class 2
The Class 2s have been busily preparing for the Celtic Dance, taking place this Friday March 24. We can't wait to see the community there and I am so grateful to the Class 2 parent group for the wonderful work they have been doing in preparing this special event. The Irish dancing and music have been accompanied by our beautiful Main Lesson, The King of Ireland's Son. We finished the Main Lesson block last week with fantastic moving pictures of The King of Ireland's Son, his bride Fedelma and the Slight Red Stead that they won from the Enchanter of the Black Back Lands. The story has such rich and fanciful descriptions, it was an absolute joy to look into the eyes of the children as I retold the tales. With each passing week I have seen the excitement build in the children, exploring vocabulary in their own retelling of the story, 'saying the sounds to spell the words', and wanting to take their writing, acting, and drawing a little further. They continue to work diligently on our afternoon "will" work, a wooden sword, just like the King of Ireland's Son. We are sanding and rasping and will be gluing our handles and painting before we attach glistening emeralds, rubies and sapphires. We look forward to seeing the swords featured in our class play later in the year.
This week we begin ‘Multiplication and Number Patterns’ with a tale of two Class 2 children, jungle bird friends and a band of pirates. The children are thrilled and just a little bit scared. We have drawn some fantastic portraits of pirates, rowed and sang on our desk boats and look forward to where this Main Lesson and the high seas will take us next.
Jayne Wylie
Koodjal/Class 2 Teacher
Class 3
Time
The earth on which we walk, the stones, the sand, the rocks and mountains are there all the time. They hold us always, patiently and caring. No matter whether it rains, or the wind howls, or the sun’s rays heat them until they are too hot, the stones, sand, rocks and mountains are always there. They do not worry whether it is day or night, cold or warm, wet or dry. They live in endless time.
How different we are as humans and the older we get, the more organised our lives become. Now we measure time and we need clocks to fit everything into our busy days. How many times a day do we talk about time? It’s time to get up! It’s time for breakfast! It’s time to get ready! It’s time to go!
In Class 3 we have been making our own calendars and learning to tell the time. We have listened to stories of how the first clocks were made and how, when they became more sophisticated, the bell would ring out on the hour for the shepherds in the fields. In the towns and cities, people could now say to each other “meet me at two bells” or “meet me at two of the clock.”
It has certainly been an interesting Main Lesson, exploring how we are governed and influenced by time.
Donna Shaw
Dambart/Class 3 Teacher
Class 4
Marvellous Movement in Class 4
Working with beanbags has been a big part of our curriculum since Class 1. Bean bags are excellent for balance, crossing the midline, hand-eye coordination, object control, spatial awareness and developing fine motor skills. The students in Class 4 are learning to juggle this semester and have been having lots of fun creating their own beanbag throwing routines, incorporating what we have learnt coupled with theatrics and creativity.
We are also enjoying bringing back a Kindy favourite- skipping rope! The students are able to run in and out of the big class skipping rope and have learnt little routines with the single skipping rope including criss-crossing the rope while jumping.
Mega Maths
Our skip counting in Morning Circle has been paying off as we dive into double and triple digit multiplication and long division. We are also learning about multiples and factors as we listen to the story of Nathan, an ordinary 10 year old boy who must solve the cryptic codes in the deep caverns of the great mountain guarded by 16 fire breathing dragons.
Aimee Waller
Koodjal Koodjal/Class 4 Teacher
Class 5
Ancient Persia has been our most recent focus in Class 5. The children have been hearing stories and fragments of history of this time. Several themes recur throughout the stories that follow the initiate, Zarathustra from birth to death. Duality and polarity are key themes presented to the children, light and darkness, goodness and evil, even the extreme heat and cold of the land.
The Ancient Persian’s God, Ahura Mazda wished for the people to speak good words, think good thoughts, and carry out good deeds. Ahriman did all he could to disrupt and destroy Ahura Mazda’s work. The Ancient Persians believed that farming and working the land was a holy act, that every good thought, deed, and word was an affirmation to their master of wisdom and lord of light.
There is no light without shadow and the students have enjoyed exploring the themes around the angels of light and the angels of darkness that served Ahura Mazda and Ahriman. These stories have helped in bringing forth imaginations and imagery of bringing our own ‘goodness’ into the world. As a class we discussed when our light shines its brightest and when we have been able to share our warm golden glow with those around us. We also explored times where we may have lost sight of our inner light and have acted out of jealousy, anger or spite.
Social emotional education, guidance and support remain important throughout the student’s primary journey. The children are becoming increasingly more articulate and aware, they are empowered with rich vocabularies and ‘go to’ phrases with which to express themselves while out at play or while engaging in restorative practices. The stories from Main Lesson gently hold the children and often offer them pictures of human striving, compassion, and determination.
Holly Peterson
Maar/Class 5 Teacher
Class 6 Assembly Leaders.
Class 6 Astonomy Main Lesson: in class projects.
GIANT CHESS
Students are delighted with our new giant chess set, particularly our Class 6 who are relishing another activity for their playtime. Class 2 are writing some guidelines for the correct use of the chess pieces so that we can play with them for a long time. Thank you to all who helped bring this project to fruition.
Harmony Day
Class 6 Harmony Day Project
Indonesian
Class 3 and 4 Indonesian Dance Incursion
This week Classes 3 and 4 received a visit from Misca from Seledang Sutera. Misca taught the students Manuk Dadali (the Eagle Dance) from West Java. Students also enjoyed playing the Anklung (a bamboo instrument). It was very enriching for students to experience these parts of Indonesian culture firsthand.
Viola Sacher
Specialist Languages Teacher
Handwork
All new students make a craft bag to hold and protect their work.
Class 3 are excited to be learning new crochet skills and completing wristbands. Every student completes two wristbands; one to learn to double crochet and one to consolidate the new skill.
Class 5 make a welcome return to knitting for new students and for students who would like to warm up their knitting skills; the Bluebird is the first project. Bluebirds are a traditional symbol of happiness.
Class 6 are embarking on sewing projects this year. The first project is their pin cushion to start their hand stitching journey. The project is both practical and beautiful.
Woodwork
A beautifully finished Class 6 carved owl with wood burning.
WCSS Community Association
Dear Community,
We are holding our Harebrained Easter Craft Workshop on Thursday April 6 at 12.30pm in the Hub. All are invited to come along and for felted egg making and basket weaving. All materials are supplied and a gold coin donation is appreciated.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated a plate for our Global Market Day on Tuesday. It was really special to have such a wide array of treats and over $300 was raised for WCSS's sister school in Indonesia. Thank you for your support.
We love all of our Hub visitors who make this space so special but please remember to supervise children at all times. We have had further damage to plants and this week our Hub toilet was broken. Please set clear boundaries with children about where they can play - not on plants or in the toilet please! Thank you for your cooperation.
Our AGM will be held on Wednesday May 3 at 8.45am in the Hub. All are welcome to attend. The positions of Chair and Treasurer have been declared vacant and we welcome nominations to these roles and to the committee in general. Please consider if you can step into these roles or help out with WCSSCA in any way. Many hands make light work!
We hope everyone enjoys the Celtic Dance this evening and look forward to seeing you at our Easter Craft Workshop.
In community,
WCSSCA Committee
wcssca@wcss.wa.edu.au
MARKET DAY ROSTER
TERM 1
March 28: Class 5
April 4: Class 4
TERM 2
May 2: Class 3
May 9: Class 2
May 16: Class 1
May 23: Class 6
May 30: Class 5
June 6: Class 4
June 13: Class 3
June 20: Class 2
Community News
EnviroFEST 2023
Sustainability and conservation are in focus at EnviroFEST 2023, Whiteman Park’s flagship public conservation event.
Learn about ways to improve your sustainability in the home and connect with environmental conservation in and around our city.
You'll get to do some hands-on learning at our sustainability workshops, learn about some important conservation topics in our short talks, pick up an array of eco-friendly products and discover community engagement opportunities to help you embrace sustainable living.
Topics include:
- composting for small spaces
- rediscovering the ancient art of thrift
- tiny habits for sustainable living
- attracting birds to your garden
- how to become sustainably stylish and more.
For more information visit: https://www.whitemanpark.com.au/whats-on/envirofest
Barking Gecko Theatre School Holiday Workshop is coming to Balga SHS with THE GREAT IDEAS MACHINE in the April School Holidays!
Everything was an idea once. Ideas can be big. Ideas can be small. Ideas can come from anywhere at all. Inspired by themes and ideas from Kobi Yamada’s What Do You Do with an Idea? and Grant Snider’s The Shape of Ideas, participants will explore the priceless and invaluable nature of an idea and how they shape our everyday world.
This four-day workshop program encourages young creatives to explore improvisation and devising, develop their own characters, and learn performance and theatre making skills while building their storytelling techniques.
Exclusively for families in the postcode of 6061, and thanks the support of our Key to Creativity Partner Keystart, we are delighted to be able offer enrolment at the highly subsidised cost of $20 per participant.
Ages: 8 – 12 years
Dates: Monday 17 – Thursday 20 April 2023
Times: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Cost: $20 per participant
Venue: Balga SHS
To Enrol: Please visit https://my.barkinggecko.com.au/holiday-workshops23/kapr812 and enter KEYSTART into the Promo field at the top right of the page
For Further Information: Please visit Barking Gecko Theatre online or email learning@barkinggecko.com.au
This year, Steiner Education Australia (SEA) in consultation and collaboration with Steiner schools, are investing time into exploring how we can grow positive awareness of Steiner education in Australia. As part of this process, we are seeking ideas and insight from parents, students, and staff across our school community.
We’d be most grateful if you could spare some time to contribute your thoughts in the following Insights Survey:
The survey will close at midnight on Friday 31 March 2023.
Mirrabooka Harmony Festival
Celebrate Harmony Week at The Square Mirrabooka with a vibrant day of fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy a FREE sausage sizzle, entertainment, food stalls, kids activities and more!
There is an amazing line-up of cultural performances to keep you entertained throughout the day including Boorloo Hustle, Akwaaba Drumming and a Lion Dance.
Location: Mirrabooka Town Square, Sudbury Rd, Mirrabooka.
Date: Saturday 25 March 2023
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm.
Harmony Week is an annual celebration of multiculturalism and diversity.
Coming Events
MARCH
Friday 24: Celtic Dance, 5.30pm - 8.00pm
Thursday 30: Choir Assembly 8.45am
APRIL
Tuesday 04: Lisa Devine Talk for WCSS Parents, 6.30pm
Thursday 06: Harebrained Easter Craft at the Hub, 12.30pm
For further Term Dates check the school website calendar.
WEEKLY
Craft Group
Thursdays 12.30pm at The Hub
Parent Study Group
Mondays 01.50pm at The Hub or Library
Yarning Circle
Tuesdays 08.45am 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 2.00pm-3.30pm
Thursday 1.30pm - 3.00pm