School Newsletter Term 2 Week 4
Kaya WCSS Community
So much learning has been going on in our school over the past fortnight. We all enjoyed the Class 3 play this week and have been watching Class 2 working so well as a team to plant many seedlings and seeds in the front garden near the gate. We can’t wait to see these blossom in Spring. The children very much enjoyed making gifts and cards to give to their mothers last week. I’m hoping all the mothers, mother-in- laws, grandmothers and motherly figures in our community enjoyed a very Happy Mother's Day last Sunday. We honour our Mums for all that they do. Our hearts are with those of you whose Mums have passed and are missed always and on this day.
Last night several parents attended a very informative and thought-provoking talk by Kayelene Kerr on cyber safety and digital wellness. How fortunate we are in a Steiner school that we work together to keep much of this screen world away from young children in their very formative years while they are growing and developing but how important it is that we are aware, prepared and educated about all we can do to keep them safe and well as they begin to engage more with technology as they age. There are many useful resources on her website www.esafekids.com.au
National Reconciliation Week is just around the corner! Held from 27 May to 3 June, this week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme is “Be a voice for generations”. The theme calls on Australians to honour the work of generations past who fought for justice in Australia and to work together to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for the generations to come. We are very committed in our school to imagining a better country for our children and helping them to use their words and understanding to create a better, more just Australia for the future.
You are all invited to a special National Reconciliation Week Assembly on Thursday 1 June from 8.40am. Some of the children will be performing, and we will share the story of our new mural with you.
Please enjoy reading this newsletter and sharing in the delightful community we have created together.
May your week be lived with warmth of heart.
Jenny Dougan
SA/Principal
The world I see:
A frozen, empty, barren wasteland it would be
Without the work my head and heart and hands can do
To heal its pain.
All things must die and then be born anew.
To help in this great task, that life be not in vain,
The world needs me.
In the Light of a Child, Michael Hedley Burton
STORY TIME on TOUR
Christopher Gleeson is a Waldorf Teacher and Storyteller currently touring the country studying Australian indigenous culture and mythology. He has brought some stories with him to present at Waldorf schools that he encounters in his travels and we warmly welcome him to WCSS.
While he is visiting our school on June 7 and 8 Christopher will be telling stories to our Kindy children and to Classes 1, 2 and 3.
Christopher will also present a workshop for staff and parents on June 8, 2.30pm-4.30pm. Please note that due to the content this session cannot have children in attendance. Places are limited so please RSVP to reception@wcss.wa.edu.au or by clicking here.
From Administration
LATE ARRIVALS
A reminder that if your child is late to school they must sign in at Reception. Children not in class directly after the bell are marked as absent and parents will receive an alert. To avoid this please always sign into the late register and collect a late note. Thank you.
KISS 'N' DRIVE DUTY
Volunteers are always needed to ensure Kiss 'n' Drive runs smoothly. Slots are available Monday-Friday 8.15am-8.45am and 2.55-3.25pm (Thursdays 2.05pm-2.35pm due to early finish).
Have you purchased a copy of this very special project for your family yet? A beautiful book for children to learn Noongar terms with drawings by WCSS students, which includes an A3 poster and audio recording. Copies are available at Reception for $30.00.
Blackboard Beauty
Class 4 Main Lesson Blackboard
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 the 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.
PAINTING PROJECT
We are looking for someone to paint the back exterior wall facing the oval. It is currently half painted white and we would like to have it match our school pallette. If this is the job for you please contact Audrey - 9440 1771 / financeofficer@wcss.wa.edu.au
KISS 'N' DRIVE DUTY
Volunteers are always needed to ensure Kiss 'n' Drive runs smoothly. Slots are available Monday-Friday 8.15am-8.45am and 2.55-3.25pm (Thursdays 2.05pm-2.35pm due to early finish). Contact Reception for more information.
Sustainability
Recycling Hub
Our recycling corner is set up again and this is the quick reference list of items you can drop off at school and we will make sure they go off to be recycled.
Recycling Hub collection bins:
- Printer Toner and Ink Cartridges
- Writing instruments
- USBs, hard drives, CDs and DVDs
- Plastic bread tags
- Plastic lids
- Oral care (toothbrushes, floss containers, toothpaste tubes and caps, electric toothbrush heads only, interdental brushes)
- Dish and Air care (Dishwashing liquid bottles and caps, plastic spray bottles, air fresheners aerosol cans, air fresheners (including clip-on car fresheners), refills and outer packaging, dishwashing tablets flexible packaging)
- Makeup packaging
- Batteries – red bin on the side of the recycling hub
- Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel, and liquid paperboard drink containers that are 150ml to 3L and have 10¢ mark – put it in a big bin on the side of the recycling hub
Additionally, we also participate in a program Give Your Clothes A Second Life. SCR Group, which runs this program, re-homes over 41 million items of Australia’s unwanted clothing every year, finding a new place for them in communities where they are needed the most. You can bring any unwanted clothing, but also shoes, handbags and accessories. SCR Group is also collaborating with Worn Up, an Australian-based recycling company that converts textile fibres into building materials and furniture. For that reason they also accept torn materials and uniforms, so feel free to drop off any textiles in an unusable condition. All donations for this program need to be dropped off to Reception.
Early Childhood
The Kindergarten 6 Transition
By Julia Noronha
Between about five and a half and six and a half, a child can undergo an almost complete transformation and a new development occurs. Physically, in the first seven years, all the internal organs are completed and they are experiencing the loss of teeth. We can also observe a sudden vertical growth accompanied by growing pains. Their bodies are stronger and they start developing more refined physical movements. We can note an urge to move with vigour; they want to explore their new physical abilities. To support their physical growth, provide healthy and nourishing food, plenty of rest, and quiet time. Growing is exhausting!
The six-year-old memory is also different now: it is triggered from inner pictures, not only external contexts. The child can activate the process of remembering without outside prompting. Also, there is a possibility to remember what happened on the day. They can live in the present, past, and future. They have more awareness of time and can remember stories.
There is something new about their play: it becomes more structured and planned. They are starting to explore and understand causality – if one thing happens, another event or result will follow. It is common to observe a group of six-years-old spending the entire play time gathered in a corner discussing what they will play instead of actually playing. Previously, something in the environment suggested the idea. The impetus for play now arises within the child out of their own motivation and inner picturing. The six-year-old looks to the environment with an idea and a plan, gathering the props and materials needed to manifest the idea. The child can sometimes become frustrated if they cannot match their inner picture with the resources available, and phrases like, “I don’t know what to play” or “I am bored” can follow.
To read the full article click the link below.
Primary News
Class 1
We have made it through the first weeks of term with flying colours. It is clear the children have settled into being Class 1 as they have glided so smoothly into the daily rhythms we established in Term 1. With the coolness of Autumn creeping upon us we can work harder in our garden, there is a real sense of community with some children working on their cubbies and others clearing out the walking path, building raised beds for new plants and looking after the existing ones.
In our Main Lesson, we completed all the alphabet letters and now excitingly we have moved into writing for the first time in our Main Lesson books. Daily we listen to Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm collection and well-known stories from around the world. Every story contains a sense of enchantment and fascination, and the students are thoroughly enjoying the experience of listening, retelling, drawing and writing about them. We continue to consolidate our knowledge of the letters and sounds so we begin to recognise simple words in our daily writing.
Our class was happily getting ready for a special celebration in honour of Mother's Day. The children were excitedly making handmade gifts, decorating the room and baking treats. Even some of the grandparents were lending a helping hand. The children also learned and sang Mother's Day songs, creating a joyful and loving atmosphere in our class.
Warmly,
Kasia Rymarczyk
Class 1/Keyen Teacher
Class 2
The below extract from Rudolf Steiner's The Kingdon of Childhood is offered as an insight into how Steiner teachers work with story throughout the curriculum. Class 2 have planted some violets and whispered lovingly to them to help them grow!
"In this lecture, Rudolf Steiner gives insight into the mood needed in telling
stories and what is essential for the teacher to connect with his or her
class. He delineates how a story told now lays a foundation which can be
built upon in future years."
Class 4
Indigenous Basket Weaving
Spirituality of the Dreaming Main Lesson is interwoven throughout this term as we extend our sense of place by being grounded in the Stories of the Dreaming. In Class 4 we moved to more detailed and depth rendering of Dreaming stories of greater complexity such as the Rainbow Serpent, the All-Father, totems and the Songlines. Lea Taylor a Bibbulumun Artist from the Wadandi Menang and Korena nations in Western Australia and came to visit our class for the third time to teach us Indigenous basket weaving. She told us about how her elders taught her this skill at a young age and she now passes the skill on to others. Lea previously came to our class in earlier years to teach us indigenous painting, told us Dreaming Stories and taught us about traditional tools from her people. The baskets we wove were made from natural and rust dyed raffia which is made using a coiling technique. Class 4’s craft skills from Cheryl and Kathy came in handy as they used a blanket stich technique to weave small bowls and baskets. This activity was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Fun with Fractions
As we finish Part 1 of our Fraction Main Lesson students have established an understanding of the introduction to fractions. We have made Pizza, cookies and apple pie and shared them equally amongst each other. We have also cut paper into different shapes cutting into equal fractions and investigating equivalent fractions. We will continue Part 2 in Term 4.
Aimee Waller
Koodjal Koodjal/Class 4 Teacher
Class 5
Splendid you rise, O living sun, eternal Lord!
You are radiant, beautiful, mighty,
Your love is great, immense.
Your rays light up all faces.
Your bright hue gives lift to hearts,
When you fill the Two Lands with your love.
~ Hymn to the Sun God Ra
Ancient Egypt produced one of the world’s most mysterious and compelling civilisations.
We have been fascinated by the geography, history, and mythology of Ancient Egypt this week. Beginning with a study of the Nile River and the people of ancient Egypt, Class 5 has most recently been discovering the gods and goddesses and their stories. Next week we will explore the ancient Egyptian's belief in the afterlife, the mysteries of the pyramids and begin to work on our class play.
“In my heart are the deeds my body has done, and my heart has been weighed in the balance.” – The Egyptian Book of The Dead, Awakening Osiris.
Holly Peterson
Maar/Class 5 Teacher
Class 6
The Romans were amazing STEM innovators. In our class, we do interactive projects that focus on STEM from some aspects of the Roman world: household crafts (a roman lamp), construction methods (the Roman Arch) and weapons such as catapults. Students love the hands-on learning that STEM projects provide and this makes history all the more interesting.
Ramneek Kaur
Maar Keyen/Class 6 Teacher
Class 6 Assembly Leaders
Music
We always engage in a lot of music at West Coast Steiner School, whether that be singing or playing instruments and Term 2 is no different.
All the students are learning songs to perform for various occasions this term both with their class teachers and in music with me.
The Choir are learning songs for the Makuru Winter Festival, as well as songs for the Choir Assembly which both fall in Week 9 of this term. We had our first rehearsal on the Wednesday of Week 2 and I was delighted with how engaged the students were. The Performance Room was filled with the sound of beautiful harmonies.
The Orchestra, comprising of Classes 4, 5 and 6 is also working towards some performances. The first of these will take place in week 1 of Term 3 in the form of a Strings' Assembly. The Orchestra is preparing two pieces for the occasion and each class is also working on a piece.
Class 6 are learning to play a piece called ‘Legionary’, which portrays the lives of Roman soldiers while Class 5 are working on a piece called ‘Orion the Hunter’ about the mythical Greek figure who got turned into a constellation in the night sky. Class 4 are expanding their skills on their string instruments and ensemble skills. Their class piece is called 'Boil em Cabbage'.
In addition to learning how to play an instrument the students in Class 4, 5 and 6 also learn some music theory, composition and ensemble skills.
Class 6 have started to work on creating a soundscape with various instruments, including percussion, to the song ‘Waltzing Matilda’. They are working on this project in small groups and will present a performance of their version of the piece to the rest of the class in week 6. The project fosters team work as well as language skills as the students work together to figure out which sounds would suit the text of the song.
Class 5 have started a new and interesting chapter for their playing during Class Ensemble. Instead of standing or sitting in their sections, violins together, violas together etc. the class has been divided up into string quartets. This provides a very different experience for the students as they are essentially chamber music players, holding their own part and listening to each of the other parts. The aim is to foster ensemble and listening skills. While we are currently all working on one class piece in this way the goal is to give each quartet a different piece to work on culminating in a performance for each other and the parents.
As the weather turns cooler and the rain begins to fall there is nothing better than to fill a cozy classroom with singing. The Makuru Winter Festival brings with it many beautiful songs, which Classes 3, 4, 5 and 6 can sing as a round. If you have an evening or afternoon with your family ask your children if they can teach you some of the songs they have learned at school and sing as a family. It is sure to bring you and them much joy.
Cristina Filgueira
Strings Specialist
Craft
Class 2 Projects: a chicken and a lamb.
Class 3 are prolific crafters, completing lots of crochet projects such as wristbands and treasure pouches. As soon as they finish the pouch, the students choose a treasure to keep in it.
A Class 5 beautiful bluebird.
Woodwork
Mother's Day gifts.
WCSS Community Association
MARKET DAY ROSTER
TERM 2
May 23: Class 6
May 30: Class 5
June 6: Class 4
June 13: Class 3
June 20: Class 2
Alumni Focus
Hi, my name is Tahlia Crawford, and I am a Class 12 Student. This year I am asking the question:
How can the composition of the gut microbiome influence mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety?
I have always been fascinated with the human body and how it is impacted by our actions. Towards the end of last year, I decided that I wanted my Year 12 Project to reflect this idea. Midway through 2022, due to health conditions, I was put on a nutritional treatment plan and an Antimicrobial Diet to reduce symptoms of Gastrointestinal Discomfort and support my microbiome. During this time, I started looking at how environmental and pharmaceutical factors influence our body (especially the gut microbiome) and how gut dysbiosis can affect our brain's function, development, and behavior. The term dysbiosis refers to when the gut becomes imbalanced due to either a loss of beneficial bacteria, an overgrowth of bacteria, or incorrectly situated bacteria. This idea sparked my interest, and as I began to research it more, it became evident just how important the gut is and how significant it can be in mental health. I was shocked when I read an academic article stating that gut microbiome dysbiosis had been identified in many neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and depression. This made me decide to encompass mental health in my question as well.
Devastatingly, approximately 280 million people suffer from a form of depression, and 290 million people suffer from a form of anxiety (pre-COVID-19 statistic). These statistics saddened me, but they also made me question how it is that the gut is still so overlooked, even by medical professionals, considering the undeniable link between it and the brain. My project examines how gut microbiome dysbiosis can be caused and how it can influence mental health.
For my practical, I plan to run a series of lessons with students in the high school community, where I will bring awareness to the external factors that influence our body, for example, food, and why it impacts our body the way it does. I also hope to publish a small article in a newspaper or online column to reach the broader community and help spread awareness.
So far, the project process has been smooth, and I feel I have good foundations to work off for the upcoming terms. Something interesting I have found with my project is that people are either extremely familiar or unfamiliar with it. No matter which one, I always learn something from these conversations. Whether it is how to better explain a concept or idea or expanding my own way of thinking to better understand someone else's thought processes. I believe the gut is not given anywhere near enough recognition, and I look forward to bringing more awareness to it as the year progresses.
Tahlia Crawford
WCSS Class of 2017
Community News
HOT LUNCH FRIDAYS
~Class 1 Lyre Fundraiser~
Hot lunches will be available on Fridays for Kindergarten 6 to Class 6 throughout Term 2.
Every Friday students and staff can partake in a nutritious homecooked hot lunch of dhal with rice (vegan and GF) or spaghetti (vegan).
Cost is $5. BYO cutlery and thermos or bowl.
If students can let their Class Teachers know on Thursdays it will help with planning.
Takeaway dinners also available. Contact Maria for further information: 0423 678 254
Coming Events
MAY
Tuesday 23: School Tour 9.15am
Wednesday 24: Winter Festival Song Practice 3.15pm, all welcome
Friday 26: Class 2 Parent Performance 9.00am
Monday 29: National Reconciliation Week
JUNE
Thursday June 1: National Reconciliation Week Assembly 8.45am, all welcome
Wednesday 7: Soup Day
Thursday 8: Storytelling Workshop (RSVP Essential)
Tuesday 13: School Tour 9.15am
Wednesday 14: Soup Day
Monday 19: Gumnut Kindy Winter Festival 5.00pm
Tuesday 20: Gungurra, Rose and Sunflower Kindys Winter Festival 5.00pm
Wednesday 21: School finishes at 12.30pm, Primary Makuru Winter Festival 6.00pm
Thursday 22: Choir Assembly 8.45am, all welcome
Friday 23: Pupil Free/Parent Teacher Interviews
For further Term Dates check the school website calendar.
WEEKLY
Winter Festival Song Practice: Wednesdays 3.15pm at the Picnic Tree
Market Day: Tuesdays 3.05pm
Hot Lunch Fridays: Every Friday in Term 2
Craft Group: Thursdays 12.30pm at The Hub
Parent Study Group: Fridays 9.00am 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