School Newsletter Term 4 Week 2
Kaya WCSS Community
Kaya WCSS Community
What a wonderful start we have had to this new final term of 2023! Class 6 have enjoyed glorious weather and have had a fabulous time at their camp. Thank you to our staff who gave so willingly of their time so that the children could have this special experience. We look forward to welcoming you all back next week.
In the next weeks we have more good things to look forward to. On Friday 27 October we celebrate World Teacher Day. Maybe your child would like to make a card or picture for their teacher, write a thank you note or bring in a flower from the garden to show their love and appreciation.
Preparations are well underway for our Kambarang Fair on Saturday, 28 October. Please sign up to help if you have not done so already. This is a whole school community event, and every offer of help is welcome and needed to make the day joyful and successful.
In this edition of the newsletter there are many articles written by our teachers showcasing aspects of the rich Steiner curriculum and the academic learning which takes place. They are full of wisdom and information, and I urge you to read them.
As our world moves though very sad and troubled times, may I remind you to find your grace and solace where you can, to look to the kindness and beauty within all of us and to protect our children as much as possible from frightening images and ideas. Let us all hope and pray for peace for all those who are suffering.
May your week be lived with warmth of heart,
Jenny Dougan
School Administrator/Principal
There was once on earth a Golden Age
When the veilings of light were a heavenly sign.
When the secrets of nature were read like a page
By the people, still wrapped in stars' shimmer and shine.
It's seldom amongst us that gods can be seen;
And now there are fewer folk friends to the elves.
And yet in this surging of growth and of green,
My Angel speaks out to the great stars themselves:
"This child that I guide on the world's winding ways,
He once saw your flame and he knows how it burns.
In the darkness I'll lead him, through life's earthly maze
Till he win his own strength, and the victory earns."
In the Light of a Child, Michael Hedley Burton
From Administration
CLASS 1 TEACHER 2024
We are delighted to announce the appointment of our Class 1 Teacher for 2024 and ongoing. Her name is Joanne Mills, and she is a highly experienced and regarded Steiner educator who completed a full Class 1-6 teaching cycle at West Coast Steiner School some years ago. We are very excited that Joanne will be returning to our school, and know you will all make her feel welcome.
SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Every three - five years, all independent schools in WA must go through a process known as renewal of registration so that they can continue to stay open and operate as a school. For most of this year, we have been working hard, revising and rewriting policies and updating procedures and practices to ensure we are compliant with all the regulations required to operate as a school. At the end of Term 2, we submitted all this documentation to the Department of Education Services and over Term 3, they evaluated our application, culminating in a half day video conference during which the School Council, the Leadership Team and some staff members were interviewed about our practices. We are delighted to announce that the feedback we received was very positive and our application for renewal of registration has been approved. We have been granted renewal of registration for five years which is the maximum period granted and demonstrates that our school is well run and that our students are achieving high standards. Huge thanks to everyone involved in this process.
POND IRISES
If you would like some irises for your pond chat with Chris - she has surplus to give away!
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, with the begining of Term 4 and warmer weather we include some reminders regarding the Student Dress Code.
- Shorts and skirt length should reach the middle of the palm, or ideally the tips of the children’s fingers when they are standing with arms by their sides. There are some very short items of clothing being worn which are not appropriate for school.
- Broad rim hats or legionnaires hats are required for children to participate in outside play or Games classes.
- Students’ tops must cover the shoulders, upper arms and torso.
Please find attached an extract from the Student Code of Conduct, “Dress Standard and Clothing Requirements”.
There are expectations for dress standards while students are on school grounds or representing the School. These standards support student safety, maintain a focus on school activities, and encourage seeing students for who they are. As such, clothing must not have advertising or logos and should be without distracting print or pictures. Natural fibres, such as wool or cotton are most beneficial for children.
Rainbow colours are suggested, while fluorescent colours and black are discouraged. Following the ‘colours of the week’ is recommended and School t-shirts in these colours are available from Golden Threads.
Monday: blue/purple
Tuesday: red/pink
Wednesday: yellow
Thursday: orange
Friday: green
Shorts and skirt length should reach the middle of the child’s palm or ideally below the tips of the child’s fingers when they are standing with their arms by their sides.
For sun protection, tops must cover the shoulders, upper arms and midriffs. Children may keep sunscreen for their own use in their bags. All children must wear a broad brimmed or legionnaires hat when outdoors, all year round. Those that protect the back of the neck are highly recommended. Caps are not suitable. No hat means restricted play on the verandah or in an area protected from the sun.
Wet weather clothing and shoes are suggested for children to wear or bring to school during the wetter months. Students may bring a change of clothes with them to school. During the cooler months, knitted beanies are suitable, but if it is sunny outside a hat must be worn.
Shoes must be suitable for the range of activities undertaken at school, including running and jumping. Shoes that are not held securely to the foot, such as scuffs, thongs, Crocs and slip-ons, are not suitable. Enclosed shoes are required for woodworking and craft sessions. Shoes are to be worn at all times unless removed with teacher permission (e.g. for water play).
Jewellery must not pose a distraction or possibility of injury. Small sleepers, but preferably stud earrings, and simple necklaces and bracelets may be worn. Watches may only be worn by children after the completion of the Main Lesson on Time in Class 3 and must be analogue rather than digital. Fitbits, Apple Watches, or similar electronic devices are not permitted except by special circumstances agreed to by the Principal or Deputy Principal.
Make-up and nail polish must not be worn to school.
Hair must not obscure children’s faces. Hair below shoulder length must be tied back and fringes kept out of the eyes. Hair colouring is not permitted.
Family Commitment Hours Opportunities
This newsletter section includes special Family Commitment Hours projects but there are many other 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.
TAKE HOME CRAFT KITS
Craft kits are now available from Sarah at Playgroup for you to complete at home. With these pre-organised kits you can sew felted animals for the Craft Group to sell at our school fair. This is a great work from home project! Contact Sarah 0458 299 614.
KAMBARANG FAIR
We need all hands on deck for our school fair on October 28. All volunteer hours are claimable. Sign up here.
WEEDING
Would you like to beautify our school grounds and earn some Family Commitment Hours? We would love our grounds to be looking perfect for the Kambarang Fair. Speak with Chris in the garden if you can help out even for 30 minutes after drop off or before pick up in the coming week.
FOOD HANDLING COURSE
All volunteers working with food (including the Kambarang Fair) must complete a food handling course as recommended by the City of Stirling. There are two free online courses to choose from (listed below) and you may claim one hour of Family Commitment for completing either course.
I'm Alert Food Safety Course
FoodSafe Course Information incl. free discount code
Early Childhood
At the end of Term 4, the Kindy rooms welcomed a visit from Class 3 silkworms. They gathered around the little creatures, and some children particularly enjoyed observing them and their habits. We took on the responsibility of keeping them safe, fed and comfortable by providing them with mulberry leaves from the garden, cleaning their home and treating them with care and kindness. While observing the silkworms, children raised different questions and comments such as:
“Can we give them black and white mulberry leaves?”
“Their feet are stickier than the caterpillar’s”
“Their bodies feel cold”
“Are they going to be butterflies or moths?”
When we returned to school from our holidays, we could observe that some silkworms had spun their cocoons, and others were working on it. The children were excited and amazed to witness this process and the visible result of work being done.
What was supposed to be just a visit became a long-term stay. The kindergarten children demonstrated curiosity, tenderness, responsibility and enjoyment in looking after the silkworms, and we adopted them. What a fun way to learn about shared responsibility and care for other living beings. Silkworms require daily care, which helps the children establish a routine and develop patience, as caring for living beings often involves consistent effort and waiting for results. It has also been an opportunity for them to accompany a natural process and transformation happening right before their eyes. We learned to deal with loss, as some creatures died along the way. We honoured their brief journey with us by burying them in our garden, always accompanied by a flower and a kiss on the wind. Lastly, the silkworms gave our children the gift of finding stillness, as they would spend long minutes just willingly sitting and observing with enjoyment and interest.
Thank you to the families who supported this process by taking them to spend the weekend and holidays with you. We are looking forward to continuing observing and looking after our silkworms.
Julia Noronha
Sunflower and Rainbow Kindergarten Teacher
Primary News
Michaelmas Festival
Our School celebrates many festivals throughout the year that demonstrate and deepen our values to make a positive impact on the world.
Late September brings us Michaelmas season! it is an important festival in Waldorf schools throughout the world. As J Fleming from Shining Mountain Waldorf School explains, “Saint Michael is an archangel mentioned in the Bible, Apocrypha and Koran. He appears as a spiritual figure and protector of humankind, inspiring strength, courage and will throughout history. The motif of a conqueror of the dragon can be seen in much Chinese art, in Apollo and the serpent, in Krishna slaying demons, and in the story of Saint George and the dragon.” Michael gives human beings the courage to meet the trials of the present and the confidence to look to the challenges of the future without fear.
Class 5 children bring the story to life by enacting the play in which the brave knight overpowers the dragon with swords of light. The whole school then assembles in teams, led by Class 6 students and an atmosphere of joy is created. The day is spent on the oval, playing co-operative games. Encouragement, kindness and determination is the mood of the day.
This year, the shield was presented to the Kwilenas (dolphins). The leaders reflected on what worked for them as a team and summarised the success -
“We encouraged all our team members. We were kind and supportive, and we worked together”.
As we reflect on the meaning of Michaelmas this year, we see an ever pressing need to face today’s challenges with strong hearts and minds. Each of us has a gift to bring to the world. We seek to recognise and appreciate each other’s gifts and encourage one other toward our full potential.
Ramneek Kaur
Maar Keyen/Class 6 Teacher
Class 1
We begin this final term of the year with an inspiring and rich Main Lesson: Stories from the Dreaming. The Class 1 students have embarked on an enchanting journey into the cultural heritage of the Australian First Nations peoples. The Dreamtime, known as "Nyitting" or "Jukurrpa," is the spiritual and cultural framework of Aboriginal life. It encompasses the stories, traditions, and beliefs of these ancient and diverse cultures.
For the past couple of weeks, the students have been captivated by these timeless tales that have been passed down through generations. We've delved into Dreamtime stories filled with creation myths, moral lessons, and fascinating accounts of the land, animals, and humans' origins.
Our children have not only been listening to these stories but also expressing their understanding and creativity through various mediums. From vivid drawings and paintings to engaging storytelling sessions, the students have actively participated in sharing their interpretations of Dreamtime stories.
We have also discussed the significance of cultural respect and understanding. The Dreamtime stories are a sacred part of Aboriginal culture, and our students are learning the importance of respecting and appreciating the rich heritage of these traditions.
As we continue our journey through Dreamtime Stories, after school on Tuesday October 31, we invite you to join us for an Open Classroom exhibition. Class 1 children will be showcasing their creative expressions inspired by the Dreamtime stories.
The Dreamtime Stories Main Lesson has been an enriching and eye-opening experience for our Class 1 students. It has not only expanded their knowledge but also fostered a deep appreciation for the wisdom and storytelling traditions of the Aboriginal peoples. We hope that this understanding will continue to grow and develop in the coming weeks.
Wishing you a beautiful and inspiring term ahead.
Kasia Rymarczyk
Class 1/Keyen Teacher
Class 2
The Class 2 children are headed for a journey on the Seven Seas with their swashbuckling pirate Mateys. The characters from their mathematics learning in Class 1 and 2, go on a quest, solving riddles, number puzzles and battling great and frightening sea creatures to find X-marks-the-spot and the mysterious treasure buried at the end. They’ve brought their sea legs and are enthusiastic to hear the tales of Peter and Lucy, two very clever children. The fun, humour and excitement of this Main Lesson adds to the sense of amazement in the wonder and magic of number patterns. This week we have enjoyed learning about the Magic Square.
Jayne Wylie
Class 2/Koodjal Teacher
Morning Verse - Sea Fever by John Masefield
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
Class 4
Technology in Class 4
Have you ever wondered what the ‘Technology’ learning area on your child’s report is all about? Learning about and through technology looks very different in a primary Steiner school. Through research and analysis students recognise that data comes in different forms such as words, numbers, and musical notes. Children collect information and present it to others, conduct measurements, create diagrams, maps and tables, design plans and collect data. Children observe the natural world and ‘built’ environments, pose questions arising from their observations and use a wide range of resources to help them find answers. Children undertake and record investigations and research using appropriate media such as drawings, paintings, books and story and they then discuss and reflect on their findings.
In Class 4 we refine our observation and communication skills as the students become engaged learners across a range of integrated subjects. This is accomplished without the mediation of complex technology and instead, the students are able to produce a wide range of original creative work such as handwork, calligraphy, woodwork, animal homes and learn about and create the various technology of writing inks/implements and the science and relevance of their use. The is accomplished through the rich stories and descriptions of the Class 4 Main Lesson topics, including History or Writing, Local Mapping, Norse Myths, Human and Animal, Fractions, Spirituality and Dreaming, Free Hand Geometry and Mathematical processes.
This year Class 4 have learnt about information and technology through the development of writing and the implements throughout history. They have begun to understand the role of a range of communication technologies from bark painting, through cuneiform tablets, quills, to pen and ink, and even the typewriter. We made our own ink, quills, and paper after researching the development of these tools through the need for practical use. Children develop a deep connection to the joy and satisfaction of making something with their own hands which traditional life has given. Together we created a pictorial timeline of these historical technologies as we explored the different forms of communication through time.
To continue reading click the link below.
Aimee Waller
Class 4/Koodjal Koodjal Teacher
Class 5
Class 5’s intensive Olympics training efforts over many months have paid off, with incredible performances by all of our students at the Greek Olympics, which was held at the end of the term. Our day began very early on a crisp spring morn, with a gathering of all of the Class 5s from Steiner schools around the State resplendent in their Olympic tunics. Gathering with teammates in each of the five Ancient Greek city-states, we joined our voices for a rousing Ode to Zeus, king of Mount Olympus, and then marched proudly towards the Olympic field singing our song of praise to the God Apollo. The mood was electric as athletes assembled to behold Zeus lighting the Olympian Torch. After stretching to warm our cold muscles, we lined up nervously at the start line for the first event, the marathon. Our Class got off to an incredible start, with several of our class athletes being awarded olive-branch crowns signifying their grit, prowess and stamina. Our parent audience were thrilled and amazed to see so many of us demonstrating skill, resilience and sportsmanship as we encouraged our teammates to strive, pushed ourselves to achieve our personal bests, and celebrated our own and one another’s successes in track and field challenges as diverse as sprints, wrestling, discus, javelin and long jump. It is difficult to choose a highlight between the sheer madness of the chariot races, and the phenomenal team-work on display in the wildly exciting relay which saw each and every student contributing 100% of their best to their team’s effort. Special mention must also be made of our parents who participated with gusto in the novelty races. After each receiving awards for our personal contributions and acknowledging the success of every city state, we all went home buoyant and uplifted, with medallions at our necks, wreaths upon our heads, friends we didn’t know before the day began, smiles on our faces, and memories of our own courage which will stay with us forever. Back at school the following week, we made sure to write some lovely letters to Perth Waldorf School Class 5 Teacher Zara Goldsack expressing our gratitude to her for organising what proved to be an unforgettable day. I am so proud of our bold Olympians. Their bravery, teamwork and tenacity in the face of challenge will continue to stand them in good stead.
Elaine Meyer
Maar/Class 5 Teacher
Class 6 Assembly Leaders
Music
Community singing at the Kambarang Fair
We want to fill the world with song! What an amazing sound and feeling it would be to have all our parents joining in the chorus as our choir sings at the Kambarang Fair!
A 15 minute practice will be held after school next Wednesday and the song is very easy. Parents are siniging the bold parts.
Fill the World with Song
Joy we’ll bring When we sing
From the start Fill our hearts
Let’s begin All join in
Fill the world with song
Joy we’ll bring When we sing
From the start Fill our hearts
Fill the world with song.
Cristina Filgueira
Strings Specialist
Handwork
Class 1 knitters who used their hands skilfully to knit fabulous colourful scarves.
A Class 2 radiant rainbow ball.
A Class 3 finished wristband!
The proud creator of a cross stitched pen holder.
WCSS Community Association
Dear Community,
There is a refreshing feeling in the air at school this term! With the excitement of our upcoming fair, along with the beautiful warm weather, the class rosters for the Kambarang Fair and Open Day are filling up fast. Be sure to put your name down soon to secure your place.
Craft packs are still available to pick up from Sarah at Playgroup. This is a wonderful way to get some more family commitment hours and nurture your creative side by making some adorable felt animals for the Fair's Craft Stall.
There is a great opportunity to do a free Barista training course for anyone who is interested in volunteering to make coffees for the Fair. The training takes place at Bibra Lake on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pop in to see Ayla at the Hub for more information and to put your name down to volunteer to help at the Hub on Fair day.
The Hub garden is growing so beautifully! Now that the warmer weather is here, we need help from the community to keep our garden thriving. Watering is needed on Fridays; please see Ayla at the Hub if you can help. Family Commitment Hours are claimable.
WCSSCA is looking for someone to be a Food Safety Supervisor for the school starting next year.
The role involves:
- Completing a Food Safety Supervisor Course- paid for by WCSSCA, and Family commitment hours claimable.
- Being a point of contact for catering at the school
- Co-ordinating volunteers involved in food preparation and cooking at the school.
If you are interested in this rewarding role, please contact Maria on 0423 678 254.
With kindness in community,
Rachael
(Class 1 Parent)
GOLDEN THREADS
Golden Threads has some gorgeous new stock incoming! Qtoys, Sarah's Silks, beautiful felted toys amd more! Lay by now for Christmas! Pop in to see me at the Hub!
Love,
Ayla
Golden Threads Manager
MARKET DAY ROSTER
October 24: Class 3
October 31: Class 2
November 7: Class 1
November 14: Kindy
November 21: Kindy
November 28: Class 6
December 5: Class 5
Employment Opportunities
Community News
Summer Music Making Opportunity for Students who Enjoy Orchestra
The Perth Summer Orchestra Camp (PSOC) is a wonderful opportunity for students who enjoy playing in an orchestra to meet like minded children and spend a few days during the summer holidays rehearsing and then playing in a concert.
There are 5 Orchestras so there is an Orchestra for every player level. My students who have previously attended are all keen to go again so I can recommend it. The conductors and tutors are all excellent!
Early bird enrolments are now open. For more information please visit www.psorchcamp.com
Coming Events
OCTOBER
Tuesday 24: School Council Meeting 7pm
Wednesday 25: Class 3 Excursion
Saturday 28: Kambarang Fair 10am-3pm
Monday 30: Whole School Day in Lieu
Save the Date:
Transition to Kindergarten 4 and 5 Parent Information Session Monday November 6, 9am
Transition to Kindergarten 6 and the 6 year old Change Wednesday November 8, 9am
Class 6 Strings Performances Monday November 20, 2.30pm
For further Term Dates check the school website calendar
WEEKLY
Market Day: Tuesdays 3.05pm
Craft Group: Thursdays 12.30pm at The Hub
Parent Study Group: Fridays 9.00am at The Hub or Library
Yarning Circle: Wednesdays 8.40am at The Hub
Parent and Staff Singing Circle: Wednesdays 3.15pm at the Picnic Tree
WA Anthroposophical Study Group: Mondays 7.30pm in the Staff Room
Golden Threads
Monday-Friday 8.00am-10.30am
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 2.30pm-3.30pm
Thursday 1.30pm - 3.00pm