School Newsletter Term 4 Week 4

Kaya WCSS Community

Kaya WCSS Community

Thank you to WCSSCA and everyone for your amazing support of our wonderful Kambarang Fair and Open Day. It was such a perfect day to share with family and friends and a very special time for us to come together as a community to showcase our beautiful school and welcome newcomers. The children performed well with much pride, and it was lovely to see the joy on their faces throughout the day as they engaged in various activities. To our dedicated staff and to all parents and family members who helped make the day so successful, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Huge congratulations to Maria on her first fair as WCSSCA Chair.

Next week, we wish Class 5 students well as they head off with Elaine, David, and Thais to their camp in the Swan Valley. The following week Class 4 will spend a night at Boshack with Aimee, Claire, Kylei, and some parents. I am sure they will have many adventures to share upon their return.

Just a reminder of the importance of ensuring your children attend school every day provided they are well. It is very important for their overall development and learning that they are not often absent from school. It is also important and respectful to the teachers and other class members that they arrive at school on time to begin their school day. Arriving to class late disrupts the whole flow and rhythm of morning routines and is very distracting for the teachers and other students and is stressful for your child.  It is not a good way to start the day. Please try to make sure everyone gets up early enough in the morning to allow for calm, gentle and unhurried time to have some breakfast, get ready for school and to travel here. This would be very much appreciated.

Please enjoy reading this newsletter and finding our more about all that happens in our beautiful school.

May your week be lived with warmth of heart.

Jenny Dougan

School Administrator/Principal

From Administration

UNCLAIMED CONTAINERS

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our School Fair - we have an assortment of containers ready to return home. Please be sure to have a look outside the library and take anything which belongs to you.

Last Friday was World Teachers' Day and our Class 6 students took time to say "Hats off to Teachers!" whilst delivering staff a hot drink and a snack. Thank you so much to all our dedicated teaching staff for the wonderfu work you do everyday.

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 we bring your awareness to our school lunches guidelines as outlined in our Kindergarten and Primary Handbooks.

At West Coast Steiner School we acknowledge the importance of healthy, nutritious food and strongly suggest that students’ lunchboxes reflect this. In a group setting young children often become envious of other children’s lunches. For these reasons please take care with the food you provide your children for school. Simple, plain, homemade food is best.

Please do not send ‘party-type’ food such as chips, chocolate, lollies or chewing gum to school. We are also a sustainable school and aim to minimise the waste in lunchboxes particularly those directed to landfill.

Please take the time to read further via the article below.

Early Childhood

Parents and caregivers of children enrolled to attend Kindergarten 4, 5 and 6 next year at WCSS are strongly encouraged to attend the below pertinent information sessions.

The Joy of Eurythmy

It has been such a gift to have had Eurythmy this term and last with Nicole Peterson. Nicole brings life, joy and serious intent to everything she does. Vanessa Fountain calls her our ‘Earth Angel’ and she is!

Whilst it is not for the whole term, our five week blocks have been a wonderful experience for all. Eurythmy means “harmonious rhythm” expressed through gesture, speech, and movement.

The children have taken to it with enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement. It is so interesting to see how the children respond to this. Some children who are always on the move in speech and action will just watch, transfixed, and then other more reserved children will join in with gusto.  Some children are captured by the story that unfolds and others by the sounds and words that accompany the gestures. Through this experience the children are learning how to move their bodies in a coordinated, rhythmic fashion. They learn to move in the space that is above and below, backwards and forwards, come to stillness or move very quickly and all the while doing so in a circle with their classmates. As the session comes to a close, they lie on their backs and listen to the lyre as Nicole quietly leaves.

Below are a few photos of the joy which Eurythmy brings!

Karen Weeramanthri

Gungarra Kindergarten Teacher

Primary News

Class 1

Class 1 recently embarked on a journey through the Aboriginal Dreaming, exploring stories of the unique animals that call Australia home. These tales not only gave us a glimpse into the natural habitats of these creatures but also allowed us to discover their humorous and profound characteristics. From Tiddalik the frog, who drank all the water in the billabong, to the platypus, who was invited by various animals to join their special groups, each story captured our imagination and sparked a sense of wonder. As we delved deeper into the legends, we learned how Enora transforms into a bird but although he joins the birds, of every colour - his feathers remain black. Through their beautiful illustrations and thoughtful sentences, the children demonstrated a true appreciation for the natural world and the indigenous cultures that created these stories. This journey not only enhanced their literacy skills but also fostered a deeper connection to our planet and its diverse inhabitants.

To enhance our understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal Dreaming Stories, we were privileged to host a Noongar language specialist, anthropologist Tim McCabe for a memorable and enriching experience. His visit allowed our young learners to connect with the stories in a deeply meaningful way. He shared his knowledge, stories, and the significance of the Dreamtime within the Noongar culture. Our students had the opportunity to listen to traditional Noongar songs, learn some basic Noongar words and phrases, and explore the connection between language, culture, and the Dreamtime. Tim’s presence provided invaluable insights into the importance of preserving and celebrating Indigenous cultures and their timeless stories.

Throughout this main lesson, our students have had the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities that help them connect with the Dreamtime stories, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Aboriginal culture.

As we continue our exploration of the Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories, we encourage parents to engage with your children and discuss what they have learned. Feel free to ask them about their favourite Dreamtime stories and the illustrations they have created. This will not only reinforce their learning but also enrich their understanding of these ancient narratives.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more exciting adventures from Class 1.

Kasia Rymarczyk

Class 1/Keyen Teacher

Class 2 Incursion

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Class 3 Building Projects

Class 4

Class 4 students were excited to hear that they were to have a ‘hands on’ part in the Kambarang Fair this year! Firstly Bemay Le came to visit with the plants from her nursery and demonstrated how to make a terrarium with ‘air plants’. The students bult their terrariums by layering different sands, selecting plants and decorating with items from the natural world. Students found it hard to part with their creations so tagged them so that they could buy their own at the fair. Thanks, Bemay!

Class 4 were also excited to have a student run stall at the Kambarang Fair this year. The students sourced things from their local natural environment such as various tree nuts, feathers, seed pods, shells, and plant materials. They collected branches and while I drilled holes in them, the students screwed in several hooks, preparing the key piece in the mobile. In groups, Class 4 students worked together to create several nature mobiles and we discussed how best to instruct other students (especially the younger ones) to create their own, based on our experiences. Instructions were prepared and the students busily sorted baskets full of the natural items they collected, ready for the fair. Many students were very keen to assist with the making of the crafts mobiles on Fair day. I am very proud of you all! I particularly want to shout out to Florence, Jessica, Yuki, Ariella, Breifne and Zenith who were outstanding leaders at the stall. Of course, it was also not possible without the beautiful parents of Class 4 especially Susan Dowling, Maria Dau, Arena Tan and the brains behind the operation Maria Katsikandarakis!

Aimee Waller

Class 4/Koodjal Koodjal Teacher

Class 5

Class 5 completed their study of Ancient Greek Mythology with a daring endeavour suited for only the bravest Olympians. Students were given the story of The Twelve Labours of Heracles and tasked with the immense job of writing and choreographing a play entirely on their own.

To make things even more challenging, they had just 4 lessons to write the play, design the set and costumes, and only 3 rehearsal days before performing it in front of the whole primary school, where they also had to run the assembly themselves for the very first time. With rapid set and costume changes happening discreetly on stage, the class succeeded in performing the entire Twelve Labours, including an introduction, conclusion and 2 Greek Odes, in just 15 minutes!

After a wild clashing of swords, several decapitated mythological creatures, and much laughter from the audience, we took a very proud bow at the end. But we remembered not to be too proud, for the point of the play was Heracles’ redemption through tasks which helped him to overcome his vices by developing his virtues.

We move forward from this main lesson with a greater awareness of our own vices, and the virtues we wish to develop in ourselves as we prepare to enter Class 6.

Elaine Meyer

Maar/Class 5 Teacher

Class 6 Business Maths Bazaar

Woodwork

Indonesian

Beautiful drawings of the Indonesian landscape by Class 2. As  they drew they learnt about items that are parts of nature, looked at differing Indonesian landscapes and sang songs about climbing up a high mountain and a round farmer's hat. 

Viola Sacher

Languages Specialist 

Creativity for Schools Grant - Gamelan and Wayang

We are delighted to announce that we have received a Creativity for Schools Grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. The grant will enable WCSS to collaborate with the Indonesian arts organisation, Rivergods so that our community can experience Indonesian culutural arts in the form of Gamelan (orchestra) and Wayang kuilt (shadow puppets). We are very excited to deliver these events to our community thereby captivating and enhancing students' interest and imagination. Whole community performances of Gamelan and Wayang Kuilt, traditional puppet-making workshops for Classes 4-6 and staff professional development in both these areas will enhance student learning and strengthen our current pedagogy and curriculum. 

More details will be announced soon but save the date for the whole school performance on Wednesday December 6 at 11.15am.

Handwork

WCSS Community Association

Dear Community,

WCSSCA are overjoyed to express our deep gratitude for your outstanding contributions in making our Kambarang Fair & Open Day 2023 a resounding success!

The vision we set out to achieve - a day to build and strengthen our COMMUNITY, that is warm, welcoming, beautiful, educational, and engaging - was not only met but exceeded, thanks to your dedication and enthusiasm. It was a day that allowed us to celebrate our unique approach to education and share it with the wider community, and it would not have been possible without your support.

Your collective efforts, energy, and commitment were the driving force behind this exceptional event. From parents to teachers, students to volunteers, each one of you played a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for our school and the wider community.

As we reflect on the 2023 West Coast Steiner School Fair, we are filled with pride and appreciation for the unity and spirit of our community. Your involvement has reinforced the strength of our school and has helped us extend the magic of Steiner education beyond our immediate community.

We hope the memories created on this special day will stay with us for years to come. Your willingness to come together and embrace the essence of our school is truly heart-warming.

Once again, a heartfelt thank you for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering support. Together, we have showcased the very best of West Coast Steiner School.

With kindness in community,

WCSSCA and the Fair Organising Committee

Kambarang Fair 2023

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Sustainability Circle

Embracing Sustainability: Kambarang Fair 2023's Green Triumph!

The Sustainability stall at this year's Kambarang Fair was a collective effort by Sustainability Circle – WCSS Parents’ and Community Group. Our theme was around ‘waste’, which has been our group’s focus through 2023. The idea that making positive environmental choices is not only environmentally responsible but also immensely enjoyable! 

One of our initiatives was the use of Go2Cup bowls, plates and cups, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use containers which in turn diverted approximately 1,000 disposables from going into landfill. Go2Cup also collected our food organics waste for composting. The total waste collected from fair-goers and stallholders was 2 small tubs of organics waste (60L) and 1 wheelie bin each of recycling and general waste. This initiative was met with great enthusiasm by visitors and WCSSCA who happily embraced the eco-conscious change to reusables. Additionally, the use of compostable gloves and packaging materials underscored WCSSCA’s commitment to sustainability. 

Edible Cutlery in Osborne Park showcased delicious options replacing disposable straws and spoons. Their edible chocolate straws were served with Class 6's Banana Smoothies, while Class 1's Berry Bowls were served with an edible chocolate spoon. It proved to be a hit with both the young and the young at heart, exemplifying innovative and fun ways to connect fair-goers to our Sustainability Circle. 

Furthermore, the Sustainability Stall became a hub for learning, providing invaluable information on sustainable practices and how collectively we can create an eco-friendly future. Conversations flourished about the importance of reducing our ecological footprint and fostering a sense of responsibility for our shared environment.

As we reflect on the Kambarang Fair 2023, let us carry this sustainable spirit into daily life. Together we can collectively make a difference in preserving the beauty of our planet for generations to come.

Thank you for your unwavering support. 

Juliana Gusmao

Sustainability Circle Member and Kindy 4 Parent

Employment Opportunities

Community News

Although the Perth Waldorf School Class 12 Project Presentations have come to an end we are fortunate to still be able to stream them! The presentations are one component of the culmination of a year's work with each student focusing on a specialised area of choice. We highly recommend you follow the link and choose a couple to view and deepen your understanding of a Steiner High School experience.

PERTH WALDORF SCHOOL CLASS 12 PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

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

NOVEMBER

Monday 06: Transition to Kindergarten 4 and 5 Parent Information Session, 9am

Wednesday 08: Transition to Kindergarten 6 and the 6 year old Change, 9am

Wednesday 08 - Friday 10: Class 5 Camp

Monday 13: Class 4 Camp

Wednesday 15: Lunchtime Talent Show

Save the Date:

Class 6 Strings Performances: Monday November 20, 2.30pm

Volunteer Thank You Morning Tea: Wednesday November 22, 8.45am

Rivergods Performance: Wednesday December 6, 11.15am (all welcome)

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