School Newsletter Term 1 Week 4
Kaya WCSS Community
Kaya WCSS Community
Thank you to all parents and carers who have been on campus over the past few weeks to attend Class Meetings. This investment of time in your child’s education is so very important. It gives you the chance to establish and strengthen your ties with your class community and teacher and helps to increase your understanding about our approach to learning and teaching. Most importantly, it sends that strong message to your child that you care deeply about their school life, and it shows your support of our teachers and willingness to work with us in placing the children at the centre of what we do. I encourage you to continue to attend Class Meetings and parent education events over the year. It will be possible to claim Family Commitment Hours for attendance at any special school talks and workshops, not including Class Meetings. Please prioritise our Curriculum Journey next Wednesday evening and Perth Waldorf School's High School Journey & Beyond on Tuesday March 19. Both events will be held here at WCSS.
As we reach the half-way mark of our first term, we soon take a moment to pause and breathe and enjoy a long weekend. On Friday 1 March, our Pupil Free Day next week, our dedicated staff will be engaged in professional learning related to student wellbeing, enriching activities, strategic planning, and creative practices.
I hope you enjoy some peaceful and happy family time over the break and look forward to seeing everyone return refreshed on Tuesday 5 March. Please take time to read about what classes have been up to over the past fortnight and to share in the wonderful learning that is taking place.
May your week be lived with warmth of heart.
Jenny Dougan
School Administrator/Principal
The light rains down. My king, in this late-summer hour,
You reign within my heart as well, with growing power.
You shine with strength. You gleam and glance and glisten.
You lead me into depths where I, within the silence, learn to listen.
And there you form life's fruits, fruits good to eat,
In weaving soul-light warm, where they grow ripe and rich and sweet.
In the Light of a Child, Michael Hedley Burton
From Administration
KISS N DRIVE
The Kiss 'n' Drive Zone is for drop off and pick up of students from Class 2 - Class 6. Younger students need a caregiver to take them to and from their classroom and so, parents of these years groups cannot use the zone. We urge you to preplan your parking arrangements, allowing yourself time to collect children in a safe and unhurried manner.
Drivers must not exit or leave their vehicle in the Kiss 'n Drive Zone during the following hours:
Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri: 7.30am - 8.45am / 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Thurs: 7.30am - 8.45am / 1.40pm - 2.40pm.
Parking is also prohibited on verges as per City of Stirling guidelines. It obstructs vision and places others in danger. Please also do not park in our neighbours' driveways.
We appreciate all vehicle users cooperating in a spirit of community for the safety and wellbeing of all.
STUDENT REGISTRATION FORMS ARE NOW OVERDUE
All schools are required to collect a Student Registration Form for every child each year. The form was due by January 31, 2024. If you have not yet submitted a form please do so ASAP or contact Reception.
RAP Working Group Opportunity
West Coast Steiner School has had an active Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) since 2021 with a strong focus on reconciliation and a commitment to being part of Australia’s healing journey. Our RAP is due to be updated this term. If you are interested in being part of our RAP working group, please contact Jenny on education@wcss.wa.edu.au
SAVE THE DATE - THE CELTIC DANCE IS COMING!
Come one, come all to our annual Celtic Dance on March 15!
Our Class 2 students are practising their dosy-does and their parents are working hard to provide a wonderful night of dancing and dining under the stars. Invite friends, family, neighbours and alumni to join our vibrant WCSS community as we celebrate at this fun night for all ages with bush band Ten Penny Bit, student performances, dinner and refreshments. Bring your own picnic or purchase from the dinner, dessert and beverage options provided.
Earlybird tickets available now from Reception.
Please note this is a fundraiser and ticketed event. All children are free.
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 highlight the procedure regarding the Non-Government School Census which is taken twice per year, in February and August.
The census collects data about all students from age 3 to Year 12 and provides the community and the Australian Government with information about schools and students in Australia. The annual Census collects information about:
- the numbers of students and staff
- students on a visa
- students with disability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Census informs the My School website, helping parents and the community to learn more about Australian schools. The data collected highlights some of the needs of each school’s students. The Australian Government also uses this Census data to calculate funding and to create informed and tailored policies for Australian Schools.
Given the Census informs funding, and therefore school budgeting, it is important to notify your school in advance of a prolonged absence such as an extended trip overseas.
Click the link below to read the full privacy statement.
Family Commitment 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. Forms are available on our website or at Reception.
GARDENING
We are looking for someone to tend our street frontage at 34 Nollamara Avenue and also the space between Sunflower Kindergarten and the school gate. This would involve keeping an eye on each space to ensure it is tidy and loved. Each area would probably require some light tidying and weeding every six to eight weeks. These jobs can be done at a time that suits you - you can take on just one area or both! Contact Audrey if you are interested. E: finance@wcss.wa.edu.au
KISS AND DRIVE
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). See Reception for more information.
PARENT EDUCATION
We have several opportunities this term to fulfil commitment hours through Parent Education. The Steiner Parent Education Initative are offering three courses per term to enrich parent understanding and knowledge of Steiner education. For more information on Term 1 courses see the flyers in our Community News section. We also have our very own Curriculum Journey on February 28 which is a must for all enrolled families wanting to support their child's learning journey.
MULCH MOVING
We have a small amount of mulch at the back of school which needs moving and spreading. If you would like to help please contact Audrey. finance@wcss.wa.edu.au
Early Childhood
The Playgroup Community
Thank goodness for the support of Playgroup parents this year as I returned to school with my right arm in a cast after slipping and fracturing my wrist at the pool. You have been such a massive support and I thank you immensely.
Playgroup parents are always asked to help out with jobs like cutting fruit or helping to butter the bread if they are in a position to do so. It frees a child up to pursue their play, knowing that their parent is there and busy doing their own work. Of course, not every child is ready for that every time; sometimes they like to come and help with the jobs, working alongside their caregivers, or some days they just need a cuddle. It’s all part of the joy of Playgroup – seeing these beautiful children grow and develop their courage and independence. I do have the best job in the world!
Sarah Jordan
Playgroup Coordinator
Primary News
Water Play Day
Through our Student Suggestion Box the children requested a Water Play Day which our Games Specialist, David brought to fruition last week. After a hot week, Primary students revelled in Water Play Day with David who made it an active, engaging and creative experience!
Class 2 Koodjal
In the midst of the summer's heat, our Class 2 children have found refuge within their air-conditioned classroom. They have been playing board games, doing a lot of drawing, and practising their Celtic Dance routine with lots of energy and enthusiasm for the upcoming festival. Many thanks to Claudia for all of her invaluable support!
Our class has also started buddy meetings with Class 5, which both classes have enjoyed greatly. The children felt comfortable with their new buddies and were happy to get to know their older school friends better.
I would like to thank all the parents who attended our parent meeting. It was lovely to meet with you and share some of what we do in your child’s classroom. I would like to extend an invitation to all parents and grandparents of our class to volunteer to be involved in our classroom, whether it be through parent reading, sharing skills and/or culture. We would love to learn all that you may have to offer. Please send me an email to discuss.
In our morning circle, we have been working hard to learn the 2 and 3 timestables and their sister-sharing version of dividing. We have been playing some games, jumping, and rhythmically clapping to try and get the patterns very clear. The children continue to surprise me with their abilities and creativity. They are learning a tricky song on the recorder, and they just love to get it right, even with the struggle and difficulty of the fingering. The paintings are exquisite, and I have hung them up in our room. Please come and take a look. The Class 2 students are really mastering colour blends and controlling the paint in smaller areas.
In the Week 6 assembly, on March 7 at 8.40am, Class 2 will present something, maybe our dance. Please come and see it!
Warm regards,
Kasia Rymarczyk
Koodjal/Class 2 Teacher
Class 5 Maar
On Saturday February 17 the girls and women of Class 5 gathered to celebrate the transition of girls into womanhood. Lead by Helen Hentz from https://lunabloom.com.au, the day began with the girls learning about how their bodies are changing and the exciting journey ahead. We made luna cycle bracelets and nature mandalas and shared and laughed about all things girls. In the afternoon the mothers joined us. We shared stories which brought tears to our eyes, growing closer as a community, and supporting each other, while we talked about the important women in our lives and learnt how entering womanhood is celebrated all around the world. As Helen writes, this special day incorporated the best research and infused it "with the wisdom of traditional rites of passage that have long been a feature of successful cultures around the world”. It was a magical, spiritual, illuminating day that we will never forget! It strengthened the bond between mother and child, between teacher and child and between all the girls in Class 5 and prepared the girls for the transition into womanhood. As our school verse proclaims, ‘Love for teacher, parent, and child! This is our school!’
Class 6 Maar Keyen
Class 6 are now knee-deep in our study of Ancient Rome. Having begun with an historical overview of the ancient cultures we studied in earlier school years, we were keen to turn our attention to the Ancient Romans to understand how such a massive empire could fall.
Last year, we learned of the fall of Troy through the perspective of the Greeks in Homer’s “The Iliad.” This year, we have studied the Roman perspective in Virgil’s “The Aeniad.” We discovered that one of the Trojan princes, Aenius, fled Troy and—after a lengthy journey—settled in Italy in order to found a new nation. We learned of Aenius’ descendents, Romulus and Remus, who were (as legend has it) suckled by a she-wolf before returning to reclaim the throne from their corrupt uncle. From the founder of Roma and its first King, Romulus, to the end of the monarchy with its last King Superbus, we examined each of the seven kings and ranked them according to their greatness and morality as leaders. Some, we found to be exceptionally progressive and kind, while others, we determined to be brutal and corrupt.
Next, we examined the rules and laws of the Republic. We debated the relative merit of these laws and decided many of them needed rewording if they were to comply with our current ideas of justice and fairness. Finally, we created skits and songs celebrating the heroes of the Republic. We hope to share these with you at a future assembly.
As leaders of the school, we have already introduced several new initiatives to improve student belonging and wellbeing. We have been sending get well cards to staff and students who are sick for an extended period. We have improved the toilets by adding steps for younger students to reach the handbasin, and made signs reminding everyone to flush. We have moved the suggestions box from Reception to a more private spot outside our classroom. We have taken requests on board and arranged a Water Fun Day, which we hope all enjoyed!
Lastly, we have continued writing and performing our series of Skits by Class 6 in assembly. So far, we have looked at definitions of bullying, exclusion and physical bullying. This week, we will be focussing on emotional bullying. Our leadership councillors are now proudly wearing badges with quotes from Roman philosophers Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. Students are encouraged to ask them to share these inspiring quotes. They are here to support all students, and happy to be approached for help!
Elaine Meyer
Class 6/Maar Keyen Teacher
Class 6 Assembly Leaders
Handwork
Progressing on the cross stitch journey, Class 4 students are exploring how to stitch in the other direction, from right to left.
Our first Blue Bird completed as Class 5 returns to knitting for a very exciting year, discovering dying, 8ply yarn and double pointed needles.
Woodwork
Class 6 students have commenced the year by finishing off swords from last year and starting their bowls, spoons, or bush stools.
Students learn how to create convex shapes using a gouge to hollow out spoons and bowls.
Yolanda Millar
Woodwork Specialist
WCSS Community Association
Dear School Community,
I hope everyone is doing well in this challenging hot weather! To help beat the heat there are delicious refreshing fruit icy poles available from the Hub to cool and soothe, hot tired children and adults alike.
Welcome Morning Tea
Last week WCSSCA (pronounced “Whiska”) held a Welcome Morning Tea for new and existing school members. It was a beautiful morning with lovingly prepared homemade cakes and treats and the gift of complimentary drinks including hot chocolates for the little ones. There was a felt sense of community spirit in the air as the event started with a verse and blessing. This held the space for us to get to know each other and to learn about the workings and role of WCSSCA in our wonderful school.
Craft Group
Craft Group is held weekly on Thursdays from 12:45pm in the Hub or in the cool of the Cottage depending on the weather. This term we are making fidget squares and dolls for our Class 1 students. You will be looked after by our lovely Sarah from Playgroup. All skill levels are welcome and Family Commitment Hours are claimable.
Volunteer Coordinator Position
WCSSCA are looking for someone to fill the role of Volunteer Coordinator.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, please contact Maria on 0423678254.
Family Commitment Hours are claimable.
With kindness in community,
Rachael (Class 2 parent)
MARKET DAY ROSTER
February 27: Class 3
March 05: Class 2
March 12: Class 1
March 19: Indonesian Market
Sustainability
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE
WCSS is a collection point for the Containers for Change initiative. Families are encouraged to bring containers to school, or if you take your containers to another collection point and would like to donate the funds to WCSS just use the membership number C10580178. For information on which containers are eligible click here.
CLOTHING DONATIONS
At WCSS we have a clothing bin which diverts 100% of clothing and accessories received from landfill and also raises money for the school. Donations of clothing and accessories such as shoes, belts and hats can be left at Reception or popped in the bin when safe to do so!
Employment Opportunities
Principal/School Administrator Position
Community News
Parent Business Directory
Welcome to our new section which aims to share information on WCSS family owned businesses. If you are an enrolled WCSS family, run a business and would like to promote this to our school community please send your details (a few sentences describing your business, contact details and a logo or image) through to us.
E: marketing@wcss.wa.edu.au
Cheesebuddy is an Australian made Brazilian cheese bread which is gluten free, versatile, delicious... and owned and operated by a WCSS family! Cheesebuddy’s products are available at Woolworths, Costco, IGA, Farmer Jack’s and others. Or chat with Yuri - M:0402730490
Coming Events
FEBRUARY
Monday 26: Class 5 Excursion / Gungurra Parent Meeting 3.15pm / Gumnut Parent Meeting 7.00pm
Tuesday 27: Class 3 Market Day 3.05pm / Rose Parent Meeting 3.15pm
Wednesday 28: Sunflower Parent Meeting 2.00pm / Curriuclum Journey 6.00pm
Thursday 29: Rainbow Parent Meeting 1.30pm
MARCH
Friday 01: Pupil Free Day
Monday 04: Public Holiday
Tuesday 05: Class 5 Excursion
Wednesday 06: School Tour 9.15am
Save the Date: Celtic Dance Friday March 15, 5.30pm - 8.00pm
For further Term Dates check the school website calendar
WEEKLY
Market Day: Tuesdays 3.05pm
Craft Group: Thursdays 12.45pm at The Hub
Parent Study Group: Thursdays 9.00am at The Hub or Library
Yarning Circle: Wednesdays 8.40am 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 2.30pm-3.30pm
Thursday 1.30pm - 3.00pm