School Newsletter Term 1 Week 6
Kaya WCSS Community
Kaya WCSS Community
A Happy International Women’s Day to all the girls and women in our community – so strong, so wise, so invincible! I hope you enjoyed celebrating. Perhaps that beautiful rain this morning was especially for us? Term 1 is now past the half-way point. Can you believe it? A challenge for all of us is finishing the term with the same energy and optimism with which we started!
At our school we have students from over 30 different countries and cultural backgrounds and around 10 different faiths, many of whom speak multiple language – a very diverse population indeed! We really value the unique flavour this gives to our community, and we are looking forward to celebrating this soon with some special activities during Harmony Week, celebrated from 15-22 March. Harmony Week recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging. The theme for this year is “Everyone Belongs.”
Harmony Day, on 21 March, is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Whilst we celebrate diversity, it is important to acknowledge that globally, nationally, and locally we have a commitment to improve in this area and to remove barriers that still exist. Harmony Week encourages us to continue to build bridges between the many wonderful cultures and ethnicities that make Australia what it is today.
Harmony Week begins for us on Friday 15 March in the evening with our Celtic Dance Festival, a much- loved community event. Our Market Day on Tuesday 19 March will be a celebration of global diversity as we share food and treats from our various cultures. You are all encouraged to send some food along that can be sold at Market Day. All money raised will be donated to our sister school in Indonesia. Our week culminates with a celebration of Harmony Day on Friday 22 March by encouraging students and staff from Classes 2-6 to dress in a way which reflects their cultural heritage and to share aspects of their culture with others. There will be a special parade at 8.35 am to which parents are invited. You are also welcome to dress up.
We also have some opportunities to deepen your understanding of Steiner eduation with staff from Perth Waldorf School's Bibra Lake and Parkerville campuses visiting WCSS on Tuesday March 19. Please mark the date in your calendar and come along to learn more about the high school curriculum.
In this newsletter we are launching our Family Technology Ackowledgement which explains our approach to technology, our expectations and how you can support them at home.
What a lot we can look forward to! I hope you can join in celebrating with us.
May your week be lived with warmth of heart.
Jenny Dougan
School Administrator/Principal
In striving forth toward the goal,
I feel new firmness in my soul.
The I-of-God in knowing sight
Fills all my will with gleaming light.
And in these hidden depths, this radiant glow,
By bringing the light to darkness, makes the good fruit grow.
In the Light of a Child, Michael Hedley Burton
From Administration
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 pre-purchase during the week to alleviate queueing on the night!
Please note this is a fundraiser and ticketed event. All children are free.
~THIS IS A CASH ONLY EVENT~
As the Celtic Dance approaches next week, we are doing a call out for the following items:
🍀Items to raffle including pamper items like candles, oils, bath salts salts, gourmet jams, chocolates, crackers and pantry items and Steiner appropriate toys, books and crafts. Please leave at Reception.
🍀Eskies (clearly mark your name)
🍀Fresh lemons for lemonade (please deliver from Monday)
🍀Fresh vines to decorate (please bring next Thursday or Friday)
🍀We are also requesting assistance on food stalls on the night, especially cover between 5.15pm and 6pm, so that Class 2 families can watch their children’s very special performances. Food won’t officially be on sale until 6pm, however there will be some set-up and prep, such as manning the BBQ and any early-bird sales. FCH are claimable.
If you are able to help, please put your name down on the sign-up zone, or contact Anna Franks on 0449136985. 🍀
🍀Thank you from Class 2! 🍀
EZIDEBIT FEE INCREASE
Dear Families, Ezidebit have notified us that they are increasing their fees effective April 1. See below for a guide to the changes.
The College of Teachers
Dear Parents,
I hope you and your children have had a wonderful start to the term as we settle into our new school day rhythms and routines.
I have had the opportunity to lend an extra pair of hands in the classes where the children are settling in with a new teacher. It has been such a treat.
Arielle has taken up the reins in Gungarra and it has been wonderful to watch the children respond to her soft, gentle soul. The little ones are breathing in and out between structured activity and unstructured play, so happy each day to meet with their new friends and feeling so brave as they begin to explore the world beyond home - a truly magical wonderland populated by little people.
In Class 1 the children have stepped into a new world, feeling so proud that they are now Class 1 sitting at their very own desks eager to learn. It is a big and busy class full of keen and eager faces including Joanne’s! It has been wonderful to watch their concentration as they listen to Joanne’s wonderful stories and then bring crayon to paper. This focus is followed by the "oh so important!" breathing out time of outside play. I have had the honour of many a tour of a fairy house that now litter the Class 1 playground. The fairies have noticed the little houses and are very happy. We are hoping that they will take up residence!
All the children at the school have such big and busy days. It is so important to be mindful of this when you receive your children back in the afternoon. Kim John Payne, author of Simplicity Parenting has some wonderful words of wisdom about “creating spacious and calm after school”. If you have a few minutes his wisdom is well worth a listen. The link is provided below.
In short:
- Remember they have had an incredibly stimulating, busy day.
- Give them space to decompress and digest before you ask them about their day.
- Instead of asking them to talk about their day immediately, say “hello” gently and perhaps tell them about the times that you thought about them during the day.
- Make the coming home time rhythmical and predictable – the same little ritual every day.
- Allow space for a quiet time between the activity of the school day and the evening activities.
Thank you so much everyone for your support of the wonderful work we do at WCSS.
Blessings
Kathy Gass
(College Chair and Soft Handwork Teacher)
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 are pleased to launch our Family Technology Acknowledgement, Group Messaging Guidelines and Class Carer Role Description. Driven by our new Strategic Plan, WCSS staff and parents have worked together to develop these documents to support and enrich our community and students' educational experience. We require all parents to take the time to read them and become familiar with the content.
Primary News
HARMONY DAY DRESS UP AND PARADE
Students in Classes 2 - 6 are invited to celebrate Harmony Day on Friday March 22.
Here at WCSS we have students from over 30 different countries and cultural backgrounds and around 10 different faiths – a very diverse population indeed!
We invite students and caregivers to share their ancestry, stories and culture by dressing up and celebrating with us here on Noongar Boodja. The day will begin with a parade on the veranda at 8.35am.
We will also be holding a Harmony Week Indonesian Market Day on Tuesday March 19. All families are encouraged to donate an item to sell (perhaps a favourite family recipe or treat) with all funds raised going to our sister school in Indonesia.
Class 2 Koodjal
As we have reached the midway point of the first term, I am pleased to note that the children have settled in well and fully participated in the curriculum. We have started the second block of the Main Lesson, which is focused on mathematics. The lesson emphasises timetables and number patterns, and it also includes form drawing and geometry. Currently, we are exploring circle patterns based on 1x up to 12x, which gives rise to geometric figures. Our approach to learning timetables includes speech, movement, number lines, drawing patterns, and narrative. We recite 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 10x tables in chorus using body percussion.
Moreover, we are also working on our Celtic Main Lesson, which is still ongoing. We aim to complete the story of the King of Ireland’s Son and create a second Main Lesson book (reader). We are focusing on grammar and sentence structure. During practice lessons, we continue with the Sounds-Write program, finish the Initial Code, practise handwriting and mental mathematics, and work tirelessly on our swords.
This week, we had our class assembly, which was a great success. The children sang beautifully, played the recorder, and danced. We are looking forward to the upcoming Celtic Dance and hope that you can all come and join us for these special festivities. Tickets are available from Reception now.
Warm regards,
Kasia Rymarczyk
Koodjal/Class 2 Teacher
Class 3 Dambart
Mapping Noah's Ark
Class 3 have been learning all about ancient forms of measurement this term. The ancient Egyptians and Pharoahs used body parts such as thumbs and handspans to measure the world around them. In biblical times Noah built his Ark using a form of measurement called cubits. As the students demonstrate in the photos here a cubit is the length of our arm! The students are using their bodies to measure out 300 cubits in length on the oval which is known to be the original length of Noah's Ark! Thanks to King Henry's foot we now have more standard forms of measurement. The students are learning about the metric system and will be using tape measures and rulers to measure their surroundings.
Class 5 Maar
Ancient Persia and Ancient India
Class 5 are delving into the ancient stories of the Middle East. We have listened to the mythological stories of Ahura Mazda, the creator of light and Ahriman the bringer of darkness, as we experience the duality of light and dark. After learning about the fertile land of Persia and creating our own topographical map, we will hear the story of Zarathustra, the leader of the Persian people.
We performed our Bollywood dance to our Class 2 and watched their rehearsal of the Celtic dance that we are super excited to attend on the 15th March. It does not seem that long ago when this class were performing their Irish jigs at the festival. How time flies! Our Bollywood dance teacher Claudia has choregraphed the dance beautifully and we will be performing our dance again for our parents at the end of the term.
Class 5 also enjoyed a magical experience on our excursion to the ‘Sacred India Gallery’ in Bennett Springs. The children were very much mesmerised by the artworks, music and the stories of Krishna from Hare Krishna monks, Mr Shree and Sonny. The artist, Jagattarini Mataji explained how she created her miniature diorama artworks of the ancient stories and told stories of her experience living in India. The students were enthralled by the process and asked the most insightful questions, many of them being budding artists themselves. We also met the resident pet parrot ‘Summer’ who was the source of much entertainment.
Aimee Waller
Class 5 Maar Teacher
Class 6 Maar Keyen
Class 6 are using a range of writing strategies to document the rise and fall of Ancient Rome. This week, our focus has been on poetry. We are excited to share some individual and group efforts with you:
- Cutius and The Earthquake (a song) by Nalina, Gabriel and Austin
The Samites were a tribe from the South of Rome
And they wanted to make the coastal plains their home.
But soon a terrible event took place:
A giant crack filled up the space!
In the middle of the Forum was a giant crack,
Rome would soon be plunged into the black.
No one knew quite what to say,
They were desperate to find a way.
The auger said, “a sacrifice is required.”
When they asked the people, they all fell silent.
Then spoke M.Curtius—a fine young soldier.
He spoke of courage, for he was bolder.
Mounting his house, he leaped into the chasm,
Sword in the air he ignored the spasm.
The crowd threw gifts and with a bit of luck,
The chasm in the earth closed right up.
M.Cutius, M.Cutius, remember his name.
- Cutius, M. Cutius, worthy of fame.
Et tu, Brute? by Miles
I went to war, and there I saw
My enemy Pompey, who won the battle that day.
Then I came back and gave him a smack!
He fell to the floor, and ran out the door.
To Egypt he fled, and ended up dead.
His head on a platter, he never looked better.
I won many wars, people fled out the doors.
Returning to Rome, I felt I was home.
But Brutus, my friend, was planning my end.
Senators 23 came running at me.
With daggers in hand, they stabbed me like mad.
“Et tu, Brute?” I cried.
And then, I died.
Caesar Octavian Augustus (63BCE-14CE) by Class 6
There was a descendent of Julius Caesar
Who was soon to become Rome’s Golden-Age leader.
Octavian opened a letter one day.
His mother said, “Danger is coming your way!”
But instead of fleeing, he travelled to Rome
And formed a triumvirate, sharing the throne
With Marc Antony, who then became traitorous,
And also a conspirator by the name of Lepidus.
Anthony and Cleopatra were plotting to rule,
But Caesar Augustus challenged him to a duel.
With all of his enemies finally dead,
He returned to Rome, and with peace he lead.
After 200 years, Temple Janus closed its gates,
For finally came the peace for which Rome did wait.
He built an alter with the Son of God’s name.
On his golden couch died. Then went up in a flame.
Below, you will find some beautiful portraits and illustrations of Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon that accompanied our student’s literacy work.
In leadership this week, we added to our special Assembly series, “Skits by Class 6.” Having shared skits about bullying, exclusion, physical and emotional bullying, we look forward to sharing further skits about blaming, bribery, racism and sexism. These skits support the Keeping Safe Curriculum and are driven by the students’ desire to help to build a culture of kindness and safety throughout our school. At assembly, our student leaders also presented a piece explaining the purpose of our school’s dress code to the younger classes. We have given this to Jenny to share with you all in this week’s newsletter.
Elaine Meyer
Maar Keyen/Class 6 Teacher
Class 6 Leaders
Dress Code Announcement from School Council Leaders
As student leaders, it is our job to help you understand and uphold our school codes of conduct.
Our codes are there to help us to all be safe at school, and to feel proud of being part of this beautiful community. We are very lucky not to have a school uniform, so some of you mav be wondering why our school has a dress code. The idea behind the dress code is that what we wear shows everybody that our school is a place of respect for learning, and for safe and sun-safe play.
This is the reason why we make sure our shoulders and our upper legs are covered by loose-fitting t-shirts and shorts. Coloured shirts and shorts that are longer than our fingertips are perfect choices for a hot summer's day. Don't forget to pair them with a wide-brim hat for the perfect sun-safe outfit!
None of us want to feel pressured to change our appearance to look like someone we are not.
None of us are going grey or bald yet, so there is no need for us to colour our hair or add hair extensions. We don't need nail polish and makeup to hide ourselves. We can be free here to just be ourselves!
None of us want to be advertising billboards for companies. When we see young people wearing slogans across their shirts, they are turning themselves into walking adverts. As children, we all have a right to wear clothes without a company's logo or emblem printed across the front.
Summer can be hot and sticky and it is tempting to wear backless sandals or thongs. At school, it's important to have enclosed shoes with good soles. This will stop us from injuring our feet on sharp things or stepping on bees, and help us to move safely while we are climbing trees or playing games.
Lastly, some of you were wondering why we have colours for the different days. The days of the week are named by many Ancient Cultures. For example, did you know that Roman names for the planets and celestial bodies match up with the days of the week?
Monday is Moonday, which is why we wear blue!
Tuesday is Mars day, the red planet.
Wednesday is Mercury day, the yellow planet.
Thursday is Jupiter, the orange planet.
Friday is Venus, the green planet.
When you follow our dress code, you join us in keeping our school as colourful as a rainbow, where we can all feel safe to be ourselves.
Week 6 Assembly Leaders
Music
We are now more than half-way through the term and all students are progressing well in their musical journey.
Class 3 have shown great enthusiasm in learning more music theory. So far they have learned to read and write ta and titi and how to read “high – low”. They are singing beautifully in unison and in rounds and I can’t wait for them to join the choir next year! Class 3 are well on track to be ready to start playing a string instrument in Term 3.
Classes 4, 5 and 6 get together once a week to form a big choir. Individual students are starting to take turns in leading a warm-up. It’s great to see their imagination and bravery in leading 59 other children. The choir is learning to sing two songs. Both songs are based on the Noongar season of Bunuru and composed by renowned Steiner Music Specialist Paul Lawrence. The first one, called “Summer Round” can be sung as a round in 8 bars. The students enjoy singing this round and each class has come up with actions for part of the lyrics. The effect when the whole choir is singing in a round and the actions move around the circle is impressive. The other song is called “Bunuru” and is a two part song. The choir has already learned the harmony part and is in the process of learning the melody line that goes with it. Through this song we are working on expressive devices such as dramatic crescendos over a phrase (getting louder through a section) and then dropping down to piano again (piano means soft).
Classes 4, 5 and 6 are also looking forward to performing in the Orchestra for the Celtic Dance in Week 7. They have worked hard to learn their parts and have had their first practice with Class 2 dancing, braving the heat on Thursday after lunch. The Celtic Dance is their first big performance of the year and many students’ favourite festival at the school. I look forward to seeing everybody at the Celtic Dance on the 15th of March.
Cristina Filgueira
Strings Specialist
Woodwork
WCSS Community Association
Dear School Community,
I hope every family has settled back into school and are enjoying a sense of belonging. There are many ways to immerse yourself in life at school which in turn creates a beautiful space for our precious children to blossom, as they take in how we come together as one in community.
Market Days
All are welcome to Market Day which is held every Tuesday after school on the stage area outside the woodwork room. Each week classes from 1 to 6 take turns in hosting Market Day for the school, and all money raised goes to the hosting class. Depending on the time you have, you may be able to donate some baking or fruit or herbs or cuttings from your garden, unwanted books or games, craft items, homemade jams, or meals. These are just a few ideas, but you can be as creative as want to be… it is your community market!
Volunteer Coordinator
WCSSCA (pronounced “Whiska”) are looking for someone to take the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Family Commitment Hours are claimable. For information regarding this please contact Maria 0423678254
New Table Tennis Table
WCSSCA has purchased a table tennis table for the school which will be situated near the back entrance for the children to enjoy and will be coming soon!
Hub Renovations
We are excited to bring you some fantastic updates about the Hub renovation! WCSSCA has successfully acquired a beautiful, original second-hand Jarrah kitchen from the 1960s. This unique addition has recently arrived on school grounds, marking the beginning of an exciting transformation for The Hub.
You may have noticed the renovations this week which marks the beginning of a fresh new look for The Hub, offering more space and expanded possibilities for our community.
The addition of new cabinetry is a significant step towards enhancing our facilities. It not only promises a traditional Stiener aesthetic and upgraded appearance but also provides us with the opportunity to diversify our offerings. With the expanded space, we plan to introduce a variety of drinks and before-and-after school snacks, enriching the overall experience for everyone.
We appreciate your patience and enthusiasm as we embark on this exciting journey to revitalise The Hub. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress, and we look forward to sharing the transformed space with you soon.
Undoubtedly, The Hub stands as the heart of our community, and building it requires the collective efforts of our community members. At this point, I extend heartfelt appreciation to the individuals who have generously volunteered their valuable time, contributing significantly to the current progress of The Hub renovation.
Special thanks to:
Carl Erasmus (who spent an entire day uninstalling the kitchen from its previous home)
Tim Newton (from Gravity Plumbing)
Ian Burthem
Jack Smyth (Painter Master)
Hope (Hub Captain)
Damien Ganzer (Muscle)
If any member of our community believes they possess a skillset that could be invaluable to the finalisation of The Hub renovation, I encourage you to reach out. Specifically, we need carpenters, tilers, handy individuals, and those with access to logs and wood. Your expertise and contributions are vital in creating a renewed and vibrant Hub for our community.
Thank you for your continued support!
With kindness in community,
Rachael (Class 2 parent) and Maria (WCSSCA Chair)
MARKET DAY ROSTER
March 12: Class 1
March 19: Harmony Week Indonesian Market all classes to contribute foods from a variety of cultures. All proceeds will go to our sister school in Bali.
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.
Employment Opportunities
Principal/School Administrator Position
Community News
Parent Business Directory
Welcome to the section where we 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) to marketing@wcss.wa.edu.au
I discovered craniosacral therapy after the birth of my second child. After a difficult entrance into the world, my son and I were in need of a safe and calm space for our nervous systems to balance. BCST is a soft therapy with no pressure, manipulation or force. Craniosacral gave us that space so our bodies could realign and heal. I just fell in love with this gentle therapy and decided to become a practitioner. I am passionate in assisting women and children on their journey toward a wholesome life.
With Love
Virginie Barker - WCSS Parent
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Karrinyup Wellness Center
168 Karrinyup Rd
6018 Karrinyup WA
08 93413020
vi.craniosacraltherapy@gmail.com
To learn more visit www.vicraniosacraltherapy.com.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
MARCH
Monday 11: NAPLAN Week
Tuesday 12: Class 1 Market Day
Friday 15: Celtic Dance 5.30pm
Tuesday 19: Harmony Week Indonesian Market Day / Perth Waldorf School High School Information Evening 6.30pm
Save the Date: Harmony Day Dress Up and Parade March 22 / WCSSCA Easter Craft March 27
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