School Newsletter Term 2 Week 6
Kaya WCSS Community
Kaya WCSS Community
What a wonderful place of learning and enrichment our Steiner school is. Over this fortnight all classes have engaged in some outstanding creative and challenging learning. Class 1 have been singing like angels with a professional musician, Class 2 have been learning to play their incredibly beautiful hand-made lyres, Class 3 have made gorgeous calendars and have explored the topic of Time, Class 4 have created the most inventive animal shelters ever seen, Class 5 have thrilled audiences with their highly entertaining play and Class 6 have been learning about escaping Fenians, Platonic Solids and Euclidean Geometry. All this in just two weeks! What stunning achievements! Read on in our newsletter to find out more…
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, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue. Classes will be undertaking various activities during National Reconciliation Week and we will begin updating our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). If you are interested in joining our RAP committee, please contact Elaine or me. Ngalakat dorndjal koorliny (Together we are gathering in).
Next Week, Class 6 are off to camp in Busselton with Elaine and David. We will miss them and wish them many fine adventures. Friday 31 May is a Pupil Free Day, and staff will be undertaking professional learning with Coosje Griffiths on Bullying Prevention and also working on shared artistic pursuits. The school is closed on Monday 3 June for the Public Holiday. We hope you enjoy time with your families and friends on this long weekend and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 4 June.
May your week be lived with warmth of heart.
Jenny Dougan
School Administrator/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 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
From Administration
New Principal Announcement
It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome our new Principal, Jacqui Hollingworth, to the West Coast Steiner School community. Jacqui brings to our school a wealth of experience in educational leadership and a deep commitment to Steiner education.
Her educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the values of goodness, beauty and truth, and aligns seamlessly with our school's mission. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Steiner Education and is actively involved in the Steiner educational community. Jacqui is a strong advocate for an education that caters to all aspects of a child's development.
As Jacqui begins her tenure with us, she is excited to bring her passion for educational excellence and community building to West Coast Steiner School. She looks forward to collaborating with all of you—students, parents, and staff—to continue our school's legacy of providing a rich, holistic education that prepares our children for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Jacqui will commence as Principal at the begining of Term 3 and we trust you will make her feel very welcome.
Parent Teacher Interviews – Friday, 21 June 2024
Parent/Teacher Interviews serve the purpose of facilitating open communication between parents and teachers regarding a student's academic progress, social development and overall wellbeing. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents to gain insights into their child's school life. Parent-Teacher Interviews promote student success and holistic development by ensuring that both home and school environments are aligned in supporting the student's educational journey.
Each interview will run for exactly 15 minutes with a 5 minute break for interview transitions.
Click here and follow the prompts to book your preferred slot.
The Booking System will close Monday, 17 June 12:00AM.
SUPPORT FOR VIOLA
If any families would like to cook a meal for Viola’s family of five, there are no specific dietary requirements, just healthy, nourishing food. Meals should be freshly prepared and then frozen. They can be delivered to Reception with an ingredients list, and we can pass them on to Viola. Containers will be returned to you if you label them.
SCHOOL TOURS
We have one school tour remaining for Term 2 on Thursday June 13, commencing at 9.15am. Friends and family can book in directly here.
Dear Class 4, 5 and 6 parents,
A lot of instruments are being left at school over the weekend. Students are supposed to practise on the days that they are not at school, and we cannot guarantee the safety of the instruments on the weekend when there are no staff present. Please ensure that your child brings their instrument home over the weekend. Thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
Cristina Filgueira
Strings Specialist
Shining a Light On...
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2024
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
The National Reconciliation Week 2024 design and artwork represent the momentum of the theme Now More Than Ever. The chevron, a universal symbol for pointing the way, signifies advancing as one as we look towards a reconciled future; and the vibrant artwork of Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie Douglas encourages connecting with one another, understanding and continuing to move forward.
- Reconciliation Australia
Council
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” -Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Call for Nominations: Join the WCSS Council
We are excited to extend an invitation to all passionate members of our community to nominate themselves to join the School Council for 2024 to 2026.
The WCSS Council serves as the guiding force behind our school's governance and strategic direction. We believe in the power of collaboration and stewardship to nurture an environment where every student can thrive and grow.
We are seeking individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds, including expertise in governance, strategic management, education, human resources, construction, the environment and law. If you have a passion for education and a desire to make a difference, we want to hear from you! If you or someone you know feels they wish to contribute please do submit a nomination.
To learn more about the responsibilities and opportunities of serving on the Council, please contact Justin Coombs at 0427 834 758 or via email at chair@wcss.edu.wa.au.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the West Coast Steiner School Assocation is to be held on Tuesday, June 11 at 3.15pm in the Performance Room.
Nominations for Council will be presented at the AGM (see above for further information). The opportunity to serve on our governing body provides a unique insight into the school and a chance to oversee the management, strategic direction, finances and be involved in opportunity/risk analysis.
Even if you are not nominating for Council membership, parents and staff are invited and encouraged to attend the AGM. There will be staff members on duty in the front playground to supervise children so that you may attend the meeting.We hope to see you there.
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.
PLAY EQUIPMENT
We are looking for a volunteer to sand and repaint various outdoor play equipment in the Kindergarten and Class 1. Timing is flexible. Please contact our Business Manager if you can help. 9440 1771/ finance@wcss.wa.edu.au
SOUP DAY
WCSSCA are looking for volunteers for Soup Day. Soup Days will be on Wednesdays each week commencing on June 5. Volunteers will be needed for food preparation, serving and cleaning up. This is a wonderful way to support the nourishment of our precious children during the cold winter months, and Family Commitment Hours are claimable. Please contact Maria on 0423 678 254 if you can help.
SOUP DAY HELPERS
All Soup Day volunteers must complete the free food safety training course 24 hours before Soup Day. The City of Stirling is providing free food safety training courses. Both training packages provide food handlers with the required skills and knowledge to ensure that food is handled in a safe and hygienic manner. Once finished, food handlers can print their Certificate of Completion.
To find out more information or to access the course, please visit the I’m Alert website.
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 is offering three courses per term to enrich parent understanding and knowledge of Steiner education. For more information view the Community News section below.
Early Childhood
Primary News
Class 1 Keyen
Class 1 have been enthusiastically embracing their weekly singing lessons with Brendan. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist with an Honours in Jazz from WAAPA, Brendan has played with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and Drapht, and also happens to be Class 1 Teacher, Joanne’s son! Click the link below for a snippet of Class 1's angel voices.
Class 2 Koodjal
There is a beautiful tradition at West Coast Steiner School where parents craft a musical instrument called a lyre and gift it to their own child to mark the beginning of their musical journey.
This process of making the lyre is not just about the end product. It's a journey that demonstrates to the students how a parent uses their will to complete the lyre, a task they may have never undertaken before. Learning new skills and achieving a beautiful instrument for a child is a wonderful gift. During a magical ceremony, Class 2 parents presented beautiful, handcrafted lyres to their children.
The students have already begun to learn to play the light and calming sounds of this ancient and unique instrument. Class 2 parents should feel very proud of the dedication and care they put into creating lyres for their children.
Kasia Rymarczyk
Class 2 Koodjal Teacher
Class 3 Dambart
The Gardening and Farming Main Lesson trickles like a stream, through the Class 3 year. Learning that the Mother Earth when left to her own devices, applies fire, wind, water and air in turn and a perfect harmony of growth emerges and recedes throughout the year.
Deepening their Main Lesson on time, Class 3 made these delightful, bespoke calendars as a Mother’s Day gift.
Jayne Wylie
Class 3 Dambart Teacher
Class 4 Koodjal Koodjal
As part of Class 4’s The Human Being and Animals Main Lesson each student chose an animal to investigate; creating a 3D model and a researched report. Here are just a few of the diverse projects.Well done Class 4!
Donna Shaw
Class 4 Koodjal Koodjal Teacher
Class 5 Maar
Ancient Egypt
After 4 weeks of preparations and rehearsals Class 5 performed the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’ to the West Coast students and community. The students participated in a self-reflection of their experience both celebrating the highs of their experience and the skills that could be worked on. All in all, the students were very proud of themselves, as they all admitted how far they had come since their first play in Class 1 2020.
We now move straight into Ancient Egypt! We begin with studying the land, focussing on the great gift of the Nile and all its treasures, as we work hard at re-creating maps. We will hear the stories of the ancient gods starting with the creation story and listening to the story of Osiris and Isis. The students are excited to complete a mini project on a chosen god or goddess and in groups the students will make a shaduf. The Great Pyramids, investigating signs and symbols and hieroglyphics will also be reviewed. The students are also looking forward to working on many artworks focussed on this ancient epoch. Ancient Egypt has always been a fascinating culture for many people, and we look forward to hearing recent travels from our Wednesday teacher David about how many secrets from long ago have survived 5000 years and can be still seen today.
Aimee Waller
Class 5 Maar Teacher
Class 6 Maar Keyen
Axioms of the Soul
Euclidean geometry
5 Axioms hold true:
2 distant points can always meet
Connecting me to you.
Not only meet, but carry on
Past what our eyes can see;
For once we meet, we can endure
Beyond infinity.
And if we stop at any point
And choose our radius,
Circles of love we can create
As large as we may wish.
Now when you stand upon the Earth
An angle you will make;
It’s 90 degrees, just like mine,
We’re congruent—no mistake.
The final Law is not obtuse,
In fact, it is a beaut;
If one line intersects 2 more
At angles both acute,
These two lines may be miles apart
But won’t be so forever.
So lean a little towards me, friend:
In time, we’ll come together.
E Meyer. Based on Euclid’s 5 Axioms of Geometry, in his 13-part book “Elements,” 300BCE.
Class 6 have explored several new elements of Geometry and discovered some surprising things! Amongst our new discoveries are the wonders of Platonic Solids and the magic constant, pi π. Be sure to ask us how to calculate the circumference and area of a circle, divide a circle perfectly by multiples of 2 or 3, create a hexaflexagon , make a net for almost any regular 3-D shape, and identify where in the earth, sea, and human body you can find regular polyhedra. We’ve been using our new skills to create some beautiful art, as you will see below.
This week, we have enjoyed visits from Dr Tim McCabe and Patricia Crook in support of our play. A fluent Noongar speaker and student of Elder Cliff Humphries, Tim has generously edited the Noongar for our play, and helped us to perfect our pronunciation. Incredibly, Tim is descended from the Jackson/Lyons family and related to Father Patrick McCabe, who all risked their freedom to assist Fenian poet John Boyle O’Reilly escape his unjust incarceration in West Australia. Patricia is a marvellous storyteller and, after her mesmerising rendering of O’Reilly’s escape, we were thrilled to have her return to teach us the story of how the remaining Fenians were rescued. What an exciting week!
Elaine Meyer
Class 6 Maar Keyen Teacher
Handwork
Lovely dolls are being completed with such care. The students are so proud of them. And a very fine horse has been finished too.
EA Claudia is progressing though the projects in the Handwork curriculum and has knitted a fine chicken!
Woodwork
Sustainability
Home Composting Guide
Composting at home is a wonderful way to reduce waste, enrich your garden, and teach your children about sustainability. Here’s an overview of different composting solutions, how to establish each one, how long each cycle takes, and how to use the compost product.
Types of Composting Solutions
- Traditional Composting
- How to Establish: Set up a compost bin in a shaded, well-drained area of your yard. Add a mix of green waste (vegetable scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds) and brown waste (dry leaves, cardboard, grass clippings).
- Cycle Duration: Compost is typically ready in 3 to 6 months.
- Usage: Use the mature compost to enrich garden beds, potted plants, and lawns.
- Vermicomposting (Worm Farms)
- How to Establish: Start with a worm bin and add bedding material like shredded newspaper or cardboard. Introduce red worms (Eisenia fetida) and gradually add kitchen scraps.
- Cycle Duration: Worms produce compost in about 2 to 3 months.
- Usage: Harvest worm castings and mix them into soil or create compost tea to water your plants.
- Bokashi Composting
- How to Establish: Use a Bokashi bin and Bokashi bran (a mix of microorganisms). Add food scraps in layers, sprinkling bran between each layer. Seal the bin tightly to ferment the waste.
- Cycle Duration: The fermentation process takes about 2 weeks. After fermentation, bury the waste in soil, where it will decompose in another 2 to 4 weeks.
- Usage: Mix the fermented material into garden soil to enhance fertility.
Tips for Successful Composting
- Balance Greens and Browns: Ensure a good mix of green materials (kitchen scraps, fresh yard waste) and brown materials (dry leaves, cardboard) to maintain the right carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
- Maintain Moisture and Aeration: Keep the compost moist, but not soggy, and turn it regularly to aerate and speed up decomposition.
Benefits of Using Compost
Compost is great for garden beds, lawns, and even indoor plants, promoting healthier and more vibrant growth. Using compost improves soil structure, adds essential nutrients, increases moisture retention and turns organic food waste into a useful product.
If you are wondering where to recycle non organic items, you can use this useful website to find a recycler in your area:
https://recyclingnearyou.com.au
Perth Waldorf School would love to welcome our school community to their upcoming Yanganiny Clothing Market. We are anticipating a joyful community event and all funds raised will go toward books for our Library. Purchase tickets here.
They also have this private group to join for those who would like to stay updated: PWS & PSC Circular Clothing Economy
Alumni Focus
Class 12 Projects ~ Amelia Jordan
WCSS Class of 2018
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago (as in 4 years ago) I competed in a Khanacross, my first motorsport event. A Khanacross involves driving a car round a gravel track, one at a time, competing for the fastest time.
From this point I was hooked and as a result dad and I went out and bought a Ford Laser to race and a trailer to tow it. My involvement grew to competing as a co-driver in state gravel rallies and then tarmac events. I hope to one day be driving in the state gravel rallies, however I first need to win the lotto a few times.
From the time I started competing I wanted rallying to be the topic of my year 12 Project. Finding a suitable focal point that grabbed me was challenging. Initially I wanted it to stem from the practical of converting my 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer into a rally car, however due to time constraints, and finding out that building my own rollcage would not be possible, I had to change my ideas. It was through my interest in the origins and history of rallying, particularly with Group B rally cars, that I came up with my question:
“What is the history of the evolution of rally cars, and what is required to ensure the long-term continuation and relevance of the sport?”
Through my research I have learnt that the first ‘rally’ was held in 1894, as a horseless carriage race from Paris to Rouen. Though this race was not specifically called a rally, it included many features that we recognise in rallies today. However, instead of being judged on the fastest time, the event was won by the vehicle that was deemed to be the safest, easiest to handle, and most economical. Since then, cars have evolved dramatically, to be faster but also safer. The current top competing cars in the World Rally Championship (WRC) are hybrid cars. These cars cost ~1,600,000 AUD to make. Due to these unaffordable prices only three manufacturers currently compete in the WRC, Toyota, Hyundai, and M Sport (Ford). To try and attract more manufacturers to compete, hybrid cars will be abandoned as the top competing cars in the WRC in 2026, replaced by a new set of regulations, with the intention of a separate electric category to be introduced at the earliest opportunity.
My practical is still evolving, but my aim is to create an awareness of rallying and what it involves and show that it is easier to get involved in the sport than some people may first suspect.
I hope to be able to use it as an opportunity to share the thrill, fun and accessibility of rally car driving with others.
WCSS Community Association
Dear School Community,
WCSSCA (pronounced “whiska”) invites you to come and try the new food and drinks available at the Hub. There are delicious chia pots, overnight oats, and cold-pressed juices. All snacks and drinks are natural and plant-based. We would love to know what you think of them, so drop in and give them a taste.
There will be a lantern-making workshop in preparation for the Winter Festival. The lantern workshop will be on Wednesday, June 12, after drop-off at the Hub. Save the date and join us to make beautiful star wax paper lanterns.
Craft Group is held each Thursday at 12:35pm at the Hub. This term, we are making adorable, weighted cats. Come along and spend a relaxing afternoon of craft guided by the lovely Sarah.
WCSSCA is looking for volunteers for Soup Day. Soup Days will commence on Wednesdays each week, starting June 5. Volunteers will be needed for food preparation, serving, and cleaning up. This is a wonderful way to support the nourishment of our precious children during the cold winter months, and Family Commitment Hours are claimable.
If you can help, please contact Maria at 0423 678 254. WCSSCA is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for all volunteers.
With kindness in community,
Rachael (Class 2 parent)
MARKET DAY ROSTER
May 28: Class 1
June 04: Class 6
June 11: Class 5
Community News
News items listed in our Community Noticeboard are not school endorsed but are included here for the information and benefit of our wider community. We welcome submissions to appear in this section of our newsletter and inclusion is at the discretion of WCSS.
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
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a soft therapy with no pressure, manipulation or force. Virginie will use light touch while bringing a safe space to calm your nervous system which will bring the whole system into a state of balance. In that state, healing and change will take place in your body. BCST is like a big hug to the nervous system. It can help with releasing emotional or physical restrictions throughout the body, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, aches and pain, improve sleep, energy, wellbeing and so much more.
With love
Virginie Barker - WCSS Parent
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
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
Yol Creative
Run by our very own Woodwork Specialist, Yolanda Millar, Yol Creative provides creative workshops for anyone who would like to explore their artistic side. These workshops are great for team building activities, get togethers, birthdays or just if you owuld like to learn some skills and have creative fun!
Explore the Facebook Page for more info.
Coming Events
MAY
Sunday 26: National Sorry Day
Monday 27: Reconciliation Week Begins, Class 6 Camp
Tuesday 28: Market Day Class 1
Friday 31: Pupil Free Day
June
Monday 3: WA Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 4: Market Day Class 6
Tuesday 11: Class 2 & 3 AQWA Excursion, Council AGM after school 3.15pm
Thursday 13: Strings Assembly 8.45am, School Tour 9.15am
Friday 14: Parent & Staff Mixer 7.00pm
Monday 17: Gumnut Winter Festival
Tuesday 18: Early Childhood Winter Festival
Wednesday 17: Primary Winter Festival
Thursday 20: Pajama Day Fundraiser
For further Term Dates check the school website calendar
WEEKLY
Winter Festival Song Practice: Mondays after drop off at The Hub
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
