School Newsletter Term 4 Week 6

Kaya WCSS Community

It gave me great pleasure to visit Class 3 this week and talk to them about my recent visit to the Goetheanum as a part of their Building and Shelters Main Lesson. I was greeted by an amazing chalkboard drawing by their Class Teacher Mel and a welcoming chalkboard from the children.  The children listened with interest and attention and asked great questions. I am looking forward to returning to view the model shelters that they are currently building and hear about the particular shelter they have chosen.

At West Coast Steiner School, we truly value the input of our parents and community members who volunteer their time to ensure our school thrives. We look forward to celebrating those who have given their time at our Thank You Morning Tea for Volunteers on Monday November 18. Please join us from 8.45am to 9.30am for a delicious morning tea, to celebrate and honour you for your time and efforts. And whilst you are there, be sure to reclaim your cake tins, platters, containers and marquees.  They are assembled on the bench outside the staff room, awaiting your collection so you can transport your homemade goodness to the many celebrations and gatherings that crowd our calendars at this time of year!

A good start to the day. In life, every day is an opportunity to practice who we want to become; our actions shape our character. A punctual and unhurried start to the school day is of enormous benefit to every child. Parents can support their children by arriving to school in time to enter the classroom for the start of the school day. An 8.20am arrival allows time for children to hang their bags, greet their friends and be ready for the daily school rhythm to begin promptly at 8.30am. WCSS considers punctuality to be of vital importance and to arrive late for the start of the school day is not only disruptive to the flow of the lesson but, if allowed to continue, can give rise to the formation of habits that may be hard to break in later life. It also means that your child may miss out on some of the benefits unique to a Steiner education. I encourage you to read our Steiner Spotlight on the Morning Circle – and ensure your child gets the benefit of every minute of what this wonderful education has to offer.

End of the Day Supervision. We take the supervision of your children very seriously. Recently, we have had some incidents where children have been left unsupervised in the playground and, after school hours, have found their way into areas which are out-of-bounds for students. We have also been locking up at the end of the day only to discover an unsupervised child in the grounds, who was unaware of where their parent was, as they had made their way back into the grounds whilst their parent was chatting on the oval.

To assist us in ensuring your children are kept safe and are supervised, please be sure to:

1. Promptly collect children at the end of the school day.
2. Once you have collected your child they become your responsibility.  Whilst you are in the school grounds, actively supervise your child and support them to continue abiding by school rules. ie, no ball kicking games or cricket on the front oval (please use the rear oval); no running on verandahs or climbing on railings etc.
3. When you know you may be late that day, please remind your child to wait under the supervision of the duty teacher at Kiss and Drive. They are not to play, unsupervised, in the school grounds or Hub. Once Kiss and Drive is cleared, children who remain will be taken to Reception and parents contacted to collect them.
4. The rear gate will be locked at 3.30pm each afternoon as staff are unable to supervise the rear area of the school adequately. If you intend to remain on the oval after school, please make your way there before 3.30pm to avoid having to exit through the front gate and walk around.

Thank you for your cooperation in assisting us to keep your children safe.

With warmth,

Jacqui Hollingworth

School Administrator/Principal

Administration Matters

Operation Dress Code

Thank you so much to all the parents who have supported their children in adhering to our dress code this week. It’s been lovely to see appropriate length shorts and skirts and hair tied back. One way we have addressed the issue is through some role reversal.  Students have picked me up this week for wearing:

• Dangly earrings
• Clothes that you notice before the person (see photo)
• Open toed sandals in Woodwork
• Digital watch
• Logos

Steiner Spotlight

The Magic of Circle Time in Steiner Classrooms

Circle time in Steiner schools is a cherished tradition, and a morning ritual where teachers and students form a circle weaving together song, movement, storytelling and several other elements related to their block study to create a harmonious start to the school day. This simple practice sets the tone for a day filled with wonder and learning.

What makes Morning Circle so magical? In a Steiner classroom, this thoughtfully structured, circle time includes elements of thinking, feeling and willing, which together nurtures growth. The benefits of morning circle are vast and often achieved unconsciously.

Establishing Rhythm and Routine - Circle time provides a consistent daily rhythm, offering children a sense of structure and predictability. This routine helps children transition smoothly from home to school life, creating a foundation for engaged learning every day.

Social Connection - Through songs, games, and group activities, circle time builds a sense of community and improves interpersonal skills and strengthens the bonds within the class. Children learn to work together, listen to each other, and appreciate the presence of their peers, creating a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.

Language Growth- Circle time is rich with opportunities for language growth. Storytelling, recitation of verses, and interactive discussions enhance vocabulary, listening skills, and verbal expression.

Movement and Coordination - They also involve physical movement, singing, and gestures. These activities enhance physical coordination, balance, and gross motor skills, engaging children in a manner that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Movement during circle time also helps children to release energy and focus better on subsequent tasks.

Emotional Wellbeing - Circle time creates an inclusive space that supports children's emotional health. Through activities that promote empathy and self-expression, children learn to understand and regulate their emotions.

Cultural and Seasonal Awareness – Incorporating seasonal festivals, cultural traditions, and nature-based themes, circle time connects children to the world around them. This instils appreciation for different cultures and the natural rhythms of the seasons.

Circle time is a cornerstone of the Steiner educational approach, offering a multifaceted and deeply enriching experience for young learners. When children can safely rely upon what will happen during each part of their day, through repeated activities with their own rhythm, their sense of security and wellbeing is dramatically affected. This impacts their ability to learn and retain information. The three Rs – rhythm, routine and reverence - are themes that run throughout the entire length and breadth of the Steiner curriculum and are especially important for establishing habits for life. Make sure your child does not miss a second of this nurturing experience.

To read more about the Morning Circle check out our blog articles.

The Morning Circle in Kindergarten

Why do we have circle time throughout the grades?

Parent Education

Family Commitment Hours are claimable for attendance at this event. Please register below. 

Exploring Anthroposophy - Registrations now open for 2025

A foundation in the principles of Steiner Education recommended for all new teachers, parents and support staff.  This course is for anyone with an interest in learning more about anthroposophy as the foundation of Steiner education and is particularly valuable for all Steiner School Support Staff, Parents, Teachers, and Teaching Assistants new to Steiner/Waldorf education.

Online Course begins Wednesday 19 February

Delivered online across 13 webinars, Wednesday evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm (AET)

No previous experience is necessary

Click here to learn more.

Early Childhood

Primary News

Class 1 Keyen

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

This week at assembly Class 1 students performed their very first Primary School Class Play. Much like their performance at the Kambarang Fair, our youngest primary students were confident, committed and focused. Well done to Class 1 and Joanne for all their dedication and hard work. Click below if you would like to read more about the importance of Class Plays in the Steiner curriculum.

Class 2 Koodjal

In Class 2, we are on a new journey with the children in the realm of Mathematics. We have entered the enchanting story of the Kingdom of Numbers, where the children become young seekers. They continue mastering the four processes—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—through encounters with characters who personify these operations.

In this faraway land, the children meet wise figures and magical helpers who invite them to solve challenges that meaningfully strengthen their mathematical skills. Through storytelling, rhythmic exercises, hands-on activities, and imaginative play, we explore how numbers come to life.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sharon, our practicum student, who has brought warmth, creativity, and an inspiring presence to our class. Sharon has supported each child with gentle encouragement and a joyful spirit, and her contributions have enriched our lessons in many ways. We wish her all the very best on her journey as a teacher.

Class 2 Koodjal Teacher

Kasia Rymarcyzk

Class 3 Dambart

Class 3 are creating beautiful artworks based on shelters from many different lands and cultures. As they  explore the different materials and structures designed to face the seasonal elements and vast weather conditions, their artworks continue to capture the most interesting details! 

Class 3 have also begun our construction project! So many creative ideas are being celebrated as we use natural and found materials to create our structures. This week we have been inspired by our Principal Jacqui, who came and spoke to us about her travels overseas and shared her knowledge and experience on Steiner's Goetheaunum.

Last week Class 3 received a much anticipated letter from their previous Education Assistant Blake, sharing his adventures to take up a teaching position at Golden Hill Steiner School in Denmark. 

Blake will be so delighted to receive letters back from the children. We have lots of questions for Blake about his class and his new school! Nurturing these relationships and celebrating each other regardless of our path is important to our learning. 

Mel Lenzi 

Class 3 Dambart Term 4 Teacher

Class 4 Koodjal Koodjal

Soccer Incursions 

Over the past month, our students have been eagerly participating in a series of soccer incursions that have filled the school with energy, enthusiasm, and lots of fun! They have been a wonderful opportunity for students to learn new skills, hone their teamwork, and enjoy the game together.

The coach introduced a variety of drills aimed at building skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting. Students of all experience levels had a chance to try out these moves, and the focus on inclusivity meant that everyone could find a role on the field and participate. The coach also incorporated fun activities and games into the sessions, ensuring that learning was balanced with plenty of laughter and excitement.

We were blessed to be able to host such a positive, skill-building program for everyone to enjoy.

Donna Shaw

Class 4 Koodjal Koodjal Teacher

Class 5 Maar

The Artist of Class 5

The Class 5 classroom has been buzzing with the immersion of all things creative arts! Steiner’s intention was that all kinds of artistic modalities be utilised across all subjects so that students receive a rich curriculum which enlivens and strengthens their emerging capacities for thinking, feeling and willing, or as we say at West Coast, head, heart and hands. Traditional education will almost solely be cultivating the mind, but with the Steiner  approach to education, we aim to cultivate all three qualities, thus truly aiming for a holistic approach to learning.

The heart is connected with the feeling, and modern research is abundant with the importance or art in our lives to engage the mind, body and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Thus, why art therapy is a growing modality for coming into balance with oneself.

The University of Florida found…

“Imaginative activities for young learners can lead to better skills in social interactions and emotional regulation. Lessons in the arts introduce students to problem solving techniques, which help them to see the world in new ways and provide access to creative ways of knowing.” 30^th November 2023

Class 5 had a series of much anticipated visits from Leslie Cotter, an accomplished Steiner Art Teacher with a wealth of knowledge. Her calm, quite presence coupled with her amazing skills, enriched our artistic skills as she presented colour expression, and developed our skills in form, balance and movement with pastel drawing.

While in form drawing the students aim to achieve harmony of space and symmetry, and with the learning of our string instruments, we hold the bow and listen to the correct pitch, similarly we take care and dedication to learn principals of beauty and lawfulness when painting and drawing.

"I am always doing things I can't do, that's how I get to do them."  -Pablo Picasso

For some the artistic realm brings about challenges of the will. While many students in a Steiner school come to possess amazing artistic skills, it is a myth that you need to be “good” at art to come to a Steiner school. We teach our students to create without judgement and to be free from inner constraints. The creative process is something mysterious and transformative. There is no wrong way to express yourself. That is the magic of art!

The more senses you use, the better and more thoroughly you’ll be able to grasp what you seek and learn. Artistic endeavours sharpen how you shape and see, and how you distinguish and perceive. When you immerse yourself in these creative therapies news ways of looking at the world emerges.

“The important thing is to arouse in children a real feeling for life, and colour and form have the power to lead right into life...these details are essential to the vitality of the work.” -Rudolf Steiner, 1922, The Spiritual Ground of Higher Education

In Class 5 we love to bring artistic endeavours to many of our learning experiences. As we begin Part II of our Ancient Greece Main Lesson, we have enjoyed learning with Olivia (our Curtin Practicum student and graduate of WCSS) and created an artwork or Medusa the Mythological Gorgon Monster who was beheaded by the great hero Perseus, a wet-on-wet painting of an Ancient Greece Temple, and a shadow artwork of Heracles fighting the Nemean Lion.

We also had a visit from MaryAnne Taylor, a WCSS parent and Art Therapist, who facilitated a sand mandala creative exercise. The students enjoyed using their senses with a variety of coloured sand (which we had previously coloured, a process in itself!) within a large circle and worked both individually and then finally as a team creating a beautiful mandala. We then proceeded to dance over the sand, much like the tradition of the Tibetan Buddhist monks who often performed sacred music and dance while creating and deconstructing sand mandalas. What a truly magnificent experience!

Viewing and creating artworks is a cherished part of our curriculum that not only develops the mind but also enlivens our soul! Come and check out the artworks from our future Picassos in Class 5!

Aimee Waller

Class 5 Maar Teacher

Class 6 Maar Keyen 

Class 6 were delighted to donate $500 to the Wildlife Hospital at Native ARC in Bibra Lake! We would like to thank the community who visited our Sustainable Activity Fair at the Kambarang Fair and made this kind of generosity possible.

We have spent the past two weeks immersed in the Wonder and Wisdom of Words, creating all kinds of different poems as we worked towards our own definition of what poetry is.

We discovered that poetry has a special kind of beauty and musicality that sets it apart from ordinary prose. We found that poets use not only words, but also the space on the page, to explore the full range of themes about what it means to be human. Poets have many thoughtful ways of engaging all of our senses, to ultimately touch our minds and hearts. We learned that by using some of these strategies, we too could create poems that held power, humour and poignancy.

At assembly, we enjoyed sharing our nature Haikus with the school. We invited the audience to join in when we reached the onomatopoeic (sound) words, which they did with great gusto! Here are a few of our Haikus, which we hope you will enjoy.

Elaine Meyer

Class 6 Maar-Keyen Teacher

Music

In Week 6 Class 3 had their first ever strings performance as a class. After seeing some of the students bravely stand up and perform in small groups and individually at pop-up performances at the Kambarang Fair I was looking forward to seeing the whole class play their instruments for their parents. The students were excited to show their parents what they have learned so far, starting with plucking and then bowing their open strings and even playing a piece using first finger. Their performance concluded with a performance of one of their favourite pieces, ‘Hiding in the long grass’, which they described to the audience as “scary” and “spooky”. It has been wonderful to see the class develop their skills on their instruments. They all help each other and make sure that everybody knows what we are doing. I have been blown away by their enthusiasm and dedication this semester. Even the most fidgety students stand still and focus entirely on their notes and their counting when they are playing their instruments. This was also evident in those who performed at the Kambarang Fair. I look forward to many more performances with Class 3.

The Orchestra and Choir performed at the Kambarang Fair to an appreciative audience. The Orchestra performed ‘Zombie Dance’ followed by ‘Our Heroes’. Both pieces were even better than when they last performed them at the ABODA Orchestra Festival in Term 3.

The Choir sang three songs. First one of our warm-up songs including movements called ‘Lean Forward Lean Backward’. Then the beautiful Irish song ‘The Parting Glass’, complete with an introduction and coda sung in Irish Gaelic by Class 6. Finally the Choir performed ‘Tongo’ the most ambitious song in our program. The Choir had to remember three different sections and sing the correct words and melody at the right time. Much of the song is in two parts and Classes 4, 5 and 6 were splendid in holding their own parts. The middle section of the song included percussion parts, played skilfully by Miles, Liam and Austin from Class 6.

Cristina Filgueira

Strings and Choir Specialist

Upcoming Performances:

Thursday Nov 21, 8.40am: Class 4 Assembly Performance

Monday Nov 25, 8.30am: Class 5 Strings Performances 

 Wednesday Nov 27, 2.30pm: Class 6 Strings Performance 

Thursday Dec 5 8.40am: Orchestra Christmas Assembly

Tuesday Dec 10: Parent and Staff Choir Performance @ Christmas Markets

Handwork

Class 3

Woodwork

WCSS Community Association

Dear School Community,

Advent Workshop

The end of term is fast approaching with the season of Advent beginning on the December 1. To mark this special time, WCSSCA, invites you to a wreath making workshop at the Hub on Thursday, 28th November at 1 pm. Come along and make a beautiful wreath to decorate your table or door for a gold coin donation. Greenery or branches will be needed - please bring them to the Hub the day before or on the morning of the workshop.

Hub Jobs

• Handy Person Needed: We're looking for a handy person to help with some minor tasks at the Hub before the end of the year. Family Commitment Hours can be claimed.
• Organiser: We are also seeking someone to assist in organising the Hub stock. If you love to organise this job is for you! This is another great way to earn Family Commitment Hours.

For further information please contact Maria on 0423 678 254.

Seeking a new Hub Captain

We are in search of a new Hub Captain to begin in the new year following the departure of our beloved Hope. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Hope for her incredible dedication, vision and hard work in this role.

Whilst the role commences in the new year, the new Hub Captain will complete a full induction by the end of this year. The role guarantees your commitment hours for the year and offers an amazing opportunity to be at the forefront of WCSSCA's most important asset - the Hub. The Hub serves as a vital platform for connecting with our community and raising valuable funds for our school.

Responsibilities:

* Organising “busy bees” for the hub

 *Assisting Ayla with stock take

* Keeping the hub space welcoming and beautiful

If you’re interested in making a meaningful contribution to our school community, please contact Maria 0423 678 254

Craft Group

Join us for Craft Group each Thursday at 12:30pm at the Hub. Come along and make some beautiful Christmas decorations.

Christmas Market

Save the date for our end of year celebration Christmas Market on December 10 at 12pm. Enjoy fun Christmas crafts, lunch, market stalls and lots more!  If you would like to have a stall at the market contact Rachael on rachaelmcilduff@hotmail.com

With kindness in community,

Rachael (class 2 parent)

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.

Author - Nicole Watts

WCSS parent and author, Nicole Watts has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts. She has been on both sides of the mental health divide, having worked on projects in the mental health sector and having a history of depression and anxiety herself. She spent fifteen years in the public service in a statistical role, writing around her work commitments. Nicole has published a book called Little Bundle of Sorrow, a collection of womens' stories of postnatal depression. You can find out more at her website https://nicolewatts.ampbk.com/ . Copies of the book can be ordered from Amazon or from the publisher, Austin McCauley.

Coming Events

November

Monday 18: Thank You Morning Tea for Volunteers, 8.45am 

Thursday 21: Class 4 Strings Assembly 8.40am; Cyber Safety Talk, 6.30pm (Performance Room)

Monday 25: Class 5 Performance for Parents

Thursday 28: School Tour 9.15am; WCSSCA Advent Wreath Making Workshop, 1.00pm (The Hub); Class 1, 2025 Talk 2pm (Gungurra Kindy); Class 6 Strings Performances 2.30pm

Friday 29: Class 2-6 Water Fun Day

SAVE THE DATE: Monday December 9, 6.30pm-8pm - Class 6 Graduation Ceremony (all primary students are expected to attend).

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