School Newsletter Term 4 Week 2
- Coming Events
- Kaya WCSS Community
- Administration Matters
- Shining a Light On...
- Parent Education
- Parent Engagement
- Steiner Spotlight - Steiner Voices XYZ
- Family Commitment Opportunities
- WCSS Community Association
- Early Childhood News
- Primary News
- Soft Handwork
- Alumni Focus
- Parent Business Directory
- Community News
- Weekly Events
Coming Events
October
Monday 27: Gumnut Parent Meeting 6pm
Tuesday 28: School Council Meeting
Friday 31: World Teachers Day
November
Saturday 1: Kambarang Fair 10am - 3pm
Monday 3: Pupil Free Day / Day in Lieu
Monday 10: How to Prepare for Kindergarten 2026 Talk 9am
Tuesday 11: The Transition to Kindy 6 and the 6 Year Old Change 9am
Wednesday 12: School Tour 9.15am
Tuesday 18: Lou Harvey-Zahra | Thriving Children Talk (Anger and Anxiety) 6.30pm
Wednesday 19: Lou Harvey-Zahra | Thriving Children Talk (Creative Discipline) 9am
Thursday 20: Kaart Koort Marra Culminating Community Celebration 6pm
Thursday 27: School Tour 9.15am
Friday 28: Class 6 PWS Orientation Day
SAVE THE DATE: Orchestra Assembly December 4; Rainbow Kindy Crowning Ceremony on Monday 15th December; Class 6 Graduation on Tuesday 16th December; Christmas Markets Wednesday December 17
Visit our website for the full school calendar
Kaya WCSS Community
Saturday November 1st is our Kambarang Fair and we are so looking forward to seeing our school filled with our families and showcasing all that is wonderful about our school community. It is a compulsory day of attendance for the students, with Monday as a day off of school for everyone. We ask parents to assist us by helping us with preparations ahead of the day, supervising your children on the day and ensuring they are delivered to their class 10 minutes ahead of their allotted performance times (orchestra, choir and each class from 1-6 are performing - see the Fair email sent on Oct 21 for performance times), taking part in the manning of stalls and assisting with pack down. Many hands will make light work.
Ahead of the Fair, we are marking another special day. Friday, October 31, is the global celebration of World Teachers' Day—a moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the guiding lights in our children’s lives: their teachers. World Teachers' Day was established in 1994 by UNESCO and today, over 100 countries observe the day, honouring the profound role teachers play in shaping not only minds, but hearts and communities. In Steiner education, teachers are not merely instructors but also mentors, artists, and soul gardeners—accompanying each child on their journey of becoming. The relationship between teacher and student is deeply human, built on trust, rhythm, and reverence. We invite families to mark this day in a heartfelt and non-commercial way, in keeping with the spirit of our school. Here are a few suggestions:
- A handwritten note or drawing from your child expressing what they love or appreciate about their teacher.
- A small bouquet of garden flowers, perhaps gathered together as a family.
- A verse, poem, or song shared in the morning circle or sent with your child.
- A moment of quiet gratitude—lighting a candle at home and holding the teacher in your thoughts.
- A simple thank-you spoken with sincerity at drop-off or pick-up.
These gestures, though simple, carry deep meaning and reflect the values we hold dear: connection, reverence, and gratitude. Let us come together in appreciation of the teachers who hold your children with such care and intention. May this day be a reminder of the quiet, steady work they do each day—and the joy we feel, travelling this journey together.
With warmth,
Jacqui Hollingworth
School Administrator/Principal
THERE once on earth was a Golden Age
When the veilings of light were a heavenly sign.
When the secrets of Nature were read like a page
By the people, still wrapped in stars' shimmer and shine.
It's seldom amongst us that gods can be seen;
And now there are fewer folks friends to the elves.
And yet in this surging of growth and of green,
My Angels speaks out to the great stars themselves;
"This child that I guide on the world's winding ways,
He once saw your flame and he knows how it burns.
In the darkness I'll lead him, through life's earthly maze
Till he win his own strength, and the victory earns."
In the Light of a Child, Michael Hedley Burton
Administration Matters
2026 TERM DATES
Term 1: Tuesday 3 February - Thursday 2 April
Term 2: Monday 20 April - Thursday 25 June
Term 3: Monday 20 July - Thursday 24 September
Term 4: Tuesday 13 October - Tuesday 15 December
BUSY BEE THANK YOU
Many thanks to the families who attended our Term 4 Busy Bee. Ahead of the Kambarang Fair the support from families who attended was invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your efforts.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
School photo are expected to arrive 10–14 November. Once received, photos will be distributed to students to take home. If you have any questions regarding your order, please contact MSP Photography directly here.
SEMESTER 2 REPORTS
Semester 2 School Reports will be emailed to parents/guardians in the final week of Term 4. Please ensure your email address is up-to-date to avoid delays in receiving your child’s report. If your contact details have recently changed, please notify Reception.
Shining a Light On...
To ensure our policies and procedures are highly visible to parents/carers, we regularly highlight a policy or important procedure in the 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 Enrolment Policy which includes details of the process for the withdrawal of a student. An abridged excerpt is included here:
The School must receive one term’s written notice using the Student Withdrawal Form prior to the withdrawal of a student, thereby ending the student’s enrolment in West Coast Steiner School. Verbal notice is not accepted. For a student withdrawing at the end of Term 1, Term 2 or Term 3 written notification must be received by Week 1 of that term. For a student withdrawing at the end of Term 4 and not returning the following year, written notification must be received by Week 6, Term 4. The notice period for Baby Group and Playgroup is 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the following term.
Parent Education
Steiner schools focus on thoughtful and meaningful celebrations that support children's healthy development and family values. Halloween is rapidly growing in popularity here in Australia and whilst it may be have deep significance for your family, it can be easy to fall into the trap of participating without asking if some of the practices truly reflect your family’s values.
We recommend avoiding aspects of Halloween celebrations that include commercialisation, negative environmental impacts (through disposable costumes, wrappers, decorations), dietary implications from processed sugary foods and ideas around collecting for oneself rather than giving to others (UNICEF has examples of this).
How to Redefine Your Family’s Halloween Traditions
Redefining your traditions starts with an exploration and communication with your parenting partner. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- What are the origins of Halloween? Do you connect with them on any level?
- What are your favourite Halloween activities?
- Are there any Halloween traditions that feel like a burden or don’t align with your values?
- What new traditions could you create to bring more joy and meaning to the holiday?
By reflecting on these questions together, you can create a Halloween celebration that feels personal, enjoyable, and aligned with your values, or you may decide it is not a day that your family chooses to celebrate.
Traditions are powerful tools for creating lasting family memories. When you consciously craft celebrations that resonate with your family’s interests and values, you’re building traditions your children will cherish—and potentially pass on to future generations.
Parent Engagement
Our Games Guru, David has taken the time to compile some of his favourite board games for you which are fun to play, impart developmentally appropriate learning and build family connection. We encourage you to give them a go, perhaps establish a "family games night" once per week, and let us know what your favourites are!
EMPIRE GAME OF THE WEEK
For Sale is a fast-playing auction game where players first bid for properties, then sell them for profit in a second round. The highest bidder doesn’t always win – timing and restraint matter just as much as bold bids.
At Empire, this gem introduces planning, money sense, and risk–reward judgment in a light and fun way. Children learn about value and probability while laughing over the creative house cards. Would you rather live in an outhouse or space station? First released in 1997, For Sale remains one of the most highly regarded “filler” games in the world.
It suits 3–6 players, ages 8+, for 30 minutes, and costs around $30–40.
David “The Wanderer” Hammond
Teacher and Host of games club, Empire
Steiner Spotlight - Steiner Voices XYZ
From Addiction to Managing Children and Screens- Y: Parents
Mary Heard returns to Steiner Voices to discuss screens and how to protect children from the dangers of their addictive use. Although the evidence of the negative impact that screen use has on young people is well established, parents can still feel they are swimming against the tide in a society where screen use for children is so widespread. Mary outlines useful strategies to actively manage screen use and as a parent educator working with Simplicity Parenting her website has many valuable resources for further reference: maryheardsimplicityparenting.com.
Family Commitment Opportunities
WCSSCA is looking for volunteers to help with jobs ahead of the Kambarang Fair. There are many things to do before fair day! Contact Claire to learn more. E: claire@qalamdesign.com
KISS AND DRIVE Volunteers are always needed to ensure Kiss 'n' Drive runs safely. Slots are available Monday-Friday 8.15am-8.45am and 2.55pm-3.25pm (Thursdays 2.05pm-2.35pm due to early finish). See Reception for more information.
KAMBARANG FAIR CRAFT KITS Help make items for the school fair! Take home sew kits are available, please see Sarah at Playgroup to collect your pack.
WCSS Community Association
🌼🐝🌾 2025 KAMBARANG FAIR 🌾🐝🌼
We invite every member of our community to contribute wholeheartedly to this day of celebration on Saturday November 1. With the fair in less than two weeks, there are many ways to help (volunteer hours are FCH claimable).
🌼 Select your preferred timeslot for your Class Activity on the Sign Up Zone roster https://legacy.signup.zone/vs5m2GXGsik4QRFXp
🌸 Golden Threads baristas (Ayla 0401954708 / Sign Up Zone)
🌸 Sustainability helpers (see Sign Up Zone)
🌸 Lemon donations (leave outside the Hub)
🌸 Greenery, sticks, vines, flowers for Kindergarten craft
🌸 Preloved BOOK donations (leave outside Library)
🌸 Parking marshals (see Sign Up Zone)
🌸 Call out for trestle tables, gazebos, eskys - notify Class Activity Leader, label with your name and drop to school Thursday 30 Oct
🌸 Baked sweets for cake stall. Leave in staff room Friday 31 October or early Saturday 1 November
With gratitude,
WCSSCA Organising Committee
Early Childhood News
Our incredibly knowledgeable Gumnut Kindergarten Teacher, Janet Happe, has written a moving piece on the power of human connection. Inspired by The Princess of Wales, Janet thoughtfully discusses how important relationships are, and highlights the Circle of Security that we offer to all parents free of charge at West Coast Steiner School.
"What do you think keeps us healthy and happy as we go through life? If you could invest time and energy into one thing that could help you and your family thrive, what would it be? Science gives us a surprisingly clear answer: it’s the quality of our relationships that matters more than almost anything else!"
KINDERGARTEN 2026
Please note the changes to contact times for kindergarten next year.
Gumnut Kindy 4: Monday and Tuesday 8.30am-12.30pm
Multi-age Kindy 4: Wednesday and Friday 8.35am-12.30pm
Kindergarten 5: Wednesday and Friday 8.35am-3.05pm; Thursday 8.35am-2.15pm
Kindergarten 6: Monday-Friday 8.35am-3.05pm; note early finish every Thursday 2.15pm
Primary News
In Class 3 Dambart we began the term by entering the world of ancient Hebrew stories in our English main lesson. This work continues the story journey we have followed throughout the year, moving through the great stories of humanity that reflect the growing inner life of the child. The Hebrew stories speak of family, faith, courage and the search for guidance, and these themes meet the Class 3 child in a meaningful way. Through retelling, shared discussion and written work, the children have been deepening their understanding of grammar and sentence structure in a way that still honours story and imagination. It has been wonderful to see how thoughtfully they hold these stories.
We have also completed our house-building projects, which have been a rich and practical learning experience. Each child began with an idea, then moved through planning, measuring and hands-on construction. Many houses were rebuilt along the way as new solutions were found and stronger structures were discovered. Some children chose to design houses that reflected their own family traditions and heritage, which brought beautiful individuality to the work. Others created homes from their imagination or inspired by the natural world. Every house tells a story of perseverance, creativity and pride in craftsmanship. Our exhibition is now set up outside the classroom for everyone to see, and the children are very proud to share their work with the school community.
Our life with the chickens has also taken a new step. Earlier this year we hatched ten eggs and watched our tiny chicks grow. Over time we discovered that five of them were roosters. Together, we spoke about the needs of animals and the responsibilities that come with caring for them. With thought and kindness we found the roosters a beautiful new home on a large farm, where they roam freely among many animals, including a family of peacocks. They have settled in well. Our hens remain happy in the coop, and caring for them continues to be part of our daily rhythm.
Thank you to our Class 3 families for your ongoing support.
Warmly,
Kasia Rymarczyk
Class 3 Dambart Teacher
Class 6 Maar Keyen has had an incredible start to Term 4, continuing to shine as leaders and innovators in our school community. At the end of last term, our amazing Class 6 senators led the primary school in the Michaelmas Festival. With confidence, creativity, and care, they organised and guided their teams, showing true leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. It was a joy to watch them support their peers and bring the festival to life – I couldn’t be prouder of the way they rose to the challenge! And now, they’re diving headfirst into a brand new adventure! This term, Class 6 is launching their very own business ventures for the upcoming Kambarang Fair on Saturday, 1st November! Working in business teams, students have created stall ideas from scratch – including market research, cost vs. profit planning, advertising strategies, and product design. Their ideas have been reviewed and approved by real-world professionals – Julia (Marketing) and Steeve (Business Manager) – who visited to share industry insights and mentor our budding entrepreneurs. The level of ingenuity, teamwork, and enthusiasm has been phenomenal. These students are not only leading – they’re innovating! We’re calling our marketplace ‘Wonderland Stalls’, inspired by the whimsical theme of our class musical. Expect a lively variety of stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to mouth-watering snacks, all run by our imaginative and hard-working Class 6 students.
- Come visit the Wonderland Stalls on Saturday, 1st November
- Located in the new demountable next to the library
You won’t want to miss this magical mix of creativity, community, and commerce!
Aimee Waller
Class 6 Maar Keyen Teacher
Soft Handwork
Class 1 have been learning to knit using knitting needles they made from Rose Gum.
Class 2 is having a knitted doll bonanza!
Class 3 have been finishing crochet projects.
Class 4- two cross stitch fountain pen holders.
Class 5- lovely owls knitted after their beanies were finished.
Class 6 lots of very hard work to sew the wonderful dolls.
Alumni Focus
A key feature of the Steiner Curriculum in Year 12 is the final project which is comprised of written, practical, presentation and planning components. It is always impressive and affirming to see the final year of this complex, rigorous and intentional curriculum. The Class 12 Project Presentation is the final assessment for Perth Waldorf School Year 12 students, some of them WCSS alumni. The presentation schedule has been released and we encourage families, particularly those considering Steiner education for high school, to attend or view the presentations that interest them. There is a breadth of topics to choose from!
View the schedule via the link below.
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 and contact details) to marketing@wcss.wa.edu.au
Sense of Space WCSS parent, Gemma James offers therapeutic movement and therapeutic essential oils, integrating two methodologies; Fascial Movement & Contemporary Pilates. At Sense of Space we have been practicing & teaching this unique style for over two decades. It has changed our lives. It will change yours. Visit www.senseofspace.com.au for more information. E: gemma@senseofspace.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 products are available at Woolworths, Costco, IGA, Farmer Jack’s and others. Chat with Yuri on 0402 730 490
Rhema Group is a WCSS family owned building and carpentry company specialising on all structural carpentry projects, from house framing to decks and patios. Contact WCSS kindergarten parent Sam on 0434 618 735/admin@rhemabuilding.com or visit their website to learn more.
Breathwork is a practice that relaxes your nervous system with the power of your own breath. Breathwork will bring you out of the fight and flight state, allowing you to find joy, peace and bliss. To learn more about breathwork contact WCSS kindergarten parent, Giulia on 0451 119 102.
Run by WCSS Woodwork Specialist, Yolanda Millar, Yol Creative provides workshops for anyone wanting to explore their artistic side. Great for team building activities, get togethers, birthdays or just if you would like to learn some skills and have some fun! Explore the Facebook Page for more info.
WCSS parent and author, Nicole Watts has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts. Nicole's book, Little Bundle of Sorrow, is a collection of women's stories of postnatal depression. Find out more at her website.
Message Justyna your details if you want to be added - justyna.gingell@gmail.com
Community News
Almost 100 years have passed since the creation of the first Waldorf Kindergarten, back in 1926. To celebrate these 100 years , we are taking part in a big project with all Steiner schools in WA to make 100 dolls to give away to 100 kindergartens across the world. Would you like to be part of it? This term we will organise the materials and start to make them together in the craft group, which happens on Thursdays from 12.50 to 2.15. If you would like to participate but the time does not work for you, feel free to email me at thais.bolgueroni@wcss.wa.edu.au and we will find a way to make sure you can be part of it. It will be lovely to have our community involved in such a special project!
Love,
Thais and Sarah
Weekly Events
Market Day: Tuesdays 3.05pm
Craft Group: Thursdays 12.45pm at The Hub
Yarning Circle: Wednesdays 8.15am in the Library
Weeding Wednesday: Wednesday 8.45am - 9.45am
Golden Threads
Monday-Friday 8.00am - 10.30am
Mon, Weds, Fri 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Thursday 1.30pm - 3.00pm