OPEN DAY AND FAIR 2025

We are so pleased to welcome families and the general public to our school this Saturday.

Steiner Education is a treasure trove of delight in terms of how it provides opportunities, at the right time, for children to develop in a healthy way. From Early Childhood right through to High School there is a high level of consciousness about meeting the needs of the students before us whether that is strengthening their will forces, their feeling life and imagination or their thinking and reasoning. 

On Saturday, we all have a chance to see inside the classrooms, look at student work and various performances and speak with teachers about what makes our school such a lovely place for children to grow and develop into being creative, thoughtful and resilient adults.

There will also be a range of stalls and food available to make the day relaxing for you, your family and your friends.

The Programme is in this edition.

Steiner Education in Central Australia

Over the last week, our school was represented at a meeting of representatives from Steiner schools across Australia. It was hosted by Steiner Education Australia at the Alice Springs Steiner School. Seeing the way that school provides a holistic and creative education in a central Australian context was inspiring. Opportunities to make bush medicine, cook and eat kangaroo tails and enjoy damper from a fire pit, alongside Aboriginal people connected to the school, was a highlight.

Anthwerrke (Emily’s Gap) in Central Australia was one of the many places visited at the SEA meeting

The Crucible

Our Class 10 students would love you to come and watch their performance of The Crucible. Anyone is welcome to any of the performances. See inside for details.

Survey

Thanks for the great response to the Parent/Carer Satisfaction Survey. If you haven’t received it or would like it sent again, please contact Fiona – fpeters@pws.wa.edu.au. Feedback in this way is useful to ensure our staff feel valued, seen and we are all challenged to provide Steiner education in the best way possible.

Have a great Open Day and Fair. Thank you to everyone involved. 

With much gratitude

Bruce Lee
School Administrator

Bright the sun's gold rays are streaming;
Streaming fills my soul with light.
Light becomes a sword of radiance,
Radiance flashing in dark night.
Night is banished. See Love's sun-rise,
Love's Sun rising, warm and bright.

by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 48

Steiner Education Training 2026-27 

We are excited to announce that Steiner Education Training will be offered again next year.

The Part-Time Course will run over 2 years and will give participants a deep understanding of Steiner Education and it's educational philosophy. The Course is both informative and artistic, and no prior experience or knowledge is required. The enlivening and creative programme is useful to Teachers, Assistants, Parents and anyone involved with child development.

Contact Candice Mersch in the front office for more details.

Class 1 Craft

Class 1 children have knitted balls, a complex skill and a delightful result.

Class 4 Craft

From the Head of Primary

Later this term, on Friday September 19th, PWS hosts the Greek Olympics, with Class 5 children from every Steiner school in WA converging for a day of challenging, but fun, athletics events. Our own class 5's have been busy practicing for each event, and last week welcomed the athletes from Silver Tree Steiner School to form connections, and to familiarise themselves with the ‘arena’.

Last Thursday Noongar elder, Auntie Alta Winmar, visited every Primary class to either tell stories or provide an indigenous perspective on the Main Lessons the children were experiencing – for example, local geography in Class 4, Botany in Class 5 and Astronomy in Class 6. She made an instant connection with the children and was impressed with the musical sharing from some classes, including an original song written by Gosia and her class about Bibra Lake in the season of Djeran.

We also welcomed the new Class 2 teacher, Renee Bowyer. Renee is a Steiner graduate and an experienced class teacher who has worked in three other Steiner schools prior to joining us. Renee takes over from Jayne Shepherd who left at the end of Term 2 to follow her passion of teaching in a remote school.

I’d like to acknowledge the Class 2 parents for their support, and the work of Kelly Geyer, Rochelle Mulqueen and the Class 2 assistants, Candace, Jenna and Sonia, who have formed the class so beautifully during this time of transition.

Finally, please see Jo Doernberg's article about the Djilba/Michael festival in week 10, and sign up for some volunteering on the day if you are able. It’s a wonderful day and a great way to experience the event close-up.

Kevin Mazzer
Head of Primary School

Djilba/Michael Festival 2025

Wednesday, September 24 | Large Field

As spring begins to bloom, we’re excited to once again celebrate the Djilba/Michael Festival—a special day focused on Michaelic forces, working together with others, and embracing the lovely new season of Djilba.

This year’s festival will take place on Wednesday, September 24, on the Large Field. Just like last year, our wonderful Year 6 students will step into leadership roles to guide and support their teams throughout the day.

The success of this much-loved event relies on the generous help of our school community—we’re looking for around 35 parent volunteers to assist with a range of activities, from setup to scoring and packing up.

Here’s how you can help:

Setup (8:45 – 10:00 a.m.) - Approx. 10 parents needed

Scoring & Support (12:00 – 2:30 p.m.) - Approx. 15 parents needed

Pack Up (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.) - Approx. 10 parents needed

The day will begin with setup at 8:45am. Students will arrive and begin their activities at 12:30pm, with games running until about 2:10pm. As is tradition, we’ll end the day with Anzac cookies and juice—a perfect finish to a joyful and energetic day.

If you’re able to lend a hand in any way—whether it’s during setup, scoring, packing up, or assisting throughout the day—please get in touch with me at jodoernberg@pws.wa.edu.au or speak with your child’s class teacher.

Thank you for helping us bring this special event to life once again!

Jo Doernberg

Class 9 Science Main Lesson - Transformations of Plant Substances

The class 9 students are exploring plant chemistry this term in a main lesson called “Transformations of Plant Substances.” This is a particularly experimental and hands-on main lesson involving the burning, boiling, fermenting and decomposition of woods, leaves and fruits.

Students enjoyed fermenting raisins to make wine. How did they know they made wine? No, they didn’t taste it!

They arranged the distillation equipment to boil the alcohol from the solution and determined the alcohol smelled and burned like ethanol.

We created a compost pile with carbon, nitrogen, water and activators, and our compost pile reached 46 degrees by the end of the week. By considering composting as a responsible alternative to letting our food and garden waste decompose in land fill, students appreciated the benefits of composting to managing carbon emissions and building nutrient rich soil.

Deliberate reflection of the many relationships between our life and breath with the life and breath of plants, may bring us into an appreciation of how amazing plants are and how entwined our lives are with theirs. Some may say the carbon cycle seems prosaic, but it captures and celebrates our inescapable connection to plants.

Chris Palmer
High School Maths & Science Teacher

Class 10A Play - The Crucible by Arthur Miller

This week Class 10A will be performing their Drama Main Lesson play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, directed by Jane Diamond. During the last three weeks the Class 10A students have been building the play, working on lines, deepening characterisation and reflecting on the powerful themes of mass hysteria and what happens when human beings lose sight of reason. In the face of a virulent flu season, both students and staff have worked collectively as a team, harnessing personal will and strength to bring this intensely dramatic and gripping play to the stage.

The play is a fictionalized exploration of the actual Salem witch trials of 1692 in Massachusetts where 25 innocent people were accused of witchcraft and died because of literal interpretations of the bible and restrictive laws of the time. It was a time thick with fear and hysteria of perceived witchcraft and the challenges of establishing life in New England. Miller wrote the play as an allegory for McCarthyism, or the fear of communism which was prevalent in the United States during the 1950’s.

The Play

Innocent citizens of Salem are condemned to death after being accused of practising witchcraft by Abigail Williams, a malicious, calculating seventeen-year-old servant whose ulterior motive is to marry her previous employer, John Proctor. Abigail requests Tituba, a Barbados servant to Reverend Parris to conjure spirits against John Proctor’s wife in the hope that she would die, and Abigail could then marry John. Abigail and other girls from the village are seen dancing in the forest by Abigail’s uncle, Reverend Parris, and she subsequently starts a litany of menacing witch accusations against other townsfolk, including Elizabeth Proctor, her former employer to deflect the blame on herself. Suspicions of witchcraft gathers momentum which leads to court orders of innocent people who are then jailed and tried in court. The court proceedings reveal that the girls have been lying about their accusations, but Abigail pretends to see a spirit in the courtroom and the ensuing hysteria leads the court proceedings to claim the lives of 20 innocent people, 19 people were hung and one pressed to death.

It is with much appreciation and thanks to all staff Eva Rinaldi for stunning costumes, Justin Crossley for lighting and stage management, Gabriela Morales for set decoration and props, Ian Lawrence for set construction, Shanelle Schramm for her musical guidance and knowledge,  Leandri Hair - Class Assistant for her creative contributions and her genuine care of all students, Donna Kerr for her continued support in drama and for the students who have worked tirelessly on the production. I am truly grateful for the breadth of creativity and artistic input into the Class 10A play The Crucible.

Due to the mature and dramatic themes of the play, it is recommended for high school age students and adults.

Gold coin donation for the evening performances

Williams Hall

Thursday 28 August 2025

9.00am Cast 1

6.30pm Cast 2

Friday 29 August 2025

10.40am Cast 2

6.30pm Cast 1

Class 11 & 12 Biology Lesson

Class 11 and 12 Biology students had a wonderful opportunity to borrow and test some equipment from Murdoch University to run DNA tests on fungi found around the school grounds.

They foraged, collected, and smooshed the fungi before running it through a PCR amplification machine to make 30 billion copies of the DNA.

We then ran these sample through a gel electrophoresis machine to try and see the DNA barcodes of the fungi and sent the samples off to AGPR labs for further analysis.

There are many unidentified species of fungi in WA and there's a small chance we may find a new one!

At the very least we have contributed to fungus mapping in WA as conscientious citizen scientists.

We’re thrilled to be part of the #WABarcodeBlitz25 in partnership with @harrybutlerinstitute, @murdochuniversity, and @biobarcodeaustralia.

A big thank you to Promega Australia, Fisher Biotec, and AGRF (@AGRF_genomics on X and @agrf_genomics on Instagram) for their support.

Join us in celebrating local science, sharing discoveries, and sparking curiosity!

Sean Connolly

High School Science & IT Teacher

Class 12 Projects

Jezz Celenza

When I was in Year 10, I had a really bad sports injury at school that affected me all the way up to Year 12. At first, I didn’t plan on making this the focus of my project, but after brainstorming some other ideas, nothing felt as meaningful. In the end, I realised this was the right choice. It’s personal to me, and that gives me a stronger reason to share it with others.

The question guiding my project is: “How do sports injuries affect the mental and physical health of adolescents?”

Through my research, one of the things that really surprised me was how little most people actually do to prevent sports injuries. I found that problems can start from a young age if you’re not training correctly or not giving your body enough rest. I now believe it is very important to educate people, especially younger students, about how simple strength training, recovery, and balance can protect them in the long run.

For my practical, I have designed a lesson for Years 6 and 7 where I will share my own story, explain what I have learned, and teach a set of six exercises: calf raises, lunges, planks, step ups, squats, and push ups. These exercises help strengthen joints and improve resilience. I will also be talking about the mental side of injuries: how they can affect confidence and motivation, and how important it is to be supported during recovery. I have already done a practice run with the Year 6s, which gave me the chance to refine my plan and prepare for the bigger sessions ahead.

Along the way, I have learned from some incredible people. Peter Mayhew, a professional strength athlete and founder of Physique Training, showed me practical ways to reduce the risk of injuries, and a sports psychologist explained how athletes cope with setbacks and rebuild mentally. With support from my teachers and peers, I have been able to shape my project into something I feel confident delivering.

What I have come to realise is that not many kids make these exercises part of their daily routine, but when I share them, they are very open and interested in learning. That makes me hopeful that I can make a real difference. This project has not just taught me about injury prevention; it has also helped me discover how to teach, how to connect with others, and how to turn my own experience into something positive.

Tayrona Arias

My name is Tayrona Arias and for my year 12 Project I have been exploring the question:

“What physical and mental methods can a circus artist implement to support and increase their physical performance?”

At the start of the year, when I was trying to figure out what topic I wanted to research, I knew it needed to be something that would not only help me academically but also benefit my personal life. Circus has been a recreational hobby I have enjoyed while growing up, and I decided I wanted to take it more seriously, using the project as a stepping stone to support this goal. Upon making this decision, I investigated methods that would help me advance in the physical aspects.

A major area I focused on was flexibility, as I wanted to get my splits. There are many different forms of flexibility training, each with separate outcomes. I researched these and applied them to my stretching routines, which has greatly improved my understanding. In November, when I began my journey to achieving the splits, I was 10–15 centimeters off the ground. Just recently, I achieved my over splits. This progress showcases the power of correct flexibility training and how my project has contributed to that success.

For my Practical, I decided to delve deeper into mental imagery: one of the core techniques that I researched. Mental imagery is a technique used by athletes and performers to mentally rehearse skills using sensory-based visualization. This process activates the same parts of the brain as physical practice, helping improve technique and focus without physical strain. I find this practice really interesting as it offers artists a way to train and develop their skills outside of a training space. Circus is expensive and this can be a solution to turn to for artists that are struggling financially. As well as this, it is a way to develop skills that artists may be struggling with, as it removes the physical barrier that can often be prohibiting. I am designing a workshop that will introduce participants to the concept of mental imagery, guided through a short imagery exercise using a pre-written script. My hope is that participants will leave with the option of incorporating this practice into their own training. The process of planning for this has allowed me to put theory into practice and I hope to incorporate this into my own training in the future.

My project has been a combination of flexibility, strength and mental training techniques.  Through my journey of researching and applying these methods I have learned how important it is to facilitate correct training as it leads to the best results, as well as how much work and dedication it takes to be a circus artist. My love and confidence in circus has grown as I have improved and become more involved, I even did my first performance in the holidays- something that used to only be a possibility in my dreams. This Project is designed to offer aspiring circus artists guidance in how to improve and achieve their dreams as the industry grows.

Courtney Stevens

I wanted to choose something that was relatable to me for my project question. As a teenager in my final year of high school, the idea of moving out of home has crossed my mind several times. However, the sad truth is that there is no way for me to afford a home anytime soon. This is a struggle for many young people trying to afford their own home or even rent I know this issue is already familiar to most people and has even been explored in previous Year 12 projects. However, I wanted to take a different approach — rather than focusing on what, I chose to explore why.

This led me towards my eventual choosing of a project question, which evolved over the first term, until I formed my final question:

“What are the main driving factors behind the current housing crisis?”

Through my research, I have found that it is the cumulation of multiple causes that is worsening the housing. Specifically, I researched inflation, trade shortages, government legislation, material shortages and cost increases, as well as population growth. I also investigated the common misconceptions regarding overseas investment, and how income growth is failing to keep up to the housing price increases and cost of living on a whole.

It was my Dad who started the thought process that is behind my current practical. He suggested that I construct a tiny home, specifically out of a sea container.

My practical plan changed up a lot over term 1. It was always constructing a “tiny home”, but the base medium changed multiple times. It started as a sea container, and then a Pantech truck, before it finally ended up being set in a bus. We managed to purchase a fully functional ex-school bus at auction. Given we now had a running vehicle as a bus, the plan shifted slightly again: I would do a bus-motorhome conversion.

For the purpose of my practical assessment, I will be completing a floorplan and side elevation, as well as a spreadsheet detailing all of the materials that will go into its construction and their price and source. I’ve realised that this is a huge undertaking, and the complete bus build will most likely continue into next year.

Once my planning is complete, I plan to share these designs with various online communities, aiming to support others working on motorhome builds or bus conversions. I believe this is a great way to address the current housing crisis while gaining the freedom that comes with life in a mobile home.

I look forward to the resulting trips that I can travel on in a very comfortable fully self-contained motorhome.

Running Club

A great turn out during week 4 saw us reach a term high of 25 combined laps, 16.25km. Unfortunately, stormy weather and lightening stopped us from hitting the track during week 5. With some running events coming up in the Class 5 Greek Olympics and the Bibra Lake fun run, this is a great opportunity to prepare and get the legs moving.

Come and join us on Tuesday mornings from 8:00–8:25am on the big oval near the sports shed. All welcome!

ENTRIES ARE OPEN!

Pop this event in your calendar, set yourself a goal, and let’s make it happen!

Come and be part of this fantastic family event. With two distances to choose from the 12km or 6km there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a Zumba warm-up before the start and a free sausage sizzle at the finish. Walkers, joggers, runners, prams, and even dogs on leads are all welcome!

When you register using the link below, please select Perth Waldorf School as your ‘club’. Last year, we came in second place for the school with the most participants - this year, it would be great to have even more people on board so we can take out first place! There’s a prize for the winning school, and we think we can do it. If you sign up, let me know so we can keep track of our numbers.

Bibra Lake Fun Run - City of Cockburn

After School Sport

What an amazing start to our Orienteering program! We had 24 enthusiastic students ready to dive in and explore new skills. This week’s focus was on mapping and understanding just how important accuracy can be. Students created their own maps of the basketball court, cleverly using symbols to represent the equipment set up.

Once their maps were complete, they challenged a friend to navigate the course they had designed - with plenty of fun and laughter along the way! With everyone working so well, there was even time to put their new skills into action on a navigation course set up around the school.

A fantastic first week - we can’t wait to see what’s ahead!

Orienteering information and sign-up list: https://forms.office.com/r/tRhEVujatU

Interschool Sports

Think Mental Health WA School Surfing Titles

Eight of our students took on challenging surf conditions last week, showing incredible skill and determination.

A big shoutout to Toby, Rio, Aaroosh, and Johnny for stepping up in their first-ever competition - what a debut! And a second competition for Callum who took on the surfing competition followed straight after by the body boarding. 

Our senior surf team, Perth Waldorf 1 (Guy and Surya), advanced to Round 2, while Perth Waldorf 2 (Surya and Rupert) impressed in bodyboarding, making it to Round 3 before a wild weather front ended the day early.

An amazing effort from all - your resilience and team spirit made us proud!

See below for some opportunities to get involved in and try some great community initiatives.

Manning Park Trail Runners

Where: Manning Park, Azelia Road Spearwood. Meet at the Manning stairs.

When: Every Thursday. 5-6pm for kids group. 6-7:15pm for adults group.

It’s FREE! All ages and abilities welcome.

Thanks,

Jade Collins
Phys. Ed Teacher

Term 3 Fees - Due Now

Thank you to those families who have paid the Term 3 Fees on time. It is much appreciated and helps ensure the school is able to run smoothly.

For those families who are yet to make payment, the Term 3 Fees are now due and prompt payment would be appreciated. Please note, this deadline does not apply to families who have an approved repayment plan or have an account with Edstart. The school fees are invoiced annually, so please divide the invoice total by four to determine the termly payments. 

A late payment fee will apply to all accounts not paid by the due date. This does not apply if you have a payment plan arrangement in place.

Groups/Classes

Participating in any of these activities goes toward Family Participation Hours. 

These groups for parents are run or led by teachers or parents. Members of the school community are encouraged to join any of the groups and enjoy the experience of personal growth and learning in this beautiful environment - a great inspiration for our children!

Community Notices are for members of the school’s community only and may consist of: Business adverts, producers, services, items for sale (non-school related), etc. keeping in mind that they need to be consistent within our schools’ ethos. Please try and keep your notice short (this is free of charge). All Community Notices will appear in this section for two weeks only.  If you would like a ¼ page advert, a $10 fee is required and will only appear in Week 2 and Week 8.

House For Sale in the Pinakarri Community!

A house in the Pinakarri Community is for sale for the first time in 25 years!

We are looking for community-loving buyers to join our wonderful Community in Hamilton Hill, close to the beach.

https://www.pinakarri.org.au/

This is the link; https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-hamilton+hill-148600476

Pottery with Joy

Community Pottery workshops:

New Family class

Friday afternoon from 3:30-5:30. $50 per family to come and learn how to create beautiful handmade ceramic pieces for your home. Instruction and projects catered especially for children. 

Wheel Throwing Workshop Monday the 1st September. 9-12am  Beginner wheel throwing workshop for 12+ $120 includes all clay and firing. Only 6 spots available. 

Friday Night Adult hand building Friday nights from 6-8pm come and join for a pottery workshop. There is a different project each week that teach basic ceramic skills, whilst making a treasure for your home. This week 22nd August we're making mugs. (no class 29th August before open day).

All bookings at www.potterywithjoy.com 

The Christian Community

The Christian Community was founded in 1922 with the guidance of Rudolph Steiner.

Across the world there are communities that have found this renewed, insightful take on Christianity something that can be lived and worked with in freedom.

We have had a community in WA some 40 years and currently our priest (who visits) is Lisa Devine.

All (whether religious or not) are welcome to join us in the activities we hold when Lisa is in Perth, or holding talks/workshops online.  We also have regular gatherings for adults in between Lisa’s visits.

For further information, or to join our mailing list, please contact John 0424 143 757

or Gail 0448 054 287.  Our national website is: www.thechristiancommunity.net

We will also have a table at the PWS Open Day and be more than happy to chat.

Eurythmy Performance

We are excited to announce that at 6.30pm on Tuesday evening on the 16th of September, a group of touring Eurythmists will visit and perform for us here at Perth Waldorf School. Put it in your calendar. This is a rare opportunity to see this unique and beautiful artform inspired by Rudolf Steiner. We have not had trained Eurythmists visit us for decades and it will be a special addition to the cultural history of our school. 

The Eurythmists, who are recent graduates of the Pacifica College of Eurythmy, are touring Australia as a culmination of their 4 years of training. It promises to be a wonderful experience for them as well as those who attend.

This is a ticketed performance. Please open the following link to access your ticket.

Passport to Everywhere Perth Waldorf School

 

Nervous System Reset Retreat

We are hosting a 3-day retreat workshop from 17 to 20 October 2025 at the Ferguson Valley Escape in Crooked Brook.

Throughout the retreat workshop, you'll enjoy a rich variety of arts and crafts and guided sessions on health and well-being, all designed to soothe the mind, relax the body, and reconnect you with your inner rhythm.

For bookings:

https://events.humanitix.com/nervous-system-reset-retreats4wellbeing

For further information:

www.retreats4wellbeing.com

Looking forward to seeing you. 

Your hosts,

Yolanda Millar
Conny Wehland
Sandy Antulov-Koelliker
Jill Lisson 

The Healing Power of Art

There are various ways of engaging in creative arts and personal development. This course is an example of a course, run online, that taps into Steiner education and creativity arts.

Healing Through Art Program – Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training

https://www.bacwtt.org/healing-through-art-program/#healing-power-of-art

General Canteen Information 

Pixie Stott Canteen - Perth Waldorf School 

Can you Help?

The canteen is looking for Slushi return cups and any donations of forks and spoons.

Thank you

You can set up an account with the canteen using the form below:

CANTEEN MENU

Reusable stainless steel straws Silver just $1 cleaners 50c
Banister Downs milk full cream and lite $2.50 per litre.
Tammy sourdough bread whole meal $6.50 or fruit $8.50 available every day.
Breadtime story handmade sourdough Spelt $12 fruit and nut $14 4 seeds $13 preorder for Friday delivery.
Fresh Raw Local Honey $14/kg refill your own jar prepacked glass jars $9
Local Organic Olive oil $18.00/litre refill your own bottle or prefilled bottles available.
Grounded Pleasures chai $12.50 200g box
Grounded Pleasures Chocolate $11.50
Karvan coffee #3 $13/ 250g whole beans or Swiss water Decaf Ground $13.00/ 250g Tally Ho farm biodynamic tempeh $9.50

New nudeherbs drinks available $4.50 

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Volunteers are welcome in the Canteen!

Food Handling Training Link https://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/Health-Safety-and-Rangers/Public-Health/Safe-Food/Food-Handling-Training

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If you would like to volunteer please take the course above. For free access use the code FSCBURN315. The course takes approximately an hour to complete. You will receive a certificate upon completion. Once you have acquired the certificate we can arrange a time that suits you to come in. All hours can be used towards the Parent Participation Scheme including the online course. If you would like more information, please contact Megan in the Canteen or via email canteen@pws.wa.edu.au 
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Megan Harry
Canteen Manager