This is the first edition of The Parky Pabulum. We have created a newsletter that combines items from Parkerville Steiner College with relevant items from Perth Waldorf School. Innovation overdrive! We hope you enjoy it and urge you to subscribe via the link above. 

This week we hear about everything from Medieval costumes and battles to Physics experiments. Enjoy hearing the stories and looking at the photos. It is brain stimulating to read about the Class 12 Projects from individual students - and this week we hear from Katie’s daughter, Charlotte Southall.

Gathering and Defining

Twice a year, delegates from Steiner schools across the country gather to work together under the umbrella of Steiner Education Australia. This year it was held at the lovely Samford Valley Steiner School. Until recently it was the only Steiner school in Brisbane and has a history similar to our own.

A theme of the meeting was how to articulate what are defining differences of Steiner schools when so much of the language about being 'holistic', 'creative', 'child centered' and 'meeting the needs of individual children' is used at all schools, as catch phrases and marketing spin.

For some people a defining difference is the feel of the school, there is often a softness and ease. For others it may be the environment of beauty and a mood of reverence that imbues the school and defines its difference.

One particular aspect of difference was highlighted at the gathering. It is the depth of understanding and interest a teacher takes in the children they are working with. Via the study of anthroposophy which underpins a Steiner School's ethos, there is a depth of curiosity by teachers in "what is needed of me for this child at this stage of development". At their best, the teacher is able to hold their own ego in check and let go of attachments to opinions and observe the child before them deeply. There is, in essence, a love for the spiritual development and unfolding of the child. The actions by the teacher stem from that. The actions required may include boundary setting, consequences and firm authority or they may be to provide inspiring stories, offer access to creative arts and provide nurturing care.

Central to the teacher's work which defines a point of difference is an understanding of the 7 year stages of development and what children need in each of these. The kindergarten, primary school and high school experiences of children at a Steiner school are the result of a deep and ongoing understanding of those 7 year stages.

The verse that was used for this particular meeting was a focus of meditation over the few days everyone gathered.

Further, we will learn to see the meaning in the community to which we belong.

       We will comprehend our own community's relation to other communities,

            . . .  how it stands towards them;

       And thus the several spirits of all these communities will piece themselves together

       Into a purposeful spiritual design,

       A picture of the single, united mission

           . . . of the whole of humanity.

Rudolf Steiner

With Gratitude

Bruce Lee
School Administrator