Thank you to everyone who completed the whole school parent and staff survey recently. The responses help us to understand what’s working well and what we can do differently. A summary of the results will be shared once they are collated and ready for publishing. Also how the school will respond to the themes that emerge, will be prepared. This is intended to ensure it doesn’t feel like it’s all disappeared into a black hole.

Steiner Education Australia

At the Steiner Education Australia biannual meeting, held in NSW recently, one of the topics was wellbeing of students. It was highlighted that through the content of the curriculum and the way teachers bring the curriculum to the class and to the individual, the curriculum promotes wellbeing in a range of ways:

• The Steiner curriculum is holistic and focuses on developing students' intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. This holistic approach helps students develop a well-rounded sense of self and a balanced view of the world.
• The strong emphasis on artistic and creative activities provide an outlet for self-expression, promote creativity, and contribute to emotional well-being.
• It is play based, especially in the younger years and this reduces stress and fosters positive emotions.
• Formal academics are introduced thoughtfully allowing children to focus on experiential and practical learning and promoting a more natural and gradual learning process.
• A structured daily and weekly rhythm provides a sense of predictability and security for students which in turn can contribute to emotional stability and well-being.
• The development of imagination and use of storytelling in lessons stimulates creativity, cognitive development, and emotional engagement.
• Discouraging competition and not overtly focussing on individual achievement creates a less stressful environment which allows students to focus on their personal growth rather than comparison with others.
• The curriculum's emphasis on self-expression and self-awareness helps develop emotional intelligence and a better understanding of one’s feelings and emotions as well as an awareness of others.
• The emphasis on arts, group activities, and collaborative projects can also foster a sense of community and social connection among students and it is well researched that positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging are important for overall well-being and resilience.

We are fortunate to be part of a much bigger dynamic of Steiner Schools across Australia and the world. We heard about the growth of schools and initiatives across south east Asia.