Djilba

It is the Djilba season in the Noongar calendar. A time of milder temperatures, rainfall and the emergence of various native plants and animals. Last week, more than 60 Class 8 students went camping in tents near Collie and experienced the rainfall and stormy side of Djilba. In the end, everyone had a good time and bonded extra well when they evacuated to the Collie Recreation Centre. Thanks to everyone involved in the camp and managing the weather issues so well. 

Before the rain began to fall on the Class 8 Camp.

Both Primary and High school students will have the chance to enjoy the Djilba season and celebrate the archangel Michael. The focus is on the inner strength and courage needed to face obstacles. Activities to inspire bravery, creativity, and a sense of community will be held and values like responsibility, individual growth and challenge, plus unity, will be demonstrated and upheld. In the Primary School, on Wednesday from 12.10 pm, family and friends are invited to enjoy watching the teams march pass and a multitude of sporty activities on the large field. In the High School, on Thursday, students will enjoy challenges and creativity to mark the festival and end the term with vim! It’s a highlight of the year.

In Early Childhood, the seasonal aspect is the highlight. Stories, flowers, garlands and delicious food will signify the change in weather and the Spring equinox. 

Michaelic Age

Steiner suggested that humanity has entered a new cultural epoch, which is referred to as the "Michaelic Age". This time is when qualities associated with the archangel Michael are relevant and needed for human development including courage, moral strength, and individual responsibility. Within our school, we aim to foster these qualities to prepare students for the challenges of this age and in adulthood, to navigate the complexities of the modern world. 

Education Department

Interestingly, yesterday, in a sharing of the Steiner Education approach with a task force leader appointed by the education department to look into the graduate pathways towards post school life, it was pointed out that the conversation throughout the education landscape is how to prepare and engage youth for the complexities of the modern world. There is a recognition by those that are intimately involved in policy that old ways of cramming content and studying for exam success isn’t the best way forward, for society or for individuals. Developing adaptiveness and resilience, critical and creative thinking skills and the ability to collaborate and work socially are the skills needed for the future. Steiner schools are meeting the challenges of the Michealic Age by unfolding and strengthening these skills through our holistic curriculum and relationship based teaching approach. 

The recent survey of parents were asked about that and here is one of the results  with approximately 91% agreeing the approach is supportive.  

A summary of themes and results from the survey will be published soon.

Friday is a pupil free day for our staff to attend the annual Steiner Schools’ Staff Day, this year at Silver Tree Steiner School. 

We hope the holiday period with your children is an enjoyable chance to reconnect with whatever enlivens you.

With gratitude

Bruce Lee
School Administrator