Parkerville Steiner College and Silver Tree Steiner School held their Open Day and Djilba Fair on Sunday. It was the first time we could showcase our campus in the Hills. It was a light and festive atmosphere and the weather was perfect. Classrooms were full of student work and teachers from both campuses were present to talk about the marvellous Steiner Curriculum. 

When we are immersed in the Steiner school experience, we often forget how nourishing and supportive the curriculum is for teenagers. However, when we showcase what we do and what we are about, to new families, and they are so surprised to hear about:

• the relationship based approach to student management, 
• the authentically holistic nature of the curriculum so that ALL the students become artists, musicians, thespians, woodworkers and craftspeople, etc. 

We are reminded to celebrate that what is going on here at school is extremely precious and good for our kids. 

In lectures, following the horror of World War I, Rudolf Steiner talked about a holistic approach, for example where art and science are not separated but inform the other, as a way to prepare teenagers for life by fostering their intellectual, emotional, and physical capacities in harmony with their inner development. 

This approach was in evidence at the Open Day:

• The Drama, Music, Art subjects are so healthy for teenagers and provide opportunities for self expression, empathy and social responsibility. 
• The Sport, Outdoor Ed and Camps, Craft and Woodwork keep teenagers grounded and help them develop willpower and coordination when their bodies are constantly changing. 
• The work in Maths, Humanities, Languages and English were all displayed and all imbued with wisdom, love, structure and artistic impulses. 

Last week we heard that Helena River Steiner School was winding back their Class 8 -10 programme from 2025. The Open Day provided a timely opportunity to welcome families from that lovely school in Hazelmere, as they consider where their children can go from next year. We are pleased to be working closely with Helena River during this complex transition. 

Enjoy this edition of the Pabulum. There is news of:

• the Greek Olympics on Friday - we welcome Class 5 students from all seven Steiner schools in WA
• the PWS High School Music Night - bring a picnic rug and enjoy the food and music on offer
• celebrating WasteSorted Awards - our community’s efforts, via the Yanganiny Clothing Market, to reduce textile waste, were recognised - Congrats!
• the heartwarming and lively experience of Playgroup
• class plays, trips to the Hills, cosmology main lessons,Cclass 12 projects, sport events, 
• opportunities to participate and learn about Biodynamics, wicker basket weaving, sewing, raising newborns into toddlers and practising presence by working with contemplation art and expressive therapies. 

Finally, you are urged to get behind the Pledge-a-Book stall so that we can continue to offer great reading in our school libraries. 

Have a wonderfully warm week.