Welcome back to Term 4! Hope you all enjoyed the school break.

Towards Freedom

In term 3 term the College of Teachers for PWS and PSC, have been rediscovering and discussing fundamental concepts of Anthroposophy as part of the weekly study. This is useful to ensure we remain grounded in fundamental understandings that guide and inspire Steiner Education. 

One such concept is the Four-Fold Human Being. Put simply this refers to the (1) Physical, (2) Etheric, (3) Astral and (4) Ego aspects or ‘bodies’ that make up a person.  The Ego or ‘I’ is unique to humans and gives us a sense of self-awareness, individuality, and the ability to make conscious choices. Sometimes we may think how much easier it would be to not have that burden and responsibility of having self-awareness and making conscious choices, but that freedom is also a delightful part of being human.

In large part, the purpose and function of Steiner Education is to educate children towards freedom so that their individuality, self-awareness and conscious choices will allow their purpose, in this lifetime on Earth, to unfold. What education shouldn’t do is stunt growth and one’s capacity to realise our purpose in this life. Learning to read, write, speak, draw, sing, play, act, make, be mindful, think and to maintain a curiosity in the world and an empathy for others, are all going to develop our children’s four-fold body. 

This is a good thing that we are doing - both for our children’s future and for the world. 

Djilba - Michael Festival

In the last week of term 3, as we prepared for the Equinox, the Djilba/Michael Festival was celebrated. The verse below acknowledges the season and the mood.  

High School students from both campuses, took part in games and activities at PWS. These are based on the themes of courage, teamwork, and moral responsibility.

WA Steiner Schools’ Day

On Friday 20th Sept, Steiner School staff from across the state, gathered at West Coast Steiner School to learn, network and be enlivened with a range of activities. More than 200 people gathered and we appreciate the support of families for supporting this very special pupil-free day. The guest speakers were Dr Tom Brunzell (Berry Street) and Dr Trish Sherwood.

Creating the Right Environment

Dr Tom Brunzell spoke at the WA Steiner Schools’ Day at the end of last term. His background in Steiner Education and now his work with the Berry Street Education Model was inspiring in its back to basics approach of how we work with children of all ages. They need support to regulate their emotions which includes a safe, inclusive environment which has a predictable rhythm and is consistent. They need unconditional positive regard from the adults they encounter, and they need strategies on how to “fix-it”, so that they learn to overcome obstacles and build resilience.  

Berry Street is a Melbourne based organisation which started in the 19th Century to support children and families and continues to do this in various ways including an educational model that is supporting schools all over the country to work not just with people who have experienced trauma but everyone who wants to create great places which are functional and safe for students to learn. 

At our school, we are extremely privileged to be able to work with your children in an environment where difficult and complex behaviours are not the norm and there is significant support and care in place to support children with dysregulated behaviour. The advice and wisdom from both Steiner Education and experts working from a human-centred approach is well received and appreciated by our staff as we work to respond to this phrase by Rudolf Steiner: Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom.

As a community of parents, carers and staff, we are all urged to avoid “it should be done this way” thinking and instead be curious and full of reverence for the children before us and ask “how can I best make a difference and solve the puzzle before me so that the child can unfold into the person they are on Earth to become”. 

With gratitude

Bruce Lee
School Administrator

Now springing from the fertile Mother of all living things,
the Earth,
Comes joy-of-growth, as power leading all her children unto birth.
My life is charmed, my strength is sure,
For I am armed - my heart is pure;
And I can join amidst this joy and merriment with radiant mirth!

by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 47