REMINDER: The Pabulum is now published every second week of term. Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10.

Welcome back from the holiday break. Hopefully a refreshing time for everyone. Coming back, the rain and cold weather are helping us all appreciate the natural world we live in.

Mid-year Conference and National Steiner Teachers’ Conference

During the break many staff participated in further learning.

The Mid-Year Conference for high school staff ran in the first three days of the break and it was a great opportunity for staff from both campuses to connect and dedicate time to some bigger topics. There is a brief explanation in this week’s Pabulum.

Thank you to Annabelle Kellenberger (Head of High School) for running and organizing the Mid-Year Conference. Also, thanks to Mark Phillips (Teacher and Curriculum Development Coordinator) for presenting. Greatest thanks though to all the attendees who showed up physically and energetically to make it a nourishing and enlivening experience.

Also, nine of our staff flew to Noosa to attend the Steiner Education Australia National Teacher’s Conference. Travel and attendance at this professional development event, run at the Noosa Pengari Steiner School was partly funded by each individual. That dedication to learning and growing is much appreciated. Reports from the Conference will be in future editions.

School’s Leadership Structure

As we heard at the school’s AGM, the school continues to grow, and the educational landscape is becoming increasingly complex. With that growth also comes the need for thoughtful succession and renewal. Annabelle and I have both been in leadership roles at PWS since 2012 — I have been the School  Administrator and most recently Annabelle has been the Head of High School - and we’re now entering a new phase.

From 1st September, the following changes will take effect:

A) In a newly created role of Executive Director, I will step back from the day-to-day operations at Perth Waldorf School to focus on the school’s long-term direction. My role will be more strategic and outward-facing, with key responsibilities including financial strategy, HR, governance, school re-registration, compliance oversight, and representing the school to external bodies.

I will continue to actively support Parkerville Steiner College, including involvement in operational matters there. While I will no longer be involved in daily decisions at PWS, I will remain a mentor to the leadership team and a committed presence in shaping the school’s future. I will remain on the Board of Steiner Education Australia.

B) In a newly created role of Head of School (PWS) Annabelle Kellenberger will take responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Bibra Lake Campus. She will lead both educational and administrative functions, including staff leadership, curriculum implementation, enrolments, communication with families, and the overall rhythm of school life.

Her responsibilities will also include compliance matters such as teacher registration, emergency procedures, and daily operational oversight – in all facets. Annabelle’s steady presence, extensive leadership experience, and deep alignment with the school’s values make her well-placed to offer strong and consistent leadership for staff, students, and families.

These changes have a number of flow-on effects-

C) Donna Kerr, currently Deputy Head of High School, will take on the role of Head of High School. With over two decades of experience in Steiner education — across both Primary and High School — and having already served as Deputy, Donna is exceptionally well-suited to this position.

A process is currently underway to recruit people to vacated and other positions that will ensure the smooth running of the PWS high school. News of new appointments and responsibilities will be shared before September.

This transition reflects the depth of talent within our school community, with strong internal leadership stepping forward to ensure continuity and support for our staff and the wonderful children in our care. It’s an exciting time because there is a period of healthy change. It will ensure the steady trajectory of stability and growth that has been a hallmark of our school.

Morning Glory

In this edition we read and see photos of the Early Childhood teachers and assistants greeting the sun at Bibra Lake. It is so lovely to sense into the reverence of the event. How grateful we can be that these dedicated and loving people take time to explore the wonder of the world and bring that loving, warm spirit to our precious young children. Thank you so much!

This edition is packed with many articles. Enjoy the read.

With much gratitude

Bruce Lee
School Administrator

It's wintry still, but out of death - new birth!
This is life's law, and now I should look well
For signs that spring will come onto the earth,
For she prepares, and soon her power will swell:

New shoots prepare to sprout on many a tree.
A new note in the birdsong... and more clues as well I see...

But midst this change, I must be true;
Be firm and strong in all I do.

by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 44