Term 4 2024

Tuesday 8th October to Friday 6th December (Half day)

Pupil Free Day: Friday 8th November

Term 1 2025

Wednesday 5th February - Friday 11th April 

Pupil Free Day – Friday 28th February

Public Holiday – Monday 3rd March

The full 2025 calendar is available via this link: Calendar - Parkerville Steiner College

In Term 4, our Class 7 students took a deeper dive into the simple machines that are all around us and that we often take for granted every day. Sometimes the application of these machines is quite intuitive, such as using a steel picket to apply leverage in order to move a huge boulder. But we also discovered that these simple machines are usually integrated into more complex machines and we discovered that there are simple machines hidden within machines, such as; leverage in the wheel and axle, an inclined plane in the screw, or using a series of pulleys to create compound pulleys to achieve a profound mechanical advantage.

The timing and the aim of exploring simple machines was for students to appreciate how these concepts are integrated into the sail boats the students piloted on camp.

It has been a pleasure working alongside our Class 7s this term. They are curious, enthusiastic, and a fun class to be with.

Simon Griffiths

Design & Technology Teacher

Knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery - what could possibly come next for Class 8’s who are always looking for something new and interesting? What does come next is creating the very material that they used in their early years to learn these fundamental crafting skills. The Class 8’s are immersed in the ancient craft of spinning wool which is a traditional skill that connects people to nature and to the history of textile production. It's a valuable hands-on experience that can teach students about the process of creating yarn from raw materials.

After washing the dirt, grease and impurities from the raw wool fibres, the wool is combed to align the fibres and remove any other impurities, after it is dry, it is then ready for spinning on a drop spindle, a skill that requires practice and coordination.

Learning these traditional skills not only offers a practical understanding of how textiles are made but also promotes patience, precision, and an appreciation for traditional crafts. It is a wonderful way to connect with history and nature while developing a new set of skills.

The capacity for conceptual thought lies on a higher level of cognitive development. The process of abstraction can be exercised by having the students analyse their own work. The method of examining why a piece of wool became too thick in a particular area or why it kept snapping lends itself to such mental evaluation. When students analyse their crafting work, such as figuring out why a piece of wool became too thick in a particular area or why it kept snapping, they are engaging in several important cognitive processes, including problem-solving, cause and effect, metacognition and abstraction.

Using their own hand-spun and dyed wool to create tapestry art is a creative and meaningful project for the Class 8 students at PSC. In weaving, every thread is connected to the others, and the final fabric relies on each individual strand’s contribution. This is a powerful metaphor for interconnectedness in life, where our actions and relationships are interwoven to create a larger whole. It also teaches balance: tension must be consistent, and the design must be harmonious, just as in life, balance is often key to success and well-being.

Basket weaving connects us to centuries of human history and tradition. Many cultures, from the ancient Egyptians to indigenous peoples worldwide, have used weaving to create textiles for practical and artistic purposes. By learning weaving, you tap into this rich heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for the role of textiles in culture and identity. Basket weaving encourages a sustainable mindset. Historically, people wove baskets from natural fibres they grew or harvested themselves. In modern practice, there’s a growing trend toward upcycling and using natural or reclaimed materials. This resourcefulness can teach us about reducing waste and valuing what we have, especially in today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world.

The act of creating something with your own hands offers a powerful sense of self-expression.  

Mistakes are inevitable in basket making. From tangled fibres to misaligned patterns, overcoming these challenges requires resilience and perseverance. The process teaches students how to troubleshoot, make adjustments, and keep going even when things don't go as planned.

Combined with Craft and Ecology, the Class 9 students at PSC went to the nearby bush and harvested Watsonia; a noxious weed that is a pretty pest invading our natural bush setting whilst also creating fuel in bushfire seasons the Perth hills. The harvested leaves were dried and have been used to make cordage (or string), and with that the students have created their own coiled baskets. All from our nearby surroundings; and when the baskets have achieved their purpose, they will go back to the earth.

Basket weaving encourages a deep appreciation for the work that goes into making things by hand. The complexity of creating baskets from fibres helps students to understand the time, effort, and expertise required to make baskets, which can lead to a greater sense of gratitude for both the craft and the finished product. In short, basket weaving can teach valuable life skills like patience, creativity, and resilience, while also providing a direct, hands-on way to connect with tradition, sustainability, and self-expression.

Alison Anthoni

Craft Teacher 

Last week, our Class 7 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Albany. It was a thrilling opportunity for students to step out of the classroom and onto the open waters, learning new skills, forming friendships with our new friends from Golden Hill Steiner School, and creating lasting memories.

The camp kicked off with a safety briefing and an introduction to sailing basics. From tying knots to understanding wind directions, the students eagerly took on each lesson. Instructors commended their enthusiasm, particularly their ability to work together and remain focused despite the challenges.

Throughout the week, students participated in activities that tested their teamwork and problem-solving skills. Sailing small dinghies required clear communication and cooperation, and it was inspiring to see everyone step up and support one another. For many, it was their first time navigating the waves, and they displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Meanwhile, those with prior sailing experience embraced leadership roles, guiding their peers and thriving in the process.

Off the water, students bonded over beach games, coastal nature walks, boisterous singing on the bus rides, and campsite activities that brought them closer together. The camp also encouraged independence, with students taking responsibility for organizing equipment, helping in the kitchen and assisting with daily tasks.

One of the trip's highlights was the long sail on the final day. Students sailed around the bay, demonstrating their newfound skills. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers, songs, and unwavering teamwork. An accidental "man overboard" drill was executed with precision, and several boats capsized—yet every student followed the capsize recovery procedures flawlessly.

Remarkably, the students braved some of the toughest weather conditions the sailing instructors had encountered in many years. Thanks to the incredible support from our sailing volunteers, including dedicated parent Sebastian, the students persevered and grew in confidence, with the students often asking the sailing instructors to hop off their dinghies so they would sail solo.

The Sailing Camp in Albany wasn’t just about mastering the art of sailing. It was an experience that built resilience, interpersonal skills, strengthened friendships, and encouraged students to embrace challenges.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing instructors, school staff, parent volunteers, and the families who helped with baking and preparation before camp. Your efforts made this adventure a huge success. To our wonderful Class 7 students: Well done for embracing every challenge with determination and enthusiasm.

Here’s to many more adventures ahead!

Siobhan Jones

Camp Leader

Semester 2, 2024 FPS Forms are due by Tuesday 10^th December 2024

Please see following link: Family Participation Scheme Form - Semester 2, 2024

The Red Tails Coffee Shack lunch service will be returning in 2025 on Wednesday 12th February, providing a wholesome school lunch service to PSC families. 

The last day for lunch service for 2024 will be Friday 29th.

Lunch Service will be available Wednesday and Fridays in 2025.

All orders will need to be placed through the below site preferably the night before or by 8am on lunch order days.

Please take time to peruse the site below: Canteen-Parkerville Steiner College (square.site)

Password: steiner 

Please make sure you put your childs name, class and order day/date in the 'Add a note for the seller' section of the website at the checkout.

We were very excited to be provide this to our families this term and have found a wonderful service in Red Tails, thank you for your support.

Following the success of the Pledge-A-Book initiative at this year’s Open Day at PSC, these are just some of the wide array of titles we are in the process of adding to our student library. Thank you to all our families who contributed.

Could any of this be yours? Does your child keep asking where clothing, their lunchbox or hairbrush has gone?

It might be in the our ever growing lost property!

All lost property will need to be collected by the end of term 4, Friday 6th December. Any uncollected items will be donated to charity.

Thank you.

Payment of school fees can be made by the following options, please include your Invoice Number OR Family Code as reference, thank you.

A late payment fee will apply to all accounts not paid by the due date. This does not apply if you have a payment plan arrangement in place.
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