Term 3 2025

Tuesday 22nd July - Thursday 25th September

Term 4 2025

Tuesday 14th October - 12th December

Pupil Free Days 14th & 17th November

The full 2025 calendar is available via this link: PSC 2025 Calendar

The 2026 calendar is available via this link: PSC 2026 Calendar

After the mid-term break Class 7 embarked (pun intended) on their Age of Discovery Main Lesson. We delved straight into the lives of the first ocean exploring Europeans (the Vikings) with a rousing song which they performed for the school assembly with stout hearts and courageous voices.

The Silk Road caught their attention next, as they followed 17-year-old Marco Polo on his first trip to the East, seeking silk, spices, novelty and adventure. He left behind a book of stories which, for the next two centuries, spread new ideas like wildfire across Europe. At this point be briefly stopped off to revise Latitude and Longitude (with balloons) and explore the origins of the ever-important Trade Winds. Back on board, the expansion of Islam pushed Europeans towards seeking a sea route to the East. The Portuguese got there first, but the Spanish were not going to be left behind. 

The students imagined themselves as Christopher Columbus – trying to convince a fellow sailor to join his cause – and wrote a dialogue outlining the arguments that each side would have had for or against taking the risk of trading by sea. They then crafted a recruitment poster outlining the required qualities of a crewman aboard the Santa Maria.

Much thought and imagination was put into living the first voyage alongside Columbus in the form of writing a diary of a Ship’s Officer and into analysing the voyage of Vasco da Gama and giving their own opinions on what made it a success. During one of our dynamic discussions, the class even came up with the analogy of the Treaty of Tordesilles: the nations of Spain and Portugal were locked in a soccer match with the Pope making the final call as referee! 

Mary-Jo Masmanian

Class 7 Teacher

Class 8 concluded Term Three with a study of The Making of the Modern World, focusing on World War I and Australia’s involvement both on the front lines and at home. While the subject is sobering, students engaged with it thoughtfully-bringing curiosity, respect, and creativity to their work.

The lesson began with an investigation into the causes of the war and the ways these global events shaped Australian society, both at the time and in the years that followed. Students considered the significance of Gallipoli, reflecting on the courage shown and the lasting legacy of the ANZAC. Sharing ANZAC biscuits together offered a tangible connection to the past, sparking reflection on some of the difficult conditions at Gallipoli: scarce food, limited medical aid, inadequate weaponry, and treacherous terrain.

The class also examined trench warfare, re-creating a “battle” in the classroom between the Central and Allied forces. This hands-on activity offered insight into the layout of the trenches and the emotional and physical hardships soldiers endured.

To capture the atmosphere of the time, students designed striking propaganda posters, echoing the persuasive tactics once used to encourage enlistment.

Personal stories brought the history even closer. Some students researched their own family connections to the war, uncovering moving tales of service and sacrifice. The class also wrote letters from the perspective of soldiers, learning how censorship shaped what could—and could not—be written home. These letters revealed both empathy and thoughtful insight into the human side of war.

Through this Main Lesson, students gained not only a deeper understanding of history but also an appreciation of freedom, responsibility, and the shared experiences that connect us across time.

Fiona Forsyth

Main Lesson/Art Teacher

Class 9 began the Main Lesson learning about the events leading to World War Two with a recap of the causes of World War One and a passionate mock Paris Peace Conference. The debate that ensued represented the views of the big three powers- America, Britain and France as students emphatically advocated for their nation’s diplomatic desires for the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. This experience enabled students to immerse themselves in the position of being an international diplomat and learn valuable skills in negotiation as they traded ideas with other nations.

Following this they have been crafting journal responses from the perspective of the German delegates who were silent observers to the proceeding and viewed the situation from a different perspective, documenting their response to the results of this conference.

This week their exploration delves into the rise of the Nazi party with a consideration of the social, economic, political and cultural climate that contributed to Hitler’s rise to power. Following this, students have the opportunity to harness their creative skills by making radio advertisements and propaganda posters to understand the method employed to persuade the masses.

Rachael Brown

Humanities Teacher

In the final weeks of Term 3, Class 10 students at Parkerville Steiner College embarked on a richly engaging Main Lesson in Physics, centered on Mechanic Forces in Motion. Throughout the three weeks, students were invited to deeply connect with the true spirit of scientific discovery by exploring both qualitative and quantitative ways of understanding the world around them. We began with an extended pendulum study, where students first practiced mindful, quiet observation of its graceful movement. Gradually, they explored changes in variables like mass, length, and release angle- without measuring- allowing them to notice patterns and develop their own hypotheses. In the next stage, they gathered real measurements to test their ideas, learning how evidence can confirm or challenge their thinking.   

Throughout this journey, discussions arose around the natural tension between scientific ideals and the imperfections of real experiments. Students reflected on the effects of friction, air resistance, and timing challenges, coming to appreciate that the unpredictability of the physical world is part of what makes science so fascinating and relevant to life itself.

Their understanding of mechanics grew further through hands-on experiments with gravity, using free-fall and inclined planes set up with everyday school materials alongside familiar objects like cars and marbles. Newton’s three laws came to life in simple yet powerful experiments - particularly through the use of cups of water, which beautifully illustrated inertia and the movement of liquids within.

The students’ creative and thoughtful work shone brightly throughout, revealing a fine balance between analytical insight and aesthetic expression. As Term 3 drew to a close, this inquiry-based exploration left students with a deepened curiosity, resilience, and a genuine sense of scientific wonder that will nurture their growth well beyond the classroom walls.

Tamsin Formaggio & Juliana Sao Pedro Gusmao

Science Teachers

Moving from Craft to Woodwork this semester, the Class 9 students have almost finished their first project; a pencil box. Using locally sourced Jarrah, this project is designed to give students the skills of interpreting working drawings, accurately marking out and constructing the box using traditional hand tools such as a plough-plane and a granny-tooth router. The joinery methods used in this project are commonly used in many furniture and timber products that students will potentially use in future projects.

Class 9 have demonstrated an exemplary work ethic this term, they are open to learning new things, and make the most of the time we have each week.

The Class 10 students have had a very busy term with camps and work experience, so they’ve had to work very hard to make up time. Their first project was a laminated cheeseboard constructed from Jarrah and Tasmanian Oak.  The aim of the project is to learn about how unstable wide timber boards can behave and how using the aesthetically pleasing pattern can create stability. The students also learned how to identify the direction of the timber grain, which became very important when they used a bench plane to level off the surface.

Like the Class 9s, the Class 10 students have worked exceptionally hard to get as far as they have, and they will have a beautiful piece of work to remember the experience with.

Simon Griffiths

Design & Technology Teacher

It was a beautiful evening celebrating the culmination of a huge term of camps, classes, and a series of Ballroom Dancing lessons. This year, both the Parkerville and Perth Waldorf School Class 8 students came together to showcase the skills they had learned with the wonderful instructors from Ballroom Fit Dance Academy.

As hosts for the social this year, our Class 8 families put in a tremendous effort. With care and attention, parents prepared the venue and decorated it beautifully. Families contributed shared meals, and the evening was filled with a vibrant mix of individual and progressive partner dances, including the Jive, Cha Cha, and Samba.

Some timeless classics also made an appearance, enticing parents onto the dance floor for the Nutbush and the Macarena, with a few even joining in for a spontaneous partner lesson. It was wonderful to see the students shine, mingle, and build connections with each other.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all staff and parents who helped organise the event, and to the instructors from Ballroom Fit for guiding our students through their PE dance lessons and facilitating such a joyful evening.

Siobhan Jones

Class 8 Coordinator

Term 3 was an exciting and varied one across the high school in Physical Education.

Class 7 ventured to Swan Districts Gymnastics, where they embraced the challenge of gymnastics. Students particularly enjoyed the thrill of flipping and jumping on the trampolines, while finding the core exercises and handstands a little more demanding. It was fantastic to see their persistence and growing confidence in trying new skills.

Class 8 spent the term dancing at the Mundaring Arena in preparation for their Class 8 Social. They worked with great focus throughout the unit and developed both confidence and enjoyment in their dancing. Many were even spotted dancing in between songs, a sure sign of their enthusiasm!

Class 9 took on a new challenge with rock climbing and bouldering at Adrenaline Vault. Each week, students pushed themselves further, tackling more difficult climbs and refusing to give up when the going got tough. This determination will serve them well as they head into their Peak Adventure Camp, where they will have the opportunity to put their skills into practice in the great outdoors.

Class 10 had a more disrupted term due to camps, work experience, and professional development days, which limited their time in PE. We look forward to Term 4, when they will begin dance lessons in preparation for their own social, bringing energy and excitement back into their program.

Across all classes, it has been wonderful to see students challenging themselves, building resilience, and enjoying new experiences in Physical Education.

Siobhan Jones

Physical Education Coordinator

Last term, a Year 8/9 girls team and a Year 8/9 boys team proudly represented our school at the Interschool Basketball Carnival held at Ray Owen Sports Centre. Both teams faced some tough competition, including games against specialist basketball schools, which pushed our students to step up their play.

Throughout the day, the students showed great determination and their skills continued to progress with every match. Most importantly, they represented the college with pride, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship both on and off the court.

A big thank you goes to Amber, Sienna, Hugo and Eddie from Class 10, who generously gave their time to coach and manage the teams on the day. Their encouragement and guidance made a real difference to the players’ experience.

Siobhan Jones

Physcial Education Coordinator

Lunch Service is available Wednesday and Fridays.

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

Canteen-Parkerville Steiner College (square.site)

Password: steiner 

Please make sure you put your childs name, class, school (for families with students at PSC & Silver Tree) and order day/date in the 'Add a note for the seller' section of the website at the checkout.

Term 3 Fees - Due Now

Thank you to those families who have paid the Term 3 Fees on time. It is much appreciated and helps ensure the school is able to run smoothly.

For those families who are yet to make payment, the Term 3 Fees are now due and prompt payment would be appreciated. Please note, this deadline does not apply to families who have an approved repayment plan or have an account with Edstart. The school fees are invoiced annually, so please divide the invoice total by four to determine the termly payments. 

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.