Filter Content
| September | |
| Mon 2nd - Fri 6th | Class 8A Camp |
| Mon 9th - Fri 20th | Class 11 Community Service |
| Mon 9th - Fri 13th | Class 10A Surveying Camp |
| Thur 12th | Class 7W Wheelchair Basketball Excursion |
| Fri 13th | Class 5 Greek Olympics |
| Mon 16th - Fri 20th | Class 12 Camp |
| Mon 16th - Fri 20th | Class 8B Camp |
| Tue 17th | School Tour - all welcome 9 - 10am |
| Wed 18th | Michael/Djilba Festival - Primary School |
| Wed 18th | Class 10B Play 10:40am & 6:30pm |
| Thur 19th | Class 10B Play 9am & 6:30pm |
| Thur 19th | Last day of Term 3 |
| Fri 20th | Pupil Free Day for staff to attend WA Steiner Schools Day |
| October |
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| Mon 7th | Pupil Free Day |
| Tue 8th | First Day of Term 4 |
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.
With gratitude
Bruce Lee
School Administrator
My firmness and strength gives me ground that is sure,
For the light of the Child is gentle and pure.
All things become bathed with his healing, gold light
When I look at the world with his love in my sight.
Watch the gnomes split and crumble the stuff of the earth,
While the light, airy sylphs bring a green world to birth.
With great joy I am learning to give what they need,
For I bring them the light, and they're grateful indeed!
by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 45
Olympic Pledge-a-Book!
On Friday the 13th, the day of the Greek Olympics, the Pledge-a-Book stall will be alongside the canteen from 8.30am-2pm.
This is the school community's opportunity to come purchase a book for our school library.
Many exquisite books have been selected with beauty, rich literature and curriculum in mind. We would love to have parents, teachers and visiting Olympian’s support so all our books are pledged.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our school library.
Kelly Geyer
Library Teacher
Playgroup News
This term at playgroup we have been busy baking and sharing our nourishing bread, our first steps into a formal social situation, making new friends and learning to wait our turn. The simple yet profound beauty of a blessing, a flame and voices in harmony together, as we move in our first circles, sharing the experience of our first community, the family.
Now approaching spring we watch flowers slowly unfolding, sunshine peeping through and the call of many of our smallest birds, fairy wrens and honey eaters join us in the garden. Quendas and Black Cockatoos hold us entranced with their antics and their majesty, enjoying this beautiful natural bush environment with us.
We have so many beautiful babies joining us now too, we welcome them with joy and delight as we say goodbye to Term 3 and look forward to the warmth of Djilba and Kambarang.
Our last week of the term we celebrate spring with a simple gathering, a shared meal and nature craft of flower crowns.
Thank you to all our families that make the playgroup mornings so heartwarming and lively, what special times these are!
Thank you also to the wider community that supports us in this valuable work.
Much warmth,
Corina, Judith and Acacia
Now that the Paris Games are over...
This Friday Class 5 children from all 7 Steiner schools in WA will all congregate at PWS to take part in this year's Greek Olympic games. The children will be in mixed teams representing the Greek city-states: Athens, Delphi, Corinth, Sparta and Thebes. After an opening ceremony and devotional verses the children will process through the school to the big field where the Olympic torch is lit and the Games begin!
There will be a flurry of activity and much to enjoy: Marathon, discus, javelin, long jump, wrestling, sprints, relays and chariots!
Children at this age are naturally upright and graceful. Activities such as throwing the javelin and discus make use of the athletes’ present abilities. They can have the sense that they are striving for beauty and excellence of movement, as well as physical prowess.
It seems Almighty Zeus will bless us with a beautiful sunny day. Come and enjoy the spectacle!
Kevin Mazzer
Head of Primary School
Class 7A Wardong Play Her three Kings
Michelle Guffie
Class 7 W Teacher
Class 8 Trip to Hovea Falls
In Week 5, the Perth Waldorf School Class 8 students joined the Parkerville Steiner College Class 8 students for a walk in the beautiful Perth Hills, along the bridal trail to Victoria Falls and then on to Hovea Falls. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and only a small rain shower. The water rushed over the rocks, and there were many fun moments of laughter, slipping and sliding over the rocks, and lots of exploring and climbing of rocks and boulders. It was beautiful to see our 8's enthusiastically walking the trail, chatting with known friends and making new friends across our two campuses.
Thank you to all the staff who accompanied us: Josh, Shanelle, Natalia, Kate and Joanna. It was a fabulous day, and we thoroughly enjoyed the company of our class 8's!
Year 7 & 8 Coordinator
Class Twelve Cosmology Main Lesson
Across the first six weeks of this term, the two Class 12 groups have completed their Cosmology Main Lessons. During these three weeks together, we have explored how humanity views the cosmos, and how these views have evolved over time, alongside the emerging human consciousness.
Each class engaged in conversations about societies and ideas that helped them explore the evolution of humanity’s perspectives of the cosmos. Focusing on their Creation Stories, connection to spirit and interactions with the environment allowed student to empathise with people with vastly different views to theirs and learn from their ideas. They explored ideas like how the night sky has been used by different cultures, the metaphysical aspects of time and space, and Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity. Through studying the lens with which people view the cosmos and exploring their sympathies and antipathies, students were able to get a deeper understanding of why they interact with the people and space around them in the way they do.
Through looking at the elements that shape the cosmology of a society or culture, students can start to acknowledge what has shaped their view of the Universe, and share this openly with their class. In small groups they engaged in an activity of world-building, where they developed their own small societies, based on the environment around them and interactions with their classmates’ societies. As a result of this three-week study, the class was inspired to ask more questions of themselves, their classmates, and the cosmos, in a way that is authentic to their journey as a Waldorf student.
Brett Kranz-Little
High School Physics Teacher
Class 12 Projects
ABRIL AYORA MOLANO
I'm April, and my goal for this project was to find a topic that would remain relevant throughout my life. I wanted to invest a year's worth of research and thinking into something that would help me develop a sharper mind than most 18-year-olds as well as connecting all aspects of my life: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. After wrestling with many ideas centered around mindset, I realized that mindset itself was too broad. So, I narrowed it down to a specific question:
“How does embracing an optimistic attitude lead to an improvement in our quality of life?”
I define optimism as the tendency to hold positive expectations for the future. Optimism is not just about seeing the glass as half full; it’s about believing that our actions can lead to positive outcomes. This mindset encourages individuals to pursue goals and persist through challenges, fostering personal growth and resilience. The importance of studying optimism lies in understanding how mental mindsets shape our lives. By advocating for better education around self-improvement, we can equip people with the tools to cultivate optimism and harness its benefits. Teaching optimism can empower individuals to approach life with essentials skills and offer more opportunities.
Quality of life refers to the degree to which an individual is healthy, comfortable, and able to participate in or enjoy life events. It encompasses both physical well-being and mental satisfaction. Optimism plays a crucial role in enhancing quality of life by promoting healthier lifestyle choices, reducing stress, and improving emotional well-being
In essence, optimism and quality of life are deeply interconnected. By fostering a positive mindset, we can improve not only our outlook on the future but also our overall well-being. Embracing optimism can lead to a richer, more vibrant life where individuals feel empowered to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
So where does this positive thinking occur? Our thoughts cause emotions, which cause actions and actions cause behavior. This seems logical but how?
Our brain is the most powerful engine, and the best part is we control it.
Some interesting research I wish to share looks neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout your life. In essence this means that the brain is not fixed, it can rewire, repair, and transform hundreds of times. Examples of neuroplasticity that you would be familiar with range from learning a new language to recovery in response to a sensory impairment or injury. Habits can be formed this way too and my research taught me the ‘wiring’ that our brains are capable of when we learn new things and change our habits. It can be truly transformative in changing our outlook and behaviour to be more positive or optimistic. Negative thinking patterns can be ‘rewired’ to form new, positive ones that will spur on better possibilities via this awareness.
Our thoughts ignite our emotions, and this causes our actions, which can be both positive and negative, depending on our mindset. It all sounds quite simple until you realise that many of us struggle with being intentional and reframing our negative thoughts. I’ve learned that it can be easier for many of us to stay trapped in negative thinking because of this. This is why I believe optimism can be OUR first step to become capable individuals in controlling our life's direction, using our thoughts!
For my practical I have made a video of interviewing strangers of Perth and asking what optimism means to the. I have also made an educational animation video where I continue to expand on some of the themes I discussed here and I would like to share it with our community. Please go to the link and watch my video and leave some feedback to support my project this year.
The Science of Optimism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfESOVmJn3M&t=1s
Optimism on the Go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfCQxE2mgvg&t=1s
Thanks for taking the time to read ?
Running Club
We managed a rain free session last week and had a great turn out! We even had some high school students join in on the fun, which was great to see! Run/walk away from the winter blues and come join us, Tuesday mornings 8am start and last lap called at 8:20am for an 8:25am finish, just in time to start the school day!
Milestone Achievements:
5km – Thomas McSharry (Kindy 6), Grace McSharry (Class 2), Jasper Jackson (Class 1) and Tali Tait (parent)
10km – Harvey Freeman (Class 1)
50km – Paddy Collins (Kindy 6)
Our biggest PWS turn out to date and what a day it was! We had a mixture of ages ranging from kindy through to Class 10 and parents. Some ran the 6km loop whilst others took on the challenge of the 12km race. An incredible effort from all today and it was amazing to see our community out there cheering each other on and have a great time moving their bodies!
An unexpected but lovely surprise was Perth Waldorf School being award second place for the biggest school group! Thank you to all the participants that nominated our school as their club of choice. I wonder if we can recruit some more participants for next year and take out first place!
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The Ministers Running Challenge: Get up, get moving and let’s get running! This awesome challenge launched last week (don’t worry you can still log last weeks movement ?) and is a great incentive for Primary, Secondary students and Staff to move their bodies during Term 3. Running, walking and wheeling are all encouraged activities. Follow the link below to register your child. Create basic healthy habits and maybe even an opportunity to be gifted an entry to Perth’s Running Festival Burswood Park 4km Dash! Let me know if you decide to join I would to check in and hear about your goals and progress.
Afterschool Sport program
Week 2
Record numbers! Last week, 39 participants turned up to the main oval eager to be involved in the afterschool program! The challenge for our participants was to navigate a scatter course. This course layout challenged their ability to set their own path to gather controls. With four courses to choose from, the students had to call upon their map reading skills and be precise with the location of controls.
Unfortunately, our session was cut short by a heavy downpour but still lots of fun was had. Our final week of Orienteering will be this week!
Orienteering information and sign-up list: https://forms.office.com/r/c28W5MFCcw
Interschool Sport opportunities
Term 4 will present many opportunities for our Class 7-12 students to be involved in various interschool sports. The sports offered next term include:
- Futsal Junior boys (Class 7-8)
- Futsal Junior girls (Class 7-9)
- Ultimate Frisbee (Class 7-10)
- Beach Volleyball (Class 7-12)
If your child is interested in being involved, please send me an email.
Community sport opportunities
See below for some great opportunities to get involved in and try some great community initiatives.
Manning Park Trail Runners
Where: Manning Park, Azelia road Spearwood. Meet at the Manning stairs.
When: Every Thursday. 5-6pm for kids group. 6-7:15pm for adults group.
It’s FREE! All ages and abilities welcome.
Parkrun
Want to join running club but school mornings are too much of a rush? Check out parkrun – it is a free 5km timed event with courses all over the world but we are lucky enough to have a couple close by in Bibra Lake and South Fremantle. Head to the website to register and join the fun!
Fremantle Indoor Beach Volleyball
The team at Freo Indoor Beach Volleyball in O’Connor have an awesome season starting up for our teens! Check out the flyer below for more information!
WA Ultimate is excited to announce their first ever Standalone School Holiday Programs. We have offered Ultimate Frisbee as an afterschool program over the last few years, and it is certainly a big hit among the students. Check out the details below for an excellent opportunity during the school holidays!
South of the River - Thursday September 26 at Murdoch University - https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=116161&programID=71356
Community Notices are for members of the school’s community only and may consist of: Business adverts, producers, services, items for sale (non-school related), etc. keeping in mind that they need to be consistent within our schools’ ethos. Please try and keep your notice short (this is free of charge). All Community Notices will appear in this section for two weeks only. If you would like a ¼ page advert, a $10 fee is required and will only appear in Week 2 and Week 8.
Annual Biodynamic Gathering
For more information call Jana 0402 858 743 or to book your place go to
Learn To Sew
First 1000 day's of your Child - Workshop Series
Classes run - 14/9 and 21/9
Families can now sign up to individual session via this link: register here!
Donations wanted for our Blessing Bowl please
If you have any crystals that need a new home we would appreciate these for our Blessing Bowl outside the front office.
The children love them so much they have been taking them home, so we need to top our supply up.
Please drop any donations to Giorgia in the Front Office.
Thank you
For Sale
For Sale - Student Instruments - ¾ Cello $480 and Clarinet $190. Please call/text Karen on 0415 700 975.
Classical Greek & Latin Tutoring
Judith Owen is offering tutoring in Classical Greek and Latin. Online or in-person. $70 for individuals and $100 for small groups. Please contact her directly: at judith_owen5@hotmail.com
Seeking a studio/granny flat
Seeking a studio/granny flat for myself and my daughter who is in high school at PWS. Open to most areas where there is easy public transport to PWS. A small indoor space is fine as we are a harmonious duo. We enjoy a peaceful, tidy, organised home and have excellent rental references.
Please call/text Skye on 0432583372
Screens Parent Resource
House / pet sitter wanted
Come spend a few weeks of spring in the beautiful Perth hills! House sitter wanted for 19th September – 5th October. Would ideally suit a single or couple who don’t work full time. We have two dogs that need daily exercise and are used to having their people around most days. There are also some chickens to look after, but other than that there is not much else to do but enjoy the serenity of our 5 acre garden property (plus any garden/chicken produce available). If interested please call Kath: 0438 545 397.
Rudolf Steiner College Perth - Practicing Presence ‘Living with spiritual sensitivity‘
Groups/Classes
Participating in any of these activities goes toward Family Participation Hours.
These groups for parents are run or led by teachers or parents. Members of the school community are encouraged to join any of the groups and enjoy the experience of personal growth and learning in this beautiful environment - a great inspiration for our children!
The Carriage 'School Shop'
The Carriage stocks stationary supplies, bags and uniforms for school. We also hold a large range of local products, craft materials, jewellery, handmade goods, cleaning necessities, salt lamps, candles, essential oils, cards, giftwares, wooden toys, secondhand items and books.
The Carriage is operated by the P&F, and all funds raised go back into the community.
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The Carriage 'Seed Swap'
Calling all green thumbs and plant enthusiasts! The Carriage has started a Seed Swap. If you have excess seeds at home, from flowers to food to natives, bring it (bagged & labeled) to The Carriage and leave it with a Volunteer. In exchange, take away with you, any pack of seeds that piques your interest. Please ensure all seeds given, are not considered an environmental weed in Western Australia, you can check via this link https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/organisms
Happy Planting!
Pupil Free Day 20th September
Spring Vacation Care 2024-Connect Learning After School
*Please note this service is available for children from Kindy 4 - Class 7*
Before School Care 7:00am to 9:00am
After School Care 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Vacation Care 7:00am to 6:00pm
Early Finish Thursdays 2:15pm to 6:00pm
Kindy Early Finish 12:45pm to 6:00pm
General Canteen Information
Mon, Tues and Wed - 8:10am-3:15pm (closed between 2-2:30pm).
Thur - 8:10am-2:30pm (closed between 1:30pm-2:00pm).
Fri - 8:10am-1:30pm.
(The Canteen will be closed everyday between 11-11:30am for lunch preparations.)
Everyone must please Pre-Order food.
Orders need to be submitted as follows: Morning tea orders are due in by 8:30am and lunch orders are due in by 10:40am.
Pre-Orders can be made in person at the front of the Canteen or by text message to the Canteen SMS number 0412 035 670. This helps the canteen staff, reduces waste and keeps prices low.
You can set up an account with the canteen using the form below:
If you wish to top up your account please choose from the following payment options:
- Direct debit - BSB 066000 Account No. 13162921. Please use your canteen account name as reference and SMS a receipt to canteen number 0412 035 670.
- Direct cash or card payment at the canteen by a student.
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CANTEEN MENU
Reusable stainless steel straws Silver just $1 cleaners 50c
Banister Downs milk full cream and lite $2.00 per litre.
Tammy sourdough bread whole meal $6.50 or fruit $8.50 available every day.
Breadtime story handmade sourdough Spelt $12 fruit and nut $14 super seedy $13 preorder for Thursday delivery.
Fresh Raw Local Honey $13/kg refill your own jar prepacked glass jars $8.50
Local Organic Olive oil $15.00/litre refill your own bottle or prefilled bottles available.
Grounded Pleasures chai $11.50 200g box
Karvan coffee #3 $12.50/ 250g whole beans or Swiss water Decaf Ground $13.00/ 250g
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Volunteers are welcome in the Canteen!
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If you would like to volunteer please take the course above. For free access use the code FSCBURN315. The course takes approximately an hour to complete. You will receive a certificate upon completion. Once you have acquired the certificate we can arrange a time that suits you to come in. All hours can be used towards the Parent Participation Scheme including the online course. If you would like more information, please contact Megan in the Canteen or via email canteen@pws.wa.edu.au
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Megan Harry
Canteen Manager
