GLAM Conference

Steiner Education Australia (SEA) runs a conference each year focussing on Governance, Leadership, Administration and Management (GLAM).

This year it was held at Orana Steiner School in Canberra. Orana means WELCOME in the Ngunnawal language and the 15 staff members from WA Steiner schools felt welcomed to the sunny but chilly national capital on election weekend.

The theme of the conference was “Facing an Uncertain Future” and like most manufactured themes it was touched on here and there across the three days, to provide some continuity. The quote that seemed most apposite was by Nobel prize winner Ilya Prigogine – “the future is uncertain…… but this uncertainty is at the very heart of human creativity”

At any Steiner workshop, course or conference we are reminded that we are to seek answers and develop ourselves rather than be passive recipients. Such growth, we are reminded, comes through creativity in our thinking, doing and feeling. One workshop focussed on the use of power for the greater good and the evolution of humankind. This quote by Julie Diamond (2016) was resonant: Better use of power depends on learning about ourselves, on growing our self-awareness, understanding our emotionality and complexity.”

It was a great chance to meet people from all over Australia and share ideas, feel supported to work in Steiner schools and to grow our understanding of the big and small issues. Workshops covered a wide range of topics that were practical, theoretical or both including accounting and finance, project management, alumni, marketing, enrolment processes, leading cultural change, law, karma, cyber security, generative AI, governance for directors, bridging divides between expectation and reality, associative economics.

Although complex, discussions on our work were enlivening as evident in this quote from Steiner - “The essential thing is that we, as human beings, become conscious of our karma in order to transform it. This transformation is a pilgrimage toward moral maturity.”

“Some WA Participants at GLAM” 

Complex new ideas about finances were presented in keynote talks by author Dr Christopher Houghton Budd ata-contrast="none">http://www.christopherhoughtonbudd.com/ 

Opportunities to Grow

In this week’s edition, there are a plethora of activities and courses to step into. They are opportunities to develop ourselves and help us to connect with other people. Biodynamics, Cothing Market, Dad’s workshops, Pre-Birth Parenting Classes, Practising Presence, collective online inquiry discussions in “ Memes That Matter” (starts tonight) & Weaving Workshops.

Great Grounds

Over and again we are thankful for the look and feel of our school grounds. Thank you to Peter and Marijanna and the FGM team members for all their work in making our campuses such a delight to wander and wonder.

With much gratitude

Bruce Lee
School Administrator

The light that burns within me - hidden, silent, deep,
It streams with power like the sun from realms of sleep.
It fills my heart with joy. It gives me strength and gladness
And lets me shine to others too, to heal their sadness.

When fire burns and I am master of this fire,
Then, pouring light upon me, Heaven's Sons inspire
My work, and I can do God's deeds as they require.

by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 31

What is behind a Festival?

The word festival comes from the Latin words festa (joy), festum, and feriae (fair). In Steiner/Waldorf schools, festivals are significant outer expressions that nourish and unite our children, staff, and community.

I see this as an opportunity to begin contemplating our next celebration—the Winter Festival during the season of Makuru. Rudolf Steiner describes festivals, and the way they are expressed, as a “call to action” for the future of human evolution. It's no coincidence that many festivals around the world are celebrated at times of the year when the veil between the material and spiritual worlds is believed to be thinnest. These times often coincide with the solstices and equinoxes, reminding us of our earth-bound relationship to the life-giving sun.

As individuals, we each play a role in these festivals. They are times for active inner work, personal reflection, and the deepening of our understanding that we are all connected—and that we each bear responsibility for the past, present, and future of humanity.

The Reverse Ritual

Lisa Romero, ahealth practitioner and adult educator, speaks about the concept of the reverse ritual. While the ritual is the outward expression of the festival—for example, during the Winter Festival, this might include the spiral walk, lanterns, shared soup and bread, and communal singing—the reverse ritual is the inner work and preparation that leads to and supports these expressions. It is not just about event logistics; without conscious inner preparation, the festival risks becoming hollow.

The reverse ritual for our Winter Festival begins now. As we journey through the term, we hold inner pictures and imaginations that will find outward expression in the festival.

As Steiner educators, we are called to ask: What is the true nature of our school’s Winter Festival? Through faculty and College study, we deepen our understanding of the festival’s meaning. We reflect on the Earth’s seasonal activity, the soul-breathing of the Earth in relation to the Northern Hemisphere, the archangelic influences, and the relationships between stars, zodiac, sun, and human activity. We observe the land beneath our feet and its subtle seasonal shifts, while also considering the needs of our students, staff, and community—here and now, in this place and time.

With the children, we don’t explicitly share these cosmic themes. Instead, we weave their meaning through the curriculum and the children’s lived experiences.

In Jarrah Miah Kindergarten, our Swans are making beanies to keep their heads warm as the weather cools. Our Cygnets have finger-knitted necklaces so they can find one another in the dark. We will make lanterns and candle jars for the spiral walk. At our parent meeting, we will make candles to use during the festival. We will visit Bibra Lake and the bush each week to observe the lake’s slow filling and the transition from Djeran into Makuru. Our menu has shifted to include warming soups and dahl. In our stories and circle times, we acknowledge not only the changing seasons, but also the inward turning, introspection, and reflection that come with the sun’s waning presence.

The cosmic picture of Earth at this time of year—whether we are in summer or winter—holds a universal imagination: we come together to share and find the light. We seek it within ourselves, within each other, and within our school community. We strive to find balance between the polarities of the world, and equanimity within ourselves.

As a community, we are all invited to devote time and thought to the coming festival. Each of us contributes to the shared unfolding of both personal and universal consciousness.

Things you can do:

• Contemplate, study, write, create and find your light within.
• Observe and notice nature, the stars and the light and dark.
• Bring warmth into you homes: Warm and nourishing cooking, slow and gentle rhythm, early nights, warm socks and singlets, Laughter and family time.
• Model an inner calm in your relationships and how you meet the world.
• Observe your child and reflect the influence of the changing season on your child and family.
• Make a nature table of things you find.
• Use candlelight more often.
• Enjoy the sound of quietness and silence.
• Practice the art of equanimity in all you do, paying close attention to your emotions, reactions, and responses.

The First 1,000 Days—A Gentle Beginning That Shapes a Lifetime

In the tender first 1,000 days of life—from conception to age two—your child is laying the foundation for lifelong health, emotional strength, and a deep connection to the world. These early years are a time of quiet wonder, where the rhythms of love, nourishment, and gentle care weave together to support your little one’s unfolding journey.

We warmly invite you to join us on Thursday, 8 May, from 4–6 PM for a nurturing discussion on this sacred time with intention and presence. Guest Speaker Jai Ram Kaur, a Kundalini Yoga teacher at Small Blessings Yoga, will share insights on:

• Creating a harmonious environment for early development
• Supporting brain growth through rhythm and sensory experience
• The role of microbiota in well-being and balance
• How early influences shape the future with lasting effects
  
  

Through warmth, rhythm, and mindful care, we can help our children grow into confident, joyful individuals with a strong sense of inner security. Join us as we explore ways to guide them gently into the world with love.

We look forward to sharing this space with you.

Lisa Payne
Head of Early Childhood

Class 2 Craft

Class 5 - Elephant (from Ancient India Main Lesson)

Class 9 - Ecology

With the installation of the new garden beds in front of the Library there has been a flurry of activity and when needing something quick to grow once the relentless heat finally let up there was an easy choice: Radishes!

Radishes are a fast-growing root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family. This season, we planted four different varieties, each offering its own unique flavour, colour, and size. They're a speedy addition to the garden - ready to harvest in less than 5 weeks from seed. With such a generous harvest, we had to get creative with how  to use them all. A quick pickle, stirred through a simple fried rice, turned out to be a delicious way to finish off Term 1!

After the harvest we did the chop-and-drop method of chopping up all the top leaves and dropping them straight into the garden bed as organic matter to break down.

 

Quick Pickled Radish:

Add 2tbsp hot water, ¼ tsp sea salt, 2 tsp sugar into a small bowl and mix to dissolve. Add in 2 tblsp of rice vinegar and add sliced radish. Toss to combine and let sit for at least 15 minutes.

Alex McLeod
High School Science & Maths Teacher

Class 9 Autobiography Main Lesson

In class 9, students complete an English Main Lesson called Autobiography. They learn what an autobiography is, I read extracts from a variety of autobiographies to them, they choose an autobiography to read in part and share an extract from it in pairs (in interview format) and they write their own mini autobiography which includes the following stories:

• How My Parents Met
• My Birth Story
• Baby/ toddler years
• Kindergarten stories
• Primary School Memories
• Early High School Highlights

BONUS STORY - this is an extended story that they remember in detail so they can write it using a beautiful depth of descriptive detail. This is often a family holiday, an adventure they have had or a significant injury. 

Each day, we sit in our storytelling circle and share our stories. Class 9B are currently in this main lesson, and for our "Birth Story", Indi and Terezka made delicious vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing for us to eat while we shared our "Birth Day" stories in our circle. 

We were then treated to our first Autobiography share from Livia and Grace, who read from and spoke to us about "Mao's Last Dancer" by Li Cunxin. Pictured is another example of an Autobiography that was also shared with us by Harrie and Mark - "Rising Heart" by Aminata Conteh-Biger. 

Behind the students, on the board, is the variety of places and countries our students have indicated that they have family heritage. A wide-ranging selection enhancing the message that everyone has a unique story and heritage to share.

Liesl Barnett
English and Financial Literacy Teacher

CLASS 12 PROJECTS

Orlando Saikip-Ricciardo

Hi, my name is Orlando Saikip-Ricciardo, and I am a current year 12 student at Perth Waldorf School. At the age of just 13, I grew an obsession with muscular and lean physiques and wanted to obtain one myself. My journey began by just following along with home workouts on YouTube, in which I was able to make progress that I was quite happy with. After seeing signs of improvement, I became hooked on fitness and eventually joined a gym to begin routine weight training. As most gym goers around me, I was exposed to fitness related social media online which often displayed very impressive physiques, and some which could only be achieved through the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs). Over time, I found that exposure to these body images was skewing my perception of an impressive physique, and I often found myself wondering what it would be like to use PEDs myself, and I felt that the goal I set to achieve was not naturally attainable. This got me thinking as to how other people who go to the gym like me are affected by this increase of steroid use and acceptance. As the gym is a big part of my life, I knew I had to relate it to my year 12 Project so that I would be speaking with passion. This led me to my topic question:

“What is behind the increased acceptance and availability of Performance Enhancing Drugs in bodybuilding, and how has this impacted men interested in building strength and muscle naturally?”

While scouting research into the topic, I have learnt that increased muscular male body images within society can induce Muscle Dysmorphia on those interested in recreational bodybuilding. Muscle Dysmorphia is a body dysmorphic disorder that can create feelings of dissatisfaction within one's physique and can lead to depression and eating disorders. This can also play as a factor that leads to steroid use; however, Muscle Dysmorphia may not subside after steroid use and is actually higher in PED users than compared to non-users.

Delving into this topic also led me into researching about how steroids are purchased and acquired through online markets. I found that Australia almost solely relies on internet purchases for steroid imports and I was shocked to learn how unreliable and unsafe these markets are, and that it is probable that the product is a fake or has been swapped for something completely unspecified. Many of these black markets also actively promote the benefits of steroids and downplay or rarely include information about side effects, which only increases the risks associated with them.

As for my practical component, I’m looking to put myself through the diet and routine of a natural bodybuilder before competition. The more research I put into it, the harder it seems to achieve but this only fuels my determination and willingness to get it done. Being competition ready means having very low body fat and a considerably muscular physique. As of writing this, I have been dieting for some months now and have already lost 12 kilos which has vastly improved my self-confidence and helped me in getting a taste of the dedication needed for natural bodybuilding.

I hope that my Project brings light to the hidden epidemic of societal steroid acceptance and highlights reasons that could lead to PED use, while also sharing what it’s like to be a natural bodybuilder preparing for competition.

Term 2 Fees - Due Friday 9th May

The school fees for term 2 are due by Friday 9^th May, unless you already have a payment arrangement in place with the school 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. 

The Building Levy has been charged separately to the school fees this year. The Building Levy is tax deductible, so payments received before 30^th June are able to be included with your tax return. Official receipts will be emailed to families in July.

If you need any information or would like to arrange a repayment plan, please contact Kathryn on account@pws.wa.edu.au. 

Payment can be made by the following options, please include your Invoice Number as the 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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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!

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.

Introduction to Biodynamics

Karate Classes

Dads Tuning into Kids Workshop

The first 1000 days of your Child

Step into a nurturing space where parenting is gentle, respectful, and rooted in connection. Join us online or in person—choose individual sessions or the full series, blending theory and practice for parents, caregivers, and educators.

Use code PWS25 for a special 25% discount!

✨ Discover more and sign up at plapla.com.au

Have questions? We’re here to help: info@plapla.com.au

Memes that Matter - Conversations that Count with Horst Komberger

Register by clicking on this link

Memes that Matter | Horst Kornberger

(https://www.HorstKornberger.com/memesthatmatter) 

Practising Presence - 'The Soul's Dance'

Cordage, Coiling & Weaving Workshop

Day 1 (16th): You’ll learn how to choose and prepare plant fibres, explore different ones to work with. Then make cordage and learn to coil a basket for you to continue working on at home.

Day 2 (23rd): We’ll review your coiled baskets and explore any troubleshooting. Then you’ll learn how to weave with plant fibres to create a variety of forms.

General Canteen Information 

Pixie Stott Canteen - Perth Waldorf School 

You can set up an account with the canteen using the form below:

CANTEEN MENU

Reusable stainless steel straws Silver just $1 cleaners 50c
Banister Downs milk full cream and lite $2.50 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 4 seeds $13 preorder for Friday delivery.
Fresh Raw Local Honey $14/kg refill your own jar prepacked glass jars $9
Local Organic Olive oil $16.00/litre refill your own bottle or prefilled bottles available.
Grounded Pleasures chai $12.50 200g box
Grounded Pleasures Chocolate $11.50
Karvan coffee #3 $13/ 250g whole beans or Swiss water Decaf Ground $13.00/ 250g Tally Ho farm biodynamic tempeh $9.50

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Volunteers are welcome in the Canteen!

Food Handling Training Link https://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/Health-Safety-and-Rangers/Public-Health/Safe-Food/Food-Handling-Training

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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