Yanganiny Clothing

Below is the latest info on the upcoming Yangininy Clothing Market. An adult affair!

Place clean adult clothing in the bins and come along on Saturday 31st May to try out a new fashion range for yourself. It will be fabulous and good for the world.

Keep our World Beautiful

A huge thank you to Class 3 and their teacher Kerewin for their work in picking up rubbish along the street. Many hands make light work. Wherever you are, take the time to collect litter and make our world a little more beautiful. Thanks!

School Photo Days

Today and Thursday are school photo days at the Bibra Lake campus. Thank you to everyone - parents and carers for filling in forms, administration staff for the scheduling and on-the-ground staff and teachers for making sure the day runs like clockwork.

From playgroup to Class 12, we have 582 children at Bibra Lake and 94 children at Parkerville. There are 28 separate classes operating each morning. We are so grateful that you have placed your trust in our school. And we are so thankful for all the love, care and dedication that is extended by the staff towards making schooling a heartening and valuable experience. The school photo is hopefully a special memory of those childhood days.

Can you remember a class photo from your school days? Some of our parents and staff can remember their class photos from being students at PWS! Amazingly, the same lovely man is taking the photos, all these years later! He now has eight grandchildren. Thank you, Tom!

Tom asks the Class One children to focus on the mouse on his head as he takes the Class photo. He's been taking photos at PWS since last century! Thanks Tom.

With much gratitude

Bruce Lee
School Administrator

The world I see:
A frozen, empty, barren wasteland it would be
Without the work my head and heart and hands can do
To heal its pain.

All things must die and then be born anew.
To help in this great task, that life be not in vain,
The world needs me.

by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 33

A Tribute to Anna - Share your Memories

To honour Anna’s legacy and the deep affection in which she is held, we will be creating a book of memories for her. This will be a collection of photos, drawings, and written reflections from throughout the years—a gift that reflects the love, gratitude, and joy she brought into our lives.

If you have a memory to share, whether it’s a story, a quote, a message from your child, or a special photograph, we warmly invite you to contribute. It might be a recollection of one of her beloved puppet plays, a moment of comfort, or simply the way her soft voice and kind words made you or your child feel seen and held.

Please send your contributions to lpayne@pws.wa.edu.au by the end of term 2, so I can compile this keepsake book for Anna. Please spread the word to those who do not receive the Pabulum anymore or who are not on social media.

This book will serve as a small gesture of our deep appreciation—a way to say thank you for the magic she brought to our community and to wish her well on her next chapter.

Lisa Payne
Head of Early Childhood

Rituals

“Positive family rhythms – daily, weekly and yearly routines and rituals – provide a foundation of stability, trust, love and connection…” (Lou Harvey-Zahra). Our kindergarten classrooms are filled with daily and weekly rhythms that are felt so strongly in the children that we rarely hear them ask – what are we doing next? It gives them a sense of security each day as they step over the threshold into our loving spaces.

Embedded in our rhythms are rituals that foster reverence and a sense of wonder and magic. The simple tasks of lighting a candle, saying a blessing, waiting with our hands at our hearts...to name just a few.

You may have special rituals at home around meal times and especially bedtime. The simple things like a walk as a family after dinner, pizza Saturdays, pancake Sundays… Special rituals that you do at festival times; things that are unique to your family. Everyday routines that you make a little more special and fun. These are the rituals that bind you together as a family.

On Friday (green day) afternoons in Ngala Miah Koort the Cygnets go home and the Swans have special rest time where they build cubbies to rest in. Afterwards we have been having a tea party as our special end of week ritual. We set the table with our best teacups and plates, brew a herbal tea in a pretty teapot and sometimes we have a baked treat, or if time did not allow then simply some nuts and crackers. No matter the food, the ritual is in the act and the children always delight.

What rituals do you share in your household? And how could you strengthen your rhythms and routines to bring more stability to your child?

This week’s baked treat: Sesame Tahini Cookies (Vegan & gluten free)

https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/tahini-cookies/

Jo Howe
Ngala Miah Koort Teacher

Class 1 Craft

Class 2 Craft

Class 3 Craft

Changing Seasons at Bibra Lake

Kevin Mazzer
Head of Primary School

Marketplace Magic: The Crystal Exchange at Perth Waldorf School

During morning and lunch breaks, a special kind of magic is taking place in the Adventure Playground. Class 3 and 4 students at Perth Waldorf School have created their very own crystal marketplace—complete with stalls made from logs and bricks, and collections of gems, stones, and crystals carefully laid out for trade.

This child-led initiative has blossomed into a vibrant hub of activity, where students trade, share, and negotiate with joy and purpose. Even Class 5 and 6 students are drawn to join in, adding to the sense of community and excitement.

Alison Alberghini
Class 4 Teacher

Class 3 caring for our environment

Class 3 did a clean up of Gwilliam Drive on Tuesday to help keep the wildlife safe and the earth looking beautiful.

The children worked well as a team to clear several bags worth of rubbish! Then we celebrated our efforts with a play at  Walliabup Bibra Lake.

When we reflected on our work the next day, the children reported that most of the rubbish was receipts, napkins and Adventure World tickets. They noticed most rubbish gets stuck along the fence lines.

Class 3 is excited to do more to keep our school safe and clean and have decided next time we would like to tidy inside the school grounds. Thank you to Class 3 and Parent Helpers for your efforts!

Kerewin de Souza Signer
Class 3 Teacher

The Power of Buddies

At the heart of Steiner education is the belief that learning is not just about knowledge—it’s also about connection, empathy, and community. One of the most cherished and intentional ways we nurture this is through buddy experiences, where older and younger students form meaningful relationships through shared activities.

Each term, Class 1 and Class 6 come together several times to engage in partnered learning. These experiences vary widely—from sharing seasonal and creative tasks, to playing games, to enjoying shared reading.

Last term, Class 6 helped their younger peers decorate Easter crosses. This term, they will guide little hands to build winter lanterns for our annual festival.

This week, the older children read stories aloud to the younger ones. The library, alive with the gentle whispers of buddies sharing stories, asking questions, and exchanging moments of laughter, became a warm space of connection and learning.

These buddy experiences benefit everyone involved: for the older children, they cultivate responsibility and compassion; for the younger, they nurture trust and a sense of belonging—together building a foundation of empathy and community that enriches the whole school.

Tamara Yousry
Class 6 Assistant

Winter Festival planning

This year in preparation of the Winter Festival, Primary Faculty is working with the theme ‘Connecting to Place’. We are drawing our inspiration from the land, the waters, the flora and fauna around us. As in past festivals, we will also be acknowledging and celebrating Noongar culture; the first custodians and educators of this place.

Next Wednesday, 28th May, there will be a planning meeting for all interested in helping create the festival. It will be from 3.15 pm- 4.30 pm in the Primary staffroom. Please email me if you are interested in helping. kmazzer@pw.wa.edu.au

Singers Wanted

Claire Williamson will be leading the adult choir to welcome people on the night.

Practices will be Tuesdays 8:45am-9:30am. Starting Week 4, Tuesday 20 May. In the High School Music Room.

Please contact Claire if you would like to be a part of the choir. cwilliamson@pws.wa.edu.au

Class 8A Drama Main Lesson presents - A Midsummers Nights Dream by William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most well-loved and well-known comedies.

It is a delightful weaving of stories:

The Greek hero and Duke of Athens, Theseus, is to marry the Amazon Queen Hippolyta, when Hermia, daughter of Egeus is forced to run away secretly into the woods with her true love Lysander. In hot pursuit is the jealous Demetrius who has been promised to marry Hermia, and desperately following him is Helena who is infatuated by Demetrius.

Meanwhile a group of tradesmen, or “mechanicals” are in the woods rehearsing a play which they hope to perform at the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta. They are hilariously amateurish but loveable and soon worlds collide in the forest.

A fairy conflict between King Oberon and Queen Titania has disturbed the seasons. As revenge on Titania, Oberon plays a trick with a love potion which makes the target fall deeply in love with the first thing he or she sees upon waking. Sent to carry out the mission is Oberon’s cheeky servant, Robin Goodfellow or “Puck”, who anoints the eyes of Titania but also both Lysander and Demetrius by mistake.

Mistaken love and magical transformation ensues, everything goes wrong, but then the antidote is applied, the mechanicals perform their ridiculous play, and everyone lives happily ever after!

Our Class 8 students have worked together, striving to make A Midsummer Night’s Dream come to life. By stepping into their roles, they transport themselves to a strange and enchanting fairy world and personally develop as growing young people.

PWS staff have worked hard to make this play possible: Justin Crossley, Eva Rinaldi, Gabriela Morales, Ian Lawrence, Shanelle Schramm, Sarah Boyle and Megan Rowley.

Families are encouraged to attend evening performances together, from all High School and Primary year levels. Entry will be by donation.

Performances:

Thursday 22 May 9am - Cast 1

Thursday 22 May 6:30pm - Cast 2

Friday 23 May 10:40am - Cast 2

Friday 23 May 6:30pm - Cast 1

Austine Castiglione
High School Drama Teacher

Classl 10 Geography Main Lesson - The Earth in Movement - Plastic Art

In this main lesson, we explored the oceans, ocean currents, and our relationship with nature and the sea (because honestly, who doesn’t love the beach?). One of the major environmental issues we discussed is our reliance on single-use plastics—whether intentionally or not, humans use a lot of it. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world has produced over 9.2 billion tons of plastic since 1950—that’s the equivalent weight of around 56,250 blue whales! Alarmingly, nearly half of that amount was produced just between 2010 and 2023.

In class, we learned about where all this plastic ends up—most notably in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), a massive accumulation of marine debris located in the North Pacific Ocean. This floating plastic island is held together by ocean gyres—giant circular currents that act like a whirlpool. The GPGP is enormous, spanning an area roughly the size of Queensland, or three times the size of France.

We also examined the impact of this pollution on marine life and humans. Surprisingly, only about 1% of the plastic in the oceans is found floating at the surface of the GPGP. Most of it sinks to the ocean floor in the form of microplastics—or worse, enters the food chain, eventually making its way back to us.

To reflect on this issue creatively, students were invited to produce a piece of art—be it a drawing, painting, or sculpture—to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Here are some of their thoughtful and inspiring creations:

Jo Doernberg
HS Humanities & German Teacher

CLASS 12 PROJECTS

Linnea Pericles

My name is Linnea Pericles, and I’ve always had a strong interest in human health. Living with type 1 diabetes for the past four years and staying active in my free time, I’ve learned to prioritize my health and well-being. This year, however, I wanted to delve deeper.

Nutrition is the fundamental aspect of health along with exercise. We are what we eat, so to pursue a heathy lifestyle, consuming the right food is very important. But how many of us look at the nutritional information on the packaged food we buy? And more importantly, if we do look, who understands what that all means?

This year, I set out to discover exactly what I’m putting into my body and how it affects my health—and the research blew my mind. Four in five adults consume less than the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which contributes to a range of adverse health effects, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. With the rise of fast food, Australians now get 42% of their energy intake from ultra-processed foods. Even more concerning is the impact on children and adolescents, who receive 55% of their dietary intake from these highly processed items. This is a frightening statistic when we consider the long-term health consequences of such overconsumption.

All in all, Australians have a terrible relationship with food, we are overfed in macronutrients but undernourished in micronutrients. I have a passion to change those statistic into something more positive. Through intense research, brainstorming with my supervisor and reflective journal entries, we finally established my project topic question;

“How can Australians improve their nutritional intake at an individual level to support better health?”

My report explores nutrient requirements for health and current nutritional challenges in Australia — including the rise of ultra-processed foods, increasing sugar consumption, and declining fruit and vegetable intake and the health issues associated with these trends.

Another key aspect of my research is how do we counter / mitigate the nutrient deficit. My focus has been on fermented foods, microgreens, and a comparison of organic homegrown crops with commercially produced alternatives. This has been one of my favourite parts of the report. I love the potential for positive change, because it gives hope to the declining health of Australians.

It has also given me an opportunity to establish my own microgreen supply. I have started growing trays of microgreens and I love it! I have become a big advocate for them. They are extremely easy to grow, they taste amazing, and of course, they are super healthy.

The statistics I talk about are heavy and distressing, but along with that, there are easy, affordable changes an individual can take. We can make a change, and it only involves a bit of effort to create fresh, nutritious food. To fuel this change, we need to recognise the unhealthy habits we are engaging in, get educated on what we should be eating, and make the change.

This year has been a thoroughly enjoyable (at times stressful) investment in a topic I am extremely passionate about. It has given me insight about who I want to become and what I would like to study at university, but not only that — it has also taught me to think before I eat; it's all about awareness and knowledge, and once you know more, you can slowly start integrating it into your life. The Project has made me more aware of what is happening inside of my body at any moment, and how food can support me in the best way possible. I look forward to sharing this with others to improve community health.

Running Club

We have had some beautiful Djeran mornings this term, slightly cooler but sun still shining. We are looking forward to seeing our regulars but are always excited to welcome new faces. Running Club is an excellent opportunity for our Class 5 students to begin their preparation for the Greek Olympics. Join us for a walk, jog or run every Tuesday morning from 8:00am to 8:25am. It's all about moving our bodies, having fun, and cheering each other on. Whether you’re walking or running, everyone’s welcome to join in. We’ll meet on the big oval near the sports shed (shipping container), and make sure to bring your drink bottle!

Milestone Achievements:

5km – Vicky Gonzalez-Burrows (Parent) and Paula Burrows (Parent)

10km – Eli Goodchild (Class 8) and Reggie Campbell (Class 1)

20km – Paddy Collins (Class 1)

35km – Jobe Collins (Class 5) and Hamish Whyte (Class 5)

After School Sports Program

Our Ultimate Frisbee program will commence week 5, Tuesday 27^th May. The session will commence at 3:15pm and run for approx 45mins. The Ulti-Mates program introduces the sport of Ultimate Frisbee through a game-based approach. This fun inclusive program introduces students to movement skills including throwing and catching a frisbee and develops a strong foundation in teamwork and fair play. Please register your interest via the link below.

https://forms.office.com/r/0LdCUgFjZf 

InterSchool Sports Opportunities

Intermediate Boys Futsal

Last term, our intermediate boys represented the school at the Secondary Schools Futsal Championship held at Cockburn ARC. They kicked off the day with a strong performance against the highly regarded South Coast Baptist, scoring early and applying pressure before narrowly going down 2–5.

The team bounced back in style with a dominant 8–0 win over Melville D in their second game. Carrying that momentum forward, they delivered another outstanding performance, defeating St Norbert’s C 4–0 with solid defence and sharp attacking play.

Game four presented a tough challenge against a polished St Norbert A side, resulting in a 0–4 loss. Determined to finish the day on a high note, the boys rallied in their final match, securing a confident 4–1 victory over Melville E.

It was a fantastic day overall, with the team demonstrating impressive skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Well done, boys!

Senior Boys Basketball

Our senior boys basketball team made their debut in an interschool competition, facing a rigorous schedule of six 30-minute games in one day. Despite not securing a win, the team demonstrated commendable resilience and competitive spirit throughout.

In the opening match against Melville, the boys overcame a 12-point deficit to equalize late in the game. However, Melville managed to score in the final moments, clinching a narrow victory.

Facing All Saints next, our team led at halftime, showcasing strong offensive and defensive plays. Unfortunately, they couldn't maintain the momentum, resulting in a 12-point loss.

Against Perth Modern, the boys exhibited excellent defensive pressure and accurate shooting in the first half. Although the second half was tightly contested, they ultimately fell short by 10 points. In a closely contested game with Hammond Park, the boys stood strong throughout. Despite their efforts, they couldn't secure the lead, losing by just 3 points.

Before their match against Kent Street, former student Jemay Fassom shared his basketball insights, coaching the team. The game ended in a draw, influenced by a controversial last-minute referee decision.

In the final game against Belmont City, the boys took a comfortable lead into halftime. However, the opposition mounted a strong comeback, and the game concluded in another draw.

While the team didn't secure a win, their performance was impressive for their first-time in the basketball interschool competition. They displayed growth, teamwork, and determination, setting a solid foundation for future competitions. They should be proud of their efforts.

Community sport opportunities

See below for some 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.

Thanks,

Jade Collins
Phys. Ed Coordinator

Microbat Homes: A Thriving Success at PWS!

Back in late 2022, the PWS community came together to build and install microbat homes in carefully selected locations around the school. If you’ve spotted them, you’re seeing the results of a fantastic sustainability project, made possible through support from Cockburn Council and local microbat expert Joe Tonga (aka "The Bat Man").

In total, we built 10 bat boxes as a community initiative, with an additional three generously donated by members of our school community. Our goal was to create safe roosts for microbats, encouraging them to extend their populations from nearby bushland and Bibra Lake into our school grounds—boosting biodiversity and strengthening our native ecosystem. An added bonus? Microbats are nature’s pest controllers, consuming vast numbers of mosquitoes every night!

Restoring habitats like this is crucial for protecting native wildlife, and microbats play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. Not only do they help control insect populations, but they also contribute to pollination and seed dispersal, supporting plant life and forest regeneration. Urban development has reduced suitable roosting sites for microbats, making projects like ours vital for their survival and for the health of our local environment.

During the Term 2 holidays, we carried out routine maintenance on the bat boxes and are thrilled to report that families of Gould’s Wattled Bats (our local microbat species) have happily moved in. Even better—the boxes remain in excellent condition, ensuring continued support for these tiny, winged wonders.

This project is a testament to what our community can achieve together, and we look forward to watching our microbat residents thrive in their new homes. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this initiative—your support is making a real difference!

Tracy Burns
P&F Treasurer

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!

From the Council Chair

What is the School Council?

The PWS School Council is the governing body of the school, defined in section 150 of the School Education Act 1999.  The Council is responsible for:

• maintaining a satisfactory standard of education,
• is accountable for the strategic direction of the school,
• the quality of educational programs provided,
• the safety and welfare of students,
• financial management , and
• legal compliance.

Each member of the governing body is a fit and proper person to operate a school.  We are all volunteers.

Your Invitation to Nominate for the School Council

Continuing to have a diverse and motivated council membership is essential to provide healthy governance of and direction to the school.  The time commitment is for eight two-hour meetings per year, plus specific sub-committee tasks as required.  Any parent can nominate for the council.  The Council roles are:

• Chairperson,
• Vice-Chairperson,
• Secretary,
• Treasurer, and
• Up to six more Ordinary members.

Every year some Councillors complete their service due to various reasons, and fresh nominations are needed.  With our upcoming Annual General Meeting on June 24, please consider nominating to provide your valuable contribution to the school.  The how-to details are given below.

If you have further questions you can contact me on 0413 887 262 or Fiona Peters through the front office.

Peter Finlay
Chairperson, PWS Council

Notice of Annual General Meeting and

Call for Nominations

The Annual General Meeting of the Perth Waldorf School Association Incorporate is to be held on  Tuesday, 24th June 2025 at 6:00pm (Finger food available from 5:40pm) in the Seekers Place at the Perth Waldorf School. 

Nomination forms are available from the school office, on the school website and one is attached to this Pabulum.  

Members who wish to submit a nomination form are requested to submit the completed form to the Secretary by post or email by 4:00 pm on Thursday 12th June, 2025.  

Nomination forms can be emailed to Fiona Peters, fpeters@pws.wa.edu.au or posted or handed in at the school office addressed to:  

The School Council Secretary, PO Box 1247, BIBRA LAKE, WA 6965.  

and should be clearly marked 'Council nomination'.  

See the Nomination Form and Code of Conduct above.  

* Copies of all council documentation will be available at the AGM, at the school office, and on the school website (www.pws.wa.edu.au) one week before the AGM by clicking on Governance and AGM Papers - Perth Waldorf School. (https://pws.wa.edu.au.governance-and-agm-papers /) 

Term 2 Fees - Are now Due

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.

House/Pet-Sitter Needed

Hi. We are looking for a pet/house sitter over the school holidays from 25th June to 19th July. We live in South Fremantle, close to the beach and shops.

We have two dogs.. a groodle and a heeler cross.. both affectionate and well trained, in need of daily walks and cuddles. We also have an elusive cat who pretends she doesn’t like attention but actually really does (when she deigns to make an appearance) .

The house is equipped with everything kid friendly .. trampoline, climbing frame, cubby house as well as a deck with a sea view for adults to escape to.

Please call Fiona 0450647278 if you are interested.

LOVELY HOME AVAILABLE TO RENT IN KARDINYA/SHARING WITH ONE OTHER OCCUPANT. ?

Whitsun Event - 8 June

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

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