Open Day

This year we were blessed with beautiful weather for our Open Day on the 30th of August. The sunshine helped to highlight the beauty of our grounds and how pleasant a space it is in which to be. I was privileged to witness student performances, see the student work on display, hear teachers speak passionately about their work and see Class 12 students confidently speaking about their Class 12 projects.  

Coordinating a community event such as Open Day requires a lot of time and energy, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the day such a success. This includes parents who volunteered their time at various tasks across the day or helped with various preparations and the teachers and assistants for presenting their classrooms and work in such a beautiful way. A big thank you goes to the FGM team, led by Peter, and our Community Engagement team, led by Renae, who ensured everything on the day ran smoothly.  

As well as having an opportunity to witness some of the work that happens in the school, Open Day also gave us an opportunity to come together as a school community. Many past students came back to visit and catch up with their teachers. Some were also available to answer questions from the community. It is always interesting to hear past students reflect on their time in school, and it is lovely how happy they are to come back and visit.  

I recently read an article on the mental and physical benefits of experiencing Awe. As well as talking about big experiences that can lead to awe, it also spoke about finding small, everyday moments of moral beauty that can inspire awe, such as witnessing a kind interaction or celebrating an event as part of a collective.  

For me, our Open Day was definitely an Awe-some event. Some of the other awesome events we have happening at school in the next couple of weeks include Class 8 Dwellingup Camp, Toning choir, Primary School music concert and the Greek Olympics. I encourage you all to reflect on a recent moment of awe and hope you are able to encounter many more in the future. 

With much gratitude

Annabelle Kellenberger
Head of School

Spirits of water, spirits of air,
Weave in the world full of nurture and care.
Sons of bright fire and gnomes of quick gait -
All of them speak to me whilst they create.

''Oh, we work within the world for purest joyfulness alone,
But remember please the deeds we do - they must not
pass unknown,
For you free us from enchantment when you make our life your own.''

by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 50

Class 3 Craft

Bibra Lake Diary - 9th September

Walliabup (Bibra Lake) is brimming after all the rain. Bird life is plentiful, especially the swans which really are enjoying the large expanse of water. The air is alive with bird calls by day and frog calls by night. Now, with cool clear days, the wetland really sparkles like a jewel in the sun.

8th April

9th September

Primary School News

There’s a real sense of excitement in Primary as we head towards the end of term.

Last week, Class 1 performed a truly beautiful version of Briar Rose. Staged “in the round,” the children moved, spoke, and sang with such confidence and grace.

This week, it’s Class 4’s turn as they take us into the world of Norse mythology with their class play. In Week 9, Class 3 will perform their play about the life of Moses.

Amid all this dramatic talent, Classes 4, 5, and 6 are also preparing for a Music Concert, where they’ll showcase pieces they have been working on this year.

Also in Week 9, we’ll host our annual Class 5 Greek Olympics. This is always a much-loved event, full of fun, friendly competition and community spirit. We look forward to welcoming the visiting Steiner schools from around WA as they join in the festivities.

Finally, we close the term with the Djilba/Michael Festival, a special celebration of seasonal change and inner courage. Helpers are still needed, so if you’re available to support in any way, please see Jo’s article in this issue for more information.

There is certainly a lot to look forward to—and we’re so grateful for the support of our school community during this vibrant time of year.

Kevin Mazzer
Head of Primary School

Parent Helpers for Djilba Michael Festival needed

Wednesday, September 24 | Large Field

As spring begins to bloom, we’re excited to once again celebrate the Djilba/Michael Festival. Djilba is the Noongar season that connects with early spring, when flowers start to bloom and animals become more active. The archangel Michael; represents courage, cooperation and overcoming challenges (conquering the dragon).

This year’s festival will take place on Wednesday, September 24, on the big oval. Just like last year, our wonderful Year 6 students will step into leadership roles to guide and support their teams throughout the day.

The success of this much-loved event relies on the generous help of our school community—we’re looking for around 35 parent volunteers to assist with a range of activities, from setup to scoring and packing up.

Here’s how you can help:

Setup (8:45 – 10:00 a.m.) - Approx. 7 parents needed

Scoring & Support (12:00 – 2:30 p.m.) - Approx. 15 parents needed

Pack Up (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.) - Approx. 5 parents needed

The day will begin with setup at 8:45 a.m.. Students will arrive and begin their activities at 12:30 p.m., with games running until about 2:10 p.m. As is tradition, we’ll end the day with Anzac cookies (an email will be send out by the class carers to ask parents to help supplying them) and juice—a perfect finish to a joyful and energetic day. Hours volunteered can go towards the Parent Participation Scheme.

If you’re able to lend a hand in any way—whether it’s during setup, scoring, packing up, or assisting throughout the day—please get in touch with me atjodoernberg@pws.wa.edu.au or speak with your child’s class teacher.

Thank you for helping us bring this special event to life once again!

Jo Doernberg

A Symphony to Remember

Last week, I got to witness the primary school come together to rehearse for their upcoming orchestra performance with Yesim at the helm. It was extremely uplifting and heartwarming to see the practiced pieces blending into such harmonious sounds.

With violins, cellos, flutes, and clarinets all playing their part, the hall was filled with a beautiful mix of tones and textures.

The students’ focus and enthusiasm shone through, and the joy of making music together was truly palpable. We can’t wait to hear the magic they’ll bring to the stage at their performance!

Tamara Yousry
Class 6 Education Assistant

Class 6 Camp Request

For our Term 4 camp in Margaret River, Class 6 is seeking:

⛺ 4-person (or larger) tents

Thank you for supporting our camp adventure!

Class 7 Play- Tales of the Arabian Nights

Michelle Guffie
Class 7W Teacher

Class 11 Botany Main Lesson

The Class 11’s have just completed their Botany Main Lesson. This builds upon the observational Botany Main Lesson which they completed in Class 5, bringing back their botanical drawing skills. Their Class 9 Transformation by Plants Main Lesson where they learnt about photosynthesis, and their Class 10 Reproduction Main Lesson where they look more closely at the structure of flowers and fruit.

This is the first stage of their botanical exploration where they look at plants under a microscope - journeying into the unseen and exploring the tiny structures and processes which lead to the macroscopic plants we live amongst.

At this stage of their development, it is appropriate for students to develop their scientific method as they come up with a hypothesis for how plants grow and test this using radish seeds which germinate in under one week. For example, 'do plants grow better when given espresso?'. They then write a report on the outcome of their experiment.

They build a picture of increasing complexity, going from single-celled algae to moss to lichen to ferns before diving into the kingdom of flowering plants. They looked at the less explored aspects of flowering plants such as different types of 'weeds', how trees actually grow (not how you would assume), and why leaves come in such diverse shapes, sizes and textures.

Students then enjoyed a day at Kaarta Koomba where they got to explore types of plant adaptations and how native people used the plants, such as Marri sap as an antiseptic.

Class 12 Innocence to Experience: Farewell to My School Journey

Laura Moisa wrote a mini personal essay, sharing the wisdom she has gained and the experiences of highs and lows as learning activities. Edwin Uhlenberg wrote a piece of music, which is a first for me in this space, even though we have so many talented musicians here at school. 

Each year we farewell our Class 12 students to continue their journey out in the big wide world, and each of them is memorable and special.

Farewell to My School Journey

Farewell to My School Journey 37.57 KB

Liesl Barnett

High School General English Teacher

Class 12 Projects

Edwin Uhlenberg

My name is Edwin, and for my Project this year I began with the idea of composing a symphony as my Practical. To do this, I initially planned on using a mix of technology and traditional methods, but the more I looked into it, the more I realised I didn’t want to go that way—I’m not a big fan of software composition.

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was very young, I started piano lessons, then quit. A few years ago, though, I picked them up again almost by chance. This time, everything clicked. I started learning Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and soon found myself spending hours at the piano nearly every day. I practiced without any real theory, often switching the genre of a piece just to experiment. That’s when I discovered my love for composition. I began writing pieces for musicals my friends were creating, music for games they were coding, and, most importantly, music for myself—composing as a way to express my emotions.

My Project idea developed late last year. At first, I wanted to focus on where musical inspiration comes from, but there wasn’t enough academic research available for me to build a proper report on that topic.

Instead, I shifted my focus to exploring the most effective traditional and modern processes and techniques in composition. While parts of this research were a little dry, it gave me a much deeper understanding.

After a long period of confusion about what I should dedicate the year to, and many conversations with others, I finally arrived at my central question:

“Has technology corrupted the evolution of music composition?”

I chose this because I genuinely feel that technology now plays the biggest role in composition. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is debatable. While software can still be a valid tool, the technology I’m most concerned with is AI composition. With it, all you need to do is type in a prompt, pick a genre, and instantly a song is created by AI.

For my Practical, I’ll be composing three movements in symphonic orchestral style. Each movement will demonstrate one of the techniques I’ve written about in my report:

• The first movement, “By Ear,” will be a piano piece recorded as raw audio.
• The second movement will be composed with software, incorporating orchestral elements.
• The third movement will also be software-based but will lean more toward contemporary styles, while still grounded in orchestral texture.

I will not be using AI composition in my work because it feels messy, uncoordinated, and not something I want in my symphony.

If all goes well, I’m hoping to upload my compositions to Spotify, so with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to listen to them there in a few months.

Jack Catton - Class 12 Practical

Running Club

Although numbers have been small, our regular participants are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to stay active. Some students are using the sessions to prepare for their upcoming Greek Olympic marathon, while others simply appreciate the chance to exercise and catch up with a friend.

It has been a wet winter, but with spring now upon us, the school grounds are coming alive with wildflowers. It’s a wonderful time to join Running Club, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the beauty around us.

Come and join us on Tuesday mornings from 8:00–8:25am on the big oval near the sports shed. All welcome!

ENTRIES SOLD OUT, BUT YOU CAN STILL JOIN US!

This popular event is now full for timed registration, but you can still come down and enjoy the fun. Follow the link for details.

Bibra Lake Fun Run - City of Cockburn

WILL YOU BE JOINING US?

Have you singed up or are planning to come along on Sunday? Let me know so we can get some great support on course. Keep an eye out for the PWS flag and come say hi!

After School Sport

Despite the threatening rain, we had an impressive 19 enthusiastic participants join us for Week 2 of After-School Orienteering! This week’s challenge was all about tackling a line course, which required students to carefully orient their maps and track down each control point.

The rain added an extra layer of adventure (and a bit of a challenge when it came to punching the cards!), but spirits stayed high. Many students managed to complete one or even two courses, showing great determination and teamwork.

It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces out in the fresh air, proving that a little rain can’t dampen the fun of orienteering!

Interschool Sports

We’re excited to share some of the upcoming interschool sport opportunities for Term 4! Students will have the chance to get involved in Junior Futsal, Ultimate Frisbee (Years 7-10), and a PWS favourite - Beach Volleyball.

More information, including dates and sign-up details, will be shared soon. Stay tuned and get ready for a fun and active Term 4!

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 Teacher

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.

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 Sitter Available

Eurythmy Performance

We are excited to announce that at 6.30pm on Tuesday evening on the 16th of September, a group of touring Eurythmists will visit and perform for us here at Perth Waldorf School. Put it in your calendar. This is a rare opportunity to see this unique and beautiful artform inspired by Rudolf Steiner. We have not had trained Eurythmists visit us for decades and it will be a special addition to the cultural history of our school. 

The Eurythmists, who are recent graduates of the Pacifica College of Eurythmy, are touring Australia as a culmination of their 4 years of training. It promises to be a wonderful experience for them as well as those who attend.

This is a ticketed performance. Please open the following link to access your ticket.

Passport to Everywhere Perth Waldorf School

Repair Hub

The last repair hub was a great success, with several interesting projects worked on.  Clayt repaired a "moving picture light box" for the kindy; Bec and Stefan rebuilt 2 lamps, one scavenged from a verge collection; Chloe sewed the arms back on a torn doll; and Victoria and I did more upholstery on her grandmother's nursing chair. 

You are invited to come along and bring a small or large project, or come to watch and help.  We have woodworking, electrical, mechanical and sewing skills available, plus its a relaxing social break from household worries and chores.

We hope to see you at our next repair hub on Saturday 20th September, 10am to 1pm.  Kids welcome but no "creche" offered.

Biodynamic Workshop

The Writer's Passage - Horst Kornberger

City of Cockburn Notices are for families that live, work or attend school in the City of Cockburn area. Please note that if you would like to take part in any of the advertised events, you will need to follow the booking instructions on each particular event. PWS is not involved in the organisation of these events and places them in our newsletter as a service. They are not necessarily fully aligned with the ethos of the school's educational approach.

For a list of other activites the City of Cockburn offers please visit: Events and Workshops - City of Cockburn

General Canteen Information 

Pixie Stott Canteen - Perth Waldorf School 

Can you Help?

The canteen is looking for Slushi return cups and any donations of forks and spoons.

Thank you

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 $18.00/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

New nudeherbs drinks available $4.50 

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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