This last week has given us a change in season. Djilba seems to be moving into Kambarang, giving us warmer weather and more colourful native flowers in bloom. It is a wonderful opportunity to observe the wide variety of plants and animals that are more visible at this time. A larger number of flowers can be seen around the school grounds, including the Donkey Orchid and Cowslip Orchid pictured below.

Teachers in Steiner schools work with rhythms in their classrooms. There is a rhythm to each lesson, a rhythm of the day, and a rhythm of the year. Rhythm and routine create a sense of safety for students, which improves learning outcomes. Taking time to observe the changing of the seasons is a way of acknowledging the annual rhythm of the earth. Another way of doing that as a school is to celebrate festivals.

In Term 3, the Primary School and High School students participate in the Djilba / Michael Festival. Students from multiple year groups work together as a team to complete a variety of tasks or challenges that encourage communication, courage, support and teamwork. It is a wonderful day that builds the sense of community and that the students have been looking forward to. The Primary Festival will take place on Wednesday from 12pm and the High School Festival will take place on Thursday.

Another annual opportunity our students have to practice courage and teamwork is by presenting a Class Play. This week Class 10B will be performing Jessica Swale’s ‘Blue Stockings’ on Wednesday and Thursday. Class 10’s focus on more dramatic plays that require the actors to express a wider range of emotions and nuance. This play presents a story of the first female University students and their quest for recognition. It is sure to be a wonderful production.

Last Friday, Class 5 students and families from all the WA Steiner Schools came together to compete in the annual Greek Olympics. This is a large event that requires much planning and preparation to be such a success. Thank you to all the staff, parents and students who were involved in this day. This includes the canteen for providing extra meals, and staff who created space for students from the visiting school to sleep in PWS classrooms overnight.

With much gratitude

Annabelle Kellenberger
Head of School

From deep in my heart this world I love -
The green, green hills and the mountains above,
The sea so blue and the sunlight gold,
And everthing that I behold.

And I become stronger as I grow,
For all of God's Angels are with me I know.
Angels of water, fire, earth and air,
Always stay by me. This is my prayer.

by Michael Hedley Burton / verse no. 52

Greek Olympics

It was a pleasure to welcome Class 5 children from across the state’s seven Steiner schools for the Greek Olympics.

The purpose of holding the Greek Olympics in Class 5 is to honour the balance of body, mind, and spirit at a key stage of the child’s development, offering them a living experience of the ideals of beauty, truth, and goodness through athletic striving, artistry, and shared community.

Thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of this very special event. We are absolutely blessed to have such good people doing so much to make events like these so meaningful and memorable.

Enjoy these photos from last Friday.

Kevin Mazzer
Head of Primary School

Class 8 Social

It was a beautiful evening to celebrate the culmination of a huge term of camps, classes and a series of Ballroom Dancing lessons.

This year, both the Parkerville Steiner College and the Perth Waldorf School Class 8 students came together to showcase their dancing skills taught by the wonderful instructors at Ballroom Fit Dance Academy.

The amazing staff and parents from Parkerville Steiner College hosted the event, with a lot of care and attention going into preparing for the event and decorating the venue.

Families brought shared meals and the evening was spent enjoying a range of individual and progressive partner dances like the Jive, Cha Cha and Samba. There were some classics in the mix to get the parents up and dancing, including the Nutbush and the Macarena. Some were even enticed into a quick partner lesson on the dance floor too!

It was great to see the student's shine, mingle, and make connections with each other.

A huge thank you to Siobhan and Donna for organising the evening and the instructors from Ballroom Fit for facilitating the event as well as teaching our students their routines during their PE lessons.

Wendy Belford
High School PE Teacher

Class 10B Play - Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale

Perth Waldorf Class 10B students have been working diligently and creatively on their forthcoming Drama Main Lesson play Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale, directed by Jane Diamond. The play will be performed in Williams Hall, Term 3, Week 10.

Wednesday 24 September

Performance # 1      10.40am Cast 1
Performance # 2       6.30pm Cast 2

Thursday 25 September

Performance # 3     9.00am Cast 2
Performance # 4     6.30pm Cast 1

The play follows four female undergraduates at Girton College in 1896, fighting for the right to graduate with a qualification alongside male students. It is set against the backdrop of the first wave of feminism, the suffragette movement where women were protesting in the streets demanding the right to vote, freedom for women and having to push back against a heavily armored and entrenched patriarchal system. The courage and vision of these early women paved the way for change across the western world, although much of the change came well into the 20^th century.

Newly appointed head mistress at Girton, Mrs Welsh alongside her next in line staff member, Miss Blake and the girls decide to start a pioneering campaign for the girls right to graduate.

Class 10 students have worked closely together as a team of performers and musicians to bring forth an outstanding performance of Blue Stockings. In addition to the immersion and development of dramatic performance and musical skills, the Class 10 students further developed their representational theatre techniques, embodied identifiable characters and gained an insight into the social challenges and changes that took place at the turn of the 20th century in Britain.

Through the process of diving deeply into the play, we encourage our young people to learn from the past and understand human frailties to always lean into a better world that is based firmly on justice, truth, kindness, respect and equality for all people.

This production has been the collective effort of an outstanding group of young people, Class 10B and the following staff: Shanelle Schramm (Music Direction), Eva Rinaldi (Costume), Mia Horton Class 10B Assistant, Ian Lawrence (set build), Properties and Set Painting Gabriela Morales, Kirrilli Heath makeup and hair. Staff have pooled together their extraordinary and creative skills to produce this topical and relevant play - Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale.

Class 11/12 Physics Elective Projects

During the first three terms of 2025, the Class 11 and 12 Physics elective students have engaged in small group and independent projects. The aim of the Physics Project is to give students a chance to explore an individual interest on a deeper level, through applying learned knowledge and skills, in physics to a real-world endeavour. This process normally culminates with a presentation of their work at Open Day.

Students were given the briefing to use as many reused, recycled, and repurposed materials as possible. Students were encouraged to explore topics that resonated with their own interests and were given the freedom to explore their ideas. With ideas in hand, students had to plan and budget for this project, including completing a thorough risk assessment. Early in Term 2, students began sourcing and collecting their materials, then adjusted once they realised they didn’t have all the parts and/or skills they needed to complete the project. Projects were made from a collection of gathered parts, 3D printed elements and some strategic purchases.

Across the whole process, this project has required problem solving skills, resourcefulness, resilience, skill and knowledge acquisition – some required some very strict safety protocols. As with each year, this year had a wide range of ideas: an elevator, a marshmallow canon, a PVC bagpipe, a hydro-electricity machine, a MURLIN trebuchet and a high voltage generator. The photos show some of the triumphs from their work this year … with more still to come in Term 4.

Brett Kranz-Little
Physics Teacher

Class 12 Presentations Program

Class 12 Project Presentation Program

Class 12 Project Presentation Program 272.95 KB

Class 12 Update: Looking Back, Stepping Forward

Class 12 students spent last week beginning the process of writing their Project Presentation speech — this entails telling the story of their Project journey, highlighting the knowledge they have gained and importantly, how their topic connects to the world.

The task requires students to reflect, digest, and consolidate their year, sharing a personal account of their own unique journey as developing human beings. I am continually touched by the insights our students bring forward as they navigate the Project journey, and it is this aspect of their final presentation that is often the most memorable. It is a momentous undertaking, but one that is profoundly rich and meaningful.

In Week 9, time was also spent preparing for the STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions)  Test, which was held last Saturday. This pathway provides PWS students with entry into university, and they continue to excel in securing places and opportunities across all WA universities.

Class 12 will finish this term with a retreat that includes activities such as canoeing, bike riding, and a high ropes course. These experiences provide the backdrop for the retreat’s deeper purpose: to honour the journey they have shared as a class. Time will be spent in circle, reflecting on their community, their class, and their own emerging selves as they mark this important threshold. In doing so, they will step courageously and intentionally into a new phase of their lives. The retreat is a pivotal and special way to end their time at school and we are thankful to everyone who is involved in taking them through it.  

Sharon Symes & Natalie Wheeler  

Class 12 Project Coordinators 

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 the 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!

Bibra Lake Fun Run

Unfortunately, due to bad weather, the Bibra Lake Fun Run was cancelled. At this stage, I haven’t heard if a new 2025 date will be organised. The upside is that it gives us plenty of time to prepare for next year!

Manning Park Trail Run

Missed the Bibra Lake Fun Run?
No worries - there’s another fantastic local event just around the corner!

The Manning Park Trail Run takes you through the stunning trails of Manning Park, with the option of a 5km or 10km course. It’s a great community event that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Manning Park Trail Run

And if trails sound a little daunting, why not join the Manning Park Trail Running community on Thursday evenings? It’s a fun and supportive way to get familiar with the course and build your confidence.

If you do sign up, please let me know — we’d love to celebrate your involvement!

After School Sport

What a fantastic finish to our four-week orienteering program!

In Week Three, students completed a partner start course. One student set off to find a control while their partner studied the map, ready to head out as soon as they returned. This session involved plenty of running, teamwork, and strong communication.

For our final session, students tackled scatter courses. Working in pairs, they planned their own route and collected controls in the order they thought would be quickest.

It was wonderful to see the progress all students made over the program. A big thank you to Eli Goodchild for his assistance in setting new courses for us this year - your support made the program even more engaging.

If you’re keen to explore orienteering further, visit Orienteering WA’s website for more information and upcoming events.

HOME - Orienteering Western Australia

Capoeira Success for Ray & Kyne

On 22 June 2025, Ray Pich (7W) and Kyne Fitzpatrick (7K) competed in the first ever Capoeira Games hosted by Capoeira Australis.

The event, inspired by the Olympic Games, challenged competitors to demonstrate their skill and ability across four areas:

• Bananeira – Handstands (how long can you hold it?)
• Chute Reta – Kicks
• Solos – Solo demonstration of Capoeira
• Duplas – Paired demonstration of Capoeira

Both Ray and Kyne competed in their age group, Categoria Rio (Flowing strong and steady, with growing momentum and power), alongside seven others. Ray impressed with a 15-second handstand, while Kyne managed an incredible 31 kicks in 30 seconds, with both scoring highly in each game.

In the final results, Ray took out the Gold Medal and Kyne proudly claimed Silver — a fantastic achievement and a joyful moment to celebrate!

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 Teacher

Last Chance to pay Term 3 Fees

Thank you to those families who have already paid the Term 3 Fees.

For those families who are yet to make payment, the Term 3 Fees are now overdue and a late fee of $25 will be charged shortly. Please note, this does not apply to families who have an approved repayment plan 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.

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.

Pacifica Eurythmy College Tour

Did you know for the past 7 years, there’s been a professional 4-year full time Eurythmy Training in Samford Valley, Queensland?  Hopefully you were lucky enough to witness their 3rd and 4th year students, graduates and a visiting student from the Eurythmy Training in Vietnam, together perform full programs for Kindergarten, Primary, High School students and an evening public performance on stage in the Hall, with a talk to the PWS College in between all that as well.  The last time a touring Eurythmy Troupe came to W.A. was in the ‘90’s! 

The tour was supported with great appreciation by all the schools to which it has toured, which in WA includes with great thanks to Perth Waldorf, West Coast Steiner, Silver Tree, and Yallingup Steiner Schools. Pacifica however remain in the “pink” as Jan put it, and the future of the College is uncertain as the need for community financial support is required. The reality is, if Eurythmy is to continue, the people and groups who teach and perform it rely on the practical financial support of the individuals, schools and communities they serve.  Tax-deductible donations are invited to Pacifica College:

Pacifica Public Fund
BSB  633000
Account number 170722193

 

Class 4 Eurythmy Performance – Thursday 25th 1:35pm Williams Hall

Class 4 students are preparing a sharing of their work for their families, to be held on the last day of school – Thursday September 25th, at 1:35pm in the Hall.  Class 4 families, please make the effort to come and see for yourselves the excellent work of this class.

 

Thank you again to all the WA Steiner Schools supporting this initiative. For me, having Eurythmy Colleagues come and perform was akin to Christmas!

Nicole Peterson
Eurythmy Teacher

Skin Care Workshop

Skin care workshop for combination skin (oily or blemished), Sat 4 October 1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, Kardinya. Biodynamic beautician Ute teaches a 3-step daily ritual, and weekly clay mask. $30, minimum age: 14. Enquiries contact Ute on sidikaeck@gmail.com or on 0450 819 116.

Karate Classes

The First 1000 days of your child workshops

Pottery with Joy

Upcoming classes:

Pottery for families with children - Fridays 3:30-5:30pm

Adult hand building workshops - Fridays 6-8pm

Wheel work - Saturday's 9am-12pm (please see website for dates)

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