School Newsletter

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Head of Department (Music) Mr Christian Lillicrap said, “Studies have shown without doubt the importance of a music education and at Glenaeon we take this seriously. Right up to Year 12, every student sings in a choir regardless of their HSC elective subjects and all students learn an instrument until Year 9.  It is very exciting for us as a small school to be fostering musicians such as Sky and Natasha who perform at such a high standard. We are very proud of them.”

Head of School, Andrew Hill said, “Music is an integral part of the Glenaeon curriculum at all age levels. From the fluid, heartfelt singing and movement of early childhood to the conscious discipline of more formal music tuition, music is a core component of Steiner education.

“Music deeply nurtures the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the growing child. It enriches the learning process of each individual, enlivens the family home, enhances the atmosphere of the classroom and draws together the whole school community. Acquiring the skills and tools for artistic expression offers an opportunity to explore and experience the highest qualities of what it is to be human.”

 The money will then be sent to the Serendip Strings school. The by-product will be a massive increase in the amount of practice that happens throughout the school and that is definitely a good thing!
This is a great initiative and we would like to thank John and Rachel for so generously giving up their time and being so enthusiastic about practising! The students have taken it up with great enthusiasm already! 
- Christian Lillicrap

The school canteen operates at the Middle Cove campusfor Years 3-12. You can also find the menus on the School Stream app. To sign up to volunteer for a shift at the canteen, open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, go to https://signup.zone/glenaeon-canteen, and pick a shift that works for you. Hours are 9am-1pm and your child eats free on the day you are working! It’s fun and interesting to talk, cook and enjoy the bush setting we are surrounded by, come check it out! Warm regards, Sharon & Lorna. To order lunches in Classes 3-6, please send your child’s order in a paper bag. Please include the money for the item in the paper bag: it will help the canteen to have the exact amount in the bag, but it does not have to be exact, as the change will be sent back with the lunch. Children then need to place their lunch order in the basket outside their classroom. There are half sizes available for Classes 3 to 6, equivalent to a quarter baguette. Orders from Classes 3 to 6 will be sent down to the canteen in the morning, with the orders returned to the class at lunchtime, thus enabling these classes to maintain their important practice of sitting and sharing their meal together. (Class 3-6 will not be ordering morning tea or drinks from the canteen).

Humming Cafe provides delicious lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays for the Middle Cove campus. You can order daily using forms and a bag, put into the basket at reception before 9am. If you would like them to deliver a regular lunch on Mon/Tue, you can simply drop into the Humming Cafe and 'pre-book and pay' for a whole term's regular order (or however many weeks are left). It must be the same each week, and can be changed each term. There is no need then to fill in the order form and give to reception each week once this is done. This is the only way Class 3 are allowed to order from Humming Cafe this term. lunches are delivered at 12.50pm. Order forms are available at reception, on the School Stream app or behind the parent portal on the school website.

Shop 4, 217 Eastern Valley Way, Middle Cove 2068 (02) 8959 4641. 

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1. Waldorf Connections - a website for meeting Waldorf-related people - Waldorfdating.com, the social network platform to find a partner, friendship or to share a hobby. For who? Are you an (ex) pupil, parent, teacher or otherwise have a warm interest in Waldorf education; then sign up. Please see the flyer HERE.

3. Request for Housesitting and/or Skills Exchange for Accommodation - Anna Lloyd 
I am an ex - Steiner student and a mature and mindful young woman.  I am looking for a creative living space in Sydney. Areas include : Eastern Suburbs, The Inner West, Inner City, and North Shore. I am a creative artist with a background in Performing Arts. I am also an Early Childhood Educator and have been a University Tutor. I have a deep interest in humanitarian work, mindful living and the preservation of the environment. I am preferably looking to house sit, offer my services in exchange for accommodation or pay moderated rent in exchange for some of my services. 
Skilled exchange for accommodation: I am open to gardening, looking after animals, cleaning or collaborating artistically; (doing creative projects around the house in exchange for accommodation). I can create murals and creative designs, as well as teach Visual and Performing Arts to children and adults.
House sitting: I have much experience in house, and pet sitting, and have references if needed. I would be very glad to look after your house and any animals you may have while you are away. I am very connected to animals and love taking care of them. I am also an active woman, and enjoy taking dogs for many walks, hikes and runs. I would also be happy to garden and maintain your house in whatever way is needed. Dates I am available; from 17th of July onwards. Thank you.  I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.  - Anna Grace,           Contact information: anna.lloyd95@gmail.com

4. Garage available to rent in North Sydney - Single car garage to rent for parking. Maclaren Street, North Sydney. $20 per day Monday-Friday. If you are interested, please text Karin Weller, 0498 229 244

5. Can I live with you? I’m a loving and charismatic ginger cat. I’m 4 years old and the dog in my house has decided he likes to chase me and I’m miserable. (free). Please email Lucy on lucya@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au . Please see attached photos of me HERE

6. Honest to Goodness buying group. Would you like to buy your organic pantry foods at wholesale prices? Our buying group is open to new members. Orders placed once a month.  Small or large quantities can be ordered.  ‘Splits’ of bulk items give terrific value.  Pick up in Neutral Bay.  Pricing is at wholesale price + 10% for administration.
If you are interested, please contact Sabine Simmonds 0421 216971 or email sabinejsimmonds@gmail.com

7.  Household items for sale and give away - family moving overseas: everything needs to find a new home! We have been at Glenaeon for the last two years but are sadly now having to move back to the UK at the end of this term. We have a house full of things to try and sell / give away, including beds, washing machines, fridge, lamps, kitchen things, shelves, Bosch hoover, TV ... and wondered if anyone might need a cheap collection of things for a hoiday home or somewhere? We also need to sell our little car, which would make a great first car for someone. It is a Renault Clio-campus, 5 Door Sedan, black, 2006, Rego till 12/08/2019. $3200. Runs well.  Please contact Jemma Hone on 0452496016 or jemmahone@gmail.com     Kind regards,      Jemma Hone

8. Interested to a country retreat near the Warrumbungle national park?
We offer a share of a wonderful mud brick house, outside the township of Coonabarabran on the way to the Warrumbungles National Park.The house was custom built by a local couple, brick by brick, using local clay and amazing recycled timbers. As the house itself is stunning for it’s individual character and very high standard workmanship, the location of the house is as impressive. It’s indigenous name “Illalangi” means “house on the hill”, overlooking with a 360 degree view the bushlands of the southern end of the majestic Pilliga forest and to the west the Warrumbungles mountains. The sunrises are as fascinating as the sunsets...and at night it feels as if one can touch the Milky Way. The main house comprises of a huge open plan living area, flooded by natural light all day. There are 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and separate toilet, a laundry and storage room and another toilet-house outside. There is also a smaller house where the original owners lived while building the big house. The little house can be easily updated into a permanent accommodation again. Around the house are beautifully landscaped gardens and an orchard with producing fruit trees and, currently dormant, commercial size garden beds for veggie growing. On title is bore water which has drinking quality. The are also two huge rain water tanks. The block of land has a size of almost 8 hectares.

We currently share this property on a 50:50 basis with friends. As our co-owners have moved on, a 50% share is available now.  If all this sounds interesting to you, then please let us know and come and stay a few days at this magical place ... and take it from there ... Edgar Maier

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MANDARIN CLASSES AT GLENAEON:

There will be two Mandarin classes available this year from Week 3.

2019 Beginner Class
Time: Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm
Venue: Junior library
Fees: $200/term

2019 Intermediate Class
Time: Wednesday from 3:30-4:30pm
Venue: Junior library
Fees:$200/term

RSVP: Please contact Katrina Pau   kchou7@tpg.com.au       0418 295 428

The Mandarin teacher, Ms Katrina Pau, was born and raised in Taiwan. Before migrating to Australia, she worked as a broadcaster in TV and Radio in Hong Kong and Taipei and also managed a financial investment company in Taipei. After migrating to Australia, along with a BA degree previously from the University of Melbourne, she then achieved an honours degree in Classical Chinese literature from Macquarie University, Sydney. She later tutored university students, and adults privately, in Asian culture & Mandarin language, and has been teaching Mandarin for primary students in a private school since 2012.

FUN FRENCH CLUB AT GLENAEON

When: The class is on a Monday afternoon from 3.45pm to 4.45pm

Lefrench teaching methodology: 
Children just love the French Clubs fun approach to language learning which involves lots of games, songs, drama and other lively activities. You will be amazed at how much they learn and how quickly!

Lefrench Club's Methodology is based on informal, fun activities, such as crafts, music and songs, lively games, weekly activity sheets for each child, and progress reports for parents to reinforce at home (via email).

This interactive and communicative approach is supported by professionally designed materials including flashcards, board games and activity sheets.
The Club’s method makes learning fun and stress-free. While children play games, sing songs, act out role plays and interact with each other, they absorb the new language without consciously thinking about it. Naturally this all takes place within a carefully structured progressive sequence which enhances learning 

delphine.banse@lefrench.com.au

GERMAN CLASSES IN NEUTRAL BAY

A little group of children meet in our home in Neutral Bay for German language classes after school on a Thursday. They are taught by Frau Karin Weller, a very experienced German school teacher, retired from the German International School.  Karin prepares the lessons to suit the individual needs of the children.  She is warm and engaging and the kids love her.
The class is conducted in German with play-based games for younger kids & writing/reading/puzzles for older children, songs, pictures and conversation.  
Limited places may be available as we are keeping the group small at max. 4 children.
If you are interested, here are some further details 
When: Thursdays, during school term time
6-8 yr olds 1600-1700
9-10 yr olds 1700-1800
Where: 48 Young Street, Neutral Bay
Cost: $20 - $30 per class depending on size of group
Contact: Sabine Simmonds
sabinejsimmonds@gmail.com
0421 216971

If yourself, another adult family member or friend of Glenaeon would like to know more about this process and to find out more details without any obligation, we would love to hear from you. No compulsory meetings or obligatory tasks are involved if you agree to be a part of our pool of volunteers for Special Provisions. To know more, please contact Deborah Lloyd on Deborahl@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au and 94173193 Thank you, Deborah Lloyd Learning Support Teacher

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Guided by our very own dynamic duo Scottie Williams and KG. Filmed by Nicholas Covelli – wilderness photographer/ videographer, responsible for our outdoor education films. This expedition takes you to remote beaches with stunning sunrises, spectacular snorkelling and true wilderness walks to waterfalls and rocky outcrops. Trips are all inclusive ex. Cairns. Your donations will go directly towards improving Glenaeon’s outdoor education programs (yes, it is possible). We have highlighted a targeted fundraising amount reflected in the cost however, for the generous among you, we are always happy to accept more.

To find out more about this wonderful trip, please click HERE and let your next adventure begin!

Cost: 9 Day Expedition: $2,150 When: 6 - 13th October, 2019

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Little Stars of Hope Playgroup, Mondays in school term, 9.30 - 11.30am

($20 per morning, enquiries: Maryanne, 0478 940 937)

Youth Group for 14 - 20 year olds, 6 - 9pm

All welcome​. Sydney chapel: 27b Lewellyn St, Balmain. Priest: Rev. Lisa Devine.

Enquiries: 0401 367 808 (please text) or lisa.devine@bigpond.com

For schedule of services and more info: www.thechristiancommunity.net

If you would like to contact Sydney Rudolf Steiner College about any of our courses or other information:
Address: 307 Sussex Street Sydney
Phone: +61 2 9261 4001
Email: admin@sydneyrudolfsteinercollege.com

NAPLAN “on its last legs”: March 10, 2019 SMH

Tests such as NAPLAN are on their "last legs" around the world, as overseas school systems opt for new assessments that avoid stressing students or stifling learning, according to an internationally renowned education expert.

Boston College Professor Andy Hargreaves said NAPLAN was modelled on tests developed in the 1990s, and countries such as Canada, Israel and Scotland were now acknowledging their unintended impact on students' wellbeing and learning.

"[They include] students' anxiety, teaching for the test, narrowing of the curriculum and teachers avoiding innovation in the years when the tests were conducted," said Professor Hargreaves, who is in Sydney to discuss alternatives to NAPLAN at a Gonski Institute forum this week.

"More and more countries are waking up to the weight of evidence. The age of high stakes testing with punitive consequences for accountability is on its last legs."

NAPLAN, a nationwide literacy and numeracy test given to years 3, 5, 7, and 9, was designed to help schools identify the students who were falling behind, and to help education systems identify the struggling schools.

But NAPLAN is conducted on such a large scale – it is a census of every student across several subjects and several year groups – that results took months, and were delivered too late to be useful, said Professor Hargreaves.

Other countries are abandoning NAPLAN-style test and implementing new ways to achieve the dual goal of assessing students at the same time as the system. "People are striving to find way to know where the system is going, and not having any negative consequences of the way the large scale [test is conducted]," he said.

Singapore has stopped conducting any large-scale testing on children younger than 11 and a review in the Canadian province of Ontario has proposed a similar move.

Finland tests sample groups of students rather than the whole cohort. Israel tests one subject a year on three-year cycles.

In Scotland, the emphasis is on teachers' professional judgment. The national assessments are used to inform that judgment along with other teacher-selected and designed assessments.

"Australia has to find the answer for Australia, and the answer will not lie in copying another system," said Professor Hargreaves.

The states must participate in NAPLAN as a condition of federal funding, but many want it replaced.

NSW is among them. Last year, NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes called for it to be replaced, saying NAPLAN was being dishonestly used as a school rating system and had sprouted an industry that extorts money from desperate families.

Reform NAPLAN Says Gonski Institute: SMH

In its submission to a federal review, the Gonski Institute for Education said the reform was needed because NAPLAN had failed to lift school performance and created more problems than benefits. "Has it actually led to school or student improvement?" said director Adrian Piccoli. "The answer is no."

The Gonski Institute's submission said NAPLAN in its present form was used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of both individual students and entire school systems, which was a "problematic, if not impossible" expectation for a single test.

Instead of trying to do both, the National Assessment Program should focus on monitoring systems' performance by randomly sampling different groups of students, rather than testing every child across years 3, 5, 7 and 9, it said.

Pressure on teachers and students would ease, and there would be an end to unintended consequences such as teaching to the test, said senior members of the influential institute.

"[Sampling] allows you to then do not just literacy and numeracy," said Professor Piccoli, a former NSW education minister. "You can sample-test science, wellbeing - lots of different things, similar to PISA [the Programme for International Student Assessment, which also uses sample testing]".

Under the Gonski Institute's proposal there would be no school-by-school comparisons, so there would be no performance data to publish on My School, although the website could still publish other data. Individual performance would be monitored by in-class tests such as the Progressive Achievement (PAT) Test.

Professor Piccoli said NAPLAN's benefits were outweighed by the negative effects. "On the international tests we've gone backwards, on NAPLAN we've plateaued at best, so why do we keep doing it when there are all these other unintended consequences?" he said.