HOW TO ORDER SCHOOL PHOTOS

Glenaeon will once again welcome Natural Child Photography to our campuses to take school photos of Middle Cove students on Thursday 5 February (Class 4-12) and Castlecrag students (Kindy - Class 3) on Monday 10 February.

Please click Show more below for how to order photos. If you have any questions about ordering please contact: orders@ncsphotos.com.au or general questions about school photos, please contact Margaret Millikin via email m.millikin@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Middle Cove Class 4-Year 12 School Photo Day

When: Thursday, 5 February
Time: From 8:15am (siblings photos) 9am-2.30pm approx.
Where: Round Oval (wet weather contingency – in SB Hall)

Reminder: Please ensure students arrive at school before the 08:50 bell.

Please ensure:

Classes 4-6 shoes polished, hair neatly tied back, wearing blue polo shirt

Years 7-12 students in full school uniform including an ironed, clean white shirt

- Long hair is brushed and neatly tied back

- Shoes polished

- Approved jewellery only, no makeup to be worn

- Students not to wear any non-uniform items

Kindy-Class 3 School Photo Day

When: Monday, 10 February
From 9am
Where: Please see Melony Browell

Please ensure:

Castlecrag K-3 students: dress as per school guidelines: clothing without logos or printed slogans on clothing, long hair brushed, neatly tied back.

All welcome. To register, go to www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/openday

Our first school tours for Term 1 will take place at Glenaeon's Preschool Willoughby campus and Middle Cove campus (Class 4-Year 12) and we invite our community to come and experience the wonder and magic of our Preschool and Upper Primary/High School. The next Castlecrag School Tour (K-Class 3) is Thursday 19 February 2026 .

Preschool Tour - Willoughby
Date: Tuesday, 10 February
Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm
Location: Glenaeon Preschool campus, 118 Sydney St, Willoughby NSW 2068

Registration: Book Now

Class 4-Year 12 Middle Cove Tour
Date: Thursday, 12 February
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Glenaeon Middle Cove campus, 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove NSW 2068

Registration: Book Now

Glenaeon is now accepting scholarship applications for 2027, with closing dates fast approaching. We are deeply committed to making a quality Steiner education accessible to students from all backgrounds and circumstances. Our High School Scholarship Program offers a range of opportunities for both new and existing students entering Year 7 and Year 11, including:

- Sylvia Brose All Rounder Scholarship (Foundation Scholarship) – Year 7 entry

- Aaron MacMillan Music Scholarship – Year 7 entry

- Glenaeon Scholarship – Year 7 entry

- Marion Mahony Griffin Scholarship – Year 11 entry

Our Primary School Scholarship Program, launched last year, includes the Sylvia Brose Scholarship for students entering Classes K–6 in 2027.

Closing Dates:

- High School Scholarships: Friday 27 February 2026

- Primary School Scholarships: Wednesday 22 April 2026

We encourage families to explore the scholarship categories, application process, and access the application form via our website .

We are immensely proud of the Class of 2025 and the achievements they have realised through their HSC journey. This cohort’s results reflect not only strong academic outcomes, but also the deeper values of integrity, wisdom, courage and heart that sit at the centre of a Glenaeon education and the Steiner philosophy. Throughout their years at school, these students have grown as learners and as individuals, grounded in self and guided by purpose.

The Class of 2025 demonstrated impressive outcomes across a broad range of disciplines. 41% of students were named on the HSC Merit List, half of the cohort undertook one or more extension courses, and 85% achieved results in the top two bands (Band 6/5 or E4/3) in at least one course. Our median ATAR of 80.63 places Glenaeon among the top 25 per cent of schools in NSW, with a highest ATAR of 98.40. Students were also recognised as Top Achievers and Distinguished Achievers in a wide variety of subjects, from Ancient History and Mathematics to Visual Arts and English, alongside nominations in prestigious HSC showcases such as SHAPE, ENCORE and Young Writers.

At the same time, we are mindful of how HSC results are often reported in the media. A narrow focus on the number of Band 6 results, used to rank schools or courses, fails to tell the full story. The proportion of Band 6s varies dramatically between courses, making such comparisons unreliable. For small schools like Glenaeon, with limited cohort sizes, results are also more prone to year-to-year fluctuations. These metrics, taken in isolation, do not capture the richness, wisdom or integrity of a student’s educational journey.

We encourage our community to look beyond headlines and statistics and instead focus on the individual pathways of each student. Many in this cohort have made remarkable academic progress over their years at school, becoming increasingly free in spirit and able to act with confidence and independence. Achieving an ATAR and progressing directly to university is no longer the sole definition of success. Our graduates are pursuing a wide range of pathways, including creative industries, vocational training, tertiary study and gap-year opportunities, while still achieving outstanding academic results.This balance speaks to the true value of Steiner education – a holistic approach that nurtures intellectual growth alongside creativity, resilience, social responsibility and care for the world. The Class of 2025 leaves Glenaeon not only with strong results, but as grounded, capable young adults ready to meet the world with courage, compassion and heart. We congratulate them warmly and look forward to seeing the many ways they will shape their futures.

Results brochure here

Dr Stanley Tang
Director of Studies

All High School students from Year 7-12 will have each received their 2026 Student Diary. On the cover this year is beautiful artwork created by Cezar Bennett, Class of 2025.

The original artwork is titled "Fishing for Ideas". Thank you Cezar for sharing your artistic talent for our diary cover!

Students are asked to record important due dates and milestones in their diary. We’d love parent and carer support to help your children fully utilise this helpful resource.

Meet Bodhi
My family has a long and rich history with Glenaeon. I was a student at Glenaeon, my children are current students and my dad, Lindsay works at Glenaeon as our Bush Regenerist & Groundsperson. I am thrilled to be the Reception Administration Officer on Monday and Tuesday at Middle Cove and I am excited to be part of such a dynamic work environment. Everyone is passionate and committed to the work they are doing, and it’s inspiring to be part of it.

Meet Dani D
I’ve been a mum at Glenaeon since 2018, and it’s been wonderful to be part of this special community. In 2023, I joined the reception team at Glenaeon, and it’s been a real pleasure getting to look after our students and families. This year, my role is Campus Administrator at Middle Cove and I feel really lucky to be part of such an amazing team at a school I truly love. I wish all our students and families a year filled with growth, joy, adventures and lots of heart.

Meet Bec
I have three children at the school who have all been here since preschool, they are in Class 4, Year 7 and Year 10. I have been a part of Glenaeon for around 13 years as a parent and working here for two years. I am the Middle Cove Reception Administration Officer on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I was previously a graphic designer. I love seeing all the children's faces and getting to know everyone’s families and the community - it’s such a vibrant, connected and beautiful place to work. I'm excited to be a part of the school’s growth and love being at reception which helps to support the teachers, students and community.

Meet Melony
I attended Glenaeon in the early years of the school in the 70s when it’s founder, Sylvia Brose was Head of School. I am a mum of three happy children aged 11 - 17. I have a background in health, wellbeing and communications. I enjoy poetry, adventuring, camping, writing, waterfalls and enjoying life. I love the local area where the school is located and the bush and birds that we find here. I enjoy the families and children at the Castlecrag Campus - my role as Campus Administrator is very dynamic and rewarding on many levels. Our community is warm and strong and I like weaving connections between the school, students and families. I never get tired of the wonderful, creative and remarkable things younger children say and do here each day!

Meet Angela
I have been lucky to be part of the Glenaeon community since 2014 as a parent, when my eldest child began his schooling here, and for the past two years as a member of the Preschool Administration team, and more recently the Playgroup Administration team. My boys are currently in Class 4, Year 10 and Year 12. I love working at our Preschool campus and deeply value working alongside such incredible, dedicated staff, caring parents and the wonderful children who make the community so special. Outside of work, I love to cook, and you’ll usually find us camping, hiking and exploring the outdoors as often as we can.

There has been a hive of activity at our campuses over the summer break and we thank our Maintenance and Operations Team and tradespeople for the care they have put into improving our learning and play environments. We'd like to take a moment to celebrate just a few of these upgrades and thank those involved.

Middle Cove campus

- Many of our Middle Cove outdoor spaces have been adorned with yellow paint to highlight edges and ledges and will make our environment safe and more accessible for all students, staff and the community who visit our bushland campus.

- The Year 8 locker room had brand new glass doors installed and the Year 12 balcony has been re-epoxied and a fresh lick of paint.

Castlecrag campus

- Our Kindergarten classrooms and verandahs have all had their floors freshly sanded and polished. Along with brand new carpet for the Class 1 - 3 classrooms and a full remodel of the multipurpose room.

- We have installed brand new LED lighting in building 1 and a lovely new ramp has been built in front of the new Playgroup room for easy accessibility and prams.

- Our outdoor spaces are getting a transformation too, an exciting new kitchen garden is underway in the Kindergarten area and a new play equipment will be installed outside the Class 1 and 2 classrooms in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

All campuses have also been water-blasted, windows washed and de-humidifiers have been cleaned. It is so important as a school community to ensure a safe and well maintained environment to learn, create, reflect and play in. Our team have worked hard to complete these projects (and many more) in time for the students to return to school and enjoy the improved spaces with little disruption to their day. We'd like to warmly thank, Chris Scrogie and the Maintenance and Operations team, Michael, Mary, Noel, Sonny and Connor.

Dr Cressida Rigney joins Glenaeon to work as a History Teacher in the Secondary School and with the Learning Enrichment Team.

Dr Rigney holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons I) and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) from Charles Sturt University.

Moving to Australia from Cambridge, UK in the final years of secondary school she has settled in Sydney and loves the city. She volunteers regularly for a local Bushcare team and casually for the Aboriginal Heritage Office. Dr Rigney’s areas of academic interest are wide ranging amongst the social sciences, she loves learning and looks forward to collaborating with the students and staff at Glenaeon in pursuit of fulfilling learning experiences!

It is with gratitude and enthusiasm that I step into the role of Garden Teacher at Glenaeon this year. My name is Kate Flood, and while some of you may already know me through the school community, as my three children attend the school, I would like to offer a brief introduction.

I am a teacher, sustainability educator, and author, with a strong professional passion for regenerative gardening, composting, and hands-on environmental education. I have spent many years working with schools, councils, and community groups, including Steiner schools, supporting children and adults to develop meaningful, practical relationships with land, soil, plants, and animals. Gardening with children sits very close to my heart, particularly when it is grounded in environmental stewardship, reverence for the beauty of nature, and practical work. I know I have run a successful lesson if students leave with soil under their fingernails!

I wish to warmly acknowledge Sandra, whose big shoes I am stepping into. I am deeply grateful for the generosity with which she has supported this transition. We remain in close contact, and her guidance continues to inform the shaping of the garden spaces with care and continuity.

I would also like to extend sincere thanks to the Parent Flock Care Group for their devoted care of the chickens and ducks throughout the holiday period, and to Amelia Gonzalez for coordinating this so thoughtfully. This was a true act of community care.

At the Castlecrag campus, groundwork is now underway on the Garden Classroom redesign. I encourage parents to come by and have a look at this exciting phase of preparation. The vision for this space is a dynamic, working garden classroom that supports seasonal learning, food growing, composting systems, tool use, quiet observation, and imaginative play. It is being designed as a long-term community asset, not only for garden lessons, but also as a space that will be used and loved by Kindergarten classes and by after-school and vacation care programs. Over time, it will become a place that many children pass through and form lasting memories.

It has also been wonderful to see recycling and repurposing in action as part of this project. The concrete planters now being installed were originally from a past government job and had been set aside. Through imagination and ingenuity, Mike Fayle from Ground Up Landscaping has repurposed them into generous raised garden beds that will serve the children and wider community for many years to come.

As we move into the term, the process for garden class sign-ups is also evolving. With the transition to a new sign-up platform, there will no longer be an expectation of weekly parent attendance. Supported by Kai, Michelle, Naomi, and other staff, lessons will be well resourced and held in smaller groups, with opportunities for parent involvement offered at key moments throughout the year.

I look forward to the season ahead and to tending these spaces together with the children and the wider school community.

Kate Flood
Gardening Teacher

Welcome back to preschool! It’s so lovely to begin another year together and to welcome your children back into the familiar rhythm of our days. The Preschool will be trialling a small change to our morning flow to support supervision and shared responsibility within our community. On arrival, the flow will be:
• Bag into the locker
• Wash hands
• Take fruit and vegetables to be washed and cut.
This year, each child will cut their own fruit and vegetables on arrival, with parent support where needed, especially while they are still learning these skills. There are a few options if this is challenging on a particular morning, just chat with our warm educators for the best alternative rhythm. Thank you for being such a supportive and engaged community. We’re really looking forward to the year ahead together.

Welcome to 2026! Glenaeon’s family-style Playgroups are joyful and supportive of you and your child’s development. Our highly skilled Steiner Playgroup Educators create imaginative activities to ensure families enjoy an enriching, uplifting time together.

We welcome all families with children from birth to five years of age.

Each Playgroup meets once a week and is led by a qualified Steiner Early Childhood Educator who guides the group through a two-hour dynamic session including adult discussion.

What to expect in all our playgroups:
Stories and songs, circle activities and free-play both indoors and outdoors, reflecting the seasons of the year.
A shared nourishing morning tea is a cornerstone of the occasion.
Everyone develops multiple skills for crafting a happy healthy home.
Our colourful playgroup rooms are furnished with quality handmade toys while natural gardens are a safe haven for explorative, active, tactile play.

Playgroup Educators, Nancy Amini, Natalie Choo and Marianne Kaulima are Professional Steiner Early Childhood Educators with a wealth of experience creating dynamic educational programs for all ages.

To book, enquire or add your child’s name to the waitlist, please see all details on session times here .

Our school is now proudly a subscriber to the study skills website: www.studyskillshandbook.com.au , including the Study Samurai Video Library. This is a website that will help you develop essential skills for academic success and a positive mindset. There are units of work on topics such as improving time management skills, how to study, research skills, summarising, technology use, brain and memory as well as topics like managing stress, growth mindset, goal setting, motivation and positive thought habits. Basically, everything students need to know about becoming a powerful learner can be found on this site.

The log-in details are published on GLO via General Information → relevant year group tile → Study Skills.

This year, there will also be a special section in the Newsletter for us to share some tips and tricks on Study Skills. Here is our first tip!
Click Show more below.

Watch this space! Glenaeon offers Co-Curricular activities from after school art classes to sport and chess. Please visit the GLO page for updates on 2026 activities and enrolments.

Located on Glenaeon’s Castlecrag Campus, Grassroots Eco Store offers thoughtfully selected, Steiner-aligned materials that nurture creativity, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature.

Our carefully curated range includes:

Steiner art & craft materials

Enchanting wooden and felt toys

Quality children’s and parenting books

Natural first-aid and skincare remedies

Sustainable homewares and gifts

Practical school essentials including sun hats, classroom slippers, backpacks, lunchboxes and drink bottles.

If you have any questions about what your child may need for the year ahead, you are warmly invited to visit the shop. Taryn is here to help you start the school year feeling organised, supported, and inspired.

Term 1, 2026 – Opening Hours :

Tuesday : 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm

Wednesday : 8:30am—12:30pm

Thursday : 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm

Friday : 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm

Shop online anytime: grassrootsecostore.com.au

A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon.

Grassroots Eco Store is located on the Glenaeon Castlecrag Campus, next to the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. 121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.

Glenaeon Charter Bus Reminder

Please be reminded that our charter bus service operates on an opt-in system. This means families must register their child/ren for the charter bus once each year.

Once registered, students will remain on the bus list and the nominated card will be charged each term until families choose to de-register. If you no longer require the service, you must complete the Bus De-Registration Form available on GLO .

As places on charter buses are limited, we encourage families to register as soon as possible. For full details on routes, fees, and how to book, please visit the Transport page on GLO .

Transport for NSW – School Bus Service Changes and Important Information

Please see here and here a letter from Transport for NSW – Busways outlining upcoming changes to school bus services that may affect your child’s travel to and from school. Alternative travel options are included in the attached information. We encourage families to plan ahead by using the Trip Planner website before travelling.

Also see here for School Bus FAQs for parents, carers and students, along with Bus Safety for School Students, which provide further information about School Opal Cards and bus safety.

For more information, please visit the Transport page on GLO. If you have any questions regarding school charter buses, please contact the school reception.

Happy New Year everyone, we look forward to another great year serving all the lovely students and staff at The Gentle Cafe with fresh and tasty treats, Tuesday - Friday. For all new parents and students, welcome to Glenaeon! Cafe orders can be placed via the Flexischool App which can be found on the App Store, the Google Play Store and Google Shop or you can sign up via the following link: https://user.flexischools.com.au/register

Remember that orders need to be in no later than 6.00am for that day or you can order for the whole week, but please don’t order anymore than the current week as our Morning Tea and Lunch Specials change seasonally each week.

Students in Year 7 - 12 can also purchase directly from the Cafe but they must pay with either cash or a physical credit card, mobile phones are not permitted for payment at the school.

Marian and Peter
The Gentle Cafe team

Glenaeon Uniform

Please refer to the Uniform Handbook on GLO .

Second Hand Uniform Shop

The Second-hand Uniform Shop is open every Thursday during Term time from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm. If you need to access the shop during the school holidays, please contact school's reception. Your donations of gently used uniforms in good, clean condition are very gratefully received. We are located next door to the Class 6 classroom at the Middle Cove campus.

Thank you to Glenaeon parents Shelley (Sean L’s Mum), Ping (Archie L’s Mum) and Kate (Victor T’s Mum) for all your volunteered support.

Glenaeon Buy, Sell, Swap

This Facebook group is for Glenaeon families to sell, buy or swap secondhand uniforms, textbooks, musical instruments, music books or outdoor education and sporting equipment. The only rule is that all items need to be school related. You can also post a "Wanted To Buy" message if you are looking for something in particular. The Swap and Sell group now has over 500 members. To join, click here.

In compliance with the Privacy Act, Glenaeon is required to inform you about how the school manages parent and student personal information it collects.

We kindly draw your attention to our Glenaeon General Privacy Collection Notice , which outlines these practices:

https://glenaeonnsw.policyconnect.com.au/module/209/page/81fade6e-4c3a-495e-8804-8e7c0ed14992.md

Additionally, you are invited to review our Privacy Policy on our school website:

https://glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/about/#policies

If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Parents and Carers should have all received School Fees by now (via email). If you haven’t, please contact accounts@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au and request yours. For those families who prepay, invoices were due and payable by the 29th January. For those families on a direct debit plan, parents and carers should have a Direct Debit Authority Form set up with the School so no further action is required on your part. If you haven’t yet provided a DD Form, please download here and email the form by the 6th February to accounts@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au . The first direct debit will take place on the 26th February so please ensure there are sufficient funds in the accounts on this day.

If you have any queries regarding your School Fees, please contact Amanda Ford at accounts@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Under Australian Education Regulations 2023, the school is required to provide the Education department with information. More details about this can be found here .

Hi Glenaeon Families!

Welcome to a new school year at Glenaeon.

In recent months, the GPA Steering Committee has been working on improving the GPA experience for parents. To deliver on our mission of creating a supportive and welcoming community for families to connect and participate in the wider Steiner experience.

For 2026, the Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA) is focused on:

- strengthening parent connection
- improving communication
- making it easier for families to get involved

Our shared purpose is to support our children and connect our families, working alongside the school to build a strong and vibrant community. Every family is part of the GPA.

I look forward to meeting parents, new and old, at the Welcome Soirée this evening.

Warm regards,
Huw Morris
Chair, Glenaeon Parents Association

At Glenaeon, we are committed to supporting parents on their journey from Preschool through to Year 12, and beyond. Our Parent Education Program offers workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions designed to empower and connect families within our community.

Through these opportunities, we aim to:

- Equip parents with practical skills for guiding children from early childhood through adolescence and beyond.

- Deepen understanding of Glenaeon’s curriculum and our holistic approach to child development.

- Foster meaningful engagement with the wider community.

- Strengthen community connections among families and educators.

- Explore current themes and issues in education , providing insights and strategies for today’s world.

Join us as we learn, share, and grow together, building a strong foundation for every child’s educational journey.

Created especially for parents and carers who are new to our community, this evening provides an engaging introduction to Steiner Education and how its principles come to life in the daily experience of Glenaeon students.

Whether you’re just finding your feet as a new family or simply wish to reconnect with the philosophy and practices that guide your child’s learning, this session offers an opportunity to pause, listen, and deepen your understanding of the journey we share.

Our hope is that you leave feeling informed, reassured, and truly at home within the Glenaeon community.

Book here

We warmly invite you to an evening of creativity and connection as we explore the ancient art of Pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian practice of egg decorating.

Guided through this mindful, hands-on process, you will work with wax styluses and rich Ukrainian dyes, allowing pattern and colour to unfold slowly and with intention. As hands are busy, the evening offers space to exhale, to share, and to be present in the art of making.

This workshop is an invitation to step out of the rush of the everyday, to honour tradition, and to create something meaningful to carry into the Easter season.

Book here

Our Newsletter is published Week 1,3,5,7 and 9 in term time.
Please see our publishing schedule for exact dates.

Rudolf Steiner’s Insights into Human Development: A guided introduction to anthroposophy

Enrolling Now for 2026

An immersive introductory course that explores the principles of Steiner education and anthroposophy as the foundation of Steiner/Waldorf education, recommended for all teachers, educators, support staff, and parents new to Steiner/Waldorf education.

Presented online
Begins 18 February 2026
For more information, click here .

For parents and educators drawn to a heart-centred, human-focused approach to learning, 2026 offers a timely invitation.

Sydney Rudolf Steiner College is now enrolling for its part-time Steiner training pathways, designed to nourish both professional skills and inner growth.

Courses are available across the full span of childhood and adolescence:

• Early Years: The Art of Caring, Early Childhood Foundation and Certificate
• Primary Teaching Foundation, with a flexible modular option
• High School Teaching Foundation, offered online

These programs provide a living introduction to Steiner education, supporting those who wish to deepen their understanding of child development, bring greater warmth and consciousness into their work, or take a first step toward Steiner teacher training.

No prerequisites or prior studies are required – only a sincere interest in the developing human being.

Enrolments close next week. If you have been waiting for the right moment to begin or deepen your journey in education that speaks to head, heart and hands, this may be that moment.

Please visit our website to learn more https://sydneyrudolfsteinercollege.com/

Contact us at info@sydneyrudolfsteinercollege.com or call 02 9119 2916