The Drum
Celebrating Middle Cove Open Day 2026: Why a Slow Tech Childhood Matters
Celebrating Middle Cove Open Day 2026: Why a Slow Tech Childhood Matters
Today we welcomed almost 200 visitors to our Middle Cove campus for Open Day - always a wonderful opportunity to share with prospective (and some current!) families the unique educational approach that defines our school, and of course, to showcase our magnificent grounds.
Throughout the morning, visitors saw students immersed in purposeful, active learning: exploring multi‑disciplinary themes in Main Lesson, modelling geometric forms, observing scientific phenomena, discussing historical events, creating music, designing, blacksmithing - the list goes on. As I observed the richness of these experiences, a thought that has been returning to me often lately rose again with real clarity: these deep, hands‑on, tactile learning moments strengthen attention and memory in ways that screen‑based engagement simply cannot match. It becomes unmistakably clear:
when screens step back, learning steps forward.
This was the focus of the message I shared with guests today, and I want to bring it to our school community as well, because it speaks directly to Glenaeon’s thoughtful stance on technology - one well worth celebrating.
Neuroscience increasingly affirms what Steiner education has long understood: children learn best when they
do
, not when they
click
. Our slow‑tech approach supports children emotionally, behaviourally, and academically. We know, too, that social media pressures are major contributors to anxiety and distraction among young people. By limiting digital exposure in the early years, we protect childhood, nurture real‑world friendship, and create space for imagination, creativity, and stillness. Students who are less tethered to algorithmic feeds are more grounded, more socially present, and more able to engage joyfully in school life.
Encouragingly, it seems Australia may be on the cusp of a profound shift in how we think about childhood, technology, and the true purpose of schooling. Concerns about attention, memory, sleep, cognition, emotional wellbeing, and social pressures are rising to the surface, prompting schools to respond to what is now impossible to ignore. At Glenaeon, we have long led the way. Our approach places us exceptionally well to support children and young people in becoming capable, centred, purposeful individuals ready to shape their own meaningful lives.
There is a beautiful irony in this moment: the capabilities young people must need in an AI‑rich future - creativity, imagination, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and compassionate thinking - are precisely the capacities Steiner education has been cultivating for over a century. At a time when many schools are scrambling to retro‑fit creativity into their programs, it has always been the backbone of ours.
Glenaeon is proudly a slow‑tech school—not a no‑tech school.
The distinction is important.
Rather than removing technology altogether, we introduce it with intention, purpose, and at developmentally appropriate stages. In the primary and middle years, children learn through movement, story, art, rhythm, nature, and human connection. These experiences lay the neurological foundation for literacy, numeracy, focus, comprehension, creativity, and emotional intelligence. They are not luxuries; they are essentials.
When the time is right, particularly from middle High School years, technology is brought in with clarity and discipline. Students learn digital literacy, research skills, responsible online behaviour, and an emerging understanding of AI.
It was such a privilege to talk to visitors today. To hear so clearly that parents today are seeking schools that not only educate well, but also care wisely for childhood. A Glenaeon education does just that: relational, human‑centred, developmental, and aligned with the best of contemporary research.
Thank you for your trust and partnership and for choosing Glenaeon for your children. Together, we continue to offer young people an education that is calm, future‑focused, and profoundly human.
Enjoy this weekend!
Diana Drummond
Head of School
Upcoming Glenaeon Events
Glenaeon Musical 2026
Glenaeon Musical 2026
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS TO GO
The Year 10 musical Dreamland is well underway! Students have been rehearsing and the hall is abuzz with activity. On the stage the students are rehearsing routines, with piano and backing tracks. In the music rooms the choirs are sounding wonderful. In the hall, a myriad of dazzling costumes are being cut and created. In the handwork room, the sewing machines are working overtime with stunning creations for costumes and sets.... and in the design technology hub, larger sets, props and stages are underway. It's really exciting to be around and the energy is building. Thanks to our wonderful teachers and parents and the incredible students who are creating magic for our musical.
Dates
Four (4) evening performances at 6:30pm
Wednesday 25 March 2026 - Saturday 28 March 2026
Location
Sylvia Brose Hall - Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove NSW 2068
Tickets
Adult $39 | Concession/Child $26
Suitable for all ages
*Please enjoy some snaps of our students, teachers, volunteers as they dedicate their time and energy to rehearsals, music direction and prop design and making. We can't wait to see all your collective work shine very soon!
School Tours
School Tours
School Tour - Castlecrag (Little Kindy - Class 3)
Date:
Thursday, 26 March 2026
Time:
9:30am - 10:30am
Location:
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag NSW 2068
Registration: Book Now
School News
Open Day 2026
Open Day 2026
Thank you to all current and prospective families, students, teachers, staff and alumni for joining us this morning for our annual Middle Cove Open Day! What a magical morning it was. Please enjoy some special moments from today!
Meet the Team - Charlotte Grien
Meet the Team - Charlotte Grien
I am delighted to begin my teaching career at Glenaeon, after being blessed to journey from Kindergarten to Year 12 as a Glenaeon student myself. After being inspired by so many wonderful teachers, I always dreamed of returning as a teacher myself, but only after I pursued my other love: a career in the arts. I am qualified to teach English and HSIE and am currently teaching Year 9 and 10 Geography. I love that Geography helps students to connect their lives to the world and environment around them and, hopefully, inspires them to play an active role in caring for the earth today and into the future. I have been loving getting to know the wonderful students and returning to one of my favourite features of my time as a Steiner student: the magic of Main Lesson.
I always knew I wanted to return to Glenaeon as a teacher. However, upon graduating I also knew that I first wanted to pursue my love of theatre and production, which was cultivated during my years at school. Recognising my love of theatre, but specifically a passion for directing and production rather than performing, my wonderful Class Teacher Janis Ryan gifted me the (somewhat unconventional) opportunity to co-direct many of our class plays from Class 5 through to our major Shakespeare performance in Year 8. I have since spent the past 18 years working in theatres and events all over Sydney (and the world!). It has been an extremely exciting and rewarding career, but I am equally delighted to pivot to my other great love (teaching and Steiner education) and I am thrilled to be collaborative with and learning from some amazing colleagues (some of whom taught me!).
Outside of my teaching work, I am enjoying having my weekends free for the first time in my adult life, which affords me the opportunity to attend theatre as an audience member! Despite transitioning from a formal role in the arts, I will always love live performance.
I am also extremely passionate about Steiner education, and I am constantly striving to learn and grow in my knowledge of education, and parenting, which I bring to raising my four-year-old and two-year-old sons. I love reading non-fiction and in recent years this love has usually taken the form of parenting books, with Kim John Payne and Lou Harvey-Zara being my favourites! I also love watching and playing basketball and if I’m not at the theatre with my family, I can usually be found at a WNBL game.
I am very excited about every aspect of learning and growing as a teacher in the year ahead at Glenaeon. I am enjoying the challenge of learning and planning new content as we transition towards the new Geography syllabus. I am also excited to continue working with Glenaeon’s many resources (like the beautiful garden!) to help translate the syllabus into tangible live experiences for the students. Most of all, I am excited about getting to know my students. I was a passionate but often distracted and slightly too chatty student, yet despite this, my most salient memory of my time at Glenaeon is the look in many of my teacher’s eyes that said, “I see you and I want to know you”. I hope to bring that same message to all my students.
Middle Cove Garden Parent Working Bee
Middle Cove Garden Parent Working Bee
Last Sunday morning our Middle Cove Garden was filled with energy as parents from across the whole school community came together for a working bee. It was wonderful to see families from Kindergarten through to Senior School lending a hand, along with Helen Wicker, Treasurer of the Board. The morning provided an opportunity to accomplish a great deal of practical work while also strengthening connections within our community. Together we moved and spread an impressive 14 cubic metres of mulch throughout the garden. The beautiful sandstone retaining walls were carefully weeded, removing invasive species such as trad and couch grass, and the established fruit trees were mulched around their drip lines to support healthy growth and fruiting in the coming seasons.
Several new plantings were also added to the garden. These included white mulberry, Tahitian lime and cherry guava, helping expand the orchard on the upper terrace. We are also beginning to introduce more Australian bush foods into the garden. Native species such as finger lime and Davidson plum were planted, offering students the opportunity to learn about unique edible plants adapted to Australian conditions while exploring food traditions connected to the knowledge and practices of First Nations peoples.
The garden now feels like a blank canvas. With the foundations prepared, students will spend the coming months filling the spaces with pollinator plants, edible crops and Australian natives, gradually shaping the garden into a vibrant learning environment. After a morning of physical work, everyone gathered together to enjoy homemade chai and a table full of delicious treats generously brought by families. It was a lovely moment to pause, share food and conversation, and celebrate what can be achieved when a community comes together. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy and enthusiasm. We will be holding seasonal working bees in this space, so please come along to the next one.
Glenaeon Preschool & Playgroups
Simple Art of Baking at Playgroup
Simple Art of Baking at Playgroup
Our families at Playgroup love to finish their session by following their noses from the garden picnic to "The Bakery", our final ritual where our bread bun creations are revealed. You can see some herbs that were picked fresh from our Castlecrag garden to decorate the buns and some shapes inspired from the seasonal story told at the start of the day.
At the beginning of the morning, families are asked to bring something for our nature table which was still in summer theme last week. There is a special moment at the start as families are gathering, where children can place their found item such as a leaf, where we start to come inward and appreciate the small delicate things in the noisy world outside the gate.
I truly feel honoured to be the first experience some families receive of their introduction to our work here. I'm confronted with very new parents who may have a child with extra needs and dealing with the modern life of 2026. Playgroup is a safe space for families to be with other children and parents and carers to allow for the magic of the Playgroup rhythm to heal and nourish.
Castlecrag News
The Alphabet Has Come Alive in Class 1
The Alphabet Has Come Alive in Class 1
Class One have been having a great time learning their letters! The Alphabet has come alive from Fairy Tales told every day with a new letter being ‘discovered’ each day. The class have been playing games using the sounds and finding all different ways to make the letters that represent the sounds.
A New Student in Class 2
A New Student in Class 2
Class 2 may have noticed a familiar face when they were introduced to a new student for the day. Head of School Diana Drummond stepped into the shoes (and classroom) of a Class 2 student for the day as part of a prize from the Glenaeon Family Fair. What a wonderful day and thank you Class 2 for welcoming your new classmate with such enthusiasm.
Class 3 Host Assembly
Class 3 Host Assembly
It was a beautiful circle as Class 1, 2 and 3 met for the first ever school assembly at our Castlecrag campus! Hosted by Class 3, each class shared songs, times tables recital and poems, much to the appreciation and joy of their friends and teachers. Class 3 sang a song with percussion from their Hebrews Main Lesson, Class 2 sang a song from their mathematics Ida Spider Main Lesson as well as their three and seven times tables forwards and backwards! Class 1 shared a wonderful story poem called “The Fairies” by William Allingham with much joy and fun.
New Pond at Castlecrag Garden
New Pond at Castlecrag Garden
Class 3 have been enthusiastically digging a large hole for the new pond in the lovely garden outside the Castlecrag staff room! They were excited to help install the new pond which will hold water so frogs and other water creatures can live here! With gardening teacher Kate Flood, they carefully transplanted the existing plants and some lovely new varieties that will enjoy the pond. The first thing that happened was a lizard ran down the giant clamshell for a drink and dashed back into the bush! Amazing to see! Thank you, Kate and a Class 3!
Middle Cove News
Class 4 Principal for the Day
Class 4 Principal for the Day
After winning the much-coveted 'Principal for a Day' prize at the Glenaeon Family Fair, our very own Class 4 student, George, stepped confidently into the role last week.
George began with 8am duty, greeting students with calm authority before visiting the Year 11s to hear about their Captain applications. He joined both the Primary and High School assemblies and addressed the cohorts with Ms Drummond.
Recess was happily spent with his Class 4 friends (a wise leadership choice), before checking in with Year 12 to see how exams were progressing. The day continued with visits to Class 8 Eurythmy, Year 9 Drama and Year 8 Art, a wonderful tour of learning across the school.
Throughout the day, George asked many thoughtful questions like, "is it fun being the Head of School?" and "do you ever get nervous when standing up in front of a crowd?". This led to many conversations about practicing skills to make you more confident. A full and joyful day of thoughtful leadership. Thanks George!
Year 7 Outdoor Education – Newnes Plateau
Year 7 Outdoor Education – Newnes Plateau
Year 7 students had a wonderful experience camping in the bush for three nights. It included many amazing opportunities; abseiling, canyoning, swimming, caving, sleeping under tarps and cooking on an outdoor stove. Students got to completely disconnect from the big city and connect with nature. A highlight was getting to know their new classmates, enjoying many riddles and games, and the challenges of thriving in the outdoors. All this in a beautiful, secluded valley with lush ferns, Aboriginal rock art, and the peace and quiet of the wild. Thank you to teachers Scottie, Brendan and Raphaela for supporting the students on their adventures.
Here is a fictional story reflection from Year 7 student, Adelaide N.
I wake to the birds chirping outside my window. I push off my duvet and place my warm feet on the cold wooden floor. It's dark still so I open my eye wide to find the lantern. I light it and I can see my bag sitting against the wall, waiting for me to pick it up. Still clutching the lantern. In one hand I pull on my backpack, and I immediately feel the heave weight of it on my shoulders. I unlock the door and open it carefully, so it doesn't creak. I step outside ready for the journey ahead. The morning air is cold on my skin. I feel excited and nervous. I start walking and I feel the gravel crunching underfoot. I turn back and look at my house wondering if i will ever see it again. I take a deep breath, turn around and start walking. There are no sounds apart from my deep breaths and the gravel and cobblestones underfoot. My lantern is lighting up the path in front of me. I keep walking. I have a beanie, gloves and warm clothes on to protect me from the freezing cold morning air. I reach the bottom of the mountain. I look at my path ahead. It looks impossible but I know I can do this. I begin the climb. Step by step. The sun has now risen to just above the horizon. I turn the lantern off and place it in my bag because I know I must keep going otherwise I will not make it to the top of the mountain in time. I keep going. "Sigh," I take the last few steps up the rocks to the top of the mountain. I've done it. It has taken all day, but I have done it. I breathe a sigh of relief. I have made it. I take a moment and just look out at what lies ahead the long green grass that I will push through tomorrow. Then the day after, I will climb the tall towering mountains to see what I discover. I look at the setting sun. It is yellow fading into orange and the outskirts are red. I sit down against the rock and start rummaging through my bag to find some food. While I watch the sun go down, I feast on some food that delights my senses. As the sky fades into black I lay down on my sleeping bag and fall asleep instantly because of how exhausted I am. I cannot wait to continue the journey tomorrow.
Year 11 Art Students Visit Cockatoo Island and Art Express Exhibition
Year 11 Art Students Visit Cockatoo Island and Art Express Exhibition
It's been a big couple of weeks for Year 11 Art students. They enjoyed the annual excursion to Cockatoo Island under the tutorship of Michael Herron to practice their sketching skills inspired by their unique surrounding environment. They were also thrilled to attend an excursion to Art Express at the Art Gallery of NSW, the much-loved annual exhibition highlights outstanding artworks by Year 12 Visual Arts students from across New South Wales. Thank you to teachers Alisan and Donna for supporting the students in these excursion opportunities.
Year 11 Biology in our Biodynamic Garden
Year 11 Biology in our Biodynamic Garden
Year 11 Biology students recently took their learning outdoors, working in our beautiful Middle Cove biodynamic gardens to collect and study native bees. Surrounded by nature, students observed these important pollinators up close while exploring their role in local ecosystems.
It was a wonderful example of hands-on science in action and a reminder of what a stunning natural environment we are fortunate to learn in every day.
Triathlon Triumphs
Triathlon Triumphs
Earlier this month, six students from Year 9 and 10 Archie L, Gabe F, Maaikae P, Arthur A, Enzo MJ and Sam D made the trip out to the International Regatta Centre, Castlereagh NSW to compete in the Intermediate division at the NSW All Schools Triathlon.
Despite the challenging weather which saw them competing in wet and rainy conditions, they each showed great determination throughout the swim, bike, and run transitions competing with athleticism and an inspiring amount of grit and resilience. All athletes pushed themselves to perform at their best and never backed down from the tough conditions. Their teamwork and encouragement for one another were evident across the course, as was the display of excellent sportsmanship toward other competitors and officials. Congratulations to all involved for a fantastic effort and for representing our school so well.
Japanese Taiko Drumming
Japanese Taiko Drumming
We were thrilled to have YuNiOn return to Glenaeon for a Japanese drumming workshop with our high school Japanese language students supported by teachers Keiko and Miss Moss. The students then took to the stage at our High School Assembly to perform what they had learnt from the Taiko percussionists. Thank you to everyone involved!
Front Desks
Grassroots Eco Store – Beautiful Baskets for Autumn & Easter
Grassroots Eco Store – Beautiful Baskets for Autumn & Easter
Autumn is a special time to invite the changing season into your home through simple rituals and thoughtful seasonal pieces.
Our handwoven fair trade baskets are perfect for autumn adventures, from apple picking to Easter treasure hunts. Beautifully crafted and wonderfully practical, they also make lovely storage for toys, craft materials and everyday treasures.
Explore our collection of Autumn storybooks filled with tales of harvest, baking, and adventures in nature. Our silk playcloths in rich Autumn hues are perfect for bringing your nature table or seasonal display to life and inspiring imaginative play.
Pop into the shop or explore the collection online to welcome the beauty of Autumn into your home.
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
Thank you for supporting local and choosing products that nurture creativity, sustainability, and imagination. A portion of every sale supports Glenaeon.
Grassroots Eco Store is located on the Glenaeon Castlecrag Campus, next to the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. 121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.
School Opal Cards
School Opal Cards
School student travel information for parents and students
School travel passes
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to
apply
for a new card or
update
their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to
re-submit
their details.
If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to
apply for a replacement card
.
Note:
a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a
replacement
application if a School Opal card is lost.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card.
Terms of use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off
in line with the
Opal terms of use
. This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the
Student code of conduct
. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)
GPA Cuppa & Connect
GPA Cuppa & Connect
Alumni
Opening of Smart Expressions
Opening of Smart Expressions
Last week marked the opening of Smart Expressions at the Art Space Gallery at The Concourse, a vibrant exhibition bringing together student artists from six schools across our local area. The evening celebrated the creativity and dedication of these young artists, with families, teachers and supporters gathering to view the remarkable works on display.
Congratulations to Class of 2025 alumni, Cezar, Illy, Ella and Juliet who all have their HSC Visual Arts major works exhibiting. While Illy and Juliet were unfortunately unable to attend the opening, it was lovely to have Illy’s father Bernie and her brother Ollie there, who came along to support the exhibition and celebrate the achievements of the students involved.
Among the striking works exhibited is a beautiful blue cyanotype piece by Milly Munro. Milly attended Glenaeon until the end of Year 10, and it was wonderful to see her work featured in the show.
We welcome our Glenaeon community to support the exhibition and enjoy the stunning artworks on display. Click here for more information.
Jasmine Brien Showcased at TexStyles Exhibition
Jasmine Brien Showcased at TexStyles Exhibition
Last weekend, the TexStyles Exhibition at Concord West was held and Class of 2025 Jasmine Brien's endearing work of nature dolls was on display for all to appreciate. The forms of the dolls, sensitivity to material and fabrics and then the intricate bead and embroidery work easily held its position at the prestigious display. Congratulations Jasmine for the accolade well-earned in textiles and design, a subject that Jasmine excelled in via distant education. We welcome all to attend the exhibition to support Jasmine's work. Click here for more information.
Vanilla Tupu Directs Official Music Video for The Rions
Vanilla Tupu Directs Official Music Video for The Rions
We are delighted to see Glenaeon alumna Vanilla Tupu (Class of 2015) continuing to make her mark in the film industry, recently directing the official music video for “Idol” by The Rions. The video brings a deeply personal touch to the song, featuring Tupu’s own parents and celebrating their 40-year relationship. Beautifully capturing the themes of love and connection explored in the track.
It’s wonderful to see our alumni achieving such creative success. To learn more about the project, read the feature in Rolling Stone Australia and watch the music video, click here .
Parent Education
Parent Education Program Term 1
Parent Education Program Term 1
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.
School Calendar
Community Noticeboard
A Hands-On Autumn Garden Day for Families
A Hands-On Autumn Garden Day for Families
Join us for a hands-on day of learning and fun in a little suburban backyard farm in Frenchs Forest. Learn what can be done on smaller properties to create healthy soil, healthy plants and animals, and nutrient-dense foods!
Spend a nourishing day outdoors learning, planting, composting, and connecting together. Led by experienced educator and biodynamic practitioner Sandra Frain , this joyful, hands-on workshop invites families and garden-curious people of all ages to explore the regenerative practices of biodynamic gardening.
Sunday 22 March 2026 | 9:00am–2:00pm
Frenchs Forest, Sydney (address on registration)
$130 per family | All ages welcome | No experience needed
Places are limited - come get your hands dirty and reconnect with the living world.
Honest to Goodness Community Buying Group
Honest to Goodness Community Buying Group
Eurythmy Guided Practice with Adam Chan
Eurythmy Guided Practice with Adam Chan
Staying Connected Fortnightly Group
Staying Connected Fortnightly Group
