Experience the Magic of the Glenaeon Family Fair 2023!

25 Sep 2023

Get ready for an enchanting day out for the whole family as the Glenaeon Family Fair returns to the lower north shore on Saturday 4 November from 10am until 4pm. This year's Fair promises to be a whirlwind of excitement, and will feature a jam-packed day of fun games, creative activities, artisanal delights and captivating live entertainment which will bring joy to visitors of all ages. Parents of the school have put their heart and soul into making this a very special day for the community and everyone is warmly welcome.

Saturday 4 November 2023
10am-4pm
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag

This year’s attractions will include -

Fun games and activities: Immerse yourself in a world of fun and adventure with games like Ball in a Bucket, Jacob’s Ladder and the Lollipop Climb, as well as Face Painting, Henna and much more. Craft activities will include Tie Dye, Felted Soap, Beading, Candle Making, Succulent Planting as well as the chance to make your own Wooden Toys. Live entertainment will keep the vibe upbeat all day, featuring student jazz bands, instrumentalists and vocalists, while the younger family members can experience the magic of the Storytelling Tent and the Children’s Grotto.

Delicious and wholesome foods: A wide range of food and drinks stalls will be there to nourish and sustain you all day long, including the Lunch Café, BBQ, Sushi Stall, Popcorn and Lemonade Stall, Gelato Cart, Homemade Cake Stall and of course the Coffee Shop. And for those seeking a place to relax, don’t forget the Chai Tent!

Artisan treasures: Explore a treasure trove of artisan stalls overflowing with unique hand-crafted creations that showcase the finest craftsmanship, where you can do some early Christmas shopping or find the perfect keepsake to cherish. Also featured at the Fair will be quality preloved books and clothes, a selection of homemade jams and preserves, as well as beautiful Steiner-inspired toys made by our very own Parent Craft volunteers.

Inspiring artworks: Art remains a focus of the Glenaeon Family Fair, and this year’s Fair will see a selection of local and established artists selling their works on display.

Fabulous prizes: The Glenaeon Raffle offers a chance to win some fabulous prizes, and the Art & Craft Silent Auction provides an opportunity to purchase some beautiful artworks in various different media, made and donated by Glenaeon students, parents and teachers, as well as members of the wider community. Monies raised go towards supporting the school.

An opportunity to discover Steiner education: Dive into the world of Steiner education and explore the remarkable student works on display. Teachers will be available on the day to engage in meaningful conversations about the unique difference that a Glenaeon education can make in inspiring and nurturing young minds.

Let the magic unfold at the Glenaeon Family Fair 2023! An enchanting experience awaits you, so mark your calendar for an unforgettable day of fun, creativity, and community. All are welcome to join in the festivities and make cherished memories.

For more information go to www.glenaeonfair.com

Media enquiries:
Kath Kissell, Marketing Communications Manager, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
E: k.kissell@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
M: 0408 408 562

GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELOVED TEACHER IN TRAGIC SKI ACCIDENT

14 Sep 2023

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Jonas Stoebe, a cherished member of our Glenaeon family. Jonas Stoebe tragically lost his life resulting from a ski accident that occurred on 6 September, while accompanying a group of students on a school ski trip at Perisher.

Head of School, Diana Drummond said, “Jonas Stoebe was more than just an educator; he was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all who knew him. With unwavering dedication, Jonas had been part of our school community for 10 years, leaving an indelible mark on countless students' lives.”

During his time at Glenaeon, Jonas exhibited a profound passion for teaching sport and a genuine love for our students. His enthusiasm for Steiner education extended beyond the classroom and the sporting fields, as he actively managed various extracurricular activities. He also supported numerous charities through his work.

Our school community is heartbroken by this loss. We extend our deepest condolences to Jonas’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The impact Jonas had on our school and the lives of our students is immeasurable, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts.

A Go Fund Me campaign has been set up by friends and colleagues to support Jonas' family at this difficult time. Please donate if you can. https://gofund.me/9ad716d7

Yr 10 Retreat Day

30 Aug 2023

On Monday 21st August, Year 10 participated in a Retreat Day. This day had been designed specifically with Year 10 in mind, and involved activities to increase wellbeing individually, and as a cohort.

The day began with a mindfulness bushwalk led by Mr Greenfield and Donna. After recess, our Student Wellbeing Coordinators, Andy and Emily, ran a session on resilience, which encouraged the students to reflect on what contributes to resilience and how we might encourage growth in this area. The workshop culminated in Year 10 breaking off into small groups creating delightful artworks about what resilience “feels like, looks like and sounds like” to them.

A delicious lunch, which had been prepared by Year 10 students and families, and then thoughtfully set up by teachers, was then shared as a cohort. Following lunch, Year 10 joined in various team building activities hosted by Year 10 mentors and our Student Wellbeing Coordinators. Some of these included basketball, blindfold challenges, a mini World Cup and drama games. After each group had participated in each activity, staff and students came together to compete in a game of bullrush, students vs teachers. The day concluded with Year 10 in a circle, holding hands, sharing the afternoon verse together.

Students made a lovely effort to thank mentors, teachers and our Student Wellbeing Coordinators for such a wonderful day, and it was a joy to witness Year 10 enjoying this dedicated time together.

Class 2 Build Maths Skills

30 Aug 2023

Class 2 have been enjoying mathematics with Class Teacher Jamie Loftus and Teacher Assistant Theresa. They are learning to carry and borrow numbers in vertical algorithms. This is done through a story of families who need to borrow and share whilst living in apartment buildings. They are giving and taking eggs, apples and vegetables and the children have been busy working out how many each family has. The class have enjoyed some new maths games focusing on doubles, 'Friends of Ten', times tables and adding tens. The class continues to recite times tables using bean bags during morning circle time and are having great fun with each other and the four processes.

Play is Enjoyed Individually and Together

30 Aug 2023

Play is enjoyed individually and together: children and adults in Glenaeon Playgroups!

Our rocking horses provide an opportunity for bringing ourselves into motion in a contained way. Keeping ones’ balance while rocking back and forth repeatedly with a song to mark the time is joyous at all seven of our playgroups.

While the children are (usually) riding alone on the rocking horse, there are other children watching, waiting their turn, or perhaps riding along- side on a companion horse. Adults sing a rocking song and laughter permeates the playgroup room.

What laughter we have when an adult joins the rocking horse riding too. Why should the children have all the fun? Adults too enjoy the soothing and exciting sensations in ‘standing motion’.

The children and adults have been excited to crawl in the tunnel at Castlecrag campus and up the steps on the new climbing structure at our Preschool Campus. New skills are developed, and friendships formed as we play and share life in a group setting.

Many adults exclaim that they get as much out of our playgroups as the children do. Our Playgroup educators emphasise the healthy balance of play and meaningful tasks for all ages. The adults too feel safe to learn and grow together. Our adult discussions are carefully facilitated to encourage this social support.

To join our Playgroup Families contact: Sandra Frain playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Class 2 Boat Building

16 Aug 2023

Class 2 experienced a woodworking afternoon with Class Teacher Jamie Loftus and parents on a sunny Friday. The children were creating boats from a collection of wood, shaping their vessels and adorning them with cabins, rails, and masts from a lucky dip box of assorted shaped timber.

The students were careful creating their boats by clamping and cutting with the help of parents and Jamie. After creating the basic shape of their boat, it was sanded and a cabins were glued to the top using various shapes and sizes of wood. The students loved choosing their favourite pieces to glue & nail onto the decks. Many thanks to our parents who came to help in this lovely afternoon.

Glenaeon School Concert 2023

10 Aug 2023

After a three-year hiatus, the Glenaeon School Concert, featuring Class 5 - Yr 11 students, brought The Concourse, Chatswood to life last Friday night. 490 tickets were sold, a record number in the history of Glenaeon School Concerts and we were so thrilled to have you join us for an evening of music and community.

The student performances were remarkable and our guests enjoyed music from 'Fly Me to The Moon' to Coldplay, Folk to Jazz, movie soundtrack nods and classic choral works - it was quite a journey!

The Music Department would like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff members of the school who so generously gave their time and attention to this once a year project. Thank you also to all the parents who support our students in their musical endeavors.

Most of all, we commend our music students. It takes practice, patience and consistency for children and adolescents to thrive in music, and bravery to perform in front of such a large audience.

Congratulations all around! We are delighted to welcome the “Concourse Concert” back to the Glenaeon music events calendar, and we look forward to many more.

Class 5 Play - The Story of Isis and Osiris

08 Aug 2023

The Class 5 play is the story of Isis and Osiris; the key Ancient Egyptian myth studied in Class 5. Combining a traditional play with shadow puppetry, the actors and puppets accompanied by musicians and sound effects teams, interact with each other retelling this epic saga of love, jealousy, murder and triumph.

Preparing the play, Class 5 had to draw the puppets, experiment with shadows and colour, compose music and brainstorm sound effects. A huge thank you to Jade Oakley for volunteering her time in laser cutting all the puppets and co directing the play.

Lucy Armstrong
Class 5 Teacher

Glenaeon Garden Culture

02 Aug 2023

Meaningful learning and wellbeing in the garden

Students from Classes 3 to 6 have been involved in the process of sculpting the landscape for our new Water Garden: from visioning and planning, disassembling old garden beds, re-using what was there, creating something new to caring for, sharing and enjoying it.

Of course they have been developing these construction skills from before Preschool and Kindergarten stages. In addition to the housekeeping of caring for their classrooms and the garden spaces, the students build elaborate play structures with their wooden blocks and build ‘life sized’ cubbies.

Even the delicate fairy gardens made of sand, earth, leaves, sticks and flowers have required such navigation skills as they practise in these early education and primary class years. By Classes 1 and 2 the students have more intricate fairy homes and erect complex cubby houses with long and heavy logs, making walls with leaves and soil as seen in the last newsletter.

Accompanying this play is the rapidly developing and sophisticated language, cognitive, spatial perception and orientation skills required for such architectural and engineering tasks: life skills!

In gardening lessons, students are delighted for any opportunity to build up a biodynamic compost heap or garden bed and to dig down into the ground to aerate the soil, harvest mature composted soil or create a water garden! Their bodies remember the skills they practised in younger years, perhaps at the Willoughby or Castlecrag campuses while digging in garden beds and balancing wheelbarrows carrying composted soil.

At every gardening class there are opportunities to do meaningful work in creating and maintaining the garden spaces as well as in foraging in the garden to make a meal to share with herbal tea at the end of the lesson.

Students say…

"It tastes so much better when you make it yourself" were the words of a Class 4 student back in May.

"My parents want to know how we make our garden stir fry" students declare. It's a delight that meaningful work and skills are applied at home as many students knowingly create and tend a garden. Delicious meals for the family are made too!

There is wellbeing for each class as a whole while stories of task accomplishments are shared with all enjoying the sustenance offered.

Class 1 & 2 Celebrate Solstice at the Amphitheatre

19 Jul 2023

On the last Friday of Term 2, around 180 people gathered at sunset in The Haven Amphitheatre, Castlecrag to celebrate the inaugural Class 1 & 2 Winter Festival. This included the children of both classes with their parents, siblings, grandparents, family friends. The event was hosted by Class Teachers Jamie Loftus & Jonathan Shaw and supported by class assistants, staff members, parent volunteers, as well as members of the local community. The venue had been well prepared for everyone's safety & convenience and beautifully decorated with fairy lights.

Once families were seated and welcomed by the teachers, the lights went out and the venue was awash with a sea of soft speckled light shining through handmade lanterns. Jonathan offered a moving Acknowledgement of Country, followed by Jamie playing the didgeridoo. Jonathan then told an inspiring winter story, interspersed with Jamie conducting the students playing musical instruments - wooden flute & recorders, xylophones, triangles, singing bells & bowls, all amplified by the natural acoustics of the amphitheatre.

Following a short lantern walk from the amphitheatre stalls to the main stage, the students filled our hearts with warmth & reverence in honouring the winter solstice, through their beautiful performance of 11 wonderful winter songs. In closing this festival Jamie invited everyone to think of those less fortunate in winter, as we shared a delicious treat of ‘solstice crescents’ - a simple traditional recipe baked by parent volunteers.

Please read on for what Dani, the teachers and community had to say…

Yr 11 Lake Argyle Expedition

13 Jul 2023

This year, Yr 11 students woke daily to the stunning sunrise over Western Australia’s Lake Argyle. We spent a stunning eight days watching every sun rise, and set, while journeying around the north western quarter of the lake powered only by our own bodies inside of our own canoes. Numerous starlit paddles across the still but gigantic dam, which had an abnormally high level for this time of year, providing fantastic access to beautiful beaches and grassy flats to stay under the shade of broad leaves trees. The bird life of the lake was exploding with the previous wet season finished, and we were treated to a full eleven day trip without so much as a drop of rain. Exploring gullies less traveled occasionally even resulted in a beautiful secluded pool of water, deep enough to swim in, surround by cycads and other broad leaved shade loving plant life. The final sunrise of their trip across the stunning lake will hopefully be an experience students do not soon forget.

Class 6 and Yr 10 Create Poetry...Together

12 Jul 2023

Nicholas Greenfield's Yr 10 English class and Lynne Collett's Class 6 library class have both been studying poetry. The teachers saw an opportunity to join forces and work collaboratively with a small group of students. With kindness forming a central bond, Class 6 invited the Year 10 students to the Junior School library to help them with their poetic compositions. The resulting poem, ‘Kindness Is’, offers a unique insight into the thoughts and feelings of two generations of Glenaeon students, carrying a powerful message that only mirrors the nurturing environment in which it was crafted. Enjoy the thought-provoking poem below.

Kindness Is

Kindness is sometimes hard to describe.

Trusting your bus driver to give you a ride.

Sharing with a neighbour,

without asking for a favour.

Kindness holds your heart in place,

and puts a smile upon your face.

Kindness is friendship.

But is bullying, too?

Let’s think about choices:

Good choices are good.

Bad ones are bad.

So which rhymes with which?

We think bullying stays ‘bad’.

And the people who hurt,

deserve another chance.

To give kindness to others,

returning like a boomerang.

Me? I receive generosity through love,

and love through generosity.

I devote my life to those,

who would devote their life to me.

I build foundations of trust,

I fly like a dove,

shedding feathers of care,

and moments of love.

So what then is kindness?

Kindness is special.

Kindness is brave.

Not everybody has it,

some kindness crave.

Kindness is given, by mothers and brothers.

It's hard at first, but in kindness we dance.

And wait. Once you get it, believe me you prance!

And the people who hurt.

Deserve kindness, too.

Give kindness to others,

and it’ll return to you.

Class 1 and 2 Smoking Ceremony

21 Jun 2023

On Tuesday 13th June, Castlecrag Campus was delighted to welcome Raymond, a Gamilaraay man, who performed a Smoking Ceremony for Class 1 and 2 students and Class 1 parents. Not only did Raymond share knowledge and bush craft, but song and dance. Raymond answered questions and finally, smoked bush leaves on campus to bring on the blessings of the land. Perhaps the show-stopper was the local kookaburra, who sat in the branch above Raymond as he sang and - to the astonishment of all - performed a kookaburra dance. Thanks to all who came to this magical event.

Class 1 and 2 MidWinter Spiral

21 Jun 2023

Classes 1 and 2 walked a beautiful Winter Spiral, formed from cuttings and branches from the families gardens. The Winter Solstice is a time of the shortest day and longest night, and when we celebrate our MidWinter Festivals. The children walked the spiral with an unlit candle in an apple to the centre light, lighting their own in a moment of inner reflection, and place the candle to form an ever-growing spiral of light. By the end, the room is filled with the magic and wonder of the light created. The children all sing beautiful Winter Songs and play recorder, as well as live music, story and poetry. Thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers who helped to create the spiral and apples and Clair Citserne, Monty, Linda, Melony and teachers Jonathan Shaw and Jamie Loftus for this beautiful event.

Class 3 Play

21 Jun 2023

Class Three recently performed their play "Noah and the Flood". The class worked together beautifully to create vignettes to tell the well loved story to their family and friends.

Class 3 Create Wooden Chopping Boards

23 May 2023

Every Thursday after lunch, Class 3 break off into three groups and enjoy an afternoon of either gardening, cooking or woodwork. In woodwork, their busy hands have created wooden chopping boards.
With the support of their Class Teacher Prue Ritchie and parent volunteers, they started with a square of pine wood each and had the choice of an apple, bird, fish or cat shape. Together, they sawed, filed and sanded by hand, to create a treasured and practical piece of art to take home and enjoy with family.
Although the students declared "it was tiring work", they were very proud of their finished products. When asked what they might use it for at home, one student said "to cut cheese" another said "to cut apple for my lunchbox".
This is an example of their truly practical Class 3 curriculum and developing the will to learn, create and share.

Congratulations Glenaeon HSC Class of 2022!

15 Dec 2022

Statement from Elizabeth Nevieve, Acting Head of School

I am very pleased to report on the outstanding results achieved by our HSC graduates of 2022.

Glenaeon's Year 12 students exemplified the school's ethos, with each young person finely navigating important inner questions concerning human purpose whilst immersing and engaging themselves in a rigorous, academic program. The range of courses undertaken this year reinforce the breadth of Glenaeon students' passions, with very fine achievements noted in diverse subject areas.

Glenaeon's recognition of accomplishment acknowledges the very hard work that underpins high academic performance. On equal footing, is our deep respect for and understanding of each student's personally unfolding journey through the final year of their secondary education. As a non-selective school that intrinsically values all aspects of human growth, on this day we are certainly highlighting student performance that reinforces Glenaeon's firm standing within the context of an academic tradition, and we most importantly give overall praise to each young person within our graduating class for their attainment of the HSC credential.

Standing behind our students' achievements are my colleagues and the students' families. I extend sincere thanks to our senior teachers for their professionalism, care and expertise. Their in-depth understanding of the nature of the HSC courses, coupled with their knowledge of how students learn, enabled those in their care to move through the year with confidence. Parents and guardians, you are an integral part of your child's becoming and education. Thank you for working so closely with the school and for the trust you have placed in us. We are immensely proud of our students for their deep, academic striving and determination to achieve their personal bests. We wish them every success in the future.

Warm wishes,

Elizabeth Nevieve
Acting Head of School

AEON Magazine - OUT NOW!

10 Dec 2022

Glenaeon families should hopefully have received their printed copy of AEON Magazine 2022 by now, or for our Year 10s away in Tasmania, Little Kindergarten families or our Class of 2022, your copy is coming to you via snail mail.

If you really can't wait, then you can download a copy from our website: https://glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/downloads/

Carols and Shepherds: Christmas is Coming

17 Nov 2022

The Carol Service, one of Glenaeon’s signature events, is about to return, and its been three years in the waiting. We’ve had a gradual return to normal community life, and this will be an even more special end of year than usual.

We celebrate our end of year by coming together as a community for a non-denominational festival of the season, Monday November 28th in the Pitt Street Uniting Church in the city.

It’s in a church but this is not a church service. It’s all about the music but it’s not just carols. Christmas has a vast range of music to offer, not just the traditional carols. Our Head of Music Ian Munns has selected a repertoire that balances some traditional with some beautiful contemporary, and he has come up with an uplifting and inspiring program.

The festival Is not about belief, it’s about mood: a blend of the reverent and the joyful, an inward mood that creatively captures the spirit of the season. The music is beautiful, and our students carry the evening in a range of choirs and ensembles. The mood is created right from the beginning as the Class 4 students entry in procession carrying candles. The mood is accessible to all faiths and expresses the school’s tolerant and diverse culture.

There are many former students and families of Glenaeon who come back specially to the Carol Service to enjoy our unique manner of celebrating Christmas. For many it’s like a tonic, a dose of a warm and inspiring community experience that for many complements the rush of the Christmas season that is about to begin. To quote TS Elliot, it’s a still point in the turning world of Christmas.

Our Carol Service involves every student from Class 4 to Year 11. There is an important role to play for every student who we expect to attend in full school uniform. Students should arrive by 6.15pm at the latest, for a 6.30pm start.

All families in the school are invited, although we do ask that parents who bring any younger children take responsibility to supervise them during the proceedings.

I can guarantee the service will send you home uplifted by the music and joyful in spirit.

Then on Thursday December 8th our teachers continue the long-held tradition of performing The Shepherds Play in the Sylvia Brose Hall at Middle Cove. This Christmas gift to the students is a recreation of one of the York Mystery plays from the Middle Ages and is always a treat for all. There will be an evening performance at 7pm to which all parents are invited.

GLENAEON ART SHOW & FAMILY FAIR 2022

27 Sep 2022

The Glenaeon Art Show & Family Fair is back, and this year’s event will be as magical as ever! At this much-loved lower north shore event, visitors of all ages can enjoy fun games and activities such as the lollipop climb, Henna, wooden toy-making, live entertainment, delicious organic food, coffee, a chai tent and more!

There are artisan stalls brimming with unique hand-crafted, homemade goodies, high-quality preloved books and clothing plus an inspiring Art Show featuring world-class artworks from established and emerging artists.

Hosted by the school's parent community, the fair offers a magical weekend of wholesome family fun and great entertainment with fabulous prizes up for grabs in the raffle and silent auction.

The Glenaeon Family Fair is also a great opportunity to find out more about Steiner education, view primary and high school students’ work and talk with teachers about the unique difference a Glenaeon education makes from Preschool –Year 12.

So come along and join in the fun of the Glenaeon Art Show & Family Fair from Friday 4 November – Sunday 6 November 2022 at the Castlecrag campus of Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, 121 Edinburgh Road. All welcome.

Friday 4 November
Art Show Opening
6pm - 9pm

Saturday 5 November
Family Fair & Art Show
10am - 4pm

Sunday 6 November
Art Show
10am - 3pm

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
For more information go to www.glenaeonfair.com

Media enquiries:
Kath Kissell, Marketing Communications Manager, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
E: k.kissell@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
M: 0408 408 562

A Healthy Social Life is found….in the Year 10 Musical

15 Sep 2022

Into the Woods certainly took us more than into the woods. The Year 10 musical last week highlighted so many elements of what education can be.

Our unique model of the whole Year 10 group performing a show seems so counter-intuitive to performing arts brains. The standard school musical of auditioning across year groups to capture the most talented seems so obvious. Yet as Into the Woods demonstrated last week, the standard that Glenaeon reaches in our stage shows from one year group can be quite remarkable. So why do we do it this way, when it could be so much easier to take the tried and standard route?

There are important educational elements at stake:

the power of theatre to transform young lives needs to be an experience for all students, just like learning Maths or Science: there were students on stage in major roles who no one would have expected to step up. Those who know them best, parents and teachers, would never have dreamed some of those students could have got up and held an audience in the palm of their hand in the way they did.
Some students will probably never again be in a theatre show. But at least once in their life they were, and they can be proud of it. They helped backstage, supported each other on cues and entrances, with props and sets, all contributing their own individual best to the magic that is theatre in creating an imaginary world for the audience.
The experience of community building was so obvious. The mutual support gave a unique experience of shared achievement. The lead singers can only do what they do with the sets and props put in place by unseen hands: they can only do their starring role with the support of those unseen hands. Theatre is a unique team-building exercise.
Being someone else grows emotional intelligence: theatre has a particular power in stretching an actor’s emotional repertoire to encompass “otherness”, a fundamental pillar of a mature, emotionally resilient personality.

Most importantly, each student did his or her best: some sang a lot, some didn’t sing much at all, but every one of the students did their absolute best. They each contributed their “virtue” to the community whole.

There is a saying from Dr Steiner that we quote from time to time: The healthy social life is found, when in each individual soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the community, the virtue of each one is living. The virtue, the best, of each of Year 10 was on display last week, and we are all the better for it.

Tim Ross, parent of two boys in our primary school and TV presenter, wrote to me after the show to congratulate the production team. I think his words speak for many:

…School plays are so formative and I got a little misty eyed at the standing ovation…hitting the stage as a teenager was a defining moment in my life.

I’m sure our year 10 students will look back on Into the Woods as a defining moment in all their lives!

End of term:

Farewell to Year 12 next week is a poignant moment when we say goodbye to our senior class. After a walk through all the classes from Kindergarten up on Monday, we will hold our Farewell assembly on Tuesday morning before Year 12 embarks on their Magical Mystery Tour. I look forward to cooking breakfast for Year 12 on the balcony, before they are farewelled by every class on the campus and they head up the hill to the bus that will take them to a destination unknown for a final and fun day as students. They will return after the HSC for the formal Graduation Assembly, but for now, it’s Farewell Year 12!

Spring festivals next week promise to be a joyful welcome to the warmer weather and the new life which this time of year brings. We hope to have a return to maypole dancing and and a happy in person celebration on the round oval at Middle Cove for Class 1 to Year 11.

As the last Newsletter of Term 3, 2022, I wish all families a restful and refreshing break and look forward to seeing everyone in term 4!

Showcase Celebrations! 2022 HSC Showcase Visual Arts and D&T

04 Aug 2022

Term 3 is a very special time for our most senior cohort. As our Year 12 students really buckle down to their study, focusing on a deep and meaningful synthesis of all they have learnt and honing their examination technique in preparation for their Trial and final HSC exams, it is also a period of celebration and fulfilment as the practical components of their courses are completed and put on show.

The Visual Arts and Design Showcase was an enormous success, and the works on display demonstrated perfectly the significant achievements that are realised when will is directed by thought and enlivened by feeling.

The functional yet incredibly beautiful Pedal Pod, the innovative Cricket Ball Buddy, the very aesthetic Gym Wall that anyone would happily install in a spare room and the calming Terrariums that revealed a philosophical understanding of past, present and future, all spoke to the fulfilment of the design process that births the new through considered, sustained effort. The culmination of Glenaeon’s Artisan program in the HSC Design and Technology course thus examples the pinnacle of student led will activity.

Championing the realm of feeling are the Visual Arts works and this cohort’s offerings were up to the usual very high standard we expect of Glenaeon’s Year 12 students. Whimsical worldviews from childhood, bodies and organs as commodities, perceptions of self, the art of aging, mental states of distress and tranquillity, everyday objects repurposed for adornment, 21st century maturing and the blueprint of form and function were all concepts that were subtly explored by the students through artistic endeavours that evidenced a sensitive feeling-into their personal experiences of being. These works demonstrate fulfilment of the visual branch of Glenaeon’s Aesthetic curriculum and speak to the beautiful awakening that is arrived at through art.

Most wonderfully this year, the Showcases are again open to the broader school community and, along with teachers and Year 12 families and guests, the great number of Year 10 and 11 parents and students present at the event on Friday, 22 July brought a lively buzz to the evening. The works on display were not only admired by all who recognised and appreciated the students’ valuable, creative output, they also inspired our younger cohorts and got students thinking about what they themselves may like to produce in the not too distant future!

The celebrations will continue, and please come along to the Music and Humanities Showcase on Friday, 26 August!

Thank you!

Our senior teachers play an integral role in the development of each student’s Major Work and I and the Glenaeon community extends deep-felt gratitude to Visual Arts teachers Ms Alisan Smotlak (Head of Department) and Ms Donna Miller and to Design and Technology Senior Teacher, Mr Anthony Fiore. Their reflections on their course and their students’ progress, as well as their blessings, are a delightful read below.

The Year 12 Visual Arts Showcase is a celebration of who you are and what you have achieved thus far. May the arts take you forward into life with appreciation of what creativity and imagination can be, limitless in its capacity to feed the soul!

I am trying to imagine myself standing in front of you all and the harvest of your hard work and efforts over the past three terms! You have all produced art that you likely never imagined would be possible! You have each been on a personal journey of discovery, heartache, problem solving and realisation! On that journey, I’m sure you have learned a great deal about yourselves, and just what you are capable of! With every hurdle, you drew strength and carried on. When it hurt the most, you recovered to be stronger! Donna Miller, Teacher of Visual Arts Practical Year 12 2022

The HSC Visual Arts is a rich course where the student has the opportunity to explore and discover a variety of materials and concepts. The goal towards the dynamic synthesis of these elements reflects the world experienced by a senior student on the precipice of moving forward into the adult world.

The challenges and joys the artwork takes the student through are backbones to be drawn upon when encountering the many interesting experiences that life will bring. Alisan Smotlak, Head of Department (Visual Arts)

Design and Technology has a unique focus on creativity, innovation and the successful implementation of inventive ideas. Through the development of a Major Design Project, students have the opportunity to explore and develop technologies and demonstrate insight into the future uses of technology. This year, the students have demonstrated qualities of perseverance, project management and creative problem solving in the development and realisation of their projects. Each of them have learnt and developed an appreciation for the complex relationships that exist between factors that impact on designing and using technology. Further to this, each student exhibits a deep understanding of the importance these aspects play in the future use of technology and its relationship to the environment and the forwarding of human kind. Mr. Anthony Fiore - Design and Technology Teacher

*Please note photos of student works cannot be published yet due to NESA embargo restrictions

The Quiet Miracle: For the Love of Learning

21 Jul 2022

Welcome to Term 3, with a very warm welcome to the new students and their families who join us to complete their high school years at Glenaeon.

Last weekend, The Sydney Morning Herald ran a story on the appointment of Diana Drummond as our incoming Head of School. The article prompted a very fine response from Stephanie Dowrick, a former parent of Glenaeon and a widely published author and commentator.

STEPHANIE DOWRICK:

I was a "Steiner parent" for ten years. My children are thoughtful, caring, creative and productive adults now and I am immensely grateful for their Steiner education and all that it gave them. It is far closer to the best in Europe with a highly developed awareness of the natural world, the seasons, our innate creative impulses - and thinking capacities way in advance of conventional education where so much rote/prescribed learning produces far less innovation. This is exactly what's needed in 21st-century life. The emphasis on "deep learning" through focused Main Lessons will also be a vital counter to the agitation of rushing from one "instant" screen excitement to another. Or setting children against one another through constant exams, tests and rankings. To learn to LOVE LEARNING is a quiet miracle. It's not for the most conventional of families, and of course as a private school, it is not within reach of all. But Diana Drummond may well have landed one of the most rewarding principal positions in NSW. May it go very well for her and for Glenaeon.

Our education can be difficult to explain to those that have not yet experienced what it means to be a student at a Steiner school, or a “Steiner Parent”. The qualities of our education are intangible, subtle and nuanced. In terms of community perceptions, we can be seen as “the road less travelled”.

So can I invite you to consider and share your view on what it means to be a Steiner parent? Feel free to drop me an email at headofschool@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au and I will be very interested in hearing your views.

I must agree with Stephanie that being Head of School at Glenaeon is indeed one of the most rewarding school leader positions in the country. It has certainly been the privilege of a lifetime for me personally.

The Term Ahead:

There is much to look forward to this term including the HSC D&T and Visual Arts Showcase tomorrow night, and the Music Showcase four weeks later, the Year 10 Musical: Into The Woods, HSC Trials, exams, excursions, Outdoor Education experiences like kayaking, a snow trip, rich Main Lessons and a Spring Festival with the promise of warmer days ahead.

Have a wonderful term, and may we all continue to love learning even more!

Andrew Hill
Head of School

Parents welcome our incoming Head of School, Diana Drummond

10 Jun 2022

On Tuesday evening we welcomed our incoming Head of School Diana Drummond to the Sylvia Brose Hall. A crowd of 100 parents braved the chilly evening to meet and greet Diana at her first official function with our parent community. Welcomed by our current Head of School Andrew Hill and Board Chair Peter Candotti, Diana was introduced and shared both her story and her educational philosophy that has drawn her to our school. Glenaeon Parents’ Association Co-Chair Sabine Simmons gave a warm welcome on behalf of the parents of Glenaeon, followed by drinks and canapés where Diana met and mingled with the enthusiastic crowd.

There will be more events planned to give parents the opportunity to get to know Diana who commences in January 2023.

Diana Drummond appointed Glenaeon's new Head of School

19 May 2022

Education leader Ms Diana Drummond has been appointed the new Head of School at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School. Announced by Peter Candotti, Chair of the School Board at an all staff meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Ms Drummond will commence in the role in January 2023 taking over from Mr Andrew Hill who has held the position of Collegiate Chair and Head of School for the past 14 years.

Ms Drummond joins Glenaeon having completed more than 15 years in school leadership roles, most recently at Wenona where she has been Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning) since 2018 and is currently Deputy Principal (Professional Practice and Leadership). Diana’s prior experience included Vice Principal of the co-educational International School Bangkok, Head of the Junior School MLC Burwood, Junior School Deputy at St Catherine’s School, as well as senior leadership roles at the AIS NSW.

Of the appointment, Mr Candotti said, “I am delighted to welcome Diana to Glenaeon. She is a committed, passionate educator and leader whose values align with Glenaeon’s holistic, nurturing, and creative approach to teaching and learning. Her experience has demonstrated that she is an innovative, collaborative and future-focused educational leader who listens and invests energy into building relationships with individuals and groups. She is well experienced in leading learning communities, in strategic thinking, and the professional development of teachers and support staff. Building on Andrew’s outstanding legacy, Diana will capably lead Glenaeon in the next exciting phase of the school’s growth and development.”

On her appointment, Ms Drummond said, “Glenaeon presents an outstanding and unique educational offering. By developing each young person’s academic, cultural and emotional capacity through a focus on knowing students deeply, age-appropriate and integrated learning experiences, and strong community connection, Glenaeon is a school of choice for “thinking” parents. I am excited by the opportunity that a move into Steiner education brings with its focus on teaching as an artform and where the education of young people is imbued with meaning and purpose.”

Outgoing Head of School Andrew Hill said, “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Glenaeon. We have achieved so much over the past decade and a half, and I am extremely proud of the united and enriching community that has developed around our school. Diana brings long experience, enormous expertise and great personal qualities that will build on these foundations and take Glenaeon to new heights as a vibrant centre of Steiner education.”

Mr Hill will work with Ms Drummond to facilitate a smooth transition into 2023.

The Board wishes to thank all the candidates who applied and warmly congratulates Ms Drummond, and kindly acknowledges Andrew Hill’s significant contribution to the School, its teachers and staff, parents and students over the past 14 years.

The cycle of the seasons: “Life and love will always prevail”

06 Apr 2022

We celebrated the turning of the season last week in our Harvest Festivals through the school. From Preschool to High School there was the annual celebration of the bounty of Nature, and the gathering of the fruits of the summer sun as we prepare for the coming cold and greater darkness of winter. These festivals go back thousands of years and have their origins in humankind’s profound connection with the cycles of the seasons. In this time of deep concern over our environmental crises, more than ever we need to remind ourselves of our dependence on the cycles of the earth and cosmos that sustain our lives. After a beautiful series of offerings by the students, the high school festival gathered fresh fruit and vegetables for OzHarvest which supports the homeless and disadvantaged in our community.

The primary school harvest festival had a deeper symbolism as well. Ancient Harvest festivals also drew on the dragon story of St Michael and his taming of the dark forces that threaten to overwhelm our humanity. The taming of the dragon was a centre piece of the primary festival at Castlecrag, and all the children provided characters in the story, from Class 1 with their symbolic swords aloft through to Class 6 as the main actors in the story. Class 5 children manned the dragon in a suitably menacing way. It was a potent statement of the dark forces in our world, as Class 6 teacher Katherine Arconati introduced the festival with the reminder that the story was an imaginative picture of our own battles with forces within us, and around us.

We do not need to search very far for such reminders in the state of the world today. On the weekend I saw a post from a European Steiner connection who is in daily contact with biodynamic farmers in Ukraine. The Ukraine produces a significant amount of grains, particularly wheat, and the biodynamic farms there work closely with the seasons, planting in the spring to harvest at the end of summer. Their spring is just arriving and yet at this moment their country is threatened by invasion. I was inspired to read of their steadfast response in the face of such threat, a truly courageous and heroic stand.

One contribution to this question reached me from Ukraine on 15 March, in the daily report from Shiva Semliya (Living Earth), a biodynamic farm in Potutory, 100 kilometres south-east of Lviv: "Today was a wonderful, warm early spring day. The mosaic of our fields in dark brown and pale yellow extends in the sunshine and it seems as if the fields were rising toward the light, ready for the power of spring streaming in from the cosmos. And in the morning, Venus, the star of love, stood mighty and high above the Eastern horizon. Life and love will always prevail."

End of Term

We close Term 1 today and I wish all families, students and staff a restful and refreshing break. May Easter be a time of blessing and renewal in spirit. We look forward to welcoming all our students back on Wednesday 27th April for the start of Term 2.

Andrew Hill
Head of School

Main Lessons: Meaningful Learning in World Citizenship

17 Mar 2022

Last Thursday I ran a Parent Education session on the “big picture” of the Main Lesson curriculum that our teachers deliver at Glenaeon, and if you wish to see a recording, here is the link:

https://glenaeon-nsw.zoom.us/rec/share/LJ_-b2ZSeL4FaaHNECLaFF1nKDrDroxOfMbPILQQFB7OYAW7ZAK0227sjVcXLHlU.Lg9TXiUq32C2u5hr
Access Passcode: dhrty12!

This unique curriculum probably deserves a more expansive name than Main Lessons, which simply describes their place as the main lesson of the day. One very supportive family whose three children had been right through the school suggested Explorations as a better name, more suggestive they felt of the breadth and expansive quality of mind that the Main Lessons foster.

My own preference for a new name is World Citizenship. This unique curriculum comprises no less than 140 experiences that build understandings in specific subjects and most importantly, tells the story of humanity, the golden thread of human development from the fairy tale world at the dawn of human consciousness to the sophisticated 21st century world that has us facing the challenge of how to maintain a human future. By telling the human story from beginnings to now, the Main lessons build a sense of each student’s place as a future world citizen.

In preparing the talk, I was reminded of a retrospective that one of our long term students wrote just days before she finished Year 12. Mia Westcott’s Year 12 retrospective is a long and considered piece, reflecting the deep intelligence that since leaving Glenaeon has seen her graduate in Medicine and become medical practitioner working with disadvantaged aboriginal women in the Newcastle area. Written as she finished school and was looking back on her journey, one of her final paragraphs describes how powerful she found our Main lesson program.

I have always found Main Lesson such a huge part of my life at Glenaeon, a fascinating and enjoyable experience. The things I have learnt in Main Lessons seem to recur throughout life, and make daily life a richer experience. I have found evidence of this when travelling, such as when I knew as much about Norse Mythology as the tour guide when in Norway, felt like I was with old friends when looking at the wonderful paintings and architecture of the Renaissance in Italy, and actually knew what the guide was talking about in India, as I had studied both the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita. My parents have made me realise just how lucky I am to have learnt about all these things, and I would have thought it perfectly normal, but for the fact that they often didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Main Lessons were also an excuse to draw and be creative, and when I look back at my main lesson books, I remember the great pleasure I received from this. I have to admit, I still have every single Main Lesson book from primary school and most from high school, and (don't tell anyone), I actually enjoy getting them out and looking through them, remembering the fantastic stories.

Another Glenaeon graduate, also a doctor and also in the Newcastle area, donated his entire Main Lesson book collection to our archives. Dr Andrew Keyworth who runs a family practice in Charlestown, mentioned to me after one of our GlenX evenings that he was cleaning out his garage and couldn’t bear to throw out the product of his primary schooling at Glenaeon. All his main lesson books from his class teacher years has journeyed with him through various family moves, his university training and his own family homes. He was reluctant to throw out the books he had created as a record of his own learning at Glenaeon. We gladly accepted them, acknowledging once again how powerful meaningful learning can be. Meaningful learning builds Meaningful Lives!

The Cultural Cycle of the Year

03 Mar 2022

Every morning we wake up, roll over in bed, sit up and perhaps lie back down, and we then eventually find ourselves standing on our feet. At that moment we are conscious of ourselves in space, although I admit that it would be unusual if that realisation genuinely arose to the level of a concrete thought on a daily basis. At the same time, the fact that it is a new day, that we have moved on from yesterday, are standing in the present, and are starting to prepare ourselves for the future, reveals to us the reality that we are beings in the stream of time. Again, not necessarily a realisation that is dwelt upon at 6:00am. Nevertheless, each morning as we start our day we leave the world of sleep where we have had no sense of space or time and again awake into a three-dimensional physical reality and an inner sense of continuity. When we are feeling well, we awake to a rightful sense of place (space) and an experience of purpose and meaning (time).

Experiencing wellbeing in the context of ‘the self in space’ relies on our bodies being healthy and in balance, and our environment being safe, beautiful and appropriately stimulating. Experiencing wellbeing in the context of ‘the self in time’ is more complex, but an essential element is the assurance of continuity which relies on our innate trust in and experience of rhythms. Trust in the 24-hour day/night cycle and our unconscious comfort in the knowledge that the sun will set in the evening and rise in the morning is foundational to a healthy sense of ourselves in time, and we all acknowledge the necessity of the rhythmic balance between being awake and descending into asleep. For most of us, trust at this most basic of levels is thankfully a given. The importance of the weekly cycle, and the balance between work and play and the ways in which this rhythm impacts our wellbeing is also something quite universally understood. Having an awareness of how the yearly rhythm gently underpin our wellbeing and sense of purpose and meaning, however, is an aspect that isn’t as immediately apparent. Instead, it is a realisation which rises slowly into relief when elements that enhance our experience of this support are taken away.

Throughout the last two years, the daily and weekly rhythms have, on the whole, been maintained, with the school-week/weekend pattern remaining in place during both on-campus and online learning. The physical nature of the yearly cycle, with the changing of the seasons, has also continued to be experienced. However, cultural events that punctuated the passing of time in the social/emotional sphere largely fell away. With the cancellation of the autumn, midwinter and spring festivals, the annual Year 10 musical and school concert, year-level milestone celebrations and the Carol Service (to name a few), a diminishing sense of time began to emerge. As we failed to find trust in a cycle greater than a single week, we found ourselves finding it hard to connect with a sense of purpose and meaning and with a rhythm larger than our own. We were missing a yearly cycle that on the cultural level punctuated the mundane with celebratory events that unite us as a community through shared activity and experience.

The start of 2022 carried with it aspects that left us still wary, but gradually conditions are again arising that will allow us to plan again for a cultural celebration of the year. The academic program, with our sequencing of the main lessons, ordering of our lesson delivery and timing of assessment deadlines, could be said to present the yearly cycle our high school students experience in the realm of thinking. The seasons, with changes in light, temperature and rainfall (!), present the yearly cycle we encounter in the external, physical world. But it is the cultural, yearly cycle that speaks to our feelings, to our social/emotional selves and to our true humanness.

These months since March of 2020 have for many of us merged to create an undefined period that can’t quite be understood in terms of years. Term 4 last year, with its unusual on-campus start in Week 3, felt more like January than October, and returning this year, with a revival of heightened anxiety following increasing COVID cases, felt somewhat as if Christmas had never happened. But just in the last few weeks a lot has changed. The concept of ‘future’ can be tentatively entertained and there is much to anticipate. The Year 8 Outdoor Education program which occurred last week was a great success. The high school swimming carnival is set for tomorrow, and we are looking forward to again meeting with friends from other Steiner schools. Year 7 students’ trip to the Newnes Plateau will head out over the coming weeks and singing, music ensembles and extracurricular activities are back on! Most importantly, the first of the festivals is being planned. On Monday, 21 March an equinox will occur in the southern hemisphere. On this date, day and night will be very close to being of equal length and we can reflect on what that may mean metaphorically for our inner experiences of ‘lightness and darkness’. This too marks the moment after which nights will become longer, and when we enter autumn and can reflect on that season’s characteristics.

Grounded on the firm foundations of the reality of the annual, seasonal journey, we lift the yearly cycle to the cultural, social/emotional level as we bring these reflections alive for the high school students at the Harvest Festival set for Wednesday, 23 March. And we very much hope that this celebration will be the beginning of many more. Let the rest of the outdoor education programs stream right ahead, and let the twilight music concerts, the midwinter and spring festivals, the Year 10 musical and all the rest unfold. In doing so, let us again find assurance that we can rely on the cycle of the year to provide us with culturally experienced richness and a sense that time is passing meaningfully and purposefully, and that our place in that stream of time is assured.

Election of New Directors to the Glenaeon Board

17 Feb 2022

Recently our School Board Chair, Peter Candotti, wrote to all members of our school community asking for suggestions of suitable candidates to be considered for election to the Glenaeon Board. The Glenaeon Board (or School Council) is the governing body of the School and currently comprises 10 members who act in the capacity of Company Directors.

The Board is currently seeking suggestions for potential future Director candidates with skills and experience in the following areas:

Finance/Accounting
Architecture/ Planning/ Construction
Information & Communications Technology
Strategic Marketing

Any parent who has an interest in putting themselves forward as a potential future director candidate for the Glenaeon Board, is invited to email the Nominations Committee via the following address: Board@Glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

An information pack detailing the role and responsibilities of the Board can be accessed via this LINK.

Expressions of interest should include a brief resume including an outline of relevant skills and experience and a description of how these would contribute to the effectiveness of the Board. If interested, please make contact no later than Monday 21st March 2022.

Welcome to wonderful 2023

03 Feb 2022

‘Even the wisest can learn incalculably from children’ – Rudolf Steiner

A new school year begins
The school year is finally underway! It is a truth universally acknowledged that teachers and those involved in the business of running schools never sleep well in the nights before a new school year begins. Perhaps the same is true for parents too, and for our children. The anticipation of a new year holds so much promise in its unwritten state: the narrative is yet to unfold, the characters only partly formed, the plot merely a series of predictable signposts that mark out a typical school year. This is a good time to engage in conversation with your child about the year ahead. By listening deeply to their hopes, wishes and worries, parents and carers have an ideal opportunity to expose inner thoughts and feelings, and gain insight and wisdom about the most appropriate way to respond. Class teachers, Mentors and Advisors are a wonderful source of support and connection at any time, but especially at the beginning of a new school year. Please feel very welcome to bring forward questions, wonderings and ideas.

It was indeed wonderful to welcome students back to Castlecrag and Middle Cove campus’ on Wednesday. What struck me? The confident and positive manner in which our students greeted their teachers, friends and new classmates. Long may it continue! At Castlecrag, the beautiful Rainbow Bridge ceremony marked the start of the next chapter of learning and growing for those entering Class 1, and again, a sense of calm confidence was on display as our Kindergarten graduates gathered on the Class 1 balcony.

Staff Seminar Days
Prior to the start of term, Glenaeon staff engaged in a series of professional learning sessions during our Seminar and Planning Days. The 2023 Staff Days were designed for exploration of what it means to Build Meaningful Lives as custodians of the past and champions of the future. At the heart of this work lies a deep investigation into our school’s identity, our culture, our challenges, and the opportunities that await. We’ve only just begun and look forward to sharing this work with the wider community over the course of this year. Special thanks to our guest presenter, Nicole Ostini from Samford Valley Steiner School who provided a beautiful balance of assurance and provocation for us to carry forward, and to the fifteen Glenaeon teachers who led sessions. (Take a look at the photos in the gallery below.)

COVID-Safe Measures for Term 1
For some of our youngest learners, this new school year is unique, as it heralds the first for them without the global pandemic impacting usual operations to a significant degree. It’s important for parents and carers to note however, that COVID-Safe measures are still in place at school this term and we ask that families are supportive of the School’s priority to keep our community safe. Detailed information can be found below, in this newsletter.

The school will continue to implement good and encourage good hygiene practices including regular hand washing with soap and warm water and/or use of hand sanitiser;
Students, staff, and visitors should only attend school when they are well;
We will continue to send home students or staff displaying symptoms of being unwell, including cold and flu symptoms; and
From Term 1, teachers will no longer be posting work online for COVID-positive students. High School students are expected to liaise with and seek support from their subject teachers.

New staff
This year we welcome a number of new staff who will be introduced over the course of the next few Newsletters. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce the following teachers to the Glenaeon community. You can read more details about each of them HERE.

Nicholas Greenfield, English and History Teacher, High School
Frederic Hemming, Mathematics Teacher, High School
Sally Mock, English and Society and Culture Teacher, High School
Leyla Rousouli, Science Teacher, High School
Jonathan Shaw, Class 1 Teacher, Primary School
Sarah Simmons, PDHPE Teacher, Primary School
Lydia Wilson, English Teacher, High School

On behalf of the entire Glenaeon community, a very warm welcome to you all. We are thrilled to have you join the team.

New Parent Soiree
If you haven’t already, please RSVP to this special event next Friday. The Soiree provides an ideal opportunity to engage with other Glenaeon parents in a casual sand beautiful setting, and learn more about the opportunities available for parents within our community. See invite below.

With very best wishes,

Diana Drummond
Head of School

Learning Leadership

03 Feb 2022

Year 11 Captains
It was a delight to announce the team of Yr 11 students who will take on important leadership portfolios within the student body in 2023/2024. We were all impressed with their ability to articulate why they wanted to take on formal leadership roles within a particular portfolio and what they hoped to achieve. As I wrote to students, ‘Leadership is not for everyone, and in choosing to put yourself forward for this leadership role at Glenaeon, you are making a decision to influence others, to inspire others, and to work together with others for the benefit of our school community. I thank you in advance for the work you will do within your portfolio and I look forward to working alongside you and the leadership team to shape the Glenaeon of 2023-24. Our group of Yr 11 student captains is exceptional, and with our support, I have no doubt they will leave a lasting legacy.

Congratulations to the following students (pictured below at assembly last week):

Events Captains - Kai, Sasha, Luc

Visual Arts Captains - Charli, Fern, Erin

Music Captains - Sophie, Reuben

Sports Captains - Rohan, Morgan

Social Justice Captain - Lara

Of course, in handing over the banner to Yr 11, our Yr 12 Captains deserve our heartfelt thanks for all they have done to fulfill their roles in the last 12 months. Thank you!

Term 2 Reminders and Housekeeping
As we enter Term 2, parents and carers are reminded of the following:

· At Middle Cove, playground supervision each morning is provided from 8am, not earlier. For safety’s sake, please avoid arriving prior to this time.

· Winter uniform options need to be well-fitting and from the Glenaeon uniform store. Please consider investing in the warm jacket – it’s such a wind and chill breaker!

Communications @ Glenaeon
We are committed to ensuring school communications are timely, accurate and useful. Whilst we are working towards new ways of doing things, parents may notice some subtle changes in the ways we are directing different forms of communication. Primarily, and as much as possible, the fortnightly Newsletter is the primary source of information for the whole of school information. GLO is used for those communications at Class or Year Group level, and emails (which we all want fewer of!) for times when direct teacher-parent/carer is most suitable.

Mufti Day for One Wave
Next Wednesday, May 17, our students in Years 7-12 will come together to support One Wave. One Wave is a non-profit surf community raising awareness of mental health through a simple recipe…saltwater therapy, surfing, and fluro. An initiative of the SRC, students are able to come to school in plain clothes, which a touch of fluro – a wrist or hair band, for example. We are asking students to donate items of fluro clothing (to be sent to indigenous communities in central Australia) or bring a gold coin donation for One Wave.

MidWinter Party
Don’t forget to book your tickets for the fabulous MidWinter Party on Saturday, June 3 – the evening promises to be truly wonderful! I look forward to seeing you there.

Last, but not at all least, we wish all the mothers, mother in laws, grandmothers and motherly figures in our community a very Happy Mother's Day this Sunday. Our hearts are with those whose Mums have passed. We honour and celebrate our Mums for all that they do.

With very best wishes,
Diana Drummond
Head of School

Congratulations Glenaeon HSC Class of 2021!

20 Jan 2022

2021 HSC Results Statement from Andrew Hill, Head of School

I am delighted to be able to congratulate the Class of 2021 whose HSC journey has been one of the most difficult in living memory.

Glenaeon’s Year 12 of 2021, like all HSC students in the state, have set the bar high in their response to unprecedented challenges. They have all met these circumstances with strength and goodwill, stood together and weathered the storm of COVID restrictions and exam uncertainties with an equanimity which belies their years. Their character has certainly been forged in the fire of adversity and they take with them a strong foundation of resilience to build their future lives. My advice to students has always been that success at the HSC is not so much about how smart you are, but how smart you work: they will learn skills in managing themselves that will last a lifetime. This year’s cohort has learned something even more: how to stay the distance even when the finishing line is stretched further than you ever thought.

Well done, Class of 2021, we are proud of you: your efforts, your strength, your resilience and your determination. We look forward to seeing you go forth and do great things!

Andrew Hill
Head of School

An End of Year

03 Dec 2021

Congratulations everyone! We have made it through one of the most challenging of years, and though we are not without scars, we are at least able to look back on some achievements. There will be a final letter to all families with some wrap up details, and plans for next year. Thank you to everyone for your patience and equanimity, and good will in working together.

The missing thing for the end of 2021 is the absence of those events which mark the students’ celebration of Christmas, always so joyful and uplifting. In line with a year of minimal yet meaningful messages, here is a small offering from Michael Leunig which I trust captures a very essential element of this festival of birth and new beginnings. May Christmas 2021 be fulfilling and uplifting in its own unique way. I wish all families a joyful celebration of this end of year and look forward to meeting up again, in person, in 2022.

Glenaeon HSC Showcase 2021

03 Dec 2021

Welcome to our 2021 Glenaeon HSC Showcase

We are delighted to bring you this snapshot of the brilliant work, creativity, imagination and talent of our Glenaeon Class of 2021.

HSC student work originates from courses including Visual Arts, Music 1, Music 2, Design and Technology, English Extension 2, History Extension, Science Extension and Society & Culture.

It wouldn’t be 2021, without making use of a QR code, so these have been adopted to bring our music and some visual arts projects to life as you scan the pages of this ‘book’ with your mobile phone.

During a disruptive year of enormous challenge, we feel immense admiration for our students who have displayed much resilience and tenacity. We feel confident that all these years of a Steiner Education delivered at Glenaeon has served them well in this extraordinary example of finish-line accomplishment.

May this serve as a recognition and a reminder for years to come of these students’ effort and achievements. It will no doubt become a treasured memento for our parents and carers who have also shone during this final year of the high school journey.

To our students, congratulations and well done. To our parents and carers, thank you for your support and participation and care in this culmination of schooling and end of an era.

Andrew Hill
Head of School

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

GLENAEON’s 2021 HSC SHOWCASE

A Breath of Fresh Air: Taking the Inside Out

18 Nov 2021

There’s an old architectural design mantra that promotes Bringing the Outside In, which is about using large natural forms and building them into internal design principles. Over the past few weeks we’ve been doing exactly the opposite, and Taking the Inside Out. The need for good ventilation has driven many classes outside, and what a breath of fresh air it has brought, in all meanings of the term.

At Middle Cove we are using seven “official” new outside learning spaces to ensure all our high school lessons are as ventilated as possible. There are other less official spaces that teachers have found, in outdoor nooks and crannies that can accommodate smaller groups of students. Our bushland campus has really come into its own as all schools struggle to ensure students and teachers are as ventilated as possible.

Now there are challenges in outdoor learning. As any good teacher knows, a lesson needs to have a sense of integrity, a “skin” around it that holds the students and teacher/s in a unity with a common purpose in learning. In simple terms, everyone, both students and teacher, need to focus on the lesson and on their common task, otherwise the learning is less.

The four walls of the usual classroom space provide a physical boundary that gives one layer of the “skin” around a lesson. But as we all know, that’s not enough, and a lesson can so easily lose focus even within the most solid walls.

It’s the art of the teacher to create the intangible “skin” by drawing the students into the web of interest, enthusiasm and focused attention that every good lesson needs. Teachers create the “skin” themselves and learning this art, for an art it is, is the result of the sheer hard work that goes into training to be a teacher.

So taking lessons outside has a big challenge in one sense. How do you sustain student attention when you have kookaburras cackling, the wind on the trees, a distant chainsaw and the odd brush turkey wandering past, not to mention the visual distractions of a panorama of pleasant trees to look at? So the art of the teacher comes into its own in the outdoor classroom setting. Teachers need to be on their toes keeping attention and focus.

But the benefits are immense. At a time when clean air is a precious commodity, the sheer quality of fresh air at Middle Cove is impressive. The thick natural forest next to the waters of Middle Harbour create a highly oxygenated air flow which must make the campus one of the healthiest educational settings you can imagine.

Outdoor learning is nothing new to Glenaeon, it’s been part of our DNA since inception. Embedding learning in a natural environment was the foundational design of the school. One of the founders of our school Eric Nicholls, the junior partner of Walter and Marion Burly Griffin, first articulated his plans for a school in a natural setting as early as 1952, when he described his vision of creating a village-like series of classroom buildings in a bushland setting. His foundational design has echoed on in all the design principles that have shaped Glenaeon’s grounds ever since. Every window in the school looks out on to trees and green spaces.

How ahead of his time was that? Research that started at the University of Colorado in the 1990’s found some interesting results regarding health and wellbeing connected with “green” school yards. In general, and screening out such factors as socio-economic advantage, they found a connection between green spaces on a school campus and the health and wellbeing of its student population. The research is population research, so it covers many schools and many students, but it does suggest we have about as healthy a schoolyard as you can get. The Japanese “Forest Bathing’ movement with its associated research is demonstrating the physical benefits of extended time in forest settings, which is what our students enjoy every day.

The research is so pertinent in this time when air quality for students is such a hot topic. A local researcher is now working on the health of Australian high school grounds: Gweneth Leigh at the University of Canberra is completing a PhD on the how the design of secondary schoolyards has an impact on the wellbeing of students. She is hoping to raise awareness of how profoundly important green school grounds are for student wellbeing and health. Glenaeon is part of her study and we have shared our vision and practice of learning that is integrated into the natural environment.

Hopefully one silver lining from this challenging time might be a realisation that we need to take the inside out more often in schools. Students need their learning integrated into natural spaces for health and wellbeing reasons. If as a society we can learn that, it really will be a breath of fresh air.

Andrew Hill
Head of School

Returning to school and life after lockdown

04 Nov 2021

Returning to school has been a joy. How wonderful it is to sit in my office or walk through the campus and hear the sounds of vigorous handball negotiations, games of tip, and (best of all) the sound of children's laughter! After our long winter in lockdown, with most of us having very restricted contact with friends and family, watching the children rediscovering each other is fascinating and beautiful.

Returning to school and life after lockdown has also been an enormous shift. There is no doubt that finding 'normal' again can be challenging as well as wonderful. At school, we initially saw some homesickness in a few younger children while our older students are learning again how to manage their energy within the rhythms of their regular timetables.

There are many excellent resources available to support families at times of change such as this.

This term, Our Parent Education series focuses on the theme "Out of Home and into the World" https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/1397 . And Student Wellbeing Coordinator Emily Fam has compiled strategies and ideas which parents and students can find on the GLO Health and Wellbeing page https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/919.

Sometimes though, I look a little closer to home when I'm managing a significant shift. Juliette Najar was my paternal grandmother, and when I was a child, she represented a place of calm in a sometimes uncertain world. She was born the third of five children in Tripoli, Lebanon, in about 1917 (she was always pretty hazy about her birth date). I was her first grandchild and, of course, the favourite (just ask my brother and our six cousins)! We called her Sittee, which is Arabic for Grandma, and she was, in short, magnificent! Elegant, composed, and with much to teach about making a child feel safe and secure.

Here's a little of what I learned from her:

Sit and listen
Sittee would sometimes sit right next to me, put her hand on my hand and say, "Yes, darling?".
I mostly didn't have much to say, but I knew I could if I did – and that made all the difference.
I know now that children and young people need our unguarded presence – someone who is still and undistracted for just long enough.

Take time
Time moved slowly at Sittee and Jiddy's (Grandpa's) house. In a Steiner school, it's what we call rhythm. Slow and steady, predictable, calming. If your children need it, let them take time coming back into the world – see what works and what doesn't – the old 'normal' might fit, and it might not. Take time to relish the extraordinary inside the ordinary. Sittee could make a bus ride to Bondi Junction seem like an adventure in a way that made us appreciate every little step of the journey.

Above all, be kind
In her 80s, Sittee had her handbag ripped from her arm in a random bag snatching. Being elderly, she fell and sustained injuries. We were shocked, upset and angry, but somehow, Sittee reacted with empathy and kindness. "What a terrible life that young man must have to take a handbag from an old lady", she said. In a time of uncertainty, change and division, we are called on to find a fraction of my grandmother's kindness and empathy.

Change can be wonderful, and it can feel uncertain. Sometimes, it can make me think that we could all do with a Lebanese grandmother! I hope Glenaeon families may enjoy a little of Sittee's wisdom as we readjust to the joy of life after lockdown!

Dani Finch
Deputy Head of School (K-6)

Let’s step into the NEW!

21 Oct 2021

And we are back … and I have to say, what a blessing it is!

It’s not very often that we get to experience the freshness of a new school year in October, but arriving at the Middle Cove campus this week after exactly 116 days away, working from home, has been reminiscent of precisely that moment that is usually experience in mid-January, when teachers but not yet students arrive back from the summer holidays ready for new learning and what’s ahead.

At that pivotal point each year there is a quiet readiness and a careful holding of the space, with both teachers and the campus environment itself feeling rejuvenated, preparing to welcome the students back. Interestingly, that same experience is here again now, although I was certainly not anticipating that with a long period of remote learning at my back and a general assumption that I was heading into that aging part of the year where things start to gallop towards a close!

The beauty of the bushland that we all so often take for granted, the nestled classrooms in village-like configurations, the biodynamic garden overflowing with an abundance of nasturtiums, sweet peas, poppies and overall new growth, and the clean and tidy classrooms and hallways are here waiting, looking forward to next Monday when the high voices of the Class 3 to 6 children ring out over the walkway as the Year 7 to 11 students find their way down the hillside and spread out into the body of the school.

Back at home, as your child crawls towards their last day of online study, I anticipate that the picture I have painted hasn’t been alive in your mind or in theirs, as it wasn’t in mine! At least for some, the bedroom may have become a little if not a lot den-like, and the screen may be beaming both the science main lesson as well as the latest Netflix series. I like to think that that hasn’t been the case, and I am conscious that it hasn’t been for all, but I am only too aware that for many high school students the capacity to keep learning fresh without in situ classroom experience has well and truly waned, and that the lack of delineation between home and school, family life and work has reached its expiry date. And … I am happy to announce that that will be all swept away!

As much as staff meetings and collegial planning continued (and in fact intensified) during this lockdown period, and as much as I knew that the answer to a question was at the end of the email, phone call or the Zoom, it was only after I was back on campus that I realised the effect our remoteness and distance had had on the efficiency with which matters could be resolved and in a sense, my motivation. Suddenly, a discussion that would have needed careful scheduling could happen on the driveway and a document I needed to finalise could be edited in a flash.

While the experience of the return will be a little different for each student, I anticipate that much will also be universally felt and may somewhat align with my own. The teachers’ facial expressions, body gestures and the rise and fall of their voices will be that much more engaging, the task at hand will be easier to understand and the work of peers around them will spur effort on. Teachers will readily be able to see the degree to which a student is grasping a concept and whether the work is in fact getting done, right there and then. Importantly, the screen will be off!

But most vital of all, the environment will support the learning activity. The classroom space will be bigger than the bedroom or kitchen table and will be well equipped, the bushland and the Middle Cove setting will bring a feeling of lightness and health, the blue sky overhead will provide that summer expansiveness that engenders a breathing out after a period of contraction, and the community of other people, the students’ friends, will bring to life belonging and connection. And the students will return having grown, not just physically but emotionally and cognitively as well, and their teachers will draw on their newly developed capacities and take hold of the zest for life that will be evident.

Newness brings with it growth potential, and while I had expected to experience a return to the old when I came back on site, I instead encountered the beginnings of something new. I anticipate the students will experience the same.

So I have decided not to welcome the students back to campus next Monday, but instead to welcome them to October 25, 2021, and then to October 26, 27… and on and on to days that haven’t yet happened, to dates which are in the future. So although there is work to be done in ascertaining what was and wasn’t retained during our time away, there is also the realisation that there is no need to go over the old and that in fact we are not coming back. We are instead going forwards and on each day when the students come here to learn, they will be stepping into learning that will be new … and I can’t wait for that to begin.

See you, dear students, next Monday!

Elizabeth Nevieve
Deputy Head of School (Years 7-12)

Spring + End of Term

16 Sep 2021

This week we celebrate the arrival of the warmth, the light and the new life that we call Spring. Days are getting longer, the sunlight feels warmer, and all around us we see new leaves, flowers and everything green seems to be growing. What a sense of joy and expansion!

We can’t come together to celebrate in our festivals this year, but every one of us can enjoy the sense of new life nearby, just by looking at it. Let’s have private festivals of joy, where we quietly look on all the growing around us and say a simple Thank You to a world of Nature that is not in lockdown like us, but is in fact expanding and flourishing. This is a time for gratitude and awe, such simple feelings that the season evokes. Whatever our age, the new life of Nature in Spring can make us feel happy, young and fresh.

These feelings just bubble up in us during Spring as a normal enjoyment of the season. If you want some science in there as well, it’s worth noting that there are many studies now showing connections between cultivating these feelings of awe over time with very positive mental health benefits. Some studies even suggest a positive impact of physical health.

Julia Baird’s recent book Phosphorescence gives a beautiful commentary on our deep need for these moments as a kind of inner nourishment for our souls. This lockdown season has shown us more than ever how much we need the feelings of awe and wonder, the phosphorescence that Nature provides. In Spring it comes in abundance. May Leunig’s little hymn be a kind of meditation for us on the power of Nature to bring us a “wisdom that will heal the world”.

End of Term:

It’s been a long and winding road this term, but we are about there. Thank you for to everyone for staying the course. There’s been a lot of strength of character on display this term, and we can be very proud of our community. Our teachers have been magnificent, going above and beyond on every front, and I thank them for the quality and richness of learning they have offered to our students even over the distance of remote.

To all families I wish you a well-deserved break, a restful and fulfilling holiday period, and we look forward to resuming our teaching and learning on Wednesday October 6th. By then we will have more clarity from NSW Health on the roadmap back to regular in person schooling, and we will provide you with a detailed plan for the return to school commencing on Monday October 25th.

Until then, best wishes for the break!

Andrew Hill
Head of School

If you want to feel good….look for the Good

02 Sep 2021

Shared at last week’s online assembly for high school students…

Last assembly I talked about how even though we can feel we have no freedom in this difficult time that the pandemic has brought us, we still have the freedom to think thoughts which can lift us out of this trough.

I suggested saying these words every day: The world is majestic. These four, simple words can really start to change what we see in front of us. The world is majestic. Every morning there is a magnificent sunrise which is majestic, and it’s free and available to everyone. A blade of grass grows with such precision, formed on laws of growth that can be mathematically mapped.

I hope you’ve tried saying The world is majestic, a few times a day, and noticed how you start to see the world differently, and how you feel differently too. You start to see things that you may not have seen before. You can start to appreciate the simple beauty that is around us daily. This is an ancient practice, one that the Stoic philosophers of ancient Greece first described, though it’s been discovered in a slightly different form for the modern world, and Professor Carol Dwerk called it the Growth Mindset.

When looking at people though, a growth mindset can be a lot harder to apply. The majestic, the good is harder to find. With people you find everything is a bit mixed up. We’ve talked about how Australian history is a good example, where we find people doing many different kinds of things, some good, some bad and shocking, and some downright stupid. It’s all mixed up. The good things you have to look for. You have to go and search for them. It’s like precious metals in the ground: they’re not lying there for you to find, you have to search for them. You have to actively look for the good.

Now I was thinking about all this over the past week as we heard terrible stories from around the world about some awful things: the fall of Kabul in Afghanistan, the earthquake in Haiti and the gang violence that followed. But I was reading an article on the weekend about Afghanistan, and one sentence jumped out at me that I thought was worth sharing.

It was written by a young Afghan woman who came to Australia with her mother as a child, she went to school here and became a lawyer, something then she could never have done in her own country. This is what she wrote...

Not a single day goes by where small acts do not remind me to be grateful for the safety and security of Australia and how different life would have been if my mother had not fled with a single suitcase and four children, aged five and under, in 1989.

I was taken by two things: can you even imagine the sheer courage of a mother taking her four little children, with a single suitcase, and starting a new life in a strange country?

But I also noticed something about our country that we who have enjoyed its safety and security can sometimes take for granted. Every day she sees “small acts” that remind her of how grateful she is to be here. Small acts of kindness, care and helping others to be safe, that people like the rest of us probably don’t even see. She looks for the good because she knows what the bad can be. Australia is far from perfect, we have so much to change and improve, but for someone who sees differently, its pretty good. I thought it’s a lesson for all of us to look for the small acts of goodness.

The great thing about seeing small acts of good things is they make you feel good too. They are the best antidote to being down! The media call stories like these the “feel good” stories. Because that’s what they do, they make you feel good.

So as well as saying The world is majestic every day, think about looking for at least one small act of goodness every day as well, among your family, your friends, even strangers with their random acts of kindness. And you never know, you might just start to see human life as majestic too.

Andrew Hill
Head of School

The Elephant in the Zoom Room

19 Aug 2021

To support our parent community through the extended Sydney lockdown, Glenaeon recently launched a series of talks on the theme "Wellbeing During Difficult Times". Evan Sanders, our IT Integrator, hosted the first in the series last week. His talk 'Digital Wellbeing’ addressed the Elephant in the Zoom Room …. how do we, as a school that has long championed an 'unplugged' childhood reconcile the paradox of online delivery?

Dr Steiner and his contemporaries could scarcely have imagined the devices used in many modern classrooms. However, his indications were clear; children thrive when they experience connection with nature, play, home and self. Now reinforced by current research, Glenaeon's approach to (at school) education, particularly in the Primary Years, is natural, home-like, playful and unplugged! At Glenaeon, although we have embraced tools such as iPads, laptops and digital submission of tasks in secondary school, we remain resolute in our view that in the physical Primary classroom, the benefits of using these items during childhood can never offset the costs.

So how did we come to the view that online learning is not only acceptable but in some ways necessary during remote learning? The answer comes down to one of the very reasons we decry technology in the classroom – connection.

When children are in a classroom with their friends and their teacher, they are engaged and learning in a space of warm, meaningful, social interaction. They are learning skills, to be sure, but the environment in which those skills are taught holds one of the keys to true, healthy development. During a period where we must work and learn from home to safeguard our physical health, the classroom's rich environment disappears and with it the chance to experience a myriad of learning opportunities each day. Some of these lost learning opportunities are skills-based. For example, direct and time-sensitive feedback, is much more quickly given during an in-person lesson. However, the other type of learning children miss at home is our connective tissue at Glenaeon - connection! It's the learning found in the 'in-between' moments; a smile, words of affirmation, praise or correction from your teacher; a game in the playground with friends that you haven't played before; a teacher or friend noticing that you look a little sad today and trying to cheer you up. These are the things that can be lost when we are not physically together.

If we stay with the traditional model and don't use the technology available to us when learning from home, connection can become the opportunity cost of staying safe and well. Our Primary Faculty decided early in the pandemic that this was a cost too great to bear. And so we wondered, what if there were a way to stay connected, engaged and educated during long periods at home? What if we could maintain healthy routines and have a healthy relationship with technology? And so the zoom room was born. It's not perfect, it's not what we would wish for or what we long to return to, but it is what we have. And for us, right now, the balance hangs in favour of connection.

Our Early Childhood and Primary staff are using GLO and Zoom in innovative and creative ways and for appropriate amounts of time for each age group. From Little Kindy to Class 6, children and their teachers are connecting and learning over the internet. Catherine Pilko, our Senior Teacher at Castlecrag Campus, told her Little Kindergarten class the story of "The Little Gnome Who Had to Stay Home" on a zoom session last week. Written by Susan Perrow in the early days of the pandemic, Catherine has now added her own special touch - a magical 'glowing window' where our friend the gnome, can find his friends even though he has to stay home. I commend the story to you as a soul-filling reminder of the warmth and connection that lives (with the elephant) in our zoom rooms.

Dani Finch
Deputy Head of School (K-6)

Read Little Gnome and the Magic Window by Catherine Pilko.

Remote Learning with Feathers

05 Aug 2021

In a recently republished article written by Jonathan Zecher, a word from antiquity was brought to my awareness and I was struck by how aptly the author paralleled the ancient sentiment with our current experience. Acedia, an ancient Greek word for an emotion that is akin to listlessness, and which also hints at lethargy, apathy and indifference, speaks of an experience that can be described as a ‘turning away from the spirit’. But what is the nature of this spirit with which some of us may be struggling to connect?

When the first lockdown hit us in 2020 and when remote learning rolled out in March of that year, it happened fast. It was challenging, daunting and unfamiliar, but it was also a little intriguing, somewhat absorbing and certainly adrenaline producing… it was a new frontier. Teachers and high school students rapidly learnt new skills that definitely weren’t part of the syllabi, and they quickly became accustomed to new uses of technology and an as yet untried approach to lesson delivery and learning. Some things immediately worked well, other aspects needed refining, but we were all on a steep learning curve together. It was exhausting, but in the way running a race is exhausting, where high energy is expended over a short period of time and the respite following offers much needed release and rest that can be taken up. The novel coronavirus was indeed a novelty and like it or not, we all turned to the spirit of the times and embraced what had to happen.

But this time around it is different. Many of us are accepting but the newness has certainly worn off, and the longer lockdown with an uncertain end date necessitates a sustained reorientation. In many ways, the fact that we all know what we’re doing has enabled a smooth transition that augurs greater success! Many students report finding their lessons engaging and the workload quite manageable. They enjoy seeing their friends and appreciate the structure of the day, with learning introduced by their teachers through teleconferencing before setting off on the tasks themselves. Teachers are impressed with the students’ participation and are confident that learning is still occurring, and they are very grateful for parent support!

However, there is the feeling that the community (along with the State!) is holding its breath. Teachers, students and parents alike are observing this period in the way that fathers and mothers of young children brace for a long car trip. Have we bought enough snacks? Did we work out the rest stops?! (I remember my own mother planning for an 800km road trip with my then four-year-old daughter and telling my step-father to ‘spare no expense!’). But in this context, what specifically are the tasty morsels that will sufficiently interject what would otherwise be a monotonous term and where exactly are the rest stops?

Inner Tranquillity and How to Find It: Five Minutes a Day

22 Jul 2021

In times of trial such as we are all now enduring, it’s natural and appropriate to look for help outside ourselves: a therapist, a professional, the government, the UN. But as well as appropriate outside help, we all have a resource that is often untapped and unused. We all have resources within ourselves. We just need to recognise them and to practise them. The contemporary interest in mindfulness is a version of something that has been developed by many philosophic and spiritual traditions. In times such as we are all facing today, it is worth returning to these inner sources of strength and nourishment that can sustain us all.

The Stoics were philosophers in ancient Greece who learned to deal with life’s challenges by separating what we can control (how we act), from what we can’t control (what life brings us). They taught that ultimately we are only free in how we respond to the things that come to us, the things over which we have no control.

Marcus Aurelius was an Emperor of Rome who kept a daily diary of his Stoic musings on life and the daily practice that enabled him to deal with the troubles of an empire: endless war, disease, rebellion, famine to name a few. His daily inner retreat gave him a strength to deal with it all:

People seek retreats for themselves – in the country, by the sea, in the hills – and you yourself are particularly prone to this yearning. But all this is quite unphilosophic, when it is open to you, at any time you want, to retreat into yourself.

No retreat offers someone more quiet and relaxation than that into his/her own mind, especially if she/he can dip into thoughts there which put him at immediate and complete ease: and by ease I simply mean a well ordered life. So constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself.

The doctrines you will visit there should be few and fundamental, sufficient at one meeting to wash away all your pain and send you back free of resentment at what you must rejoin….

Finally then, remember this retreat into your own little territory within yourself. Be your own master, and look at things as a human being, as a citizen, as a mortal creature.

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4, 3-4

COVID-19 Update

07 Jul 2021

During the COVID-19 crisis, Glenaeon has been keeping Parents and Carers regularly informed as things rapidly change and unfold.

LATEST: Letter to Parents and Carers - 7 July 2021

The Sixth A

03 Jun 2021

In our last Newsletter Dani Finch outlined how our program of 5A’s meets the six 21st century capabilities. But there’s a sixth A, though we don’t talk about it much.

Julia Baird’s recent best-seller has brought it into the open and it’s time to talk about it. Her title says everything: Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder, and things that sustain you when the world goes dark. The book has sold 150,000 copies in Australia and was the publishing phenomenon of the pandemic year. In the year when so many things went dark, her beautifully written book spoke to so many people about how to seek and find the extraordinary in the ordinary, the inner light in the ordinary world around us. Julia’s book told her own story of survival through extraordinarily challenging difficulties of pain and loss, and how she built reserves that in the face of these challenges, brought her “immense beauty”. She touched death numbers of times and she learned a number of lessons to cope.

A key lesson? “Seek awe, and nature, daily”.

As I read her book, I thought again of a constant question in my mind: how can we prepare children to find that feeling of awe, the sustaining sense that life is spectacular and grand, and we all have a place in it.

If this is such a human need, why aren’t schools making it a part of daily life? How can schools make sure that awe, and nature, are part of every child’s daily education?

Her book is a reminder that we all need bread as much as stones to nourish our inner lives. Feelings of awe nourish our inwardness. How sad that the language of education is yet to embrace this profound and essential human need as a fundamental for schools, just as much as other subjects.

Glenaeon draws on the rich heritage of Steiner education to embed feeling of awe and wonder in our daily school journey. Here are some of the ways we do it:

Morning verse: we start each day with a mindful reflection on the great powers of life. In a little touch of daily awe, a simple non-denominational verse starts our work for each student and teacher/mentor/guardian with a reminder that we are part of a bigger whole, that our lives are woven into a grander design than our minds can sometime fathom.

Stories: the special moment in a primary class day is story time, usually just before morning Recess. When all is quiet, a candle is lit and the teacher tells, in person, a story from world tales or their own imagination. For a teacher there is no more special moment in the day than seeing this crowd of expectant faces, waiting to be moved and touched by the power of imagination. So many of the stories carry the curriculum and in primary school even Maths and Science lessons can be woven out of and developed from a well-crafted story. Right up into high school, our classes enjoy a moment of wonder as the story unfolds, and the mind is taken to far off places and remarkable deeds.

Poetry: Our commitment to spoken poetry through the school says so much, just as a poem compacts meaning into a few lines. How much awe is in these 29 simple words?

To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower.
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.

Festivals: a man of aboriginal descent recently told me how impressed he was at his children’s Steiner school because they celebrated seasonal festivals, such as MidWinter when the children carry a candle and build a communal spiral of lights on the year’s darkest day. He hadn’t found other institutions so connected with the rhythms of the year, something which to him as an indigenous person was so fundamental. Our western style seasons have of course been simplistic and blunt compared to the nuanced and embedded aboriginal consciousness, but at least we have a feeling of awe and connection with the turning of the year.

Nature: “the quiet healing properties of Nature” writes Julia. Our Middle Campus is a haven in the busy north shore, with a backyard that includes the exquisite Scotts Creek as it winds through mangroves to Middle Harbour. Our Outdoor Education program explicitly takes students to wild outdoor places where as well as stretching themselves against the forces of rivers and rocks, they can sit and absorb the quiet majesty of wilderness. The power of place is a sense in itself, and needs regular educating.

Cuttlefish: “For me, cuttlefish are symbols of awe” says Julia. Our Main Lesson curriculum charts a course through the rich stories of history, Science, Maths and literature, finding an implicit sense of wonder in our human connections with the world’s phenomena. How special it was to read Chapter 1 in Julia’s book which is titled Lessons from a Cuttlefish. We traditionally start our study of animals in Class 4 with the cuttlefish and examine their remarkable structure. Implicit in our scientific study is a sense of wonder at the extraordinary way the cuttlefish moves through the ocean.

The 5A’s of the Glenaeon journey educate the whole human being: Academic, Aesthetic, Artisan, Altruistic, Active Wilderness. But holding them all together is the sixth A, the special sense that life is grand and powerful, and we all have a place in it, the sustaining sense of Awe.

Andrew Hill
Head of School

The Education You Need

20 May 2021

Inspiration and ideas for newsletter pieces sometimes come at the strangest times. Recently, a left-leaning, Snoopy-loving friend posted this cartoon on her social media page. In it, the mild-mannered and renowned philosopher Charlie Brown turns to his classmate and tells her straight, “No one is going to give you the education you need to overthrow them”. Responses to my friend’s post ranged from the love heart emoji to “Terrifyingly true!”

I wrote “Inspiring!”

We hear a great deal in the media and from politicians about preparing children for the future they will inherit. Much of the rhetoric centres around being ‘job ready’, and mastery of technology is paramount. At Glenaeon, we agree that these are essential elements of a rounded education. Still, when we make them our focus, the capacity of an education system to inspire and inform the next generation of change-makers is savagely diminished.

So, how are we preparing our students to resolve some of the messes we both inherited and created? How does Glenaeon give students the education they need to ‘overthrow’ and create a new, more equitable and sustainable future? It is interesting to answer this question through the lens of the 6c’s of Education in the 21st Century: Character Education, Citizenship, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Collaboration. Developed by Michael Fullan O.C, Global Leadership Director of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) and a worldwide authority on educational reform, the 6 ‘s are inherent in Glenaeon’ s 5A’s program:

Academic – The Main Lesson sequence places a child in time. While in Primary School, teachers immerse children in imaginative pictures that inspire Character and Citizenship; in High School, students are taught to Critically analyse information, sources and their place in the fabric of society.

Artisan & Aesthetic – From craft and beeswax models to 3D printing and performing in an orchestra, a Glenaeon education is inherently one of Creativity.

Altruistic - Belonging to a community where we abide by a respectful social contract in our interactions and give of ourselves inside and outside the school requires Communication, Collaboration and Citizenship. Be that through caring for Scotts Creek, serving on the Student Eco Group or performing service as part of the Duke of Edinburgh program or in the Northern Territory working with the Aboriginal students at Macfarlane Primary School.

Active Wilderness –To journey with a group in a remote location (or even on a bushwalk to Warner’s Park) requires Communication, Collaboration and Citizenship. To do it well builds Character.

Preparing for an uncertain future requires much more than being ‘job ready or ‘tech savvy’. Schools must create environments, and teach in ways, that impart capacities to young people that encourage them to develop and enact new ideas and creative responses to problems. Charlie Brown might be stunned to learn that at a small school in Middle Cove called Glenaeon, we are absolutely preparing to be overthrown by the students we teach, and the future looks very bright indeed.

With thanks to Charles M. Schulz.

Dani Finch
Deputy Head of School (K-6)

The Development of Capacity

06 May 2021

Term 2 provides a time for rich, concentrated learning when, supported by wintery days, we feel an increased sense of inwardness and a strengthening of our capacity for engagement with ideas, analytical questioning and reflection. At school we make use of the season’s supportive influences and use the winter terms in particular to deepen and extend the students’ academic capabilities. Embedding knowledge and honing skills are emphasised as Year 9 and 10 students prepare for their mid-year examinations, practising memorisation techniques and working to crystallise their understanding into coherent responses under timed conditions, and main lessons such as Mathematics in Nature in Year 7 and The Chemistry of Salts in Year 10 bring the elements of ‘wonder’, then ‘judgement’, then ‘understanding’ seamlessly into harmony as students observe, question and arrive at concepts through a natural learning progression. At the Year 11 and 12 level, a period of solid work is entered into where a significant amount of new content is brought and where the need to determinedly further their abilities through rigorous practise is understood.

In all of the endeavours mentioned, focus is on bringing ‘willing into thinking’ but the opposite is also required and nowhere is bringing ‘thinking into willing’ more essential at this time than in the HSC year. While students juggle the competing demands of diverse course requirements that entail the amassing and understanding a large body of information and the expert demonstration of their knowledge, significant developments must also be made on all projects. Throughout Term 2, practical components of Design and Technology, English Extension 2, History Extension, Music 1, 2 and Extension, Science Extension, Society and Culture and Visual Arts become fully realised and refined, ready for early Term 3 HSC Showcases and NESA submissions; we greatly look forward to seeing the fruits of their labours!

The go-between or oil that enables our application of ‘will’ to result in our capacity for ‘sustained, directed thought’ and the employment of our ‘thinking’ to produce ‘meaningfully guided action’ is, however, the strength and quality of our ‘feeling’ … and, in particular, feeling relationships with what we encounter that inspire and embody wonder, interest, intrigue, aesthetic sensitivity, determination or meaning.

At Glenaeon, teachers are acutely aware that one of their key tasks, therefore, is to present students with daily opportunities for the engagement of their emotions, sometimes subtly and sometimes profoundly. Depictions of beauty, narratives enhanced through dramatic detail, inspirational accounts of lives well led, the fineness of a mathematical formula accurately applied, the lightbulb awakening of a scientific discovery or the exquisite depiction of a personal revelation in a piece of eloquent prose or poetry are all examples of how our feeling life can be activated. When these encounters are brought to the students, their emotions are awakened in ways that allow immersion in learning that links human experience with content matter. Lessons become relevant and material that has the potential to remain detached becomes meaningful. An inspired interest in a topic provides impetus for sustained grappling with complex elements, namely ‘willing in thinking’, and a sense for beauty (or morality) enables actions to be moderated by thoughtful considerations, in other words, ‘thinking in willing’. And it is during these cooler months, when we are less likely to be drawn into the expansiveness of the natural environment, that we are perfectly placed to work on these three aspects of our being. The meaningful interplay between thinking, feeling and willing therefore becomes a focus so as to provide students with learning opportunities that foster inner growth and academic development.

Elizabeth Nevieve
Deputy Head of School (Years 7-12)

Orange is the new green: Glenaeon's bush regen work on show

06 May 2021

Last week we welcomed the Hon. Trevor Evans MP, Member for Brisbane & Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management and Mr Trent Zimmerman MP, Member for North Sydney & Chair of Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport to Glenaeon.

They were here to see the progress we have made so far in the Communities Environment Program - Scotts Creek Valley Regeneration Project for which Glenaeon received a federal government grant last year.

Our thanks to Year 7 & 8 students Catina, Michaela, Finley, Ava, Hayden, Felix, Ria, Archie, Henry, Mia B, Mia W and Sam for taking part. Our students got into the bush regeneration work suits and showed our visitors the type of work they have been doing, pulling noxious weeds, clearing rubbish from upstream.

It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight our eco work, our bush regen education program and the visit gave these students the chance to tell our government representatives how much they care about the environment, the bird life, local wildlife and other environmental issues important to them. They also communicated the work of the Student Eco Council. Our students had a lot of fun and also learned how we can interact and communicate with elected officials. Special thanks to Lindsay Sherrott, Sandra Frain and to bush regen specialist Richard Blacklock.

#northsydney #middlecove #glenaeon #steinerschool #steinereducation #eco #environment #scottscreek #bushregeneration #cleanup

Welcome back to Term 2

22 Apr 2021

Welcome back to everyone and best wishes for a great start to our new Term!

The good news is that COVID restrictions have eased for schools and we are getting close to a return to what we all remember as “normal” school, pre-pandemic.

Parent/carers can drop off on campus (no sign in required) however it’s assumed that this is for a short period of time. Castlecrag has particular requirements which will be communicated directly to parents of Kindergarten to Class 2.
If you are picking up your child early before the end of day, you must sign out at Reception. We need to maintain accurate records of attendance and we appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Visitors should maintain 1.5m physical distance from other adults (including staff) where practicable and other visitors when on the school site and at school pick-up and drop-off times where practicable
- At all times where there are people gathering, personal hygiene, physical distancing, cleaning and record keeping requirements apply
- Visitors must comply with sign-in arrangements
- Visitors must be excluded if unwell, even with the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms

Glenaeon has an overarching COVID-19 Safety Plan in place for the school and the standard precautions remain:

Hygiene and Illness procedures – remain the same as always

Stay at home when unwell and get tested.
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
Maintain respiratory hygiene.

Life will probably never return to the normal we knew, but with COVID plans in place, and accurate record keeping, we look forward to maintaining a semblance of the happy community life we all enjoy. These new guidelines enable us to confirm and continue planning our key community activities involving parents: the MidWinter Ball Event and the Family Fair in November. Our school festivals can now go ahead, as can in-person meetings. We will maintain some convenient aspects of remote learning such as some Zoom interviews in High School, but overall we can look forward to a resumption of face to face and in person meetings. Hallelujah! Our human community resumes!

Wellbeing Education:

This week Year 9 and 10 will be with a range of presenters undertaking a whole day workshop on respectful relationships. The program LoveBites comes with a very strong reputation in preparing adolescents to navigate the issues of managing relationships and consent. As many schools have found, our existing programs in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) are strong, but not strong enough. The LoveBites program provides a deeper dive for students, in a safe and secure setting, to really understand the significance of appropriate and inappropriate behaviours, and how to ensure our relationships are healthy and respectful.

In Term 1 there were sessions with DAYSS (Drug and Alcohol Youth Support Services), a well-respected program for both high school students and parents on managing alcohol and substance issues. We also continue to share with parents the workshops and education sessions offered by Headspace, a national youth mental health service. Our Wellbeing program has had a strong start in 2021 and there will be further initiatives and parent education through the year.

The Bird Panel:

During the break our Maintenance team caught up with many small jobs that can get overlooked during a busy term. One special job they undertook was to install the Bird panel: a beautiful rendering of our bush landscape featuring ten different species of birds that inhabit our Middle Cove campus. The project had its genesis when I visited the Newcastle Waldorf School in January and saw some panels they had painted that depicted bird species which had their habitats decimated during the 2019-20 bushfires. I asked Art Teacher Donna Miller and our local ornithologist and Science teacher Dr Stanley Tang whether we could do the same. They were both enthusiastic and we arranged a session of the Teachers Seminar PD days in January to be devoted to painting a panel depicting some of the 100 or so species of birds that inhabit or visit our campus.

The session proved very successful. About a dozen teachers spent hours painting the panels at the seminar, and then later during Term 1 completed a sophisticated rendering of our bushland and some of its bird species. The panels turned out to be enormous, and when put together, measured 4.8 by 2.1 metres. They now adorn a wall of the Alice Crowther Building next to the café.

Stanley Tang spoke at our first assembly for the term on Wednesday, describing the ten species on the panel, and something of their colours and habits. He gave the High school students a challenge to see how many of the ten species they could recognise, as many are tucked away in the painting of the bushland habitat. How gratifying it was to come up immediately after the assembly and see a gathering of five students intently searching the panel to see all the birds. It’s a great piece of work that both adds a beautiful aesthetic to our building, as well as celebrating our bush and birdlife. Congratulations to our creative teachers, and come and enjoy next time you are on campus!

We do Hard Things

25 Mar 2021

If you're reading this piece in the Glenaeon newsletter, chances are that we first met when I interviewed you and your children as part of the school's enrolment process. I enjoy those interviews deeply, getting to know each student and family as I run through the prescribed questions covering academic strengths and challenges, hobbies and interests, musical experience, sport and health information. Each interview, I ask parents to tell me what has drawn them to Glenaeon and a Steiner education. Alongside a variety of responses about creativity, academics, co-education, and Outdoor Education, a large majority of you have responded something along the lines of; "We are seeking a warm, nurturing environment where our child will be known and cared for". And yes, spot-on, that's us! But, and it's a big but, we do hard things at Glenaeon.

Being nurtured, cared for and deeply known does not equate to being comfortable, at ease or always happy! From Little Kindergarten to Year 12 and beyond, Glenaeon kids do hard things that sometimes make them sad, angry, unsure, or afraid:

In Kindy, it might be saying goodbye to mum and dad even though you want one more hug.
In Class 3, it could be practising your reading, writing and times tables every day even when you don't feel like it, or standing up for what's right in the playground.
In Class 6, it might be reciting a lengthy poem in front of an audience or controlling your temper when things don't go your way.
In Year 7, it's joining us from another school and learning to draw, paint, and play an instrument alongside classmates who have been doing those things for years.
In Year 8, it might be reciting a Shakespeare soliloquy or abseiling down a cliff face.
In Year 9, it's volunteering your time to help with something that might not be cool or pretty or fun.
In Year 10, it's getting up on stage with a microphone and singing and dancing like you're on Broadway.
In Year 12, it's sitting under a tarp in the bush out near Coonabarabran for 48 hours with only your thoughts (and your pre-developed singing, dancing, and artistic skills) to keep you company.

Being nurtured and deeply known is not about wrapping our kids in cotton wool or placing them in an environment where they are always content. Quite the opposite, it's about creating opportunities where they get to do hard things and fail at them in a school community where we make it safe and possible to get up and try again.

Our students are musicians, artists, orators, performers, hikers, essayists, philosophers, and friends. These skills and attributes don't come easily to any human. Yes, our students are known and nurtured. And yes, they do hard things.

Dani Finch
Deputy Head of School (K-6) & Registrar

"Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well."

Theodore Roosevelt

Open Day 2021 event cancelled due to wet weather

19 Mar 2021

Our Open Day 2021 event has been CANCELLED due to wet and dangerous weather predicted for the weekend.
Instead, we are hosting an introductory webinar event with an extended Q&A session.
If you had already booked for our Open Day check your email/spam folder for details of the webinar.
Or if you hadn’t already booked, you can join us for the webinar tomorrow at 10am via our registration link: https://www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/openday
#openday#glenaeon

Open Day 2021

02 Feb 2021

DUE TO WET AND DANGEROUS WEATHER, WE HAVE CANCELLED OUR OPEN DAY EVENT.

AN INTRODUCTORY WEBINAR EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW AT 10AM.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A very warm welcome, and thank you for your interest in a Glenaeon education. We look forward to welcoming you to our Open Day 2021.

A meaningful life starts with an educated decision, so this is a great opportunity discover how a Glenaeon education equips students with the foundation they need to lead a life of character and contribution.

Where: Middle Cove Campus, 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove

When: SATURDAY 20 MARCH, 10am-12 noon

Inquiries: Please call Enrolments Officer, Clare Gordon on +61 2 9417 3193 or email enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

This Open Day event has been adapted to ensure our community stays healthy with COVID-safe practices in place.

All guests must pre-register and sanitise hands on arrival at our beautiful bushland campus and maintain social distance between family groups.

Congratulations Glenaeon Class of 2020

22 Dec 2020

Year 5 Student Arlo Temple a National Winner in the National History Challenge 2020

04 Dec 2020

11 year-old Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Student and Rozelle resident, Arlo Temple has been named as a National and NSW State winner in two categories in the National History Challenge 2020 awards. Arlo won the top award in the Year 5/6 and the Museum Exhibit categories.

Deputy Head of School (K-6), Dani Finch said, “We are thrilled that Glenaeon student Arlo Temple has been announced as both a National and NSW State winner in the National History Challenge for 2020. Arlo has a natural interest and curious mind when it comes to history, and it was a joy to learn of his success in this year’s National History Challenge entry. We feel very proud of his great personal achievement.”

Glenaeon Head of School Andrew Hill commended Arlo, “Everyone at Glenaeon is delighted for Arlo and we congratulate him on this mighty accomplishment. His hard work has been aptly rewarded.”

Arlo received his awards at a ceremony to honour the NSW state and national winners of the National History Challenge at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney, last night.

The National History Challenge is a research-based competition for students. It gives students a chance to be an historian, researching world history, examining Australia’s past, investigating their community or exploring their own roots. It emphasises and rewards quality research, the use of community resources and effective presentation.

“My submission was in response to this year’s competition theme, ‘Contested Histories’ where I explored the devastation of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. I built a scaled diorama of the Hiroshima site and wrote an essay and created a website for my entry”, said 11-year old Arlo.

Arlo’s Mum, Kate Burt said he worked extremely hard on his entry, and said it was exciting to see him standing among other excellent student entries from across the state and country.

“We visited Hiroshima last year and it was a very moving experience. We are proud of how Arlo has expressed his research in his diorama and his interest in Japanese culture and history. We are also glad to have the kitchen table back after two months of his wonderful model making,” Burt said.

Arlo’s website:https://goby-echidna-arfn.squarespace.com/

#nationalhistorychallenge #history #contestedhistories #hiroshima #Japan #diorama #Essay #glenaeon #steinereducation

COVID-19

18 Mar 2020

During the COVID-19 crisis, Glenaeon has been keeping Parents and Carers regularly informed as things rapidly change and unfold. We wish to thank our wonderful community for their support and understanding as we all navigate uncharted territory and wish everyone to stay healthy. For all Glenaeon COVID-19 updates please return to this webpage.

Best wishes,

Andrew Hill

COVID-19

18 Mar 2020

For more information about Glenaeon COVID-19

The Power of Play in Nature

13 Mar 2020

For those in the community that could not make our Power of Play in Nature forum last week, I am pleased to share my opening remarks.

"I’m very aware that I’m the warm up band at this gig, so I will be brief and just restrict myself to two key points. The first is why Glenaeon is hosting this seminar.

Education is continually changing. Just think student wellbeing. When I went to school, mental health and wellbeing were non-existent issues as core school concerns. If students couldn’t manage, it was seen as collateral damage to the main battle for academic achievement, like civilian casualties in a war. Now there has been a 180 degree turn around. Mental health and wellbeing are front and centre. Every school has an obligation to manage, support and facilitate student mental health. That transformation has happened in a generation.

Consider positive education. Some twenty years ago, I and my school were criticised by a mainstream teacher from a university for being “too positive”. This was about the year Professor Martin Seligman’s first book The Optimistic Child came out. Now just think what Seligman’s Positive Education has become. Today there are many schools which have based their entire wellbeing program on Positive education, and there’s even one nearby that calls it Visible Positive Education. Twenty years ago we were criticised for using positive methods, today you are criticised if you do not use positive methods. That’s a total turnaround in twenty years.

How does change happen? It happens the same general way that positive change happens. First there are problems with the current model or the current understanding of what is generally understood should happen in schools. Cracks and internal contradictions start to happen; new expectations start to emerge. At the same time there is a growing body of research suggesting a new and better way.

Let’s look at our current model. Australia has spent more money on education in recent years than ever before. Australian children spend more time in formal school instruction than all other OECD countries: our school day is the longest in the OECD (something about which Australian parent may be very surprised!). Australian children begin formal literacy instruction at an increasingly earlier age: there is two years’ difference between us (age 5) and Finland (age 7).

Yet what are the figures showing us? Results in NAPLAN and PISA testing show at best a plateauing, at worst a decline in Australian student performance. The recent NSW government review of curriculum received submissions from almost all stakeholders that there is a perceptible decline in student engagement in learning and assessment, particularly in high school.

In other words, we are doing and spending more, and the results are getting less. That sounds to me like an internal contradiction! We need to do something differently.

The Power of Play in Nature

14 Feb 2020

Glenaeon is proud to present The Power of Play in Nature, a free public seminar featuring two of Australia's leading education experts: Professor Pasi Sahlberg, Professor of Educational Policy, Deputy Director, Gonski Institute for Education, UNSW and Professor Tonia Gray, Senior Researcher, Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University. After the keynote, there will be a panel discussion, facilitated by MC Lucy Clark, Associate Editor of The Guardian and Author of Beautiful Failures. The forum is on Thursday 5 March 4pm-6:30pm at the Concourse Theatre, Chatswood.

This is a ticketed event. Please register via www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/play

Download the flyer

Castlecrag students enjoy outdoor play time

14 Feb 2020

Children at Castlecrag are enjoying their outside play and are full of activity as they jump, slide and swing!

Summer of Challenges

31 Jan 2020

Welcome to 2020! A special welcome to all new students of Glenaeon, particularly in Kindergarten and Year 7, and to all continuing students and families. After a summer of challenges, we look forward to a better year.

Coronavirus Advice from Head of School, Andrew Hill

28 Jan 2020

Coronavirus Advice

Class of 2019 Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School in top 100 with a perfect score

19 Dec 2019

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School warmly congratulates the Class of 2019 on their excellent performance in the Higher School Certificate (HSC).

AEON Issue 12 Magazine out now

03 Dec 2019

Issue 12 AEON Magazine out now!

Drawing at Glenaeon Made Him a Better GP

27 Nov 2019

Today we farewelled our Year 12, the Class of 2019. Entering the Hall at 9.30 am as Glenaeon students, they left the Hall at 11 am as ex-Glenaeon students, or GlenX.

It was a particularly beautiful assembly with some exceptional musical performances from both the music students in the group, and a choral piece from the whole year group.

In reflecting on what the school has brought them, I mentioned some of the many ”small things” that make up a Glenaeon education, the many small things that together make a large, meaningful and organic whole. Small things can have a big impact and I shared a story of how one small thing that we do at Glenaeon helped a young doctor become a better GP.

Here is the story in full: Dr Andrew Keyworth built a thriving family medical practice in the Newcastle area. He attended Glenaeon from Kindergarten to Class 7, and when I asked him to reflect on the role the school had played in shaping the person he is today, he gave me the following interesting statement. The bold paragraphs highlight how drawing helped him become a better GP:

Spring Festival - music, flowers and festive cheer

27 Sep 2019

There were plenty of blossoms, crowns and and music for the Spring Festival day. Parents, staff and students enjoyed the warm and relaxing day and the oval was filled with family and friends. Thank you all for coming and for those who helped to create and coordinate the festival.

Year 7 Surprise African Drumming Workshop

06 Sep 2019

Year 7 were treated to a surprise workshop with African drummers this week as part of their 'The Wonder of the Word' Main Lesson. The musicians were brothers Thiass and Djogo from Senegal and their sounds rang out over the Middle Cove campus, including a welcome song in numerous languages (all that Year 7 could say "hello" in!) accompanied by over 30 drums! Year 7 Guardians Jamie Loftus and Elena Rowan joined in with Music teacher Sallyanne Barker.

Year 10 PE Extension class - the Sydney Bay Run Event

09 Aug 2019

The Year 10 PE extension class had their Term 3 Assessment Task on the weekend completing the Bay Run in the Inner west in Leichhardt.

Year 8 : Students of Shakespearean theatre and costumes

02 Aug 2019

Class 8 will perform a Shakespearean play later this term, and are not only busily rehearsing, but also sewing their own costumes in Handcraft classes!

Class 5 learn the traditional Maypole dance

26 Jul 2019

Traditionally at Glenaeon, Class 5 dance the Maypole at the Spring Festival in a rhythmic and co-ordinated series of steps, whilst intricately weaving numerous ribbons into an impressive pattern.

Class 6 light up their world

26 Jul 2019

As a part of their Main Lesson exploring the physics of sound, light and heat, Class 6 began the week by painting the colour wheel, exploring the qualities of colours with teacher Rodney Dean.

Year 11 Biology Reef Excursion with Stanley Tang

14 Jun 2019

Science teacher Stanley Tang took his Year 11 Biology students to Long Reef

Glenaeon Garden Culture

13 Sep 2023

Eco Literacy, Friends & Pests In Our Gardens: Part 2

Indigenous heart intelligence and biodynamic regenerative agriculture

From Indigenous culture we learn that when the wattles flower, the mullet fish run. In the Time of Murrai’yunggoray (September - October), as the weather warms and the Miwa Gawaian (Waratah) buds swell, the D’harawal people began their major ceremonies in celebration of the new life promised by this season.

In Glenaeon’s gardens we invite everyone to practise active observation before deciding on our actions of care. We sing to the garden “what story, what story do you tell? What story do you tell?” and then we articulate:

The bees are saying “thank you for planting the zinnia seeds and caring for them”; the zinnias are saying “thank you to the bees for helping to pollinate us so we can make seeds for new flowers”.

Our Mother Earth is saying “I am so thirsty without rain - will you please water me today? If my soil gets too dry the insects will be thirsty and eat the plants to find water.”

The bush turkeys parading and scratching in the garden bed inform us that the lettuces need some protection.

Setting boundaries

While newly planted flowers and seeds are getting established in the soil we protect them with nets or fences built by the students. As plants grow bigger and stronger we uncover the plants so that humans and animals can harvest what they need. This is a principle of both biodynamic and Indigenous agriculture: we must ensure that the birds and animals have enough to eat too.

In Glenaeon's gardens:

● We practise principles that Indigenous and wise farmers share around the world: never pick the first or the last of the crop for the future of life itself. (For example, when we harvest our lettuce or silverbeet we always leave 3 leaves so the plant keeps growing new leaves).

● We have fish in the water garden to help keep mosquitoes away. Some plants are particularly helpful in deterring certain insects, and are carefully planted around gathering and play areas: tansy, with a camphor-like scent that repels ants and flies, while citronella and lemongrass' smells deter mosquitoes.

● We scatter crushed eggshells around particular plants to discourage snails and slugs that might be nibbling too much of our food. When Preschool and Castlecrag students find snails and slugs they carefully move them to non (human) edible bushes (or even build homes for them with leaves and sticks), and when students find inch grubs they feed them to our grateful chickens.

● We use tree paste to cover pruned branches or damaged trees to protect them from ants and other insects while they heal. Biodynamic tree paste is made with 3 equal parts of clay, cow manure and sand, mixed with water to make a spreadable paste.

Indigenous peoples have totems and special animal images to help keep unwanted visitors away. We have scarecrows, representing a human presence in the garden. While the kookaburras may laugh at our scarecrows, we like to think of them as friends: ever so helpful at catching native rodents.

Want to join our holiday chicken care team? Got a question, story or idea to share? The Glenaeon Garden Team would love to hear from you! s.frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Sandra Frain (and Parent Garden Volunteers)
Gardening Teacher

Big Kindy Father's Day Bushwalk and BBQ

13 Sep 2023

What a fabulous afternoon we had celebrating with our lovely Dads and Granddads for Father’s Day. We set out on our usual Friday bushwalk with extra dads in tow, down the bushy track to Warners Park where we found the rest of our dads and granddads waiting for us. Following a dad powered play, we gathered in a giant circle to share our blessing before enjoying a lovely BBQ lunch together.

A special thank you must go out to Arlo's Dad, James, for very generously providing all those yummy sausages. And of course, a huge thank you to Nevra's Dad, David, for not only lugging his own barbecue to the site, but also for organising and cooking those yummy snags and providing rolls, salads, sauces and watermelon. What a wonderful effort and afternoon, thank you everyone.

Melanie Harper
Kindergarten Teacher

Yr 12 Students Represent Glenaeon at the [EX]plore Science Extension Conference

13 Sep 2023

In the spirit of our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, we are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of our Year 12 Science Extension students from Glenaeon. On Monday, September 11th, Alex S., Jolan L., Anouk S., Nathan S., and Maadi P. represented our school at the [EX]plore Science Extension Conference hosted at Macquarie University.

In a remarkable showcase attended by over 200 students, educators, and university scholars, Nathan and Maadi were chosen to present their research projects, standing alongside 11 other exceptional students hailing from schools such as Abbotsleigh, SHORE, and St Joseph’s College. Their presentations were met with enthusiasm and admiration, captivating the audience with their passion for scientific inquiry.

Additionally, Alex, Jolan, and Anouk exhibited their research projects in the form of posters, joining a group of 60 students from various schools across New South Wales. Anouk's poster, in particular, left a lasting impression and earned her the well-deserved 1st prize.

We take immense pride in the accomplishments of these talented students, showcasing Glenaeon's commitment to fostering excellence in science education. Their dedication and achievements are a testament to the bright future that awaits them, and we eagerly anticipate their continued success. Congratulations to all!

Stanley Tang
Director of Studies
Science, Mathematics Teacher and High School Mentor

Little Kindy Wet Felted Coasters for Father's Day

13 Sep 2023

Our Little Kindy children made wet felted coasters for their Father’s Day gifts. We had many helpers in the room for every step. We prepared the fleece, rubbed it with warm soapy water and rolled and rolled it until it was felted well. The children then cut the felt into a coaster shape and felted some more before hanging it out to dry and ironing it. The perfect friend for a hot or cold beverage.

Junko Nicholas
Kindergarten & Japanese Teacher

Father’s Day Food Lovers Unite

13 Sep 2023

Glenaeon’s playgroup to high school sourdough bread enthusiasts shook cream until it became butter, dripped yoghurt until it made cream cheese, and kneaded dough until it was ‘soft as an ear lobe’ on 2023’s sunny Father’s Day.

The kneaded creations were embellished with garden edibles and transformed in the Castlecrag Kitchen ovens for take-homes, along with rye flour sourdough ‘starter’ jars and recipe booklets.

Learning of the alchemy of fermentation to make sourdough bread was exciting for adults and youth alike, as children played outside the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall kitchen on the fresh grass and inviting sandpit.

A ‘morning tea’ of freshly made sourdough bread, cream cheese, butter (and Junko’s miso!) washed down with our Castlecrag garden herbal tea vanished in no time. Thank you to all the participants who came and created a social alchemy on Father’s Day. Love was in the air!

Class 1 Perform the Play "Goorialla: Rainbow Serpent"

30 Aug 2023

On Friday 18 August, Class 1 performed their first ever class play for friends and family. The play was called "Goorialla: Rainbow Serpent" and was based on the children's book by Dick Roughsey. They dedicated their performance to the Cammeraygal people. The play was very beautifully performed and included choral speech, smaller group speech and singing. A warm thanks to Class Assistant Monique for organising all the costumes and the big 'Goorialla' held aloft at the end. Class 1 looks forward to our next theatrical performance!

Kindergarten Craft Journey

30 Aug 2023

For many Big Kindy children the favourite activity of the week is craft. They start the year with some simple wool winding activities and progress to making pom pom apples, then finger knitting coasters for their cups and treasure bags. By this time, fine motor skills and focus are more proficient, so on to 4 finger knitting their own skipping ropes. Next comes French knitting for their rest time pillows. The final project of the year: the bags they take proudly to Class 1 for the continuation of their craft journey.

Tanabata Festival - Wishes to the Sky

30 Aug 2023

The children in Playgroups and Classes 1 & 2 have all participated in writing wishes and hanging them on Bamboo trees for the Japanese Tanabata Festival. On Mondays, our Japanese Immersion Playgroup has Naoko Murphy as their Playgroup leader, and Junko Nicholas and Naoko have taken Classes 1 & 2 for Japanese language lessons. It is tradition that these wishes must be burnt in order to send them to the heavens, and this was performed with Naoko in the playground around the fire. They sang and spoke the Japanese blessings as the ashes flew to the sky, taking their wishes with them. Thank you Naoko for leading this most exquisite ceremony.

Yr 12 HSC Drama Showcase

29 Aug 2023

Congratulations, Year 12, on a successful night of Drama at the 2023 HSC Drama Showcase. Having experienced HSC Drama with students throughout the years, I am continually impressed by their tenacity and creative inspiration. This year is no different, assisting in the students’ projects has been a pleasure. On the night, we were taken on a theatrical discovery as we started with a Group Performance where students explored parenting styles through a comedic lens. Despite the exaggerations and focus on comedy, the audience was deeply moved to think about the issues they raised throughout the performance.

Additionally, we played designers and listened to the vision for a costume design by Eva, showing how fundamental production is to the whole vision of a play. Next, we went to the movies and reflected existentially on Sophia's Video Drama and the power of art to affect change. Lastly, we emotionally connected with Nathan's Individual Performance of a Monologue, where the essential character deals with grief. What a night.

There have been extended, tireless hours, continual feedback and revisions leading to the night’s presentations. It was challenging, but significant growth, personal meaning, and achievement came with that for the students, and I want to wish them all the best for the rest of their HSC.

Brenton Fletcher,
Former Head of Drama

Yr 10 PDHPE Extension Take Iron Cove Bay

23 Aug 2023

On the 20th August, a chilly, sunny Sunday morning, the students in the PE Extension assembled at 7:30am at the shores of the Iron Cove Bay in the Inner West of Sydney to complete a 7km road run. They had all trained for this run for 16 weeks, and were ready to tackle this very flat and beautiful course by the water’s edge to produce a potential personal best time (pb). This run was their practical assessment task for Term 3.

Anton, Alex, Leo, Ariella, Sam, Liam, Louis, Archer, Ryan, Max, Luka K., Lincoln ran their hearts out with Alex F. producing the fastest time for the morning with 31:58 min. Running is among the easiest sports to do, needing no equipment at all, and can be done anywhere at anytime. It is also a very healthy habit to establish and relevant to combat so many of our lifestyle-related diseases and mental illnesses. Students learn about these and the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle in class and on this morning they could prove to themselves just how far they had come with their training efforts.

Jonas Stoebe,
PDHPE Teacher & Co-Curricular Organiser

Class 2 Bushwalking Adventures

16 Aug 2023

Class 2’s first bushwalk for this term took them down to the harbour foreshore below Stoker Playground with Class Teacher Jamie Loftus and parent volunteers. The sun was shining and the students were eager to explore down the many steps to the water - they counted the steps and found there was more than three hundred!

The children enjoyed a picnic lunch by the water before exploring - finding crabs, fishing with sticks and inventing fun games. A play cafe popped up, a hammock between the trees to swing with friends and climbing trees.

They were joined by Class 1 on their bushwalk with Jonathan Shaw with great excitement and joy.

Working Together in Kindergarten

16 Aug 2023

Each Wednesday morning in the Kindergarten we come together for a working bee in the garden. We sweep, we rake, we scrub and we clean. We tidy the rocks, sticks and cubby building material. We harvest herbs to make herb tea and we cut fruit to share at our picnic morning tea. We care for each other, we care for our garden and we engage in purposeful healthy human activity together. It is always heart warming to see the children's enthusiasm and joy as they work together to complete their tasks.

Catherine Pilko
Senior Teacher Castlecrag Campus and Kindergarten Teacher

Preschool Gets a New Mudbrick Hut

14 Aug 2023

The children have been fascinated with observing the real-world work deconstruction of our old mudbrick hut and the beautiful building and creative craftmanship of our new mud-brick hut. Our deep gratitude goes to Kenney and his partner from MUDTEC.

Eco Literacy Starts With Babies!

14 Aug 2023

In our Glenaeon playgroups we practice ongoing eco-literacy. We observe the trees and plants and rocks, explore by stroking trees, patting, and tickling flowers and multi-shaped leaves too.

We carry the rocks, roll them and grind them to make potent rock dust for the Glenaeon garden soil health. 'Iron' and 'basalt' are the words we learn to identify the colours of red and blue-black stone. We sing to the plants and give thanks for their magnificence as we play beneath and around them.

Nature is welcomed into the playgroup rooms to form the basis of our stories and enhance our baking table too. (Elizabeth Cooper our Glenaeon Little Kindy Assistant picks up wind scattered flowers, leaves, branches and banksia cones on her long walk to school.)

One Nona gave thanks to the pumpkin in the story our playgroup leader Natalie Choo told, her twin grandsons are now asking to eat pumpkin which they had rejected before, ‘making friends with pumpkin’!

Our Playgroup families (and educators) are most grateful for the beautiful campuses that Glenaeon Playgroup is held on, Preschool and Castlecrag with their abundance of flowers, shrubs and trees that make a child friendly haven for nature exploration and learning.

For playgroup enquiries, please contact Sandra Frain at playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Class 3 House Building Projects

14 Aug 2023

Class 3 have recently completed their “Home” Main Lesson. This culminated in the projects the children completed individually at home to bring in on the last day of the lesson. The projects are wonderfully varied and it is clear a great deal of care has been taken to create something through their own efforts. The students have been doing very well presenting their models to the class using prepared speeches.

During the lesson the children discovered different traditional houses from around the world, fostering a social understanding. The many trades required to bring a house into being were considered, highlighting the interdependence of our lives. Most importantly the nine-year-old children were supported to continue to establish their individuality and step towards greater independence with confidence.

Prue Ritchie
Class 3 Teacher

Losing a Tooth at Castlecrag

03 Aug 2023

Losing a tooth is always an exciting moment at school and especially at our Castlecrag campus. Children bring them to the office and choose a beautiful hand-made box to take it carefully home in. This week Morris even lost two teeth in a row! Our boxes are made by one of our lovely Japanese families so thank you to Goro and Yuki for these - we always love and appreciate them!

Melony Browell
Campus Administrator Castlecrag

Little Kindy Transforming the World Around Them

03 Aug 2023

The children in Little Kindy have been transforming the world around them each day through their rich creative play. Building a cubby for everyone to retreat, a grand concert with the saxophone and keyboard, "working on my computer", having a tea party.

Junko Nicholas
Kindergarten & Japanese Teacher

Class 1 Craft Recorder Bags

03 Aug 2023

Class 1 have been busy weaving their recorder bags with Handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean and parent volunteers. Using a weaving board, they carefully filled the strings with threads, making the bag thick to protect their new recorders. They plait a handle using an 'Egyptian Plait' style with 8 strings and saw, and sand and attach hand-made button made from collected wood. The result is beautiful bags they will use all the way up until Class 5.

Yr 11 Leaders Meeting

02 Aug 2023

Year 11 Captains meet regularly with me to discuss their work within their leadership portfolios and their ideas for building positive school culture. These meetings are fun, open, and a joy to host. Our young people are living in interesting times, and complexities abound, and yet, I am constantly reassured by the optimism and positivity our students display. One new initiative worth celebrating is the inclusion of a ‘Captain’s Corner Spot’ as a regular feature of each High School Assembly; a time set aside to hear from a Captain about their story, what motivates them in school, and how this relates to the School’s values. I am hopeful that these student-led voices become a values tradition within our Assembly format.

Diana Drummond
Head of School

ISD Netball Winners

02 Aug 2023

On a warm winters day 10 Glenaeon students from Yr 8 & Yr 9 set off to play six other teams in our 17-schools strong ISD Netball Carnival. Unfortunately a senior team did not eventuate as Yr 10s were in Tasmania, however I did find some 10 girls willing to put their netball skills to the test for a junior team. A couple of lunchtime practice matches and some trying out to see who’s best in what position, a team emerged that looked strong and competitive.

And so we set out, Sofia H., Ava, Poppy, Ciara, Indy and Maya from Yr 9 and Chloe, Rose, Amelia A. and Scarlett S. from Yr 8 to play the first game, winning by a good margin. This built confidence! The second win cemented that confidence and made us think we could take this further! After the fourth win we topped our pool and were to play the runner up of the other pool, Al Zahra College. With a very tight defence and strong GK and GS positions, we beat Al Zahra 12:3. Now we could taste victory and believe we were in for something special: the final against serial winner Amity College.

At times it looked tighter than it was as both teams fought for every ball and every pass. Both sides made mistakes but our balls travelled faster and with more accuracy and our shooters remained calm under pressure! The final result of 15:9 made us scream with happiness, the girls hugging and totally overwhelmed by their own tenacity and the self-belief.

I was very proud of this group that came together only days before. These 10 girls are now friends. They now share in being champions of the 2023 Junior ISD Netball competitions. The school’s name will be engraved in a perpetual trophy and we received a small trophy to display at school along with individual medals and certificates to document the success. The group will be honoured at an assembly soon to share their experience with their peers.

Congratulations to all involved!

Jonas Stoebe
PDHPE Teacher & Co-curricular Organiser

Glenaeon Garden Culture

02 Aug 2023

Giving and Receiving Attention + Family Recipes

Rudolf Steiner emphasised that we should share our biodynamic food, plants and knowledge with everyone we could; all of humanity, animals, plants, minerals and the cosmos benefit. That’s what we practice in Glenaeon’s garden culture. We are most grateful to have a social culture that enables us to receive such bounty as we do from families, colleagues and community members. We are equally glad to have an abundance to give that includes knowledge, composted soil, school-made fertilisers, plants, seeds, tubers, vegetables, flowers - and family recipes too.

As we have shared in previous newsletters, we collect the fallen leaves from our campus' trees and decompose them in the leaf litter cages to make nourishing sustainable soil. Food scraps and their containers, weeds from the garden and paper from the classes and office are collected in the black bins around the garden before being heaped up together to make a compost pile vitalised with specific biodynamic preparations.

Thanks to this rich soil, our plants thrive in the biodynamic garden, and we have enough to share with students, volunteers and staff to take home. After the Glenaeon gardening workshops, families receive vital compost, wriggling with worms, to take home and rejuvenate everyone's gardens. Worm ‘juice’ and DIY weed fertiliser also go home in repurposed jars.

We share our plants and hear stories of how they fare at their new homes:

Tree dahlias (taller than our Castlecrag buildings!) whose stunning stark star-shaped flowers are now popping up in many Glenaeon families’ gardens thanks to children taking home cuttings and propagating by sticking them into their own home soil. Ever useful and delicious;
Land cress, is an edible ground cover has come back to school in pesto form;
Sorrel, a green leaf with lemony taste is surprising parents whose children ‘don’t like greens’;
Calcium rich Comfrey, great in soups and composts;
Crocoseum (copper tips) with its delightful tall orange gladiola-like blooms, perfect in bouquets;
Scrambling sulfuric Nasturtium, with its edible flowers and leaves that can be used in pesto;
Amaranth, a ‘weed’ that adds magnesium and zinc to the soil while its leaves are rich in folic acid (and can be substituted for spinach), its maroon flowers and teeny black protein rich seeds enhance our playgroup baking!

"From you I receive, To you I give, Together we share, By this we live"

Joseph & Nathan Segal - this is our Glenaeon garden class song.

More examples of giving and receiving in the Glenaeon garden community:

After pruning the Lemongrass plants, students take home a bunch to make some tea or cook it with their rice. Yum!
At Glenaeon Preschool families regularly take home the Bay Tree prunings.
Our prolific Castlecrag Tamarillo tree was gifted to us from farmer Helen Bryant in Coffs Harbour in 2019. Who would know that hundreds of the fruits would be enjoyed by sooo many students at Castlecrag and that expert cake baker Carolina Ou Smolinski would treat our compost heap makers on 13th May to a divine Tamarillo Cake?
With Lemons from her garden, parent Nobuko taught Class 4 students how to make preserved lemons during gardening class.
In home learning times, students received packets of sunflower seeds from their gardening teacher Kathy Thangthurai. Many months later we heard of the marvelling at hundred tall stems and bright suns in each home garden! Even the cockatoos flew in for a feast.
Together we are a vibrant gifting community: valuing each other's efforts gives radiance for us all. “We are here for the sake of the universe” said our gifter of Biodynamic Agriculture: Rudolf Steiner.

Glenaeon Garden Culture

02 Aug 2023

Pests in the garden? (Part 1)

The healthier our immune systems, the less vulnerable we are to illnesses. And it’s the same with plants.
Students are used to grinding rocks in gardening lessons (and playtime too!). Rocks are made of compacted minerals and when ground and spread onto garden beds, they give good mineral access to plants. The minerals strengthen the soil, which makes the plants healthier and less vulnerable to pests.

Indigenous peoples knew which rocks were needed by particular native shrubs and medicinal plants. Some may require iron and silica, others need copper or zinc. Our students learn to name the minerals in the rocks by sight - red colouring in a rock is iron, the black is basalt, the sparkle is silica as found in sandstone. They grind the rocks and sprinkle the dust around their favourite plants.

The biodynamic preparations we use in compost systems provide strengthening for the garden soil and hence to the plants and animals. We humans also gain vitality thanks to this careful scientific method of agriculture.

From Pest to Friend

In the Glenaeon gardens we look after the insects, birds and animals: they all have a place in the ecosystem. It may be merely our perception that they're a pest, so we begin by wondering: how is this a beneficial friend bringing particular gifts to the gardens and to us?

The bush turkey is aerating the soil. Wasp and bee stings give us formic acid, believed to strengthen the nervous system. Leaves nibbled by insects can become even more nutritious: “Stress responses created in the fruits and vegetables initiated an increase in antioxidant compounds prior to harvest, making them healthier for human consumption”.***

Animals gift us so much and we seek to show good care for them. The new garden bed at Middle Cove features a stunning bird bath made by teacher Brendan Strobl in ‘centre stage’. The students suggested the old square pumpkin patch could be transformed into a rounder heart or rainbow shape, thus mirroring the oasis. It's also a gift back to the animals as visiting birds and insects now have sitting water and all the colours of the rainbow in flowers!

Wise words to sow by

Many cultures have their sayings to remind of the need to share the seeds we plant with our animal friends. In the Glenaeon gardens we plant in 4s - Michelle, one of our gardening teachers, learned this verse from her Italian farming ancestors and we keep it on the garden classroom blackboard:

One for the mouse

One for the crow

One to rot

And one to grow

Yr 7 Dioramas

01 Aug 2023

Yr 7 has been constructing dioramas in Visual Arts. They learned about traditional Chinese landscape paintings and used India ink with squirrel brushes on rice paper to obtain the background effect. They carefully cut out silhouettes of Asian temples and red gates, learning a little bit about their purpose and symbolism. Students worked with great skill and consideration on this project with outstanding results!

Donna Miller
Visual Arts Teacher & High School Mentor

Yr 9 The Cove Winter Mornings

27 Jul 2023

In the middle of winter, the Yr 9 Cove Program is facing clear yet cold starts at 7:25am on Wednesday mornings. It is even more essential to stand together and support each other physically through exercise in nature, but also socially and emotionally to look after one another and grow the connection within the Yr 9 cohort.

This Yr 9 Cove class has grown by six new members in Term 3 and we welcomed them on Wednesday (25/7) to the early morning program. We did this with our own welcome ceremony with an activity that invited students to move in two circles, where they positively agreed to read out statements such as ‘do you feel well connected to your cohort’ or ‘are you ready to welcome and support the new members'.

After that, we split into groups and rotated between morning sun rays yoga and a bush run to the nearby large cave and beyond the banks of Scots Creek. In only a few weeks, the Yr 9 cohort will be canoeing down this creek into Fig Tree Bay to learn about canoeing and paddling skills before setting off on their Shoalhaven River and Art camp early in term 4.

The Yr 9s are now a very large cohort and it will be great to see how they can grow as individuals and as a group in the coming months, culminating in the great Cove Character Challenge in term 4. This event will see them away from school for a full day, an amazing group challenge in which they need to work tightly in groups solving complex tasks around the city.

Jonas Stoebe
PDHPE Teacher & Co-curricular Organiser

Thank you from the Glenaeon Foundation

12 Jul 2023

We are pleased to announce that we raised over $56,000 in this year’s Annual Giving campaign.

We take this opportunity to give heartfelt thanks to donors for supporting the new Glenaeon Staff Innovation Fund, the Building Fund, and our Bursaries and Scholarship programs.

In particular, we cannot wait to share with you details of the first successful Staff Innovation Fund grant recipient and its impact on students in due course.

Should you wish to further your support for Glenaeon with a bequest or regular giving, please reach out to foundation@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au.

For those who so generously donated, we will include your name in AEON Magazine and celebrate your impact on the rest of our school community.

Thank you again for your investment in our school’s bright future and your philanthropic support.

Middle Cove MidWinter Spiral 2023

21 Jun 2023

This week, the Sylvia Brose Hall was transformed into an enchanting winter spiral to celebrate our MidWinter Festival. As each year group gathered around the soft lighting of candle flames, we were reminded of the inward journey the spiral symbolises. A time to gather, enjoy music, reflect and shed stagnant energy that no longer serves us.

Thank you to each cohort and the many Glenaeon staff members who made this beloved event possible. Thank you to our wider community who joined us on Wednesday evening to walk the spiral. We were thrilled to welcome you into this reflective annual experience.

Glenaeon's Playgroups Celebrating Winter

21 Jun 2023

The Glenaeon Playgroups have been celebrating the universal search for symbols of warmth in this season of twinkling stars, warm glowing lanterns and roaring fires too!

The Japanese Playgroup has made fleece fires to warm themselves with and special wishes to hang on a wishing tree. The other Playgroups have enjoyed singing lantern songs and finding stars on our nature walks, and in the fruit when it is opened to reveal a starry form.

Many families from our seven Playgroups enjoyed a soup supper and dramatic story by a roaring fire. We all received a handmade lantern and sang while we walked under the twinkling stars and along the Bales Park Path by the Willoughby Glenaeon Preschool. Thank you to our beloved Preschool Teachers for including us!

Sandra Frain playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Year 7 Medieval Festival

21 Jun 2023

In a world where process is increasingly undervalued, and the quickest way to a product is becoming the endgame, Glenaeon continues to teach students the value of sustained effort. This is evident across the school, from the carefully created main lesson books to the painstaking knitting of socks. From Class 1 to Year 8, every student in each class experiences the arduous process of developing a class play.

Connecting with the Main Lesson curriculum, Year 7 performed a Medieval Play Festival this year. Three casts delivered three historical plays including The Canterbury Tales, Robin Hood and Saint Joan. For some students, this was their first experience on the stage whilst for others it was a further development of dramatic skills. Though the final performance is always riveting, it is the weeks beforehand that matter. The work the students do to learn their lines, develop their characters, support one another to overcome shyness or strengthen their voice, sing, dance, find costumes and remember props and scene changes is what works on their inner development. The time, effort, patience and creative endeavour demanded of such work is the purpose of the class play, and it was a truly wonderful experience for the class who have deepened their sense of self and their connection to each other as a cohort.

We wish to thank all the parents and teachers who freely gave their time and effort to help make this play such a success!

Katherine Arconati
Year 7 Teacher and Faculty Coordinator

Yr 9 Visit Warrah School By Sarah Summers

20 Jun 2023

It’s been over a year since I stepped onto the beautiful grounds at Glenaeon, where has the time gone? The trees and sounds are all the same, some new but mostly familiar faces, and the students are all slightly taller.

In my current work, we are given a Community Service Day each year, and so I asked Jonas if he needed another pair of hands to visit Warrah School with The Cove program this term. I was elated to discover the group I’d be spending the day with, was a group I knew well from my time as receptionist. My day was filled with plenty of hugs and nostalgic stories of scraped knees and class plays.

Up at Warrah where the weather was wintery, and the energy calm, we gathered to set the expectations for the day. Split into groups, the students and I organised chopped wood from the land, to be used for building furniture. With the helpful students of Warrah and the enthusiastic students of Gleno, we had some classroom time learning each other’s names and spelling them out on the blackboard. The Warrah students showed us some of their favourite yoga poses and we all embraced the theme for the day, Tree pose. The biodynamic farm at Warrah is a place for everyone to meet and connect with Mother Earth’s offerings. A huge patch of asparagus needed weeding so our 20 students donned their gloves and had fun seeing who could build the biggest pile of weeds. This task would have taken the farmers hours and together we were able to achieve it in one hour, sprinkled with some silliness and fun in the winter sun. After lunch, we played. Our students made friends, chatted, showed off their trampoline skills, played tug of war, and ended with a group photo and goodbye hugs.

Being able to observe our students show empathy and kindness towards the Warrah students reminded me of the wonderful job the teachers and families do in raising this generation. A humbling day, among old and new friends, amongst the bushlands, was an inspiring change from the office. Thank you, Jonas and the Year 9 students, for welcoming me back for the day. I’ll try not to leave it so long next time!
I hope all the Glenaeon community are well, with love and wildflowers, Sarah Summers.

Class 5 Study Ancient Egypt

19 Jun 2023

The first half of the year in Class 5 has taken us far back in time to learn about some of the earliest civilizations. One of which was Ancient Egypt where mythology became history as the children completed independent research on a chosen topic. There were three components to the project: an information report, a presentation and an artistic creation. The last of which you can see photos of below.

Yr 9 Spanish Language Excursion

19 Jun 2023

On Thursday 15^th June, the Year 9 Spanish class went with Sra. Gonzalez into the city for a day of language and cultural immersion. Acting as tour guides to our city, we gave presentations in Spanish about the harbour, the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Botanical Gardens. We finished the day with comida mexicana in the restaurant El Loco, trying different kinds of tacos, salsas and delicious desserts. The weather was perfect, y lo pasamos bomba- we had a great time!

Fire Days in Big Kindy

19 Jun 2023

Every winter, Big Kindy cook their bread for Bread Day on the fire. Preparing for the fire is a big process that begins several weeks prior: first, we hunt out the straightest doughie sticks we can find, next we break them to size and sand the ends smooth, then we saw the big logs and collect lots of kindling. When all this is done, we are ready to build the fire.

The fire pit gets rolled out from storage and everyone helps build the perfect fire with scrunched newspaper, kindling, and then logs carefully piled in. Next comes the cooking - lots of patience is needed here, along with steady hands to prevent burnt bread! And finally, the best part - eating our bread and honey with Kindy friends.

Shops, Fairy Gardens and the Amazing Cubby!

07 Jun 2023

The playground has been alive with a marketplace of shops, fairy gardens and an incredible cubby built with logs, mud and rope! For a collection of gum nuts, you can buy special sticks, leaves and pretty cakes, or simply wander and enjoy the fairy gardens that pop up! The children have been industriously building an incredible cubby with a balcony, different rooms inside and even a Reception Desk just like Melony's!

Class 2 Abuzz with Honey

07 Jun 2023

On the first day of winter, Class 2 was a hive of activity when Class Teacher and experienced beekeeper Jamie Loftus ran a honey workshop for the children and parents. Jamie prepared a wonderful classroom display, including bee drawings from the children, a box full of ripe honey from his own beehives and all the gear needed to extract it.

In class, in their English/Geography Main Lesson – ‘From the Ocean to the Deserts’ – the children have been on an adventurous journey with Erskin and Jimmy, visiting an apiary on the way. Jamie shared some lovely stories and talked through the life cycle and vital work of bees in nature, how it takes one bee their entire lifetime to produce just one teaspoonful of precious honey, as well as the many health benefits of bee products.

After a demo, it was time to get our hands sticky! The children used the hand tools to slice off the wax cappings on each frame, placed the frames in the extractor, and spun the handle to release the honey - with sampling along the way! They even got to try on real beekeeper protective suits and make some beeswax candles.

The class proudly extracted over 15kg of honey, which provided a jar for each Class 2 child to take home, as well as jars shared with Class 1 and the Castlecrag campus teachers. A finishing touch on this wonderful experience was the class making beautiful origami bees in their Japanese lesson later that day.

Big Kindy Bushwalk

07 Jun 2023

Each Friday the children in Big Kindy enjoy a bushwalk in the local area. We pack our lunches and water bottles before taking a new friend’s hand and hopping on the walking bus. We pick up our parent volunteers and before we leave the campus, we check that we all have our listening ears, looking eyes, and kind hands. We also check that Catherine has the kindy’s little bushwalking friend ‘Bushy’ (a pocket doll made out of palm leaves) who guides us on our journey. He may even have a story to tell about Great Grandfather Gum or Old Paper Bark who live in the little reserve we visit. Once we arrive at our destination, which at this stage is not far from the school, we put out our picnic blankets and enjoy a picnic lunch. After a little bush rest, we have time to explore, run and play before returning back to campus. Bushwalks give us a wonderful opportunity to engage in healthy movement and to connect with the very beautiful natural environment in our local area.

MidWinter Disco Fever!

07 Jun 2023

The MidWinter Party was a wonderful night of socialising, dancing, delicious food and disco fever that both sparkled and rocked the night along! Thank you to all parents, friends and staff who came out to enjoy this community evening together!

Organised by Yr 7 parents, the venue 'The Fernery' proved to be a stunning place to see friends and catch up, as well as enjoy dancing, disco-themed games and wonderful entertainment. Teachers Lucy Armstrong, Jonathan Shaw and parents Sam Gibson and Emma Spencer sang some favourites for us, and the air guitar and dance-off competitions hailed some unexpected winners! DJs Shaun and Scott helped us dance the night away with disco fever.

Thanks to James Henty for being our funky MC and to so many people for dressing up to move and groove in true disco style! A huge thank you goes to the Yr 9 families who organised the concurrent Silent Auction with over 60 amazing donations from our community - it raised over $13,500! This goes directly to the Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA) and will be used towards projects and equipment for the students. The food and desserts were delicious and plentiful, and it was such a delight to see so many parents from all years together again.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated organising committees from both Yr 7 and 9 and our Silent Auction donors (see below).

Year 7 Organising Committee:

Anne Mundie
Guiselle Vargas
Hasu Opa-Clarke
James Henty
Julia Henty
Maja Rose
Melony Browell
Nick Meredith-Jones
Niel Mundie
Peter Miles
Sam Gibson
Shaun Thomson

Year 9 Silent Auction Committee:

Angela Lakkis
Erika Hosoyama
Holly Gibbons

Click "Show more" for our very generous Silent Auction donors:

Yr 7 Locker Shields

06 Jun 2023

If you happen to wander down to the Yr 7 locker room, you will see the lockers adorned with some special artwork. Our Yr 7 students created shields in Art class - a task that built on their King Arthur Main Lesson where they learned about the code of chivalry and then wrote their own code which they wanted to live by. For this project, they looked at the heraldry of the medieval period and then the students designed their own shield, considering the symbolism of colour and form and creating a design that represented their family, history, values, and interests. What a lovely reminder of what is important to them every time they open their locker.

AICES Cross Country Championships

06 Jun 2023

Congratulations to the students who represented Glenaeon at the AICES Cross Country Championships in Horsley Park. From the initial 15 Glenaeon runners who qualified from the ISD Cross Country Carnival on May 16, eight Glenaeon students were able and determined enough to make the journey and run their hearts out on a newly designed 4km circuit. Depending on their age they ran 3000m/4000m or 6000m distances. Impressive stuff!

We congratulate these students for their effort in a much tougher field of runners at this level and a much more undulating course! They all placed in the top half or top quarter of their respective races and that is formidable given the quality of runners that attended the event from all over Sydney.

Well done to Luc M. (Yr11), Felix P. and Genna H. (Yr 9), Ava and Grace F., Amelie B., Finn C.(Yr 8) and Enzo M. (Yr 7). We are proud to say we were the top-performing school at the ISD level, so let’s do it all again in 2024 with an even broader field of young runners trying out this healthy and easily accessible sport! It's never too early to start training!

Glenaeon Garden Culture

06 Jun 2023

Welcome to ‘The Oasis’!: Part 2

The Garden team’s vision is for the students to experience the Middle Cove biodynamic garden as a place of wellbeing, where they are welcome to relax - whether or not they are engaged in class work! The garden offers a calm environment within the busy campus for those who need it. There is a hammock next to the water garden where many students swing in the breeze and find an equilibrium, also stumps and benches for sitting quietly or gathering to share observations and musings.

The flock of chickens brings interest and comfort to students, many of whom know the birds by name and are attentive to the ‘well being’ of these animals. Last week, Class 5 spotted a DAMSELFLY on the Indigenous Water Grass. How exciting it was to see a REAL damselfly as they are currently writing poetry and making pictures about them with Lucy, Lynne and the Willoughby Council!

The opportunity to do meaningful work in recess or lunch times is sought by some high school students who race to the garden saying "do you need any jobs done?" A spade, crowbar or mattock and accompanying tasks are available for those who want to ‘move mountains’. Scissors, baskets and vases are available for those who would like to harvest flowers and make bouquets to distribute around the campus. Other students enjoy making a pot of tea from herbs harvested in the garden and sharing this refreshment with their peers.

High school teachers hosting classes in the garden or garden classroom find the water garden is a ‘magnet’ for students where they instantly feel connected and relaxed. The water garden has already become a much-appreciated sanctuary!

Parents helping in gardening lessons also benefit as one parent shared recently: "Thanks to your magical gardening classes I had opportunities to build up my physical and mental energy. Also, thank you very much for letting us join the chicken care group! Both my son and I have been interested in animals but were not comfortable around them as we were afraid of them. You gave us opportunities to be relaxed around them and just enjoy the time with them. I really appreciate it."

Glenaeon Garden Culture

06 Jun 2023

Welcome to ‘The Oasis’!: Part 3

Tree Planting
What a good time this is to share our tree planting progress in creating ‘The Oasis’ as it is ‘Schools Tree Day’ on Friday 28th July! As told in the Term 2 newsletters (links below), after the fibreglass form was filled with water and plants, the students immediately enjoyed the water garden space. They kneeled on the cool earth and scooped handfuls of water or sat on tree stumps (culled by Groundskeeper Lindsay Sherrot) and socialised with classmates.

The students of Classes 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 were enthusiastic about digging three more holes. As part of a regenerative agriculture plan, our carefully selected trees will bring shaded cooling for the earth, animals and humans. They'll provide beauty, comfort, pollination, food, habitat and soil making matter. We'll also have more Indigenous bush foods in the garden.

Three new trees planted around 'The Oasis':

● Bangalow Palm: a ‘water diviner’;

● Native Hibiscus: preserved hibiscus flowers anyone?

● Japanese Maple: planted northside to give much needed shade in summer and much appreciated colour in autumn.

Native guppies and turtles will be introduced in Term 3, making this place even more special for everyone who visits.

Soil Making, Planning and Planting
To plant these trees, the students measured the diameter of each pot and calculated how wide and deep the holes needed to be. There’s a bit of trial and error too! As well as digging the holes during gardening lessons, they’ve been learning about the soil types these trees need to thrive.

We used leaf litter compost to fertilise. Glenaeon's Maintenance team kindly delivers all the leaves collected from the blowers on campus, and the Garden team with students from all classes collects this litter in a dedicated enclosure that allows air, sun and rain to permeate. Over a couple of years the leaves become rich soil, a moist compost that’s carbon rich and acidic - perfect for our new tree planting.

Once the holes were ready, the students wrote some wishes on papers and placed these in each hole before the trees went in. A happy celebration always follows the planting of a tree, a truly wholesome experience to share! Sunday 30th July is National Tree Planting day: we wish you and your families that joy to partake in.

An Evening at the Jazz Café 2023

01 Jun 2023

The annual Jazz Café was held in the Sylvia Brose Hall on Friday, 26 May. By any measure, it was a huge success and has become a highlight of the musical year at Glenaeon. Our fabulous Glenaeon Big Band, Concert Band and Jazz Combo, as well as Year 7/8 Concert Band Ensemble and various pop-up groups, provided a wonderful evening of music and fun.

The audience was entertained by jazz classics like Summertime, Blue Moon, Tuxedo Junction, Georgia on My Mind, Tequila and Sidewinder, as well as popular favourites like Pharrell William’s Happy, and many, many more. Sincere thanks to the band leaders – Ian Munns, Christine Young, Adriaan Mees and Alleyne Moss, as well as our instrumental tutors, who prepared the students so beautifully.

Warmest thanks also to the dedicated group of parent volunteers, led by Melony Browell, Ally Seymour-Smith, Sabine Simmonds, Holly Keys and Kerry Hill and all the parents and families who helped make it such an enjoyable event. Your contribution of food, items for the hamper, sweets and bread were so appreciated. Thanks also for the amazing donations to the wonderful raffle. Over $2500 was raised on the night, money that will go towards new instruments and equipment for the students. We are aiming to purchase a bass clarinet with the money from this year’s Jazz Café.

Keep an eye out for details of upcoming Music events, especially the return of the Concourse Concert on Friday, 11 August. Almost every student from Class 5 to Yr 11 will perform at the Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall on this evening, and if Jazz Café is any indication, it will be an evening to look forward to. Mark the date in your diaries now!

A Visit from Noel at Our Willoughby Campus

01 Jun 2023

The Preschool children love when Noel from the Maintenance Team comes to visit, they watch with fascination as he fixes things around the Preschool. We are so grateful to Noel for making these giant boxes for us. They have been the inspiration for much creative and imaginative play.

Class 6 Pioneers Camp

30 May 2023

At the end of May, just before sunrise, Class 6 took to the road over the Blue Mountains and out to the western plains. Three Class 6 main lessons were the focus of their camp adventure; Australian History, Geology and Astronomy. Their first destination was Bathurst, the town of the first Gold Rush in Australia. Their visit included an opportunity for the children to try their hand at gold panning and learn about life on the gold fields. Story-telling, blacksmithing and a visit to a Chinese Joss House contributed to an imaginative re-enactment of life in the gold fever town in the 1850’s. They also visited the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and saw some amazing fossilised ammonites, fish, crabs and leaves, alongside a magnificent display of minerals, crystals and gemstone specimens.

They did not reach their campsite, in the Warrumbungles, until late and after a hearty meal, they slipped into their cosy tents. They woke the next morning to frosty conditions but warmed by the fire with bowls of steaming porridge. By 8am the sun came out to melt the frost, and all the intrepid campers set out on their Grand High Tops bushwalk. A rugged, winding ascent of the ancient volcanic landscape led to the iconic dyke called the ‘Breadknife,’ which stands a massive 90 meters tall. Here at the top of this windy height, the view of the igneous lava domes and rock formations in a 360-degree panorama was an awe-inspiring experience and worth the long and steep climb.

That evening the students and teachers had a marvelous opportunity to look at the moon, and become familiar with the stars, planets and constellations with the naked eye, as well as through a telescope. The next day the students enjoyed an exciting abseil experience down a 18-metre rock face. Although many were scared, standing on the precipice of the steep drop below them, they gathered their courage and were exhilarated by the descent. The camp was an overwhelming success thanks to the amazing outdoor team, who ensured safety and nourished bellies with delicious, nutritious food. Many thanks, to Class 6 Teacher Cathy and Scotty, Jason, Enya and Michelle for supporting the Class 6 students through a memorable and magnificent camp encounter.

Yr 11 Architecture Excursion

24 May 2023

On Monday 15th May, eight Yr 11 Visual Art Students along with Visual Arts Teacher Alisan Smotlak attended a walking excursion around the Circular Quay area of Sydney. With a focus on built forms, they were led by Architect Eoghan Lewis from Sydney Architectural Walks. This excursion is intrinsically connected to our Term 2 theme of Architecture. The students will be designing a structure for an area in the school, and through exploring an immersive experience the students can see how choices are made and how form impacts audience.

The walk began by paying respects to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation who are the traditional custodians of the land. They meandered for 3 hours uncovering and discovering buildings and laneways that mark the CBD, including iconic buildings such as Customs House, the Museum of Sydney, Auroa Place and the iconic Opera House, along with a number of site specific public sculptures. The conversation focused on learning how the ecological, political, economic, cultural, social issues of the time helped shape many of the architecture and design outcomes.

The students took the time to examine and touch the surfaces of the buildings, feel the space between buildings, notice the shadows cast and how the sun filtered into buildings. Craning our necks the dwarfing nature of many of the buildings was notable. The Architects responsibility with regard to more recent requirements of sustainability was discussed, and we learned how the different Government codes determine parameters.

The Opera House, designed by Jorn Utzon, although almost 50 years old, to the young student can still provide a measure of awe and wonder. We learnt how Utzon borrowed ideas from all cultures, like the tiles made in the same materials as the Islamic mosques (that have stood for 1000 years). They are made with two different glazes that dance in the sun, like fish scales. The sails are not sails but a living ‘ skin’ sitting on a skeletal structure and when viewed from the south displays gothic pointed arches. The platforms the Opera house sits upon are borrowed from the natural layering of Sydney sandstone. Overall, it was an insight into one section of our city. It hopefully will instigate ideas and the creation of dynamic models, these will be exhibited in Term 3.

Little Kindy Create Heart Shaped Mobiles for Mother's Day

24 May 2023

Happy Mother’s Day from Little Kindy.
This year for Mother's Day, the Little Kindy children made a beautiful heart shaped mobile with raffia and wooden beads. Many mornings and afternoons were spent completing this project and we were fortunate to have a number of dads coming to help too. It has been wonderful to see children work with love and care with their hands. As they worked, they could often be heard chatting happily about their mums and how much they love them.

Catch the Rainbow Fairy

24 May 2023

The Rainbow Fairy comes to visit in the office in the mornings in May and she's so pretty, always dancing and fun to catch! She dances around Reception, to the delight of children as they bring the class rolls and messages in. Catching the Rainbow Fairy is a wonder for the children... and she also visited one of our bus drivers Vince!

Glenaeon Garden Culture

17 May 2023

Soil Creation Family Workshop with Sandra Frain Wrap Up

Thunder heard in the distance didn't stop the sun shining on a recent Saturday morning (13th May), as around 50 people gathered in the biodynamic garden at Middle Cove - eager to get their hands dirty and have fun learning about soil creation, aka composting. Adults and children alike had a wonderful experience together with the wise and energetic guidance of Gardening Teacher Sandra Frain.

The purpose of this gardening workshop was “composing compost” by working and learning together to create soil through building a healthy biodynamic compost heap. Everyone contributed wonderfully to this wholesome activity and Sandra was delighted with the result: please read on for the step-by-step. As well as being a productive working bee that supports Sandra’s gardening lessons with the students, parent ed sessions like this are a valuable learning opportunity and build a beautiful culture and connection among Glenaeon families - with thanks to the GPA for their financial support.

The morning wrapped up with everyone sharing delicious pumpkin soup, fresh sourdough bread, warm herbal tea, and an impressive tamarillo cake - all made by parents and Sandra using pumpkins, herbs and tamarillo fruits from the school gardens. While everyone feasted and the children played happily outside, Sandra hosted a Q&A in the garden classroom - and at home time, she offered families generous gifts of plants, mature biodynamic compost and the famous 'worm juice' for their own gardens or balconies.

To learn more or enquire, please email Sandra on s.frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Yr 10 Wheelchair Basketball

17 May 2023

In Term 2, the Yr 10 students, as part of their Physical Education Program, are completing a unit on Inclusive Sports. They have been learning about the concepts of inclusivity in sport and modifying sports and activities to be catered for a range of different abilities. We were fortunate enough to have the students participate in a session of wheelchair basketball, where they focused on how sports could be modified for physical impairments whilst having fun and developing new skills.

The students absolutely loved the session facilitated by Stephan Rochecouste from Wheelchair Sports Roadshows NSW. Stephan shared his story of navigating life with paraplegia due to spina bifida, including sporting opportunities and competitions in both wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby, as well as his tips and tricks for wheelchair basketball. It was a real eye-opener for the students and tied in perfectly with their learning about inclusion and ensuring all people have access to sport to stay healthy and active.

Celebrating Birthdays at Preschool

10 May 2023

Birthdays are very special celebrations at Preschool as the parents come and sit in the circle of children with a rainbow bridge leading toward them. The birthday child, and their guide, dressed in capes and gold crowns come down from the starry heavens towards the parents while the birthday story is told. A handmade card and gift for each child is given by the teacher. How special the arrival of a child is and how joyful the celebration of what they bring as gifts to earth. Parents stay for morning tea and cake with the class and memories to last a lifetime have been created.

Class 1 and 2 Celebrate Japanese Children's Day

10 May 2023

Japanese teacher Junko Nicholas celebrated Japanese Children's Day with Class 1 and 2, traditionally held on 5th May. The children learned about 'Koinobori' - a mighty carp who climbed all the way up to the heavens, celebrating strength and perseverance. They are believed to be symbols of strength which are also held to protect children. They also made 'Kabuto' - an ornamental Samurai helmet - as part of their Children’s Day celebration, which traditionally are displayed at home.

Class 2 Family Day At Canoelands Orchard

10 May 2023

Last Sunday the Class 2 children, with parents and siblings along with Class Teacher Jamie Loftus, visited Canoelands Orchard near Dural for our fruit picking family day. The children happily played in the fresh country air before gathering in the orchard's 'classroom' to learn about the wonders of honey bees from another 'Jaime': 3rd generation orchardist and beekeeper. Everyone loved this session and the children asked great questions of Jaime and Jamie; the class will be learning more about bees back at school soon.

Winter came early on Sunday and everyone brought their woolly layers, with rain clearing to blue skies just in time for a merry tractor ride around the orchard. Then, it was time for fruit picking, and the children skipped along with their baskets and bags harvesting tomatoes, persimmons and limes - spotting beehives and farm animals along the way. Families gathered for a warming picnic lunch, enjoyed some more playing and chatting on the orchard grounds, with a last visit to the animals before home time.

Yr 7 - 12 OneWave Fluro Mufti Day

10 May 2023

Last Wednesday 17th May, Yr 7-12 and The Middle Cove Staff wore mufti with fluro to bring colour to mental health in support of OneWave - a non-profit surf community raising awareness of mental health through a simple recipe…saltwater therapy, surfing and fluro.

OneWave founder, Grant Trebilco was unfortunately unwell and couldn't make it to present at assembly, but Teachers Donna Miller and Jonas Stoebe took to the stage on his behalf. Donna shared a very personal story about OneWave's involvement in her daughters mental health journey.
We thank Donna for her vulnerability and inspiring words.

Donna and Jonas lead an important discussion around ways we can protect our own mental health and others around us. We talked about signs that we can see when a friend is needing a check in, we shared ways in which we 'free our funk' and how simply getting in to nature and sharing how we feel can make a big difference to our mental health.

Head of School Diana Drummond gave the students two things to think about:

1. To identify an adult at Glenaeon that they know they can go to if they experience any challenges with their mental health.

2. To think about ways in which they can do random acts of kindness everyday.

Thank you to Maya, Alex and the SRC for bringing this cause to Glenaeon. It was an uplifting, celebratory, informative and though-provoking assembly and we are grateful to our community for your donations of gold coins and fluro clothing.

Mental illness can be lonely and invisible. OneWave brings colour to these issues so we do not have to suffer alone.

To read more or donate to OneWave go to: https://www.onewaveisallittakes.com/

Meet the Teacher - Nour Tohamy

09 May 2023

What is your new role at Glenaeon?
My roles are Class 5 Assistant, alongside Class 5 Teacher Lucy Armstrong, and casual relief.

What experience do you bring to Glenaeon?
Having been in a few different environments through science teaching, spiritual circles and art ventures, I hope to harmonise, and bring forth the beauty of each field in a manner that is beneficial for the children. I am also enrolled in the Rudolf Steiner Primary Teacher (PTF) course, so I bring my newly discovered curiosity.

What are your interests?
I enjoy art, music, cooking, and good conversation!

What are you most excited about for the year ahead?
I am excited to observe and learn from Lucy as she beautifully orchestrates her class. I am also keen to be more connected to other Steiner teachers/enthusiasts and witness the application of theories in a professional setting.

Welcome Nour!

Class 6 Fundraiser for Earthquake Victims of Syria and Turkiye

09 May 2023

Class 6 started the term with a Charity Fundraiser to support the Earthquake victims of Syria and Turkiye. Posters had already been prepared, distributed to classes, and put up around the school. Then on Monday 1st May, the students arrived well-equipped and eager to run the stall and contribute to helping people in need of support. They priced all the items; helped set up the stall in the undercover handball court and served the crowd of customers at lunchtime.

And what a success! We were blessed with beautiful weather, a scrumptious spread of assorted foods, and an abundance of pre-loved toys and books. We practically sold out of everything and the soft toys were a huge hit and joyously snapped up by the younger children.

Thanks to the small team of parents who supported the Class 6 students on the day and to all of you who baked, cooked, and provided items for the charity stall. We received a special donation from Rafa, which was matched by his parents. Thank you so much for your generosity.

We raised $1,800 and greatly appreciate everyone for supporting our efforts.

All the money raised will go to UNICEF - Syria & Türkiye Children's Emergency Fund.

Yr 8 Get Creative with Anatomy Main Lesson

09 May 2023

Yr 8 students have been enjoying their first Main Lesson for Term 2 - Anatomy! This lesson takes a collaborative approach where Teachers, Raphaela Mazzone, Donna Miller and Alisan Smotlak integrate Science and Art to showcase the wonders of the human body. From studying the skull, to joints, to ligaments and tendons and fibrous connective tissues, the students use their own bodies and real-world examples to understand the elements that help us move.

One student asked "what does it feel like to tear a ligament?" and another student shared an experience that they had on a sporting field. A discussion then lead to what actually happens when you hear a 'crack' in your knuckle or neck and the short-term effects of joint inflammation.

The class then took pen to paper and practiced drawing parts of the muscular-skeletal systems in their Main Lesson books. Using colour, they were able to show the differentiation between tendons to ligaments.

The class also got creative by using clay to squeeze, roll and shape to create the femur bone with inspiration from real bone props.

This Main Lesson is a stunning example of how a typical science lesson can use Steiner philosophies to ignite new ways of learning. The Teachers take inspiration from Author and Philosopher Charles Kovacs who writes in his book 'Muscles and Bones' about The Threefold Human Being - thinking, feeling and willing. These practices always have the intention to allow students to explore and understand themselves, and the world around them.

Meet the Teacher - Nicholas Greenfield

09 May 2023

What is your new role at Glenaeon?

At Glenaeon, I am a proud and passionate teacher of English in the High School, teaching fantastic classes in Year 7, 8, 10 and 11. Alongside this responsibility, I also teach a selection of Main Lessons that cover English, History, and Philosophy. Finally, I am the Mentor to The Army of Green Beans, as my group has labelled themselves.

What experience do you bring to Glenaeon?

I’ve quite a range of teaching experiences, having spent a chunk of my career in various places around the world teaching English as a Second Language, the most recent of which was in Bahrain, where I returned to High School teaching American Diploma and IB to Bahrainis … so a bit different to being at Glenaeon.

What are your interests?

As people might have spotted, I love to cycle, and compliment that with swimming and running. I’m not Jonas though, and love to also sit down with a good book, good friend, or good video game. Travel is also something I enjoy, in part due to being fortunate enough to have experienced a range of cultures, and discovered in each something really rewarding.

What are you most excited about for the year ahead?

Honestly, I get very excited about the potential I see in all my students, but especially my Year 10 and 11 students. Knowing the path they are on, and getting to be a part of that with them is such a special privilege, fuelling the reason why I always seem so full of energy as a teacher. For what other job gives you that chance, while also allowing you to share it with such an amazing group of young people?

Great to have you here, Nicholas!

Meet the Team - Sally Mock

09 May 2023

What is your new role at Glenaeon?

I teach both English and Society and Culture at Glenaeon. I am also the Year 12 Guardian, along with Pamela Laycock.

What experience do you bring to Glenaeon?

I completed a Bachelor of Law/Arts at the Australian National University before deciding upon a career in teaching. After undertaking my Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of New South Wales, I worked in public education for six years, teaching English, Society and Culture and Visual Arts. I was the Year Advisor at my previous school, taking the Year 11 cohort through to Year 12. I also have a background in creative arts, which I still pursue in my own time.

What are your interests?

I love to surf, read, paint, and make functional pottery on the wheel. I am passionate about mental health, educating myself in wellbeing practices.

What are you most excited about for the year ahead?

Getting to know the students at Glenaeon and immersing myself in the beautiful community. I was particularly excited about the MidWinter Festival celebrated this week and seeing this tradition come to life.

Thrilled to have you at Glenaeon, Sally!

Meet the Team - Maureen Fraser

09 May 2023

What is your new role at Glenaeon?

I am the new Head of Student Support Services. I will be overseeing support for students from K-12. I predominantly work with the Learning Enrichment Staff, Teachers, Students and Parents on creating Individualised Learning Plans, supporting teachers with materials for lesson differentiation and working alongside specialists to support student learning and wellbeing.

What experience do you bring to Glenaeon?

I have had a vast array of experiences in several schools, predominantly in Melbourne. Along with a specialist degree in Special Education, I also have degrees in Educational Psychology and Physical Education. I am hopeful that my experience across the areas of physical and emotional health as well as educational support brings a broad understanding of the value of difference and the gift of uniqueness and individuality.

What are your interests?

My main hobby is Health and Wellness, primarily through sport and sporting endeavours. I am a keen runner, cyclist and gym-goer. I enjoy participating in sport but also spectating. I enjoy reading a broad range of books and love spending time in nature, particularly forests and beaches. Spending time with family is one of my greatest joys.

What are you most excited about for the year ahead?

I am excited to bring new experiences to the role and looking forward to immersing myself in the school community, getting to know the staff, students and parents. I hope my knowledge and passion in the area of Student Support can be shared amongst staff and students as we work together to develop in the development of healthy, balanced individuals.

Great to have you here, Maureen!

Meet the Team - Tanya McCall

09 May 2023

We are delighted to welcome Tanya McCall to Glenaeon as our new Head of Drama. Tanya will join us from the start of Term 4 after finishing up at Noosa Pengari Steiner School. Tanya impressed us with her obvious passion for theatre, the creative process and Drama teaching, and of course, her understanding of Steiner Education.

Here are some words from Tanya:

Drama and education have been the building blocks of my life. My passion for drama began at an early age in primary school, I took extracurricular lessons in Speech and Drama where I developed an appreciation for poetry, plays and performance. Through my high school years, I was involved in community theatre productions around the Sunshine Coast where I sought experiences that evoked the creative, imaginative, and intuitive impulses that are enlivened in the theatre making process.

Following high school, I completed a three-year performance-based Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Acting at the University of Southern Queensland. This intensive course provided opportunities for me to develop my knowledge and understanding of theatre styles and forms whilst honing my craft as an Actor. After living, working, and travelling abroad in a variety of settings, I resettled in Australia to undertake further studies in drama education at the Queensland University of Technology.

Thus far, my career as a teacher and artist has been richly rewarding and fulfilling. For the past five years, I have been employed at Noosa Pengari Steiner School where I am the Coordinator of Senior Drama and English. In my time at Noosa Pengari Steiner School, I have essentially worked in a Head of Drama and English role designing work programs and engaging with all aspects of student assessment processes including endorsement, confirmation, and moderation for the Queensland Certificate in Education.

Over the years, I have directed several small scale/studio productions and worked collaboratively with colleagues on whole school musical theatre productions for students from years 7 to year 12. I have organised opportunities for passionate drama students to experience live theatre and engage in drama workshops and extracurricular performances. I am most in my ‘element’ when I am fully absorbed in the creative process of theatre making.

This is where I feel I can do my best and most meaningful work; providing a space where students can tap into their own imaginative and creative capacities; building confidence, exploring the human condition or at the very least, having fun!

Throughout my years of teaching, I have maintained a strong connection to my own creative practices and been involved in many theatre and film productions. Most recently, I worked for D.I.V.E Collective, a small company of artists based on the Sunshine Coast where I was involved in devising and performing two productions as part of the Anywhere Theatre Festival.

It has been a wonderful experience to be a member of staff at Noosa Pengari Steiner School where Rudolf Steiner’s philosophies are living through a vibrant curriculum. Working with students in a setting where creativity and the Performing Arts are respected and valued across all year levels has been the perfect springboard to the next step in my career and I am so excited to work with the staff and students at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School in Term 4.

Class 2's Big Bushwalk to Northbridge Baths

26 Apr 2023

A very excited Class 2 set out on a bushwalk on the last Friday of Term 1 with Class Teacher Jamie Loftus and parent volunteers. It was perfect warm and sunny autumn weather as they made their way along paths and tracks in Castlecrag down to the harbour, singing merry songs, counting and spotting many little treasures. After lunch at 'Crab Beach', the children learnt from Jamie how to find crabs and handle them safely, which led to proud and excited calls of "Jamie, look - I found a big one!"

They hiked further around the harbour to Northbridge Baths, where the children happily met their waiting parents. Jamie ended the school day with the class saying their afternoon verse in a nice grassy spot with water views. A social gathering was then hosted by the class parents, and all enjoyed a lovely BBQ picnic and free play time. The children and adults alike had a memorable afternoon, with one parent saying it was "such a magical get together" and another saying "that was so great, the best Friday afternoon we've had in I don’t even know how long".

Kindergarten celebrates Harvest, Apple Picking and Easter

19 Apr 2023

Kindergarten families and teachers gathered at Cedric's Apple Orchard in the Blue Mountains to celebrate the Harvest Festival. We filled our baskets to the brim with lots of juicy apples and then spread our picnic blankets under the old oak tree to share good food and company. And as the rain clouds dispersed, much to the delight of the children, Farmer Cedric rode on his 'tractor high' and they 'jumped on the trailer and went for a ride'.

And then with the final days of our first term in Kindy, we got busy preparing for our Easter picnic - making butter, plum jam and hot cross buns (delicious) to share with the mums, dads, and grandparents. We enjoyed our last day celebrating Easter with an egg hunt and some fun games, including of course, an egg and spoon race, before we said goodbye until next term.

Campus Improvements

13 Apr 2023

Over the break our dedicated maintenance and operations team did meaningful work on improving both our Castlecrag and Middle Cove campuses.

We are thrilled with the progress and results and we'd like to thank Chris Scrogie and the maintenance and operations team, Michael, Mary, Noel and Sonny. Your efforts to support our community with safe spaces to learn, create and move are so appreciated.

Some of the projects include (and are photographed below):

A new garden bed near Class 5.
Repairs to Class 3-4 walkway and play area.
A roof replacement for Kindy, Little Kindy and OOSH rooms and new deco granite area in Kindy playground.
Progress on the art room mezzanine floor, replacement screening for mezzanine areas, panelling and vision ports still to be fitted.

Yr 9A Warrah Farm

11 Apr 2023

In the last week of Term 1, Students from Class 9A were involved in engaging with the wonderful students and staff from Warrah Specialist School, based at Dural as part of their community involvement for The Cove Program.

Warrah Specialist School is a caring and supportive community that provides quality and individualised education for students with moderate to severe intellectual disability and complex learning needs. Our Glenaeon students spent the day interacting with Warrah students through games, sports and cooking lessons. As well as cleaning, weeding and mulching Warrah Farm. Year 9 enjoyed getting out of the classroom and into the wide world providing them with opportunities for memorable and enriching learning experiences.

Class 1 Learn Numbers with Knights

11 Apr 2023

Class 1 have donned their mathematical armour and sharpened their numeric swords in a quest to meet numbers 1 – 12 with Class teacher Jonathan Shaw. To aid them in this magical quest they heard the tale of King Maximo who sent forth his 12 gallant knights in order to answer the ancient question: What is the greatest of all numbers? An answer was found ...an answer that may surprise some...
This is a wonderful reflection of how the use of story and fantasy in Steiner philosophy can ignite the imagination while teaching the mathematics curriculum.

Class 2 Aesop's Fables

11 Apr 2023

Class 2 have enjoyed the Aesop's Fables Main Lesson which presents imaginative and often humorous short stories that give insight into the shortcomings of human nature. Aesop's Fables inherently promote tolerance for others' beliefs and ways of doing things. It takes the child on a journey into the differentiated world with all its diversity. With Class Teacher Jamie Loftus, the students have begun to write their own sentences from the stories and enjoyed listening to each of the fables. They worked hard on their drawings and the meaning behind each story, they free to interpret each fable in their own way. This element of freedom in moral life is important and helps foster growth towards self-direction.

Little Kindergarten Celebrate Persian and Polish Festivals

11 Apr 2023

Little Kindergarten recently enjoyed a double cultural celebration. March 21 was the Persian New year and we celebrated this special occasion with the traditional story of Amu Nowruz and Nane Sarma (also known as Grandma Frost). Nane Sarma eagerly waits for her beloved Amu to visit as he does once a year in the beginning of the Spring, however she falls asleep preparing things and the kind-hearted Amu Nowruz did not want to wake her. Instead, heleaves flowers in her hair, ate half of the apple and drank some of the tea she prepared, before continuing his journey.

The children enjoyed this beautiful story with handmade felt puppets. One family kindly brought in traditional decoration for the occasion and we shared Persian cookies made by the Little Kindy children. The children then received a gift of an apple which represents ‘beauty’ with 2 hands. It was truly wonderful celebration.

On the last day of the Term 1, we celebrated Easter with a Polish/Czech/Slovakian tradition of a lamb-shaped bread made by a parent. The children loved seeing this special bread ever so carefully and beautifully decorated!

Class 5 Indian Festival

11 Apr 2023

Class 5 students were joined by their teachers and parents to celebrate their recent Main Lesson topic with an Indian Festival. Students dressed in Indian dress and sang, chanted, and danced along with members of the Hari Krishna Temple 'ISKCON' who shared their knowledge, mantras, song, music, and food.

The Festival was a culmination of the ancient Indian mythology Main Lesson called, “The Sacred Songs of India”. Through the colourful stories from the Vedic epic “The Ramayana”, the children are introduced to the three main gods; Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector and Shiva the Destroyer. However, the stories are an interweaving of gods and humans. The gods appear in human form and humans can perceive and converse with the gods. There is a repeated theme of personal hardship and sacrifice, made to attain higher realms. Renunciation of power, wealth, comforts, and pleasure, portend a path to enlightenment.

Thank you to the Class 5 students, Class Teacher Lucy Armstrong and Class Assistant Emily Watts for hosting this great event – a beautiful, cultural way to round out Term 1.

Yr 10 at Kylea Tink’s Student Forum

11 Apr 2023

Earlier this month, Yr 10 students Zoe and Katiya attended the Kylea Tink’s student forum. The local member for North Sydney ran an event for students from high schools all over the North Sydney electorate to present to Kylea herself about what issues and policies that are concerning them.
It was a great opportunity for students to have their voice in politics and to discuss what policies impact young people. Zoe and Katiya did a fantastic job of bringing attention to waste management and how we can implement a state-wide composting initiative. It was so great to see our students speak about something they are so passionate about as well as listening to what the other schools and students had to say.

Exploring the Change of Season at Preschool

29 Mar 2023

We are fortunate that Glenaeon Preschool backs onto Bales Park where our children and educators play multiple times each week.

The children love running, jumping, climbing, rolling and balancing on tree roots.

Outdoor play in new environments allows children the freedom to connect with the changing seasons and the opportunity for trees, grass, earth, leaves, flowers, acorns to become resources for play.

This week, the leaves are being used as puppy dog tails. What a joy to be in nature and allow the imagination to fly.

Preschool has a tour coming up on Saturday 6th May at 9:30am, run by the Educators. To register go to: https://enquiry.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/events

Primary School Celebrate Michaelmas

29 Mar 2023

Earlier this month, the primary school classes came together at our Castlecrag campus for the festival of Michaelmas - midway between the summer and winter solstices. The play follows the story of a fiery dragon who scorches the crops and threatens the lives of a group of humble villagers who appeal to their wise king for assistance. They are eventually saved by the mighty St Michael, who slays the dragon with his powerful sword! This story plays out annually at our Primary Harvest Festival – through song, verse and movement. The children shudder at the fearful dragon, sing of St Michael’s strength and at the end, enjoy the bounty of the harvest saved - corn on the cob and delicious bread rolls!

Each class rehearses their own part and they come together to perform as one. Thank you to the children, teachers and parents for working together on this event. It’s a beautiful example of how the Steiner Curriculum builds imaginative pictures that become a source of wisdom and nourishment for children as they grow.

Book Now - MidWinter Party 2023 - 3 June

29 Mar 2023

2023 Glenaeon MidWinter Party! BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Only 3 weeks to go before the MidWinter Party! Please make sure you book your tickets early – final date for ticket sales is 26th May, so hop on and buy you tickets now!

The time has come for Winter fun... the MidWinter Party is on Saturday, 3rd June and we invite you to come! For the past 15 years, Glenaeon has held a MidWinter Party on an evening in June. It’s a fabulous night for the adults in our community to come together to talk, laugh, socialise, enjoying good company, food, drinks, dancing and music, whilst our silent auction makes it a special fundraiser for our students at school. Year 7 parents have organised a fantastic night and Year 9 are creating the Silent Auction.

Where: Held at The Fernery, a stunning, lush and green venue in Mosman with delicious food, great music and an open bar, lots of room to talk, move, groove and catch up with friends and make new ones! Bring your smiles, style and socialise a while! Map here

Tickets: are $65 and includes entry and canapes. There will be an open bar available for purchase.
Book Now https://www.trybooking.com/CHOUC

Dress: Whatever you like! Bring your inner light, wear a touch of something bright or let your Disco King and Queen take flight!

Silent Auction: There will be a fabulous Silent Auction with donations from our community to raise money for our wonderful school. We need the school community's donations to be sent to Holly Gibbons on gibbonskeys@gmail.com ASAP! Thank you!

Book Now - Jazz Cafe 2023 - 26 May

29 Mar 2023

We are thrilled to host the 2023 Jazz Café on Friday, 26th May, 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

Book Now https://www.trybooking.com/CIGDF

The wonderful Jazz Café is coming to you live in Week 5! Come and join a night of dinner, jazz and joy! This wonderful evening is a café-style night of jazz music and performers with our very own Big Band, Concert Band, ensembles, Jazz Combo, pop-up groups and more.
Join us at the Sylvia Brose Hall, Middle Cove Campus for a special night where we transform the space into an evening Jazz Club. The evening will be a celebration of our student musical achievements.

There is no cost to attend this event, and you are welcome to bring your own food and drink (NO ALCOHOL), however music families are preparing a wonderful fundraising dinner of delicious soups, bread, sweets, teas and drinks for you to enjoy.

Funds raised will be donated to the music department for new instruments and equipment. Last year we were able to purchase beautiful music stand banners and two large music stand trolleys for our students to use. Bookings are ESSENTIAL, and please pre-book your food at the same time to allow for catering numbers.

We are also holding our fabulous Gourmet Hamper Raffle, so please help fundraise by purchasing tickets to this raffle which will be drawn on the night. It is a delicious gourmet hamper packed with food, treats, condiments, and drinks! Only $5 per ticket - tickets are available online. Thank you for supporting the Music Department. Our students are busy rehearsing and are looking forward to performing!

Class 1 Letter Party

23 Mar 2023

Class One has finished learning their letters and celebrated with a surprise treasure hunt letter party. Using treasure maps they made, they ran excitedly around to find all the letters in the playground. All that was missing was 'X', Class Teacher Jonathan Shaw led them to the final place where...'X marked the spot!'. What excitement there was to discover when it led them to a surprise 'letter party' hosted by the parents. Each letter was represented in the most delicious and enjoyable way - a shared plate to eat or drink! Thank you to all of the parents who so carefully prepared the alphabet feast! Some of the children said it was "the best day ever!"

Class 2 Make Etoile

23 Mar 2023

Class 2 has been busy in handwork class making their own Etoile - a handwork case that holds needle pins, scissors, and a crochet hook. They will use this for the whole of their primary school years. Supported by handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean, the children have learned satin stitch to embroider their initials, blanket stitch for the edges, and dolphin or running stitch. One focus in handwork class is to make things that are not only beautiful but very useful and long-lasting for the children to use in the years to come. Sustainability, beauty, and practicality all rolled into one.

Yr 12 Host Earth Hour at Glenaeon

23 Mar 2023

Earth Hour Schools Day was last Friday, 24th March with hundreds of schools in Australia and thousands around the world switching off their lights to call for stronger action against climate change and nature loss.

Our Glenaeon Student Eco Council championed this cause and in Period 6. The school turned off the lights and air conditioning to show their support. Some classes also chose to totally unplug and take #TimeOutForNature and enjoyed learning outside.

Thank you to the Eco Club and school community for getting involved and to Year 12 students Oscar and Nathan for organising our participation in this important WWF initiative.

Open Day 2023 Wrap Up

23 Mar 2023

Last Friday, Glenaeon welcomed over 300 visitors to our 2023 Open Day. It was a sparkling morning to showcase our spectacular Middle Cove campus, and we greeted our guests with a warm hello. A very special thank you to our wonderful Year 11 student ambassadors who conducted tours and made our prospective families feel welcome. Guests were treated to displays that highlighted the many ways Glenaeon provides a unique and nurturing environment for learning and thriving.
Our visitors were invited to view classes like blacksmithing, PDHPE, food chemistry, Japanese, philosophy and art. Our Year 10 cohort rehearsed their musical performances for the crowds, herb tea and bread were served in our biodynamic garden and guests explored our outdoor education program equipment and heard stories of journeys to places with scenery to take your breath away. Our Head of School, Diana Drummond addressed families in the amphitheatre, and coffee and muffins were a hit from the Gentle Cafe. Guests purchased gifts from the Grassroots Ecostore pop up shop and viewed displays from our playgroups and primary school.

When one primary school student visiting with her dad was asked how she liked the school, she said, "it is so lovely to look outside the classroom and see green trees instead of traffic!" Another visiting student said, "I am a big fan of chemistry, I loved watching that class".

A huge thank you to the many staff and students that made the day possible. You are the reason why people had such wide grins on their faces when they left the front gates.

Enjoy a photographic snapshot of the morning below or visit our Instagram for the highlight 'Open Day 2023'.

Yr 11 DT Shoe Box Glider

23 Mar 2023

The Year 11 Design and Technology students have recently embarked on a 4-week challenge to take the humble shoe box and allow it to glide as far as possible.

As you might expect, the shoe box is not very aerodynamic. Initial test flights resulted in a “flight” of about 2m from a launch height of 2m. A glide slope ratio of 1:1.

By doing research into the problem, they discovered more about how designers and engineers use physics principles such as Bernoulli’s Principle, aerofoil design, wing mass to surface area etc. to come up with some ideas on how best to solve the problem.

As well as flying, their gliders also had to meet other criteria that included being able to carry a payload and complete numerous flights without falling apart. They also had to work in teams and finish work in the available time.

Eventually, they built some prototypes using the tools and materials their teacher, Anthony Fiore supplied. Thanks to copious quantities of hot glue, and a great deal of arguing and prototyping, they all managed to build gliders that showed an improvement in the glide slope ratio.

The final testing day was fun, yet competitive. Each team scrutinized the flights of the other teams and the debate about which glider performed the best and which teams may or may not have cheated is still ongoing.

The results were impressive.

They managed flights of over 15m from a 2.5m launch height. This is a glide slope ratio of 1:6.2. Not bad for a trusty shoe box.

Well done Year 11!

Yr 10 Marketplace

15 Mar 2023

On Monday our Year 10 cohort ran a successful lunchtime marketplace as a practical component of their commerce studies on running a business. In small groups, they created a business from the ground up by selecting their product or service, advertising to the school community, organising materials and supplies, establishing a point of sale and customer service on the day. The stalls came to life selling homemade goods, henna, bubble tea, sausage sizzles, pizza and fortune telling. The students engaged in the realities of running a business and the need for teamwork, planning, troubleshooting and resilience. The customers (high school students and teachers) were very impressed by the stall offerings and we congratulate Year 10 on their meaningful business accomplishments.

Preschool & Playgroups Apple Picking

15 Mar 2023

Around 40 families and the teachers from Glenaeon Preschool and Playgroups enjoyed the beautiful weather in Bilpin last Sunday morning. After singing their Autumn Circle together they went off with baskets to gather apples and pears and return for a picnic with shared food from our many cultural heritages.
What a wonderful opportunity for our community to gather and share time together in nature. Back at Preschool, the children and teachers were able to use their harvest to make apple crumble for morning tea. A delicious way to enjoy the handpicked apples.

Reclaiming the Void at Glenaeon - Donations Needed

15 Mar 2023

Glenaeon are joining the ‘Reclaim the Void’ weaving project and you are invited to take part.
Donations needed of pre-loved lengths of fabric or old sheets, hula hoops, large tapestry hoops or agricultural pipe.

Who can join the project: Primary school children, high school students, teachers, parents, alumni and friends of Glenaeon. All welcome!
When: Tuesday lunchtimes for students and teachers in the craft room at Middle Cove & Parent Craft at Castlecrag on Wednesday, 29th March 9am-12noon.

We hope that the whole school will get involved in this great initiative. At Glenaeon, the project will start during Tuesday lunchtimes in the craft room and in mentor morning sessions in the high school and in handwork lessons in the primary school. Other venues and times to learn how to get started will soon be advised. This project will continue into Term 3 and the hope is that between the students, parents and general community of Glenaeon, we can contribute at least 50 rag rug weavings to this project by the end of Term 3.

For more information and to register your interest or donation, please email handwork teacher, Elizabeth Ellean at elizabethe@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
To find out more about this project please visit https://www.reclaimthevoid.com.au/
To read more about this project, please click 'SHOW MORE'

Class 3 Enjoy Apple Picking at Bilpin Springs

14 Mar 2023

Class 3 visited Bilpin Springs Orchard in the Blue Mountains last weekend. It was perfect mountain weather and a glorious day with the families at Cedric's farm. Cedric showed the children the ways he manages the orchard and the many varieties of apples and nashi pears they grow. Cedric was previously a teacher at Glenaeon and welcomes the class groups to visit. This orchard holds a special place in the children's hearts who have sung the stories of Cedric's farm in Kindergarten. In such fine weather he even took the children on glorious tractor rides! Thank you, Farmer Cedric!

Class 1 Aesop's Fables by Jamie Loftus

14 Mar 2023

Class 2 Teacher Jamie Loftus created this blackboard Beauty for the Aesop's Fables Main Lesson from the story 'The Stag and his Reflection'.

Class 1 Wet Felt Counting Mats

14 Mar 2023

Class 1 are learning to wet felt with Handwork Teacher, Elizabeth Ellean. Taking soft coloured fleece, the children create a pattern or a picture on a base of wool. Then, using warm soapy water, and lots of rubbing and rolling, the fleece is transformed into a strong and colourful mat. This will become their 'Counting Mat' for counters as they approach learning numbers and mathematics. A special thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers for helping bring these creations to life.

2023 Autumn Festival for High School

14 Mar 2023

Seasonal Festivals provide nourishment for the soul of our school community. At Glenaeon, it is custom to celebrate the Autumn Festival. As mentioned in The Drum, this is a chance to honour the changing rhythms and seasons and give thanks for Mother Nature’s treasures. We express our goodwill for others through the donation of food and goods for people who have little or none. Autumn Festival is a reminder to us all to remember to be kind to each other and to the earth, and that we must nourish ourselves, and others and give back to nature for all she provides. It is a reminder that as humans we need to draw on our own inner strength to care, for each other and our planet.

In High School, our students will engage in a series of activities in the final weeks of the term culminating in a High School gathering for Years 7, 8, 9 and Year 11 to celebrate Autumn Festival in Period 2 on the last day of term, Wednesday 5 April, in the Sylvia Brose Hall. This is a student only event. (Year 12 are on Solo camp, and Year 10 are on Musical leave).

ACTION: High School students and families are asked to bring in donations:

From Wednesday 22nd March, please donate non-perishables such as tins of beans, soup, tinned fish, etc.

From Monday 3rd April and Tuesday 4th April, please donate perishables such as fruit and vegetables, suggestions include:

Apples
Carrots
All types of potatoes
Onions
Pumpkins & gourds
Pineapples
Corn still in the husk
Whole uncut melons

DROP OFF POINT is Classrooms and Mentor Groups.
Please do not drop food donations at Middle Cove Reception as there is no space in the office to properly store food.

All donated food will be collected by OzHarvest to support Sydney’s vulnerable people.

Swimming Carnival 2023 Wrap Up

14 Mar 2023

Last Friday we held our annual Inter-Steiner School Swimming Carnival at Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre. Students from Years 7-10 participated in a range of aquatic events including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and relays, along with fun novelty races. It was brilliant to have the weather on our side! The sun was shining and the participation was excellent throughout the day. The students vs. teachers relay race was bursting with excitement and talent as they hit the water competing for colour house points as well as highlighting their swimming skills.

The day was filled with colour and spirit, in particular, our students with the best-dressed costumes who contributed extra colour house points to their house, including;
1st Jackson Power (Year 9)
2nd Nate Marshall (Year 9)
3rd Sam Street (Year 10)

A massive congratulations to The Green Colour House who dominated the carnival with 526 points closely followed by The Red Colour House on 444 points and the Blue Colour House on 415 points.
Thank you to all the staff and students for their participation and assistance throughout the day. Congratulations to all students who were in the water swimming 50m events, were part of a medley-relay team or dressed spectacularly to add points to their teams! It was fantastic to see all the Steiner Schools come together for this fabulous fun-filled community event and we look forward to meeting them again later in the year for the Athletics Carnival.
For a breakdown of points and 50m event times, please select 'Show More'.

Yr 9 The Cove

08 Mar 2023

The Year 9 Cove Program 2023 has made a fantastic debut. The Year 9 cohort assembles at the early hour of 7:30am to engage in meaningful activities in nature once a week on Wednesday mornings. The program is designed around the idea of resilience building and in response to the ever growing needs of our adolescents.

The program is specifically developed as an opportunity to support our students through a deeper connection with the physical and natural realm as a tonic to our fast-paced digital reality. We feel we can address these issues best in an out-of-classroom social setting with physical activities to challenge us on an individual and team level. The students get to know each other much better through targeted and fun group activities, challenges and through reflection. They keep a diary and learn to work together as a cohort and find their own place within the group.
We engage them in excursions where students will work with other students living with disabilities and where our students also do service to the community by helping as volunteers. We offer this program for the students in Year 9 as we believe we can support them at a crucial time at the threshold between childhood and adulthood.

In early March, the cohort worked in groups and selected various challenges on the banks of Scotts Creek below the Middle Cove campus. It was fascinating to see all the students cooperate well to achieve tribes, supported by teachers who guided them where necessary. The photos below show some of the challenges - building sculptures using materials they can find, balancing on small items and reversing the order in which students stood without falling off, attempting an uphill sprint across natural steps to record a group running time, crossing the little footbridge across Scotts Creek in a very delicate manner using only certain methods for the whole group to get across. Other than the mosquitos, students were very engaged and experienced real cooperation to reach success. It was a very positive sign of what’s to come in the year ahead and a testament to the strength that’s already visible in this Year 9 cohort.

Some lovely feedback on the activity experience:

“It is the first time this year that my child has come home saying, something was fantastic. I was so delighted and relieved at the very same time, as my child has not found many such moments these past couple of years. We are so grateful for your program. It was wonderful hearing you speak of it and the results, and now to meet them in our child. Thank you so much for your determination and values.”

Glenaeon’s Co-Curricular Sport Activities

08 Mar 2023

Glenaeon offers a variety of great activities to engage the students before and after school. Among them are fencing, soccer, archery, basketball and more. Most activities are now full and our students value active engagement in teams or in individual sports.
The Glenaeon fencers meet Thursday mornings in the hall under the stewardship of Coach Andrew S., a very seasoned coach who once coached the Polish female national team!
Athletics/games/fitness enthusiasts meet Friday mornings before school, with Coach Jonas to go for bush runs, do fitness activities, play all sorts of games and learn about athletics events.
The archers meet on a Friday after school on the oval with Coach Simon to aim for accuracy and hit targets that move further away the better they get.
Our basketballers meet on Tuesday afternoons with Coach Evan and we hope to start a Glenaeon basketball team to play in outside school competitions soon.
We invite students to rally other students for numbers to start new activities before or after school. If we have 10 or more students who can commit, we will endeavour to locate a coach for the activity. It is a joy to see so many students engaging in co-curricular sports in a supportive environment.

Yr 9 Visual Arts Zoo Excursion

08 Mar 2023

Year 9 Visual Arts students were treated to an excursion at Sydney's famous Taronga Zoo. Visual Arts Teacher Donna Miller accompanied the students as they further explored their unit of work in gestures of animals. The opportunity to draw from life was wholly embraced by the students and their practice throughout the term came into play when they took on the towering giraffes, magnificent elephants and playful seals, among many other species.
Enjoy the breathtaking sketches of our talented Yr 9 artists.

Yr 9 The Cove supports Clean Up Australia Day

08 Mar 2023

The Cove Program Year 9 students grabbed a glove and a garbage bag and lent their hand for this year's Clean Up Australia Day along Scotts Creek. The Year 9 cohort was led by the experienced, local bare foot runner Marc Lee who kindly guided our students through the dense bushland with an abundance of beautiful nature and creatures along the way. Marc helped students dig deep for rubbish in a new, challenging environment. The result was formidable with around 26kg of rubbish collected and not flowing into Fig Tree Bay and the ocean.

Students were challenged by tricky and slippery terrain near the banks of Scotts Creek making their way across boulders and along narrow paths and steep inclines. While looking after the environment, students build a better connection as custodians of the beautiful surrounds of the school, its bushland and waterways. They will feel empowered to continue to take positive action and raise awareness to make their school and community the cleanest place it can be. It also gives them a sense of place and builds humility in doing voluntary service to the community they are a part of.

We thank Marc for his leadership and expertise explaining his longstanding work for the bush and holding Willoughby Council accountable for doing their bit in looking after our beautiful local bushland.

Class 5 Amaranth Leaves Fritters Recipe

02 Mar 2023

Over the past five years many of you have taken home our rich biodynamic mature composted soil. Many of you have reported healthy gardens and surprise ‘gifts’ such as tomato and amaranth seedlings that become tall productive plants. Sometimes children have brought home the maroon-coloured spire amaranth plants when we have ‘weeded’ them out of a Glenaeon garden bed.

Many Glenaeon students have learned how to separate the amaranth flowers from the seeds as Catherine Pilko and other Kindy teachers have taught. The seeds have been heated on a skillet and become puffed or they have been pounded with a mortar and pestle to make amaranth flour. Many of your children have eaten the leaves stir-fried when you have visited our Middle Cove garden classes.

Originally from South America, the amaranth plants bring magnesium and zinc to our Australian soil. They are also high in folic acid and vitamin C, so can be substituted for spinach, silver beet, or kale.

Below is a recipe created by our devoted Glenaeon garden volunteer.
Class 5 recently adapted it further with delicious results too.

18 beaten eggs
Pounded toasted sunflower seeds and garlic cloves
Coconut milk
Salt
Herbs

Mix. Oil Baking pan. Pour mix into pan. Bake at 250 degrees for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Amaranth Leaves Fritters Recipe

Gardening volunteers are welcome on all three Glenaeon campuses. If you would like to practice gardening and learn new gardening skills please contact Garden Teacher Sandra Frain at s.frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Yr 9 Life Drawing

01 Mar 2023

The Year 9 Art students are learning about the gesture of animals in preparation for a sculpture study based on an animal from the zoo. To help prepare, they enjoyed a visit from Cal, the dog who obediently modeled for the class during the lesson. The opportunity to draw Cal from life was great practice for their zoo excursion.
Enjoy the wonderful sketches by some very talented students supported by Visual Arts teacher, Donna Miller.

Yr 11 & 12 Visual Arts AGNSW Excursion

01 Mar 2023

Our Year 11 & 12 Visual Arts students enjoyed an excursion to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to visit Art Express, an annual series of exhibitions of exemplary artworks created by New South Wales Visual Arts students for the HSC. Three of our very own students from the Class of 2022 have their works displayed in this exhibition at other galleries.
Excursions like this help the students to understand artist practice and set goals for their own Body of Work for their upcoming HSC. The experience was both inspirational and thought-provoking.

Safety Drill Rehearsal Success

28 Feb 2023

After careful preparation and planning, Glenaeon conducted an emergency evacuation drill at our Middle Cove campus. Our Operations & Facilities Manager Chris Scrogie (Chief Warden) announced the drill, and sounded the alarm. Classes made their way out of Period 3 activity and up to the gates, up Glenroy and Greenfield Avenues and along Eastern Valley Way to our meeting point at Willoughby Park all under the watchful eye of traffic wardens, first aid crew and fire wardens.

The staff were quick to act, and calmly guided the students to the nominated meeting spot in the park and returned to school for Period 4 learning. It was great to see everyone in the school working as a team, and coordinating and executing the plan. All our students and staff now know what to expect in the event of an emergency, and we have honed our practices as a team to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Thanks to Chris and the Professional Services Team who quickly accounted for every child, and to the Teachers for handling the drill so professionally.

Yr 10 & 12 Sailing Achievements

28 Feb 2023

A warm congratulations from the Glenaeon community to Year 12 student Keizo Tomishima and Year 10 student Hanako Tomishima on their recent sailing achievements.

Keizo competed in the 2023 Australian WASZP National Championship in Perth and won 3rd place.
Hanako competed in the 2022 Sail Sydney and won 2nd place (1st Female) in December, and the 2023 Australian 420 National Championship in Metung and placed 1st Female, and qualified to compete 2023 World 420 Championship in Turkey.
Keizo and Hanako qualified to compete in 2023 Sail GP Inspire Program in Sydney, and Keizo placed 3rd, Hanako placed 2nd Female.
We commend you on your outstanding effort and skill and can't wait to cheer you on for future events.
Enjoy these fantastic action photos!

Yr 8, 9 & 11 ISD Touch Football

24 Feb 2023

On Tuesday 25 February, 25 keen touch football players departed for Peakhurst to play against other schools in our sport association. The two boys teams (juniors and seniors) and one junior girls team competed bravely and two teams made it to the semi finals!
The senior boys then lost to the later winner Amity College in a tight match 0:1, while the junior girls drew against Malik Fahd Greenacre 1:1.

Unfortunately, the rules state that when a draw occurs the team that scored first will progress. Still, great games, fantastic passes, surprise moves and spectacular tries! All students need to be congratulated for their efforts!

Well done to the following students:
Yr 8: Scarlett S., Talise, Ava, Grace, Emily, Finn, Liam, Harper, Monty, Amelie and Lenny
Yr 9: Indy, Ciara, Ruben, Isaak and Hayden
Yr 11: Rohan, Morgan, Roman, Henry, Jayden Luc and Joe

A special thank you to PDHPE Teacher & Co-curricular Organiser, Jonas Stoebe accompanied by Assistant Coach, Ethan Brown (GlenX alumni).

Yr 10 Surfers or Sculptors?

24 Feb 2023

Due to the recent storms, the Year 10 surfing program was momentarily disrupted as the beaches were closed. PDHPE teachers, Jonas Stoebe and Sarah Simmons offered different beach games and activities for students to rotate through during the lesson time at Collaroy Beach.

Thankfully, the rain held off and students were keen to get creative in the sand looking at a rather brown coloured ocean. Students could choose between beach touch footy, beach cricket or creative sand sculpting.
The sand sculpting was the most popular activity with some great examples of creative work displayed. The creations were named “Bazza the Koala” holding a boogie board and “Gabby the Yabby” among other creations.
It goes to show that even on a non-surfing excursion, we can engage students meaningfully and embrace playful energy to create something beautiful.

Playgroups Diversity

23 Feb 2023

A beautiful aspect of Glenaeon's playgroups is the sense of belonging as soon as the child, carer, and educator gather in the space together. For many, parenthood can be isolating and we love that the natural rhythm of coming to playgroup each week makes you, and your child, feel connected and supported.

Our seven weekly playgroups located at both our Willoughby and Castlecrag Campuses take great pride in celebrating diversity and the relationships built between educators and families. Parents and grandparents, nannies and friends are invited to share in the rich learning environment for both children and adults.

Thank you to Naoko Murphy, our Japanese Immersion Playgroup Educator for translating this story.

一体感、共に過ごす喜び。それを来てすぐに感じられるのが、グレネオンのプレイグループです。子どもたちと保護者、そしてエジュケーターが集う、皆にとっての豊かな学びの場です。孤立を感じることもある子育てではあります。でもこうして毎週プレイグループに通うという心地よいリズムを作ることで、保護者も子どもたちも、つながりとサポートを感じることでしょう。

グレネオンには、WilloughbyとCastlecragの２つのキャンパスに、週に合わせて７つのプレイグループがあります。多様性を尊重し喜び合い、エジュケーターと家族の皆さんの関係づくりを深めることを大切にしています。ご家族の皆さん、ナニーやご友人の皆さんもぜひご一緒に、私たちみんなの学びの場へいらっしゃってください。

For more information and to register for Playgroup please contact Playgroup Manager and Educator Sandra Frain at playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Sand Bonanza

23 Feb 2023

It was almost an all-campus affair when the trucks arrived to fill the sandpits with fresh, golden sand during outside play at lunchtime. Children watched with great delight as they pumped the sandpits full… which was followed by enormous fun in jumping, climbing, building and making ‘sand angels’, cakes and towers.

Class 3 Parent Meeting

23 Feb 2023

Class 3 parents joined Class Teacher Prue Ritchie for their first meeting and a very warm welcome to the Middle Cove Campus. In the beautiful room, parents saw the work of the children – paintings, the beginning of cursive script, and drawings of their holidays. They enjoyed talks by Junior Librarian Lynne Collet, PDHPE teacher Sarah Simmons and Class Assistant Michelle Brown. The inviting playgrounds and surrounds of the Class 3 room are an inspiration and we look forward to their wonderful first year here. Thank you to the parents and presenting teachers for joining us.

Muddy Puddles

23 Feb 2023

The summer rain brings the opportunity to explore nature's childhood gift of the famous muddy puddle.
Our Glenaeon Preschool children enjoyed adventuring to the nearby park adorned in raincoats and gumboots, essential items for rainy play.
Jumping, twirling, skipping and stomping, nothing beats this freeing sensory experience and outdoor play in any weather.
Their educator, Carly Solomon captured the pure joy had by all.

Parent Ed Term 1: Supporting your child's education at home with Mary Heard

17 Feb 2023

How do we create a home environment that best supports Steiner Education in the younger years?

In this workshop, Mary will take you through practical ways to simplify your environment, your family rhythms, your schedule and the adult content in your homes to keep your child in a calm, relaxed state. This will create a home that fully supports your child’s learning and development

Areas we will cover include:

· How to keep children calm and well rested to encourage attentiveness and openness to learning.

· How to coordinate the home and school rhythm to bring predictability and alignment into our days.

· How to create security and connection at home to provide a relaxing environment for our children to breathe out.

· How to protect our children’s sense of wonder from the pressures of the commercial world, so they don’t lose the innocence of childhood and the developmental opportunities inherent in this important stage of life.

This workshop will be suitable for parents of children up to 9 years of age.
Speaker: Mary Heard, Simplicity Parenting expert
Wednesday 15 March
7pm-8pm
Marion Mahony Griffin Hall, Castlecrag campus

Free event for Parents.
To register go to: https://www.trybooking.com/CGDPK

Parent Ed Term 1: Harvest Gratitude with Sandra Frain

17 Feb 2023

Welcome to Glenaeon’s Middle Cove Biodynamic Garden to celebrate Gratitude with a celebration of abundance for all ages: All families Welcome.
We will Harvest flowers to make take home bouquets and source edible 'ground covers’ to plant at your homes too.
All ages may plant seeds and seedlings in our specially fertilised winter Garden Beds. (Learn how we make healthful soil!)
We will make freshly harvested herb butter and enjoy home made sourdough bread with our garden specialty Herb Tea.
Do bring your garden questions as we will have a rewarding Q&A time.

Join seasoned workshop presenter, Sandra Frain.
Biodynamic Practitioner and Teacher of Gardening at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

Sunday 26 March
10am-12 noon
Biodynamic Garden
Middle Cove campus
5a Glenroy Ave, Middle Cove

Free event for Glenaeon Parents
To register, go to: https://www.trybooking.com/CGDPQ

Parent Ed Term 1: Supporting Your Child's Education at Home with Mary Heard

17 Feb 2023

How do we create a home environment that best supports Steiner Education in the younger years? In this workshop, Mary Heard will take you through practical ways to simplify your environment, your family rhythms, your schedule and the adult content in your homes to keep your child in a calm, relaxed state. This will create a home that fully supports your child’s learning and development.

Areas we will cover include:

How to keep children calm and well-rested to encourage attentiveness and openness to learning.
How to coordinate the home and school rhythm to bring predictability and alignment into our days.
How to create security and connection at home to provide a relaxing environment for our children to breathe out.
How to protect our children’s sense of wonder from the pressures of the commercial world, so they don’t lose the innocence of childhood and the developmental opportunities inherent in this important stage of life.

This workshop will be suitable for parents of children up to 9 years of age.
Speaker: Mary Heard, Simplicity Parenting expert
Wednesday, 15th March 2023
7pm-8pm
Marion Mahony Griffin Hall, Castlecrag campus

Free event for Parents.
To register go to: https://www.trybooking.com/CGDPK

Yr 12 Extension Science Student Research Seminar

16 Feb 2023

On Thursday afternoon, we gathered in the Lute Drummond building for the Year 12 Science Extension Students Research Seminar, where five curious students presented their research projects.

Alex presented the project, Tracing the extinction pattern of Diprotodon optatum.

Anouk presented the project, The Distribution of parasitic mites on the wings and tails of bushland birds

Maadi presented the project, The effects of mass ratio on the chaos of the double pendulum system

Nathan presented the project, The effects of ocean gateways on global temperatures in the Oliocene

Jolan presented the project, Improving the accuracy of a simple object-detecting AI model

We thank Dr Stanley Tang for hosting and our brilliant panel of judges - science teachers, Dr Leyla Rasouli and Dr Hernan Carol-Garis and Mathematics teacher, Mr Frederic Hemming and external judge, Mr Manu Prasad.

Wishing you the very best of luck in your research endeavours!

Class 3 Handwork

16 Feb 2023

In their first handwork lesson for the year, Class 3 collected leaves on a walk around their new school surroundings.
We looked at leaf prints left on a concrete path and could smell the rich aroma of the Cinerama eucalypt and the lemon scented gum leaves.
The brown onion skins printed up well and the children had lot of practice wrapping and tying tight knots. After this, their bundles were boiled to allow the plant colours to fill every surface. The leaves left prints which were revealed to the children's delight as they unraveled their parcels.

Class 1 Begin learning letters

16 Feb 2023

Class 1 have begun learning their capital letters with Class Teacher Jonathan Shaw. From the fairytales filled with adventures and fun emerges a picture that is drawn, expressing and formed to represent each letter. The big, blue bear comes from the story “Bearskin”, the M from “Semsi Mountain” and D for the “The Singing, Sawing Lark. The journey through the letters is exciting and beautiful as they explore many sounds, words and phrases containing the letters they learn.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Big Kindy

15 Feb 2023

An important part of the Kindy year is the rich celebration of festivals to mark the seasons and important annual events.

This week, Ming-Yu Chen, our invaluable Kindy assistant, has shared some aspects of her cultural heritage to help us celebrate Chinese New Year.

Welcoming the parents and children was our blackboard greeting, "xīn nián kuài lè or Xin nian Kuai Lei" GOOD LUCK and GOOD FORTUNE.

Throughout the week we have had stories and games to give a very subtle nod to The Year of the Rabbit. We began to craft a pom pom rabbit in handwork. We looked on in amazement, as Ming-Yu Chen ‘performed’ Chinese calligraphy (the art of writing) to create auspicious words and phrases, to wish us all well and bring lots of good luck.

The week culminated with the two Big Kindy classes coming together to sing a Chinese song of celebration and to share a delicious feast of Chinese dumplings cooked for us by the parents under the direction of Lisa, (Leah’s Mum) and Grace, (Jensen’s Mum).

Summer play at Preschool

15 Feb 2023

It's been a wonderful start to the new preschool year, with children, parents and teachers making the most of summer and engaging in supportive and adventurous activities.

The warm weather has encouraged garden and water play - digging trenches, sifting sand, and catching water from the pipe.

On a cooler day, the children took to the park in search of cicada shells, a much loved summer tradition and a beautiful lesson in life cycles.

Some very cute and fury members visited preschool, and the children enjoyed cuddles and care with some leaf munching Guinea pigs.

For some indoor fun, the children explored wet on wet watercolour painting. The painting process is taught with a told story about a little brush who went to visit the coloured house and the teacher demonstrates for learning through imitation. At the beginning of the year we work with one colour at a time for the child to really experience each colour. Yellow last week, blue this week and then yellow and blue combined to experience making green.

We thank our parents for joining us for morning tea preparation - a lovely activity to support the transition and arrival at Preschool. Helping, imitation and creating meaningful work.

If you know a family with children aged 3-5 years who are interested in Preschool, please share our upcoming tours on March 4 & 21.

Visit Preschool Tours

Yr 8 Main Lesson - The Renaissance

15 Feb 2023

Blackboard Art by Raphaela Mazzone, Yr 8 Teacher

ISD Basketball Carnival

14 Feb 2023

Our first sports carnival of the year is always met with great excitement and this weeks ISD Basketball Carnival was no exception.
Our ISD (Independent Sydney and Districts Secondary School Sport Association) has grown to 17 schools of which 12 were in attendance at the Bankstown Basketball Stadium. Our students were supported by PDHPE Teacher & Co-curricular Organiser, Jonas Stoebe.

It was a very busy day for all schools and teams as they played in two pools on many courts. As many of the participating schools have students from diverse cultural backgrounds or are international schools, these carnivals provide an opportunity beyond the sports context to connect and relate to a culturally diverse group.

Both our boys and girls teams did very well by coming third in their respective draws just missing out on a spot in the semi finals.

For students attending our sports carnivals, it provides a potential pathway to zone or state level carnivals. Yr 12 student, Jessica W was nominated in the ISD Basketball team to represent our school at the AICES Basketball Championships later this term!
We want to congratulate Jessica on this great honour.

Our relatively small school can be proud of the achievements of the individuals that sign up for the carnivals. They are often not pro players, just willing to give it a go and compete with friendly spirit on the courts or fields against formidable opposition. Further improving both their skills and their social ability as team players experiencing wins and losses.

Well done to all!

Yr 11 Visual Art Excursion

09 Feb 2023

On Friday 10th February, the Year 11 Art Visual Art Students attended Cockatoo Island, situated in Sydney Harbour, adjacent to Woolwich and Birchgrove, for an artist led plein air drawing workshop by Michael Herron, tying in with our term’s theme of Transience.

Cockatoo Island is known by the First Nations Peoples as Wareamah. It has had a layered past, since the arrival of the British, where it was used from 1839 as a convict jail. From 1871 to 1880 it was the site of an industrial school and reformatory for girls. It took on the pivotal role in Australia’s industrial and maritime history from1857. The growth of trade unions in Australia was largely due to the workers at Cockatoo Island. These workers fought for improved working conditions that led to reforms across the country. Although the island was shut and the workers left in 1991, their fighting spirit was maintained by activists, whose efforts were key in ensuring the site remained public.

The island is imbued with the rich fabric of the past, the rusted tin and voluminous halls, the sandstone walls with convict markings, geographically undulated with flats and a steep hill to traverse. The Sydney views are expansive and the harbour breeze sweeps along the east with a force.

The people who inhabited this island, who toiled, who tried to escape, the natural island that was overtaken with the built environment, all form to create a sense of transience.

The students were taken through a series of mark making discoveries with charcoal, pastel and ink exploring the solitary cranes towering and rusted. This gave the students a challenge to take in visually, feel the presence and create representations in broad expressive gestures.

The students will take these works back into the school studio and begin a discussion and reflect on their understanding and further unpack the theme. The looseness of the drawings will assist in the additional engagement with mark making to create their own interpretation of transience, through the observation and reinterpretation of the in situ still life arrangement in the classroom.

We look forward to sharing the completed still life works later in the term.

Yr 10 School Musical | AIDA – School Edition

09 Feb 2023

Tonight, our Year 10 students perform their final show of Aida: The School's Edition to a sold out crowd! It has been a magical week of performances and to echo the sentiment from Head of School, Diana Drummond it has been "a real lift for the soul".

Thank you to all the Year 10 parent volunteers and teachers for the hours of costume gathering, sewing, painting, making and cooking. Your dedication is very much appreciated! And thank you to the Glenaeon community for purchasing tickets and supporting our 2023 Year 10 cohort.

Thank you to Anna Street for these beautiful images!

First Assembly Class 3 - Year 12

08 Feb 2023

Our first Middle Cove Campus Assembly for 2023 was a great success as we welcomed Class 3 - Yr 12 students, teachers and staff to the Sylvia Brose Hall to gather.
We wished our Yr 12 students a wonderful final year at Glenaeon. And they then welcomed our littlest members to the Middle Cove Campus by handing a flower to the Class 3 students - a beautiful full-circle moment witnessed by all.
Head of School, Diana Drummond gave a poignant address with a reminder to "keep smiling at each other" as she congratulated the community on a smooth and welcoming return to school.
We were treated by not one, but two, musical interludes by talented students Mya Hill and Sophie Lewis - thank you for sharing your performances with us.
A great start to Term 1 and we look forward to gathering in the hall together across 2023.

Yr 8 Mural

08 Feb 2023

This stunning mural was created by Yr 8 teacher, Raphaela Mazzone and Yr 7 Guardian, Brendon Strobl to adorn the wall in the year 8 locker area.

Thank you for sharing your artistic talents with us!

ARTEXPRESS 2023 Selected Students

08 Feb 2023

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 students whose work sees them recognised in the NSW Govt ARTEXPRESS Exhibition.

ARTEXPRESS is an annual series of exhibitions of exemplary artworks created by New South Wales visual arts students for the Higher School Certificate examination, and Glenaeon students have once again shone their artistic skills and talent.

Our students, Pipi Joannou, Riley Macpherson and Olivia Pethard's works were 3 of just 266 selected out of 8000 students.

You can view works on the NSW Govt ARTEXPRESS Official website.

These works will be displayed in different venues in 2023:

Pipi’s work will be displayed at Hawkesbury Regional gallery

Riley’s work will be displayed at both the Olympic Armory Park and Bondi Pavilion

Olivia’s work will be displayed at The Glasshouse at Port Macquarie

Congratulations from Glenaeon!

Campus Improvements

08 Feb 2023

Over the summer break our dedicated maintenance and operations team did meaningful work on improving our wonderful campus facilities.

Before Term 1 gets ahead of us, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate these upgrades and thank those involved.

Our music and drama rooms got a much needed complete refurb, with brand new windows, paint, floors and walls.

Doors were replaced with glass doors to maximise natural light and bring the beautiful bush landscape in.

Outdoor Ed gained a dedicated space for equipment storage and office and the Middle Cove driveway was repaired and relayed.

It is so important as a school community to ensure a safe and well maintained environment to learn and create in. Our team have worked hard to complete these projects 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 and Sonny. Your hard work is so appreciated!

Invitation to the Welcome Soiree

03 Feb 2023

All Glenaeon Parents and Carers are warmly invited to attend our Welcome Soiree event, hosted by Head of School Diana Drummond on Friday 10th February 5pm-7pm at our Middle Cove campus. This event gives new and existing families the chance to meet, mingle and develop connections and friendships within our growing school community. This is a standup, cocktail style event for parents only. No students are permitted to attend. Dress code "Neat Casual". So come along and enjoy the great company, music, drinks and canapes!

REMINDER: All guests to RSVP by 5pm on Sunday 5th of February via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CFIDZ

Year 10 Surfing

03 Feb 2023

It may have been the first day back at school, but that didn't stop our year 10 students from spending it at the beach. The sun was shining on Collaroy Beach where the year 10 PDHPE program took to the sand and sea to enjoy a surfing lesson.
The conditions were calm and favorable for a fun and interactive session in partnership with the friendly and supportive team at Manly Surf School.

Our water sport program builds on physical and emotional skills with a focus on beach safety, risk management, independence and resilience. It is a chance for students to experience the brilliant natural environment of the beach and build confidence in the water in a safe and supportive way.
Whether the students are regular surfers or have never been on a wave, it's about giving it a go and every student celebrated their achievements - and a few nose dives along the way!

Welcome Soiree wrap up

03 Feb 2023

Last Friday evening, we were delighted to formally welcome our community to the 2023 school year.

We celebrated with a soiree hosted by Head of School, Diana Drummond at our Middle Cove campus.

Thank you to Peter Candotti, Chair of the Board for your address and introducing our Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Board members who were present.

Thank you also to Warwick Brown and Sabine Simmons, Co-Chairs of the GPA for your words on the night.

It was a lovely chance for new and existing members of our community to make meaningful connections over drinks, canapes, and entertainment - thank you, Joe Littlefield for providing the tunes.

We were thrilled to say it was our best turnout to date and we thank our parents, carers, teachers and staff for joining us for a wonderful night.

First Day 2023

02 Feb 2023

The sun was shining as our Head of School, Diana Drummond, Deputy Head of School, Dani Finch (K-6) and Deputy Head of School, Yura Totsuka (7-12) warmly welcomed our students and families to the new school year.
We hope everyone enjoyed their first school day of 2023 and we can't wait to see what this new chapter at Glenaeon holds for you all.

Thank you Flock Care Families

01 Feb 2023

The animals at Glenaeon are an important part of the emotional/social well being of some of the students. As domestics they require physical care daily.

15 families were rostered for a total of 54 days of the holiday period at the Middle Cove Campus. Families came to clean, water and feed the chickens and duck daily.
The summer's extreme weather of heat and wet, locked school gates, flock predators and the sheer responsibility often made the volunteer task an adventure.The families represent the spread of our Glenaeon community: from Playgroup through Preschool and Kindergarten to Primary and High School.
The helpers include graduates, grandparents and friends of the parents and students too.

We are so glad to have an abundance of flowers and vegetables that families can harvest (in addition to the eggs ) to take home after their shift.

Many of these families are wanting to continue this care during the weekends because their children enjoyed the meaningful activity and became attached to the flock and their beautiful garden setting.

Please contact Sandra Frain on S.Frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au with enquiries.

Open Day 2023 - 1 Week To Go!

31 Jan 2023

With just one week to go, we are delighted to confirm our highlights for Glenaeon Open Day 2023:

Visual Arts display
See a Blacksmithing class in action
Ceramics work display
Coding and IT at Glenaeon
Discover ‘The Cove’ a PDHPE health & wellbeing program build specifically for Year 9 students
Primary School work display
Chat with our award-winning Outdoor Education program teachers
Witness our Year 10 Musical AIDA - School Edition rehearsals take place in the Sylvia Brose Hall
Visit the Biodynamic garden and Outdoor classroom
Learn about our new Japanese immersion Playgroup
Browse the school supplies and earth-friendly products on offer from Grassroots EcoStore
Enjoy a barista coffee from the Gentle Café

Please join us next Friday, 24th March 9:00-11:00am Middle Cove Campus.
All welcome! Register at www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/openday

Open Day 2023

27 Jan 2023

JOIN US FOR OPEN DAY
FRIDAY 24 MARCH 9am-11am

Thank you for your interest in a Glenaeon education. We look forward to welcoming you to our Open Day.

This is a great opportunity to discover how a Glenaeon education equips students with the foundation they need to lead a life of character and contribution.

Where: Middle Cove Campus, 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove

When: FRIDAY 24 MARCH, 9am to 11am

REGISTER TODAY

Discover Glenaeon:

· Looping courtesy bus to take you from nearby parking direct to campus

· View main buildings and facilities including Classrooms, Playgrounds, Sylvia Brose Hall, Biodynamic Garden and Outdoor Classroom, Libraries, Ovals, D&T facilities, Art Studio, Science Lab and more

· Meet our Head of School, Diana Drummond

· Meet our Deputy Head of School Classes K-6, Dani Finch

· Meet our Deputy Head of School Years 7-12, Yura Totsuka

· Meet and talk with our Year 11 Captains

· Opportunity to talk and ask questions of key teachers and Heads of Department

· Student work displays including Main Lesson books

· View student artworks in the Art Studio

· Discover the extensive Co-Curricular program

· Learn how students are warmly supported and integrated when they begin their Glenaeon journey

· Discover our award-winning Outdoor Education program

· Receive a Prospectus Pack

· Browse the Grassroots Eco Store pop up shop

· Enjoy a barista coffee from The Gentle Café

· Chat with our Enrolments Registrar and much more!

Enquiries: Please contact our Enrolments Registrar on +61 2 94173193 or email enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

If you are ready to apply, go to https://enquiry.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/student/enrolment/

Japanese Immersion playgroup

27 Jan 2023

We are delighted to officially launch our Japanese Immersion Playgroup on Monday 9:30-11:30am at our Castlecrag Campus.
This playgroup will follow the 'family style' model of Glenaeon's other Playgroups: Birth to 5 years with song, story, baking and shared morning tea picnic with adult discussion.

This Japanese-English bilingual playgroup will be led by educator Naoko Murphy, who will deliver a unique playgroup experience that embraces Japanese culture and language. Siblings of children who attend Glenaeon School or families from our wider community are all welcome.

We have spaces available in all playgroup sessions across Castlecrag and Willoughby campuses. To view our flyer click here.

To book or enquire, please email playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au or phone: 02 9932 2340. We look forward to welcoming you.

Apply now for Preschool 2023 - limited places!

10 Dec 2022

Preschool has limited places available for 2023. Applications are now open. Interested families should call Preschool to speak with Preschool staff or arrange a private tour now to avoid missing out. Call 02 9412 5547

Christmas shopping events at Grassroots Eco Store

10 Dec 2022

The shop is brimming with sustainable Christmas gift ideas for all ages, lots of fun stocking fillers and festive craft materials for holiday projects and homemade gift-giving.

Although this is the last week of our regular school term opening hours, we will be open for some special Christmas shopping events in the lead up to Christmas.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING:
Saturday 10 December 10am - 3pm
Thursday 15 December 2pm - 6pm
Saturday 17 December 10am - 3pm
Thursday 22 December 2pm - 6pm

(Along with our usual school term opening hours until 9 December) Check the website for up-to-date opening hours.

Shop online anytime throughout the holidays: grassrootsecostore.com.au with free local delivery available.

Thank you for your support of Grassroots Eco Store throughout the year. Wishing you a magical and creative festive season!

SAVE THE DATE: Back to School Shopping Day - Saturday 28 January, 2023

Prepare for the new school year and stock up on school essentials before the beginning of Term 1, 2023. The new Service NSW Back To School Vouchers can be used at Grassroots Eco Store for your back to school items.

Thank you for shopping locally. 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.

Farewell

10 Dec 2022

This piece will be my last View from the Hill, so it is with very mixed feelings that I write these words. Glenaeon is a hard place to leave: it’s a wonderful community and the combination of professional and personal ties run very deep. Add to that the profound sense of being embedded in Nature every day, and you have the essential shape of a meaningful life.

The teachers, parents and students who embrace the school’s culture may sometimes feel it’s a road less travelled, but the rewards are rich and fulfilling, and the student outcomes can be outstanding. I offer my deep thanks to all those who share our common path, whether teacher, parent or student, and look forward to that path continuing on into a successful future.

It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to be Head of School at Glenaeon, and to play a part in the unfolding story of this great school. Our heritage is a unique and remarkable one among schools, and we all play a part in carrying that heritage.

I am deeply grateful to so many people who have supported my work and the school. Liz Nevieve and Dani Finch and my colleagues on the Executive team, Peter Candotti and the Directors on the Board, Warwick Brown and Sabine Simmonds of the GPA, the Class Parents and so many others. We have built a resilient community and one of which we can be proud.

Next year I look forward to reading, from afar, Diana Drummond’s The Drum which will head up this space in the Newsletter. Diana will be bringing her great experience and expertise to Glenaeon and I look forward to seeing the school grow to greater achievements with her leadership.

I wish all families a restful and refreshing Christmas, and blessings for a happy and successful future.

Glenaeon Playgroup Registrations for 2023 are now open!

10 Dec 2022

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 an expert Steiner Early Childhood Educator who guides the group through a two-hour dynamic session including adult discussion. Stories and songs, circle activities and free-play both indoor and out reflect 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 Sandra Frain, Nancy Amini, Natalie Choo and Naoko Murphy are Professional Steiner Early Childhood Educators with a wealth of experience creating dynamic educational programs for all ages.

Weekly sessions Monday - Friday 9:30am-11:30am
Castlecrag Campus
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag

Monday 9:30am-11:30am Wednesday 9am-11am
Willoughby Campus
118 Sydney Street, Willoughby

Bookings Now Open
Willoughby Campus
Mondays 30th January until 3rd April for 10 weeks $300 for TERM 1
Wednesdays 1st February until 5th April for 10 weeks $300 for TERM 1

Castlecrag Campus
*Mondays 6th February until Monday 3rd April for 9 weeks = $270 for TERM 1 (JAPANESE IMMERSION)
Tuesdays 7th February until 4th April for 9 weeks =$270 for TERM 1
Wednesdays 1st February until 5th April for 10 weeks $300 for TERM 1
Thursdays 2nd February until 30th March for 9 weeks $270 for TERM 1
Fridays 3rd February until 31st March for 9 weeks $270 for TERM 1

Fee $30 per session: Payment per TERM
Siblings receive a 50% discount on fee, and a sibling of a Playgroup enrolled child under the age of 12 months is free.
To book, enquire or add your child’s name to the waitlist, please email playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au or phone: 02 9932 2340

Glenaeon launches a Japanese Immersion Playgroup for 2023

10 Dec 2022

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School is delighted to announce the launching of a Japanese Immersion Playgroup Mondays at Castlecrag Campus 9:30-11:30: led by Playgroup Educator Naoko Murphy.

This playgroup will follow the ‘family style’ model of Glenaeon’s other Playgroups: Birth to 5 years with song, story, baking and shared morning tea picnic with adult discussion. All families are welcome with preference to families with a sibling who currently attends Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School.

グレネオンでは、新しく日英バイリンガルのプレイグループがスタートすることになりました。２０２３年２月６日から４月３日の９週間、９:３０−１１：３０、Castlecragキャンパスにて行われます。担当は、なおこ先生です。

グレネオンのプレイグループとして、この日英バイリンガルのプレイグループは「ファミリースタイル」モデルで行われます。０歳の赤ちゃんから5歳の子供たちと、その家族が対象です。歌、お話しの時間、パン作りに、みんなで囲むおやつの時間。晴れた日にはキャンパス内でピクニック、そして大人同士のディスカッションの時間もあります。グレネオンシュタイナースクールに通っているお子さまの兄弟も、他の家族の皆さまも、ぜひ一緒に時間を過ごしましょう！

To book, enquire or add your child’s name to the waitlist, please email playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au or phone: 02 9932 2340

Shepherds' Play

10 Dec 2022

Each year, following in the traditions of the earliest Waldorf/Steiner schools, Glenaeon teachers rehearse and perform one of the Oberufer Christmas plays. The form of theatre illustrated in the Shepherds’ Play developed during the Medieval period and plays of this kind are known as Mystery Plays. Singing binds both scripted and non-scripted action, and viewing the performance is always a lovely way to enter into the Christmas season.

These events celebrate the concept of ‘new beginnings’. At this time of year, while we draw on Christian traditions, we also consciously focus on an inclusive picture of ‘birth’ as one that highlights not external events but instead mirrors our inner experiences, experiences we feel when new capacities, possibilities and opportunities arise in our lives.

This year, our wonderful teachers gifted our students, parents and the wider community, three wonderful performances.

Enjoy these images taken at the High School performance on Thursday. Our thanks and appreciation to the teachers, staff and students who took to the stage, sang in the choir, or worked behind the scenes.

Class 5 work published in a book!

10 Dec 2022

Class 5 students had their work published in a new book titled, “Little Species, Big Stories”

Their poems, stories, comics and drawings were chosen from many submissions from other Class 5 students in the local area to be entered into a Wildlife Story book series. These books are distributed over the entire council area and added to libraries and also made available free online.

Well done to our wonderful Class 5 students whose work was selected: Thea, Bugsy, Josefine and Billy.

Thanks to teacher and librarian, Lynne Collett for coordinating.

You can read more about the program here and link to buy copies of the book:

https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-and-media/Willoughby%E2%80%99s-tiny-creatures-inspire-our-youngest-generation

Carol Service

10 Dec 2022

Well, what a beautiful evening it was! Our much delayed Carol Service, finally arriving in 2022, was one to savour, all the more so because of the long wait. The students held the mood so well and consistently through the entire performance, so much appreciated by the very large crowd of families and former parents, and former students. It was a perfectly calm end to a still disrupted year and sets the course for a hopefully calm and inward mood for the Christmas season.

To all involved, a huge thank you for the work and organisation that went into this very successful festival performance, and thank you to all those in the community that joined together.

Christmas giving

10 Dec 2022

Thank you to all the Glenaeon families that donated gifts for those less fortunate, which we collected under the Christmas Tree in our Middle Cove reception. These presents will be dropped off to Kmart's Wishing Tree to be passed on to families in need, supported by The Salvation Army. Thank you to the donors for your kindness and generosity.

Congratulations to Year 7 student Arlo Temple - A National History Winner!

10 Dec 2022

Year 7 student Arlo Temple has been announced a National winner in the National History Challenge.

Arlo had an incredible time with the National History Challenge in Canberra recently. He displayed his model and project in Parliament House and local member for North Sydney Kylea Tink kindly made a special point of coming to see him. Education Minister Jason Clare handed out the awards and made a mention of Arlo's model. Arlo was also very fortunate on the Sunday to be part of a private tour by the heads of a number of our big institutions including the Museum of Democracy, The Australian War Memorial, and was given access to some fascinating artefacts.

The National History Challenge has turned out to be a great opportunity for Arlo and all interested students are encouraged to get involved and be supported.

You can view all winners here: https://historychallenge.org.au/2022-winners/ and Arlo’s work here: https://wisteria-sapphire-r5h2.squarespace.com/

Congratulations Arlo!

Glenaeon Vacation Care Dec 2022-Jan 2023 BOOK NOW!

10 Dec 2022

Parents can get more info and Enrol and book on our website at http://www.glenaeonoosh.com.au/holiday-care-bookings.html

Emails to glenaeonoosh@gmail.com

Click to download the full flyer

Year 8 Projects showcase

10 Dec 2022

Students in Year 8 worked on a yearlong Project giving each the opportunity to delve into an area of interest, further a passion, develop a new skill and watch a project come to fruition.

Once they decided what their project was going to be, every student kept a journal of their experience through writing, drawing, photography and/or film; and recorded and documented their ideas, thoughts, successes, and failures along the way. The Project process was also submitted at the end of the project as evidence and summarised on a poster which makes up part of the final display.

This year’s Year 8 Projects were showcased in October, put on display in the Sylvia Brose Hall at Middle Cove campus, with some outstanding results from portraits, creation of magazines, a nature fragrance, artful phone cases, learning how to freestyle crochet, macrame to making a ball gown to creating an adjustable mountain bike jump construction kit, writing books, writing and recording music, creating a film and constructing a mobile bike ramp and surfboards.

The Year 8 project gives students the opportunity to project manage, in their own way, and use their initiative, and creativity and to a big degree self-manage over an extended period of time.

Well done to all Year 8s on their magnificent efforts over the whole year!

Class 5 performed a favourite Greek Myth, Theseus

10 Dec 2022

Play performance provides an opportunity for the students to really work together as a team. Delivering your lines in a way that can be heard and understood by an audience, is only one aspect to a performance.

Working together on scene changes, preparing props , backdrops and costumes is all part of a greater experience that binds the class together forming bonds of fun, trust and responsibility.

Congratulations Class 5 on a stellar performance that was satisfying for participants and the audience.

Kindergartens Advent Festival

10 Dec 2022

At the end of each year in the Kindergarten we celebrate our Advent Festival with a beautiful and very moving sharing of our Christmas Circle. The angelic voices of the children accompanied by simple heartfelt gestures tell the story of Mother Mary’s journey as she receives both the heavenly and the earthly gifts that are bestowed on the Child that is born on Earth. The children have a natural affinity to this story that in many ways recapitulates the Birthday story that has been told for each child in the Kindergarten, a story in which each child hears of their unique journey to earth and of the heavenly and earthly gifts that are lovingly bestowed upon them as they are welcomed to their earthly abode. Big Kindergarten is also decorated with beautiful wax Christmas stars - as individual as the children that made them!

Class 1 Play - Briar Rose

10 Dec 2022

Class 1 performed the story of "Briar Rose" for their play. They had learned and rehearsed all the songs, music and words a beautiful castle set with a wall of roses that grew as the princess slept for 100 years. She is awakened by a prince and the celebration begins. With Class Teacher Jamie Loftus, it was a beautiful colourful and wonderful play. Thank you Class 1!

Bus Driver Gary Watson retires

10 Dec 2022

Gary Watson is not only our bus driver on the Dulwich Hill route but also the manager of the Glenaeon Buses. He is retiring after 12 years of loyal and dedicated service to Glenaeon with North Sydney Bus Charters company. He celebrated this week with families on his bus route, children making him cards, a banner, giving gifts and recognition at the Glenaeon Staff Dinner. We will miss Gary's many hats, Crazy Hat Days on the bus, flowers he gives to all mothers on Mothers' Day and bus parties at the end of terms! Gary will be greatly missed and we wish him well in retirement! Thank you to all of our wonderful bus drivers - Anton, Lee, Steve, Mosen, Paul, Vince and their manager Gary for the safe and careful carriage of our children who come from as far as Maroubra, Avalon, Dulwich Hill and Balmain.

Honouring Andrew

10 Dec 2022

Over 150 people gathered this week at the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall at Castlecrag to thank, honour and bid farewell to Andrew Hill after 28 years of service to the Glenaeon Community, with 14 years as Head of School. Board Chair Peter Candotti spoke, followed by Warwick Brown and Sabine Simmons, Co-Chairs of the GPA, and then teacher Donna Miller read a series of letters and heartfelt messages from former students and teachers, as well special guest speaker, David Chapman who shared his own emotional and humorous tribute. "Andrew always inspired us to take wonder in everything we did. He made each of us in his class feel special. His endless creativity and care for us will live on forever....he was there for me, and I am eternally grateful. It made the world of difference to me, and you have shaped the individual I have become today. Thank you Andrew."

Andrew then took to the floor, to thank his family, with his daughter by his side, the Board and former Board members for the "honour of a lifetime" it has been service the community he loves so much. Thank you Andrew, for your leadership and contribution, you have inspired so many meaningful lives.

Year 8 bushwalk into Earth Stewardship program

10 Dec 2022

Year 8 students ventured out to Coonabarabran and visited the Warrumbungles with the Outdoor Ed team. The trip is linked with the Year 8 Main Lesson on Earth Stewardship.

The Year 8 Earth Stewardship program is a new component of Glenaeon’s Outdoor and Environmental Education curriculum for years 7-12. This program has been developed to support the Earth Stewardship main lesson through providing a practical immersive experience that explores different aspects of the Earth as a ‘living organism’, human impacts, and the ways in which humans can support and facilitate the restoration of the Earth’s natural processes.

Amongst bushwalking and other activities the students explored the biosphere, to discover the important role insects play in the environment. The students were introduced to beekeeping and explored all aspects of hive life. Students also surveyed the insects found on the property and looked at the indicator species for healthy environments.

It was a wonderful experience for all student to connect with nature, and to further develop skills that were introduced earlier in the year, learning to be self -reliant and support others. Students enjoyed working effectively in groups, taking responsibility, preparing their own food and looking after one another.

Class 6 Graduates

10 Dec 2022

Class 6 celebrated finishing primary school with their Class Teacher Katherine Arconati in true style with a wonderful dinner and evening on the deck at the school's Gentle Cafe. Under fairy lit tables, they enjoyed a lovely meal together, catered by parent Nick, with speeches, thanks and a stunning set of songs by the students in the Amphitheatre. On another day, they enjoyed a beautiful bushwalk though the northern suburbs, ending at Clontarf Beach - they swam at three beaches in one day! On the last day of school they enjoyed a sushi and ice-cream lunch at school and farewelled a wonderful six years with their Class Teacher. Parents and families spoke of the wonderful experience and journey their children have had at Glenaeon during their primary years and class teacher period, as they now look forward to joining the High School in 2023. During the last week of term, all classes moved rooms to their new 'year' and spent the last day already 'in Year 7'!

Year 7 sails the high seas

10 Dec 2022

Year 7s enjoyed the thrill of sailing on Sydney Harbour with a Tall Ship experience on South Passage. One group sailed to Manly, the other to Watson's Bay. Students learned the ropes and found their sea legs. It was a wonderful excursion on another stunning Sydney day!

Year 9 Bundanon Art & Outdoor Ed trip

10 Dec 2022

The Year 9 Art Program is an exciting element of our Year 9 Curriculum; a canoeing journey on the Shoalhaven River for three days which culminates in artistic workshops at Bundanon for two days. The majority of the art making takes place at Bundanon and Riversdale, the two former properties of the painter Arthur Boyd, which on his death he made available to the general public for educational purposes. The students were accommodated at Riversdale, in the wonderful education centre building designed by Glenn Murcutt.

The aim of the canoeing part of the program, aside from the wilderness experience and the activity of canoeing itself, is to research the river environment artistically. Photographs and drawings completed in the first three days of the program provided the material for the workshops the students took part in during the last two days, at Riversdale Education Centre.

The resulting artworks were exhibited at the Sylvia Brose Hall at Castlecrag just recently and families were able to attend the exhibition opening night and enjoy the works so beautifully created by the students. Huge thanks to our Art Department and Outdoor Ed team for bringing this program together for our students.

Second-hand Uniform Shop Open Hours in the Holidays

09 Dec 2022

Our second-hand uniform shop, located next door to the Class 6 classroom at Middle Cove will be open during the holidays as follows:

2022
MON 12th December 2pm-3:30pm
TUE 13th December 2pm–3:30pm
WED 14th December 9:30am – 11am

2023
MON 23rd January 2-3pm
TUE 31st January 2-3pm

Please note that the cut off date for orders from Oz Fashion is Wednesday 14 December 2022.

Glenaeon Campus Holiday open times

08 Dec 2022

Middle Cove Reception Hours in the holidays

12 December 2022 to 23 December 2022 open from 9am-3pm
24 December 2022 to 8 January 2023 Closed
9 January 2023 to 25 January 2023 open from 9am-3pm
27 January 2023 to 31 January 2023 open from 9am-4pm
Term 1 starts 1 February 2023 open from 8am-5pm

Castlecrag Reception Hours in the holidays

10 December 2022 to 30 January 2023 Closed
Term 1 starts 1 February 2023 open from 8.30am-3:30pm

Preschool Willoughby Hours in the holidays

Term 4 ends Friday 9 December 2022
Vacation Care until 13 December 2022
14 December 2022 to 16 January 2023 Closed
Vacation Care from 16 January 2023 - 27 January 2023
Term 1 starts 30 January 2023 open from 8am-4:30pm

Glenaeon wins the 2022 'Free the Funk Tips' School Challenge

18 Nov 2022

Glenaeon recently entered the 2022 Free the Funk Schools Challenge – a competition run by Not for Profit OneWave, which delivers 'Free the Funk’ programs in primary schools, secondary schools and universities to raise awareness of mental health. Tackling issues by encouraging early intervention, connection and conversations to save lives, they share tips and tools that young people can use throughout their lives.

Year 9’s through The Cove Program, entered as part of their learning around well-being and the activities they do in the program and…drumroll……we WON!

The Cove, a wellbeing program targeted at Year 9 sees the whole cohort meet at school at 7:30am on a Thursday. Students are immersed in the bush, running, walking, participate in outdoor yoga and team building games to encourage connection and wellbeing. There are lots of circle discussions during this early hour while sitting in nature. Because the campus is in nature it is used as the main tool to free the funk! During The Cove, students made and painted the leaves after brainstorming individual recipes for supporting mental health.

Take a look at our students work – tips for supporting mental health painted on leaves. This is an installation which hangs from the ceiling above the tables near the Gentle Café as a constant reminder to students of ways they can look after their mental health.

Leaf of Faith - Year 9 students, 2022

‘The Coves’ wellbeing tree acknowledging recipes for mental health. The use of fluro colours to make visible these vital and important messages of care that we all need to bring into our lives. The metaphor of the branch as the ‘tree of life’ – that we all have the tools to live our best lives.

Huge thanks to Donna Miller and Jonas Stoebe for supporting the group on their entry, and well done to the students for their fine work and creativity, but mostly for taking the time to discuss mental health and wellbeing.

The prizes value at over $3,300 will be put to good use at school. Thank you to OneWave and its program sponsors Bupa Foundation and Billabong.

Congrats ArtExpress Nominees

18 Nov 2022

Congratulations to the following Glenaeon students whose work from the HSC Visual Arts Showcase has been nominated for ARTEXPRESS!

ARTEXPRESS features a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the art-making component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts in 2022 and provides insight into students’ creativity and the issues important to them. There are approximately 6,000 works sent in and only 50 are selected for ARTEXPRESS across NSW.

Well done to:

Olivia Pethard Brutal Beauty
Pipi Joannou At a Price
Riley MacPherson Are we there yet?

Jazz Cafe - a night to remember

18 Nov 2022

On Wednesday evening, November 2, an audience made up of Glenaeon parents, relatives and friends were treated to an evening of superb Jazz at the school’s Jazz Café, organised by a committee made up of members of the school’s music staff, and three parents: Melony Browell, Sabine Simmonds and Ally Seymour-Smith.

Throughout the evening, in a hall suitably decorated by parents and children, and seated around candle-lit tables, the audience was entertained by the twenty-nine musicians that, together, make up the school’s co-curricular wind ensembles: our Big Band, under the direction of Phil Arnold, our Concert Band, under the direction of Christine Young, and our Jazz Combo, under the direction of Adriaan Mees.

They were joined by two ‘pop-up’ groups: a clarinet ensemble, directed by Christine Young, and a saxophone ensemble led by Joshua Willard, as well as two solo items: a vocal solo from Ava Keys and a saxophone solo by Riley Brown.

In addition to enjoying the superb music, audience members were able to purchase a two-course dinner made up of delicious home-made soup and bread, and a dessert of petit fours and an abundant raffle basket of delicious gourmet food. As a result of this, and supplemented by a generous donation of $750 by Anthony Browell, $2,711.50 was raised towards the purchase of equipment for the school’s co-curricular ensembles.

It has been almost three and a half years since the school’s first Jazz Café in pre-covid 2019, and the packed hall of enthusiastic relatives and friends showed just how much the Glenaeon community appreciated the opportunity to, once again, experience the achievements of the school’s growing co-curricular music program.

The school’s music staff wish to sincerely thank the music students for their outstanding commitment, Evan Sanders, for his contribution throughout the process and on the night, and all who contributed to the success of the evening in any way. In particular, we want to thank the parent support committee for their tireless efforts in producing what we hope will be the first of many such musical occasions.

Secret Lives of Glenaeon Birds

18 Nov 2022

Our resident Ornithologist Dr Stanley Tang, also our Assistant Head Of School (Senior Studies) Science, Mathematics Teacher and High School Mentor, was invited to participate in the filming of an upcoming episode of the Secret Lives of Urban Birds for ABC Science program, Catalyst – the Sydney version. You can watch the Melbourne episode here: https://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/the-secret-lives-of-our-urban-birds/13734884.

Five Glenaeon students ably assisted Stanley to capture and tag birds (bird banding) in North Arm Reserve adjacent to the Middle Cove campus as part of the filming plan. Stanley was interviewed by the ABC presenter Dr Ann Jones. The episode will go to air in 2023.

Thanks to Max (Year 7), Hayden (Year 8), Nathan (Year 11), Anouk (Year 11), Jolan (Year 11) for flying into this project and the early wake up call with such enthusiasm!

Class 2 visit Middle Cove - Class 3 Orientation

18 Nov 2022

Class 2 children bush walked to Middle Cove for their Class 3 Orientation Day as in 2023 they will move campuses for Class 3! With enthusiastic parents accompanying them, they toured the Middle Cove campus and were hosted by Class Teacher Rodney Dean and the students in Class 3. The children spent time together in the classroom before heading down to explore the Gentle Cafe area and further on to the garden to meet Sandra Frain, whom they know from gardening classes up at Castlecrag Campus and Preschool. It was an enjoyable visit and then embarked on a long, strong bushwalk back to Castecrag Campus, returning to playrgup schedule.

Class 5 intrepid travel to the Blue Mountains

18 Nov 2022

In mid-September, Class 5 embarked on an adventurous, resilience-building, camp experience. Although our camp was cold, wet and muddy, it was heartening to observe the group's upbeat and positive attitude.

In line with our Australian History Main Lesson, we followed the path trekked by Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson in 1813, who were the first European settlers, to successfully navigate a path across the Blue Mountains. Their exploration over the ridges and through the dense bushland of the mountains led to the discovery of fertile plains beyond. This opened the potential for an expansion of valuable farming land for the fledgling, Sydney settlement.

Under the expert guidance of our intrepid camp leader Scottie and his support team, Greg and Kai, we explored some beautiful pockets of the National Park. The school camp experience is designed to unite the class, strengthen bonds, encourage an appreciation and respect for the natural world and build resilience by stretching the boundaries of our usual, comfortable life. I think our camp ticked all those boxes.

Thanks to Dawn P for the photos.

Year 8 Shakespeare Festival

18 Nov 2022

Year 8 have been working on three Shakespeare comedies - Much Ado About Nothing (Director Elizabeth Nevieve), Taming of the Shrew (Director Brenton Fletcher) and Twelfth Night (Director Tommy Green). They shared a festival with parents and friends in an evening in the Sylvia Brose Hall at Middle Cove campus - families brought nibbles and enjoyed the three comedic productions in a row. Well done, Year 8 -it was a wonderful night of entertaining drama!

Castlecrag faces at the Fair

18 Nov 2022

The Glenaeon Fair transformed our campus into a playground at another level - with wonderful activities for children, entertainment stage, food and fun for all. Thank you to all families who contributed to making it the most wonderful day after a hiatus due to COVID.

Glenaeon Movember

17 Nov 2022

The month of November isn’t just for celebrating thanksgiving and another impending La Niña summer, it’s also for supporting men’s health and questionable facial hair! Movember is a charity with a focus on promoting, funding, and changing the face of men’s health.

“Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons. A growing number of men – around 10.8M globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides. Movember is uniquely placed to address this crisis on a global scale. We fund ground-breaking projects all over the world, engaging men where they are to understand what works best and accelerate change.”

Some of our lovely Glenaeon teachers and support staff are sporting their Mo’s for the month of November to raise awareness and funds to support this fantastic organisation.

If anyone would like to donate to the cause, go to: https://au.movember.com/team/2427685

Marion Mahony Griffin Lecture this Sunday

17 Nov 2022

The Walter Burley Griffin Society will be holding its Marion Mahony Griffin Lecture in our Marion Mahony Griffin Hall next Sunday 20th November. There was a recent exhibition in the National Archives of Australia which featured a large mural that Marion painted in 1932 in the hallway of the George B. Armstrong Elementary School in Chicago (see pic). Her sister was a teacher there at the time, and on Marion’s return to the US for a short period she spent some time completing this remarkable mural as a gift to the school. It’s still there!

We have arranged to have a reproduction made on poly canvas that can be hung for special occasions, such as this lecture, on the walls of our Hall. The canvas enables the mural to be rolled up and stored during normal Hall use. Former Director Malcolm Day and Joy Day are very kindly assisting in the project, and it strengthens our connection with the Burley Griffin heritage, and Castlecrag, and Marion’s origins in Chicago. Glenaeon Teacher Glennis Mowday has visited the Armstrong school and viewed the mural.

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CDTDD

Ahoy there Preschool!

17 Nov 2022

At Preschool, our new boat arrived on Friday and on Saturday Tim (Owen’s dad), Ben (Yolandi’s dad) and Mike (Axel’s dad) came and helped screw it together and glue it. How lucky we are to have such help? Tim and Ben can be seen below finishing up around 7pm! Noel will varnish it and make a base. Our thanks to these very kind parents.

Apply now for Preschool 2023

17 Nov 2022

Preschool has announced a final tour for prospective 2023 families taking place on Thursday 1 December at 11am. To make a booking click HERE.

Special Thanks to Anthony Browell

17 Nov 2022

The school wishes to acknowledge and thank Anthony Browell for his recent, and generous donation.

Anthony’s art piece was exhibited in the recent Art Show over the Family Fair weekend earlier this month, and sold for $1,000 raising $250 for the school, and he very kindly decided to give the remaining proceeds to the school’s Music Department.

Our School, and our Music Department is extremely grateful for this kind support.

Class 1 Garden with Rod and Sandra

17 Nov 2022

Class 1 had a visitor - Rob Greatholder from Warrah Farm - come to work and learn with them during Gardening Class with teacher Sandra Frain this week. Rob came to see how we teach gardening at Glenaeon and to share his own experiences from Warrah Farm. Rob brought organic seedlings, ready to plant out with the children and they got straight to work! Rob was Warrah’s Farm Manager for 6 years before moving into his current role co-ordinating Warrah’s social therapeutic horticulture programs. Rob has been farming and gardening for the last 15 years and has a Diploma of Biodynamic Agriculture from the UK. He has worked in different parts of the world, on broad acre biodynamic farms and market gardens, to 1 acre no-dig permaculture models and off-grid community reforestation projects. He is also an experienced guest speaker on horticulture. Thank you Rob for coming to garden and learn with Class 1 and Gardening teacher Sandra Frain! A warm than you always to parent volunteer Guchi Guevara who assists in Gardening lessons every week at our Castlecrag Campus. See : https://warrahfarmshop.org.au/.Warrah Farm also has a wonderful Fruit & Veggie Coop that delivers boxes to our Castlecrag and Middle Cove Campuses every Tuesday afternoon. Families receive top quality organic and biodynamic produce, while supporting a fellow Steiner organisation. Warrah Society is a disability services organisation with its own certified biodynamic farm in Dural. Warrah-grown produce is supplemented with fresh produce and other goods supplied by certified organic producers. Warrah’s Specialist School and Discovery Program participants work on bagging salad mix and dry goods, weighing fruit and vegetables, packing boxes, loading the delivery van and assisting with deliveries to various collection points in Sydney. All profits from the Farm Shop go towards Warrah’s disability services. Anyone interested in signing up for an order should send an email requesting more information to Debbie at wholesome@warrahfarmshop.org.au

Class 5 intrepid travel to the Blue Mountains

28 Oct 2022

In mid-September, class 5 embarked on an adventurous, resilience-building, camp experience. Although our camp was cold, wet, and muddy, it was heartening to observe the group's upbeat and positive attitude.

In line with our Australian History Main Lesson, we followed the path trekked by Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson in 1813, who were the first European settlers, to successfully navigate a path across the Blue Mountains. Their exploration over the ridges and through the dense bushland of the mountains led to the discovery of fertile plains beyond. This opened the potential for an expansion of valuable farming land for the fledgling, Sydney settlement.

Under the expert guidance of our intrepid camp leader Scottie and his support team, Greg and Kai, we explored some beautiful pockets of the National Park. The school camp experience is designed to unite the class, strengthen bonds, encourage an appreciation, and respect for the natural world and build resilience by stretching the boundaries of our usual, comfortable life. I think our camp ticked all those boxes.

The Story of Glenaeon @ Castlecrag

28 Oct 2022

With the Family Fair and Art Show fast returning, it seems that we are getting back to the way things have always been. But they haven’t always. Every time I step onto the Castlecrag campus, I breathe a small thank you for the story that enabled this beautiful little gem of a place to become part of Glenaeon. It was not always so…

I arrived at Glenaeon in 1994 as the new Class 1 teacher, and was told that I would be starting the first Class 1 on the Castlecrag campus. When I went to see my new classroom, there was a red barrier tape on the fence around the entire property with a sign saying Hands Off Our School. Child numbers in Castlecrag had dropped making the school unviable, so the NSW government had put it on the market, and the local community wasn’t too happy. Glenaeon saw the campus as an ideal way to take Kindergarten and Classes 1 and 2 out of Middle Cove, so the school named an offer, and it was accepted. But the negotiations took longer than anticipated.

So my Class 1 continued in what had been Class 1 at Middle Cove for 20 years, the classroom at Middle Cove that now houses Class 3. Kindergarten was directly above in what is now Class 5. We didn’t gain possession until the end of June, so that’s when we moved in.

The Infants School staff had walked out leaving literally everything. It was a mess!

Thus began what was probably the greatest “working bee” in the school’s history. For 20 consecutive days, from sun up until sun down, and sometimes much later, there were teachers and parents working on the campus: throwing out, cleaning, painting, planting and doing all the seemingly infinite number of jobs needed to get the school ready for the start of Term 3.

We just made it, with a lot of paint barely dry. There were just four staff: Peggy Day and Christine O’Neil were in Kindergarten, myself in Class 1 and John Rowan in Class 2. So Glenaeon’s new campus in Castlecrag got underway. There were no other staff: no assistants and no administrator. Teachers answered the phone and took messages. They were all big classes: each of the two primary classes had over 30 children each, as did Kindergarten. We did our own duties and supervised the playground. The only play equipment was the set of monkey bars. There were a few well established trees but not much else. Lindsay Sherrott worked hard to build the landscape, carefully planting and tending the hedge creating the boundary around the Kindergarten.

Regular working bees of teachers and parents continued with more painting, renovating and landscaping. Within a year or so, two parents in the high school (Tom Renton a builder and Rod Dixon a dentist) came to lead a series of working bees that built the “creek”, the fountain and flowform in Kindergarten. A few years later a series of working bees built the large “fort” in the primary area of the playground. So the “little” campus gradually took shape and grew into the beautiful and idyllic centre of Steiner education that it is today.

Ten years later we were able to honour the person who had done the most to make it all possible. Tom Hartigan was the Chair of the School Council (Board) and it was he who had negotiated the purchase of the property for the school. At the Spring Festival in 2004 Tom planted a tree in the playground as a 10-year anniversary celebration. He was a remarkable individual who put his three children through the school: an accountant who after retirement came to school to teach Commerce to Years 9 and 10. Tom’s tireless energy in working for the school was an inspiration, and when he sadly passed away in 2011, his ashes were buried beneath the tree he had planted. We made a memorial bench next to this spot, and here his widow Felicity visits him on weekends.

Relations with the Castlecrag community took longer to rebuild. Some hostility continued, even though we had done the community a favour and saved the school site from being sold off to a developer for a dozen townhouses. We made the grounds welcome to neighbours on weekends. We gave space for community meetings, particularly the Castlecrag Progress Association.

The biggest step was sharing the story of the Burley Griffins. Few were aware that Glenaeon and Castlecrag shared a common ancestry through these two remarkable American architects. They had designed and founded the suburb at the same time as they discovered the work of Dr Rudolf Steiner. We were able to tell the story years later when the BER* funding enabled us to build what became the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. The Hall was a tangible symbol of the fact that both Glenaeon and the Castlecrag community shared a common ancestry in the Burley Griffins.

So, as we celebrate the return of the Fair and make the most of our beautiful Castlecrag campus, let’s remember the work that has gone into building this jewel in the crown of Glenaeon.

*Building the Education Revolution (BER) was an Australian government program that built school halls as part of the Rudd government's economic stimulus package designed in response to the 2007-2010 global financial crisis.

https://cooleyhouse.org/event/2022-fall-lecture-finding-marion/

Kamaroi and Glenaeon Class 5s join for Greek Olympics

28 Oct 2022

On Tuesday the heavens mostly held back (only a small shower in the morning) after the previous day saw a soaking of our beautiful venues here at Glenaeon. Still, the forecast predicted warm weather and the High Priest’s presence in the morning to declare the Class 5 Ancient Greek Olympic Games at Glenaeon open, must have helped too. The keen and excited Kamaroi and Glenaeon Class 5 students, their teachers Nicole and Cathy and the helpers Daisy (PE teacher from Kamaroi) and Kathy (class aide here at Glenaeon) were ready to go and support Jonas as head coach and organiser and the parents as judges in the many events. The decision to keep the event small, and invite our sister school Kamaroi to our most beautiful oval paid off as other public fields may have been closed by council due to rain saturation, so a larger event would not have been possible. While rain was a worry for us too, good preparatory work by maintenance made it an injury free event enjoyed by all. The beauty, sportsmanship and determination that were all part of how the ancient Greeks looked at sport performances more broadly, could all happen with much success for the city states of Thebes, Athens, Corinth and Sparta.

All students dressed in tunics representing their city state competing in friendly spirit in long jump, discus, javelin, wrestling, marathon running (400m), 100m sprint, 4x100m relay races and a chariot race to round up a very enjoyable and fun-filled day.

The day was made more special by the appearance of the high priest of God Zeus, the fine food shared by all, the wonderful dance by the Glenaeon Class 5 students, by songs and verses in the opening and closing ceremonies of the day. The wonderful parent communities of Kamaroi and Glenaeon seamlessly worked together to support this event to make it a very special day in the Steiner primary school journey.

Many wristbands could be seen on students’ wrists - one indication of their achievements over the day and in the closing ceremony medals and headbands were awarded to celebrate individual strength and skill and success within the city states. Thebes came away with having the most talented athletes in their ranks but no one went home without recognition of their achievements!

It is a true Steiner community event in which parents, teachers and the students in our care create something wonderful and unique that will hold in their memories for many years to come.

A big thank you to all who contributed to this fine day!

ISD Basketball in Bankstown

28 Oct 2022

On October 18, two teams of very motivated and keen junior basketballers (Yr 7 – Yr 9 students) set out to compete in Bankstown basketball stadium among 16 other schools for points and ran their hearts out to win games.

While some Yr 9 students were on camp the Yr 8s and Yr 7s had to raise to the occasion which was particularly evident in the girls team around Indy, Ava and Grace, Scarlet, Emily and Quinnie.

They made it all the way into the semi-final to lose against the later winner, Amity College girls by 7:9. A very fine effort given they played mostly Yr 9 girls opposition teams on the day!

The boys’ team had a tougher day at the ‘active office’ as opposition is often fierce and quite physical and many opposition teams having players taller than our Glenaeon students to compete against.

Overall however, it was not just about winning, it was about learning, physical learning and experiencing a sport on a bigger stage and in a real tournament! By that measure everyone was winning from the young Yr 7 players like Finn, Isaac and Lenny to the more experienced and strongly playing Xavier and Luka in Yr 9 (among others).

I want to congratulate all those who came along for a great day out to build resilience and gain invaluable experience both physical and cultural!

2022 Annual NSW Steiner Schools' Athletics Carnival

28 Oct 2022

The Annual NSW Steiner Schools' Athletics Carnival was held in late September at Mingara Regional Athletics Centre. The students excitedly journeyed up to the Central Coast on their colour team bus and were very lucky to arrive to some fantastic spring weather for the day! Glenaeon students in Years 7 – 9 and some Year 10 students participated in numerous Athletics Track and field events demonstrating moments of outstanding competitive achievements and great sportsmanship! The competition was strong on the day and all students participated with great enthusiasm, skill, and determination. The Athletics carnival was a great opportunity for students to develop new friendships with students from other Steiner Schools in NSW and provided a unique opportunity for all students to experience success and achievement in a cooperative atmosphere, promoting a sense of belonging through team representation and being a positive participant of the school community. Congratulations to all students who represented both Glenaeon and their colour team on the day!

New Garden at Castlecrag Campus

28 Oct 2022

There is a beautiful new garden bed at our Castlecrag Campus, already brimming with vegetables, herbs and flowers! Some wonderful garden pots were donated by a generous school family and the children, with Gardening teacher Sandra Frain have transformed the area into a beautiful and bountiful garden! The children worked to dig and clear roots before planting potatoes, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and delightful flowers! Watch these pots for further transformation as we paint and mosaic them with our own designs. A huge thank you to the Maintenance team and Sonny for building this wonderful bed for us!

Parent Craft at the Fair!

28 Oct 2022

Come and have a look at the wonderful Parent Craft made by our families! It will be for sale at the upcoming Glenaeon Fair in the 'Parent Craft' Room - which will be in our Class 1 room and also in the 'Grotto' - an area just for younger children. Parents and friends have come together to learn new skills and create these stunning pieces. Heartfelt thanks to out Craft Co-ordinators, especially Alex Bell for her enthusiasm and dedication to making Parent Craft happen. We look forward to sharing this all with families at our Fair! Take home some beautiful hand-made toys and things for your family, nature table and play spaces, knowing it was made with love and much care for our children.

Year 11s get in front of Art

28 Oct 2022

Year 12, 2023 were lucky enough to visit the Daniel Boyd exhibition, Treasure Island, as they prepare to launch into their HSC year. The benefits of seeing art live cannot be replicated on-line or from books. So important for this level of study, as students of Visual Arts, it is essential to get in front of real art. Some comments by the students:

“It was interesting to learn about how exhibitions are curated, and how the choices made as part of that process adds significant meaning to the artworks, the artist’s intentions, and something you can only fully understand if you see an exhibition in person.”

“Examining specific curation choices made, as well as materials used, size of the work, etc. is a million times more effective when explored physically, as us students spend hours on line every day and appreciate time away to fully immerse ourselves in the art.”

“Boyd is a contemporary artist challenging western history of colonisation. His work grants insight into history from the perspective of the oppressor. Walking through his exhibition felt as if I was witness to a compilation of his person.”

“Going to the exhibition with my teacher and classmates helped me to think much more deeply about what was presented. Discussion and reflection are paramount to being an art student.”

Mayoral visit

28 Oct 2022

Mayor Tanya Taylor of Willoughby City Council visited Glenaeon on Wednesday and spoke to our High School assembly. Mayor Tanya was accompanied by our local Ward Councillor Robert Samuels, and together they had a great session with our high school students. Always eager for feedback, and particularly for the youth voice of Willoughby, they engaged with students and answered a huge range of questions. They took comments on everything from skateboard parks and mountain bike tracks to the difficulties of parking your dog at Northbridge Woolworths. Mayor Tanya gave an interesting overview of local government, which showed that our local council is responsible for pretty much everything in our local area from libraries to pools to roads and rubbish collection. The hot topic for many students was green initiatives, and what is being done at a local level for sustainability and recycling. She encouraged students to connect with the Youth Advocacy group that is a voice to Council, and we will be following up with encouragement from the school for our students to really engage and be part of that important initiative.

Thank you Mayor Tanya for the visit!

For further information:

Youth Action Plan Survey
Willoughby City Council’s Youth Services (in partnership with Willoughby Youth Action Group) are launching their Youth Action Plan Survey!

✿❀ What does this mean for your school? ❀✿
We have 10,667 young people who live, play, work and study aged 12-24 in our LGA. We are aiming for 1,000 responses to feel confident reflecting the needs and wants of our young people through our Youth Action Plan. The plan will include relevant data and information that local schools and services can utilise to inform their planning. We are aiming to have this available to share with you by Term 1, 2023.

✿❀ What does this mean for you, as a young person? ❀✿
If you are aged between 12-24, you can:
1.Contribute to your local community and create more opportunities for young people by sharing your responses and ideas!
2. Feel valued, included and supported!
3. Finish the survey and go in the drawer to win a $200 Westfield voucher!

✿❀ Who can be involved? ❀✿
This is a great opportunity for the following student groups to be involved:
Student Representative council
Senior leaders & Special Interest Group leaders
Year level sports captains
LGBTIQ+ support groups
Students with a disability
Young carers
CALD backgrounds
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Duke of Edinburgh Students

The survey should only take about fifteen minutes, just log in via the link to complete!
https://www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au/youth-action-plan-survey

Chatswood Youth Centre Drop-in
CYC Drop-in open Wednesday to Friday from 3-6pm.
Chatswood Youth Centre | Willoughby City Council (nsw.gov.au)

Food Fridays
Young people prepare, cook and eat together at Chatswood Youth Centre – drop-ins welcome.

January school holidays
Basketball competition
Barista workshop
Paint and sip
Youth Centre exchanges
Contact the Youth Centre for more information

Willoughby Youth Action Group (WYAG)
Willoughby Youth Action Group (WYAG) provides a voice for young people aged 16-21 who live, work or study within the Willoughby local government area. WYAG plays a pivotal role in representing the young people of Willoughby, organising programs and activities, and informing Council on matters of importance to young people.

The objectives of the group include:
To ensure opportunities for local young people (16-21 years) have input into Willoughby City Council’s (WCC) Youth Services programming
Support and advise the Council’s Youth Services staff to develop and deliver activities relevant to the young people in the Willoughby LGA
Be a voice for the youth of Willoughby
Organise Council-approved events for young people in the Willoughby LGA
Advise Council on matters affecting young people.
You can register your interest for WYAG here > https://willoughby.lgsoftwaresolutions.com.au/Pulse/PublicRegisters.aspx?TypeID=69

For more information about our Youth Programs contact:
Youth Development Officer Lucy Green on youth@willoughby.nsw.gov.au or 9777 1062.

The Final Main Lesson: Parzival

28 Oct 2022

The story of the grail knight, Parzival is a legendary tail of a knight who has many hardships and adventures. After many errors of judgement and big mistakes, he manages to eventually achieve his higher self and is able to use the wisdom he has gained to help others.

It is the final Steiner Main Lesson for Year XI who are beginning on their journey in Year XII. The purpose is to help the students achieve their goals and overcome challenges during their final HSC year. Then to take on the quest of self-improvement and to help people who are suffering in the world.

Class 4 explore Animals and Us

26 Oct 2022

One of the highlights for Class 4 is the animal project to accompany the Animals and Us main lesson. This main lesson focuses on the unique quality of the human being, compared to the animal world where special physical features in relation to the environment and instinctual behaviour prevails. Children were able to choose an animal they would like to learn more about and make a model of the animal in its natural environment.

Into the Woods we went!

15 Sep 2022

Last week, over four magical performances our Year 10 cohort thrilled audiences with their production of Sondheim play Into The Woods. Students, whose musical schedule had been interrupted by COVID earlier in the year, finally had their moment on stage - and they performed, sang, danced and brought well-known fairy tale characters alive. Our congratulations to all the students on their wonderful performances and huge thanks to the teachers and parents that supported them right through the preparation, rehearsals, costume making, set design, hair and make-up and all the other work behind the scenes, culminating in a wonderful after party to celebrate everyone's success! It was great to have this event back and for our community to be able to all gather together and enjoy the show. Special thanks to directors Ian Munns, Caroline Farrell, and to Evan Sanders and Raphaela Mazzone for Lighting and Production gifting our students this experience. Bring on Musical 2023 (Yes, the planning has already begun!) Our thanks to GlenXers Ethan Brown, and Luca Bradfield for the photography and to Glenaeon parent, Paul Sproule at CloudVision who so generously filmed our Opening Night performance.

Now you're talking my language!

15 Sep 2022

Recently our Year 7 and Year 8 language - German, Spanish and Japanese students all enjoyed an excursion to a restaurant serving traditional foods for a lunch and the conversation was flowing in their chosen subject language.

The German students dined at German/Austrian restaurant Kaiser Stubn in Terrey Hills enjoying Schnitzel and Strudel.

The Japanese students enjoyed dishes such as teriyaki chicken, tofu, beef and rice and miso soup at MOMOKKO in Belrose.

and this from Year 7 Spanish student Quinnie: "On Friday 2nd September the Year 7 and 8 Spanish students went to the Mexican restaurant Dos Señoritas, in Gladesville. Here, they experienced a Mexican feast, with traditional food and drink. Students tried nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, all with pico de gallo and guacamole, and to drink, agua jamaica, a traditional Mexican infusion with hibiscus flowers. Everyone particularly enjoyed the churros which are a cinnamon stick served with chocolate sauce."

Japanese student reviews include this: "Very cool using Japanese language in real life. It really felt like we had learned a lot. Also, very delicious food." and, "The excursion was a great opportunity to experience some of the Japanese culture and food with our friends. An awesome way to spend the day."

A Year 7 German student said, “In my opinion, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! The venue was amazing and all the staff were so nice! The food was so incredibly delicious, I loved it so much. I just felt we were in an actual Austrian Hunting Club, the wild boar and stag heads added to that. Easily the best Schnitzel und Strudel I’ve ever had.”

This was a fun excursion where students lived, breathed and ate their way through class! A delicious way to learn in anyone's language!

‘おいしい！Oishii!

Köstlich!

Delicioso!

Meet our new Head of Drama, Brenton Fletcher

15 Sep 2022

What do you teach? /What is your role?
I am the new Head Teacher of Drama and currently teach Drama and English.

How long have you been at Glenaeon?
I have been at Glenaeon for four weeks now.

Where were you prior? What are your experience and credentials?
Before Glenaeon, I was a Pastoral Care Coordinator and Teacher in Charge of Drama at Brigidine College, Randwick, and before that Drama, Film Studies and VET: Entertainment Industry Teacher at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts for about ten years.

I have had the opportunity to produce a lot of plays and musicals in that time and love that Glenaeon always has a chance to showcase Drama regularly.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the impact the Arts can have on a child’s development and believe it is ready for its renaissance within our world. By bringing this passion to Glenaeon, I hope students will continue to use Drama and its valuable learnings within their interactions with the broader world.

What are you looking forward to most in your role?
I am teaching Drama practical ways to revitalize a student’s imagination, learning and skills for effective communication and collaboration. Additionally, I am going to start co-curricular Drama groups at Glenaeon for students to be able to play with Dramatic experiences regularly.

What do you love about Glenaeon?
The Glenaeon culture is warm yet vibrant. Students have a strong sense of curiosity, and this is an extraordinary skill for the Drama classroom. I see beauty in so many ways across the school, both from the natural environment, the ways students and staff express themselves through various artistic endeavours and the kindness of spirit that comes from the students.

What is one of your favourite places on campus so far?
As a dramatist, I do feel completely at home in theatres. I, therefore, enjoy spending time in the Sylvia Brose Hall, assisting with current productions and envisioning future theatre to be performed in the space.

DRAMA OFFERED AS A CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY FROM Week 1 Term 4:
Class 6-8 Junior Glenaeon Drama Club (Friday– 3:30 pm -5:00 pm)
Class 9-11 Senior Glenaeon Drama Company (Monday – 3:45 pm -5:30 pm)

Click here to read more details and sign your child up!

Grassroots Eco Store - Stock up for the holidays!

15 Sep 2022

We have plenty of beautiful craft supplies to keep you busy and creative these holidays. Our 100% Wool-Felt Fabric has been restocked and is now available in the full rainbow of colours.

If you're heading off on a long car trip, Happy Car Games, created by Waldorf author Lou Harvey-Zahra is the remedy for backseat squabbles. This fabulous game contains 35 illustrated cards that will provide hours of car game fun for all ages.

The shop will be closing for the school holidays from 12.30pm on Wednesday (21 September). However, the online store remains open during the holidays with free local delivery available.

Term 3, 2022 – 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 shopping locally. 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.

The Great Glenaeon Raffle 2022 is now on sale!

15 Sep 2022

The 2022 Glenaeon Raffle is on sale now. Tickets are $5 each with great discount packages available.

There are some amazing prizes including 4 x Elton John concert tickets, artwork by artist Andy Pachkova, coaching with Sabine Simmonds, photo packages from Verve and much more. Prizes valued at over $13,000.

Go to: https://www.raffletix.com.au/glenaeonfair to buy tickets. Raffle drawn 6 November 2022.

Download poster and share with friends and family.

Holiday Care Program NOW OPEN FOR BOOKINGS

15 Sep 2022

We have lots of lovely Spring activities for the children to enjoy and we are hoping for some lovely weather to enjoy our Adventure Camp excursions.
Please make your bookings as soon as possible - many days will be LIMITED NUMBERS due to staff shortages.

BASC vouchers are accepted - please see website for details on how they are processed http://www.glenaeonoosh.com.au/basc-voucher-information.html

Please feel free to pass these details on to other families - all welcome.
TO BOOK, GO TO: http://www.glenaeonoosh.com.au/holiday-care-bookings.html

Download the flyer

Year 10 Geography Field trips: Environmental Change and Management

15 Sep 2022

Marine and estuarine processes were the focus of the Year10 environmental studies this term. The students observed the protective role played by mangrove forests in the Scotts Creek environment. They also enjoyed a Geography field day walking from Collaroy to Dee Why Beach. Here they observed the natural marine processes and the changes taking place in this coastal area. They conducted a mock council meeting during which they presented some of the views held regarding the construction of the newly built Seawall. They drew and annotated field sketches of the wall and the surrounding beaches. A new council initiative is the installation of artworks along the coastal walk as part of the Aboriginal Art & Storytelling Project. Yaegl artist Frances Belle Parker has designed bronze plaques, that depict stories of whale migration. The students made rubbings of these plaques on the Long Reef cliff top, from where the indigenous elders had ‘sung in the whales’.

Powerful Play

15 Sep 2022

Classes 1 & 2 have been enjoying their lunchtime play - climbing trees, string games, making mud cakes, running games and immersing themselves in imaginative play too.

Bushwalking

15 Sep 2022

This term, Kindergarten, Classes 1 & 2 have been bushwalking. There are many beautiful bushwalks on our campus doorstep and the children really enjoy getting outside. They also explore the many walks designed by Water Burley-Griffin, the founder of the suburb of Castlecrag. Class 2 recently walked to Warner's Park and Class 1 found their way to one of the hidden reserves that are linked up by a series of paths.

A little farm at Castlecrag

15 Sep 2022

As part of the Handwork program Handwork Teacher Elizabeth Ellean organises beautiful sheep, lambs and an alpaca to come and visit the children at Castlecrag Campus. They spend time brushing, feeding and sitting with them, whilst also learning about wool, lanolin and different types of sheep. The children enjoyed such a lovely time and were also able to send feed the younger lambs, some of whom were orphaned at birth. The large Alpaca loves being patted on the neck and the children felt the soft fleece, as well as the oily and strong sheeps wool. They are making their own knitting needles in Class 2 and learning to knit in Class 1 soon, and the journey begins with the sheep!

Year 8 self-portraits on a skate deck

15 Sep 2022

Each year, Year 8s are excited to begin their contemporary self-portrait on a skate deck. It is one of the first opportunities where they can create a work that personifies their specific interests through visual expression.

To assist their decision making they are encouraged to choose a word or a theme. We also look at a range of works where artist use text in imaginative and metaphorical ways. In addition, we explore in class, the symbology of colour and experiment with a wide range of materials to apply paint. It is always inspirational to see the diversity of works on display and discover with interest the self-portraits the students have portrayed.

Roma Amor - Class 6 play

15 Sep 2022

Class 6 performed their musical play ROMA AMOR this week to rapturous applause. They performed the clever and entertaining Roman romantic comedy to students, parents and friends and enjoyed a delicious Roman Feast afterwards. The story is set in Ancient Rome during the reign of Nero, and centers around a brother a sister's clever plan to trade places for a new life and to also be near their beloveds. Dressed in her brother Marius' armour, Lucrecia heads to the Roman Army whilst he stays and becomes a stonemason in the home of his beloved Sibia. The students played all of their own live music when not on stage themselves in a rich and engaging play that Glenaeon students are known for. Thank you Class 6 for this wonderful play!

AICES Athletics Championships

14 Sep 2022

The Association of Independent Co- educational Schools (AICES) Athletics Championships 2022 was held last Tuesday the 6th September at Sydney Olympic Park. Glenaeon had 16 students who qualified across different athletic events and 12 students were able to represent the Independent Sydney and Districts School Sports Association (ISD) along with other students from other associations who also qualified in the Zone.

Yr 7 students Finn C, Ava F, Grace F, Amelie B, Lenny T, Lenny G, Emily M
Yr 8 students Felix P, Kestrel K, Zac S, Genna H
Yr 9 students Alexander F

Big congratulations to all students who represented both Glenaeon and the ISD, the competition was tough and at a high level, however our students participated with enthusiasm, goodwill and integrity and many placed in the top 10 in their respective events, which is a huge feat considering they were competing against the best in other regions. A special mention to Lenny T who came 4th overall in the u13 100m! And to Year 8 student Genna H who ran a PB (1:09min) over 400m (lane 2) and was mighty proud. Genna came 4th in her two heats.

The breadth of events our students qualified in was remarkable but running remains our strongest suit as we had 100m, 400m 800m and also 1500m distance runners in various age groups doing so well.

We can be very proud as a smaller school to have some outstanding young talent among our students! They need to be congratulated for their tenacity, skill and talent. A big shout out to the parents who supervised them on the day.

Well done to all!

Come to the Fair!! The Fair is coming!

01 Sep 2022

It was a great moment this week when our Attendance coordinator announced there is currently no one absent in the school due to COVID. We are officially COVID-free! This moment was a special one after a long time indeed when COVID has affected a large proportion of our student and teacher population. Thank you to all parents for your vigilance, and most importantly for your support for our covid-safe plans which have minimized the impact of the pandemic on our school.

We can now look forward to the return of relatively normal conditions. It does feel like a reawakening. We have had over two and a half years of restrictions and periods of lockdown. The return to normal may be like recovering from an illness or a broken limb: it takes a while to become mobile again, and the same might be said of the return to our regular community events. But there is one special event that will really cement our return to normal community life.

Our Family Fair has been in limbo since 2019. The Fair has been an annual occurrence at Glenaeon since the 1960’s, and this two-year hiatus is the first in our history. The Fair is a huge undertaking, and one that brings our community together in a powerful and sustaining manner. The fund-raising side is important and contributes funds to the GPA which in turn support projects which benefit the students, but the fund-raising side is always secondary to its unifying and uplifting community-building role.

We ask every parent in the school to contribute some time on the Fair day. There are literally hundreds of shifts of work to be completed across all the different activities, and every one of them needs a willing and cooperative parent to do them. The work is social and very joyful. I have personally worked at over 20 Fairs now, and I can honestly say that I have left each one physically tired but deeply happy with the comradeship of shared work for the community good.

Class 4 hosts and coordinates the Fair for the School. Two or three parents act as Fair Coordinators while every other parent in Class 4 takes on a role to be responsible for one activity, such as a game stand or food stall. This way ensures that all aspects of the Fair are covered, and each class coming through the school carries the overall responsibility just once. But we need every parent in the school to be involved.

In order to run all the activities, we ask every parent to work one 2 hour shift on a stall/food/game. The work is simple, enjoyable and child-centred. For new parents it’s a wonderful way to meet other parents and to feel more embedded in the school culture. For longer term parents it’s a time to re-engage and refresh connections. As we recover from the isolations of covid, the Fair is the perfect way to rebuild our community.

In the coming weeks there will be communications around the shifts that are on offer. I urge every family to consider which shift/s you can commit to, and to sign up for your shift on the day. I assure you it will be time that pays real benefits in terms of human connection and personal satisfaction.

The Fair is coming! Come to the Fair!

SAVE THE DATE: 4-6 NOVEMBER

https://www.glenaeonfair.com/

Parent Survey:
The annual Parent survey conducted by MYP Corporation will be in your inbox in the next week. We seek your responses to gain valuable feedback on the school, and we ask that every parent takes the time to complete the survey. There will be a letter coming early next week with all details.

GlenX:
All former students of Glenaeon are affectionately known as GlenX, short for ex-Glenaeon student. Our GlenX/alumni event for 2022 is fast approaching (Saturday September 17th): see the notice later in this Newsletter. We invite all GlenX to join us for a few drinks in pleasant Glenaeon company, a trip down memory lane, and a catch up on developments in the school since graduation.

We enjoy visits from GlenX from time to time, such as the recent visit from GlenX Paul Beasly, now of upstate New York. The Beasly family of Forestville sent their three children right through the school to Year 12. Daniel is now a successful and award-winning architect, Emma is a school psychologist and mum, while Paul earned First Class Honours in a Science degree at UNSW in fibre optics. He then moved into telecommunications, earning a MBA from the University of Texas and becoming area director of a large telco in the New England area of the US. He married a doctor from Boston and they settled in upstate New York, and now have a few children. The most interesting piece of the story is that he left commerce behind and is now a high school Science teacher at the Saratoga Springs Waldorf school in upstate NY. Paul was always very interested in the philosophy behind his education, and it was wonderful to see his evolution from student to teacher.

08 SEP: Understanding Children's Drawings with Catherine Pilko

01 Sep 2022

In this presentation we will explore the development of children’s drawings in the first seven years as a mirror of the child’s bodily development and changing consciousness.

Thursday 8 September 2022 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (UTC+10)

LOCATION: Marion Mahony Griffin Hall, Castlecrag Campus, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag NSW 2068

To book go to: https://www.trybooking.com/CAYGU

The Final Countdown - Tim Perkins Educational Workshops for Yr 11 and 12 Parents & Students

01 Sep 2022

Download the workshop flyer

Tumeric Project Update

01 Sep 2022

In week one of term three, on the 21st of July we dug up the turmeric from the bed by gently pulling on the stems of the turmeric root. We cut the turmeric root away from the stem and put it in a bucket of water. We then took pieces and individually washed them. We scrubbed the dried pieces of root to remove all of the dirt and stored them in a dark cupboard to dry.

Class 4 also had a lot of fun trying to dig out the turmeric that was buried underground. They liked to call it little pieces of gold nuggets.

Once the bed had been cleared of the turmeric plants we then started to build a new leaf litter bin where the turmeric once was. We put wooden posts for supports where the fence would be for the leaf litter bin. We then wrapped chicken wire around the outside and tied it to the wooden posts with twisty ties. Every major timber post had a metal pole connected to the wooden post with screws.

The leaf litter bin is where you put leaves to compost over time which after two years will give you great colloidal soil which then can be spread around the garden. Colloidal soil is wet and springy and does not lose its shape when pressed into a ball but at the same time it has some brittleness to it because it can crumble in your fingers. It is rich fertilised soil.

We have started to clear a bed on the opposite side of the garden for a new turmeric crop. We have been carefully weeding and avoiding what we want to keep so we can plant turmeric in that bed. Once the leaf litter bin is broken or the soil has turned into colloidal soil we will then start planting a new turmeric crop in the original garden bed.

We usually drink a tea during the garden class and we decided to have lemon water for a change. We found out that hot lemon water was not too nice. We decided to add a turmeric leaf that had been left in the freezer and use that to see if it would change the taste. It made the hot lemon water much nicer because it was a contrast to the lemon and reduced the bitterness of the lemon.

We also wanted to try the recipe for a turmeric latte. We heated almond milk and placed grated turmeric and ginger into the milk along with vanilla extract and then strained the liquid and served with ground pepper.

As an idea for the future we will attempt placing turmeric in a dehydrator to dry it out and then use a mortar and pestle to grind it up to a powder to use in future recipes.

Photos taken by Marc Monnet-Demarbre (Year 12 Agriculture Student)

Springtime inspiration at Grassroots Eco Store

01 Sep 2022

We are excited to celebrate the changing of the seasons and have lots of beautiful ideas for your Spring Nature Table, Spring inspired craft projects, books celebrating the season and beautiful Spring decorations made by local crafter, Yuki.

Did you catch our week of books on our social pages during Book Week? You can see reviews of our favourite books on our Grassroots Eco Store Instagram and Facebook Page, you’ll find lots of reading inspiration here for children of all ages.

Pop in-store this week if you’re looking for a lovely last-minute Father’s Day gift!

Term 3, 2022 – 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 shopping locally. 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

Jamie Loftus, Class 1 Teacher created this Blackboard Beauty

01 Sep 2022

Class 6 Skills and Spirit in Sport

01 Sep 2022

Sporty and keen students in Class 6 are currently exploring exciting new games in a unit that introduces new sports and gear to them to extend their understanding of sport and movement.

They started with Frisbee and learned about the game of ultimate Frisbee. Then they explored Sofcrosse, a modified version of a popular game in North America. It is based on an ancient game invented by native American Indians. The word Lacrosse originally meant ‘game played with a stick and ball’ in an Indian language.

While we played a modified version with slightly different stick and no googles, it required new skills in handling the stick for catching and throwing and handling the ball in the air and on the ground. First the students gathered around a laptop to watch a little clip of the game to get an idea of how quick and skillful it can be played. The stick with the basket on the end (the crosse) to catch a ball which is then passed to team mates down the field before thrown into the goal.

The class soon realised how tricky it is to properly catch and throw the ball on to a team member and how much measured force is needed to not throw the ball too high or far. As is the spirit in this class, they went for it with enthusiasm and embraced the new game and way to move across the field. In partner and group exercises they soon got better and surprised themselves at times how well they had learned to play the game!

Next in this unit is a quick introduction to AFL, then we will explore Vortex related games and wrap up the unit of exciting new games with activities using skater boards and how to do this in a team aspect with and without balls. Student active input is strongly encouraged to creatively play with both gear and with rules to adjust and adapt game and movement ideas that may be novel and to develop and try out student ideas in a real sports context.

Year 7 Cantebury Tales

01 Sep 2022

Year 7 students performed their play Chaucer’s The Cantebury Tales, recently in the Middle Cove Sylvia Brose Hall. It was a fabulous play. Thank you to all the parents and carers who came along. Year 7 were highly successful in bringing this masterpiece to life. Here are some photos from the night!

Sum Fun in Class 2!

01 Sep 2022

Class 2 have been learning place value and breaking down numbers for addition and multiplication with Class Teacher Prue Ritchie They have been learning that there are many ways to write numbers, and they have explored the expansion of larger numbers to make them simpler to add and multiply. With characters Tibo Times and Pierre Plus to help them, they have indeed being having a lot of fun with sums!

Painting and Drawing in Class 1 and 2

01 Sep 2022

This week the children have created the most colourful drawings and painting in painting and drawing classes. Class 1 have drawn mountains and oceans with Class Teacher Jamie Loftus, whose beautiful chalkboard is in this edition of the newsletter. Class 2 focused on the intricate beautify of the wattles which flower on and around our campus at this time of year. Class teacher Prue Ritchie commented that each drawing is as individual as the children in the class! Both classes used the wet-on-wet painting that produces these beautiful images - Class 1 painting a beautiful sunrise and Class 2 deep green trees.

Year 10 Bay Run

01 Sep 2022

On a sunny but cold winter morning last August, our Year 10 PE Extension students gathered at the shores of Iron Cove Bay in the Inner West to attempt their third assessment task of 2022: the iconic 7km Bay Run.

This was the first time after two years of COVID cancellations that the run was happening again and students eagerly trained for this event. After months of training, following their training plans by doing increasingly longer runs in preparation for this event, the day had finally arrived. Their PE teacher Jonas excitedly awaited them with a pep talk and a joined pre warm up. Final tips and strategies were discussed before we all set off for this popular community run. Of the nine students two were unfortunately injured. But the group of seven and their teacher achieved great results over all, many achieving personal best times! Luc passed his teacher some 800m before the finishing line taking away the line honours for Glenaeon in a very competitive time of just over 28 minutes! This is a great result for Luc and testament of his excellent preparation and talent!

Also in the group were Jasper, Roman, Henry, Joe, Julian and Jayden.

It is a great way to introduce students with high ambition to a sport that’s both healthy and easy to do as community runs are plentiful around Sydney all year long. For many it was their first taste of an officially timed run and most of them did very well. It is hoped that this will positively inform them about their potential as runners but more so will make them aware of the profound health benefits that come from an active lifestyle.

It was great to see one of the parents joining the running group while other parents cheered us on and welcomed us back in the finishing area.

Great Debate

01 Sep 2022

Each Wednesday our students enjoy a master class in debating. There has been a great number of students taking up this co-curricular activity this term learning how to structure their arguments and get their point across. Our students develop their speaking, critical thinking and persuasive language skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Class 6 Geometry and the Physics of Sound

01 Sep 2022

Class 6 parents were able to come to the classroom for parent-teacher night and saw the beautiful workbooks from recent Main Lessons "The Physics of Sound" and Geometry. Also on display were stunning geometric patterns created from their geometric designs, each individual and different. Class Teacher Katherine Arconati demonstrated how the Chladni Plate creates sand geometric shapes that is vibrated by the musical bow. Parents viewed recent artworks from their Astronomy Main Lesson as well as a felted star-sign constellation wall hanging made as a gift for the teacher by one student. It was wonderful to meet back on campus and experience some of the rich classroom learning that Glenaeon students enjoy each day.

Parent Craft is back on campus

01 Sep 2022

Come and join Parent Craft - it's back on campus. Parents met this week and made the most beautiful heart necklaces, led by parent Bodhi Sherrot. There was also an embroidery workshop held with Handwork Teacher Elizabeth Ellean, and there are several more workshops and meet-ups still this term. Thanks to Alex and the wonderful parent Craft Volunteers for creating such inviting and enjoyable groups and making beautiful things for the students and the fair.

Welcome Back Soraya!

31 Aug 2022

We are so very happy and excited to have our dear colleague and educator Soraya returning to us from extended maternity leave in Spain. Soraya is full of love, warmth and creativity. She is an incredible cook, gardener and illustrator. Our Preschool children’s older siblings fondly remember her teaching them songs in Spanish.

Since she was very young, Soraya has been committed to living a life of self-exploration that involved working in a profession that embraced integrity and the sacred. In this path, she came across Steiner Education and found her purpose in life.

Soraya started her journey as an Educator at Glenaeon Preschool in 2018. She left the Preschool in 2022 to welcome her second child, daughter Lua. Her son Rio, now 6, also attended the preschool. Her partner Borja works at Warrah Farm where we get our delicious Biodynamic vegetables from.

Soraya has a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and Steiner Early Childhood Teacher Training. She is currently deepening her knowledge in Education through a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education.

Being a Glenaeon Parent

19 Aug 2022

Being a Glenaeon Parent

The Term 3 GPA meeting was particularly noteworthy. In the first Newsletter of the term I quoted well known author and former Glenaeon parent Stephanie Dowrick. In the comments section under The Sydney Morning Herald article on our Head of School transition, Stephanie wrote a very complimentary paragraph describing her time as a parent here and the very tangible as well as the intangible benefits of a Glenaeon education. We used this comment as a platform for a discussion in breakout rooms on what it means to be a Glenaeon parent. The responses from all groups were thoughtful, considered and very impressive: there was universal positivity about the journey of being a Glenaeon parent including such gems as “As a parent at Glenaeon I have been given a more complete experience of myself as a human being.” Impressive indeed! Thank you to all those who were there.

Careers Update

Following our Parent Satisfaction Survey of 2021, we committed to a greater presence in a number of areas. Prime among these areas were Student Wellbeing, Learning Support and Careers. Here is an update on what the School has achieved in all three areas:

Learning Support: last Newsletter we unveiled the rebuilding of the team that manages student support throughout the school. Rebranded as our Learning Enrichment team, and led by Head of Department Angela Sutton, the team are supporting and extending student learning progress throughout the school.
Student Wellbeing: our Coordinator and Psychologist Andy Christie is now working fulltime, providing excellent quality emotional and social support for students and families, mainly in the high school. Andy’s background experience in school psychology has been a powerful asset in his proactive mental health education and as a resource for students and families.
Careers: I am very happy to introduce our new Careers Advisor Rod Mounjed who has stepped into the role this term:

Rod joined the high school staff this year as the Year 11 and Year 12 Business Studies Teacher. He recently took over the additional role of Careers Advisor for students in Years 10 -12 from Dean Faught. Rod has an impressive amount of experience in this space having successfully been Careers Master and run the careers program at SHORE School, North Sydney for 16 years. His careers advisor role at Glenaeon incorporates work experience, subject selection relating to specified careers, VET courses, VAC applications and access consideration.

All relevant careers information and important dates can be found on GLO: https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/968/

Here you will find really useful and important information and key dates, open days, careers advice links plus more - all designed to support students in their research, consideration and decision making regarding HSC goals, university and post-school learning and career options.

Rod says, “I am looking forward to helping Glenaeon students on this important part of the journey. To the students I say, it’s important to take time to think about what you really want to do, what makes you happy. Challenge yourself, but don’t be overwhelmed unnecessarily and remember to follow your own path in life. It’s never too early to investigate and think about your options and create the life you want for yourself. Read, volunteer, try out, talk with your family, your friends and the adults in your life. Be curious and be inspired!”

Rod promises to be “in your face” about careers. He speaks with students constantly during Mentor time and through the day, reminding them of the need to plan ahead and to start thinking about careers now.

Rod is also a man of many talents. He is a fine pianist, a Musical Director of musicals and shows, a Conductor, Teacher and gym instructor. He even played with our resident pianist Stuart Wright to perform some exciting four hand piano pieces at our high school assembly this week. He knows all about developing talents and he will be doing just that with our high school students! See his Careers Corner story in this newsletter.

Performers Wanted!

18 Aug 2022

Hands up if there are any talented performers out there who would love to be part of the entertainment for our upcoming Glenaeon Family Fair on Saturday November 5th?

We are in the process of putting together the schedule, and would welcome any submissions.

From music, dance, singing, acting, poetry recital, juggling, fencing - whatever it might be, please reach out. It’s been a few years since we have all been able to gather together, so we are looking forward to creating a special Fair event this year!

Send your details to: Andrew Klippel : klippel@mac.com + Rebecca Quade beckquade@gmail.com

INVITATION: 17 SEP Alumni reunion event at Middle Cove

18 Aug 2022

RSVP Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CBFLM

Download the poster and share with your cohort!

Year 7 brings The Cantebury Tales to the stage this Friday night!

18 Aug 2022

Year 7 students will perform their play Chaucer’s The Cantebury Tales, this Friday night at 6:30pm in the Middle Cove Sylvia Brose Hall. Year 7 parents are welcome to attend. Students have been rehearsing for weeks, and have put in an extraordinary effort. The Canterbury Tales is revered as one of the most important works in English literature. Drama, poetry, English, Music and dance all come together, bringing this masterpiece to life.

“Welcome! One and all, to the Tabard Inn! A place of merriment, melancholy a myriad moments of myrth.”

Sappho named Finalist in Young Writers' Competition

18 Aug 2022

Our congratulations to Year 9 student Sappho who was recently named a finalist in the Northern Beaches Young Writers' Competition 2022.

Sappho was in a group of only 24 finalists out of the nearly 300 entries. Sappho’s entry The Last Dance, was awarded Highly Commended at the Young Writers' Presentation Night held on August 10. Her story is now published in an eBook in the library collection.

This was the thirteenth annual writing competition hosted by Northern Beaches Library Service. Congratulations to Sappho.

Sandra’s weekly visit to the Kindergarten

18 Aug 2022

Each morning in Little Kindy when we start the day we sing:

"Rinka, rinka rosie ray, what day is it today?"

On Tuesday the children recall it is Porridge Day, Painting Day and yes of course it’s SANDRA DAY. Yes, this is the day that Sandra comes to visit Little Kindy on her way to the garden. We must remember to save a bowl of porridge for her. We all look forward to Sandra joining us at our table. After we finish our porridge the children are keen to join Sandra and her helper Gucchi in the garden where they work each week with the children of all three Kindergartens.

Last week Sandra brought a special healing mixture to paste on the trees and plants that had been pruned or had broken branches. This wonderfully tactile, cooling slurry (Sandra is the keeper of this special recipe) was lovingly and carefully spread over the cuts and wounds of our beloved trees as the children earnestly sang the tree pasting song:

Healing healing medicine for our beautiful trees
Healing healing has begun
Soon our trees will be big and strong

Even the most rumbunctious and active kindergarten players were drawn into the calming qualities of the song as they participated in the healing and cooling magic of the tree pasting ritual. Sandra’s tree paste is not only transforming our trees but also our children!

Come and join Glenaeon Playgroups!

18 Aug 2022

Glenaeon Playgroups are back and we are enjoying coming together to sing, play, bake, explore and listen to wonderful stories together! Please come and join our lovely Playgroups - they run 6 times per week - Monday - Friday across our Castlecrag and Willoughby (Preschool) Campus.

The Playgroup time begins with a story journey around the garden - we explore the wonders of nature in a playful adventure. Returning to the Playgroup room, we sit on pillows to listen and watch a beautiful story told by puppets and our felt animals and dolls. We sing together, learning songs with actions and finger rhymes. Then we knead, roll and bake delicious bread together. As the smell of baking bread fills the room, we play with the wooden, felt and natural toys - rocking horses, animals, blocks, scarves, vehicles and much more. Parents enjoy each others' company and the sense of community that grows together.

If the weather is fine, we take our fruit, some bread, butter and toppings to the garden and share a healthy and delicious morning tea together. The children play in the sandpit and gardens, climbing, digging, pumping water, exploring and building creations. Songs bring us all together again and we return to the Playgroup space for a closing circle. We pack up our freshly-baked bread buns to take home. It's another lovely day at Playgroup so come along and join us!

Regular playgroups run every week day and there are currently paces in our Monday and Tuesday sessions. Please see our Playgroups Flyer HERE.

Try one of our Playgroup sessions: In response to the frequent request for a 'trial session' at our Glenaeon Playgroups, we are delighted to invite you and your families for a single Playgroup session at both our Willoughby and Castlecrag campuses: Monday Willoughby 22nd August 9:00am-11:00am and Tuesday Castlecrag 23rd August 9:30am-11:30am

Contact : Glenaeon Playgroups: playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au. Phone: 99322340

Class 2 making Seasonal Wall Hanging

18 Aug 2022

With the Glenaeon Family Fair coming up in November, many class groups have begun to work on a piece of their own handwork and art for the 'Silent Auction' - these will be actioned silently as the day progresses, with the lucky winner taking home an artwork. This collection of hand-made work by the students from Kindergarten to high school is simply stunning and a wonderful reflection of the skills and beauty they develop over years in art, design and technology and handwork. Class 2 has begun making a 'Seasonal Wall Hanging' - and are busy long-stitching small panels of seasonal inspirations. They will create an image that reminds them of each season which will be carefully brought together into four beautiful hanging pieces. Thanks to the wonderful parents and teachers for assisting these projects to come to fruition - they are always a focus and favourite destination at the Fair! Watch this space and be sure to visit the Silent Auction room at our Fair to see and bid on these clever student creations.

Class 1 and the wonder of numbers

18 Aug 2022

Class 1 has just started their Maths Main Lesson ‘The Four Operations’ with Class teacher Jamie Loftus. Expanding on the work they began last term. The story continues with the same characters Mighty Minus, Adding Adam, Spider Divider, Many Times Multiply and Kyser the Equalizer. As the story continues, we will work more intensely with the operations through practice and learning some new strategies in mathematics. Working with algorithms to develop their math skills is an ongoing part of this lesson.

Grassroots Eco Store - Father’s Day Gift Ideas

18 Aug 2022

With Father's Day just around the corner, we have a wonderful selection of sustainable and locally made gifts that we think dads will love with customised gift packs and delivery available too. Pop in-store to take a look at our new range of Pottery for the Planet Ceramic Travel Cups, which make a great earth-friendly and practical gift for anyone who enjoys a takeaway coffee or tea. You can view our full Father’s Day Gift Collection online or visit the shop to see the display. Wishing all the fabulous father figures in our community a happy Father’s Day!

Term 3, 2022 – 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 shopping locally. 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.

Animals and Us

18 Aug 2022

This Blackboard Beauty was created by Class 4 Teacher Lucy Armstrong for the Animals Main Lesson.

Year 7s Outdoor Adventure

18 Aug 2022

Our Year 7 cohort recently went on an Outdoor Education adventure with Scottie Williams and Kristen Gardner (aka KG). They took part in abseiling and kayaking and had lots of fun. These exciting activities were a local adventure in Harold Reid reserve, in our own “backyard”, just minutes’ walk from the classroom. Glenaeon’s Middle Cove campus is embedded in bush land providing a unique Active Wilderness education.

Kia Ora for Māori and Islander Day

18 Aug 2022

Year 7 students recently received a visit from two Pacific Islands Educators as part of their Polynesia Main Lesson. A learning and celebration of Maori and Polynesian cultures. Indigenous New Zealanders shared important cultural aspects and dances with students learning about language, greetings, customs, performing the Hakka, plus more.

Class 4 visit the Zoo for Animals Main Lesson

18 Aug 2022

Recently Class 4 Teacher Lucy Armstrong took her students on a visit to Taronga Zoo as part part of their Animals Main Lesson. The class saw all types of different animals from tigers, giraffes, elephants, meerkats and saw a magnificent peacock with feathers on full display!

Glenaeon at the EXPO and on Tour

18 Aug 2022

Last weekend Glenaeon took part in the North Shore Schools EXPO held at the Concourse in Chatswood. Our Enrolments Registrar Sunita Shar talked with hundreds of prospective families answering questions about our school. Sunita was supported on the stand by staff including Elizabeth Nevieve, Evan Sanders, Lucy Armstrong, Stanley Tang, Katherine Arconati, Catherine Pilko, Elena Rowan and Raphaela Mazzone and students who gave up part of their weekends to support our school. Yesterday we had a large turn out at our Middle Cove campus for a tour.

Careers Corner with Rod Mounjed

18 Aug 2022

What do you like to do?
This may seem obvious, but the first thing to consider when choosing a career is what you enjoy doing. Think about your interests, the type of work you would be suited to and the skills you have. Do you prefer analytical work, such as maths or science, or are you more on the creative side? Do you enjoy things like researching, planning or reading or do you prefer more practical, physical tasks that allow you to use your hands to build, create or fix things? Perhaps you enjoy helping people or maybe you’ve shown a flair for being organised and methodical. Do you enjoy working as part of a team or individually, or are there certain demographics that appeal to you (children, the elderly, or animals, for instance)?

ITEMS WORTH CHECKING OUT:

Southern Cross University Transition to University.
Beginning - January 2023. Course duration is six weeks.
An exciting, fee-free opportunity that guarantees you direct entry to university.
Remove the uncertainty and secure your Transition to Uni
We are living through uncertain times and that unpredictability is felt most acutely by students completing their Year 12 studies and those who have recently completed Year 12.
But we can put some certainty back in the equation.
Southern Cross University is offering Year 12 students and recent high school graduates an opportunity to guarantee a place at university in 2023.
Transition to Uni is a fee-free, six-week intensive preparatory course designed for school leavers who have completed Year 12 with an ATAR (or equivalent). This full-time program involves 10 hours of class and up to 30 hours of independent study and assessment preparation each week.
(Phone: 1800 626 481)

University of Newcastle and SRS Offers
The University of Newcastle offers many pathways and entry options to give you the best chance of getting into uni. Schools Recommendations Scheme (SRS) offers early entry and guaranteed accommodation and scholarship opportunities for eligible students. The University of Newcastle will begin making SRS offers in November Round 1. To be considered, ensure that you have your SRS application in with UAC by 19 September 2022.
To give yourself the best chance of receiving an early offer to study at the University of Newcastle, lock in your Newcastle degree as preference one by midnight on 3 November 2022.
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/study/undergraduate/getting-in/entry-schemes/schools-recommendation-scheme

University of Wollongong Paid Work Experience through their Cyber Academy
Delivered by Deloitte, TAFE NSW, and UOW, this unique initiative will see eligible cyber security students undergo paid work with Deloitte or an industry or government sector partner and receive coaching, mentoring, soft skills, ethics, and leadership training, plus a pathway to secure a job on graduation. Find out more about UOW Cyber Academy
https://www.uow.edu.au/study/cyber-academy/

Western Sydney University offers $25 million in scholarships every year
Find a wide variety of scholarships recognising academic excellence, community involvement and leadership skills. Scholarships are also available for motivated students experiencing disadvantage. Find out more:
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/why-western/scholarships.html?cid=em:EGMT-CAA-news-sships_aug22

University of Sydney – Test for Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
All applicants are required to complete the Casper online testing (via Altus Suite) for the 2022/2023 admissions cycle.
16 September 2022
16 October 2022
13 November 2022
7 December 2022
Altus Suite is a standardised, multi-part online assessment that measures different competencies and attributes important for successful students and graduates of these programs. It is a 100–120 minute online, open-response situational judgment test.
Casper - Altus test site here: https://takealtus.com/
How to apply here:https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-veterinary-biology-and-doctor-of-veterinary-medicine0.html

University of Sydney – Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design)
Wed 7th Sept 5-6pm
The University of Sydney has launched a new Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) degree. This new degree will prepare you to be at the leading edge of interaction design and a career in an ever-expanding field.
You will develop a deep and rich understanding of how people interact and experience the world around us, and discover how to design, prototype, and test new products, services and experiences. https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QltufzNARU2-_Pu4nP-DXA

UTS - Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) Co-operative Scholarship
Please note that applications Close 4 September 2022.
Interviews will be held on the 28 September 2022.
The BIT is a highly competitive course – it’s been designed with future leaders in mind. To get in, you’ll need to demonstrate how you stand out from the crowd.
Successful students generally achieve a Selection Rank of 88-99.95; however, your ATAR is just one component of your application.
The interview is all about showing us who you are. You will need to demonstrate that you’re highly motivated and have what it takes to progress to a senior management career.
https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-engineering-and-information-technology/bachelor-information-technology-co-operative-scholarship/how-apply/get-ready-apply

Find out the secrets of gaining admission to Harvard, Yale, and Stanford!
Join us online Wednesday 7th September 6pm
Learn everything you need to know about applying to a top-ranked US university from a former Harvard admissions officer!
Ivy League colleges and other top-ranked US universities are notoriously selective and there are many important things to consider when preparing your applications.
Find out what you can do to get accepted from a former Harvard admissions officer!

Secure your spot here: https://www.crimsoneducation.org/au/campaign/secrets-of-gaining-admission-to-the-ivy-league/

CAREER OF THE WEEK: “Industrial Designer”
In this profession, Industrial designers create and produce designs for commercial, medical and industrial products. They also make models and prototypes of these designs for mass production. The products that industrial designers create cover a wide range of manufactured goods, from toys and toasters to furniture and heavy machinery. Some work is carried out on the development of new products. Other work is related to updating and improving the design of existing products.

INVITATION: 17 SEP Alumni reunion event at Middle Cove

18 Aug 2022

RSVP Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CBFLM

Download the poster and share with your cohort!

Performers Wanted!

18 Aug 2022

Hands up if there are any talented performers out there who would love to be part of the entertainment for our upcoming Glenaeon Family Fair on Saturday November 5th?

We are in the process of putting together the schedule, and would welcome any submissions.

Send your details to: Andrew Klippel : klippel@mac.com + Rebecca Quade beckquade@gmail.com

Raffle - call out for Prize Donations

04 Aug 2022

The Glenaeon Family Fair & Art Show is on again this year. Tickets will be on sale from 1 September and the raffle will be drawn on the day of the Family Fair.

We are asking for donation of prizes, however big (the bigger the better-like a new car perhaps) or small (free offer of services or the like).

So please put your thinking caps on and let the Raffle team know if you can contribute to the prize pool or if you have any contacts that we can tap on the shoulder to access some worthwhile major prizes ideally by 23 August please.

If you’d like to help or donate a prize, please get in touch:

Alex François
Mobile: 0416040835
Email alexfrancois118@gmail.com

Learning Enrichment team grows

04 Aug 2022

Here at Glenaeon, we strive to ensure each individual student is met, recognised and best supported to reach their full learning potential. Over the past year our Head of Learning Enrichment Angela Sutton has been rebuilding and growing the Learning Enrichment team. Angela commenced in 2021 as part of our commitment to enhance our support for students with learning needs, and to communicate to parents all the work that is being done. There have been a number of staff changes and now with the most recent appointment, it is a pleasure to re-introduce the team to the community. But just as importantly as rebuilding, Angela has been rebranding. Supporting students with both learning needs and students that require extension throughout the school, her team is enriching their learning and providing great support.

Angela Sutton, Head of Learning Enrichment K-12 & Teacher, is a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic leader of the team. She has extensive experience teaching and programming for all ages of students and she capably takes into consideration the specific learning and welfare needs of all in her care. She is capably supported by:

Shancel Leacy, Learning Enrichment Assistant has been in the team since 2021, and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Music from Bath University (UK) and Cert 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care
Ellana McAllister, who joined Glenaeon in February this year as a Learning Enrichment Assistant. She was previously at Chrysalis Steiner School as a Learning Aide and before that at St Edmunds College Wahroonga. Ellana has a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Music and Certificate IV in Education Support.
Emma Harrison started with Glenaeon in May this year as a Learning Enrichment Assistant. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Education, and recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Steiner Education at the Melbourne Rudolf Steiner Seminar
Monique Anderson works as a Learning Enrichment Assistant and is also Class 2 Teacher Assistant: Monique trained at the Melbourne Rudolf Steiner Seminar and is a qualified teacher
Olivia Jeffrey, Learning Enrichment Assistant (currently on mat leave)

Between them, this team covers K-Year 12 Glenaeon students whether supporting or extending the talents of gifted students. As always if you wish to discuss your child’s learning, please speak with your child’s Class Teacher or Guardian/Mentor in the first instance. If required, your child’s teacher will put in a referral for your child to Learning Enrichment.

Grassroots Eco Store - Step over the rainbow!

04 Aug 2022

The shop is brimming with even more rainbows after a delivery of gorgeous hand-made wooden rainbow spinning tops, rainbow skipping ropes, wooden puzzles, rainbow stacking toys and the full rainbow of wool yarn, modelling beeswax, crayons and felt fabric colours to inspire colourful creative projects.

If you have visited the shop and stepped on our rainbow felt mat at the entrance (or jumped over it like many people like to do), we now have these in stock so that you can step over the rainbow at home too!

Pop in-store to enjoy the colourful display.

Term 3, 2022 – 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 shopping locally. A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon.

Follow us on Instagram @grassroots_ecostore and be the first to find out about our new products and the stories behind them.

2022 Glenaeon Family Fair - callout for pre-loved items

04 Aug 2022

In preparation for this year’s Family Fair parent craft stall, Class 1 is calling for any pre-loved felt, cloth or wooden toys, or any Steiner-inspired toys that can be restored and resold. With the last two years of no fair, parents' craft is slowly awakening but us class one folk are new in our skills, so this is a great place for us to start!

Any donations can be dropped off at the office at Castlecrag. If this drop off is not possible for you please contact Louise Patel on 0414 107 391 or louise.gazzard@health.nsw.gov.au and we can make alternative arrangements. Many thanks!

Louise (Class 1 parent)

High School Homework Club

04 Aug 2022

The Homework Club is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3.30-4.30pm in the Senior Library for all students in Years 7-12. Students may receive assistance with: organisation, homework planning and study timetables, task completion, literacy and written expression, or numeracy. There is a highly experienced Maths Teacher and Tutor available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so any students needing support in numeracy are encouraged to attend on one of those days. Students are welcome to drop in or they may be registered on GLO via https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/4616.

Kobi Bennett - Steiner family fundraiser

04 Aug 2022

Families who were at Kamaroi before Glenaeon may recall former Kamaroi student Kobi Bennett who was involved in a tragic accident on Pittwater recently. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to support Kobi in his recovery and you can support him by clicking on link: https://gofund.me/a6a30497

Class 2 develop drawing skills

04 Aug 2022

Class 2 have been developing their drawing skills with Class Teacher Prue Ritchie. Taking an image from their Main lesson story, she works with form, shading and gestures to help the children develop their artistic and expressive skills on paper. The children work with crayon and pencil to create beautiful images that are displayed in their classroom. The display board in the classroom is an ever-changing wall of colour and inspiration for all.

Class 1 make knitting needles

04 Aug 2022

Class 1 are busy sanding, oiling and finding gumnuts for their knitting needles, which they will use for their upcoming knitting lessons with Handcraft teacher Elizabeth Ellean. There is much excitement as they go and search under the perfect tree for the gumnuts for the ends!

VALE ALEX GOMERSALL

02 Aug 2022

It is with huge sadness that we share news of the passing of former student Alex Gomersall, (Class of 1999). We extend our deepest sympathies to his parents Alan and Carole, his partner, and his extended family and friends. Head of School, Andrew Hill said, “For any school, the loss of a former student still in the prime of life is to lose a thread in the fabric of our own being.”

Alex had many talents and a passion for nature and animals.

You can see some of his incredible photography here, shared on his memorial website: https://www.alexgomersall-inmemoriam.com/

Term 3 Parent Education program is out!

21 Jul 2022

Download Parent Education Term 3 program flyer

To register for these free events, go to GLO and click on the links: https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/4733/

Thank you for your generosity

21 Jul 2022

In May this year, we launched our Annual Giving Campaign: A gift that lasts a lifetime! aiming to raise funds to support our bursary and scholarship programs.

We are delighted to report that we raised just over $36,000!

Heartfelt thanks once again for your solidarity, support and generosity to help our school community in these difficult and challenging times.

Glenaeon in the News

21 Jul 2022

Last week, the SMH ran a news article about our incoming Head of School Diana Drummond. You can read the article here: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/why-elite-private-girls-schools-leader-has-switched-to-alternative-co-ed-20220705-p5az51.html

In preparation for the article, at the end of last term, a Walkley-award winning photographer Steven Siewert visited our campus to shoot our incoming Head of School Diana Drummond with some of our Primary and High School students. The students worked in front and behind the camera, assisting with lighting, taking art direction and making sure we created a great picture for publication in The Sydney Morning Herald. Our thanks goes out to the Class 6 students and Year 12 students who participated and represented our school. Here are some behind the scenes happy snaps taken by our Marketing Communications Manager.

Tours

21 Jul 2022

We have announced five new events for prospective families to come and learn about Glenaeon. Hosted by Head of School, Andrew Hill and Deputy Head of School, Elizabeth Nevieve we will be running Virtual Tours (webinars) and Campus Tours at both Castlecrag and Middle Cove. Designed for parents looking at Kindergarten entry 2024 or Year 7 entry 2024, please book in via our website: https://enquiry.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/events

Grassroots Eco Store - Plastic Free July

21 Jul 2022

If you’re looking for ideas to reduce your plastic consumption, we have lots of convenient and sustainable products in-store to help you on your way to plastic-free living.

The lunchbox is a great place to start with a variety of sustainable, stainless steel Food Containers, Insulated Food Flasks, Drink Bottles and Travel Cutlery which also make packing lunches and cleaning a breeze.

Some of our favourite plastic-free alternatives are our new Stainless Steel Pegs which are not only more durable and long-lasting than plastic pegs, they do a much better job of holding your washing on the line. Our fabric Dish Covers look great covering your food, and can be popped in the washing machine to use again and again. And our beautiful Ceramic Travel Cups make it easy to ditch single-use coffee cups and are much more enjoyable to drink from too!

Pop in-store for more ideas along with all the back-to-school essentials!

Term 3, 2022 – 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 shopping locally. A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon.

Follow us on Instagram @grassroots_ecostore and be the first to find out about our new products and the stories behind them.

2022 GlenX reunion date set & call for volunteers

21 Jul 2022

In 2022, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School will host a reunion gathering open to all GlenXer's but with a celebratory focus on the:

Class of 2012, 10-year reunion;
Class of 2002, 20-year reunion;
Class of 1992, 30-year reunion;
Class of 1982, 40-year reunion and
Class of 1972, 50-year reunion.

The Class of 1992 & 1982 are already underway and we are looking for GlenX volunteers from each of the other cohorts to help find past students, spread the word and help manage the event.

If you can volunteer to be a cohort coordinator for 2012, 2002 or 1972 or support these events in any way please get in touch via email alumni@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Save the date:

Saturday 17 September 2022
3pm–6pm
5a Glenroy Ave Middle Cove

Alumni are encouraged to join the Glenaeon Alumni Facebook Group to receive updates about the reunion event: https://www.facebook.com/glenaeonalumni

We hope to see as many GlenXer’s as possible!

#Glenaeon #GlenX #Classof2012 #Classof2002 #Classof1992 #Classof1982 #Classof1972 #schooldays #alumni #reunion

Class 1 and the wonder of numbers

21 Jul 2022

Class 1 have been learning their numbers up to 100 with Class teacher Jamie Loftus. They created a beautiful number square and have been busy looking for all the patterns that the numbers make. It is remarkable how many ways they can 'read' the table and explore the patters which ultimately represent the times tables and the basis for geometry. What an engaging and rewarding way for the children to discover the wonder of numbers!

Class 1 make counting mats for Maths

21 Jul 2022

Class 1 had a wonderful wet felting hand work class with teacher Elizabeth Ellean. They learnt about the beauty and softness of wool and placed their fleece in patterns and pictures. With warm soapy water they roll it in the bamboo mat and felt the colours together. These will become beautiful counting mats as they use glass gems to count and do their maths! Even teacher Jamie Loftus made himself one too!

Class 2's garden sprouts

21 Jul 2022

Class 2 were excited to come back and look at the sprouting garlic and carrots that they planted before the holidays. With gardening teacher Sandra Frain, they observed the beautiful bulbs starting to flower and began digging with earnest in the new garden bed. The light rain has been wonderful for the earth. They sprinkled a rich mineral fertiliser made from weeds gathered in the previous term.

2022 GlenX reunion call for volunteers & RSVP

21 Jul 2022

In 2022, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School will host a reunion gathering open to all GlenXer's but with a celebratory focus on the:

Class of 2012, 10-year reunion;
Class of 2002, 20-year reunion;
Class of 1992, 30-year reunion;
Class of 1982, 40-year reunion and
Class of 1972, 50-year reunion.

The Class of 1992 & 1982 are already underway and we are looking for GlenX volunteers from each of the other cohorts to help find past students, spread the word and help manage the event.

If you can volunteer to be a cohort coordinator for 2012, 2002 or 1972 or support these events in any way please get in touch via email alumni@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Save the date:

Saturday 17 September 2022
3pm–6pm
5a Glenroy Ave Middle Cove

Click here to register your attendance

Alumni are encouraged to join the Glenaeon Alumni Facebook Group to receive updates about the reunion event: https://www.facebook.com/glenaeonalumni

We hope to see as many GlenXer’s as possible!

#Glenaeon #GlenX #Classof2012 #Classof2002 #Classof1992 #Classof1982 #Classof1972 #schooldays #alumni #reunion

Kindergarten Mandarins and Winter fires

24 Jun 2022

Kindergarten children have been busy doing all sorts of things this term in the Garden, as well of course as playing. Earlier in the term we harvested the mandarins. This year's crop was amazing and the children were able to gift many to all the wonderful people who help us at school: Sandra, Guchi, Lindsay and Melony. We gave a basket full to Class 1 and 2 to enjoy as well.
Now that King Winter is here and the days are cold, we have been enjoying cooking our bread on a fire. The children have been busy collecting kindling and sawing wood. Each bread day we prepare our fire in the morning, so it is all ready for us to enjoy later in the day and bread cooked by the children on the fire tastes so delicious.

Class 1 & 2 Castlecrag Winter Spiral

24 Jun 2022

It is time for our Castlecrag Winter Festivals which includes the Class 1 & 2 Winter Spiral– a time of inward reflection and light in the darkness of Winter. We celebrate this by walking a beautiful spiral, lighting a candle in the centre and bringing this inner light forth as we journey outwards, placing the light amongst others in an ever-growing and glowing form. It is magical, reverent and exquisite. The actual Winter Solstice – the longest night and shortest day fell on June 21st. The significance of the spiral is finding light in the darkness. In the centre of the foliage spiral is a lit candle. The room is darkened and each child takes a turn to walk the spiral holding an unlit candle resting in an apple. As they reach the centre, they light their candle and retrace their steps out of the spiral. The child brings forth the light as they walk outward and chooses a place along the spiral to set down their own candle. As they each have a turn, more and more lit candles grace the spiral, and the room becomes increasingly filled with shining lights. The mood is quiet and still, apart from singing and gentle music. Music and songs included lyre, recorder, piano, glockenspiel and the beautiful winter songs of the children. Thank you to our lovely parent helpers who prepared the spiral and candles for the children.

"Through the darkness we shall go
With our candles all aglow
Heart grows warm and
Way grows bright
As we journey through the night"

Making Japanese lanterns

24 Jun 2022

Class 1 made lanterns with Japanese teacher Junko Nicholas. Using paper mâché they formed little bowls, which dried and were covered with mosaic style coloured paper. The little lanterns were lovely and with shine brightly over winter!

Class 2 making knitting needles

24 Jun 2022

Class 2 have begun sanding and making their own knitting needles. Taking a dowel rod, they sand it smooth, sharpen the end and go to collect 2 small gum nuts from a special tree in the playground. They glue these onto the end and then polish them with lanolin. The needles are lovely and will be used for their upcoming knitting projects! Watch this space!

Grassroots Eco Store - Stock up for the holidays!

24 Jun 2022

We have plenty of beautiful craft supplies to keep you busy and creative these holidays or pick up a ready-made Rainbow Craft Pack.

If you're headed off on a long car trip Happy Car Games is the antidote for backseat squabbles. This fabulous idea to make car trips fun was created by Waldorf author Lou Harvey-Zahra and contains 35 illustrated cards that will provide hours of car game fun for all ages.

Keep hands warm during your holiday adventures with our soft alpaca wool fingerless mittens, available in sizes for kids and adults!

The shop will be closing for the school holidays from midday on Wednesday (29 June). However, the online store remains open during the holidays with free local delivery available.

School Term 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 shopping locally. A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon.

Follow us on Instagram @grassroots_ecostore and be the first to find out about our new products and the stories behind them!

Visual Arts: MURALS-HEADS-PORTRAITS

24 Jun 2022

Our Visual Arts students have had a very productive term.

Students from Year 9 have almost completed their large murals paintings. Some are two panels wide, some three or more. These murals once finalized, will be proudly displayed around the school, bringing even more beauty and colour to our Middle Cove campus. See photos for a sneak peek at these creations.

Students have also been working on sculpting a head using clay and each student came up with something quite unique and different. Building up the nose, cheeks, and eye brows and crafting eyes took time, patience and skill to bring the structure to the right proportions and bringing each its own distinctive features.

Students have also completed a study of Portraits of the Renaissance. Each student has demonstrated their understanding of this art form by rendering a Rembrandt, using chalk pastel to gain the allure of the time period. Check out this gallery of faces.

Class 5 Ancient Egypt

24 Jun 2022

Class 5 has been presenting their Ancient Egyptian Research Projects.

The study of ancient Egypt is one of the ancient civilisations studied in Class 5, coming after China, India, Persia and Mesopotamia.

Egyptian civilisation is filled with so much mystery and has provided inspiration for the children’s own investigations including: Pharaohs, Pyramids, The Sphinx, Mummification, Tombs, Gods and Goddesses, Clothing, Jewellery, Warfare and Daily Life.

Winter Spirals

24 Jun 2022

Class 6's Winter Wonderland

23 Jun 2022

Class 6 spent weeks preparing and planning and came to Castlecrag Campus to run a 'Winter Wonderland' afternoon for the younger classes. It was indeed a wonderful time! They ran games for the children - piggy back pony rides, 'Frozen Floor' obstacle course, "Musical Icebergs", Lantern making, Damper Making, Snowball Races (aka egg and spoon race) and story telling. Class 6 were so beautiful in serving the younger children, who stayed for soup, chai and baked goods right until it was dark. By the fire they heard a story and went home filled with the fun and wintery activities. Class 6 also recycled books and pre-loved toys for the children to take home. Thank you to Class teacher Katherine Arconati for this gift to the younger children!

Class 4 explore the History of Writing

23 Jun 2022

Class 4 are working through their History of Writing Main Lesson.

Titled “Stone, Clay, Pen and Ink” students are exploring the world of history looking at writing, an activity that they do each and every day, and how it has come to us as a gift from our ancestors. Students have looked at the origins of writing as a sacred activity used for ritual purposes, and how this has gradually adapted to more practical purposes such as record-keeping. From the picture scripts of ancient Egypt and Sumer and the runes of the northern people of Europe Class 4 have immersed themselves by writing using stone, clay, pen and ink.

Yesterday, Class 4 hand-made paper on which to write.

Class 4 discovered that paper can be made from a variety of fibres including rice which was popular in China. Also, that papyrus was used by the ancient Egyptian people to make paper. In more recent times, wood pulp is used to make paper.

The children made paper from the bird of Paradise plant they had harvested and in the style as the Egyptians. By pressing the sinews and fibres that have been softened through boiling the plant stalks in soda ash the children experience the slowed down version of the paper making process.

Class 4 also enjoyed making paper from recycled matt board and paper blending it with water to make a paper porridge. After squeezing the water from the sheets in a press, the children tried pressing the some of their paper sheets to a tree, brick walls, window glass and left flat on their painting boards. In a few days the papers will dry and will be used to for future projects.

The children really enjoyed immersing themselves in this topic and deep learning through this very practical and hands-on lesson.

HSC Showcase 2022 - save the dates!

23 Jun 2022

Year 7 Age of Discovery

23 Jun 2022

Year 7s have enjoyed studying the famous explorers from the Age of Discovery dating from 15th to 17th Century. Students have been making maps and model ships as part of the study. Some very creative maritime exploration work indeed!

Year 11’s Nathan awarded silver medal at Australian Gymnastics Championships

23 Jun 2022

Earlier this term, Year 11 student Nathan Sharp travelled to the Gold Coast with his gymnastics partner Eliza on the state team to compete in the Australian Gymnastics Championships.

Only two weeks earlier, Nathan’s partner had experienced every competitive gymnast’s worst nightmare: a serious injury just before a major competition. She had fractured her hand and doctors advised against competing.

But Nathan and Eliza were reluctant to give up. They realised they might still be able to compete, if they modified the routine. With only one training to practise the changes, nerves were high as they travelled to the Gold Coast.

Against all the odds, Nathan and Eliza managed to complete their routines without a fault, and without exacerbating her injury. Showing determination, resilience and sheer grit, they went on to be awarded the silver medal, putting them on the path towards selection for the world team next year.

What an achievement! Nathan manages to balance all his schoolwork with 20 hours of gymnastics training each week. We salute his success in gymnastics, his time management and, most of all, his inspiring passion and commitment.

Well done, Nathan! And best of luck to you and Eliza in the next step.

Preschool Winter nature tables

23 Jun 2022

In the Indigenous Dharawal seasons it is now the time of the Burrugin, the Echidna. At Preschool we therefore have a nature table depicting a "train" of Echidnas creatively made from casuarina seed pods and beeswax warmed by the children's hands.

This is the time of year when male Burrugin (echidnas) form lines of up to ten as they follow the female through the woodlands. It is also the time when the Burringoa (Eucalyptus tereticornis) starts to produce flowers, indicating that it is time to collect the nectar of certain plants for the ceremonies which will begin to take place during the next season. For more about the Indigenous Dharawal seasons see: http://www.bom.gov.au/iwk/calendars/dharawal.shtml

Marigold's Blackboard Beauty!

23 Jun 2022

Look at this beautiful blackboard drawing that Marigold our Art/Handwork assistant for Class 2, drew this week for the craft room at Castlecrag.
Thank you Marigold!

Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival – Big Band performance

23 Jun 2022

On Sunday, June 19, our Glenaeon Big Band, directed by Phil Arnold, performed in the Stage Band section of the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival, along with bands from three other schools.

It was not just a wonderful opportunity for relatives and friends of our own band members to hear them play for the second time this term, but for us to show members of the broader community the standard of musical performance that students at Glenaeon are achieving.

The band’s three pieces: Mission Impossible, My Funny Valentine and Blues Machine, were enthusiastically received by a packed audience at in the Harbord Public School Hall, and comments received from our appraiser and others were very complimentary of the standard our band is achieving.

The Big Band received a participation award, graciously accepted by Sasha Seymour-Smith in Year 10.

Many thanks to Christine Young who entered the band in the festival and was our bass player on the day, and to our parents and band members for making their time available on a Sunday. Your commitment is greatly appreciated.

The parents are also deeply grateful to Phil, Christine and the rest of the Glenaeon’s music department for the support, encouragement and guidance for our kids. They lead before-school rehearsal sessions; then organise and conduct such weekend events so the children can bring their hours of practice and rehearsal alive through performance opportunities for their musical expression.

Tumeric Project Update

23 Jun 2022

As we all know the turmeric root is edible but so is the entire plant including the flowers and the leaves! The amazing thing about it is the flower and the leaf both contain the same medicinal properties as the root. They all contain curcumin so they are all anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

With the turmeric leaves you can:

make ground leaf powder
make dried leaves
cook by making steam parcels with the leaves
eat the leaves in a dish as a spice such as a curry or soup
rub the ground leaf powder on cuts
make a face mask from the ground powder
keep them for 1 week in the fridge if fresh
keep them for months in an airtight container if dried

With the turmeric flower you can:

eat them fresh in a salad or side dish
sprinkle them over cooked dishes
keep them for 1 day in the fridge

If you would like to make some recipes with turmeric root, leaves or flowers please click here

When I arrived back to school in Term 2 I noticed that most of the plants had flowers that were beautifully white. Some of the turmeric leaves were yellow and the flowers too. Some of the flowers were very shrivelled and wrinkled and had turned brown with just a faint touch of yellow remaining. I thought that the plants were starting to die. The plant turns yellow, slowly getting wrinkles then turns brown. It starts to look like soil. It is the natural process of biodegrading back into nature.

I cut the leaves that were still green from the plants to use in an experiment. We stored them in the freezer and the fridge so we could use them later and they didn't go to waste. The bags of turmeric leaves that were put in the freezer had oil in them which turned a whitish colour and formed clumps. That was the oil turning solid but when taken out it quickly goes back into a liquid form and softens the leaf as well compared to the other one in the fridge that still had the olive oil colour and none of the solid clumps. When I pulled out the other ones without olive oil they were brittle and still really frozen. It takes a while for them to thaw. The taste changes as well. It is weaker slightly when frozen. The fridge definitely preserves the turmeric leaves but for a shorter period of time because it keeps it cold but not cold enough.

We have been using turmeric in the garden tea for some time now. We tried experimenting by eating the turmeric leaf in gardening class. Some of the children did not like the leaf the way we had cooked it up. We had steamed the turmeric leaf for a few minutes with some water. It was getting a tad soft but still quite chewy and fibrous. We added some salt and some olive oil which gave it a nice taste. The curcumin in the leaf definitely came through. The water that was left from the steaming process was golden yellow just like the turmeric. We also steamed eggs wrapped in turmeric leaves. My observation of when I pulled the eggs out were that the shells were golden in colour which looked artificial. When you took the shell off the white part of the egg it had a hint of yellow and tasted really good!

We also did another experiment. We put fresh leaves into the chicken’s rice dish and watched to see if they liked it. The first thing that one of the chickens did is eat the turmeric leaf. The chickens liked it too! Everyone can benefit from turmeric!

Photos taken by Marc Monnet-Demarbre (Year 12 Agriculture Student)

Winter Warmers at Grassroots Eco Store

10 Jun 2022

It’s the perfect weather for bringing hot, nourishing soups and leftovers to school or work for lunch. We are stocked up with new stainless steel Insulated Food Flasks that will keep your food hot for 7 hours and are easily transportable.

If your skin and lips are suffering from the cold and wind, our nourishing Weleda range of skin-loving products are excellent at keeping skin and lips hydrated and protected from the elements.

And to keep hands warm on these cold mornings, we have alpaca wool fingerless mittens. Beautifully handcrafted by women artisans in Peru under a fair trade social enterprise. These hand warmers are so soft and practical you’ll never want to take them off!

Pop in-store to see some of Yuki’s magical winter felt-craft creations for your seasonal nature table.

Term 2, 2022 – 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 shopping locally. A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon.

Follow us on Instagram @grassroots_ecostore and be the first to find out about our new products and the stories behind them.

Glenaeon Concert Band performs at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival

10 Jun 2022

Last Sunday, June 5, the Glenaeon Concert Band performed as part of the 2022 Northern Beaches Instrumental Music Festival program. The band played three pieces: Metrix, La Madre do Los Gatos, and Fireflies to an appreciative audience including relatives, friends, and members of other school bands.

Our thanks go to band directors Christine Young and Phil Arnold for organising this great opportunity for our young musicians and to Roscoe Frazier, one of Glenaeon's percussion tutors, who assisted on the day.

It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the achievements of children in Glenaeon's instrumental program, to hear what children in other schools are doing, and for the parents of our children to hear them perform in front of such an appreciative audience.

Many thanks to the students for giving of their time on a Sunday, and to their parents for supporting them in this worthwhile endeavour.

Photo credits: Erika Hosoyama

Year 7s Milly wins 2022 Youth Climbing Championship

10 Jun 2022

Year 7’s Milly L won the 2022 Youth Climbing Championships for her age group last weekend and came third in the country over all three Sport Climbing disciplines (lead climbing, bouldering and speed climbing). Milly trained really hard for this, especially in her favourite category of bouldering. The competition was presented by Sport Climbing Australia.

Congratulations Milly! Well done on your efforts and great achievement.

Pic Credits: Rachel Lewis

Class 5/6 String Ensemble performs at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival

10 Jun 2022

The Class 5/6 String Ensemble played for the first time at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival on Sunday June 5th. With half of their ensemble unwell and away, they played valiantly and beautifully under the direction of gifted teacher and musician Anna Murkawa, who stood in at late notice for conductor Rosy Johnston who was also unwell. They played three pieces - Fiesta, Mighty Molo and Kingston Calypso. The aim of the Festival is to provide a formal, non-competitive performance opportunity for ensembles that is a positive and encouraging experience. Six bands performed in this event and the students enjoyed the the opportunity to listen to other and learn from the feedback given by the concert adjudicator. Well done Class 5 & 6 String ensemble members! The concert was held at a school in Mona Vale. The entire festival is co-hosted by the Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Northern Beaches Orchestra, the Northern Beaches Symphonic Youth Band, and the Northern Beaches Concert Band. All proceeds from the festival go back into community music. Thank you to all musicians and families who braved the chilly Sunday morning to perform! See: www.nbswe.org.au/festival.htm

Parent Craft workshops return - dyeing coloured felt

10 Jun 2022

After a long-anticipated return following two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Parent Craft workshops are back! This week parents came together and learned to dye felt using vibrating dyes with Glenaeon Handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean. It was sunny winter day and the dye pots were bubbling as parents mixed and blended colours to form lovely pieces of felt that will be used for many craft projects! The rolls of coloured felt were then steamed in a large basket before being laid out in the sun to dry. Thanks to to all parents who came and craft co-ordinators, especially Alex Bell for hosting such a wonderful event. Coming up soon we will have Wet Felting, Needle Felting and Crocheting, so watch out for those announcements.

Donate your preloved clothes

10 Jun 2022

A call out to all Artists! Glenaeon Art Show 4-6 November 2022

10 Jun 2022

Our annual Art Show is back - this is a beautiful way to showcase art and craft from emerging and established artists. It will be held in the Castlecrag campus hall during the famous Glenaeon Fair weekend and will attract thousands of visitors.

...Drawing-Metal-Textiles-Painting-Mixed Media-Mosiac-Sculpture-Jewellery-Wood-Glass-Ceramics-etc…

Applications are now open. Please see our website for more information regarding how to apply.

www.glenaeonfair.com/art-show

Julia Henty: julia@doulalove.com.au
Irena Moore: lunkevic@gmail.com

Composting Fun

10 Jun 2022

Last weekend, we had a Parent Education event where families gathered in the biodynamic garden to learn about compost making and looking after our gardens in winter. Gardening teachers Sandra and Kathy shared their knowledge with parents and children as part of a blissful morning in the sunny garden.

Glenaeon OOSH Services - seeking educators

10 Jun 2022

We are a small OOSH service offering After School Care and Holiday Care in a beautiful Steiner school setting in Castlecrag, Sydney. We are seeking educators to join our lovely team. If you have a passion for working with school age children, a caring approach with parents and lots of creative ideas and enthusiasm we would like to hear from you. Experience working with children is preferred but training will be provided to the right candidate. Please contact us at glenaeonoosh@gmail.com

Class 6 experience the Warrumbungles

10 Jun 2022

Outdoor Education trips are quite often life changing events where friendships are cemented and personal growth highly evident upon return from time away from the ordinary daily life routines and influences. Here are some snaps of the recent trip that our lucky Class 6 students got to experience in the Warrumbungles 550km north west of Sydney. Thanks to Class 6 Teacher Katherine Arconati for these photos.

"The Class 6 campers left at the crack of dawn, meeting at 5:45am for a 6am departure. Whilst parents headed to the local café for a 6am wake-up, Class 6 embarked on an Outdoor Education adventure, bringing their current Main Lessons to life - History (Australian Poineers, the Gold Rush and First Nations), Geography and Science (Geology and Astronomy).

The Glenaeon Outdoor Education team and Class 6 teacher Katherine Arconati took the students across the Blue Mountains, stopping for lunch at Wentworth Falls and then on to Bathurst, where they undertook the Macquarie Tour and took part in the ‘Life on the Goldfields’ program, including erecting mud brick and earth buildings, bush cooking and experiencing life in an indigenous wattle and daub hut. They explored the life in the goldfields, panned for gold dust and saw the steam engines of the time. The visit to the Mineral Museum (Somerville Collection), was a highlight before heading out to the Warrumbungles for 3 days of hiking (including the Grand High Tops Walk), abseiling, nightly fires and camping. The intrepid adventurers returned via the Gulgong Pioneer Museum and were met at the end of the week by parents and siblings eager to hear of their adventures. Many thanks to the greater Glenaeon Outdoor Education team, including Scott Williams and Kristen Gardner and teacher Katherine Arconati."

Mayoral visit

10 Jun 2022

This week Glenaeon hosted a visit from the Mayor of Willoughby City Council Tanya Taylor, meeting with Head of School Andrew Hill and Operations Manager Chris Scrogie. Tanya knows many Glenaeon students and a number of parents in her role as long term leader of the Sailors Bay Sea Scouts, and there were a few surprised looks of recognition as she sat and enjoyed a coffee at the Gentle Café. Mayor Taylor was accompanied by Councillor Robert Samuels who recently joined Council representing our local Middle Harbour Ward. Tanya and Robert were interested in a number of local issues of great importance to the school: our traffic management plan and in particular our intent to push for a 40 kilometre per hour zone on Eastern Valley Way where our students cross at the intersection with Victoria Avenue. They committed to promoting our request to the Traffic Committee which makes recommendations to the government authority the RMS (Roads and Maritime Services). We invited Mayor Taylor to return to address a high school assembly where she will outline the role of local government and how students can be more active in their local area.

High School clothes swap success

10 Jun 2022

Early this week our High School SRC ran a clothes and books swap. Monies raised will go to Red Cross Ukraine appeal. Well done to all the students who organised this event and participated!

A call out to all Artists! Glenaeon Art Show 4-6 November 2022

10 Jun 2022

...Drawing-Metal-Textiles-Painting-Mixed Media-Mosiac-Sculpture-Jewellery-Wood-Glass-Ceramics-etc…

Applications are now open. Please see our website for more information regarding how to apply.

www.glenaeonfair.com/art-show

Julia Henty: julia@doulalove.com.au
Irena Moore: lunkevic@gmail.com

A call out to all Artists! Glenaeon Art Show 4-6 November 2022

10 Jun 2022

...Drawing-Metal-Textiles-Painting-Mixed Media-Mosiac-Sculpture-Jewellery-Wood-Glass-Ceramics-etc…

Applications are now open. Please see our website for more information regarding how to apply.

www.glenaeonfair.com/art-show

Julia Henty: julia@doulalove.com.au
Irena Moore: lunkevic@gmail.com

Donate your preloved clothes

10 Jun 2022

A call out to all Artists! Glenaeon Art Show 4-6 November 2022

10 Jun 2022

...Drawing-Metal-Textiles-Painting-Mixed Media-Mosiac-Sculpture-Jewellery-Wood-Glass-Ceramics-etc…

Applications are now open. Please see our website for more information regarding how to apply.

www.glenaeonfair.com/art-show

Julia Henty: julia@doulalove.com.au
Irena Moore: lunkevic@gmail.com

Final call out to all Artists! Submissions close 7 OCTOBER

10 Jun 2022

...Drawing-Metal-Textiles-Painting-Mixed Media-Mosiac-Sculpture-Jewellery-Wood-Glass-Ceramics-etc…

Applications are now open. Please see our website for more information regarding how to apply.

www.glenaeonfair.com/art-show

Julia Henty: julia@doulalove.com.au
Irena Moore: lunkevic@gmail.com

Tour our beautiful campuses - BOOK NOW

09 Jun 2022

We have several tour and webinar events coming up:

9:30 - 10:30am June 16 Middle Cove Campus Visit (Class 3 - Year 12) BOOK HERE
9:30 - 10:30am June 23 Castlecrag Campus Visit (Little Kindergarten - Class 2) BOOK HERE

Below is a little window into our recent Castlecrag Campus Tour, with workbook samples, craft and some of the natural school resources student use in their learning. Castlecrag is a beautiful campus, and we love to showcase it on school tours.

Winter…the Simpler, Softer World Within

09 Jun 2022

Winter turns us inward. Hasn’t the sudden deep freeze over the past few days brought a different mood? We stay inside to keep warm, we sit by the fire if we have one, and we brace ourselves to face the chill.

Michael Leunig captures the different moods of winter mood so perfectly that there is not much to add. We can touch both the “simpler, softer world within”, as well as the little things of beauty that we find outside us.

Our MidWinter festivals are fast approaching:

Middle Cove students: Tuesday and Wednesday June 21 and 22 for Class 3 to Year 12
Middle Cove Community for parents and friends: Wednesday June 22, 6.30 pm
Castlecrag: Classes 1 and 2: Wednesday June 22
Castlecrag: Kindergarten Tuesday June 29
Preschool: Wednesday June 22

For parents new to Glenaeon, the MidWinter spiral walk can be a revelation of how to put the MidWinter mood into a tangible form. For both child and adult, the simple ritual of walking the spiral and lighting the candle are an expression of this turning inward as we walk the spiral and turn into the central light.

Winter and darkness go together. Our festival celebrates the Light.

Class 1 and 2 craft - counting bags and Etoile's

09 Jun 2022

Classes 1 & 2 have been busy making things they will use throughout their school week and year. Class 1 have been sewing counting bags to hold their counters for use in Mathematics and problem solving. Class 2 are sewing a felt e'toile to hold their very own needles, crochet hooks and scissors. Both projects involve them sewing their instils onto the fabric in embroidery cotton.

Garden trolley and cubbies for Class 1 & 2

09 Jun 2022

Gardening teacher Sandra Frain handed over the all-important task of assembling the new garden cart to the Class 2 children with the guidance of our parent volunteers. Over two lessons they carefully put all the bolts and pieces together and finally... the wheels! What a joy it is! Not only does it carry heavy soil and compost, but it's also a wonderful people trolley and cart! Thank you Sandra and Class 2! Gardening children also helped to clear the bushes out the front of Class 1 for more planting beds, the trimmings of which became the next fantastic cubbies!

Gardening one seed at a time

09 Jun 2022

The weather has been perfect for early winter planting and gardening teacher Sandra Frain with helper Guchi work alongside the children each week. They may have even planted some more secret bulbs around the place! We have a huge dahlia flower - a Tree Dahlia - that is as tall as our building and blooming with many blossoms on show! Little hands plants seeds and seedlings, pat the soil and water them too. We wait for the winter sun to warm them and come Spring, we will see what has grown! Thanks to Guchi for these photographs.

2022 Annual Giving Appeal

13 May 2022

Driven by a commitment to making our enriching education as accessible to children as possible, Glenaeon now proudly provides both scholarships and bursaries that literally change lives.

Over the past five years Glenaeon has supported over 100 families with bursaries and has provided part and full scholarships to 34 students. These are gifts of opportunity that touch so many.

These bursaries and scholarships, tightly governed by a Glenaeon Board sub-committee, rely on your generosity, and we thank you in advance for any End of Financial Year (EOFY) donation you can contribute to our annual giving campaign: a gift that lasts a lifetime!

Please make your donation at www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/donate by end of financial year, June 30, 2022.

Scholarship donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Please note, bursary donations are not tax deductable. Building Fund donations, benefiting all students, are fully tax deductable.

For donations by credit card via phone, EFT/bank transfer or cheque, please contact Amanda Ford via email foundation@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your wonderful generosity.

Into The Woods – new dates announced

12 May 2022

We recently made the decision to postpone the Year 10 Musical due to COVID interruptions.

We can now provide new performance dates as follows:

Thursday, 8 September 7pm
Friday, 9 September 7pm
Saturday, 10 September 1pm (matinee)
Saturday, 10 September 7pm

For those families who have already purchased June tickets, your tickets will be 100% transferable to the new dates, and refunds will be processed for those that can’t attend the new dates.

Friday 24 June tickets will transfer to the new Friday show date – Friday, 9 September at 7pm
Sunday 26 June tickets will transfer to the new Saturday matinee show date – Saturday, 10 September at 1pm
Monday 27 June tickets will transfer to the new Saturday evening show date – Saturday, 10 September at 7pm
Tuesday 28 June tickets will transfer to the new Thursday show date – Thursday, 8 September at 7pm

To book a ticket for the new performance dates, please go to: https://www.trybooking.com/BZNQQ

To arrange a Musical ticket refund, please email events@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au with your TryBooking ID found on your tickets. We thank you for your understanding and patience and look forward to walking Into The Woods again in September.

Year 10 Musical: Into The Woods – buy tickets now

12 May 2022

Our Year 10 Musical, Into the Woods will run in September. Our thanks to Year 10 student Charli Keeping for her wonderful Musical poster design.

Performance dates are as follows:

Thursday, 8 September 7pm
Friday, 9 September 7pm
Saturday, 10 September 1pm (matinee)
Saturday, 10 September 7pm

NOTE: For those families who purchased June tickets, your tickets will be 100% transferable to the new dates, and refunds will be processed for those that can’t attend the new dates. To arrange a Musical ticket refund, or date transfer (pending availability) please email events@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au with your TryBooking ID found on your tickets by 31 July. No refunds will be made after this date.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE: https://www.trybooking.com/BZNQQ

Year 10 Musical: Into The Woods – buy tickets now

12 May 2022

Our thanks to Year 10 student Charli Keeping for her wonderful Musical poster design.

Performance dates are as follows:

Thursday, 8 September 7pm
Friday, 9 September 7pm
Saturday, 10 September 1pm (matinee)
Saturday, 10 September 7pm

For ticket inquiries, please email events@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

TICKETS NOW ON SALE: https://www.trybooking.com/BZNQQ

Into The Woods – update from the Director

12 May 2022

The Year 10 Production of Into the Woods is going extremely well. It is always a mammoth task to produce and direct theatrically and musically a school Musical and it is certainly coming together through a group effort here at Glenaeon . A silent cast of staff have dedicated many hours of rehearsals, meetings, set, prop and stage building to get us this far.

Evan Sanders and Raphaela Mazzone have done an extraordinary job on the sets, I have been amazed at both their talents and dedication to the task. The design could easily be used in a professional production and the students are having so much fun working with the moving parts of the set. Elizabeth Nevieve has been working tirelessly with a group of students and helping them transform into a fearful and quite quirky wolf pack who will both dazzle you and disgust you. Ian Munns, Musical Director, has been seated at the piano for hours and hours, supporting the students with his enthusiasm for music and general cheery spirits. Accompanying and playing Sondheim is not an easy task and on top of that, he has diligently transposed several songs for the individual voices of the cast. Excellent stuff!

It is a challenging experience to rehearse and perform in a Musical such as Into the Woods and the Year 10 students are facing that experience with such joy and commitment. It has been an honour to be part of their journey. Some days Ian and I can barely get a word in as they are full to the brim with funny, exciting and inventive theatrical ideas. Now, 36 days out, we come to the stage in the rehearsal process that requires great discipline and patience. Climbing the second tier of the steep hill of challenge has begun.

We are all very much looking forward to bringing our versions of this complicated, philosophical and humorous musical story to the community of Glenaeon. See you at show!

Caroline Farrell - Director

3 weeks to go! Year 10 Musical: Into The Woods – buy tickets now

12 May 2022

With less than three weeks to go, now is the time to secure your tickets. Performance dates are as follows:

Thursday, 8 September 7pm
Friday, 9 September 7pm
Saturday, 10 September 1pm (matinee)
Saturday, 10 September 7pm

For ticket inquiries, please email events@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

TICKETS NOW ON SALE: https://www.trybooking.com/BZNQQ

1 week to go! Year 10 Musical: Into The Woods – buy tickets now

12 May 2022

Opening Night is just around the corner, Thursday 8th September! Now is the time to secure your tickets.

Performance dates are as follows:

Thursday, 8 September 7pm
Friday, 9 September 7pm
Saturday, 10 September 1pm (matinee)
Saturday, 10 September 7pm

TICKETS NOW ON SALE: https://www.trybooking.com/BZNQQ

A NOTE FOR THOSE THAT PURCHASED TICKETS PRIOR TO THE RESCHEDULING FROM JUNE
If you purchased tickets prior to the rescheduling of the Musical from June to September, then please note your June tickets are valid for the following nights:

Friday 24 June tickets will transfer to the new Friday show date – Friday, 9 September at 7pm
Sunday 26 June tickets will transfer to the new Saturday matinee show date – Saturday, 10 September at 1pm
Monday 27 June tickets will transfer to the new Saturday evening show date – Saturday, 10 September at 7pm
Tuesday 28 June tickets will transfer to the new Thursday show date – Thursday, 8 September at 7pm

Please check your tickets and contact events@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au ASAP if you wish to change session date or time. The ability to make a change will depend on availability. To avoid disappointment, please do this check ASAP and do not leave until the last minute.

If you have already requested a change this has been done, and you should have received your reissued tickets. If you still need to arrange a ticket transfer, please email events@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au with your TryBooking ID found on your tickets.

Farewell Sarah & Sally, welcome Nikki & Anette!

06 Apr 2022

Last week we said farewell to Middle Cove Receptionist Sarah, and Executive Assistant Sally.

Sarah has been the warm, smiling face at the front desk, and kind-hearted First Aid carer to all our Middle Cove students for the past four and a half years. Over this time she has helped so many students and parents to navigate school life. As well as the day-to-day Sarah would assist with excursions, help teachers, be a listening ear to our students, help in the Garden and drive ethical and sustainable practices in her every day role. Her parting gift was to make every single Primary School student a hand-crafted bracelet made with natural materials. Her regret was that she ran out of time to make each High School student one too. We are so sad to see Sarah go, but wish her well for the future, still in the education sector.

In her place, we welcome Nikki Botha who comes to us most immediately from the Netherlands where she was the Customer Happiness Officer (yes they have them in Europe!) for a company in The Hague. Her school experience was at The British School in The Hague where she was a student supervisor and teaching assistant. Originally from South Africa, she has a Law degree and now has much international experience from working in a number of countries since then. Her son attended a Rudolf Steiner School in Spain. Welcome Nikki!

Also departing is EA, Sally who very capably filled in for Anette on maternity leave. Our thanks to Sally for being so helpful and going the extra mile, her embrace of the role in looking after families, assisting teachers and the rest of the admin team. No job was ever too big or too small. Thanks too, for the cakes she baked for the staff to enjoy, looking after the chickens in the school holidays and at weekends. We wish Sally well in her new role at another school.

It is a pleasure to announce that Anette will be returning to Glenaeon from mat leave. Welcome back Anette!

Extreme Gardening Gold

06 Apr 2022

In our gardening lessons this term, Class 6 has been learning about the effects extreme and excessive weather has on plants and the environment. A very relevant topic given our heavy rains of late. Students observed how all this rain has moved around and through our garden area and the resulting damage. The erosion of soil and the movement of debris was in clear evidence near the hall and Class 6 went into action. They worked with materials on hand to slow and redirect the water flowing, as well as prevent more debris from moving downhill. Great effort Class 6!

Class 6 also took on the task of building biodynamic compost heaps from materials we have received during Term 1. Six large holding bins full of food scraps from our Gentle Café and K-2 Campus, cardboard and paper collected from classrooms, chicken straw from our chicken coop, cow manure, rock minerals and grass clipping were all used to make two large compost heaps. We look forward to harvesting “gardeners’ gold” at the end of Term 2.

The Garden team welcomes any autumn leaves and or animal manures (cow, horse, sheep, alpaca) you may collect during the school holidays. Bags and containers can be left at the Biodynamic Garden at Middle Cove campus. Please do NOT drop off at our Castlecrag campus. Contact Kathy or Sandra with any queries via email K.Thangathurai@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au or S.Frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Gentle Hands, Kind Words

06 Apr 2022

In Term 1 the primary faculty reviewed and clarified our message around bullying and positive behaviour. As part of this review, we identified our new motto as: Gentle Hands, Kind Words.

Primary classes meet regularly, in morning circle or in the afternoon on a weekly basis, to discuss developmental, social and classroom issues as they arise. Each class enjoyed discussions, role play sessions or stories about bullying – what it is and what action to take.

Students were also invited to draw a poster that illustrates what Gentle Hands, Kind Words means to them. See images for illustrations of this work.

To support healthy, harmonious, inclusive play we have also begun two initiatives:

Lunch Club will occur in the junior library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays where various games will be on offer for those children who are seeking an alternative from outside play. This has already been very popular!
From Term 2, on Mondays, the round oval will be open to Classes 3-6 for ball free, inclusive games such as bullrush, non-stop tip and other big play that will allow the classes to interact and build our primary school community.

Classes 3 and 6 have built a beautiful friendship and the Class 6 children even requested a buddy system. We will be looking at activities that will allow the Class 6 children to mentor and play with their Class 3 friends next term.

We also look forward to resuming our Primary School assemblies from Term 2 to further explore our sense of community and to consider other themes.

School Holiday Program from OOSH

06 Apr 2022

We look forward to welcoming children to our upcoming holiday care program at Glenaeon.

We have a lovely mixture of activities for the season that are suitable for all ages.
Please make your bookings ASAP and pass on to friends and family with children who attend other schools.
We CAN accept the BASC vouchers for holiday care - but please bear with us as we navigate how to reconcile these with our Hubworks invoicing system.
Download the flyer to view the program and bookings can be made through our website at http://www.glenaeonoosh.com.au/holiday-care-bookings.html

Email glenaeonoosh@gmail.com with any inquiries.

We are continuing to observe all government health recommendations at this time and ask that parents come in to the campus for drop-off and collections to make contact with staff but NOT into our room. Thank you. We look forward to wonderful times with the children.

Download the Holiday Care flyer

Class 5 reconnect with community Indian Festival

06 Apr 2022

Class 5 Parents reconnected on campus as Class 5 students celebrated their recent Main Lesson topic with an Indian Festival. Students had dressed in traditional Indian dress, incense filled the air, woven fabrics and elephant ornaments decorated the veranda outside Class 5. The students sang, chanted, played instruments and danced.

The crows and the kookaburras observed from the nearby gums.

The sun shone bright as members of the Hari Krishna Temple “ISKCON” group performed Kirtan meditation. The guests also shared their knowledge, mantras, song, music, and food which was shared as a feast and a Class 5 community celebration.

The Festival was a culmination of the ancient Indian mythology main lesson called, “The Sacred Songs of India”. Whilst immersing the class in the colourful stories from the Vedic epic “The Mahabharata”, the children are introduced to the three main gods; Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector and Shiva the Destroyer. However, the stories are an interweaving of gods and humans. The gods appear in human form and humans are able to perceive and converse with the gods. There is a repeated theme of personal hardship and sacrifice, made in order to attain higher realms. Renunciation of power, wealth, comforts, and pleasure, portend a path to enlightenment.

Glenaeon students shine at Australian MTB Interschools 2022

06 Apr 2022

From March 23 – 27, over 1,000 Australian school children descended on Thredbo to compete in the 2022 Australian Mountain Biking Interschools Championships.

Glenaeon’s inaugural MTB team of 10 children from Class 5 to Year 10, was comprised of four girls and six boys who competed in a combination of events across the four days including an All-Mountain race, a Flow race, a downhill race and a X-Country event.

The Glenaeon MTB team finished an outstanding 7th from 204 schools, and throughout the event embodied true sporting spirit both on and off-trail; not just supporting their own team mates, but creating a chorus of Glenaeon voices cheering on all the courageous riders across the mountain.

In contrast to the overall nine per cent female representation on mountain, girls made up a fabulous 40 per cent of Glenaeon’s team. Anna (Year 10) demonstrated superb riding at her debut championships, taking individual bronze in both the Flow Motion and the Cross Country, whilst younger sister Dora (Class 6) took individual bronze in the Year 5/6 Cross Country.

As a Class 5/6 team, Maaike, Dora and Skye earned three separate visits to the podium, placing second in both the All-Mountain Assault, the Flow Motion, and the Cross Country.

Endre, Finn and Sammy (Year 8) were strong contenders in an age group that had over 350 participants, and placed 17th as a team for their age division. Archie and Anton (Year 9) also distinguished themselves in the hotly-contested Year 9/10 division and finished their carnival with exceptional rides in the black diamond ‘Cannonball’ downhill race.

The Glenaeon riders and support crew were thrilled with the debut experience and enjoyed a wonderful camaraderie across the entire team, taking the challenging course and high-energy environment in their stride, and displaying inspirational courage and care for their team mates and the other riders throughout. Watch a short video of their weekHERE ... enjoy!

If you’re a keen mountain biker and would like to join the team in 2023 you can email Zoltan glozikz@gmail.com

A special thank you to parents Zoltan Glozik, Simon Clarke, Dawn Piebenga and George Pethard for the behind-the-scenes work getting the children on-mountain and so well supported.

Kindergartens Celebrate Harvest

06 Apr 2022

Kindergarten celebrated their harvest time with parents invited to join their beautiful outdoor Harvest Festival in the playground. The children sang as they filled the baskets with pumpkins, potatoes, carrots and onions before sharing songs about Farmer Cedric's farm, harvest and apple picking. It was wonderful to invite the parents on campus, who stayed to enjoy a picnic following the festival. The circle songs have been practised in the Kindergarten morning circle times and the children enjoyed sharing these outdoors with their families.

Class 2 create beautiful pencil cases

06 Apr 2022

Class 2 have spent this term creating stunning pencil cases that they will use throughout Primary School. Learning long stitch with Handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean, they design one side as formed shapes - mountains, valleys, hills, castles, brides and more. This early introduction to geometry in a pictorial manner - the children can invent any shape they like that fit together using long stitch. The other side is a freeform image they create and the designs are just beautiful - from pets to sport, rainbows, animals and places. Well done Class 2!

Kindergartens go Apple Picking with Farmer Cedric

06 Apr 2022

"Let's leave the city and leave the town
For we're off to visit Cedric's farm
Along the highway, busy and fast
Far over the mountain.. Phew, we're there at last.
At Cedric's Farm there's lots to see
There's apples, blueberries and a big oak tree
There's oranges, pears and pumpkins too
It's Harvest time and there's lots to do!"

The Kindergartens came together to go apple picking at Bilpin Springs Orchard in the Blue Mountains recently. Meeting under the Old Oak Tree, they were taken around the orchard by Farmer Cedric, who showed them all the varieties and bounty of his farm - Golden Delicious, Gala Fuji, Granny Smith and more. Cedric is a special person to Glenaeon, as he was formerly a high school teacher at our school, before becoming a farmer and living at Bilpin. We love to visit Cedric and he always enjoys taking the children on a tractor ride after apple picking if the weather is good! The families all gathered for the picnic and enjoyed the day out together very much.

Harvest Preparation and Produce

06 Apr 2022

The Castlecrag Reception became a field of Harvest produce, kindly donated by families for the Harvest Festival and later donated to OzHarvest to be made into meals for those that don't have so much. Our Mother Earth looked over the collection as it grew, and grew, and grew! It was made into the stunning Michaelmas Festival display by parent volunteers and later carried in 12 heavy crates to the OzHarvest truck. Phil and Wendy explained to the children where the produce goes and how it gets distributed to people and families in need. Thank you to our generous families and Oz Harvest.

Class 1 Letter Party

06 Apr 2022

Class 1 went on a Treasure Hunt with Class Teacher Jamie Loftus, finding all the letters they have been learning throughout the playground and grounds. The last letters led them to the school hall, where, as a surprise, parents had gathered and set up a Letter Party! The children were delighted to discover that a plate of food from each letter was prepared - T for tomato, J for Jam sandwiches, R for rockmelon, U for upside down cake and X for Hot cross buns! They delighted in sharing this picnic with parents amongst the tables decorated with letter food! Thank you parents and Jamie for this wonderful event.

Beware the Dragon

06 Apr 2022

When a fiery dragon scorches their crops and threatens their lives, a group of humble villagers appeal to their wise king for assistance.

They are eventually saved by the mighty St Michael, who slays the dragon with his powerful sword! This is the story played out annually at our Primary Harvest Festival – through song, verse and movement. The children shudder at the fearful dragon, sing of St Michael’s strength and at the end, enjoy the bounty of the harvest saved - corn on the cob and delicious bread rolls!

As with so many things in our curriculum, this dragon is not just a dragon! At the commencement of the festival, our Faculty Co-ordinator and Class 6 teacher Katherine Arconati encouraged the children to think of the dragon as a symbol of life’s difficult moments – perhaps a really hard math problem or an unkind word from a friend. The slaying of the dragon then becomes a deeply held image to which the children can refer in challenging times. It’s a beautiful example of how the Steiner Curriculum builds imaginative pictures that become a source of wisdom and nourishment for children as they grow.

Year 9 make murals

06 Apr 2022

Year 9 Art making, a Glenaeon-designed minor subject, is currently undertaking mural work for around the school. Students have chosen their site, designed their work and currently resolving the murals ready for hanging in Term 2. Students have been very imaginative and highly engaged in the activity and we look forward to the results and further beautification of the school.

The Cove cleans up

06 Apr 2022

The Cove’s bush engagement program has been heavily disrupted by wet weather this term, not allowing for many runs or walks. As a result, team building, trust and leadership activities held on campus benefitted the cohesion of the group. Fortunately, The Cove participants did get down to Scotts Creek for a clean-up guided by Marc Lee, resident bush-lover and custodian of the area. It was after the floods and the level of rubbish in our beautiful environs was shocking. The students engaged positively and with purpose in the clean-up and voiced strong feelings of care towards our local area and what it requires.

Harvest Gratitude

06 Apr 2022

Families recently gathered together in the Middle Cove biodynamic garden with garden teachers Sandra Frain and Kathy Thangathurai for the Parent Education event, "Harvest Gratitude". The group discovered the abundance of beauty growing in the garden by creating their own fresh cut arrangements. Participants of all ages learned about the importance of living soil, how to use their senses to identify its health and some ways they can care for their soil. We enjoyed some practical garden activities and shared a morning tea of homemade herb tea and sourdough bread. We all had a wonderful morning together in the sunshine, reconnecting as a community to learn together and appreciate nature's gifts including the chorus of chickens!

Year 9’s Warrah Specialist School and Biodynamic Farm Excursion

06 Apr 2022

After completing a challenging bush walk and trail run during the Cove Program earlier in the morning, Year 9A continued their involvement in The Cove program with an excursion to Warrah Specialist School and Biodynamic Farm to complete some community service. Warrah facilitates an incredible program for a wide range of students with special educational needs and disabilities.

We arrived to a cold sunny morning on the farm and the students were bubbling with great confidence and excitement, enjoying the sun, cool and refreshing bush air and very green and undeveloped surroundings.

We entered the school gates at recess time and were greeted with lots of inquisitive and smiling faces from the Warrah students. Our Year 9s met people living with a range of special education needs and disabilities and our student’s confidence and excitement was infused with some nervousness.

We joined Warrah students for an open-air communal morning tea. We encouraged the Glenaeon students to mingle with the Warrah students; this came more naturally to some than others.

After morning tea, we split into two groups to commence our service for the school. The first group went off to a newly-built Discovery building to assist with some gardening and preparations for the official opening of the new building. The second group cleaned and organised the kitchen and washed and cleaned the school buses. The help with these hands-on tasks were greatly appreciated by Warrah.

After our service activities we again joined the Warrah students for a communal lunch and playtime in the well-equipped playground. The trampolines were a highlight for everyone! Both groups of students had become much more relaxed and settled and were playing simultaneously which was really lovely time for all.

After lunch, our Year 9s joined Warrah students for a whole school craft activity. Glenaeon students helped the Warrah students make Origami Easter baskets. Some of the Warrah students needed hand-on-hand support with folding and cutting which was an overwhelming and challenging task for some. The end product was very impressive, and a collective sense of achievement was felt.

Our final activity for the day was a farm tour and visit to the Warrah farm shop. The head farmer Steve spoke of initiatives they are utilising on the farm, and the creative and innovative ways they are engaging all of the students at Warrah. The farm has been heavily impacted from the relentless rain. They have been unable to weed, plant, pick and produce as the same rates they normally have, which means less opportunity for Warrah students to be involved.

We did get to visit the incredible farm shop and this was a really lovely way to finish our afternoon. The Year 9 students were able to buy delicious organic and biodynamic fresh fruit and vegetables, and beautiful home-made sourdough loaves of bread and focaccia! The Year 9s had a great day visiting Warrah and took away many wonderful experiences and moments of gratitude.

Grassroots Eco Store - Autumn Treasures Easter Treats

06 Apr 2022

The shop is filled with Autumn treasures, Easter craft materials and ideas for chocolate-free Easter treats!

We have some boxes of the popular Wooden Rainbow Eggs still available, some adorable handmade Baby Bunnies and a few very special Rabbits lovingly made by Ebba Bodame.

If you're headed off on a long car trip these holidays we have the antidote for backseat squabbles. Happy Car Games is a pack of 35 illustrated cards created by Waldorf author Lou Harvey-Zahra and will provide hours of car game fun for ages 2+.

You can also pick up a ready-made Rainbow Craft Pack, perfect to keep the kids entertained on holiday or get creative with colourful projects at home.

The shop will be closing for the school holidays from midday on Wednesday (6th April). However, the online store remains open during the holidays with free local delivery available.

Term 1, 2022 – 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 shopping locally. A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon.

Follow us on Instagram @grassroots_ecostore and be the first to find out about our new products and the stories behind them!

Preschool Apple Picking and Harmony Day Cultural Feast

06 Apr 2022

Around 50 Preschool families went to Bilpin Springs Orchard on Sunday 27 March and after gathering apples, had a Harmony Day sharing of finger foods from their many cultures. What tables full of culinary delights! The rain could not dampen the spirits of all and the tractor rides were a much loved final addition to the experience before families reconvened at Hillbilly Cider undercover lunch tables for further conversation and playtime for the children.

Year 8 Tangible Textiles

06 Apr 2022

This term the Year 8 students have made some explorations into the world of textiles as part of the D&T course in Stage 4.

Together they have considered some of the technical developments that have revolutionised the textile industry and why now there is a growing movement that emphasizes the need for more innovation, ethical and sustainable practice.

Ava researched a textile designer who uses mushroom leather made with mycelium created from Oyster mushrooms. Both Nicholas and Ava shared with the class, their research about Stella McCartney, a famous ethical designer, who developed the Falabella bag.

One of the features in this sustainable trend in the textile industry, is a return to hand stitching, be it mending or creating beautiful embroidery for embellishment. This includes slow stitching. In the photos you will see Tom trying out the treadle sewing machine for his stitched postcard project.

The students have been machine stitching their own shorts as well as hand stitching designs on cotton fabric and then dyed with natural Indigo. Later they will turn the indigo pieces into beeswax wraps. They used different techniques such as felting and weaving to experience how fibres are manipulated to make varieties of cloth.

Here in the photos you can see the Year 8 students working in the textile room and outside in the garden planting three varieties of native plants that hopefully will grow and be used for eco printing and Indigo dyeing in the future.

Rolling, rolling bread rolls!

06 Apr 2022

Class 2 prepared the Harvest food for the entire primary school - no mean feat as they mixed, kneaded and rolled their way to 180 bread rolls! Wow! Starting as early as 7am to get the bread dough mixed and rising, they spent the morning of the festival making and baking - three boxes of corn and bread rolls for all, which was happily even following the Michaelmas Festival. It was wonderful to be able to welcome back parent volunteers for this day. The recipe comes from the 'Kindy Bread' that many of the primary school children remember, so classes from Middle Cove especially enjoy this treat. Amazing work, Class 2! Thanks to Class 2 Assistant Olivia, our fabulous parent helpers, Melony and Clair Cisterne for helping to coordinate the morning.

Easter in Little Kindy

06 Apr 2022

Easter time was celebrated with some baking of hot cross buns in Little Kindergarten. The children formed the dough and crosses, carefully placing them on the trays for rising and baking. They heard of the Easter Hare that had visited the campus, and, following the straw trail, found a beautiful next fulled with colourful hand dyed eggs. What a surprise! Happy Easter!

Glenaeon Charter Bus Bookings Term 2 – NOW OPEN

17 Mar 2022

It’s time to make your booking on the Glenaeon charter bus for Term 2, 2022. Please be aware that seats on these charter buses are limited. While casual tickets are available to purchase, a casual ticket does not guarantee your child access to the bus if there isn’t a seat available. In order to allow for adequate planning and capacity to be available for all students wishing to use the charter buses, please make your booking before the end of this term.

Please complete bookings for Term 2 by Wednesday 27 April.

Please use the following link to make your booking for Term 2 or for further information about the Glenaeon charter bus routes:

https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/1425

If you have any queries, please contact Glenaeon Administration via email adminteam@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Year 9's Ella in The Crucible

17 Mar 2022

Year 9 student Ella recently performed in the role of Betty Parris in the theatre production of The Crucible by the Point Break Drama Company. Thanks to the Glenaeon staff members and classmates who went along to see the play – it was wonderful to have such lovely support and very much appreciated.

High School Assembly is back!

17 Mar 2022

Yesterday, all High School students gathered together in the Sylvia Brose Hall for the first time in six months to enjoy our first assembly of the year. Head of School Andrew Hill welcomed Year 12 to their new status as the senior class, reminding them that while the year ahead will be challenging, they will learn work habits and attitudes that will set them up for success in life beyond school. Each Year 12 was each presented with a flower from Guardians Yura & Brigitte in recognition of their commencement of their final year of schooling. Year 11 Captains were introduced in their new leadership roles, Duke of Edinburgh students who has achieved Bronze and Silver Awards were presented with their certificates by Duke of Ed Coordinator Donna Miller, and Head of Maths Rene Van Den Tol presented certificates for achievement in the national Maths Olympiad competition. The Assembly was rounded out with musical performances including Ian Munns performing Bach, a wonderful performance by Year 12's Minyu Vandenburg of “Someone Else’s Story” from the show CHESS, and the Glenaeon Big Band took the stage performing two numbers "It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing" (Duke Ellington), and " (T.W.A) Trumpets with Attitude".

It was truly wonderful to gather in person, be together and share the Assembly and welcome our Year 7s for the first time.

Harvest Festival for High School

17 Mar 2022

Glenaeon High School will be holding their Harvest Festival Assembly on Wednesday 23rd March. This will be a High School student-only event, Year 7- 12 in P2.

Fruit and Vegetables for the Harvest Festival display will be gratefully received on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd, please drop donations at the Sylvia Brose Hall on the Middle Cove campus.

All food donations are given to OZ HARVEST who will distribute them to a range of charities supporting Sydney’s vulnerable people. If you would like more information about the important work done by Oz Harvest please visit http://www.ozharvest.org/what-we-do/

Some suggestions of offerings are as follows:

Apples
Carrots
All types of potatoes
Onions
Pumpkins & gourds
Pineapples
Corn still in the husk
Whole uncut melons

Celebration of Harvest Songs (including a piece composed by Head of Music, Ian Munns) and Poems (class group and solo/small ensemble contributions), with a Harvest story spoken by storyteller, Donna Jacobs Sife

Students should wear non-uniform clothing that represents ‘farming and/or autumn’. Suitable clothing includes: long pants/jeans, autumnal coloured shirt or checkered/gingham shirt, boots

Students should bring a gold coin donation, to be gifted to Northern Rivers communities affected by the floods.

Thank you in advance.

MUSIC IS BACK - Calling all Musicians!

17 Mar 2022

Did you know that here at Glenaeon we have several fantastic co-curricular (outside class time) groups, all of which are looking for new participants?

Concert Band – wind and brass instruments, plus some percussion. Rehearsals Tuesdays 7:30am. Directed by Christine Young - cyoung@hotmail.com
Big Band – brass, saxophone, bass, drums, percussion and keyboard (piano). Rehearsals Wednesdays 7:30am. Directed by Phil Arnold -phila1025@gmail.com (High School students heard Big Band play at assembly this week)
Chamber Choir – For singers who would like the opportunity to sing more challenging choral repertoire. Rehearsals Wednesday lunchtimes (negotiable depending on those who sign up). Directed by Ian Munns - I.Munns@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
Sinfonia – This is the only co-curricular offering at this stage for string players - in our developing orchestra: strings, wind and brass instruments. We invite any string players and also orchestral percussionists to join us. The ensemble also needs two more flutes, one clarinet and trombones. Rehearsals Thursdays 7:30am. Directed by Ian Munns - I.Munns@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
Jazz Combo – a small-ish jazz band made up of various instruments. Rehearsals Thursdays 3:30pm. Directed by Adriaan Mees - adriaanmees@gmail.com

We invite any student who enjoys playing an instrument, and would like to extend themselves and discover the joy of playing music with other people, and the excitement of participating in performances to contact one of the directors above, or Julie at musicadministrator@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Generally these groups are open to students in Year 7 and up, but enthusiastic, dedicated and talented Primary School musicians will also be considered.

Crowns for Kindy made in Parent Craft

17 Mar 2022

Last year in a short time between lockdowns and restrictions, some enthusiastic Kindy and Class 1 parents came and began work on beautiful crowns for the Kindergarten children to play with. They received these with enormous thanks and joy from the Kindergarten children and teachers. Thank you to our crafters, and we look forward to Parent Craft starting again soon and parent volunteers contributing to our wonderful campus again. Some of these were made by complete beginner crafters, so please don't be shy in joining Parent Craft! You will be supported in learning enough to get you started.. and who knows what will grow from there! Information will be circulated soon.

Ida Spider - the mathematician in a magic web!

17 Mar 2022

The children of Class 2 have been learning times tables with Ida Spider, the Magic Number Magician and Class teacher Monique Anderson. Every evening Ida Spider weaves into her web a new times table that, in turn, creates a beautiful pattern. Sometimes it is a star and sometimes it is simply a straight line. The children have been singing, walking, jumping, weaving and drawing their times tables. This all helps to imbue an abstract idea with feeling and movement, and an innate understanding that these tables all have very different qualities to one another.

“Wherever there is number there is beauty” - Proclus

Music to our ears - the return of recorder

17 Mar 2022

Class 1 & 2 have been playing recorder - a welcome sound after two years of restrictions to wind instruments. The merry sound of tunes and notes travels across the campus each morning and children enjoy learning through the bird names for each letter - Bluebird, Albatross and Galah.. Care is taken with these beautiful wooden recorders, as they are cleaned and packed away each time.

Year 7 enjoy the great outdoors in Wollemi

17 Mar 2022

After the torrential rain earlier in the week, our Year 7s enjoyed an Outdoor Education adventure in the stunning Wollemi National Park. The Year 7 program introduces students to adventurous activities such as abseiling and hiking while also teaching them skills of self-care in the outdoors such as cooking. Here's a few photos of their time.

Class 1 learn capital letters

17 Mar 2022

Class 1 have been exploring the wonderful world of capital letters with Class teacher Jamie Loftus. They have journeyed through the vowels and consonants, whilst enjoying his stunning chalkboards and adventurous stories filled with characters, animals and lands. Their Main Lesson books are a kaleidoscope of colour, letters and sentences. They have also been modelling the letters out of beeswax, and there is a table in the classroom for all their colourful creations.

Kindergarten garden surprise

17 Mar 2022

The Kindy garden had a surprise visitor recently - a beautiful tree snake. It must have heard our week's story on the winds: How the snake got its hiss. It stayed a long time and gave the children ample opportunity to watch; it was very still - "just like a statue" said one of the children. They also made beautiful beeswax snakes in the classroom, all sitting on a log.

Class 3 Measure Up

17 Mar 2022

Class 3 have been introduced to the concept of measurement through an examination of the history of linear measurement from the use of human limbs as measuring devices through to the standardisation of the Imperial system, and then into the precision and ease of the metric system. It is an active main lesson with lots of opportunities to measure things in the classroom and school grounds.

Harvest Festival for Primary School

17 Mar 2022

On March 29th, Middle Cove-based primary students and their teachers will walk to Castlecrag campus for Glenaeon's Primary Harvest Festival. After the Festival, we will walk back to the Middle Cove campus and will enjoy a picnic at Willoughby Park on the way. Please provide a packed morning tea and lunch (no cafe orders on this date), and ensure your child has their hat, drink bottle and a rain coat. Please note that this is a student-only event.

Fruit and Vegetables for the Primary Harvest Festival display will be gratefully received in the week prior to the Festival please send your donations in with your primary children.

Some suggestions of offerings are as follows:

Apples
Carrots
All types of potatoes
Onions
Pumpkins & gourds
Pineapples
Corn still in the husk
Whole uncut melons

Class 2 swap apples for beach cleanup

17 Mar 2022

Class 2's plan to go apple picking was washed out by the rain and flooding roads, so they changed direction and headed up to Patonga Beach to join in the big beach cleanup taking place. Families met and helped drag larger items to the shore for the barge to collect, whilst others picked plastics, polystyrene and other rubbish out of the piles of wood and debris that covered the whole beach. It was a satisfying day organised by a school family that ended in a big picnic undercover as more rain arrived! The debris travelled in the floods down the Hawkesbury River, taking with it building materials, white goods and household contents. Every small piece counts, especially when we are saving it from getting out to the ocean. As one student accurately said "The fish mistake the small pieces of polystyrene for food, thinking it's good for them, but it's not". Thank you Class 2 students, siblings and families! Class 2 will go apple picking in Term 2 instead!

Year 11 Science students enjoy an outdoor lesson

17 Mar 2022

After all the rain, it was great to be able to take a lesson outside again. Here's teacher Stanley Tang with his Year 11 students taking a lesson in the Amphitheatre.

Athletics

17 Mar 2022

Pouring rain does not dampen any enthusiasm around here! Tuesday morning is Athletics morning with Jonas followed by a healthy breakfast organised by Sally. Thanks Sally for all the yummy food.

Class 3 Eco-Dyeing

03 Mar 2022

Class 3 children are sewing their very own library bag and have been learning how to eco-dye fabrics with handwork Teacher, Elizabeth Ellean. In their first handwork lesson each studen

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