Pi Day Celebration

03 Apr 2024

On Thursday, March 14, Glenaeon celebrated international Pi ( $π$ ) Day.

Why this date? Because when we write the date in the form month/day (3/14), the 3, 1 and 4 correspond to the first three digits of pi. $π$ is a Greek letter, pronounced “pi.”

Pi is an irrational number, meaning that when expressed as a decimal it continues indefinitely without repeating a pattern. Therefore, it cannot be expressed as a fraction, although we often use the fraction 22/7 to approximate pi. The first 10 digits of pi are 3.1415926535.

The uses of $π$ are far reaching, but most high school students encounter pi in their study of circles. No matter the size of the circle, the ratio of circumference to diameter is always $π$ !

At Glenaeon, some Year 10 students celebrated Pi Day by participating in an activity called Daring Deflection (part of the 2024 NASA Pi Day Challenge). They calculated the change in orbit of an asteroid named Dimorphos after it was impacted by the DART Spacecraft in 2022.

Similarly, some Year 9 students participated in an activity named Tubular Challenge (also part of the NASA Pi Day Challenge). They calculated the volume of rock that the Perseverance Mars rover coring bit collects when it drills into the surface of Mars to collect samples to send back to Earth for study.

Other students engaged with Pi Day in a creative way, drawing column graphs where the heights of the columns are the digits of pi, creating a “city of pi” resembling skyscrapers.

The highlight of the day was a pi recitation contest at lunchtime. It was a delight to see so many students turn up to either participate or spectate. Congratulations to all our participants. Sophia B. of Year 8 was able to recite pi to 163 decimal places, a truly remarkable achievement!

We look forward to making Pi Day an annual event at Glenaeon!

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Yr 8, 9 and 10 Japanese Drumming

22 Feb 2024

We were thrilled to have YuNiOn return to Glenaeon for a Japanese drumming workshop with our high school Japanese students. The students then took to the stage at our Assembly to perform what they had learnt from the Taiko Percussionists. It was a spectacular performance that ended with an eruption of applause. Thank you to everyone invovled!

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Welcome Back Class of 2023

14 Feb 2024

Some familiar faces returned to Glenaeon’s Middle Cove campus last week, when GlenXers from the Class of 2023 came back for a morning tea hosted by Head of School, Diana Drummond.

Teachers wore big smiles, students and teachers warmly embraced with a genuine joy for seeing each other again. They shared stories and reflections on the months since HSC and graduation, with many embarking on travel, work and further studies. After a delicious morning tea, the class of 2023 made their way to the foyer balcony of the hall to meet with our current Yr 12 students. They kindly took part in a round table event designed to provide guidance and advice to our current Yr 12 on how to navigate their final year of school. It was an inviting environment to ask open questions, share tips and reassurance.

Glenaeon invites all past students to save the date for the 2024 Glenaeon Reunion event on Saturday 14th September 3pm-6pm. This event is open to all Glenaeon Alumni regardless of the year of graduation, but with a special focus on the Class of 2014 [10 years], 2004 [20 years], 1994 [30 years], 1984 [40 years] and 1974 [50 years]. Alumni can register to attend here: https://www.trybooking.com/CNASS

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Open Day 2024

29 Jan 2024

MEANINGFUL LIVES BEGIN HERE

Discover a world of academic excellence, cultural enrichment and unwavering student support at Glenaeon’s Open Day, where we cultivate creative thinkers, ethically driven and culturally expressive individuals.

Join us on Friday, March 15, 9am - 11am for an immersive experience that showcases how a Glenaeon education lays the foundation for a life of character and contribution.

Why Glenaeon?
We're committed to providing a holistic and rigorous education within an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, purpose, context, and transcendence, preparing your child for a life of profound meaning. Learning at Glenaeon takes place in a truly unique setting blending natural and built environments within a deeply connected community.

Glenaeon, Australia’s first Steiner school, located on Sydney's lower North Shore, enjoys a strong record of academic success in the HSC, that sees Glenaeon currently ranked 71^st in the state. For more details on our 2023 HSC results, click here.

OPEN DAY Event Details:

Where: Middle Cove Campus, 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove
When: Friday 15 March 2024
Time: 9-11am

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW for OPEN DAY 2024

What to Expect:

Discover Glenaeon’s Distinct Offerings:

· Witness deep learning and student work displays, including Main Lesson books

· See creative Visual Arts artworks in the Studios

· Explore our extensive Sport and co-curricular program

· Learn about our award-winning Outdoor Education program

Self or Guided Exploration:

· Opt for a self-guided walking tour with a printed map or join an organised tour group, led by our students

Meet Our Leaders and understand our Core Values:

· Hear an inspiring address from our Head of School, Diana Drummond.

· Connect with Dani Finch, Deputy Head of School for Classes K-6, and Yura Totsuka, Deputy Head of School for Years 7-12.

· Interact with our Year 11 Captains

Engage with our Environment:

· Take advantage of our looping courtesy bus from nearby parking to campus.

· Explore our beautiful bushland campus with village-style school buildings and facilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, Sylvia Brose Hall, biodynamic garden, outdoor classrooms, libraries, ovals, D&T facilities, art studio and science labs.

Activities:

· View activities such as a chemistry demonstration in the lab.

· Immerse yourself in the arts, such as watching a Year 10 Musical rehearsal or enjoy a music performance by the Big Band in the Sylvia Brose Hall.

· Enjoy a cup of herbal tea and savour the freshly baked sour dough bread in our Biodynamic Garden while learning about gardening and bush regeneration activities

Personalised Engagement:

· Ask questions and engage with Heads of Department

· Gain insight into how Glenaeon supports and integrates students at the start, and throughout their Glenaeon educational journey

Take Home a Piece of Glenaeon:

· Receive a comprehensive Prospectus Pack in an eco-friendly bag

· Browse the Grassroots Eco Store pop-up shop for ethical back to school essentials

Indulge and Relax:

· Enjoy a barista coffee or a wholesome treat from The Gentle Café on the deck surrounded by tranquil grounds and bushland

Contact Us:

For inquiries, contact our Enrolments Registrar Sunita Shah at +61 2 94173193 or email enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Kindergarten Entry?

· Families interested in Kindergarten entry for 2025 and beyond are encouraged to attend our Castlecrag Campus Open Day on Thursday 16 May 2024, from 9 am to 11 am.

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Congratulations Glenaeon HSC Class of 2023!

14 Dec 2023

Dear Glenaeon Community,

It is with immense joy and pride that I share the excellent achievements of our HSC graduates of 2023.

The journey undertaken by Glenaeon's Year 12 students not only reflects the school's ethos but also showcases their ability to navigate profound questions about human purpose while immersing themselves in a rigorous academic program.

The diverse range of courses pursued this year is a testament to the breadth of passions among Glenaeon students. We celebrate admirable achievements across various subject areas, demonstrating the holistic nature of education at our school. At Glenaeon, we take pride in being deliberately non-selective and ensuring that every student graduates with an HSC credential.

Behind the scenes, the hard work and dedication of our students have been commendable. This success is a result of collaborative efforts; the in-depth understanding of HSC courses provided by our dedicated staff, and the integral role played by parents and carers in nurturing the growth and development of these young adults. Thank you both.

To our graduating Class of 2023, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Wishing you all continued success and fulfillment in the future.

Diana Drummond
Head of School

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Yr 12 Graduation Assembly

23 Nov 2023

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.

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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

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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/

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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)

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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?

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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

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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

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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.

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!

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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

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Congratulations Glenaeon Class of 2020

22 Dec 2020

If you would like to join Drama Club, please sign up here!

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Yr 12 English Extension 1

03 Apr 2024

As part of a textual research project, the Year 12 students visited the Junior library and quickly immersed themselves in their Glenaeon memories, finding books they read when they were in Class 5 and 6. Sophie L. then found a story she had contributed to ‘Watching Wildlife’, a compilation of children’s stories run through schools to which Sophie had submitted a story in 2017.

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Primary School Cubby...Reimagined

21 Mar 2024

Earlier this term, our Maintenance Team were dilligently preparing our Middle Cove campus to welcome our visitors for Open Day. The wonderful Mary saw this as an opportunity to give the primary playground cubby a refresh.

Mary and Kai painted the hut and then commissioned the creative help of Hanako T. and Yr 10 students to redesign and hand-paint the side of the cubby which is now adorned with vibrant fauna and flora. What a joy to see their artistic talent as a permanent part of our natural landscape.

Yr 7 are currently enjoying their Science Main Lesson where they are exploring chemical transformations. This included an introduction to fire, starting with observations and extending into the combustion process.

Teachers Cathy Bower and Yura Totsuka guided the class to the outdoor amphitheater and the students observed as the bon fire was lit. They could see the flames, feel the warmth and smell the embers. The observations were brought to life as Cathy told a dynamic story from Greek Mythology of Prometheus, a God of fire. She explained that Prometheus gave the gift of fire to human beings which made them powerful. Fire allowed them to make weapons for protection, tools to live and work with, cook their food and warm their cave.

After a hiatus, we are thrilled that Ancient History has returned to Glenaeon despite the general trend in the state where numbers are falling.

In this lesson, the students were conducting an archeological dig with the intention of ‘worst’ practice, so they could see how hard it is without the right tools and expertise. To do so, they had to ‘dig’ up a paper picture of a bog body without damaging it.

Class 3 and Class 6 have started a mentoring buddy session where once a week they gather in the Class 3 classroom together. For Class 3, it is their year of reading, so the session has a literacy focus, where the buddies choose a book and a comfy spot to read to each other.

It's Opening Night!!!

Chookas to our Yr 10 students who will perform four Les Misérables School Edition shows over the next four days.

A huge thank you to our students, staff, parent volunteers, musicians and community who have worked tirelessly beyond measure to bring this iconic show to life at Glenaeon! Parents have joined staff to come in on weekends and after work to help build sets, sew costumes, prepare and repair stage items. Our musicians have been so dedicated in working with our students in what will be an amazing four performances.

Thank you to Head of Music Ian Munns who will lead the musical score and Head of Drama Tanya McCall who has lead the students and directed the production. Thank you Evan Sanders in your expert stage, production and tech support and Raphaela Mazzone who has lead the team on props and costume planning and creation with the help of student and parent volunteers. We will refrain from naming any more names in fear of missing anyone who has worked with such tenacity and joy on this project. We see you and we thank you!

All shows are SOLD OUT and here is a sneak peek at the behind the scenes of the tech run through.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend of performances!

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Glenaeon Garden Culture - Like a Bee Hive

18 Jan 2024

How does the unconscious wisdom contained in the beehive, filled with love, relate to our human experiences?

In his book “Bees”, Rudolf Steiner said “The individual bees renounce love in manifold ways, and thus develop love throughout the whole hive. One only begins to understand the life of the bees when one knows that the bee lives in an atmosphere completely pervaded by love.” *

When we, human beings, gather to work together for a higher cause than our own personal ambition, we are emulating this social model of a bee hive; thus the name ‘working bee’.

The Glenaeon Gardens appreciate this model of working together in devotion and love.

Our annual Harvest Gratitude day, as celebrated last Sunday at Middle Cove, has become a working bee of sorts as the Glenaeon community comes together to learn from each other. We felt the benefits of healthy living soils by plunging our hands in them; we harvested what had grown out of flourishing garden beds; we created a bountiful feast, and together, we planted new gardens for bees, animals and humans too.

Once upon a time the whole school was abuzz with the smell of pizza, handmade flyers with reminders to bring gold coins, and excited students doing pizza runs around the campus. High school students prepared the dough with teacher Anne Rouse while Class 6 made and delivered the pizzas - the campus coming together to make industry, like busy bees in a hive!

We are grateful to teachers Ruth Pervis and Kathy Thangathurai for their vision, and for hosting these joyous events, with the keen support of parent chef Nick Meredith-Jones.

Ten years of garden fundraising has now enabled the renovation of the school's chicken coop, for the benefit of students through our agricultural and wellbeing programs.

As expressed within our chicken care community:

“We can't wait to come and look after the chickens”

“It lifts my heart to see our community (young & older) working together to create something beautiful and valuable!”

Thank you to those past students, teachers and parents for this invaluable legacy! In opening our hearts to devotion, love and sacrifice, we become bearers of love. Just like the bees.

See you in the Garden!
Sandra Frain…..and Parent Volunteers
Gardening Teacher
S.Frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

* “Nine Lectures on Bees” Rudolf Steiner, GA 351
https://rsarchive.org/Lectures/GA351/English/SGP1975/19230203p01.html

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Glenaeon Garden Culture - Harvesting in Times of Scarcity

18 Jan 2024

Harvesting in times of scarcity

We are fast approaching our traditional Harvest Festival, and our gardens are not bursting with pumpkins as they have been in the past. Living in a city, we have the easy option of going to the shops and buying whatever we want for our celebrations. But we would like to encourage everyone to stop for a moment and look at the world differently: what do we have in our gardens right now?

We harvest seeds, we harvest stories

Aromatic and medicinal Fennel has taken over some of the garden beds at the Middle Cove garden, creating a canopy bursting with yellow umbrella-like flowers filled with seed and feathery peacock-like leaves. Last week, Class 6 students picked the flowers, harvested the seeds and roasted them during their gardening class. At the end of the lesson, we shared our food and stories, and everyone commented how much they loved the roasted fennel seeds. One student shared a story with the class:

There once was a King who wanted to know which of his children was the faithful one. He gave them roasted fennel seeds to plant, and later on he asked them how they were growing. All of the children commented how strong their plants have been growing, except for one girl who said: “Mine are not growing at all!” - And that’s how the King knew who the faithful child was.

When we think we have nothing, we need to look around, explore, question and learn. We have some Azolla in the pond, which we learned is high in nitrogen and can be used instead of manure when we have no access to cows.

A high school student harvested some chicken bones while digging in the garden, and asked to take them home. Could they be the seeds of an archaeology interest?

The students on all campuses are resourceful in their play and this translates to the same in their alchemical experiments with food substances. Can we as adults be as bold and harvest the Taro root and leaves that are growing in abundance at Glenaeon Preschool? We have made Bay leaf tea, roasted Fennel and Sunflower seeds, fried up Mustard greens, Endive, Amaranth leaves and flowers in frittatas. From the Glenaeon gardens we add lemon, flowers, leaves, seeds in our sourdough bread. We connect with our surroundings to create new things with them.

So why is harvest time so meaningful? In harvesting, we learn to embrace what we have, we become creative and able to make something from nothing. As human beings, we harvest the rewards of moments of gratitude and connection with the Earth. We can’t get this from a shop.

Goethian observation

For Term 1 2024, the Class 6 students have now each represented an impression of Fennel in their assessment task for Gardening lessons:

“I think it looks like lots of little flowers. I think if you hold it up to the light and see the shape it looks like a star constellation.”

“I like the smell. When I suck it, it tastes like licorice. When I eat it, it does not taste good. It feels furry and soft.”

“I like fennel because it feels nice to touch and I like the taste and texture of it. It feels very nice on your skin and it is very soothing. It tastes like licorice when you suck on it and chew them.”

See you in the Garden!

Sandra Frain…..and Parent Volunteers
Gardening Teacher
S.Frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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Glenaeon Garden Culture - Worms: The Humble Servants of our Soil

18 Jan 2024

The words Humble and Human have their origins in the Latin word Humus (soil). Dig a little hole in any of our garden beds and you’ll surely find some wriggly and lively worms. Whether in compost heaps or worm farms, finding them gives the students an animal to interact with that’s not always part of their home life. We notice their delight and fascination with this squirming animal: how quickly it moves, the colours, the size. They bring a sense of wonder. There is something familiar in the texture: it is shiny, soft and wriggly like our tongues!

“These worms are wonderful creatures: they leave to the earth precisely as much ethericity as it needs for plant-growth.”
Rudolf Steiner, GA 327: The Agriculture Course — Lecture VII

These subterranean animals leave life in the soil for the plants. They work in cooperation with the soil. The worm is regulating the soil by eating what is meant to be decomposed but not so much as to destroy the life value for the plants.

So how are we bringing this to life in Glenaeon’s gardens?

● We're making healthy soil: This humble servant is a necessity to break down all the discarded food waste that is high in nitrogen. The worms make this beneficial soil for us in cooperation with all the other insects, grubs, earwigs, springtails, nematodes, cockroaches and millions of microorganisms that we can't see, representing a life force that makes the soil lively and healthy for plants to grow and to feed insects once again.

● We're making a learning-scape: A student friendly atmosphere that enables this excitement to embrace and learn of life. What a joy it is when preschool and kindy students say “I want to see the worm farm! I want to see the compost! Let’s feed the worms.”

The students learn to care and take responsibility: the worms need water, they need to be fed with scraps, leaves and grit when we keep them in a domesticated ‘farm situation’.

They get to see the worm eggs and learn that the liquid that comes out of the worm farm is a medicine we call a fertiliser that will enrich the soil that plants are growing in.

● We’re working with the senses: The tactile sensation and ‘wriggling’ of worms is confronting to some students. They grow comfortable with the notion of having a worm in their hands when they see other adults or students relaxed with the interaction. This is a simple but profound opportunity for students to develop resilience for challenging sensations.

● We're encouraging social responsibility: Families living in apartments can have a worm farm and create healthy soil. It can then be used in pots, or taken to a favourite tree at the park, or given to friends. The act of creating an environment for the production of soil is empowering. “What can I do to help the climate crisis caused by food waste?” - make more healthy soil!

Want to know how to set up your worm farm at home? “Show more” below!

See you in the Garden!

Sandra Frain…..and Parent Volunteers
Gardening Teacher
S.Frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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Gleno Cup

08 Dec 2023

Today we celebrated the annual 'Capture the Flag' tournament with a brilliant display of tenacity and sportspersonship at the Middle Cove Ovals. Congratulations to the Green team - the mighty Yr 8's for taking home the Gleno Cup and a huge thank you to all students and staff for participating and organising a fun high school event for the last day of the school year.

Art supplies were set up field-side for students to make art and write a message for Jonas between participating in the tournament. What a special way to reflect on his love for Gleno Cup Day and the beautiful creations will be gifted to his family.

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Yr 9 Write and Read Books to Incoming Class 3

05 Dec 2023

Our Year 9 students wrote stories for our incoming 2024 Class 3 students and presented these to them at their Middle Cove Orientation Day last Friday, 1st December. Supported by Yr 9 teachers, Lydia Wilson and Ella Pooley, we captured the sweet moments of reading at the amphitheater.

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Glenaeon Carol Service 2023

29 Nov 2023

Our much loved annual Glenaeon Carol Service was held on Monday, 27th November at Pitt Street Uniting Church. It was a beautiful evening for our community to join together to celebrate and reflect on the year that was.

The students shone in their performances and the tone set a beautiful energy to take into the festive season and much-needed holiday break.

Thank you to our wonderful community for joining us for a night of wonder and awe. We extend our gratitude to those involved in all the performances, logistics, and rehearsals.

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Yr 8 2023 National History Challenge - Congratulations Arlo!

29 Nov 2023

Congratulations to Yr 8 student Arlo T. on your incredible dedication and effort that earnt you the 2023 Winner of the National History Challenge ' Museum Exhibit' category.

Last year, Arlo won the Yr 7 level and the previous year the state level category, but this year he soared to new heights taking out the national award.

Thank you to teacher Brendan Strobl for your encouragement and moral support in Arlo's endeavours. We are all so proud of your passion for modern history, deep thinking and exploring different perspectives.

Arlo's submission this year explored 'The continuity and change of Australian beach culture and how it reflects our evolving sense of morality'.

Arlo's presentation can be viewed here.

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Duke of Edinburgh Long Service Medal - Donna Miller

29 Nov 2023

Congratulations to our very own Duke of Edinburgh International Award Coordinator, Donna Miller who was acknowledged for her over 10 years of service. She was presented with a medal for acting in her role as Award Leader for 14 years. The ceremony was held at NSW Government House with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in attendance. Donna's medal was presented by Gemma Rygate, CEO, Centre of Volunteering. We are so proud of you Donna and thank you for your dedicated service.

Photo Credit: Salty Dingo

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Yr 7 Mechanics Main Lesson

22 Nov 2023

Yr 7 Mechanics Main Lesson covers simple machines and involves a world of experimental, hands-on learning. Lever, pullies, wheels, incline plane and wedge are ‘The Mighty Five’ simple machines explored. The students enjoyed an exciting catapult competition and to round out the lesson, students put real world skills to the test by changing a tyre from their teachers cars.

In keeping with Steiner’s teachings, the focus of this main lesson is to unite the physical body with the thought consciousness of the principle mechanics. Students are involved in many physical tasks that use the principles of simple mechanics to better understand and experience the mechanics of the skeletal system and their own bodies.

Students explore the sources of power available from elements - earth, air, fire and water, the historical development of machines, ‘The Mighty Five’ and appreciate the services and danger of the mechanical world.

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Yr 8 Perform Japanese Folk Dance at Assembly

08 Nov 2023

Yr 8 Japanese students performed a Japanese folk dance called "Soranbushi". It is a fisherman's working song using many movements that represent ocean waves, fishermen pulling in the nets, throwing fish or buckets, and rowing their boats. The words "dokkoisho, dokkoisho", "so ran, so ran" are sung during the dance. The words are used to encourage the fishermen to work harder. The Sylvia Brose Hall erupted in applause and the dance was thoroughly enjoyed by both the audience and performers. Thank you Yr 8 and to Japanese Teacher, Keiko Takahashi for bringing this meaningful performance to Glenaeon!

To watch the full performance, click here.

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PDHPE Bubble Soccer + Water Sports

02 Nov 2023

The PDHPE students in Yr 9 and 10 have been hitting the pitch, and the ocean, all while learning new skills.

As part of the Glenaeon Water sports program, the PDHPE Department team up with Balmoral Windsurfing and Sailing Club at beautiful Balmoral Beach!

Year 10 students have been spending their PE lessons learning to sail, to stand up paddle board (SUP) and to either windsurf or sea kayak (depending on conditions).

It is yet another way to get the students more active around water and expose the students to three more ways to move on water, building on Term 1’s water sports and surfing program. The weather has been great and students are expanding their knowledge and skills in the water on different water crafts.

Back on campus, in Year 9 PDHPE Extension, the students had a go at chasing a very small ball while cushioned by a huge bubble ball 1.5m x 1.5m, all while trying to score a goal.

When two bubbles collide, often intentionally, one student has to give, and one student will go down, fall, roll or tumble to the ground! No fear, the falls are well-cushioned and fun. Students can even do a 360-degree forward roll before coming to their feet again.

Other games such as bulrush were also played and what an exhaustingly, exhilarating experience. Our students had so much fun and who doesn’t love moving their body whilst dressed in a bubble?

Any younger student observing always ask when they can to try out this fun activity – and they will, when they get to Year 9!

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Yr 8 Camp In Coonabarabran

01 Nov 2023

Yr 8 went up to Eric’s property in Coonabarabran to learn about ecology, which was connected to our Main Lesson on Earth Stewardship. The camp was grounded in learning to take care of the environment around us. It was a beautiful and inspiring experience!

The following exert was written by Edward W.:

In Week 1 this term, our Year 8 students showcased their year long projects in the Sylvia Brose Hall. This was an opportunity to delve into an area of interest, further a passion, develop new skills. pivot when necessary 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.

The showcase displayed outstanding results from oil paintings, short films, novels, drones, surfboards, a botanical energy drink, rock climbing bag, music, a cookbook, ghillie suit and more.

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 Year 8, we were all so impressed by your dedication and creations.

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Farewell Yr 12 2023

19 Sep 2023

At the end of last term, we bid farewell to our Yr 12 cohort who celebrated their last days as Glenaeon students before starting their HSC Exams. In true Glenaeon tradition, we were thrilled to host a number of events to make their final days at Middle Cove as memorable as possible.

The Yr 12 Walk-Around, The Yr 12 Presentations, The celebratory lunch and breakfast and the famous Farewell Tunnel were all enjoyed before the Yr 12 students and teachers set off on their mystery tour - a surprise outing to Taronga Zoo!

We are so proud of you, Yr 12. Wishing you all the very best of luck for the remainder of your HSC exams. You are amazing!

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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

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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

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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!

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Glenaeon Garden Culture

13 Sep 2023

Breathing in and breathing out in times of joy and sorrow

With emphasis in 2023 on ‘Well Being’ in our lives, our Glenaeon gardens on all three campuses have been responsive for visitors of all ages to feel nurtured as they contemplate the mysteries of life within. The students find health actively and passively by digging soil, harvesting flowers, planting seeds, caring for plants and animals and in serving each other garden herb tea and fresh wholesome food in a sociable manner.

Angst and sorrow was ours with the loss of the beloved teacher Jonas Stoebe in the last weeks of Term 3. We countered the confusion of grief by celebrating the joy his life gifted us, honouring the elements of earth, water, air and fire within the home base of our gardens.

We dug a pit for making a ton of new soil from compostables,

We made contained fires and burned sticks for ‘doughies’;

We stirred waters of biodynamic preparations for strengthening our atmosphere and soil and We sprayed each other with water hoses;

We harvested flowers and vegetables;

We sang, shared stories, laughed and cried;

We wrote poetry and letters too.

We swung on the hammock and the big swing,

We planted seeds for glorious gardens of the future while remembering Jonas, an inspiration to us all.

Our Middle Cove garden hosted many classes of students and groups of teachers day after day of this time. Science students tagged birds, English students wrote prose, art students sketched, Math students measured time, Earth stewardship students rejuvenated their camp experience. Every break time the stumps in the garden and surrounding rocks were covered with students convening. As we shared this communal season of grief, the garden responded by making a ‘welcome home’ for us. Together, we accepted, we grew, and we healed: wiser and stronger in our openness and resilience to the mysteries of life.

How grateful we are that Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School honours the importance of cultivated gardens as a place to be, and as a place to be motivated to help. How fortunate we are to have a place to embrace the elements all and to be nourished by their powerful ways too. Like all living organisms, the gardens flourish with human activity and interest. Please contact S.Frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au if you would like to visit the gardens or volunteer with the Glenaeon gardens and animal care teams.

Celtic Blessing honouring the elements as sung by Year 8 ‘in the garden’.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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'.

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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.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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!

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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).

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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

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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!

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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!

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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’.

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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.

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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!

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The Final Countdown - Tim Perkins Educational Workshops for Yr 11 and 12 Parents & Students

01 Sep 2022

Download the workshop flyer

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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)

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Winter Spirals

24 Jun 2022

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HSC Showcase 2022 - save the dates!

23 Jun 2022

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Year 7 Age of Discovery

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)

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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

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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.

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Congratulations to some of our Visual Arts students from the Class of 2021, whose creative works are on display at the Smart Expressions Exhibition at Art Space on the Concourse in Chatswood until March 20.

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Year 11 Biology at Bantry Bay

03 Mar 2022

Science Teacher Dr Stanley Tang recently took Year 11 Biology students out on an excursion to Bantry Bay. As part of a Depth Study, students collected field data for their individual research projects both in the bushland and in the creeks at Bantry Bay.

Despite the storm, the mud and numerous leeches, students still enjoyed every bit of it.

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Open Day 2022

03 Mar 2022

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN PREDICTED. THE NEW DATE IS FRIDAY 29 APRIL 9AM-10:30AM

Glenaeon is hosting an Open Day on Friday 25 March from 4:30pm-6:30pm. It will be our first Open Day in two years due to the global pandemic and bad weather.

We are thrilled to be able to open our doors once again and invite families to discover Glenaeon. Please help spread the word with friends and family. Guests can register by clicking on the link below:

www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/openday

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Enrolments & Events Officer Clare Gordon enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Volunteer Needed: For any Parent with Events & Marketing experience, and if you are free to attend and help run our Open Day event, and assist in the lead up, please contact Kath Kissell, Marketing Communications Manager via email k.kissell@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au with your availability and skill set.

Download the poster to print and share

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Year 9 Animal Artworks

03 Mar 2022

Our Year 9s are currently studying animals, and this week, students used various materials and approaches to creating animal artworks. Art Teacher Donna Miller brought in her dog, Cal, to be a model. Cal was amazing, sitting still for up to 10 minutes while the students drew him. Thanks Cal, what a good boy you are! The students have captured him so well. See some of our students work below.

The students will be visiting the zoo next week to further enhance their understanding of animals in that environment. This work will culminate in animal sculptures so stay tuned to seem some exciting developments in clay and found object.

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Year 7s Knighted during King Arthur Main Lesson

03 Mar 2022

Year 7 students have just concluded the King Arthur Main Lesson with a knighting ceremony where each student recited an oath they had written to the class. They were knighted by Raphaela and Brendan, and then enjoyed a feast around a table, altogether as a class.

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Sports Carnival time

03 Mar 2022

The new school year saw the return of our sports carnivals as a form of physical and out-of-classroom learning for many of our students. Term 1 is a busy one at that for our ISD association (Independent Sydney and District School Sport Association) which has grown to 15 member schools now. With these schools we meet for a Basketball Carnival, and later this month for the ISD Touch Football Carnival and junior and senior soccer carnivals.

The NSW Steiner Schools’ Swimming Carnival is happening as we go to press/print and there will be more information about that in the next edition.

For the first carnival in a long time, two keen and ambitious teams formed in mid-February (a girls’ and a boy’s open team) to play in the Bankstown Basketball Stadium against fierce opposition. Our pool had six schools in it and we came second in both the boys’ and girls’ sides. We lost a game each, drew two (for the boys) and won two. That had us miss the final unfortunately but all students came away with a feeling of achievement and realisation that although they had never played together before, it was great unity, support and fun to battle it out on the courts.

We are looking forward to the next carnivals in the next couple of weeks.

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Co-Curricular Sport - still time to join the fun

03 Mar 2022

The Co-Curricular Sport offerings have grown over the years and much more than just sport activities are now offered before and after school. Yet, all had to rest during COVID as only core educational programs were allowed to run. Now that we are back, we are happier and better for it!

Many students are now returning to all the great activities we offer at Glenaeon. Currently basketball, fencing, archery, yoga, athletics/fitness, soccer for the little ones and badminton are all running. We hope to get enough interest for a middle school soccer activity (not a team, just fun training!), Frisbee, netball and others if interest is there and we have 10 or more students signing up or inquiring for (any) sport from Term 2. For archery and yoga we accept the Active Kids Vouchers, so please inquire and sign up via GLO or send me an email J.stoebe@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au. Badminton on Mondays, athletics/fitness/games on Tuesday mornings as well as primary school soccer on Tuesday afternoons is now full for Term 1. But yoga (Wednesdays before school), fencing (Thursdays before school and archery (Fridays after school) are all still welcoming new students (pro rata payment available).

I run the Tuesday morning athletics/fitness/games activity with 25 students currently enrolled. It comes with a small and healthy breakfast afterwards. As the pictures show, we went for a 1km morning run in the bushland surrounding the school on our first outing before all this rain came down! There’s a huge cave we visited on our way back and the students small and tall were keen to explore the area as the sun made its way up starting to warm and greet the day.

We hope all students have settled in well and we invite them to sign up for one of the many co-curricular activities we offer across a whole range of areas. We also hope that your child will play in some of the upcoming carnivals as we invite anyone who has some expertise in a given sport and is in Year 7 – Year 12 to make themselves heard and speak to me and possibly get a spot on one of the teams this year! If not this year, then next year when they’re a bit older and have found their feet in Year 8.

Jonas Stoebe

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Mid Winter Party - Save the Date SAT 4th JUNE & call for prize donations

03 Mar 2022

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Year 9's Ella performing in The Crucible

17 Feb 2022

Year 9 Glenaeon student Ella will be performing in an upcoming theatre production of The Crucible by the Point Break Drama Company.

If you are free and would like to support her, please see further information and buy a ticket via https://www.trybooking.com/bwwee

From all at Glenaeon: Chookas Ella!

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School Uniform Recycling Program

17 Feb 2022

Glenaeon is pleased to be taking part in a School Uniform Recycling Program, run by program-partner Worn Up, for a trial period which is fully funded by Willoughby City Council. The program allows textile waste to be diverted from landfill and turned into raw material for new products, which is great for the environment. Glenaeon students can bring their old worn-out uniforms to school and place them into the collection POD which will be delivered soon to our Middle Cove campus.

So now families have an additional option to dispose of uniforms no longer needed:

Uniforms that still are of good quality can be:

Donated to the school and sold through the Second Hand Uniform Shop (please ask your child to drop items to Sarah at Reception)
Privately sold to other parents via the Buy Swap Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/glenaeon

Shirts, jumpers, shorts and skorts, pants and hats that are no longer fit for wear, can be placed in the recycling POD which will be housed at Reception. We encourage all families to review their uniforms and ask students to bring clothing no longer wearable to Reception and place in the POD.

Please note that the second hand uniform shop is currently closed due to COVID restrictions but students can still drop donations to Sarah at Reception.

For any questions about this program, please email Sarah at Reception reception@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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Year 7 Cooks Up A Storm!

17 Feb 2022

Year 7 Food Tech students started off the year creating an Italian antipasto dish 'Brushetta' using ingredients and herbs sourced from our biodynamic garden. From vine to plate, this delicious dish was then communally consumed seated outside our Gentle Cafe on the deck. For a minute our chefs were transported to Tuscany!

Last week, sweet corn and zucchini fritters with tzatziki dip was on the menu. Students have been learning about safety in the kitchen, and have honed their skills using graters, knives and other utensils. The fritters were a hit.

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Thank you chicken carers

17 Feb 2022

A heartfelt thank you to all the families representative of our Playgroup, Primary School and High School communities for superb care of our flock of 12 plush chickens over the long summer holiday break. A special thank you to Glenaeon staff member Sally Davidson, and her husband Paul who have visited and cared for the chickens every weekend for many months.

There was also adventure at the chicken coop with so many mouths to feed, new chickens being acclimatised to the Glenaeon flock, and a Tree Monitor invading the chicken house for a daily feed of eggs.

The chickens are available during the school term for weekend care. Please contact Sandra for the garden team at s.frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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Glenaeon students form MTB team at Thredbo

17 Feb 2022

A group of keen mountain biking enthusiasts from Glenaeon are forming a team to participate in the Australian MTB Interschools event taking place at Thredbo from March 23-27. The event is open to students from Class 5 to Year 12.

The 2022 Australian MTB Interschools event gives school students the opportunity to experience the enthusiasm and energy of a rapidly growing sport in a competitive, educational and supportive atmosphere. The primary aim is to promote participation and evoke interest in competitive biking in the younger generation. The event involves mountain biking disciplines including Cross Country, Downhill, Flow, Pump Track and a new All-Mountain event. The group has the support of Glenaeon PDHPE teacher Jonas Stoebe and Outdoor Education teacher Scott Williams, and looks forward to bringing their Glenaeon spirit and skill to Thredbo!

At this stage we are aware of 10 riders who will be competing but would love to know about others who are already planning on going. We do plan to get team t-shirts printed so would need to know of others by the end of this week. We would like to encourage anyone from Glenaeon who is keen to join to connect with this group. Please get in touch with Simon Clarke (parent of Sammy – Year 8 and Jasper – Year 10) on 0406 537 848.

We wish all participants in this event, a wonderful time at Thredbo.

See https://www.thredbo.com.au/mtbinterschools/ for more information.

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Co-Curricular Music, Visual Arts & Debating opportunities open up

17 Feb 2022

Glenaeon offers a range of wonderful co-curricular opportunities for students to get involved with. Here is a summary of all the non-sporting opportunities. There are links below for more information and to sign up. For all sport related co-curricular options, please refer to the last edition of the newsletter: https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/3292

Co-Curricular Music

Tuesday 7.30am - 8.30am CONCERT BAND - Band/Percussion Room

This ensemble is for intermediate woodwind (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and saxophone), brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn and tuba) and percussion students. It is an ensemble that performs repertoire that is fun and challenging. It is open to high school students who have had at least 3-4 years tuition on their instrument and are proficient music notation readers and confident in holding an individual part in an ensemble setting. Concert Band is directed by Christine Young - cyoung@hotmail.com and Phil Arnold - phila1025@gmail.com. For more information, please contact either or both directors.

Wednesday 7.30am - 8.30am BIG BAND Band/Percussion Room

This ensemble performs jazz repertoire at an advanced level. It is open to students who are proficient on their instrument and who have good music notation reading skills. Students will also learn skills for improvisation in a jazz setting. This ensemble is open to high school students and features the following instruments: saxophones (alto, tenor and baritone), trumpets, trombones, electric or upright bass, drums/percussion and keyboard/guitar. Big Band is directed by Phil Arnold. For more information please contact Phil - phila1025@gmail.com

Wednesday 12.55 - 1.30pm CHAMBER CHOIR - MUSIC Room 2

This ensemble is open to all students from Class 6 up who have a love for singing. This is a new ensemble to Glenaeon and gives our students the opportunity to rehearse and perform more advanced choral repertoire. Students who join this ensemble will need to be good music notation readers and confident vocalists (it is not necessary to be having voice lessons). The repertoire will be generally in four parts, with students being involved singing soprano, alto, tenor or bass parts. For more information, please contact our Head of Music, Ian Munns i.munns@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Thursday 7:30am – 8:30am - SINFONIA MUSIC Room 2

This ensemble (formally known as Sinfonietta) is Glenaeon’s orchestra. It gives students the opportunity to rehearse and perform classical music from the great composers. It is open to performers who are proficient in the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion. For more information, please contact Ian Munns - i.munns@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Thursday 3.30pm - 4.30pm JAZZ COMBO - Band/Percussion Room

This ensemble is for proficient instrumentalists who have a strong interest in jazz performance. It is a small ensemble that focuses on skills for group performance in a jazz setting. Many instruments could become part of this ensemble, and for more information please contact Adrian Mees - adriaanmees@gmail.com

For more information, terms & conditions and to sign up for Co-Curricular Music program/s, please click through to GLO and fill out the form: https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/1387

Co-Curricular Visual Arts

Thursday 3:30pm-5pm Art Studio

Art Space (Open to students from Class 5 to Year 12)

Join GlenX Kauri Palmer in the studio to work on either a personal interest project or to receive tutoring in various forms, approaches, materials, and themes over the term. If you are coming for art tuition, some expressive forms being explored this year include sculpture, digital art, and ceramics (hand building and throwing on the wheel).

Please email Donna Miller with any questions: d.miller@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

To register for Art Space click through to GLO, and then click on Art Space and fill out the form: https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/1354

Co-Curricular Debating

Debating will be resuming in March and families will be contacted with more details in due course. Any questions about Debating should be directed to Sally executiveassistant@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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Students Sailing Success

17 Feb 2022

Over the summer break, some Glenaeon students took part in a sailing regatta and had some wonderful outcomes. Keizo Tomishima, in Year 11, was chosen to participate in SAIL GP inspire racing (WASZP) in December in Sydney and came in 2nd place. Hanako Tomishima, in Year 8, was selected to participate in SAIL GP inspire racing (RS Feva) on the in Sydney and came in 1st place.

The results table can be viewed here: https://sailgp.com/general/inspire/results/21/australia/

Highlight package can be watched here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Ao4AYBbWQ

This year Hanako Tomishima, (Year 9), participated in the 2022 International 420 Australian championship in Adelaide and came 2nd girls place and also the Sail Melbourne 2022 in Melbourne and came in 1st place.

Goro Tomishima, Class 6, participated in 2022 Musto Australian Optimist Championship in Sydney and came 1st place for the 12 years and under category.

Congratulations to all!

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Year 9 Teams Up In The Cove

17 Feb 2022

Words by Blaise Miller-Hill (GlenX)

I graduated Glenaeon in 2017, unfortunately before the time of The Cove. So when Donna and Jonas asked me to come and help with the first activity of the year I was excited to finally get to see what this great program was all about. I was not disappointed. We spent the morning in the reserve down by the river in six small groups migrating around a course of team building challenges. Watching on I honestly I think I had as much fun and felt as much accomplishment watching them as they did participating in each activity. The first challenge my team participated in proved the hardest. All students were tasked to stand on, if I may say so a very small tarp, and then flip it over without stepping off it. Everyone chipped in, sharing ideas and suggestions of how this task could be conquered. Ahh the relief when they were able to overcome it, onto the next one. They built a beautiful sculpture using things they found in the area, despite being a bit muddy due to the river, their inclusion of coloured glass resulted in an aesthetically pleasing result.

As a team we moved through the rest of the challenges. Everyone stepping up and having a go, sharing their ideas and not being afraid to speak up if they thought their idea would work better. As a former student I know Glenaeon often cultivates quite tightly knit classes, so it is no surprise they were able to work so effectively as a team. Nonetheless it was a beautiful thing to witness and made it easy to imagine each of them flourishing in a team environment outside of school. Walking back up to school it made my day to hear the students talking about their expectations of The Cove and their surprise and shock to find themselves having fun!

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Smart Expressions 2022

03 Feb 2022

Congratulations to the following Class of 2021 students whose dynamic, thought-provoking and sensitive HSC Visual Artworks will be included in the 2022 Smart Expressions exhibition run by Willoughby City Council:

Ryan
Scout
Lara
Daniel

Featuring a range of expressive forms - digital painting, sculpture, film, collage, eco dyeing and ink and pastel drawing our student works will feature in the exhibition that runs from 23 February until 20 March at Art Space on The Concourse in Chatswood. For more information about the exhibition go to: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Events/Smart-Expressions-2022

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Habits, Rhythms and a ‘cornucopia of new beginnings’

03 Feb 2022

Welcome Soiree

A magnificent Summer’s evening greeted the 170+ guests at the Middle Cove campus for the 2023 Welcome Soiree last Friday. To spend time as a community of involved parents and carers, in person, was indeed food for the soul. As I said during my welcome, we play a long game in education as we develop the young minds and hearts of the future. The nurturing of good humans takes patience, courage and often strength. I’m a strong believer in the partnership between families and schools and in the positive difference that can make in a child’s journey through school. True partnership involves intentional and active engagement, the ability to listen deeply and be open to diverse perspectives and intent on finding solutions to challenges that serve the needs of the child and the school. And so, I invite you to join us in partnership as we strive towards a shared purpose to develop meaningful lives.

The Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)

The GPA held its first meeting of the year on Wednesday evening. It was heartening to have over 30 parents and carers join either in-person at Castlecrag, or via Zoom from home. One fundamental purpose of the GPA is in the promotion of parent and carer engagement through community building activities. Another is to provide an avenue through which parents and carers can learn more about what’s happening within the school. To that end, I was able to share on Wednesday two key questions I’m exploring with students, staff and Glenaeon families. A collected synthesis of responses will reveal insights into what our community values and perceives as important next steps for the school. Parents and Carers who were unable to be at Wednesday’s GPA meeting are welcome to provide their thoughts to me via headofschool@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au. The two questions are:

· What’s something great about Glenaeon?

· Broadly, what’s an important next step for the School?

Habits, Rhythms and a ‘cornucopia of new beginnings’

As we settle into the rhythms of the new school year, a pattern of weekly activity begins to emerge. There are new activities to try, new homework habits to establish, new routines to set and changing expectations with which to adjust. An abundance of opportunity indeed! Healthy study and play habits in children are developed and refined through modelling, repetitive practice, feedback, and on regular reflection centred on the needs of the child and the family. Be sure to check out Glenaeon’s co-curricular program of offerings for Semester 1 2023 on GLO and see which might be on interest to your child this year.

Introducing New Staff for 2023

It is my pleasure to introduce the last of our new staff to you and welcome them to our community. You can read more details about each of them here.

Will Bryant Archivist

Emily Collett Eurythmist

Lina Crawford Assistant Teacher, Class 5

Sabrina Durman Teacher’s Assistant, Pre-School

Jenni Foley Learning Enrichment Teacher

Tamara Louis Marketing Coordinator

Naoko Murphy Playgroup Leader

Additional RAT packs were sent home with families last week for use when cold and flu symptoms present. Further RATs packs are available for any family that requires additional supplies. Simply call Middle Cove Reception 02 9417 3193.

Marc Monnet-Demarbre is a Year 12 (Class of 2022) Agriculture Student. As part of his chosen course, he is required to undertake marketing of his project. In support of Marc's studies, we have made some editorial space available in our Newsletter. Watch for more updates to come on Marc's work in 2022.

The Turmeric Project

Turmeric is a flowering plant that is part of the ginger family. The rhizomes are ground to make a spice used in cooking and it can also be used for dyeing. Turmeric is really important as a medicine for animals and humans. It was discovered that it possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood thinning and anti-cancer properties.

It was decided to grow turmeric in the school garden for the second time. The turmeric can be grown on a hugel because it has richer properties than a normal patch of soil. Hugel in German means little mound. It is a German version of a compost heap. The hugel is comprised of 3 layers. The first is the hole in the ground full of sticks. The second is a mound above the ground full of straw and food scraps. The third is a layer of soil. The hugel then gets covered by a tarp to prevent animals from destroying it. The hugel only needs watering if it appears too dry.

To make the hugel you dig a massive hole in the ground where you will find good rich soil and fill it up with logs and sticks which will then decompose. Next all the gaps are filled with soil and compacted making sure that there are no air gaps. That is vital to the performance of the hugel. Leaves are then scattered over the top with more sticks and more dirt. This process is a delicate process. The least amount of air escaping will ensure the growth of fungi which will decompose the wood which makes the best hugel.

There is a hugel at Castlecrag and at Middle Cove. At Middle Cove we are growing turmeric again. This project is being worked on by Classes 3-6. Over the past few weeks we have been digging to make way for the second hugel. While doing so we encountered lots of sticks and the remains of the first turmeric crop that were left behind in the harvest process. We washed the turmeric under running water and scrubbed it down. We put it in a basket to dry out and shrink.

Each class enjoys a meal during gardening classes. The turmeric is used in some of the foods such as the bread made by Sandra and the stir fry and the tea drink. I will give you another progress update on our turmeric project in the newsletter next year.

Words and photos by Marc Monnet-Demarbre 2021
Year 12 Agriculture Student

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Year 9 Speaking Japanese

03 Dec 2021

Last Wednesday Year 9 Glenaeon Japanese language students took part in a video conference with their counterparts from Hamamatsu Nittai Junior High School. These students from Japan were meant to visit Glenaeon campus this year, however due to the pandemic this was not able to happen. Students were fortunately still able to meet and speak with each other via a Zoom conference.

Students participated in a pop quiz and also gave film reviews in Japanese which resulted in much conversational interaction and speaking in both languages.

Any initial barriers were quickly dissolved with new found common interests (shared knowledge of Ed Sherran lyrics included) and a great connection with new people and a wonderful cultural exchange. We hope that this friendship will be continued between our students and our schools in the future. Japanese Language Teacher Keiko Takahashi said this wonderful and practical application of language development and connection with others saw a high level of student engagement and an increased motivation for students to apply their language skills in a highly personable way in a real-life experience.

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Police visit to educate the Year 8 students on cyber safety and safe social media use

03 Dec 2021

In light of the recent learning from home period, and increased exposure to the online world, as well as more time by themselves navigating friendships and connection through online means, it seemed fitting, and somewhat necessary, to inform students how safest and best to navigate the online and social media world.

I invited Senior Constable Lynda Hart to visit and educate our Year 8 PDHPE co-hort on the pressing and topical issues of cyber safety and safe social media use. In her role as School Liaison Officer, Lynda was a great source of knowledge to have at school. She brought a unique insight and view of the subject matter which was much appreciated by the students who had many questions for her!

Lynda has a thirty-year career in the NSW Police Force and in her current role, educates schools on the north shore of Sydney. Her bottom line was: students must learn and understand how to be safe online. Information is key!

She spoke about the dangers of posting anything on any platform, be it TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp or the ‘old’ Facebook all social media platforms will have the same dangers: once you post anything (and some young people post very personal and revealing things without much thought) it is in the open realm, it’s not yours anymore. Any post can be screenshot, can be passed on and by that be multiplied within minutes! Everything that has been posted can become evidence in a potential police investigation.

Lynda also stressed the obvious which is never to engage and talk online to someone you don’t know! If students feel harassed they can block a caller or person, they do not want to be contacted by and report them. It is advisable to take a screen shot too of someone who contacts a young person without their request.

Students need to be aware of protective behaviours and strategies. The simplest is to put their social media settings on ‘private’ and to regularly check whether or not all of the ‘friends’ in their contacts are in fact still people they would like to share more personal information with. Lynda suggested to regularly go through one’s friends list as often it includes people one has little to do with any more. As a rule of thumb she said: “If you don’t want your auntie to see what you post it’s best not to post it at all”. However, even among ‘friends’ screen shots and passing on of images does occur!

Students should never take a call from or open a message from an unknown source or click on an attachment in such a message/email.

Students must know that it is considered child abuse if someone takes, shows or sends on inappropriate images (nudes) of anyone or themselves if they’re under 18 or the person in these videos or pics is under 18 years of age. It is considered child pornography!

An issue that often occurs is that of ‘sextortion’ where image based abuse happens in the form that often former girl or boyfriends will threaten to send pics of a very private nature on to others if that person doesn’t do certain things. Sending nudes without consent is a crime.

In our very connected online world, it is increasingly easy for predators to find out where someone lives, where someone is at a given moment in time and to locate a person that may think he/she is in a safe place. Lynda encouraged students to check their phones and switch off the geo locator to avoid that scenario.

Lynda spoke about how digital reputation is gold and needs to be protected as future employers will often look up a prospective applicant online before they ever will see them for a face-to-face interview. Students should aim for a clean digital footprint and also change passwords or use different passwords for different sites they sign up to be safer for being hacked. She also stressed the point to blank out one’s laptop camera (with a band aid) as some sites will only state in their T&Cs that they may access the webcam and film when one is unaware of this happening!

When unkind behaviour happens online, it’s best to ignore it, block the person, never reply and report it. No reaction is often the best reaction. Screen shots of messages can be send to that platform to make a complaint or engage with the below named sources.

Students can make complaints about being bullied, harassed and intimidated online. Good sources to turn to and to report unsafe, unkind or dangerous online behaviour or illegal use of one’s pics are the following agencies:

A great site with a lot of information how to report any cyber abuse: eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people/cyberbullying

The police themselves have great information and support for any issue to do with cyber safety:

https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/online_safety/online_safety_accordian/cyberbullying

Kids Helpline, Headspace and Crime Stoppers are further places that also can take the matter of online issues further:

https://kidshelpline.com.au phone: 1800 55 1800

https://headspace.org.au

https://crimestoppers.com.au

Great sites for parents with questions include:

http://www.safety.gov.au/parents

http://raisingchildren.net.au

Jonas Stoebe
PDHPE Teacher

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The Cove wraps for another year with Year 9 mini poems

02 Dec 2021

The Cove program saw students create mini poems as part of an in-school Cove Program Character Challenge where they worked together in team building group challenges to achieve various tasks around the school and Scotts Creek. Students had to climb over walls and support each other, find hidden food, read and learn about nature, bond by completing group tasks that needed leadership, diligence, cooperation and communication skills. The last task was to rhyme words in relation to the Cove Program and come up with a mini poem.

Here are three examples:

The Cove…
… is waking up early in the summer sun
The winter cold was not so fun
Running, games and yoga too
Jonas and Donna thank you!

We ran in the sun, we ran in the rain
Jonas and Donna near drove us insane
We learned new skills and challenged our brains
To be honest, we wouldn’t do it so easily again.

Jonas, who runs the Cove
He broke his ankle but doesn’t stay home
He takes us on runs past the mangroves
And let’s us walk and talk and roam.

The Cove program will wrap up in the final week with a mindfulness session in nature and reflections on a unique year and the program that was a challenge for some. Donna and Jonas are looking forward to welcoming the new Year 9 cohort in February 2022 to The Cove.

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Moth joins German Class

04 Nov 2021

Brigitte’s German class has been burning bright this week, attracting this gorgeous moth spotted in the corner of the Classroom. Brigitte called Science Teacher Stanley Tang who was able to identify it as a Helena Gum Moth (Opodiphthera Helena), male, and native to Australia. The males have feather-like antenna in order to receive the pheromone sent out by females. Caterpillars of this moth can live for a couple of years and the moths will not eat and only live for a couple of weeks. Their sole purpose is just to breed. Wunderschön!

#glenaeon #steiner #steinerschool #steinereducation #moth #science #helenagummoth #nature #beauty

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ICYMI: Welcome Back to Middle Cove

04 Nov 2021

In case you missed this on our social media channels, flashback to 25 October:
 
What a glorious day it was yesterday when we welcomed back our students from Class 3 to Year 11. The sun was shining, the flags were flying, and there was a great sense of joy and optimism in the air.

It was wonderful to reconnect and see familiar faces again, and we welcomed some new students too! Some came in fancy dress bringing a great sense of fun to the day.

Our Head of School, Andrew Hill, quite literally took his hat off to welcome back all the students in admiration of their, and their parents/carers efforts over the long lockdown period!

Teachers had painted a big 'Welcome Back' sign near our front gates at Middle Cove in celebration of students return.

Students, we missed you, and we're glad you're back!

#glenaeon#middlecove#backtoschool#campus#facetofacelearning#togetheragain#happydays#school#education#primaryschool#highschool#steiner#steinerschool#steinereducation

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Glenlympics – students are the winners!

04 Nov 2021

You may recall that last term, during the lockdown, Glenaeon Mentors and Guardians started the Glenlympics - a fun and entertaining competition between Mentor groups designed to ease some of the lockdown boredom and isolation, and encourage connection and team work amongst student groups.

It’s fair to say that some teams got into the spirit more than others, but as the week’s progressed the friendly games gained serious momentum. From iso-baking, outdoor runs, pet portraits and dress ups, the Glenlympics brought some fun and laughter to lift the lockdown blues!

We are pleased to announce the final results:

· Maddy’s team 1st with 680 points

· Jacqueline’s team 2nd 570 points

· Alison’s team 3rd 510 points

Followed by Donna’s team Rene’s, Clair’s and Stanley’s group.

Special shout out to Mya Hill, Year 10, who was by far the most proactive contributor to the fun-filled competition and all those that dressed up on Day 1 Term 4 for extra points.

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Environmental Art & Design Prize exhibition: 12 Nov - 12 Dec 2021

21 Oct 2021

New dates have been announced for the Environmental Art & Design Prize exhibition: 12 Nov - 12 Dec 2021. Glenaeon has two current students and one Alumna who have been announced as finalists. Please get along and support their work. Congratulations again to Anouk, Kauri and Elicia.

For more information go to: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/northern-beaches-environmental-art-and-design-prize

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National Bird Week

21 Oct 2021

It's National Bird Week and we have been celebrating the birds of Glenaeon by posting beautiful bird photos taken at our Middle Cove campus and sharing these on our Facebook and Instagram channels. If you missed Dr Stanley Tang's informative bird webinars last week, you can now find them online, thanks to Willoughby City Council:

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07 Oct 2021

Our very own science teacher, Dr Stanley Tang will be a guest speaker at two separate events celebrating National Bird Week, hosted by Willoughby City Council.

The first, Talking Birds is on Thursday 14 October at 6:30pm on Zoom. Stanley, who is also a researcher, and ornithologist has been carrying out a formal, licensed survey of birds with some of our students in North Arm Reserve, investigating the dynamic of local bird populations.

To register go to: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Eventbrite/Talking-Birds-Birds-of-North-Arm-Reserve-Middle-Cove-157739650541

The second talk Introduction to the Aussie Backyard BirdCount is on Sunday 17 October at 10am and Stanley will explain how to bird watch and contribute to this annual citizen science project. Stanley will also team up with Dr Holly Parsons from Birdlife Australia to introduce some of the local species of birds that use our local reserve networks (including our beautiful Middle Cove campus) and show you how you can do your own Backyard Bird Count.

To register go to: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Eventbrite/Introduction-to-the-Aussie-Backyard-Bird-Count-157563188739

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Going for gold in the Glenlympics

16 Sep 2021

With the Olympic and Paralympic flames extinguished, there is one remaining event still running – The Glenlympics. The casual competition between Mentor/Guardian groups has been heating up in the run up to the term break, with a late flurry of activity. In its second week the competition for the games is fierce! Countries Saville, Totterdell and Rees are at the top of the medal count table with countries like Miller and Tang following up behind. It is hoped that little known countries like van den Tol will find their way into the games as the momentum builds. Teams Cisterne, Tang and van den Tol need only to get their points on the board! Some of the best performances are yet to take place, so it is still up in the air to who will take out the winning position. Celebrating Spring is of course, one of the easiest challenges and before the end of the week, we are hoping to see lots of evidence the competitors can decorate their homes and themselves to acknowledge this long tradition! We envisage a big burst of activity before the end of term!

GLENLYMPICS ‘MEDAL’ TALLY
Team Saville       525 (special mention to Mya for her wonderful enthusiasm)
Team Totterdell 340
Team Rees          310 (with some late entry runs expected from Rohan)
Team Miller 135
Team van den Tol
Team Tang
Team Cisterne

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Year 8 PE students live chat with Medecins sans Frontiers health worker on the ground in Afghanistan

16 Sep 2021

Afghanistan has been in the news a lot lately since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban over a month ago. Our TV screens show heartbreaking images of anxious people desperate to escape. Recently more than $1.6 billion has been pledged to help the Afghan people who are in desperate need of food, health care and protection. So during this turbulent time, with Afghan people living in turmoil, it was unique and exceptional timing for our Year 8 PE students to have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of a health care worker from “Doctors without Borders” Tankred Stoebe – brother of Glenaeon’s PDHPE Teacher Jonas Stoebe - working on the ground in Afghanistan.

As Jonas explains, “My brother Tankred works for Doctors Without Borders around the world and I had organised for him to dial into our PE zoom lesson for an informative and interactive lesson in which he spoke about his work there and students could ask questions.

“Tankred has worked for MSF (Medecins sans Frontiers) for over 20 years and is currently in Afghanistan, Herat, for four weeks just when everyone has been trying to escape. After an introduction by me and a ‘happy to see you brother’ moment, Tankred spoke about the current situation in the country more broadly and also about his specific work and the health system’s need at the moment in Afghanistan.”

Students asked lots of good questions and Tankred was happy to answer all of them. He was able to dispel some myths and answer some challenging questions such as “Isn’t life super dangerous under the Taliban government?”, to which he replied that poverty, deprivation of basic human needs of most people haven’t changed at all and that life in the third biggest city in the country is not much different to what it was a year ago for most Afghanis.

Sadly, this does not include freedoms for women and girls which will be further restricted as the new authority gets into gear. Students learned that the Taliban currently accept aid work and Tankard reported that he saw no immediate danger to hospital staff. Yet, the whole situation is highly volatile.

Students were highly engaged in the session and asked how they could help. For students who have been having many Zoom sessions during lockdown in Sydney, this was certainly one that gave them a unique insight into life in Afghanistan during one of the country’s most defining and difficult times in history, and a timely reminder of our privilege to live where we do.

Immediately after the student Zoom with Tankred, he was interviewed on CNN News Channel. You can watch the interview here: CNN Newsroom with Robyn Curnow

For anyone wishing to support the work of MSF, please donate at www.msf.org.au, the Australian arm of the organisation.

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Campus upgrades during lockdown

16 Sep 2021

Our Maintenance team has been very busy working away on campus during the long lockdown making many improvements. The Senior Library has had a makeover, the walkways around the Sylvia Brose Hall are completed, the pillars on the D&T Building have been repaired and painted and the Year 8 Classroom has been freshly spruced up with a lick of paint and new carpets. Year 7 area has also had some painting work to brighten up the area. Thanks to our hardworking Maintenance team of Chris, Michael, Noel, Sonny and Mary. Special thanks to Mary who has pivoted during lockdown from Traffic Controller at the Middle Cove School Crossing on Eastern Valley Way to COVID cleaning, sanitizing and very capably undertaking maintenance jobs around campus.

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Year 10 English Responds to Macbeth

16 Sep 2021

In English this term, Year 10 students have been studying the beautiful language in William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. Ms Rees’ class wrote some 100-word pieces of Flash Fiction inspired by the play’s desolate setting.

Read Natalia Bennett’s creative response to the opening of Macbeth:

Scotland’s hills rolled out in front of Macbeth. The sky had succumbed to the inky clouds, fat and heavy with rain. An average day. Although, you’d think after a victory, a sliver of sunshine might make an appearance. Trees spotted the surrounding lands in clusters. They shadowed the ground from any sort of light. The vivid green of the country was as usual dulled. Frigid drops of water began to pat the ground, spitting on the soldiers’ faces. Even their helmets couldn’t keep out the cold, the metal stinging their bodies. Soon, the ground was spotted with puddles and mud, which splattered with the begrudging footsteps of the men. Wind snaked past the travelling group, sending freezing air to shake their spines. Home felt like years away.

Ms Gonzalez’ class started their study of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth with a consideration of the Medieval concept of the Wheel of Fortune. It was believed individuals symbolically rode this wheel throughout life as it was spun by Fortuna, the Roman goddess of Luck, Fate and Fortune.

In the context of 2020-2021, many students related to the sense of being spun by forces out of their control, from a position of comfort, into one of endurance. Yet it was reassuring to hear students overwhelmingly articulate an alternate worldview: one based on free will, thoughtful action and self-determination. So, while the wheel of fortune may appear to spin, there was agreement that we can also spin it for the better!

Discussions over whether the glass is half-empty or half-full returned upon encountering this bleak monologue by Macbeth:

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

But do Year 10 agree with Macbeth’s assessment of the futility of life??

Below is a response from student Oscar Street:

Yet even nothing is something
For tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
Stroll at this placid pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
Not leaving a single moment unlived.
The way to a joyous newborn, whose candle is newly lit!
Life is the smiling face, a rich player
Who has nothing, but loves his hour on the stage,
And then is remembered by eternity,
for the actions he hath done. Life is a tale
told by a mother, full of interest and care.
Signifying all.

Lovely work, Year 10.

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Join the Clubs! Glenaeon “Clubs” program for Students from Class 1 through to Year 10

19 Aug 2021

A reminder to, if you haven't already, get on board with Glenaeon's lockdown initiative for students in Class 1 to Year 10. Glenaeon Clubs run from 2:30pm each weekday afternoon.

There are a wonderful variety of activities on offer for students of all ages – from sport to art, book clubs, dance and origami. Each club’s session length can vary. For example, Art Club runs from 2:30pm-4pm and Sport club runs for 1 hour. Attendance is voluntary and you can join multiple clubs if you wish (one per day), and all sessions are delivered live.

To find out more about each activity, view the Glenaeon Clubs timetable, and to access the zoom links, please follow the instructions in the guide or click here: https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/3656/

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"Reflection" by Year 10 student, Oscar Street

19 Aug 2021

Last Newsletter we shared the news that two Glenaeon High School students - Charlie Scharf, Year 8, and Oscar Street, Year 10 - had been shortlisted in the Mosman Youth Awards in Literature.

Oscar has kindly shared his shortlisted poem, titled, Reflection:

Waves of stars reflected on the ocean

Wash in from the sea, flowing into your sight

Like the ocean’s dark depths, your eyes shimmer

Strewn with the glowing sand of stars.

The milky way flows with them

Like sediment in a great river

Like dust in a whirling tornado,

Like cities on a giant earth.

The stars out-glowed only by the boulderous pearl,

The constant in changing,

The sovereign of the sky

The queen of the tide

The floating light of the moon.

But still, the moon in all its glory,

Is a holy dot on the star scattered void,

A void that encompasses all water and earth,

A void with the power to rip all to dust,

And a void with the power to create all life.

The boundless stretch of the eternal void,

The universe which contains the silver moon and sediment stars,

The stage that has acted every scene of reality…

Reflected in the eyes of one human,

An infinitely small human,

Who gazes into this giant sky and dreams.

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Year 12: Exams in Unusual Times

19 Aug 2021

Year 12 students are currently hard at work and in the middle of their online HSC Trial examinations.

The students have shown significant flexibility and praiseworthy personal capacity during this very challenging time and it must be acknowledged that, although COVID hit us last year and the Year 12 cohort of 2020 were the first to be impacted by lockdowns, these fine young men and women of 2021 have had to face considerably greater challenges that have, most unfortunately, fallen at a very significant point in their HSC year! We stand in admiration of students and parents who have had to adjust to rapidly changing NSW Health and NESA advice, and who have found their final term of secondary schooling looking quite different. Celebrations of the students’ achievements which would usually be shared with parents, the broader school community and guests at Showcases and assemblies will be made available in digital form later in the year, but at this stage I would like to give you a glimpse into how they’re going, and they are travelling very well!

This image shows the upload process after a very successful English Standard and Advanced Paper 2 exam, completed under examination conditions and supervised via Zoom by Library Technician, Chris Tang and English Advanced Teacher, Jacqueline Rees. At the time of writing we have three days of exams behind us, and all processes have been running very smoothly … and may that continue (I am touching wood as I write this!).

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

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Glenaeon celebrates National Science Week

19 Aug 2021

National Science Week is Australia's annual celebration of all things science. We are mid-way through National Science Week which will run until 22 August. The school theme for National Science Week 2021 is Food: Different by Design. It honours the United Nations International Year of Fruits and Vegetables and the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.

At Glenaeon, we have been celebrating Science Week 2021 with fruit and light!

Year 11 Physics

Year 11 Physics have been studying electric circuits this term and have been enjoying building and qualitatively and quantitively analysing both series and parallel circuits. This is a practical unit, best studied through application, and it has been wonderful that the students have had access to individual kits with all the necessary components to tinker away. Striving for a intuitive understanding of electric circuits is no easy task, especially when learning online, but with the practical kits supporting the students there have been plenty of both figurative and literal light bulb moments!

Jennifer Macgonigal, Physics/Mathematics Teacher

Year 11 Chemistry

Year 11 Chemistry students started the term busily analysing and comparing quantities of vitamin C found in various fruits and vegetables as part of their Chemistry Depth Study Main Lesson. Students picked up a mini-chemistry experiment kit from school that allowed them to carry out quantitative analysis at home, on kitchen benches, dining tables and even in bathroom sinks! The fruit of their labour showed that kiwi, broccoli and capsicum are very good sources of vitamin C, storing your food at a cooler temperature will preserve the amount of vitamin C better, and that you want to be quick when you’re washing your fruit and vegetables to avoid vitamin C loss to water.

Yura Totsuka, Head of Department (Science)

STEM Teachers 'graduate'

Glenaeon is a partner school of The University of Sydney STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy, which at our school is actually run as a SHTEEM unit with English and History included. Some of our Teachers completed the program last month after submitting their reflection of the 2020 unit, ‘Academy of Renaissance Curators’, that last year’s Year 8 students undertook. So it was a wonderful coincidence that this week, during National Science Week, our 'graduating' Teachers received their certificates.

Our congratulations to Yura Totsuka (Head of Department) Science; Ella Pooley, Alice Livermore, Hernan Carol-Garis, Evan Sanders, Elena Rowan and Stanley Tang for your work in this program.

Unfortunately, lockdown has altered our Year 8 STEM activities this term, but hopefully our students will feel some of the benefit from this wonderful program through GLO and again when they finally return for face-to-face learning.

More information about Science Week can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au

#scienceweek #STEM #physics #chemistry

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Year 7 - Wish, Wonder and Surprise

19 Aug 2021

Year 7 completed a Main Lesson titled 'Wish, Wonder and Surprise' - and English Main Lesson focusing on poetry, writing and the text 'Jonathon Livingstone Seagull' by Richard Bach. It is an inner exploration of personal development alongside the English curriculum, with students exploring and reflecting on their own wishes and dreams, the role of awe wonder in the world, gratitude and grace. They read classic poems by Ezra Pound, Dylan Thomas as well as a novel study exploring Jonathon Livingstone Seagull's inner challenges and experiences and their own biographical story of their place in this world - truly a wonderful way to explore in Year 7! This Main Lesson also combined beautiful artwork led by Art Teacher Julia Byrne, included in their Main Lesson books.

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Charlie and Oscar shortlisted in the Mosman Youth Awards in Literature

05 Aug 2021

We’re delighted to share the news that two Glenaeon High School students - Charlie Scharf, Year 8, and Oscar Street, Year 10 - have been shortlisted in the Mosman Youth Awards in Literature.

The Mosman Youth Awards in Literature is an annual prose and poetry competition which attracts budding poets, playwrights and authors from primary and secondary schools across the state, all of whom compete for a share in the $2,000 prize pool.

Charlie wrote a poem as part of our Geography main lesson, and then submitted this as his entry. Oscar also submitted a poem.

Due to COVID restrictions the awards presentation will be announced online later this month. For more information go to: https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/library/Get-Involved/youth-awards-in-literature

Our warmest congratulations to both Charlie and Oscar for their efforts and achievement. We feel very proud of you both.

Well done Charlie and Oscar!

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Glenaeon launches “Clubs” program for Students from Class 1 through to Year 10

05 Aug 2021

We are very excited to announce the launch of a brand new initiative for students in Class 1 to Year 10 during the remote learning period in 2021. Glenaeon Clubs run from 2:30pm each weekday afternoon and the first sessions ran on Monday with good attendance across the board.

There are a wonderful variety of activities on offer for students of all ages – from sport to art, book clubs, dance and origami. Each club’s session length can vary. For example, Art Club runs from 2:30pm-4pm and Sport club runs for 1 hour. Attendance is voluntary and you can join multiple clubs if you wish (one per day), and all sessions are delivered live.

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Year 7's Archie Carter in the Australian Baseball Championships

05 Aug 2021

During the middle of last Term, Archie Carter (Year 7) and his representative baseball team, the Ryde Hawks travelled to Mildura, VIC to compete at the Australian Baseball Intermediate League Championships. Archie’s team were the NSW Champions after having won the state tournament undefeated, and had spent the term training hard to take on the best teams from all around Australia.

In non COVID years the winner of the Australian Championships wins through to the World Series, where they play teams from all over the planet.

After a long bus trip and some torrid weather playing in cold and wet conditions, Archie and the Hawks were poised for a top placed finish after three days of pool play. They had locked in top seed semi-final position after winning three games against West Australian and Victorian champion teams, dropping only one game by a single run.

Sadly, on the day of the semi-final, Victoria’s snap lockdown due to COVID cancelled the tournament, but it was still a great experience for Archie, taking on the best baseballers in Australia and showing that he could match it with the best.

Archie is a versatile player, featuring in a range of positions at both the State and National tournaments and was lauded by coaches for his energy, teamwork and aggressive hitting and base running.

Well done Archie!

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Year 9's Sophie Lewis shortlisted for The Text Prize

22 Jul 2021

We are excited to announce that Year 9 student Sophie Lewis is one of seven authors shortlisted for The Text Prize. In Year 8 every student undertakes a project, and last year Sophie Lewis wrote a novel, The Boy in the Field, about her great-grandfather. She submitted the novel to the Text Prize and was chosen from hundreds of manuscripts. The overall winner will be announced on July 29. The prize is $10,000 and a publishing contract. Her proud parents said, "It’s really thanks to the Year 8 Project that she is in this position. Without it she would not have gone the extra mile to finish the book and realise the potential that she had as a writer. It’s one thing to sit and write every day (she does this) but another thing to see a project through to the end."

Congratulations Sophie, on making the shortlist and we wish you well for the final. We are all very proud of you!

Read the blog announcing the shortlisted writers here:

https://www.textpublishing.com.au/blog/announcing-the-shortlist-for-the-2021-text-prize-for-young-adult-and-children-s-writing

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Three Glenaeon students named as Finalists in the 2021 Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize

22 Jul 2021

Three cheers for three Glenaeon students/alumna named as Finalists in the 2021 Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize.

Congratulations to our own:

Elicia Ferguson, Syria (Class of 2020);
Kauri Palmer, Life, Again (Year 12); and
Anouk Swanepoel, CAN you Save Me? (Year 10)

Presented by the Northern Beaches Council, the exhibition of their work “will celebrate the vibrancy of the Australian arts and design community and the importance of its level of engagement in conversations about renewal, regeneration and issues impacting the human and natural world.”

In the Young Artist/Designer section 53 finalists were selected across the 7-12 and 13-18 years categories. Well done to our student artists!

You can read the announcement here: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/northern-beaches-environmental-art-and-design-prize/2021-finalists

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Students explore The Cove on a visit to Warrah

22 Jul 2021

Last month, Year 9s visited Warrah School, as part of our our community engagement and service excursions within The Cove Program.

Community as one of the pillars around which the program is built (achievement and autonomy being the other two), means we want to involve and expose our students to altruistic community based work. The idea of service and giving back is an important aspect of learning at that age and will sensitize the students towards supporting people living life with challenges and to build empathy within them.

The day at Warrah was structured into morning activities around community service when students in groups of four helped the Warrah maintenance team in various tasks around the farm and school including weeding, planting and cleaning tasks. One group was able to clean windows of one of the residences for people who permanently reside at Warrah and who have a much broader age range of up to 75 years. During the cleaning session students were involved in many at hoc encounters with residents who eagerly approached our students and struck up conversations. A shared morning tea brought us even closer to the people looking after the residents and the residents themselves which was a wonderful occasion. The students went from a rather shy and observational start, to an engaging and friendly exchange and deeper understanding of what it can mean to live with a disability.

The lunchtime and afternoon was based around interaction with students at Warrah School, which work with the indication of Rudolf Steiner bringing meaningful interaction to the students being educated at Warrah. Our students met the Warrah students at their playground for some get-to-know-one-another activity on the trampoline and swing. Later, our students brought some games and activities to the Warrah students and staff. Both parties benefitted a lot from one another.

It was visible how important such exchange and engagement is for young people who may not have had the opportunity to get to know people each living with unique and different challenges. Here it was essential to engage, to overcome initial hesitance and to allow oneself to be open. The Glenaeon students really enjoyed the day and also visited the organic farm shop and farm, and left with the experience and appreciation of diversity and inclusion, open hearts and open minds.

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Year 10s play games to save life on Planet Earth

17 Jun 2021

At the completion of a semester studying Environmental Issues and Human Wellbeing in Geography lessons, Year 10B enjoyed playing 'Climate Crisis'.

Mr Phil Hopper from Nerd Games, introduced the students to a newly released board game called Climate Crisis, a collaborative game where players cooperate in order to save life on the Planet Earth. It certainly led to much lively discussion and debate as the students sought to make the best decisions to save the health of the environment and the people on planet Earth. The school has been kindly donated five of these environmental games which can be borrowed from the senior library.

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Glenaeon Twilight Concert

17 Jun 2021

Last week Glenaeon held a Twilight Music Concert. We had students from Class 5 through to Year 12 performing, including some students performing in front of an audience, for the first time.

We ran two concerts simultaneously to a very responsive and appreciative audience of parents and friends. We had our cello ensemble perform also for the first time, with students in Years 6,7 and 8 taking part. It was wonderful for our students to be able to perform again for an audience after such a long time and we had 44 performers overall taking part.

Special thanks to the tutors who helped contribute to the night and especially those that came along to support their students.

We will be holding a second Twilight Concert next term, and we hope to have even more performers should the COVID restrictions allow it.

Thanks to Parents, Erika Hosoyama and Melony Browell for sharing these photographs.

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2021 Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival

17 Jun 2021

Glenaeon musicians have taken part in the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival. The aim of the Festival is to provide a formal, non-competitive performance opportunity for ensembles that is a positive and encouraging experience. Glenaeon‘s Concert Band (led Phil Arnold and Christine Young) performed in the High School Ensemble section on 6 June and the Glenaeon Big Band (led by Phil Arnold) will play on 20 June Session 4 3:00-4:20pm.

Now in its tenth year, the Festival has become one of the main performance focuses for Concert Bands, Stage Bands and String Ensembles on the Northern Beaches. Well done to all the Glenaeon students who took part. More information can be found here: http://www.nbswe.org.au/festival

Thanks to Parents, Erika Hosoyama and Melony Browell for sharing these photographs.

#glenaeon #music #performance #bigband #concertband #steinerschool #steinereducation

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17 Jun 2021

At the last High School Assembly for Term 2, Year 12 student Joseph Naffah sang, I Will Survive. Well done Joseph! To watch his fabulous performance click here. With thanks to piano accompanist, Stuart Wright. Pic credit: Ethan Brown

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Meet Raphaela Mazzone - Year 8 Teacher

17 Jun 2021

I joined Glenaeon this year to teach English, History and Geography to Year 8, as well as to be one of the Year 8 Guardians.

I bring a lifetime of experience with Steiner Education, having been a student at a Steiner school myself. I took a break from the ‘Steiner world’ in my twenties studying visual art at university and completing my a graduate diploma in teaching, but on graduating, I spent a year teaching high school art and music at Mt Barker Waldorf School.

I soon decided that it was time for some adventure however, so spent the following eight months touring with a chamber choir, performing and teaching in Steiner schools around Australia, Asia, Europe and India. We performed over seven hours of repertoire, taught in over six languages, stayed with 'regular' families, saw rainbows, cheesecloth and wooden furniture used right around the world, and had the most intensely rich, cultural experiences imaginable.

On my return I went back to university to do a Masters of Fine Art. This was a particularly formative time for me as I became most interested in what the communication process is between what we feel on the inside and what is going on in the outside world. The further I delved into the world of ideas around identity, self awareness, mindfulness, communication and empathy however, the more I became frustrated with using art as my medium for communicating with others. I began longing to be back in a classroom.

So I returned to teaching. I chose also to return to Steiner education because embedded in this system is already so much content (both explicit and implicit) that supports the students in developing their own self awareness, their capacity for empathy and the nuance of different types of communication.

After two wonderful years spent as a primary school class teacher at Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School, I am now here at Glenaeon, and I must say, it feels wonderful to be back working with teenagers.

Over the coming years I plan to complete my Graduate Diploma in Psychology and use all I have learned in this degree to continue finding ways we can further embed emotional intelligence skills and knowledge more deeply and consciously into everything we teach so that our students can graduate with not just academic skills, but all the life skills they need to live happy, healthy lives.

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Stuart Wright performs Clair de Lune

17 Jun 2021

Glenaeon's Music Tutor & Accompanist Stuart Wright performed Dubussy's Clair de Lune at our High School Assembly in June. To view his beautiful piano performance click here.

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Ria to perform in Disney’s Aladdin Jr. with NSK’s Musical Theatre Company

03 Jun 2021

Congratulations to Year 7 Student Ria Aung Thein who has been cast in The North Sydney Kids Musical Theatre Co’s June 2021 production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

This musical showcases a cast of young people all under the age of 18. Ria will be performing in the senior cast (age 13-18 years) in alternating performances. The production is designed to give students the opportunity to develop their skills in musical theatre, and star in a live production. We are thrilled for Ria to have this opportunity. Over the past few months Ria, along with the cast and crew have given up their free time on Sundays to contribute to the creation of the show.

Performances run 18-20th June at The Independent Theatre, North Sydney. Tickets are available for purchase here: https://www.ticketebo.com.au/nsk

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Socks, dolls and clothing: Handwork makes it all!

03 Jun 2021

In Year 8 textile students learn to use the sewing machine and follow a pattern to make a pair of shorts or sew long trousers. During the semester they learn about fabric properties and how to manipulate fabric to create colourful patterns and sculptural effects. They are also making buttons and sewing craft bags on the machine and by hand.

Class 6 are keeping their feet warm by knitting socks, perfect for these cold winter nights; Class 5 are making dolls and dressing them with their own bespoke crocheted outfits!

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Stanley owling around campus

03 Jun 2021

Science Teacher, Dr Stanley Tang captured this wonderful looking owl (Southern Boobook) a few weeks ago, at our Middle Cove campus down near the Scotts creek. This is part of his bird banding project he is running at school looking at movements, moulting strategies of various birds in the North Arm Reserve.

You never know whoooooo you'll meet after nightfall! What a hoot!

#glenaeon #middlecove #science #birdbanding #birds #owl #research

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Year 9 bounce into Bubble Soccer

03 Jun 2021

Have you ever run around with a huge bubble (1.5m x 1.5m) surrounding you, whilst trying to shoot a ball into goal?

This is what bubble soccer is like. Last week we had students chasing a very small ball while cushioned by a transparent but huge and bulky bubble around each of them.

When two bubbles collide, because two students from a different team chase the ball, they bump into one another, often intentionally. Consequently, one student has to give, and one student will go down, fall, roll or tumble to the ground! No fear, the falls are well-cushioned and fun. Students can even do a 360-degree forward roll before coming to their feet again.

Other games such as bulrush were also played and therefore, no one in the PE Extension class was not exhausted after the 1-hour bubble intensive experience. Our students had so much fun and who doesn’t love getting fit with vigorous exercise whilst dressed in a bubble?

It left no one disappointed as everyone got to enjoy the bump and roll and kick and just be in a very different mode to what we usually are in. Any younger student observing the Year 9 group was asking me when they can try out this fun activity – and they will, when they get to Year 9!

#glenaeon #soccer #bubblesoccer #PE #sport #fun

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Year 7 Artworks

03 Jun 2021

These works express the eastern Main Lesson students undertook on the first cycle of this term. Students worked with ink on rice paper, studied the architecture of the Chinese temples and then the fine lattice of Ancient Chinese gates. This is a sample of their incredible works.

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Year 9s mentor Year 3 reading

03 Jun 2021

As service to the community, Year 9 students listen to Year 3 students practice their reading. Through gentle prompting, pausing and praising, the little ones enjoy reading stories before school on Thursdays and Fridays. Beside reading practice, both groups of students form relations that often carry right through their school journey. I know my own girls, both graduated some years ago, retain fond memories or their experience as both the reader, and later as they participate in the DofE Award, as mentors themselves. So much good comes from the program!

Donna Miller

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The AICES football competition was an amazing experience for our own Jayden Smith earlier this month. Jayden, the only Glenaeon student involved, played soccer in the ISD team, which was very welcoming and wonderfully supported by experienced coaches. The wet weather didn’t impact the quality of football that was played by all the teams.

The ISD team was incredibly talented and the level of football in the competition was astounding. For Jayden, to have been a part of it was a really valuable experience in his footballing journey. The ISD team played four games in all. They opened the competition with a 0-0 draw, the next two games were 1-0 wins, before meeting the Hunter Region team in the Grand Final. They fought valiantly before succumbing to a 2-0 loss very late in the game.

It was an awesome day and has fuelled Jayden’s footballing hunger even more! Well done Jayden!

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06 May 2021

Year 8 students are embarking on a portrait unit in visual art and who better to teach them than the master himself, Rembrandt! Working from the series of many self-portraits, students practiced working with pastel to reproduce his image. What an amazing likeness they achieved!

Watch this space to see their own self-portraits which will be abstract representations of themselves done on skatedecks.

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Morning yoga is back

06 May 2021

Glenaeon students and teachers are back enjoying morning Yoga sessions with Jonas and Yoga Master Heidi Horne overlooking the stunning bush scenery. What a way to start the day! Parents are now permitted to join again, by following COVID safe practices of signing in with the QR code, and sanitising their hands before rolling out the mat.

To join, contact PDHPE Teacher & Co-curricular Organiser: J.Stoebe@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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Year 9 Wolgan trip

06 May 2021

The Wolgan trip started
on last Friday morn
As we pulled up with buses,
to find bags on the lawn

Students with parents,
the parents looked on,
As the buses were loaded,
then the students were gone.

We’ll miss you they cried
and waved as we drove,
thinking “at least we don’t have to
get up for the Cove”

And off we drove
and drove some more,
How many hours did it take?
Hrmm, maybe four.

When we finally arrived
and we got to alight,
We breathed in the Wolgan
Then prepared for first night.

Some went to climb
And others to canyon
Some simply walked
With their closest companion

There were glorious vistas
around every corner
We saw pink flannel flowers
and some other cool fauna.

So we climbed and walked and then walked some more,
I don’t think anyone could call that trip a bore!

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Year 7's Archie swims at the AICES Swimming Championships

23 Apr 2021

Archie Carter in Year 7 made it through to the zone level AICES Swimming Championships late March to compete for Glenaeon and represent our sports association ISD. He swam in three events: 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke.

Archie set a record for freestyle at our recent swimming carnival and won all his races at our carnival. We then checked his times and Archie qualified to be nominated for the AICES Swimming Championships.

Archie swam very well but ultimately did not qualify for the state level (CIS). However, it is a great achievement to swim at the AICES Swimming Championships in an Olympic swimming pool in the 2000 Sydney Olympics swim stadium in Sydney Olympic Park and battle it out with other very talented swimmers!

We congratulate Archie for his appearance and for representing our school on a bigger stage. Well done Archie!

#glenaeon #swimming #AICES #swimmingchampionships #freestyle #butterfly #breaststroke

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Martu People and Clifford Brooks

23 Apr 2021

Martu people are the traditional owners of the Martu land including parts of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy, and Gibson Deserts, collectively referred to as the Western Desert. The language of the people is Martu Wangka. Glenaeon’s connection to the Martu people is through Beniah Brooks, a Year 10 student.

One well-known Martu artist is Clifford Brooks. Clifford Brooks is Beniah's grandfather. His work is found in the National Museum of Australia. He is now in living in Jigalong with his family.

The painting pictured, titled, Blood in the Ground (2007) is one of Clifford's artworks. The painting shows Clifford's dad looking for his brother (Rover) along the Canning Stock Route. While looking he saw a whitefella had shot Aboriginal people. As Clifford Brooks said, "He been get up on a sandhill and he been look down: whitefella, massacre. They been get shot: [Aboriginal] men, women and children." This scene is depicted in the top right corner of this painting, where many shapes are surrounded by red dotting (blood).

Beniah chose this painting to share with Glenaeon because he made her one like this when she was little. Thanks for sharing this Beniah.

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Glenaeon Big Band is back

23 Apr 2021

After all the COVID disruption, Glenaeon's Big Band is back on stage. On 31 March 2021, the Glenaeon Big Band performed at the high school assembly in our Sylvia Brose Hall. Led by Band Master, Phil Arnold, the 16-member band played three songs.

Glenaeon Big Band students in this performance include: Nathan Yr 10; Miles Yr 7; Lucas Yr 7; Natalia Yr 10; Taran Yr 9; Jack Yr 10; Elke Yr 10; Sasha Yr 9; Anton Yr 8; Antonina Yr 7; Hayden Yr 8; Max Yr 10; Marcel Yr 11; Elliot Yr 9; Mya Yr 10 and Anouk Yr 10.

Our thanks to Evan Sanders for lighting and sound, and parent volunteer Ian Smith www.iancameronsmith.com, for filming and editing. Click here to watch the Glenaeon Big Band performance: https://youtu.be/ysgTFxON_vM

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Thank you HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

23 Apr 2021

The mystery of life and death often causes one to ponder and it is no different with the passing of HRH Prince Philip, founder of the Duke of Edinburgh Program.

The program was first developed in the United Kingdom in 1956 in conjunction with Kurt Hann, German Educationist and founder of Outward Bound and Lord Hunt, leader of the first ascent of Mount Everest. These men wanted to motivate youth to participate in a more balanced program of service, self-development and activity to support their growth into adulthood.

I have been delivering the program at Glenaeon for the past 11 years and have watched participants benefit from his vision and desire to support young people in finding meaning in their lives and purpose in what they do. Bronze participants, usually Year 9 students, begin to learn consciously, what it means to be in service to others, to practise physical activity as a means of betterment of their health and wellbeing and develop or hone a skill to exercise their brain. These activities are undergone alongside their normal school workload and what is commonly expected of our adolescents, and it helps them to find focus and work towards achieving a goal. They elect to participate in the program for various reasons at this stage, but for whatever that is, they benefit in so many ways.

The students that follow on to the Silver and Gold Award have committed to a much extended weekly commitment of service, physical activity and skill to further their development, experience, social interactions and achievements. They are not ‘going with the flow’, being dictated and peer pressured into what is cool or acceptable teenage happenings. These students have already risen above the materialistic level of adolescence and want to gain something beyond what is the typical offerings.

This is no more evident than in the adventure journey that makes up the Award at each level. Twelve Year 10 students and one Year 11 student planned and organised their adventure practice and qualifying journeys, which they undertook towards the end of these holidays. A girls’ group undertook the Six Foot Track walk while the boys conquered a large section of the Great North Walk. Both groups departed at the crack of dawn on Friday, after spending a few hours on Thursday together on final prep and training, equipment checks and packing. The students made all the arrangements: from booking sites, registering with National Parks, enlisting leaders as ‘back-up and safety’ – as required by the Award Office, planning out each day, the distance and kind of terrain, coordinates for designated breaks, navigation, etc. and got on their way. The first day’s walk for the boys was no less than 27kms with a great deal of that uphill! Following are some reflections of the participants on their return.

Prince Philip had the foresight and desire to set up a program where more than four million young people worldwide, since its inception, have participated, achieved and grown. This is a gift. Thank you Prince Philip; your legacy will live on.

Donna Miller

#DofE #dukeofed #dukeofedaus #worldready #glenaeon #steiner #steinereducation

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Duke of Ed: Silver Journey Reflections

23 Apr 2021

"I started this hike with very little idea, of the amount of memories I was going to have, and the bonds I was very soon going to form with my fellow year 10 trekkers. Some of my favourite highlights of the trek were in the most part, random and at unexpected times whether that be around the trangia circle or after we had just finished walking up a steep hill, and I often thought that our laughter would travel down the valleys and be heard all the way back at Glenaeon. We had many challenges through the trek from bungled river crossings, to end up at the wrong cabins after a long day of walking. Throughout the entirety of the hike we were fully surround by natures delicate beauty, including the miracle regeneration of the bushland, following the catastrophic 2020 bush fires. The hike was made even more poignant given the recent passing of HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, founder of the award, who’s funeral was held during the time of our trek. This trek will always be in my memory along with the memory of The Prince and his legacy." Petal

"I really enjoyed our Silver Duke of Ed journey. It was such a fulfilling and rewarding experience and I found that I became a lot closer with the girls in my group. We had so many laughs and we really helped each other get through the hike, as it felt slow going hiking up and down the Six Foot Track. Our trip went so quickly and before we knew it we were on our last night at Jenolan Caves sitting together and all laughing as we remembered the different parts of our journey. We got to walk through so many different climates throughout the whole of the hike; we began in the rainforest and ended up in an open field with horse, before we went over a suspension bridge over the water. I really feel that I had such a good group of girls to go through the hike together, it was such an amazing experience to share with them." Hana

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Middle Cove Campus Improvements

23 Apr 2021

Our Operations & Facilities Manager Chris Scrogie together with our Maintenance team (Michael, Noel and Sonny) worked hard over the term break with lots of great improvements to benefit students in their campus life.

Our high school students will have noticed new vinyl flooring in high school building corridors, and we have brand new air conditioning units for Year 7 and 8 classrooms, Learning Support room and the Science Lab 1. Dehumidifiers have also been installed in classrooms for Class 3 and 4.

We also have additional bottle fill stations around the campus. Please remind you children to bring their water bottle to school or buy a water bottle from the café so that this can be refilled reducing plastic waste. The team installed the new artwork on the Alice Crowther Building. New lockers were installed for Year 8 and Year 12. In addition, we have upped the quality of our CCTV cameras across campuses to improve safety and security on site.

Our thanks to the team for their continued hard work in keeping our campus safe and looking great.

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Year 12 Solo Camp

23 Apr 2021

At 6am on March 27, Year 12 students left Willoughby Park by bus for the six-hour ride to their Solo Camp on a property near the Warrumbungle National Park. On arrival we were greeted by our guides Scottie, KG, and Eric.

Tents were quickly set up and we helped prepare our dinner of kangaroo burgers cooked on the open fire.

During the afternoon students discussed various campsite options with Eric and Scottie before deciding on where they would set up camp the next day.

Students were up early on Sunday morning and were packed and ready to leave for their campsites by 9:30am.

Once they arrived the sites were checked by the supervisor and a spot for the letterbox was arranged. By 11am all students had reached they campsites and teachers were back at base camp. However, there was no rest for them as Scottie and Eric had started building a pizza oven as a surprise for the students on the last night of the camp.

At 5pm on Sunday, teachers undertook the first of the letterbox runs to check if the students had settled in and were comfortable.

Some had forgotten their torches, insect repellent, or water etc. but it did not take long to supply these missing essentials.

The next day, letterboxes were checked at 9am and again at 5pm. Comments left in the letter boxes were all positive with students being aware of the nature around them and enjoying it very much.

Between letterbox runs and other duties, the teachers continued to work on the pizza oven, and it was completed on Wednesday afternoon – with the help of some students who gave it the final polish.

Students were due back at the main camp at 10am but a few arrived earlier and once everyone had arrived, we sat in a circle and the students shared their experiences of their time alone. Many students saw emus, wallabies, various birds, and other wildlife and kept themselves busy with creative works, such as art or writing.

After lunch we set off for our land care tasks which was to help prevent erosion and scouring by using wood off-cuts in one of the creeks to slow the water and stabilise the creek bed.

On Tuesday evening, Scottie cooked another feast, this time it was freshly harvested goat and a vegetarian curry.

The Landcare work continued on Wednesday and in the evening, we feasted on pizza from our brand-new pizza oven.

After dinner we were treated to an exploration of the night sky by astronomer Donna Burton from Coonabarabran who shared her love of the night sky through her portable telescope. Donna had brought her self-made transportable telescope and we were all in awe being able to watch fascinating sights in the sky that are invisible to the naked eye. I think, none of us will ever look at the stars at night in the same way again after this experience.

Thursday morning came and it was time to say farewell to Eric and his property. We arrived back at Willoughby Park on time at 4pm and within seven minutes all students had been collected by their parents – the fastest pickup ever.

From all reports the Solo Camp Experience was a resounding success, and all credit goes to the Outdoor Education team. Thanks to Scottie, KG, Taylor, Tom, and Eric, who gave our Year 12 students this unique opportunity not only to enjoy the outdoors by themselves but also give back to nature by working on the land to improve its condition.

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Sail away Sail away Sail away

23 Apr 2021

Year 10 student Keizo Tomishima and Year 8 student Hanako Tomishima participated in sailing regattas last month and they achieved great results:

Keizo participated 2021 Victorian 420 Championship, and he got 3rd place.

Hanako participated in two regattas: the 2021 Victorian optimist State Championship, 3rd place, and the 2021 NSW optimist State Championship, where she came 2nd.

And in these most recent school holidays, Keizo also came 2^nd in the “2021 Australian 420 National Championship” in Sydney, and Hanako participated in the “2021 Australian Optimist Championship” in Adelaide and she came in 5th place, overall, 1st female. Depending on COVID, she is going to World Optimist Championship in Italy later in the year.

The picture is of Hanako out on the water.

Our congratulations to Keizo and Hanako for their brilliant achievements.

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25 Mar 2021

It’s time to make your booking on the Glenaeon charter bus for Term 2, 2021. 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. Bookings for Term 2 are due by Wednesday 31 March.

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

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Soccer trial day for the AICES Soccer Championships

25 Mar 2021

Last Friday nine excited Glenaeon students from Year 8 – Year 12 headed 70km south-west to Saint Helens Park near Campbelltown to compete in a football (soccer) trial day to represent our school and sports association (ISD) in the Football Championships to be held in early May.

In pouring rain our students battled the elements and competed for selection. They were much-liked by the critical eyes of the observing selectors who went on to choose three students.

I want to congratulate Year 12's Evan Hamele (as outstanding goalie), Jayden Smith (Year 9) and Anton Cope (Yr 8) all as field players in various positions for their outstanding effort and the talent displayed. Given we are a smaller sized school, I couldn’t be prouder that in a team that is formed from all the best soccer playing students from the 12 schools in the ISD Association that Glenaeon had so much talent on display. I want to sincerely congratulate the nominees but also recognise all as well as the effort by parents who facilitated the day for their children, supervised on the day, and for their car pooling and support, including the shift of venue.

I wish them all the very best when they will compete with other students from across Sydney to fly our Glenaeon/ISD flag on May 5 and 6 in the AICES Soccer Championships in Glenwood, north of Blacktown.

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Meet Alice Livermore

25 Mar 2021

We continue our get-to-know our Teachers series, and this week we catch up with Alice Livermore. Alice joined Glenaeon last year, but she has changed roles and is spreading her wings into areas that truly ignite her passion.

What is your new role at Glenaeon?

I have several roles at Glenaeon this year! Teacher-Librarian, Careers Advisor and Spanish Teacher.

I have joined our wonderful librarian, Chris, in the library this year. While I support him as much as I can, my vision is to really step into the “teacher” part of being a librarian, that is, to actively monitor and assist students during study periods, and to support students and teachers by being a go-to person for resources or to simply find a good book! I have also been working in various classes teaching digital literacy (research/evaluative skills) and have started a lunch time reading and writing club. What I would like to see happen next is for the library to become more of a hub for celebrating community and culture, keeping up-to-date and participating in national and international events (like Book Week, NADOC week, etc.). Over the coming school holidays the library will be receiving a little bit of a makeover and I am very excited for the creation of our “fiction corner” which will give students a cozy place to lounge around and read and play boardgames during recess and lunch.

I aim to support students from Year 9-12, advising them in regards to subject selection, work experience, HSC and career pathways (life after Glenaeon!). I am particularly passionate about supporting Year 12 students as this can be an overwhelming time in a young person’s life, not only with the pressures of the HSC but also with deciding what’s next. Fortunately there are so many pathways and opportunities available to students today, my goal is to make students aware of this and help them on their way. If students of any age are wondering what they should be thinking about or what they could be doing to prepare for their future, they should check out the Careers page on GLO. https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/968/

Perhaps the role that is closest to my heart because it is such a personal passion of mine is Spanish-teaching. It was my favourite subject when I was in school and was a huge part of my teenage years. I grew up on the west coast of America where Mexican-Americans and Mexican immigrants make up a significant portion of the population. It was very normal for anyone in the community to be able to speak at least a little Spanish and we were very familiar with Hispanic customs and celebrations. I think it is very exciting and appropriate that Spanish has been introduced at Glenaeon as there are so many students and teachers in our community that come from a Spanish-speaking background. 20 countries world-wide speak Spanish and it is the 3rd most spoken language in the world. Not only do I love the language, but it has been a joy introducing students to the vibrant and varying cultures of these Spanish-speaking countries. Currently Spanish is only being taught in year 7, but so many students in other year groups have expressed an interest and so we will be starting a Spanish Club next term that is open to all students.

What are your hobbies?

I love nature and animals. Mountains, trees, birds and dogs are my favourites of those. I love rock climbing, I love to read and I love to write poetry and short stories.

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こんにちは日本 (Hello Japan)

25 Mar 2021

Our Year 9 Japanese Language students recently filmed an introductory Middle Cove campus tour video speaking only in Japanese. The students also took part in a live Zoom video conference with students and teachers from Hamamatsu Nittaidai Junior High School in Japan. This Japanese school usually has students visit our campus in Australia each year, but sadly not during COVID, so instead we arranged a meeting via video conference to strengthen ties between our schools and to give all students an opportunity to practice and share Japanese culture and language skills.

Our Head of School Andrew Hill was present to officially open the conference.

After the introductory video screening the students engaged in a Q&A session in both Japanese and English. It was a great opportunity for all to hone their language skills and engage in a real conversation.

Our students were surprised by their own capability and are hoping to do this again soon. We look forward to a time when we can have our Japanese friends visit our campus again to experience student life at Glenaeon.

To view Glenaeon’s introductory video click here.

To view the Zoom video conference recording click here.

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High School Harvest Festival

25 Mar 2021

Yesterday High School Students and Teachers celebrated Harvest Festival. A beautiful mandala of seasonal vegetables and fruits were displayed in the centre of the Sylvia Brose Hall with the students gathered around the colourful display. The Harvest Festival Program was hosted by Deputy Head of School Years 7-12, Liz Nevieve, and proceeded with a Welcome to Country conducted by Year 12 student Scout Higgins. Stuart Wright treated everyone with two piano performances. Our Year 9s performed "Islander Dance" not dissimilar to the Haka, as well as a poem, Spiritual Song of the Aborigine by Hyllus Maris. Year 8 shared their body percussion talents, Year 7 a song titled 'Evening Rise' by Christian Bollmann, and first time since covid restrictions eased, our Years 9-11 Choir performed two pieces: Autumn Moon and Dona Nobis Pacem. Autumn stories were also shared: The Seed and The Cottage of Candles as told by Storyteller, Educator and Writer, Donna Jacob Sife. Our listening skills were sharpened, our imaginations sparked, and meaningful messages about the virtues of kindness, compassion, and understanding ignited our consciousness.

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In the Alphabet Book for Teens and Adults, “M” is not for 'mouse'

11 Mar 2021

Wellbeing at Glenaeon

Our Wellbeing Program is a focus at Glenaeon throughout 2021 and is undergoing a full review. Head of School Andrew Hill wrote recently to parents in Years 9 and 10 outlining our plans for respectful relationships education. In response to recently highlighted concerns coming both from our own community and articulated in society generally, Glenaeon High school students will be participating in the ‘LOVE BiTES’ program, teaching students explicitly about respectful relationships and consent, and in workshops presented by facilitators from the Drug and Alcohol Youth Services (DAYSS). A webinar for parents and carers of high school students, hosted by DAYSS, will be held on Monday, 22 March at 7:30pm. Further details and links will be emailed to you.

Reflections on consent... In the Alphabet Book for Teens and Adults, “M” is not for 'mouse'.

In eurythmy, the sound “B” is the first sound in what is known as the ‘Evolutionary Sequence of Sounds’. It is performed with the enclosing of the arms, a protective gesture that draws the surrounding space around the human gestalt like an enveloping mantle. Rudolf Steiner likens the quality of the “B” to that of a house, a solid, architectural structure that holds form about its inhabitants and protects those inside from unwanted intrusion. In English, the word house clearly doesn’t contain the sound “B” and we can only extrapolate that the development of the word in the English language points to a somewhat nuanced inner experience, but we can see that a rounded, holding gesture can be found in many words that do start with the sound, such as burrow, bower, boat, bowl or basin, all nouns which ‘contain’ and which bring me to the word ‘body’.

The use of the word ‘house’ as a metaphor for the human body is well known and reveals a long held experience that our individuality, our sense of self or ‘I’, resides within the body but is not synonymous with the body. For those who hold the belief that the human spirit is independent from the physical form, this experience makes considerable sense and affirms their understanding. For those who do not, this awareness is a puzzlement that inspires neuroscientific investigation. Irrespective as to our belief, the experience is universal and the body as a home or house for our inner being is a perceivable reality.

When it comes to consent, a crucial right that has been highlighted this year both within schools and at the government level, we find ourselves considering how essential the protective quality of the “B” experience is and how intrinsically the physical barrier which the body affords is linked to the invisible boundary and “B” experience that houses and protects our individuality, our ‘I’. We are aware of how deeply insecure the individual self or ‘I’ may become if the film that protects our sense of self is penetrated even by the most trivial of matters, and we are conscious of just how shattering that experience may be if the walls of the body, our house and our ultimate boundary, have been breached without our invitation. With “B”, both the invisible “B” that shelters the ‘self’ and the “B” of the physical body, we experience a necessary relationship to the world where the ‘I’ is securely held within and where external influences are firmly shut out.

With the sound “M”, the next sound in the eurythmy sound series, we encounter quite a different gesture. The movement for “M” is performed by gently yet firmly moving the arms in a fluid, horizontal, two-directional manner, with one hand and arm moving outward from the body while the other moves inward. At this point in the sound sequence, the eurythmist is taught that from the secure confines of the “B” ‘house’, the possibility for the merging of the inner with the outer exists through a controlled and conscious ‘conversation’, a gentle movement that comes about in the ‘space between’. Whether or not we choose to accept someone or something into our inner world, and into our body, can only be decided through conversation and exchange. Many words beginning with “M” point to the sound’s embodiment of this ‘conversational’ aspect … movement, mindful, merge, mutual. “M” is the experience that mediates the permeability of our boundaries.

And the fact that “M” is the second sound in the ‘Evolutionary Sequence of Sounds’ is the essential point! We do not jump from the experience of “B” to that of, for example, “F” … and in fact the sound “F” comes at a much later stage in the sequence when, actioned appropriately and able to be received, the value of its characteristics can be acknowledged. Qualities such as forceful or fierce have their place, but when used directly to shatter the “B” they have devastating effects.

We all know this. But what we find ourselves struggling with is why, nevertheless, the natural order of things isn’t always respected … from “B” to “M” or, said more pragmatically, from boundary to mutual conversation and respect. One thing is certain, while the “B” of the physical body is a given and exists without our thought, an “F” can be an unruly quality that must be tamed and, in order to do so, we need mastery of the “M”, which requires conscious awareness. It is this element, conscious awareness, that we must strengthen.

Consent is both implicitly and explicitly taught throughout the students’ schooling at Glenaeon, as we know it has also been at other schools where recent concerns have been highlighted, but many are stressing that the degree to which (or the timing when which) these teachings have been brought is clearly not enough. While some may wish to hold a naïve optimism that progression through the ‘Evolutionary Sequence of Sounds’ would naturally unfold in its rightful order and with the appropriate level of awareness, we keenly understand our duty of care to ensure that each stage is brought to consciousness. Understanding the “B” and emphasising the role of the “M” becomes of utmost importance.

As a starting point and in the context of the Alphabet Book for Teens and Adults, “B” must therefore be understood as being for boundary and “M” is not for mouse. “M” is for mindful and mutual. Mindful mutual conversation, mindful mutual understanding and mindful mutual respect … and “F” is not for force, “F” is for friend.

Note:

On another wonderfully dry and warm autumn day, some 320 Steiner school students from around the state, gathered in Ku-rin-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre in West Pymble to swim in 50m races for points, enjoy good company, catch up with students from other schools and compete in relay medley events against other teams and even courageous teacher teams!

The students and teachers from Maitland’s Linuwel School, the Newcastle Waldorf School, the Central Coast Steiner School and Glenaeon had a most enjoyable day of out-of-classroom learning by competing in the three house colour teams, Blue taking away the win yet again with 520 points. Again, the best dressed students received extra points for their spectacular and colourful outfits.

As has now become customary, the relay-medley mixed-team races are the highlight as they are the only team event in an otherwise individual sport. The best teams then competed against mixed-teacher teams from all four schools and took away a victory again as they did in 2019. Only last year were the teachers victorious. But as we teachers are here for the students, they enjoy nothing more than seeing teachers try but loose again their efforts – good on them for putting in great team effort to beat three teacher teams in finals!

A day like this cannot be successful without the help of many teachers filling the positions of recorders, starters, announcers, timers and marshalling students in various ways. I want to thank all the teachers from all schools and in particular my Glenaeon colleagues for their kind help on the day: Jacqueline, Amelia, Raphaela, Stanley, David, Donna, Jamie, Alison, KG, Elena, Alice and Lidija.

Let’s do it all again next year!
Jonas Stoebe

#swimming #glenaeon #steiner #relay #bestdressed

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Year 10 Geography Study of Environmental Change and Management

09 Mar 2021

Year 10B Geography were welcomed to The Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) in Chowder Bay, Middle Head, to investigate some of the environmental changes that have taken place in the Sydney harbour estuary. They cheerfully braved the morning rain and sieved beach quadrants for examples of large plastics and then gathered sand samples to test in the SIMS laboratory for microplastics under the guidance of the SIMS scientists. The students were taken into the SIMS aquarium and given a hands-on display of the biodiversity of marine life in Sydney's rocky shore habitat. They then donned wetsuits and with the guidance of Outdoor Education Teacher Kristen Gardner the students explored the netted area of Chowder Bay where they observed the sea grass and some of the diverse marine life in their natural surroundings.

#marine #environment #sydney #water #microplastics #science #biodiversity #snorkling #nature

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Smart Expressions 2021

08 Mar 2021

Smart Expressions 2021 is an exhibition of HSC artworks on display from 3-28 March at Art Space on The Concourse in Chatswood. 23 HSC student artists have work on display including five Glenaeon students/alumni.

Elicia Ferguson, Shades of Orange
Kauri Palmer, απομεινάρι (apomeinári) (Remnant)
Max Perkins, Manūs Vitam Enarrant (Our Hands Tell Our Story)
Laila Ree, Black Land Matters
Emi Takahashi-Beer, Bagi & Bugi

Congratulations to these students, and congratulations to all the HSC Art Students of 2020. To accompany the exhibition the students were also interviewed about their experience in the particularly challenging year of 2020. The students selected, created very diverse and conceptual works that represented their interest or passion over the course of their final year of study. Laila’s work of enamelled sculptural puzzle pieces were a statement on the urgent need for recognition of First Nation Peoples and to build a connection as a way forward to heal the land of which we inhabit. Emi investigated the cycle of life and the inter-relationship between humanity and nature, Kauri developed an interpretation of the concept of remnants and what we leave behind as we live and die. The impact of war and displacement was the theme for Elicia’s series of large scale paintings while Max looked at the gesture of the hand as a tell-tale sign of a life lived.

In addition, Lone, Kauri and Max were preselected for Art Express. Also to be acknowledged, Aya's emotive charcoal drawing was selected to be the cover of the 2021 Glenaeon student diary. All 11 students, including Zebedee, Myah, Jasmine and Alani, worked deeply into their practice and resolved their concepts to a very high standard they can feel very proud of. We congratulate the Visual Arts 2020 cohort on their achievements and wish them well in their future endeavours.

For exhibition times and details or to view the Smart Expressions 2021 catalogue go to: https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Events/Smart-Expressions-2021

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At our most recent High School assembly, Head of School, Andrew Hill introduced a new Teacher Q&A series to enable our students to better know and learn from some of our High School teachers. Andrew kicked off the series with an interview with Science and Mathematics Teacher & High School Mentor, Dr Stanley Tang. Stanley has been a teacher at Glenaeon for two and a half years. He shared with students his own experience as a student in China, his University studies, love of Nature and his love of Australian animals and birds. Thank you Stanley for sharing your story with our students today. We're very lucky to have you here with us!

Click here to watch the Interview with Dr Stanley Tang.

#teacherQ&A #glenaeon #steiner #steinereducation #middlecove #teacher #teaching #science #mathematics #nature #birdsofaustralia #QandA

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Glenaeon Parent and Flautist, Lisa Lewis performs Debussy

25 Feb 2021

Glenaeon Parent and Flautist, Lisa Lewis performed Syrinx by Debussy at our school assembly last week. A remarkable and atmospheric piece for solo flute that our students and teachers enjoyed very much. Thank you Lisa! Click here to watch Lisa's performance.

#glenaeon #school #middlecove #highschool #music #performance #flute #fluetmusic

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Year 11's Cockatoo Island Visual Art Excursion

25 Feb 2021

Last week, 14 eager Year 11 students engaged in an all-day intensive drawing workshop with Australian artist, Michael Herron.

Students were instructed and led in several observational drawings of Cockatoo Island's unusual detrius using a variety of drawing materials and techniques. This workshop directly informs their BOW (body of work) for Term 1 Visual Arts on the theme of Transience whereby the students will present finished drawings, manipulated photographs and a sculpture. These photographs display the students at the excursion.

#glenaeon #steiner #steinereducation #visualarts #visualart #art #drawing #australianart #michaelherron #artist #cockatoo

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Beautiful Birds keep an eye on our Year 7s

25 Feb 2021

Settling into High School life is not always easy, but our Year 7 cohort have been making new friends and new bonds over an art project. The entire cohort each made a bird by hand, modelled using clay, which were then fired in the kiln, then glazed. Finally, the group placed the completed birds on display in the garden area outside the Classroom as if to keep a watchful eye over the group as they adapt to a new rhythm and a new chapter of their school life journey.

#glenaeon #steiner #Year7 #HighSchool #art #birds #creativity #sculpture #education #MiddleCove

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Farewell The Chill Team with Basketball in Bankstown

25 Feb 2021

Our first carnival of the year and only the third carnival in over a year due to COVID-19. 34 keen Glenaeon players went to Bankstown Basketball Stadium to compete against many other teams from 14 different schools that are in the ISD Association (Independent Sydney and Districts Secondary School Sport Association).

In many games the junior and senior boys and girls teams fought hard and enjoyed the comradery on the court. It was great to see students mingle who often don’t hang out together otherwise and are in different year levels, form teams and be successful. They were coached by assistant coach Emily Borrud on the day.

The girls had mixed results with some very tight losses and a draw and two wins. They in particular had never played together before and need to be commended for their efforts and team work.

The senior boys narrowly lost one very physical contest against a great team and won all other games thanks to the enduring contribution of Year 12 boys Elliot, Shuhei, Evan, Ethan, Alex and Tom who all have been team mates of the long-standing The Chill Glenaeon Basketball Team which formed when they were in Year 7 six years ago here at school. It was their last appearance and there was a bitter-sweet taste to it as they played their last minutes on court – ever (see pic with teacher).

The junior boys went one better and made the finals which we could not play due to the need for an early departure as our way home was long. We had to therefore forfeit the final and give the potential overall win away. Still, the group of 34 students couldn’t have been happier and I couldn’t be more proud of their success on the day. They really rose to the occasion and presented their school very well!

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Cal comforts Year 7 and is drawn to Year 9

25 Feb 2021

After Cal, short for Calico, spent the first hour at school as therapy dog for the Year 7’s getting their vaccine injections, he then modeled for Year 9 art students as they work through their Main Lesson unit on animals. Everyone loved Cal's visit and gained so much from what he brought. Cal, the little labradoodle was just what school required on Friday!

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Year 10s catch waves at Longy

25 Feb 2021

Our Year 10s are enjoying a term of surfing at Long Reef Beach or Collaroy Beach. Donning wet suits and rashie tops, the Year 10s last week managed to catch some waves at this beautiful Northern Beaches location. All students will learn to surf smaller waves over the term or improve existing skills, experiencing many benefits from the sessions including improved flexibility, muscle strengthening, stress relief and improved mental health from a dose of salt water, fresh air and time in the great outdoors! The long standing cooperation with Manly Surf School makes this great program possible as the students learn about the ocean, how to read rip currents, understand the surf better and gain a deeper understanding of the ocean as a playground shared by water creatures, swimmers and surfers alike. Even anxious or rather tentative students will get an introduction to this element that can have lasting positive effects on their relationship to the ocean and their wellbeing and mental health as they get gently introduced to a world they may not feel overly confident in to begin with.

Photo credit: Stanley Tang

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Meet Angela Sutton, Head of Learning Support K-12

22 Feb 2021

Glenaeon is a highly nurturing and caring school where every child is given the opportunity to reach their full learning potential. Learning support is available to Glenaeon students that may be facing learning challenges in class or just need a bit of extra help with reading, or managing study. Meet Angela Sutton, our Head of Learning support for students in K-12. It is Angela who will make assessments, and if needed, develop a Learning Support Plan and work closely with the Student, Teachers and Parents to get the best outcomes for all.

What is your new role at Glenaeon?
I am the Head of Learning Support (K-12) and High School Learning Support Teacher based at Middle Cove Campus.

10 Feb 2021

NESA has advised that Class of 2020 Student Ruby Vella’s musicology elective Viva Voce was identified as exemplary. Ruby will be recognised on the Honour Roll for Encore 2021. ENCORE will be released as a virtual performance during Term 1, and more information will follow about how to access the virtual Encore performance once it is released.

Congratulations to Ruby for this wonderful achievement. We are thrilled for you!

#NESA #musicology #HSC2020 #Encore

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Stuart Wright's musical gift to students

09 Feb 2021

At Glenaeon's first high school assembly for 2021, Music Tutor & Accompanist Stuart Wright performed his own composition, "To a New Year", a gift to our students embarking on a new school year. Enjoy this recording of Stuart's performance: https://youtu.be/ZQ9iejD2pfY

Prelude in A-Flat Major: “To a New Year”: Op.19 #1 S.G.Wright Completed February 2021 #glenaeon#school#middlecove#highschool#music#performance #piano

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Meet Ian Munns

09 Feb 2021

What is your new role at Glenaeon?

I am the new Head of Music

What experience do you bring to Glenaeon?

I have been teaching music in schools for just under 30 years. I was Head of Learning & Curriculum (Music) at MLC School (Burwood) for nine years before moving to become Director of Music at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School in Melbourne for the past six years. I am also a conductor, composer and arranger and my passion is for choirs.

What are your interests?

My main passion obviously is for music, but I am also a passionate cook and like to keep fit at the gym. I am also a qualified personal trainer - although I don’t really do that anymore except for myself. I love doing jigsaw puzzles and like movies and musicals. When we can - I really love to travel.

What are you most excited about for the year ahead?

I am excited to become a part of the Glenaeon community and to begin to provide wonderful, rich, real music experiences for every student at our school. I am excited to be teaching HSC Music again and to be in a school where music is such an important part of our lives. I can’t wait until we are able to sing again with unlimited numbers with our Year 7-12 students.

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Glenaeon grabs Bronze, Silver and Gold in the Duke of Edinburgh

09 Feb 2021

Last week at Assembly, Teacher Donna Miller acknowledged the achievement of our Duke of Edinburgh students. Notably, from the Class of 2020, Joe McCormick who achieved his Gold Duke of Ed. Joe's volunteer service was coordinating E-sports events. For his skill - participating in E-Sports competition and for his Fitness requirement, further developing his skills at tennis.

Donna then presented Duke of Ed certificates to Year 11 students, Marc and Grace, achieving Bronze level, and Year 12 Student, Lara, for achieving Silver level. Many students were interrupted in their progress on the Award due to the pandemic but it is hoped with the lifting of restrictions, many of last year’s participants will achieve their goals of completing the Award. Congratulations to Marc, Grace and Lara for their wonderful achievement.

Donna then spoke of the benefits of participating in the Duke of Ed program, the great personal growth, learning and development of leadership skills and encouraged all Year 9 and above students to consider taking it up the program.

Glenaeon has offered the Duke of Ed through it Co-Curricular program for the past 11 years and it is gaining in popularity each year.

For more information about the Duke of Ed Program offered at Glenaeon go to GLO: https://glo.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/homepage/1385 or visit https://dukeofed.com.au/ and email Donna to get started d.miller@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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2020 – A Class Act and good luck to our Class of 2021!

09 Feb 2021

We were thrilled to welcome back some members of the Class of 2020 to Glenaeon’s first High School Assembly for the new year – Joe, Chiara, Taro, Justin, Nelson and Keaun –all of whom achieved an ATAR of 95 or above.

Head of School Andrew Hill had just welcomed the current Year 12s and wished them well on the year ahead. He impressed on them that their HSC and ATAR will be important steps in unlocking future possibilities, enabling them to pursue their paths in life. But also important will be what they gain over the next year in learning to work hard, to focus and to organise their time, laying a foundation for a life of service to others and fulfilment as a human being. Our students then heard some wise words of advice from Alumnus Joe McCormick and Keaun Wild. Keaun said, “Study what you enjoy. Focus on your passions. Drop subjects if need be. Put away your phone and don’t let yourself get distracted.” He gave the analogy of a driver getting into a car. “When you drive, you need to be totally focused on the road.” He urged students to keep a strong mindset, then wishes them well and good luck.

Joe then encouraged students to, “Do what you are passionate about. Enjoy your learning. Give 100% to each subject.” He also urged students to engage with teachers, and not to zone out and take it an extra step to get a deeper understanding of your subjects. Joe emphasised to students that wellbeing is equally important as the study. “Mental health and physical health are critical. So find a balance whether that be music, reading, spending time with family and friends.”

We wish all our Year 12 students the very best for the year ahead, and congratulate all graduates from the Class of 2020.

Here is what our top ATAR students are up to:

Joseph McCormick
The University of Sydney
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Dalyell Scholars including Mathematical Science) Physics and Maths Majors
Chiara Candotti
University of NSW
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - Taking a gap year to work and hopefully travel Optional: Sydney University Engineering & Commerce
Justin Takayasu
University of NSW
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Engineering (Honours)
Majoring in Mechatronic Engineering
Taro Tomishima
University of NSW
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Engineering (Honours)
Majoring in Aerospace Engineering
Nelson Hall-Whitington
University of NSW
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics
Keaun Wild
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Advanced Computing and Bachelor of Commerce

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Joe McCormick dux of 2020

09 Feb 2021

Glenaeon is extremely proud of the excellent effort our 2020 cohort put in to their studies and all the achievements they made. Glenaeon ranked 64th in State, a great result for a proudly non-selective school. Glenaeon Alumnus and Willoughby resident, Joseph McCormick achieved an ATAR of 99.55 making him Dux of the 2020 Class. He also achieved an All Rounder result, by gaining Band 6 in all 10 units of study.

We caught up with Joe after his summer break to ask him about his Glenaeon experience and to find out what’s next for the now GlenX member.

What is your earliest/fondest memory of our school and what do you think was the most important aspect of your education here at Glenaeon? How did Steiner education benefit you in your studies?

There were a couple important aspects of Glenaeon that I think helped my education and my experience as a whole. Firstly, being a smaller school had two big benefits; I was able to have a strong and close relationship with my entire year group, being a support for each other right throughout school. Additionally, smaller classes meant that the teachers could often give personal and specific advice and support to each of the students directly, creating a much more productive, comfortable, and enjoyable working experience.

An aspect which is unique to Steiner schools is the extent of the outdoor education program. My fondest moments at Glenaeon were all the incredible camps, especially the Year 10 camp to Tasmania. These camps allowed us to appreciate and be grateful for the natural world and further developed the bond of our class, and will be memories that I will hold very dearly. This appreciation from the natural world is further encouraged by being in such a beautiful campus, a very special spot to have had my education.

During the primary school years, Glenaeon focused on presenting education through holistic, engaging, and almost relaxing ways that were appropriate for young students. Instead of being drilled with exams, assessments and pressure at such a young age, we were encouraged to enjoy our childhood, make strong friendships, and learn about the world through stories featured in our main lessons.

In summary, I believe Glenaeon focuses on creating students who have a whole and complete education, including academics but also much more.

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Baby News

28 Jan 2021

Castlecrag's Little Kindy Teacher Junko Nicholas gave birth to a baby boy, Daas Nicholas in the last week of Term 4 last year. Middle Cove based HSIE Teacher Ella Pooley gave birth to beautiful Millie on the 11th of January. Both are well and thriving. Congratulations to both Junko and Ella and their families on the new arrivals. And there is more baby news, with Executive Assistant to our Head of School, Anette Babula expecting a bub in mid-March this year. How wonderful to welcome these newest members to the Glenaeon family! Our congratulations and warmest wishes to all.

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Incoming Year 12s visit AGNSW

27 Nov 2020

The new Year 12 students visited the Art Gallery of NSW in a little rendezvous with Visual Arts teacher, Donna Miller, on Sunday to visit three exhibitions. The highlight was the Arthur Streeton and a glimpse of early Australian Impressionism as practiced at the Heidelberg School.

There is so much indigenous art in the Wynne, Sulman and Archibald exhibitions, and students really gained a deeper insight to contemporary First Nation artists. Seeing the works first-hand allows for a much greater appreciation and analysis of the artist’s intent, and everyone was so grateful to have been able to have this experience.

#ArtGalleryofNSW #ArtGallery #Sydney #Glenaeon #Art #Streeton #ArthurStreeton #StreetonExhibition #Wynne #Sulman #Archibald

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Year 9 celebrates NAIDOC Week through Sport

27 Nov 2020

NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance normally celebrated during the winter break. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.

This year, due to COVID-19, it was moved to the week 8-15 Nov and also celebrated at Glenaeon through the Year 9 PE session.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. As we are all normally on holiday we took the initiative to celebrate it in October being very happy to have Beniah as an indigenous student in our cohort. So we honoured her peoples’ achievements in the form of talking about and looking and trying out activities with an indigenous background.

The students talked and reflected on what they knew of indigenous activities in the community and learned about physical activities and games mostly deriving from the hunting days.

Beniah and her fellow Year 9 cohort students were excited to be on the oval and involved in games and activities using throwing sticks (woomera) in two distinctly different activities. The first one, Kalq, a fighting game in which indigenous people used blunt javelins/spears, while we used the woomera sticks for a safer approach. Two students stand opposite one another and one throws their stick at the other while the second one tries to defend themselves against being hit. A challenging game that required a good eye, quick reflexes to dodge and also care and consideration when in the position to throw the stick and not to throw it too hard to inflict injury.

The second activity was a team event in which two tribes, the students gave their team indigenous names, and had to throw the woomera in dart-like large circles marked by ropes on the oval. Each circle had points much like in dart win which the smallest inner circle has the highest points 50, the outer most circle 10 points. Teams had to add up all team points to determine the winner.

A reflective circle sharing followed at the end in which the students sat together on the grass, appreciating the perspective into indigenous lives through sport and asked if they could learn more about it. Beniah, in her own modest way, felt appreciated and valued through the discussion that was so close to her heart.

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Year 9 Science Ecology night time field watching excursion

27 Nov 2020

Stanley Tang took his Year 9 students on a night excursion at Middle Cove this week. Students were able to explore the nocturnal animals at Glenaeon and our surrounding areas. Using torch lights to search for animals in the bush, they also set up an ultraviolet-lit trap to attract insects for observation. Students learned about the processes of scientific bird banding and had the opportunity to handle wild birds - even a tawny frog mouthed owl stopped by! Dr Stanley Tang is an ornithologist and teaches high school Biology and Science at Glenaeon. He brings a wealth of experience, and a depth of ecological understanding to students in the high school science programs.

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Budding legal eagle flies into first

27 Nov 2020

Some great news for Year 11 student Elliott Benson, who ranked first in his Accelerated HSC Legal Studies course this year, which he studied externally at St Leonards TAFE.

"My average result for my internal assessments was 91% and I am now eagerly waiting for my HSC exam result. It was an interesting experience at times, especially with online learning, but we had a very experienced teacher so it was manageable. My favourite aspect is probably the fact that I got one subject out of the way early! I was very surprised that I placed first, as there were some very talented students in the class, however I did study hard over the course of the year."

Sport resumes

12 Nov 2020

After what seemed like an eternity, Glenaeon’s Middle School students were able to once again measure up in friendly competition against other schools in our ISD sports association: the sports carnival calendar resumed. After eight long months of COVID-19 related waiting, cancelling and postponing of several carnivals, the ISD Soccer Carnival was the first carnival back in Term 4 with the easing of restrictions. It was finally held on October 15.

In far-away Liverpool’s Ireland Park all emotions were displayed in winning, drawing and also losing games in tight competition. The senior boys’ team made it to the finals in which they lost 2:1 to Amity College, a very strong team that had to play with all their wits to beat Glenaeon. I congratulate our goal scorers Elke, Mya (Yr 9), Jayden (Yr 8), Evan (Yr 12) and Remy and Remi (both Yr 10) and all those students who put their heart and soul into playing great games!

Then, on October 28 the ISD Touch Football Carnival was held, again in Liverpool. Due to absences with camp, Glenaeon teams were under strength but not less motivated than had they been in a stronger team with the older absent students. That meant that the junior teams consisted only of Yr 7 students, playing opposition teams that fielded Yr 9 students!

There was a lot of learning that took place for our young and inexperienced sides as they tried to break through defence lines, playing the ball well and attempting to score tries. All in all the losses heavily outweighed the wins but on the positive, 17 tries were scored! The senior girls’ and boys’ teams got a win each and that against teams that play together on weekends and had a lot more playing experience compared to the Glenaeon teams.

I want to pay my respects to the enormous running, dodging and passing efforts of all 37 students who participated. The following students scored tries and need to be congratulated for that: Ethan and Evan (both Yr 12), Remy, Riley, Pipi and Sophie (all Yr 10), Elke and Beniah (both Yr 9) and Deva, Charlie and Luka K. (all Yr 7).

It is so pleasing to see that our students seem to understand, that these carnivals are not just about winning, they are about learning, extending yourself, about comradery and putting yourself out there. They are about experiencing both happiness in winning as well and frustration in defeat in a team setting where learning will ensue as a result of dealing with such emotions. The joy of scoring a goal or a try for the team, the fun we have on the bus rides, and the fact that students play together with other students from other year levels and make new friends which connects them better to their fellow students at school and the school itself. There is so much to like about being active outside in a social setting and so much to learn!

The last carnival will be the ISD Netball carnival on November 10 and we look forward to more great learning on a sports field near us. I want to thank all students for their effort, courage and commitment to representing Glenaeon so positively in the community.

Jonas Stoebe
PDHPE Teacher & Co-curricular Organiser

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Reflections

29 Oct 2020

Term four is a unique time in a school’s calendar as it brings with it both endings and beginnings. Reflections on the past three terms (or, in the case of Year 12, on a memorable 13 years of schooling!) colour and give context to the ways in which we experience the wrapping up of the year. As summer approaches we also sense a welcomed ‘out-breathing’, a looking forward to languid days of warmth, children playing, teenagers sleeping and, if we are lucky, dreamy rest for ourselves.

But a pulse for what is coming is also very much present. Kindergarten children look forward to meeting their Class Teacher and entering Class 1, Class 6 students from both inside and outside the School anticipate the start of their Glenaeon High School journey, Year 10 feels drawn to the demands of the senior studies program and Year 11 students suddenly find themselves being called Year 12 after only a two-week Spring break!

Where it is understood that 2021 will follow 2020, and that 2022 is around the corner, where a gallop through childhood and adolescence leads to the moment when steps beyond school are taken, anyone could be excused for thinking about time as linear phenomenon. For students and parents (and I can speak from experience about both), the natural progression from one stage to the next is the aspect that stands out… a movement from ‘was’, to ‘now’, to ‘then’.

For those of us working in Kindergarten, the High School or in an administrative role, however, the progression through the year could be likened to a colour-wheel of experiences, where beginnings and endings seamlessly merge though shades of subtle hues that dovetail the past, present and future. 2020 graduations and end of year celebrations lie adjacent to 2021 welcome events, and next year’s calendar becomes as vivid in the minds of the School’s organisers as does the calendar of the year in which we are in. Year 12 of 2020 is celebrated at the end of their secondary school journey while at the same time Year 12 of 2021 step up to the fray (the senior teachers don’t miss a beat as the HSC syllabi are simply turned back to page one!). Eager faces of Year 7 students who will join the school next year experience a High School science lesson at their orientation day just moments after their current counterparts are taught the lesson in earnest. Even tinier children than the current Kindergarten cohort get to play in the flow-form and sandpit where ‘soon to be gone’ children have built mud pies just moments before. And from these perspectives, it can be perceived that time is circular.

For us teachers in the High School, shepherding young people on their journey and having the great pleasure of getting to know their families in the meantime, we are aware of the linear nature of an individual’s path, their growing and maturing, but we are also conscious of the stages of development through which whole year levels evolve… the parts of the excitements, challenges, questions and answers which are the archetypal stages of young people’s progressions. And we are aware of the cyclical nature of our profession and understand that it is our task to open up, year after year, a journey of becoming that for an individual is an experience in time through which to move but which for us is a moment held in suspension, always ready to be revisited.

Students will no doubt notice the fine work of our dedicated Maintenance Team and Operations & Facilities Manager Chris Scrogie and specialist contractors who have made some exciting improvements at our Middle Cove campus over the holidays.

Firstly, the basketball courts have been given an upgrade having just been resurfaced, and are ready for students to slam dunk their way through the term.

Secondly, with summer on the way and the warmer weather almost upon us, students should be feeling cool for school, with air conditioning now installed into Year 7 and 8 classrooms.

Finally, the Garden’s Outdoor Classroom build is well under construction and final work is being carried out. Students are not permitted in this work zone until the building works have been completed, but this space will soon be open and will make a wonderful space in the open air to learn about nature in nature. The original outdoor learning space was damaged in the storms in late 2019, and it’s very exciting that we will soon be opening up this new and improved space for all our Middle Cove students to enjoy. Not all classrooms have four walls!

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Year 12 2020 Farewell

29 Sep 2020

It's time to start bidding a fond farewell to our wonderful Year 12 cohort. It’s been an extremely emotional time, not only for the students who are saying goodbye to their teachers and younger members of our Glenaeon community, but for the teachers and staff that have encouraged and inspired these people for many wonderful years, some since Preschool.

Their last day of Term 3 started with a final roll call and gathering with our Year 12 Guardian Yura Totsuka and Year 12 Advisor Brigitte Tietge-Rollans. Following on, in one of the great traditions of Glenaeon, all the students from Years 7-11 and Class 3-6 created a “walk through – guard of honour” with students flanking the main campus walkway through which the Year 12s strode for towards the Hall for their ‘well-wishing’ assembly.

There were tears shed as the school community gifted each of the Year 12 students with COVID safe hummed tunes, poems, a speech, musical performances and all presented with personalised and heartfelt keepsakes for them to remember their school life at Glenaeon. Deputy Head of School (Years 7-12) Elizabeth Nevieve wished the group well. “It has been wonderful to have witnessed your unfolding over the years, especially as I had the pleasure of having been your Class Guardian when we had that structure in place back in 2017! You have always been open to all that a Steiner education has to offer, and have embraced the humanities, sciences, technological subjects and arts (including eurythmy!) with equal interest and vigour. You hold a special place in my heart, and I wish you joyful and invigorating study throughout this upcoming preparation period and success in your examinations”.

Head of School Andrew Hill asked them to enjoy the heartfelt offerings from all the year levels as a parting gift to them, and looked forward to their return after the HSC exams when they would perform a Graduation Assembly as a final gift back to the school. He wished them well for their serious work over the next six weeks and sent them off with the classic line from The Eagles’ Hotel California, “You can check out any time you like, but you never leave”. While they were checking out today, he hoped their spirit would always be part of the Glenaeon community as GlenX.

Students were then cheered and clapped by the Year 11s and their teachers as they exited the Hall and made their way to out of the gates for their Mystery Tour. They enjoyed the day together with a beautiful lunch as prepared by Scottie Williams their Outdoor Education Coordinator on the banks of Scotts Creek, one of the wonderful local haunts where many memories have been created over their school years.

Our message to the Class of 2020: What a year it has been! Good luck with your examination preparations and we look forward to seeing you back after your exams for your graduation assembly.

#Classof2020 #Year122020 #GlenX #Alumni #Glenaeon #MeaningfulLives #Steiner #SteinerEducation

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Something fishy going on in Class 6

17 Sep 2020

Whilst Class 6's single-performance of “Aladdin” has been postponed until Friday 16th October, the play preparations are well and truly reaching new heights with the creation of some extraordinary fish puppets. Under the mentorship of parent, Jade Oakley, three Class 6 students Finley, Lucas and Finn, created these eye-catching, parade-sized puppets. Rehearsals are going swimmingly!

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Year 12s embark on a contemporary scientific journey

17 Sep 2020

Science Extension is a brand new NESA-developed course implemented in 2019 aiming at high-achieving science students in Year 12 who want to engage with complex concepts and theories and to critically evaluate new ideas, discoveries and contemporary scientific research. Students propose, develop and conduct an authentic scientific research project.

At Glenaeon, for the first time, three talented Year 12 students took the challenge to embark on this journey of scientific discovery in 2020.

Finn Gladstone discovered his interests in reptiles in Year 11. With the help of researchers from the University of Technology Sydney, he soon developed his scientific research project investigating the efficiency of insulation on artificial rocks in providing suitable habitat for rock-dwelling velvet geckos (Amalosia lesueurii) in Dharawal National Park. Finn spent many days in the field setting up artificial rocks, examining geckos and collecting crucial temperature data. Although the time is limited, he was able to successfully conclude that insulation is an effective strategy to improve the thermal viability of artificial rock models used for habitat restoration.

Justin Takayasu has always been fascinated with chemical engineering. While reading a very complex scientific journal on the application of cyclic voltammetry, he quickly came up with the idea of investigating the effects of pressure on the electrochemical window (electrical potential difference). However, without easy access to expensive equipment such as a potentiostat, Justin realised he had to change his approach. Collaborating with researchers from the University of North Carolina in the US, Justin decided to construct a “do-it-yourself” potentiostat following an existing protocol. After extensive and complex troubleshooting, Justin was able to successfully assess the reliability and accuracy of his “DIY” potentiostat in measuring cyclic voltammetry compared to other commercial potentiostat in published literature.

Keaun Wild took his inspiration from a contemporary issue – the COVID-19 pandemic. His research project focused on analysing the incidence of the novel coronavirus among different age groups in Australia. Taking publicly available large datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Keaun used sophisticated statistical analysis to determine that the age range of 25-29 has the highest incidence in relation to its population proportion. He also argued that this pattern of incidence is different from other coronavirus outbreaks in the past, promoting further research into the susceptibility of the disease among different age groups.

#STEM #Science #Glenaeon #SteinerEducation #AuthenticResearch #InternationalCollaboration

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An Indigenous perspective

17 Sep 2020

Last Thursday, Muruwari descendant Matthew Doyle immersed our students in aspects of indigenous culture and perspective. After Matthew’s first visit to Glenaeon in 2019, it is the second time a Year 9 cohort has had the unique opportunity to learn about aspects of indigenous life. Matthew’s modest and casual way of speaking and presenting made it easy and engaging for students to ask questions and get involved themselves as Matthew touched on different aspects of indigenous culture.

He spoke about and showed the students leaves from a tree adjacent to the sports ground and explained the tree and its significance to indigenous people. The leaves were then integrated into a dance the group learned in a very short time, to which Matthew gave a rhythm and sang while the students followed his rhythm and moving the leaves up and down as to hide their faces while doing grimaces.

Matthew demonstrated different types of boomerangs (some meant to return, others used as weapons to hunt animals). As a very accomplished and celebrated song-man he revealed various simple Indigenous instruments for rhythm as well as the digeridoo. Glenaeon’s own Jamie (Year 7 teacher), himself a good didgeridoo player, played together with Matthew and gave the students an idea of the various ways of playing a digeridoo. Matthew spoke about the close connection to nature and the animal world and how everything Indigenous people did and do has connection to the spiritual world. One very interesting idea was that in Indigenous perspectives, all and everything is interconnected, all actions influence one other, nothing can be seen in isolation. And while we in a modern western context might think the same, our actions tell a very different story. The digeridoo was not just there to play music for example, it can also be used, among other things, to imitate animal sounds and connect to the spirit world of the animals.

The students were encouraged to try out the boomerang and some of the wooden instruments before we all headed to the amphitheatre for a presentation.

Class 3, 4, 5, 6 and the Year 9 cohort and various teachers witnessed Matthew playing the digeridoo and presenting song and dance he had practised with the classes during his time with them. All groups performed different songs and dances and Matthew sang to them in his very intricate and quiet way. We all came away enriched having been part of a culture so relevant to this country yet often so hidden away. It became visible to our students’ eyes, hearts and minds for at least this day, and hopefully many more to come.

#indigenous #firstpeoples

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Year 9s and 10s Play the Bard

17 Sep 2020

Last week, Year 9 and Year 10 students were treated to a ‘Play the Bard’ incursion of Shakespeare in text and performance. Professional actors Tommy James Green and James Hartley staged a satirical spoof of Shakespeare’s creative process in relation to the plays produced, in this case Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, which led into workshops exploring features of Shakespearean language and aspects of performance. With a scene selected, the students workshopped how to use the stage and engage the audience from multiple angles with limited or no props. It is clear from the photographs that the students enjoyed the experience. David Green (English/HSIE Teacher & Tom’s dad)

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Careers Counselling for Year 12s

17 Sep 2020

Over the past two weeks our Year 12s have enjoyed career counselling sessions with a professional careers counsellor, Pamela Ledley.

Pamela meet with students to discuss their career aspirations and worked through information gleaned from career profiling tools such as Morrisby Profile (an online career profile tool that consists of a series of assessments and questionnaires) and My Career Match (a career profile tool that matches personality with career suggestions).

These sessions allowed each Year 12 student to work on an individual post-school plan. Of working with High School students Pamela said, "I love being part of their hopeful futures and in turn being inspired by the great things they are dreaming of doing."

Glenaeon has a GLO page dedicated to careers information which can be found by clicking here.

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The Cove delivers after Coronavirus disrupts

03 Sep 2020

Running, yoga, climbing, canoeing, bush walking, cooking....While The Cove program, built for our Year 9s went quiet during Term 1 and in part, Term 2 due to coronavirus restrictions, we are back strong and active to instill leadership, resilience, outdoor skill and cooperation - to name but a few – in our students.

From invigorating early morning runs along the various and now familiar tracks leading away from school, to yoga sessions that bring mindfulness and provide a calm beginning to the day, to bush walks, canoeing, rock climbing, trangia cooking and cooperative games and team building activities – the Year 9 cohort has experienced it all in the last few weeks.

While the yoga sessions are good to combat stress and teach the students a calm and positive mindset, the climbing challenged them every bit in their physical beings! Canoeing and bushwalking added to the activities experienced over three one-day local excursions in the last few weeks. The students got a renewed appreciation of the beauty of the immediate vicinity of their school as they hiked, paddled, ran, cooked and climbed in it. They even erected tents and tarps as a way to practice their skills for the upcoming Shoalhaven adventure in Term 4.

Although not every canoe steered by students out of the mangrove-lined exit of Scotts Creek into Fig Tree Cove was going in a straight line, students learned a lot about how to more efficiently manoeuvre the boats across water. Equally, putting up a tent for practice, more than to sleep in, may not be as rewarding, but is an essential to get right in the wilderness that awaits the students on the Shoalhaven River and its banks. The walls students climbed in four different routes were all within Harold Reid Reserve close to our school. The ropes were all set up by our Outdoor Education duo KG and Scottie and catered for different abilities. While half the cohort sat in a semi-circle not far from the walls to cook their mostly healthy meals they had brought along, the other part of the cohort attempted the walls before swapping activities around.

Three people were in each climbing team, one climber and two belaying the climber before taking turns. Harness and equipment as well as climbing technique were again explained to students as they learned about safety features and how to lower a climber safely down once they had reached their individual end point of their climbs. Some had great success reaching the top of their climbs!

Teamwork was needed in all activities as cooperation and a better connection between students is one of the core ideas about The Cove program that borrows from both PE and Outdoor Ed in the skills it aims to refine.

As bushwalking is such an essential skill in a country like Australia, it is also something we want our students to be confident in. Not every student is an avid bushwalker yet but they are getting better at it and practice makes perfect as we all know.

The Cove offers our Year 9s ample opportunity to catch up, to talk while walking, canoeing or cooking and thereby supporting the students social and emotional wellbeing. This comes at a crucial time as we are all under the COVID-19 cloud and somewhat less connected. It is also a time when teenage development is at a crossroads and many students may feel it’s ‘all about themselves’ feeling they have all the rights and few responsibilities. It is crucial that they have positive intervention, role models and activities that counter this idea and provide meaningful interaction with nature, in nature and with one another.

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Ode to Joy

03 Sep 2020

When the current Year 12 students were in Year 9, and when their first examinations were looming, I gave them a booklet called, ‘A Guide to Joyful, Invigorating Study’. It contained all of the usual tips - how to plan a revision schedule, the ABC’s of daily to-do’s, the benefits of the Cornell note-taking system, characteristics of different learning styles and how to leverage your personal tendencies, the importance of sleep and nutritious food, the essential absence of the mobile phone! – but more than that it contained a woven-through theme that I hoped would set them up for life, namely the importance of a positive outlook and the buoyancy that joy-filled endeavour brings when moments of contraction are needed and when, in the absence of positivity, pain may be a potential by-product. It became a running joke between that cohort and I, “We’re looking forward to ‘Joyful, Invigorating Study’, Liz” was a comment that subsequently accompanied pretty much all of their following examination periods. But while they teasingly mocked the title because of their adolescent aversion to anything at all profuse, I saw a glint in their eyes, a lightness in their step and academic results that spoke to the fact that many had indeed successfully approach their revision with a light heart and joyful determination.

Fast forward to Year 12 and of course the challenges and demands of the HSC, which at times can feel relentless, can’t be overlooked. Joy-filled study hasn’t accompanied every moment of their year, and certainly individual struggles and personal wellbeing journeys are not to be negated or overlooked. Nevertheless, a generally positive outlook prevails and a healthy sense of perspective is living in the group, and for this I am truly grateful… and this cohort has faced more challenges than many! As COVID-19 hit and as we found ourselves living with an increasing global awareness yet a smaller and smaller sphere of movement, we keenly experienced the pain of contraction. For Year 12 students and parents, and indeed the whole school community, this has meant navigating change and adapting to new necessities that have at times been very challenging. For Year 12 students in particular, it hindered usual parent involvement in celebratory events that, mirroring the handing over of the five-year-old to the kindergarten teacher, usually shepherd the young person into their young-adult years. But amid challenges, a joyful approach (and the assistance of technology!) can build bridges. This week, the HSC Music Showcase, recorded for later sharing with the community and livestreamed to Year 12 parents, did just that. And while the significant achievements of our HSC Music 1, 2 and Extension students were heard by teachers and students in school hall as well as in the lounge room in Cammeray, Belrose, Roseville and Leichardt, I was reminded of the German peoples’ early response to lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions. On the 22 March at 6pm sharp, Germans opened their windows or stood on their balconies and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy was played on cellos, violins, recorders and tin whistles, any instrument that could be found. Professionals, amateurs, grandparents and the very young came together to create a cacophony of tone! And it was joyful. And it allowed the contraction of lockdown to be opened into an expansive coming together, and it allowed something challenging to be more easily overcome. And so I return to the Year 9 study skills booklet, and to the themes of ‘Joyful, Invigorating Study’. As Year 12 students go into this last stretch, I wish them just that. Moments when windows and balconies are thrown open and when a time of concentrated work is supported by an inner sense of positivity. I celebrate our Year 12 students and their achievements, and wish them well as they make space in their hearts and minds for their own Ode to Joy.

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

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Year 9's Eva writes to six senior citizens Pen Pals in lockdown

03 Sep 2020

Year 9 student Eva Petkovich’s original Duke of Ed plan was usurped by covid. That resulted in Eva reaching out to six isolated local aged care home residents and regularly writing to them as Pen Pals during the lockdown. Read her story….

Eva, please tell us what you are doing for your Duke of Ed this year?
For my service part of Duke of Ed I wrote to residents living in a nursing home during the quarantine period. I wrote to residents once a week and spoke about my life and what was happening and created a companionship during a tough time.

How did the Pen Pal activity come about? Whose idea was it?
I initially was volunteering in a childcare centre but due to covid-19 I wasn't able to continue, so I had to come up with something else Mum asked around and Aveo Lindfield Gardens said that they would be happy to participate in pen pals, so really it was mum’s idea to write the letters.

Who do you write to? And are they hand written letters or email?
I wrote to six residents, two letters each week and just followed down a list in order to make sure I didn't leave anyone in the home, out. My letters were hand written and I would always stick a floral heart on the envelope, so the residents knew it was from me.

Do they write back to you?
Some do, some don't, one lady wrote to me every week and others I never got a response from. This did not bother me at all because for me it was more about keeping them distracted during the isolation period.

Will you get to meet your Pen Pal/s?
I'm not sure. Hopefully once all restrictions are lifted I will be able to meet and get to know them.

How does it make you feel to know that you are gifting these senior people some great joy?
I feel accomplished at the thought that my letters are making people happy and that I am able to share a bit of my life with them and them share a bit of their life with me.

What have you learned from this experience?
Probably to listen to everyone's story. For example, after writing to a lady about Jindabyne and how I was boarding there in third term she replied to me, saying how she grew up on a farm there and skied in Thredbo a few times. This was such a surprise to me and we wrote often to each other about the snow and her life when she was younger. It was so nice to be able to connect with someone through similar life experiences.

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New public bus service on Glenaeon’s doorstep

03 Sep 2020

Good news for students on public transport. There is a new bus route, the 194, stopping at Eastern Valley Way / Victoria Avenue, traveling between the City and St Ives. Download the timetable or click here to see the full route: https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/forest-coach-lines/194/39194

Year 10 students, Pipi and Olivia invite students to come and help with face mask making at lunchtime on Tuesdays in the craft room at the Middle Cove campus. As part of their Duke of Edinburgh service Pipi and Olivia will drive this initiative. They have designed a poster, and are seeking your support. The aim is to make over 100 masks for the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse cancer treatment hospital. The hospital is currently giving out huge numbers of masks each day to outpatients and visitors, and wearing a mask is a prerequisite for hospital entry.

If you cannot make it at lunchtime on Tuesdays you can pick up take home kits for you, your family and friends to make. If you can help cut material and elastic, make up kits or sew masks then please send an email to elizabethe@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Parents are also invited to help in the off-campus sewing bee:

Download the face mask pattern https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/help-us-by-sewing-masks/
Find some suitable fabric you have lying around or buy some
Make as many face masks as you can
Send some pics of your mask sewing activity to newsletter@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
Ask your child to bring the completed masks to school and hand them in at reception

Glenaeon will arrange for delivery of the completed masks to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at the end of the term. If you need fabric, please let Elizabeth know. If you can sew, donate fabric, elastic or support in any way, please contact Elizabeth Ellean via email elizabethe@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Sew much fun! And for a great cause!

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Constable Darren on empowering students to make informed decisions around drug taking & alcohol use

20 Aug 2020

Last week, Senior Constable Darren Cairns, from the Youth Liaison team at Chatswood Police Station attended Glenaeon’s Middle Cove campus and gave a presentation to our Students in Year 9, and later to a group of our Year 10 and 11 students.

Senior Constable Cairns talked to students about vaping, alcohol and illicit drugs. His presentation unveiled to the students the damage that can be done not just to their own physical health, but to mental health, and the effects on friends, family and the wider community. He also spoke about some of the legal implications for drug use and drug selling.

Parents are often understandably worried and feel anxious about the thought of their children taking drugs and getting caught up in the wrong crowd. At Glenaeon, we want our kids to be safe and to learn how to make good choices about all illegal and legal substances. This presentation gave our students the opportunity to learn of the realities of how drug use can affect their lives, and their families lives. It gave practical and moral advice on what to do if a friend was in danger and struggling, and to not hesitate to call an ambulance a situation warranted action. We educate in a way that develops an inner strength in each student, gifts a self-confidence, and imparts the skills needed to deal with perceived or real peer pressure. Constable Darren also gave advice on how to party and stay safe, and how to avoid trouble and still have a good time, and to value good health and take care of each other.

Our thanks to PDHPE teachers Donna Miller and Jonas Stoebe for their work with the students on this important health initiative.

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Yoga at sunrise for Year 9s in The Cove

20 Aug 2020

The early morning Year 9 program, The Cove, supports the wellbeing of our middle High School students by providing an opportunity to connect, build skills, gain fitness, engage with nature and learn about themselves and others. As seen in the photos, students worked in teams to undergo several tasks during a rainy morning earlier in the term. Yogi Heidi Horne is also bringing the experience of breathing and mindfulness to The Cove, and doing it outside, in our beautiful surrounds, amplifies the experience and benefits the students. As a teacher, it is exciting to listen to students discussing the sunrise they saw on the way to school, the intensity of the colours and how impressive it was. Hearing the birds, while the students are challenged to hold balance and poses or physically move through the bush, is a gift that makes our job so special. Our students trust us, and as a result, the benefits of this special program will far outlive their school experience. Donna Miller

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Art Space open for Class 5 to Year 12

06 Aug 2020

Year 11 student Kauri Palmer is passionate about art. So passionate in fact, she is studying accelerated HSC Visual Arts. On top of this, she is undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and is connecting her passion for art, to the idea of service to the community. Through her initiative (and fine artwork), she is supporting other students to find passion in art, by offering her tuition to other Glenaeon students as a mentor to help interested students develop an art project of their choice. She is prepared to help come up with ideas, select a form the student might be interested in working in and assisting with the 'how to' of the activity. The art department will provide materials within its capacity. Art Teacher, Donna Miller will oversee this great initiative. If you would like to get involved, please contact Donna Miller by email and join Art Space for the remainder of Term 3, Tuesdays from 3:30pm.

Download the flyer

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Bronze Year 9 Duke of Ed students serve others in the community

06 Aug 2020

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has been a very popular program amongst Glenaeon students for some years now. Participants are required to complete four sections - Voluntary Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey - at each level:

Bronze (for those over 14 years), Silver (for those over 15 years), and Gold (for those over 16 years).

Some of our current Year 9 students participating in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award mentor younger students in literacy and numeracy as their service to the community. Some operate the sports equipment shed at break times to allow students to borrow equipment during lunch. The garden is also a prime area for service as there is always a way to help the school community by assisting in the garden, turning the compost, caring for the chickens and general weeding and up-keep. Some students undertake their volunteering outside of school as well, working at the zoo and on various charities.

Numeracy mentors for Class 4 are:

Flynn
Keizo
Maadi
Nathan

Readers with Class 3 are:

Elke
Hana
Petal
Mili
Bibi
Jack
Max
Eliza
Clara
Natalie
Natalia

23 Jul 2020

You can see here that Year 9 welcomed a new student who had them all beat on time for holding a plank position. As hard as they tried, none could compete with the new arrival into class! In all seriousness, the ceramics and sculpture group have recently been developing figurative works out of packaging tape! The students literally use each other as models and wrap the tape around themselves which is then cut away and re-attached. The resulting affect are life-size figures that enhance the school and ensure there is a bodily presence in all areas at all times! What fun they all had and the results were amazing as seen here.

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Year 8 #STEM: How is a snake different to a dog? When English, Science, Maths and Technology come together!

23 Jul 2020

Last year, a select group of seven Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Teachers attended a STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy, led by The University of Sydney, and we are very proudly a Partner School.

Today, we launched a learning project with our wonderful Year 8 co-hort. The setting was Florence, Italy, otherwise known to students as the Sylvia Brose Hall, which was transformed with Teachers in period costume, and theatre set designs, to transport students into the 1500s renaissance period during the Medici reign. The scene was a celebration of the upcoming marriage of Catherine de' Medici to Prince Henry of France. We cannot say too much more as we will give things away. But this learning project today involved a dog, a snake and a spider, with students getting the opportunity to observe, sketch and write notes on animal movement. There is a great deal of intrigue and a sense of wonder as to where this will all lead.

The STEM Academy will be evaluating this program and we will be documenting the outcomes and impacts of the Academy on teaching practice and student engagement. Stay tuned for updates in future newsletters.

#USydSTEM #STEM #SydneyUni #Science #Glenaeon #SteinerEducation

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A Poem by Sophie Lewis, Year 8, "The Boy in the Field"

25 Jun 2020

I remember years past, in Poland cold,
With wintery whistles and gnarled trees old.
Sitting on my grandfather’s lap,
Hearing his ancient cane tap, tap, tap.

The fire crackled, embers fizzled and spat,
A gale howled outside, oblivious to where we sat.
Snow and hail hammered at the small wooden door,
As I listened to my grandfather’s tales of yore.

He’d told me every kind of fantasy story,
From fairies to pirates to battles quite gory.
Yet tonight was different, he was distant perhaps,
His eyes cloudy in remembrance of the past.

He told me a tale of a boy in a field,
Whose father fought in a war to whom nobody did yield.
When the sun rose in the morn,
The boy had to walk six miles through the red dawn.

It started the day fire fell from the sky,
And triplanes with red swirls emblazoned whirred up, oh so high.
The boy was captured, taken by the enemy,
His father then passed, his last words, “Remember me.”

The boy was taken to a place nobody returns from,
Shackled in chains, he mourned, his father was gone.
Despite his grief, he made a friend, Samuel Kalash,
Together they were forced to obey a man with a tiny little mustache.

After many a moon in that terrible place,
An opportunity came, the two had to make haste!
Bonding forces with a Swiss man named Mitch,
The boy and his friends escaped from Auschwitz.

For dark days and cold nights they were on the run,
Through forests and abandoned villages, hiding from the crack of a gun.
After two lonely years did they return to Poland’s comforting bounds,
Only to find it had been razed to the ground.

The war was over, the English had won,
There was rejoicing in every street; the boy no longer had to run.
Yet he mourned still, as he searched and he searched,
He never found his family, he realised with a lurch.

The boy grew older and left Poland behind,
Traversing the world in vain hope that his mother, he would find.
He moved to Britain and fell in love,
With a woman called Mary, whom he called his “dove.”

My grandfather’s tale ended as every good story should,
With happiness and freedom - I thought that was good.
But confused I was, for my grandfather did not smile;
He just sat by the fire and mused for a while.

Only after he had passed do I realise why:
The boy in the field was him, now the morn is nye.
And I remember back to Poland, sitting on my grandfather’s lap,
Hearing his ancient cane tap, tap, tap.

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The Cove looks Inside from Outside

25 Jun 2020

“Take students outside and play” was our mantra leading on from the Chatswood Concourse Theatre Power of Play in Nature seminar with Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Professor Tonia Gray. The debate and has never been more topical in the post-covid phase we are in now. It will be a driving force for the remainder of the term to use our incredible surroundings and take students out of the classroom as much as we can after so much isolation and solitary indoor learning at home.

Naturally PE is done outside most of the time at Glenaeon but the PDH classes/content I teach I sometimes try to teach outside too, adjusting my teaching to non-whiteboard and non-online media use as I do not have it available in the bush.

The students love to be taken outside, they love to sit and learn in nature, it helps them get into a new and different mindset as they listen and smell nature around them talking about issues and discussing matters that are relevant to them of which PDH offers many: friendship, conflict resolution, staying safe, making good decisions, risk taking, relationship, road safety, healthy living to name a few.

The schools Yr 9 program The Cove which is part of the Service Curriculum we are developing more concretely across all year levels also uses nature early in the morning each Monday and this has resumed since Monday June 1. We started off with a 5km run to a natural jetty below Castle Cove (see picture), where we stopped for a few minutes to take in the most beautiful morning scenery before doing some fitness exercises including a moment of conscious mindfulness. It was great to see the students all back sitting in a circle to start the class after a long nine-week forced break.

Students were engaged by identifying some of the positive changes that occurred for them personally and also more globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were encouraged to write and reflect on these positive changes and how to best further pursue and preserve them into the future and what it would take for them to do so. The program builds resilience and aims to connect students to nature and place to enhance the notion of belonging. It fosters communication and how to better support each other through cooperative aspects and team work.

The service aspects of The Cove Program become very real for the Year 9 cohort when we go on four excursions in a year to work and connect with Warrah Farm & School in Dural, an educational facility for people living with disabilities and learning needs and a bio-dynamic farm where students get involved with both aspects through active work on the premises and the farm and by learning with and from engaging and interacting with the pupils of that school.

See you outside!

Jonas Stoebe
PDHPE Teacher

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COVID-19 influenced artworks from Year 8 & 9 now on display in the senior library

25 Jun 2020

When you are stuck at home, isolating from the world, there is a rather magical uplifting of spirit that overtakes when creating art that literally takes you places….for example, Rome in the 1500s.

During the COVID lockdown period, our Year 8 students created some inspired renaissance streetscape drawings and our Year 9s got a kick out of utilising a ball point pen in these footwear artworks. These COVID artworks are now on display to see up close in the senior library at Middle Cove.

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HSC students reduce stress with a mega sports study break

25 Jun 2020

After COVID-19 lockdown and with choir not happening for the Year 12s at the moment, there was a window of opportunity for a one-off PE lesson to be slotted in for the keen Year 12 students stressed out academically due to their HSC preparations.

Student Tim Bacon was instrumental in rallying the group, and helping organise the day by talking to relevant Main Lesson teachers who had since used the choir session for Main Lesson teaching. Once all agreed and the green light was given by Deputy Head of School (Years 7-12) Liz Nevieve, we went ahead last Friday - a bright and sunny morning, perfect for doing exercise!

We were a big group of around 30 students eager to get moving! We began with a push up challenge before splitting the class and engaging in some heavy duty tug-of-war which was convincingly won by one group three times! Then came the heavily requested and all-time favorite ‘Mac Ball’, an individual dodgeball game to remind everyone of the good ol’ times at the beginning of many PE sessions in years gone by.

To calm us down and relax us a bit while being focused on one another we got into four circles to play a game called ‘The Juggler’ in which increasingly more balls will be passed (thrown) around the circle and be returned to the original thrower in quick and quicker succession. Good attention, eye contact, readiness and accuracy all needed in equal measures for a circle, a tribe, to succeed. It was interesting to observe how well the students worked together as they successfully navigated through an activity that creates more havoc in younger year levels. The Year 12s maturity shone and an illustration of the bonds formed by our students over many years together.

The centerpiece of the session was an ultimate Frisbee game, a sport that relies on self-refereeing as all disputes must be resolved between the parties themselves. We used both the courts and the grass area to create a larger playing field that allowed for the Year 12s to have ample playing area and for the game to have enough room with two end zones. The final score was 4:3 in a very tight and even contest.

After a short reflection on what had been experienced and a recognition that ‘we need more of this’ we all came away with a feeling of achievement, happiness and satisfaction. It again reiterated by so many how much they miss regular physical lessons with their mates here at school.

I couldn’t agree more!

Jonas Stoebe
PDHPE Teacher & Co-curricular Organiser

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Year 10 subject selection: Modern History & Business Studies with David Alami

25 Jun 2020

David Alami has been a Teacher at Glenaeon for almost two years. He educates students enrolled in a number of subjects at the High School including Business Studies and Modern History. His classes are always near full with these subjects attracting many pupils.

Business Studies

Have you ever wondered how the economy works? What the world of business, finance and marketing really is all about?

If you were thinking of studying human resources, marketing, commerce, accounting, finance, management or business at university then Business Studies is the subject for you. Even if you are not, chances are you are going to be working or be involved in business for a majority of your life, and the knowledge you need to succeed in these endeavours are taught in Year 11 and Year 12 Business Studies.

Business Studies is an interesting course in which the details of the nature of business, management and planning are covered in Year 11. With an emphasis on small and medium businesses, it is a course that many students (and parents) will have some reflections and ideas that will be relatable!

The HSC course looks at large businesses and we look at specific case studies to support the theory. At Glenaeon, we look at teach giant Apple and the national airline Qantas and how they put in practice the main areas of the HSC syllabus: operations, marketing, finance and human resources.

Take note, this is a popular subject and with the recent events affecting our economy, it is a subject choice that will benefit the student long after Year 12 is over.

Modern History

“To understand where we are or where we are going, we must understand the past”. While variations of this statement have been quoted over the years, in times like today, it is of vital importance to really understand how the world we live in, came to be. In Modern History, students learn to understand history through different perspectives. By presenting a well-rounded examination of certain events and personalities, the student in turn will build their own interpretation of the events.

In Year 11, the course starts by looking at some interesting and controversial events in recent history; the assassination of JFK and the reasons behind the Pearl Harbor attacks. While these topics will definitely generate plenty of discussion, most students fall in love with “The Fall of the Romanovs”, where we analyse the fall of the Russian royal family leading up to the Russian Revolution. As well in Year 11, the students conduct a historical investigation in which they will select whatever modern history topic/event/personality/theme that interests them and then study it for their Main Lesson. This year, we round it off by looking at World War I and the effects of the battles on both the Eastern and Western front.

This is all leading to the HSC course, which undertakes a look at “Power and Authority in the Modern World” – How, after World War I most of Europe headed towards dictatorships, particularly Germany and Italy. This is followed by a continuation of the Bolshevik revolution in Russia concentrating on Stalin’s Soviet Union leading up to and including World War II. Finally, we look closer to home, to see how China evolved from Mao’s Cultural Revolution through to the reforms of Deng and Tiananmen Square.

If any of this sounds like it interests you, or your parents have an interest in the world (because history runs in the blood!), then Modern History is for you.

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Year 11's Kauri Palmer awarded in the Nan Manefield Young Writers Award

22 Jun 2020

Congratulations go to Year 11 Glenaeon student, Kauri Palmer who has received a merit certificate in the 2020 Nan Manefield Young Writer’s Award, a writing prize overseen by Stanton Library and North Sydney Council for her short story entry titled, “I Remember You”. The competition was judged in five age categories by a panel of professional authors with prizes totalling over $3,000.

The idea for Kauri’s awarded piece first came about during a creative Friday class at Glenaeon, where the task was to take a celebrity/famous person and put them in an unexpected environment. Kauri then wrote up her 278 word competition submission during the coronavirus lockdown.

The same entry has been shortlisted for a next round of judging in another competition but has already been included in a short story collection e-book called “The Inside Story”, which makes Kauri a published author!

As a prize, Kauri will receive an invitation to a Writing Masterclass with award-winning young adult author Will Kostakis.

Well done Kauri, what a great achievement.

Can anyone guess the identity of the famous person in Kauri’s short story, and where he is?

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Year 10 subject selections: Studying English Extension in Years 11 and 12 with Pamela Laycock

14 Jun 2020

Pamela Laycock has been teaching at Glenaeon for 20 years, joining the school as a Class Teacher of Year 7. Pamela studied Visual Arts and English at Sydney University, and upon graduation she began a 10 year career in museum management, working in regional art museums as a Gallery Director and Curator. Following this she transferred to teaching by completing a Diploma in Education. She has since gone on to become Head of Department and has supported students to excel in English throughout Years 9 to 12. She has extensive experience in teaching all four Year 11 and 12 English courses and, as an HSC marker herself, is best placed to guide students to achieve to their full potential in HSC English.

Students in Years 11 and 12 can study the mandatory subject English at the standard or advanced level for the HSC. In addition, students can elect to study English Extension 1 in Years 11 and 12, and English Extension 2 in Year 12. The difference between these two courses is that English Extension 1 is based on coursework, whereas in English Extension 2, students select a personal area of interest to research and compose an extended print in either short fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, critical response, sound medium, or multimedia.

English Extension 1 and English Extension 2 have been popular subjects for students who are interested in reading and who wish to work creatively to produce a substantial imaginative composition.

Philippa Grimshaw, currently in Year 12, was interviewed about her experience of studying English Extension 2.

Why should I choose to study both English Extension 1 and English Extension 2?

If you are a student who enjoys studying English, and you are passionate about creative writing, then the courses English Extension 1 in Year 11 and English Extension 1 and English Extension 2 in Year 12 will give you the opportunity to apply your focus in these areas. These courses are about developing your creative potential, as much as they develop your knowledge about the history of the discipline. If there is a passion for writing, then these are enjoyable courses.

What will studying English Extension teach me?

In English Extension we study a variety of texts from the literary canon. Students develop their ability to independently research, and further, how to apply the newly acquired skills to areas that personally interest them. An area of interest could be in short story writing, filmmaking or performance poetry.

What is the number 1 reason why students choose to study English Extension?

Most students who study English Extension love reading and writing. They are motivated by the possibility of writing creatively, and they wish to see their ideas develop within a sustained literary text of which they can be proud.

What makes this subject such a great one to study in HSC? What makes it so interesting?

The student’s area of passion is what drives their work in English Extension 2. Students do not have assigned work and so the work they do doesn’t feel like work, but feels like a break from school work. Students work on the major project for a year, and it is usually satisfying to see their creative efforts progress and develop.

What differentiates Glenaeon’s teaching approach in English to other schools?

The most enjoyable aspect of studying English to the extension level is that, because of the small class sizes, positive relationships form between the students and between the teachers and the students. Writing creatively is challenging, but the rewards and the sense of satisfaction on the completion of the project is highly motivating for everyone. It is so pleasing to be together and witness each other’s growth and pride when the creative project is finished.

How can this subject help students beyond their school years?

Researching something that is of special interest to you is highly motivating. Not only do you develop research skills, but your areas of interest expand and other directions are suddenly possible. Literature, whether one is reading a good book or watching a mind bending film, is always relaxing.

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Glenaeon Introductory Webinars - 1st & 30th of July

11 Jun 2020

Following on from three recent very successful and well-attended online introductory webinars, we are now pleased to let you know of two additional webinar event dates.

The first of these will run on Wednesday 1 July at 8pm and will provide a focus on our Kindergarten-Class 2 Castlecrag campus offering and Kindy entry. Register online here. The second, scheduled for Thursday 30 July will run at 9:30am and will focus on the Class 3-6 Primary and Year 7-12 High School experience at our Middle Cove campus. Register online here. Participants will meet our Head of School, Andrew Hill, view a presentation, and ask questions in a Q&A session with our Deputy Heads via Zoom.

If you have friends who are looking for a great school for their children, please suggest that they book in. Guests can alternatively register their interest by contacting our Enrolments Registrar, Chandra Kennedy.

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Year 8 students draw guitars

29 May 2020

Hendrix, Knopfler, Page and Clapton all started somewhere! Here, our Year 8 Music students are currently learning all about the guitar. Students recently created these very beautiful drawings of guitars, naming all the parts of the instrument.

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Year 10 subject selections: Biology with Dr Stanley Tang

28 May 2020

Our spotlight on subject selections for Year 11 & 12 continues. This story looks at Biology with Dr Stanley Tang...

Perhaps the COVID-19 global pandemic has peaked your child’s interest in joining the health care sector, or maybe they dream of saving marine wildlife? Studying biology, whether for the career-path ahead, or because it feeds the soul, is a great subject choice. Our biology teacher, Dr Stanley Tang has a Master of Teaching (secondary Mathematics and Science) from the University of Sydney, a Doctor of Philosophy in Conservation Genetics and a Master of Applied Science (Zoology) from James Cook University and has been a Teacher at Glenaeon for the past two years. He also discovered the largest of the two remaining populations of the Black-throated Finch in the centre of the Adani Coal Mine. Stanley is a former volunteer at the Society of Conservation Biology (Sydney chapter) and was on the NSW Young Scientist Awards 2019 organisation committee for the Science Teachers Association of NSW. Now teaching full time, Stanley is committed to his students, studying birds and photography and thinks biology at Glenaeon is a truly exciting subject.

“The science of biology is mainly studying about life. It provides an in-depth, scientific understanding of the variations in the structures and functions of organisms, as well as the effects of the environment on living things. Biology also explores reproduction, inheritance patterns, the causes of genetic variation, and how they are applied in biotechnology and medical fields.

“At Glenaeon, doing biology means you will have many opportunities to work in the field with experts. Some great learning activities we have done in the past include bird banding, rock pool biodiversity research, invertebrate surveys, nocturnal spot-lighting and various genetic and medical workshops in university laboratories.”

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Year 10 subject selections: Visual Arts with Alisan Smotlak

28 May 2020

Year 10 students are about to make their subjects selections for HSC Year 11 and 12. There is much to consider, so we thought we’d interview some of our wonderful school Teachers for their views on subject selection. Alisan Smotlak B.A (Vis Arts) B. ED (Vis Arts) BA. Int Design, has been a Teacher for 25 years and a Teacher at Glenaeon for the past 20 years, the last two years as Head of Department (Visual Arts).

Why should students pick Visual Arts?
Visual Arts allows the student to gain wide perspectives of the world, have the opportunity for self-expression, mental focus, and the shared human experience of artistic enjoyment in appreciation of, and gaining skills in, many different materials.

What will studying Visual Arts teach me?
The student learns to become a liberal thinker, understand and engage about ideas and the world. Creating works empowers the individual to realise their strengths in decision making and tangible completions.

What is the number one reason why students choose to study Visual Arts?
The reasons why students enrol into Visual Arts are varied. Many times they choose it to ‘take a break from the bookwork courses’, or want to engage in artistic pursuits in University. My students have directly been accepted into university using their Body of Work as part of their portfolio eg. National Art School, COFA, NIDA Costume Design, Architectural Degrees. Even if they are not planning on pursuing art, they enjoy the challenge that art-making provides.

What makes this subject such a great one to study in HSC? What makes it so interesting?
The visual arts course allows the interests of the student to be at the fore of their studies. There are no set textbooks that you have to start and finish. The topics are led often by the students’ interests. There is lots of excitement watching artworks develop, serious conversations and a sense of autonomy over learning.

Why are you passionate about this subject?
I have lived and breathed art from a very young age. I have never not had art in my life, in either making, looking or educating. Everyday there is something new to discover in either techniques, materials, ideas. It is always so fulfilling to see students and parents at the end of the HSC year, display their work proudly, stand back and be in awe of what they have achieved. There are always a lot of smiles and happiness in the art room.

How can this subject help students beyond their school years?
To stand in front of an artwork when it’s difficult to know where to go next, and then contemplate, experiment, question, and then discover the next solution, is a tool that will live with you and assist you in the many decisions life gives you. There is always an answer and always hope if you have ambition and experience to work to achieve a solution in whatever aspect of your life.

What differentiates Glenaeon’s teaching approach in THIS SUBJECT to other schools?
Each year the student group is looked at very carefully and the topics that are studied are tailored to them. The groups are often between 8-12 students max, which allows for a very personal connection for every student. The personal approach allows the student to gain a great deal of confidence in their abilities and the group is always very supportive of each individual. As we have a median size group, the opportunity for multiple art making and viewing excursions is highly valued. A strength is Yr 11 and 12 are taught by two teachers. This give the opportunity for one teacher to focus on theory and the other on practical. This benefits the students to keep the subject delineated and focussed in the two different areas, whilst allowing the opportunity to have two teachers following their art making. This creates a very supportive environment as the students always have someone to talk to. Both teachers have been engaged with the school for 20 years each having their own children educated here. Both teachers are involved in other aspects of the school – one in a Guardian and Outdoor Education role and one in creative aspects of the school- musicals and exhibitions. This gives the teachers a broader connection to the school and supports the students’ awareness of the integration that an Art teacher has within the whole school. The HSC students also have their own independent working spaces on the ‘mezzanine’ where they can leave their work permanently and work on it at any time, very much envied by other schools.

Anything else you wish to add that will excite Year 10s about the choices they are about to make?
Art, above all subjects, is an opportunity to really explore materials and develop ideas of what you are really passionate about. Where the boundaries, are what you create. It will build your self-confidence, and help you learn to articulate your ideas about life in general. It’s a place of activity and rewards that are tangible, in a world where so much exists in the ‘cloud’, it’s wonderful to be able to create something with your hands and have a real sense of achievement.

Alisan shares, “Glenaeon has given me a wide scope to invest my energies into many creative endeavours, I have taught many amazing students, and there are quite a few who I am still in contact with (even from my first HSC group in 1994) I have made life-long friends and on a daily basis richly fulfilled with the diversity of events that our school presents. I have lived near Manly all my life and hence I am very connected to the water. The sounds of the waves, the storms and the wind being near the coast is very important. It is always changing, full of energy and very unpredictable. My other great love is visiting galleries and performances. I was fortunate to have grandparents and my mother who bestowed on me the love of the art world, music, ballet, books and visual arts. My father was always industrious and worked with his hands. These combinations have had a profound impact on what I do. I will always be involved in the arts in some way and I encourage Year 10s to seriously consider continuing their study of Visual Arts courses at Glenaeon in Year 11 and 12.

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“A Wonderful Sight”: Welcome Back to School

15 May 2020

What a joy it was to see Year 12, then Year 11, and Kindergarten at school this week! All three year levels have been back in action: the seniors full time, and Kindergarten for two days. A school without students is an empty place, devoid of soul like a skeleton without flesh and bones.

To see the garden of Kindergarten pulsing with life again as the Kindy’s ran and played was, to quote Oscar Wilde, “a wonderful sight”. It reminded me of that moment in his The Selfish Giant when the giant looks out his window and sees that the children have returned to his garden:

"He saw a most wonderful sight. Through a little hole in the wall the children had crept in, and they were sitting in the branches of the trees. In every tree that he could see there was a little child. And the trees were so glad to have the children back again that they had covered themselves with blossoms, and were waving their arms gently above the children's heads. The birds were flying about and twittering with delight, and the flowers were looking up through the green grass and laughing." (Oscar Wilde, The Selfish Giant)

The teachers are very much looking forward to having the Kindergarten move to three days back, Class 1 for two days, and the rest of the school present for one day next week. We will review our staged transition back to full time school after that day of full attendance, and any changes to the next stage of the plan will be communicated directly.

In preparation for the full return, we have strict controls in place:

Environmental cleaning has been upgraded to ensure all high traffic surfaces are cleaned three times each day;
Protocols on hygiene such as hand washing will be emphasised to students and hand sanitizers will be available in all classrooms;
Any student or staff member who shows any symptoms of illness must stay at home;
Any student who has a family member with a compromised immune system may stay at home if he/she wishes and complete school work at home;
Isolation procedures including temperature checks will be in place for any student who develops symptoms of illness during the day; and
Parents are not to enter any campus of the school unless there is an urgent need.

On Monday and Tuesday next week, all regular supervision duties for drop off and pick up of students, including the traffic controller on Eastern Valley Way, will be in place. The Traffic Management plan for Middle Cove will be back in force, and we request all parents meeting younger students at both campuses to maintain appropriate social distancing.

Welcome back!!

Hangout for the Homeless

When the news of the lockdown came through with the directive to Stay at Home, my first thought was, what about all the people who don’t have a home? Every night some 100,000 people in Australia spend the night homeless in some form, most sleeping rough, on the streets or in shelters. Of these 100,000 the estimate is that 40,000 are young people.

There are a number of organisations doing wonderful work to support the homeless. But becoming homeless is an end result, and it’s a hard road back to any kind of normality.

Kids Under Cover is an organisation that helps prevent young people ending up on the streets in the first place. They work to support young people at risk of becoming homeless by providing simple accommodation close to the family home where the young person can be separate but secure. Space makes all the difference. They build and provide simple, small structures that are flat packed and can be erected in a day to provide studio accommodation in a back yard. They provide scholarships to get the young person back into education and the workforce. Over the past 25 years they have built hundreds of studios across Australia and assisted nearly 2,000 young people.

Hangout for the Homeless is their fundraiser on Saturday May 23rd. They are asking people to support the homeless by sleeping out yourself, either outside or even on the floor, just not in your regular bed. Try to experience at least a moment of not having your own comfortable bed to lie in. It costs just $5 to register, and we’ve created a Glenaeon team. When you register, you can join the Glenaeon team.

You can seek sponsorships from family and friends to sponsor you for the night. You can donate as much as you able, to support young people keep a roof over the heads, and hope in their hearts.

Go to: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/228465/glenaeon-rudolf-steiner-school

[If you are participating in this fundraiser please submit your photos to newsletter@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au so we can share in our next edition]

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Year 10: Subjects backed with passion, win for Finn

14 May 2020

Our Year 10 students are now contemplating what courses to study in Year 11 and 12. The decision making is not too far away. To date, there have been three separate evening information sessions on Zoom run by Heads of Department or Senior Teachers covering Mathematics, the Sciences and Humanities to give all Year 10 students and their parents, an understanding of what each course involves. There will be another three information sessions running next week to deep dive into Languages, VET and externally studied courses, Business Studies, Art & Design and the Performing Arts plus more.

A copy of the Year 11 & 12 Curriculum Handbook is now available for all students that wish to have a look at what Glenaeon Senior School offers.

In the last newsletter edition, Ruby Vella shared her reflections on subject selection, and this time we have current Year 12 Student, Finn Gladstone sharing his experience...

What subjects are you studying this year?
I’m studying English Advanced with Extension 1, Biology with Science Extension and Music 2 with Music Extension.

Which subjects did you study in Year 11?
I studied English Advanced (+ext1), accelerated Advanced Mathematics, Music 2, Chemistry, Society & Culture and Biology.

How did you decide which subjects to study? How did you pick? What were the factors you considered when choosing?
I primarily examined which subjects I gained the most enjoyment and validation from while studying... In my opinion it’s more efficient and enjoyable in the long run to pick a subject with a background of passion rather than primarily on good marks.

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New books have arrived in the Senior Library

14 May 2020

Glenaeon Senior Library has some new additions to the shelves including these two wonderful books: The Art of Kindness by Meredith Gaston and Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It by Gabriel Wyner. Students are welcome to borrow these books during library hours. The desks, chairs, computers and study rooms in the library are cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis. The library general opening hours are from 8:30am to 5:00pm and parents are most welcome to borrow books under their child’s name.

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Chemistry is right with Yura Totsuka

14 May 2020

Yura Totsuka has been Head of Department (Science) at Glenaeon for the past five years and a Teacher for over 18 years. She studied at the University of New South Wales and is as passionate about her students and teaching as she is about Chemistry.

If you are wondering if chemistry is right for you, read on to find out more...

Why should I pick Chemistry?
In Chemistry, you develop a deeper understanding of matter and its behaviour which is fundamental to our world. It is often referred to as the ‘central’ science because knowledge gained can be applied to many other areas of science. It joins together physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and earth and environmental sciences. Chemistry plays a role in everyone’s lives and touches almost every aspect our existence.

What will the study of Chemistry teach me?
The Chemistry course provides opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem solving and investigative skills. Students who complete this course find the experience extremely fulfilling to persevere with, to grasp abstract concepts, to hone their skill of applying their knowledge of the physical world to understand the phenomena around them, from washing hands to the materials that fill our houses, the fuel burnt to make energy, and the nature of fizzy drinks.

What differentiates Glenaeon’s teaching approach in Chemistry to other schools?
The greatest advantage will be the small class size. The concepts presented in the course can be abstract and some mathematical skills are needed. With a small class size, it means your questions are addressed immediately, in class, and allows for robust class discussions. It also means that you will always be involved heavily in the practical works, which is fundamental in the study of Chemistry.

Yura says it is best summed up by one of our students: “The course is for students who are curious about the world and those who want to understand and explain our day-to-day phenomena. Give it a go, it’s fun!”

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Year 10: How to pick your HSC subjects

06 May 2020

Our Year 10 students will soon be making some very exciting and important decisions - what courses to study in Year 11 and 12. It's time for our students to start actively thinking about their interests, and the important things to consider when making these choices. For some, it's as straightforward as selecting their preferred subjects that allow them to follow their passions, and for others, it’s about carefully considering areas of strengths and a pattern of study that will support them during their final years of High School at Glenaeon.

Glenaeon offers a large range of subjects, from Modern History to Chemistry and from Music to Physics, and with the inclusion of students being able to study courses not run internally through distance education, the choices are almost endless.

Over the next few Newsletter editions we will publish stories designed to help our Year 10s with their choices. Two current Year 12 students will share their course selection tips and their personal experience of making selections, plus we will have some of our wonderful Senior School teachers pitch their pet subjects.

The Year 11 and 12 Information Evening will still go ahead, made possible during this period of remote learning by the wonders of Zoom, albeit in a new form. Throughout Week 3 of this term, students and parents will be able to Zoom with the Year 11 and 12 teachers to hear about the ins and outs of each subject, and the exciting areas of study into which each delve. Detailed information about the new format will be emailed to Year 10 students and parents by Liz Nevieve in the coming days, and she looks forward to introducing the subject selection process to you.

First up, current Year 12 Student Ruby Vella shares her reflections on selecting HSC subjects...

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Year 8 Textiles students stitch a postcard from home

16 Apr 2020

Handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean recently set a challenge to Year 8 students and the brief was to use any materials from home to make a Stitched Postcard. The project involved selecting scrap fabrics and other textile materials to make a postcard, with the theme 'From Your Natural Environment'. Below is a picture of Maya's work submitted on GLO, made with some fabric she discovered at home. Nice work Maya.

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Staying warm and close in our families during the holidays

13 Apr 2020

Social distancing laws will encourage us to examine what creates warmth and connection in our lives. There is no question regarding the link between warmth and immunity but emotional warmth may now also be a factor to be considered. As we approach the Easter holidays our attention will no doubt turn to how we can create warmth and connection in our homes.

Strong family rhythms are the ‘glue’ that holds our families together. Bed time is a good place to start so that everyone stays in synchronicity with each other. I recommend for now that your children keep their regular bedtimes throughout the holidays, parents also need to model strong bedtime rhythms. I recommend having at least a ten-hour period where the phone is on ‘do not disturb’ so that you have an hour away from screens before bed to keep your natural body rhythms intact (of course this also applies to children and teenagers). Also it is good to have an hour of ‘quiet time’ in the morning before the phones start to ring (or beep).

Keep mealtimes regular and connected with everyone sitting down together (no phones). Make them as ritualistic as possible so that they have an obvious beginning and end, this will help to keep everyone present physically and emotionally. Try to engage in conversation about how everyone is going and what things you are all finding different/difficult and what you are enjoying about this strange time.

Bringing love and goodness into the home life and a sense that ‘we are all in this together’, trying to help each other, will also warm the atmosphere of the home. Encourage children to help with family chores, creating beauty, order and cleanliness in the house - keep this high on the list of priorities by modelling it yourself. Creating the home as a pleasing space says that you all matter as a family and that you are all caring for yourselves and each other.

Children can be instructed (not asked but told) to make a daily call to the grandparents or someone who lives on their own to see how they are. This will help children with gratitude and expansion rather than shrinking into self-obsession and entitlement.

Be aware of not letting screen time get out of control. The usual restrictions (from the ‘old’ life) should still apply as we need plenty of time without screens to create the emotional warmth of just being together connected as physical beings in our home environment.

Finally, try not to worry about your children getting ‘down’ or bored. That is a natural reaction to the times we are in and it is always tempting as parents to try to ‘fix’ it with a ‘good idea’, a chocolate or some extra television time. Just being there as a warm and loving presence is the best remedy. Good luck and Happy Easter!

Mary Heard
Simplicity Parenting

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Who is looking after the chickens?

13 Apr 2020

With almost all students learning at home, you might be wondering, who is looking after our chickens? You will be pleased to hear that our happy hens have taken a holiday. Thanks to Class 5 students Kai and Ryder for helping catch the chickens to pop them in the Ute. Our Middle Cove silky 'Q' and Ruby are currently holidaying at Lucas, Skye & Finn's house. Ruby has become 'broody' and is sitting on her egg most of the day, except when she gets out for a little scratch and 'Q' is loving her chance to roam a wide grassy patch. Watch this video postcard from the hens.

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Gardeners from all classes unite

13 Apr 2020

At Middle Cove the garden is missing its young gardeners immensely.

The “school class” that is, students still attending the campus each day, come down to the garden every morning and keep a watchful eye on the vegetables and flowers that are growing, measuring our pumpkins, watching our bees visit their favourite flowers and plant seeds for our winter harvest. The older students have been coming down to the garden again later in the day and getting to work. They have been helping to tend the garden beds, harvesting late summer crops, erecting protective barriers to deter our wildlife visitors and enjoying the beauty of autumn in the garden. We are also doing some preparation in the garden to make way for the new outdoor garden classroom. The banana trees have had to be relocated for the short term. The children have been a great help in keeping our garden well loved and cared for. For those missing the garden, here is a video of Sandra Frain taking care of the flowers and vegetables.

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Teaching Year 7 PDH outside: Diversity and Inclusion by the waterfall

29 Mar 2020

Children spend less time in nature than ever before. It is not only the time spent on recreational activities like watching TV or playing video games, but also for many, school education takes place mainly indoors.

On the 5 March 2020, Glenaeon held a free public seminar named “The Power of Play in Nature.” In that event, the speakers discussed the various benefits of opening the classrooms and give children the possibility to play and learn in the outdoors. Research clearly shows that playing and just being outside in nature can, for instance, enhance creativity, productivity and social learning, as well as boost mood, mental and physical well-being, and lower stress.

Jonas is teaching PDH content outside for that reason in the school’s rotunda adjacent to the courts, but newly inspired by the seminar, we decided to take the class over to an even prettier part of the campus to the rocks beside the waterfall. It was there, that I taught my very first lesson of Personal Development and Health (PDH) in year 7. That meant, first of all, a jog across the courts and the oval, climbing over the little creek and climbing the boulders to find an appropriate sport as an outdoor classroom. Just arriving at this remote and calm spot, the children became aware of the different sounds and sensations from these new surroundings.

The topic of this lesson was Diversity and Inclusion and the students were encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences with the group. Unlike inside a traditional classroom, the awareness for speaking up and listening to one another was heightened right from the beginning.

Teaching this lesson really was a special experience and it was delightful to see how almost every student wanted to contribute to the discussion, all whilst remaining respectful and attentive. For me personally, this lesson was special in many ways. For one thing, PDH is not a subject that is taught in Germany and after seeing some and now even teaching one of these lessons, I believe that the discussed topics should definitely be implemented in the curriculum, as they are so relevant for the student’s lives and development. I do not think that children usually get enough space to take and share their opinions about the topics that really move them, and these lessons make that possible. Furthermore, except for PE lessons, I hardly ever taught a class outside the classroom, and I can see how the above-mentioned benefits take effect once you take the children outside.

Due to the current situation concerning the coronavirus, this was one of the last lessons I could enjoy here. Unfortunately, this is cutting my stay at the school a bit shorter than expected. Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to say thank you to the school and all the staff that welcomed me so warmly and included me in the day-to-day life as a teacher. I had the most amazing experience assisting and teaching at Glenaeon, it is a wonderful place, filled with wonderful people.

Special thanks go to Jonas, with whom I have worked most closely together, as well as Donna, Jamie, Jak, Brigitte, Michele, Sarah and of course Stuart, who I stayed with for the time here in Australia. Thank you very much for taking me to your lessons, helping me out at school and beyond, with my stay here in Australia, making this adventure possible! I wish that after this situation calms down, I will be able to visit and hopefully see all of you again!

Best, Lennart

Thank you Lennart for your wonderful contribution to Glenaeon and we wish you a safe journey home.

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Year 7: From Garden to Plate

27 Mar 2020

With the world grappling with COVID-19 and people standing in long queues at supermarket chains around the country, our Year 7 Food Agriculture Technology students were learning how to grow their own food and create a meal.

Our Year 7 Food and Agriculture class created a meal utilising freshly grown herbs and vegetables from our biodynamic garden. Students harvested kale, spinach and sorrel greens, and added a selection of herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme and mint to flavour their vegetable rolls. After baking in a hot oven, the rolls were plated and the students went out to the deck area to sit with Teachers and enjoy their culinary treats.

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Year 9 PE bubbles with fun

27 Mar 2020

On Thursday 12 March, our Year 9 PE Extension class were involved in a one-off bubble soccer session learning about body control, balance, momentum and force while being strapped into a big bubble. The aim was to operate on a field to kick a ball into a goal while maintaining balance and not fall over when being 'bounced' by an opposing player.

It is a very engaging sport that requires a lot of stamina and energy to do for a prolonged period of time as current bumps lead to repeated and fun-filled falls which can even end up being 360 degrees roll over into a stand-up position again as the bubbles are round and allow for a full body turn while strapped to them safely.

The class truly enjoyed this niche sport and were physically exhausted but energised by the incredible fun this strenuous exercise provided.

In their quest to explore different sport and sports opportunities within and outside the school gates this was their last opportunity this term due to the wide-ranging COVID-19 closures and cancellations affecting the PE Department’s High School program.

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Year 9 Japanese students try their hand at traditional black ink painting

27 Mar 2020

Last week, our Year 9 Japanese students each created a traditional black ink art painting of bamboo trees. Initially this was a difficult task, but students soon improved their technique which involved drawing with ink onto the page and then smudging with their fingers. The artwork will now become the student's notebook cover for the duration of 2020 study. This was a peaceful and calm activity for the students to enjoy and very different from what they are used to doing in Japanese class.

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Farewell to our Exchange Students

27 Mar 2020

It's time to bid a fond farewell to our exchange students Itzuki and Jamila.

Our Year 11 Japanese exchange student, Itzuki learned so much from his experience at Glenaeon. He built firm friendships and enjoyed a very different style of learning. He loved expressing himself in art, learning about abstraction and exploration of different materials. He says thank you Glenaeon for making his experience here a warm and memorable one.

Jamila has shared a lovely farewell note which you can read below.

We wish Itzuki and Jamila all the very best and will miss their presence at our Middle Cove campus. お別れ

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Meeting the Governor: Glenaeon's gold award winners

27 Mar 2020

Surf's up for Year 10

28 Feb 2020

Each and every year the Year 10 class can look forward to an exciting time in PDHPE that includes surfing in Term 1 and sailing, stand up paddling (SUP) and windsurfing in Term 4. The water setting brings with it a wealth of new experiences for the students as they are exposed to new sports in relation to water and ways to get active in nature which can lead to a lifelong association with one of the sports learned. Over the years, many Glenaeon students have subsequently continued to participate and practice a water sport in their own free time.

The surfing program is a great way to get fit as surfing requires board handling, paddling, balance, courage and a fair bit of guts to conquer the waves which sometimes are small but can get quite big too. Manly Surf School has been our partner over the years and their instructors together with the teachers provide a safe and challenging environment for the students to learn in.

Year 12 2019 Students TY, Ming and Natasha have had their Artwork selected to appear in Willoughby City Council’s Smart Expressions 2020, an exhibition of the Year 12 HSC Visual Arts.

The exhibition, which officially opened last night, will run until 22 March at Art Space on the Concourse. Head of Art, Alisan Smotlak said, “Glenaeon’s representation at this exhibition is testament to the high level of talent fostered at our school. We are delighted by our student’s achievements and proud of Glenaeon’s contribution to the art world in our local community.”

The exhibition is open from 11am-5pm Wed-Sun and 11am-4pm Sat & Sun. Download the flyer

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Big Bali Clean Up at Scotts Creek

28 Feb 2020

This weekend Frau Elizabeth coordinated 25 volunteers from our Glenaeon community to join #oneislandonevoice, a global campaign that reached 130 locations worldwide and gathered over 12,000 people to come together and clean up their local environment. For those who contributed to the campaign they supported an event that is used to:

Collect Data in collaboration with Making Oceans Plastic Free in order to create published statistics that enable such NGO's to place pressure on governments to find an effective solution for waste collection, waste separation and waste facilities - a major focus of this years event!
Educate the public, especially locals, on the importance of making educated decisions when buying and disposing plastic product.
Moving the Masses Beach clean ups are not the ultimate solution however, they provide the perfect opportunity to create 'dinner table discussion' and expose people of all ages to the prominent issue of plastic pollution.

PEOPLE ARE 100% OF THE PROBLEM AND SO WE ARE 100% OF THE SOLUTION.

Thank you so much to everyone that participated, Glenaeon involvement was not only significant as the only event that occurred in Australia, but the school setting is perfect to encourage youth action and empowerment around this important issue.

TO FIND OUT MORE:

www.oneislandonevoice.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8GCjrDWWUM

Welcome to 2020 is an invitation to all Parents & Carers to come together at Glenaeon, but a special chance for our Kindergarten and Year 7 parents to meet and mingle with our community. It's a wonderul moment to meet other Parents in the school, teachers and some members of the GPA. A selection of beer and wine is on offer and canapes will be served. Please note this is an adults only function. We kindly ask you to RSVP for catering purposes.

Friday 7 February 6.30pm-8.30pm
Castlecrag campus, 121 Edinburgh Road Castlecrag
RSVP link https://www.trybooking.com/BHUVB

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Year 12 Science Extension students to present research in a “confirmation seminar”

31 Jan 2020

Stanley Tang’s Year 12 Science Extension students are presenting their research project proposals in a “confirmation seminar” on Thursday evening (6:30pm-7:30pm), Thursday 13 February. Stanley has invited two external scientists to be on the judging panel (Dr Laura Hurley, Lecturer in avian physiology and ecology at Macquarie University and M Patricia Stockbridge, Lecturer in Science Education and writer of the Science Extension Syllabus at The University of Sydney).

Congratualtions to the Year 12 Drama students on the quality of their performances at the HSC Showcase on Sunday 25th August. The audience were impressed with the variety and standard of work. All the best for the rest of your HSC!

The Music Department was very proud of all the students on Friday night at our Class 5 -11 concert! They all performed as well as we had hoped they would and gave us a wonderful evening of varied music, from Back Street Boys to Russian Romanticism - quite a journey!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the other staff members and some parents of the school who so generously gave their time and attention to this once a year project. It is amazing to have such great colleagues and helpers!

Thanks also to all the parents who support our students in their musical endeavours. It is a hard job to keep children practising through all the distractions of childhood and adolescence but as the results of scientific research keep reinforcing, the rewards are great!

With gratitude,

Our School Concert last Friday was a standout. Head of Music Christian Lillicrap deserves our warmest thanks and appreciation for leading such a committed and talented team of performers (students) and backstage organizers (teachers) to produce such a gift to our community.

Highlights? There were many, but in fact every item was a highlight in its own way. From the class choirs to the Chamber Strings, the Big Band, and the Year 10 band, they were all musically impressive and entertainingly fabulous. But the Beginners ensemble was an absolute gem. The sheer joy and pride of these students who have only been playing for six months, but could get up on stage and communicate their enthusiasm so unselfconsciously, was a joy to behold.

The finales to the two halves of the concert were the heart stoppers for me personally. Hearing our unofficial “School Anthem”, John Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth, is an ever enriching and moving experience, and it was again on Friday night. At the very end, the finale to Scriabin’s Symphony #1 for orchestra and choir was simply a tour de force. The grandeur and magnificence of the music, bringing together every student from Class 5 to Year 12, left the audience powerfully affected.

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Meaningful Lives through Music

26 Jul 2019

Our School Concert reminds us why we do music. Music brings beauty to our lives, it moves us, it gives expression to our feelings, and as such, it is meaningful. Everyone needs beauty, and meaning, and that’s why we do music, and why everyone does music at Glenaeon. All our students from Class 5 to Year 11, plus our Year 12 Music students, will be on stage on Friday August 9 and we invite you to be part of this entertaining and uplifting evening.

Without music, life is a journey through a desert.
– Pat Conroy (American writer)

Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.
- Pablo Casals

The legendary cellist Pablo Casals was on to something. Our lives need beauty, and poetry, to fulfil and enrich us, and to make meaning out of the myriad of what life brings us.

22 Feb 2024

14 Feb 2024

29 Jan 2024

MEANINGFUL LIVES BEGIN HERE

Join us on Friday, March 15, 9am - 11am for an immersive experience that showcases how a Glenaeon education lays the foundation for a life of character and contribution.

Glenaeon, Australia’s first Steiner school, located on Sydney's lower North Shore, enjoys a strong record of academic success in the HSC, that sees Glenaeon currently ranked 71st in the state. For more details on our 2023 HSC results, click here.

OPEN DAY Event Details:

What to Expect:

Discover Glenaeon’s Distinct Offerings:

· Witness deep learning and student work displays, including Main Lesson books

· See creative Visual Arts artworks in the Studios

· Explore our extensive Sport and co-curricular program

· Learn about our award-winning Outdoor Education program

Self or Guided Exploration:

· Opt for a self-guided walking tour with a printed map or join an organised tour group, led by our students

Meet Our Leaders and understand our Core Values:

· Hear an inspiring address from our Head of School, Diana Drummond.

· Connect with Dani Finch, Deputy Head of School for Classes K-6, and Yura Totsuka, Deputy Head of School for Years 7-12.

· Interact with our Year 11 Captains

Engage with our Environment:

· Take advantage of our looping courtesy bus from nearby parking to campus.

· Explore our beautiful bushland campus with village-style school buildings and facilities, including classrooms, playgrounds, Sylvia Brose Hall, biodynamic garden, outdoor classrooms, libraries, ovals, D&T facilities, art studio and science labs.

Activities:

· View activities such as a chemistry demonstration in the lab.

· Immerse yourself in the arts, such as watching a Year 10 Musical rehearsal or enjoy a music performance by the Big Band in the Sylvia Brose Hall.

· Enjoy a cup of herbal tea and savour the freshly baked sour dough bread in our Biodynamic Garden while learning about gardening and bush regeneration activities

Personalised Engagement:

· Ask questions and engage with Heads of Department

· Gain insight into how Glenaeon supports and integrates students at the start, and throughout their Glenaeon educational journey

Take Home a Piece of Glenaeon:

· Receive a comprehensive Prospectus Pack in an eco-friendly bag

· Browse the Grassroots Eco Store pop-up shop for ethical back to school essentials

Indulge and Relax:

· Enjoy a barista coffee or a wholesome treat from The Gentle Café on the deck surrounded by tranquil grounds and bushland

Contact Us:

For inquiries, contact our Enrolments Registrar Sunita Shah at +61 2 94173193 or email enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Kindergarten Entry?

· Families interested in Kindergarten entry for 2025 and beyond are encouraged to attend our Castlecrag Campus Open Day on Thursday 16 May 2024, from 9 am to 11 am.

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Glenaeon, Australia’s first Steiner school, located on Sydney's lower North Shore, enjoys a strong record of academic success in the HSC, that sees Glenaeon currently ranked 71^st in the state. For more details on our 2023 HSC results, click here.