Coral Paterson, a cherished member of the Glenaeon community and a beloved teacher, musician and mentor, passed away on Wednesday 28 October 2026.

Coral's connection with Glenaeon spanned an extraordinary period of nearly seven decades. As she often recounted, her association with the school began in 1959 when, as a student teacher, she visited Sylvia Brose's classroom to observe Steiner education in practice. She later joined Glenaeon as a Class Teacher, guiding a class from Year 1 through to Year 8, and became a deeply respected and much-loved educator whose influence continues to be felt by generations of former students and her many, many colleagues.

Following her class teaching years, Coral taught Music in the High School and, after completing a Master of Music at UNSW, returned to Glenaeon in the late 1990s to develop the school's lyre program. Through her teaching, countless students discovered the beauty and discipline of the lyre, an instrument she championed with dedication and artistry. Beyond the classroom, Coral led the Sydney Lyre Ensemble for many years and enriched the life of the school through her musical accompaniment at MidWinter Festivals and other community celebrations.

Coral's warmth, wisdom and enduring commitment to Steiner education touched the lives of students, families and colleagues alike. Her legacy lives on in the music she shared, the students she inspired, and the generations of Glenaeon alumni who continue to remember her with great affection. Our thoughts are with Coral's family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside her. She will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

Pictured below: Coral with Year 8, 1975.