Our highest endeavour must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives.

- Rudolf Steiner

As we begin a new school year, it is fitting to return to these enduring words from Rudolf Steiner. Written over a century ago, they continue to articulate with remarkable clarity the core purpose of our work and the foundation of Glenaeon’s Vision. This vision guides all that we do: in our care for children and young people, in the work of our staff, and in our shared responsibility as a community to steward and evolve the school into the future.

A New Year Begins

The opening days of Term 1 have been filled with a sense of renewal across Preschool, Castlecrag and Middle Cove. Students have returned to familiar friendships, formed new connections, and begun to settle into the rhythms of a new year of learning. We extend a particularly warm welcome to families joining Glenaeon for the first time. We look forward to getting to know you and partnering with you in your child’s journey.

These early days set an important tone. We hope they are marked by curiosity, confidence and a growing sense of belonging, and that conversations at home reflect engagement, optimism and enthusiasm for the year ahead.

Teaching Staff News

We are delighted to welcome several new teachers and assistants to Glenaeon this year. Each brings experience, expertise and a shared commitment to holistic education. You’ll find introductions to our new staff members below, and we extend a very warm welcome to them all as they join our community.

Elizabeth Nevieve: We welcome Elizabeth back to Glenaeon as our Eurythmy teacher for Upper Primary and High School. Senior High School families may remember Elizabeth from her previous role as Deputy Head of High School. She brings deep artistic and pedagogical expertise, firmly grounded in Steiner philosophy and practice. Alongside her teaching, Elizabeth will support key areas of school life including seasonal Festivals, compliance, Registration and Accreditation, and will also take on a High School Guardian role.

Cressida Rigney: We warmly welcome Dr Cressida Rigney to our High School History team. Cressida holds a double degree with majors in Australian Literature and Studies of Religion, as well as a PhD from the University of Sydney. She joins us from Redlands, where she worked in Learning Support, and will also contribute to our Learning Enrichment program this year. Cressida brings a strong commitment to differentiated, inquiry‑based teaching that enriches student learning.

Emma Divers: Emma joins the Kindergarten team at Castlecrag, working alongside Catherine Pilko and Melanie Harper. Originally from New Zealand, Emma moved to Sydney with her family last year and her two children now attend Glenaeon in High School. She joined Glenaeon as a Casual Teacher in mid‑2025, having previously taught Kindergarten and Primary classes at Michael Park Steiner School. Emma holds a Steiner Certificate in Education from Taruna College, Hawke’s Bay, and we are delighted to welcome her to the team.

Thomas Jubb: Thomas joins Glenaeon as a TAS teacher with 15 years of High School teaching experience.  He holds a Bachelor of Engineering, a Master of Teaching, and is currently undertaking a Master of Counselling. Thomas has a strong commitment to indigenous education. Thomas is covering for Anthony Fiore, who is on Long Service Leave from Term 1 to Term 3.

Ellen Brown: Ellen joins Glenaeon as our part‑time Primary Library Teacher for a 12‑month contract. She holds a Bachelor of Music, a Master of Primary and Secondary Teaching, and an Advanced Diploma of Rudolf Steiner Education. A Glenaeon graduate herself, having attended the school from Kindergarten, we are delighted to welcome Ellen back to the community as a teacher.

Motoko Christensen: Dr Motoko Christiansen joins Glenaeon as our part‑time Primary Language Teacher for Classes 1, 2 and 3. Motoko previously worked at Glenaeon in 1989 and returns with over 40 years of teaching experience across all levels of schooling, including innovative curriculum design and delivery. A native Japanese speaker, she brings a deep understanding of Japanese culture and is excited to share this rich cultural learning with our students.

Charlotte Grien: Charlotte joins Glenaeon as a part-time HSIE teacher.  She will teach Geography in Years 9 and 10 this year. Charlotte holds an Advanced Diploma in Steiner Education and is completing a Masters of Teaching (High School) at Charles Sturt University. A Glenaeon graduate, Charlotte is looking forward to reconnecting with her old school in a brand new way!

Linda Peter: Linda will continue on as Class Assistant and will be supporting Class 1 and Class 2 in a full-time capacity.

Yulong Sun: Dr Yulong Sun joins Glenaeon as our new Lab Assistant. Yulong holds a PhD in Science and brings several years of experience in academic research and university teaching. Having discovered a passion for working with school‑aged students, he is commencing a Master of Teaching (Secondary) this year, specialising in Chemistry, Science and Mandarin.

Jonathan Rush: Jonathan joins Glenaeon as a Design and Technology Assistant from Term 2 and will be with us in Term 1 to complete his final teaching placement. A Glenaeon parent, we are looking forward to welcoming him to the teaching team.

In addition, we are pleased to welcome back Pam Laycock (Head of English and Director of Professional Practice) and George Morton-Ramwell (Head of Science) who were on extended leave during 2025.

Welcome Soiree

I look forward to meeting new and returning families tonight at our annual Welcome Soiree , an evening that promises good food, great company and possibly, the start of some beautiful friendships.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead, filled with extraordinary possibilities.

Warmly,
Diana Drummond
Head of School