Real Engagement. Real Learning.

Join us at Glenaeon’s Primary School Open Day, where you will experience how our Kindergarten to Class 6 curriculum nurtures confident, capable learners who are free in spirit, grounded, curious, and well-prepared for High School and beyond, starting in a screen-free environment.

When: Saturday 5 September 2026
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Where: 121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag NSW 2068

Register today!

Preschool Willoughby Campus Tour
Date: Tuesday 18 August 2026
Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm
Location: 118 Sydney St, Willoughby NSW 2068

Prospective families are warmly invited to tour our Preschool Willoughby campus and explore Steiner education in the early years. Meet our Preschool Director, and learn how our curriculum and learning activities nurture healthy development, curiosity and joy. We look forward to welcoming you.

Registration: Book Now

High School Small Group Tour with Head of Science
Date: Tuesday 18 August 2026
Time: 1:45pm - 2:30pm
Location: 5A Glenroy Ave, Middle Cove NSW 2068

We invite families to join a small group tour of our High School, led by our Registrar and Head of Science, George Morton Ramwell. Enjoy a guided walk through the campus and time for conversation to learn more about our High School curriculum, Steiner philosophy as well as our High School Science offering. We look forward to welcoming you.

Registration: Fully Booked - click here to join us for another tour

Upper Primary Small Group Tour with Class Teacher
Date: Thursday 20 August 2026
Time: 11:30am - 12:15pm
Location: 5A Glenroy Ave, Middle Cove NSW 2068

We invite families to join a small group tour of our Middle Cove Primary School – Classes 4, 5 and 6, led by our Registrar and Class Teacher (Primary School), Lucy Armstrong. Enjoy a guided walk through the campus and time for conversation to learn about the transition into our upper Primary School and Steiner philosophy. We look forward to welcoming you.

Registration: Book Now

In an effort to make our policies and procedures visible to parents and carers in our community, we will be putting the ‘spotlight’ on some important information in upcoming Newsletters. In this edition, we are focused on tick bites.

Insect bites and stings, including tick bites, are relatively common in schools. At Glenaeon, we take all reasonable measures to protect our students from bites and stings, however not all can be prevented in our beautiful bushland setting and focus on outdoor play.

Tick bites, in particular, can occur throughout the year. Should a student present to Reception with a tick, our First Aid Officers will contact the parent/carer of the student and with their consent, may apply Lyclear (permethrin 5%) cream. Lyclear permethrin cream is recommended for use on larval and nymph stage ticks to kill the tick while it is on the skin.

It is the School’s policy not to remove ticks as this can cause an allergic reaction in some children, but we do recommend that parents/carers take the student to a medical practitioner to have the tick removed as soon as possible.

We track all reported tick bites and ask that you fill in a tick reporting form if you find a tick on your child at the end of the school day.

Further information about how we manage tick and other bites and stings can be found in our Bites & Stings Policy and Procedures .

Glenaeon Monday Playgroup at our Willoughby campus has been busy making beautiful birthday crowns.

Each Playgroup meets once a week and is led by a qualified Steiner Early Childhood Educator who guides the group through a two-hour dynamic session including adult discussion. Stories and songs, circle activities, and free-play both indoors and outdoors reflect the seasons of the year. A shared nourishing morning tea is a cornerstone of the occasion. Everyone develops multiple skills for crafting a happy, healthy home. And celebrating milestones like birthday's! Our colourful Playgroup rooms at Castlecrag and Willoughby campuses are furnished with quality handmade toys, while natural gardens are a safe haven for explorative, active tactile play.

Please find more information, term dates and to register here .

Class 1 are completing their Main Lesson, Tales from Russia , this week. Through these rich and wonderful stories, the children are developing the skills they need to become confident and capable writers. The tales have been a great source of inspiration, and the class has thoroughly enjoyed bringing them to life through their own work. It has been a joyful and rewarding Main Lesson, with the children embracing both the stories and the learning that has grown from them.

The creativity and craftsmanship displayed in our Class 3 Building Projects has been nothing short of wonderful. Over the past term, the children have explored how people around the world design and build homes that respond to different climates, landscapes, and ways of life. They discovered that houses are much more than places to live - they tell stories about the people who build them and the environments in which they live.

This understanding has shone through in the children’s individual projects. Each model is a unique reflection of its creator, demonstrating thoughtful planning, imagination, and care. From charming cottages and cosy eco homes to towering lighthouses, traditional Thai boat houses, sturdy igloos, and imaginative tree houses, every project celebrates both creativity and individuality.

It has been a joy to see the children speak so proudly about their designs, explaining the materials they chose, the features they included, and the purpose behind their creations. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been inspiring, and the finished projects are a wonderful testament to the learning, perseverance, and artistic expression that has taken place throughout our Building Main Lesson.

Congratulations to all of our Class 3 builders on their outstanding work!

At the end of last term, Class 3 students were treated to a very special demonstration of the spinning wheel by Year 10 student and talented spinner, Jasper R. Jasper shared several examples of different fibres and yarns he has made with his spinning. The Class 3 children have been processing a sheep's fleece, cleaning it, aligning and opening up the fibres with hand carders, and spinning it using one of humanity's oldest technologies, the drop spindle. The students' keen observations of Jasper's use of the spinning wheel and the insightful questions they asked demonstrate how engaged they have been with the story of wool.

Class 4 visited Taronga Zoo to complete their Human and Animal Main lesson. We enjoyed many Keeper talks where we could ask the zookeepers questions. We saw the incredible Seal show and learnt about sustainable fishing. The highlight of the day was visiting the Interactive Rainforest classroom where we got to pat a Blue Tonged Lizard named Noreen and a Ring-Tailed Possum named Maeve. We spent a wonderful hour with some Bleeding-Heart Doves, Nicobar Pigeons and watching two adorable Cotton-Top Tamarind’s eating grapes. What a fantastic day we had!

Last Friday night, Year 8 families came together for a wonderful evening of pizza, games and community, hosted by the Year 8 Guardians Elena, Evan and Emma and Deputy Head of School, Yura. Parents and carers, siblings and students enjoyed a relaxed night of laughter, delicious food and a chance to bid farewell to Emma and welcome Evan as Year 8 Guardian.

A special thank you to Head of Outdoor Education, Scottie and Year 8 parent, Trent for generously preparing homemade pizzas in the wood-fired oven, which were very much enjoyed by all. The evening continued with an array of board games, card games and outdoor fun, giving families plenty of opportunities to enjoy each other’s company. It was a lovely celebration of the Year 8 community and the simple joy of coming together.

We are excited to share that our Year 12 student, Jasmine L will appear in the upcoming TV Series Portrait Artist of the Year Season 2 on ABC TV. The highly anticipated second season premieres on Sunday 16 August at 7.30pm with all episodes available to stream on ABC iView. The show features 54 artists who are given exactly four hours to paint iconic Australia celebrities whilst being assessed by a trio of art judges. The ultimate winner of the competition will have their portrait hang in the National Portrait Gallery.

We wish Jasmine all the very best. Chookas! You can watch the trailer here .

A thoughtfully stocked family comfort basket can be one of the most practical things to have at home, with gentle natural remedies ready for everyday bumps, bruises, bites and winter sniffles, while bringing a little extra comfort and care when it's needed most.

Our Natural First Aid range has been restocked with handcrafted remedies made in Tasmania using organic and biodynamic ingredients, including Arnica and Calendula Ointments, natural chest rubs, soothing sphagni body oils, and a natural insect repellent. You'll find everything needed to create your family's comfort basket.

Also newly arrived is a beautiful collection of children's books. Discover your next favourite bedtime story, seasonal tale or inspiring first chapter book, thoughtfully chosen to nurture imagination and a love of reading.

Browse the collections online or visit the Castlecrag shop to explore them in person.

Term 3, 2026  – Opening Hours :

Tuesday: 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm
Thursday: 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm
Friday : 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm

Shop online anytime: grassrootsecostore.com.au

Thank you for supporting local and choosing products that nurture creativity, sustainability, and imagination. A portion of every sale goes to support Glenaeon.

Grassroots Eco Store is located on the Glenaeon Castlecrag Campus, next to the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. 121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.

Winter time is citrus season.

Class 3 is getting ready to make lemonade concentrate for the Glenaeon Family Fair lemonade stand.

If anyone has a lemon tree or knows neighbours or friends willing to donate lemons, please reach out to Maria 0483818013.

Steering Committee News

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope all Glenaeon families are having a good start to the term!

The GPA Steering Committee has monthly meetings during school terms – here’s a recap of our last meeting on 30th July :

Welcoming all Committee members elected and re-elected at the AGM in June

Reviewing the GPA’s financial budget, results and any payment requests

Hearing from the GPA Class Parents Mentor, discussing the next Class Parents Forum and other current areas of focus for Class Parents

Hearing from the GPA Family Fair Mentor, discussing planning, preparation and problem-solving for the 2026 Fair

Reflecting on the 2026 Mid-Winter Party & Silent Auction, and the GPA’s contributions paid to the school from this fundraising

Discussing Parent Craft, Parent Library and Cuppa & Connect initiative supported by the GPA

Reviewing progress on new initiatives for the GPA in 2026, which we’ll have more to share about soon

$11,200 Contributed to the School

The Committee is delighted that the GPA was able to pay contributions to the school of $11,200 in June, which is 100% of the school’s requested funding support for musical instruments and playground equipment in 2026 so far. This achieved those fundraising goals shared as part of the 2026 Mid-Winter Party – our thanks again to all Glenaeon parents, staff and community members who made this possible!

Fair Planning is Underway

A top priority for the GPA in Term 3 is the Glenaeon Family Fair , which will be held on Saturday, 14th November . Planning is already well underway, and the GPA Steering Committee is working to support the 2026 Fair Coordinators, Mentor and Manager as they bring the event together.

Please keep an eye out for news about the Fair and consider how you might be able to volunteer or contribute this year. You’ll find Fair updates in this newsletter , and please check out the Fair microsite on Glenaeon’s new website.

Warm regards,

Huw Morris – GPA Chair

Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)

GPA in GLO | Contact the GPA | GPA on website

Beyond the sessions offered at Glenaeon, parents and carers are warmly invited to take part in the inspiring workshops and talks hosted by the Steiner Parent Education Initiative. Upcoming sessions are shared regularly in our Newsletter. As part of our ongoing commitment to meaningful parent engagement, Glenaeon parents and carers are able to attend these events free of charge .

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a biographical documentary film event over two days showcasing the life and work of architect Eric Nicholls. Eric Nicholls worked with the Griffins and contributed significantly to the founding of Gleneaon Rudolf Steiner School in both Pymble and Middle Cove. It is a wonderful four-part documentary produced by two of his children Marie Nicholls and Glen McClelland, who are both architects themselves and also Glenaeon Alumni. Eric Nicholls was instrumental in the founding of Glenaeon as the first of now over 50 Steiner Schools in Australia. The Class 6/Junior Library building at Glenaeon's Middle Cove campus is named in his honour. His work also included being the honorary Town Planner for Willoughby City Council, General Secretary of the St. John's Group of the Anthroposophical Society of Sydney and a founding Director of Thredbo ski fields. See here for more info .

We were honoured to host a screening of the films, which journeyed through his life and work in Melbourne and Sydney. Marie Nicholls interviewed so many wonderful colleagues, friends and families as they visited and filmed many of his notable homes and buildings. Co-produced and edited by Glen McClelland, it was a proud and significant moment for the family in recognising his wonderful contributions to architecture and his place in Glenaeon's history. Any interest in the films can be directed to Marie and Glen on 0416092569 or gdmdesign99@gmail.com

All 2026 + 2027 Term dates for K-12, Preschool and Playgroups can be found on our website, click here .

Our Newsletter is published Week 1,3,5,7 and 9 in term time.
Please see our publishing schedule for exact dates.