The Drum
The Power of Play
The Power of Play

The third of a four-part series based on findings from a recent academic paper out of Waldorf UK: Lucas, B. & Spencer, E. (December 2025).
Cultivating the skills and dispositions for young people to flourish in life: Learning from four key Waldorf education practices & headline findings
.
So far, we have explored
experiential learning
and
interdisciplinary learning
as two of the core pedagogical approaches highlighted in the 2025 Waldorf UK research paper,
Cultivating the Skills and Dispositions Young People Need to Flourish in Life
. This week, I turn to a third approach that sits at the very heart of Steiner education, particularly in the early years:
play
.
Play is often seen as something light, even trivial. Yet the research highlighted in the Waldorf UK paper invites us to see it differently. Play is best understood as a child’s natural mode of learning: self-initiated, purposeful, and deeply meaningful. It is how children explore the world, test ideas, build relationships and begin to understand themselves in relation to others. Far from being separate from “real” learning, play is one of its most powerful foundations.
The research describes play as something children do for their own reasons, with choice and agency at its centre. Through play, children decide what to do, how to do it and who to do it with. In doing so, they develop not only knowledge, but vital human capacities such as initiative, collaboration and resilience.
These are not incidental outcomes; they are precisely the qualities that underpin both academic success and lifelong flourishing. Importantly, play is not one single activity, but a rich spectrum. It includes imaginative role play, construction and making, movement and physical games, exploration of nature and materials, and storytelling. At its most essential, especially in Steiner settings, is
free play
: open-ended, child-led activity that allows imagination and creativity to unfold without predetermined outcomes. The paper highlights that this kind of play fosters creativity, exploration and social-emotional development in a uniquely powerful way.
The research also confirms that different types of play support different aspects of development. Free play is strongly associated with social and emotional growth, while more guided or structured play can support cognitive development and conceptual understanding.
Together, these forms of play contribute to a balanced development of the whole child: intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically.
At Glenaeon, this understanding of play is woven into the rhythm and life of the early years. Whether children are building with simple materials, creating imaginative worlds, exploring the natural environment or engaging in creative expression, they are not “just playing”; they are developing the capacities that will support all future learning. Through play, children practise language, negotiate relationships, develop self-regulation and begin to make meaning from their experiences.
The paper also draws attention to an important tension in contemporary education. While play is widely recognised as essential in early childhood, its role tends to diminish as formal schooling begins. In many systems, increasing emphasis on early literacy and numeracy has reduced the time and space available for play.
Steiner education, and Glenaeon too, take a different view. We see a strong foundation in play not as a delay in learning, but as a profound investment in it. By giving children the time and space to develop imagination, curiosity and self-motivation, we are laying the essential groundwork for deeper, more meaningful learning in the years to come.
This perspective is not without its challenges. The research acknowledges that play-based approaches require thoughtful teaching and careful balance. Teachers and curriculum designers must exercise professional judgement about when to allow open-ended exploration and when to introduce more structure or guidance. As with all good teaching, it is not a question of choosing one approach over another, but of responding sensitively to the developmental needs of the child, the class, and the context.
For our school community, this focus on play offers both reassurance and invitation. It reassures us that the time children spend in imaginative, exploratory activity is not peripheral to their education, but central to it. And it invites us, as parents and educators, to continue valuing play not only as a childhood joy, but as a profound and essential process of learning. In nurturing play, we are not simply giving children something enjoyable to do. We are supporting them to grow into curious, capable and connected human beings; equipped not only with knowledge, but with the dispositions to engage meaningfully with the world.
Enjoy the weekend ahead,
Diana Drummond
Head of School
Upcoming Glenaeon Events
High School Information Evening - Next Week
High School Information Evening - Next Week

You are warmly invited to join us for an evening exploring what a Glenaeon High School education looks like in practice, and how it supports students academically, socially and personally.
Whether you are already part of the Glenaeon community or considering the school for the first time, this event will offer a clear and grounded insight into our approach, our learning pathways, and the lived experience of our High School.
The evening will include a short presentation, followed by a panel discussion featuring a current parent, a current student, a Glenaeon alumnus, and teachers. Together, they will share perspectives on learning, wellbeing, and life beyond school, and answer questions from those in the room.
Our values of Integrity, Wisdom, Courage and Heart sit at the centre of all we do at Glenaeon. This evening is an opportunity to see how those values are translated into the classroom experience, relationships, and student growth through the high school years.
Date
: Tuesday, 26 May
Time
: 6:30–8pm
Location
: 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove
For current parents and carers,
click here to register
.
For prospective families,
click here to register
.
Midwinter Party 2026
Midwinter Party 2026
Tickets selling fast and closing soon!
For more information about the party, dress-up ideas and silent auction donations, go to the GPA section below .
School Tours
School Tours
Castlecrag Campus Tour - (Little Kindergarten - Class 3)
Date:
Thursday 4 June 2026
Time:
9:30am - 10:30am
Location:
121 Edinburgh Rd, Castlecrag NSW 2068
Prospective families are warmly invited to tour our Castlecrag Campus and explore Steiner education from Kindergarten - Class 3. Discover our curriculum, facilities, and outdoor learning spaces, and meet Deputy Head of School, and Class Teachers. Learn how we nurture academic excellence, creativity, and confident, compassionate young people.
Registration: Book Now
High School Small Group Tour with Head of Drama
Date:
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Time:
9:15am - 10:00am
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 Drama, Dave Gleeson. 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 Music and Drama Program. We look forward to welcoming you.
Registration: Fully Booked
Preschool Willoughby Campus Tour
Date:
Tuesday 16 June 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



School News
Jazz Café 2026
Jazz Café 2026

On Wednesday evening, our Sylvia Brose Hall at Middle Cove was transformed into a vibrant Jazz Café, as Glenaeon families and friends gathered for a wonderful night of live music.
The evening showcased the incredible breadth of the school’s co-curricular music program, with performances from the big band, small ensembles, soloists and more. From upbeat jazz classics to soulful contemporary pieces, the packed hall was filled with energy and plenty of applause.
It was a joy to see such strong support from the Glenaeon community, with family and friends coming together to celebrate the dedication and talent of our student musicians.
The Music Department extends its heartfelt thanks to all students for their outstanding performances, and to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success.









Growing our Flourishing Culture
Growing our Flourishing Culture

Over recent months, we have been continuing an important piece of school culture work focused on strengthening a shared and consistent approach to student wellbeing, behaviour, and belonging across the school.
As many families will know, we introduced our four shared expectations in 2025:
Be Kind
Be Safe
Be Responsible
Be Ready to Learn
These expectations give children and young people clear, simple language that can be understood across the school and help create consistency in classrooms, playgrounds, transitions, and shared spaces. We are also delighted to now have a magnificent visual representation of the Four Expectations, created by Raphaela Mazonne, which beautifully brings this shared language to life for our students.

This year, our work is being deepened through our implementation of Kim John Payne’s ISS (Integrative Student Support), a framework that helps us understand student needs more fully and respond in ways that are thoughtful, proportionate, and collaborative.
At its heart, ISS recognises that behaviour is a form of communication. Alongside clear expectations and boundaries, we are asking not only “What happened?” but also “What might this child need?”
This means staff are considering the whole child through three connected lenses:
•
Learning
– engagement, access, and support needs
•
Social and Behavioural
– friendships, emotional and behavioural regulation, and belonging
•
Emotional Wellbeing -
providing tools and the supports that may support being well at school.
We are also strengthening our internal support pathways so that responses are clear, consistent, and collaborative. Many concerns are resolved through strong classroom practice, relational support, and clear expectations. Where needs are more complex, teachers work alongside learning support, wellbeing staff, and leadership so that no teacher is holding these challenges alone.
In the High School, this work is also taking shape through the development of a Student Action Committee , creating meaningful opportunities for student voice and active contribution to school culture and community life.
We are consciously creating warm, clear boundaries, supporting children and young people well, and building a culture where expectations are understood, shared, and lived.
Families are important partners in this work. In Term 3, we will host a parent education evening to share more about our approach to student wellbeing, behaviour support, and ISS, and to continue the conversation together.
We know that meaningful culture work takes time. We grow culture together through shared language, shared understanding, and steady practice and we are encouraged by the progress being made and look forward to continuing this work together.
Creating Spaces That Shape Futures – Support our Annual Giving Campaign 2026
Creating Spaces That Shape Futures – Support our Annual Giving Campaign 2026

At Glenaeon, our campus environments are not simply a backdrop to learning, but an integral part of both the educational process and the daily lived experience of our students. The spaces in which children and young people play, interact, and learn profoundly shape how they think, create, collaborate, and engage with the world. Looking ahead, we envisage a period of thoughtful planning for the learning environments Glenaeon will require into the future, with investment strategically paced, purposeful, and aligned with our values as a contemporary Steiner school.
2026 Annual Giving Appeal
The 2026 Annual Giving Appeal marks an important step towards this vision. Our early focus is on the renewal and enhancement of learning spaces at our Middle Cove campus, particularly for Upper Primary and High School students. Over time, we plan to include the development of:
- A Science Precinct within the High School building, bringing existing laboratories together to support inquiry, collaboration and curiosity
- Expanded Design & Technology spaces , allowing students to design, make and innovate with increasing sophistication
- Thoughtfully relocated Language classrooms to improve flow, connection and the quality of learning environments
These plans will continue to evolve as we shape what is both possible and appropriate.
Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond
As Glenaeon approaches its 70th anniversary in 2027, we look toward a more focused and purposeful phase of fundraising, one that honours our rich history while supporting the next chapter of our growth. The groundwork established in 2026 and 2027 will position us to make meaningful progress towards our ambitious goals.
This vision reflects our enduring commitment to an education that engages head, heart, and hands, nurturing intellectual depth, creative expression, and practical skill in equal measure. Thoughtfully designed environments play a vital role in this approach, enriching learning that is deeply human, intellectually rigorous, and rich in meaning.
Supporting the Groundwork
Contributions to the 2026 Annual Giving Appeal will help lay the foundations for this future. We warmly invite you to support this vision with a tax-deductible donation to the Building Fund.
Click here to donate
We are sincerely grateful for your generosity, your trust and your shared belief in what we are building together for the future of Glenaeon students.
Grassroots Eco Store - Seeking New Owner
Grassroots Eco Store - Seeking New Owner
Grassroots Eco Store is seeking a new owner/operator for its much-loved retail and online shop, conveniently located on the Glenaeon Castlecrag campus.
Taryn has been running the shop since 2020 and feels deeply honoured to support the Glenaeon and wider community with thoughtfully selected Steiner resources, while also nurturing a growing online presence. She is now looking to transfer the ownership of the business to a new custodian within the Steiner community, offering a unique opportunity to purchase and operate Grassroots Eco Store.
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School is seeking a candidate who will continue to uphold the ethos and standard of the store. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- An existing connection to the school, the wider community or Steiner-inspired education.
- Experience in, and capacity to own and operate a small retail and online store.
- Affinity with and support of Steiner parents and Glenaeon staff in their needs for supplies in accordance with Rudolf Steiner’s educational impulses.
- A knowledge of, or strong desire to provide, ethical buying choices that support the school’s ethos.
- The ability to provide consistent opening hours in line with the school's expectations.
- A current Working with Children Check.
Expressions of Interest close on Friday, 5 June at 5pm.
Please email your application to both:
Taryn Miller:
taryn@grassrootsecostore.com.au
and
Rohan Wijesinghe:
R.Wijesinghe@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
Applications should be no more than two pages and outline how you meet, or intend to meet, the above criteria.
Grassroots Eco Store will continue to operate as usual throughout Term 2 with its regular
Opening Hours.
Meet the Team
Meet the Team

What is your role at Glenaeon?
My name is Jonathan Rush. I am joining the Design and Technology department as a DT Assistant, working alongside Evan, Thomas and Brendan, and will also soon join the casual relief teaching and assistant staff.
What experience do you bring to Glenaeon?
I am an architect by training and have worked for many years in the design and construction industry. I have a passion for making and enjoy a rigorous, design-led process that aligns beauty and aesthetics with functionality in the man-made world.
An interest in helping others nurture these and other skills led me to study teaching, and I recently completed my Master of Teaching (Primary) at UNSW. I also spent Term 1 teaching and assisting in Class 3 at Castlecrag. Working with the team in DT allows me to combine these two passions and help foster a new generation of creative thinkers.
What are your interests?
I am happiest either in the studio, creating ceramics on the kick wheel I built during COVID, or painting and drawing. I love first-principles cooking from many cultures and enjoy making foods from scratch, regularly preparing sourdough bread, sausages, bacon, noodles, stocks and other interesting dishes.
As a keen hiker, wild camper and nature lover, I am never happier than when I am outdoors in the Australian bush with my family, exploring wild and remote places.
What are you most excited about this year?
As a Glenaeon parent for 15 years, it is immensely satisfying to experience the wonderful education our children received through the lens of a teacher, and to be part of the school that has given so much to my family. With my impending NESA registration, I am excited to put my new learning to good use in both the high school and primary classrooms, and to continue helping the DT department bring design-focused craft to students across all years of the school.
Glenaeon Preschool & Playgroups
Preschool Wonder and Celebration
Preschool Wonder and Celebration

So far, Term 2 has been filled with wonder and celebration at Glenaeon Preschool. Celebrating birthdays, Mother's Day and the glorious Autumn weather. Preparing Mother's Day gifts saw a great opportunity to practice fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and concentration. Park adventures have remained a favourite in our rhythm with running to 'Grandma Tree' to 'Brother Tree' and 'Park City'. Running is always optional, but provides a chance for movement and giggles. There has been lots of creations and building during indoor play and in prop story time the children learned a funny tale called The Giant Carrot about helping one another to pull a carrot out of the ground. In our garden playground, the slide always provides endless joy and laughter.






Castlecrag News
Kindy Bushwalking Adventures
Kindy Bushwalking Adventures

Last Friday, Big Kindy went on their first bushwalk for the year. This will continue each Friday through Terms 2 and 3. The children were very excited to walk to the beautiful Lookout Reserve where we had a picnic, followed by a little bush rest and a long play before hopping on the walking bus with our new Friday friend (find a new friend Friday) and returning to school.
How fortunate we are, thanks to the urban planning vision of Walter Burley Griffin, to have so many beautiful bush reserves that can be accessed via delightful bush tracks and public walkways hidden between the houses.






Mother's Day at Castlecrag
Mother's Day at Castlecrag

The lucky mothers and carers of our Castlecrag campus were celebrated with children creating hand-made gifts across all the classes. Kindergarten poured their love into making mums a wet felted beaded heart. Each child selected their own colours of soft fleece and beads to make a truly personalised creation. They then painted and drew mum a lovely card and wrapped them all up ready to gift on Mother’s Day. Class 1 wet-felted beautiful shapes in cookie cutters, Class 2 made stunning soaps, Class 3 crocheted rosettes and hand-wrapped them especially for mum. A happy day for our mothers and mother figures!









Recorder Magic in Class 3
Recorder Magic in Class 3

In Class 3, students have been joyfully immersed in the world of recorder playing, learning not only the foundations of music but also the value of patience, practice and listening deeply to one another. Through breath and melody, the children are developing coordination and confidence while discovering the beauty of making music together.
Recorder playing in the Steiner curriculum supports far more than musical ability. It nurtures memory and a sense of unity within the class. It has been a delight to hear the gentle melodies drifting through the classroom as Class 3 continues their recorder journey.






Cubby Town and Paper Planes
Cubby Town and Paper Planes

Children have been building and playing in the most wonderful cubby in the sandpit at Castlecrag - creating rooms, castles, offices, desks and much more - even a trap for unsuspecting visitors! Using logs, sand dirt and water, they fashion walls, roofs and inside rooms, carefully stabilising and securing the wooden pieces with wet said mix and then draped in the famous 'cubby sheets' for fun! They evolve over weeks as new children join and play, creating stories and worlds from within their special place. They have really improved their building skills! They have also been making incredible paper planes, soaring them high, low and loop-de-loop across the campus!









Parent Craft - Needle Felted Crowns
Parent Craft - Needle Felted Crowns

Parent Craft have been making the most beautiful needle felted crowns over a two week workshop. Thank you to all the wonderful parents and carers who come to be together, learn new skills and make beautiful things for our Glenaeon Family Fair in November! Using coloured woollen fleece, they prick it onto the felted crown to make the most stunning images and scenes - stars, mermaids, mushrooms, flowers and more! Parent craft meets regularly on Wednesday or Friday mornings at Castlecrag Campus in the Hall Kitchen, which has a lovely little enclosed garden for young children, toys, tea and good company! No experience is necessary and you can easily learn and begin a project! Please contact castlecrag@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au or phone 02 99580774 for more information.









Middle Cove News
Junior Library Celebrates 100 Years of David Attenborough
Junior Library Celebrates 100 Years of David Attenborough

The junior library is celebrating 100 years of David Attenborough and his inspiring contributions to the world with a display of books on animals and ecology. Class 4 are enjoying researching all kinds of animals and their habitats for their animal projects. Keep up the great reading and research Class 4!






Class 5 Study Ancient Civilisations and Botany in Main Lesson
Class 5 Study Ancient Civilisations and Botany in Main Lesson

Class 5 have enjoyed two rich and engaging Main Lessons across Term 1 and 2. At the end of Term 1, in Botany Main Lesson, students explored the plant kingdom, learning about the progression from simple plants such as algae, fungi and ferns through to grasses and flowering plants. They investigated how different plants grow and reproduce, including the use of spores and seeds, and completed detailed botanical illustrations that reflected careful observation and creativity. Their drawings also demonstrated a real interest in science. We are proud of their hard work and enthusiasm, and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey in Term 3! This term, students journeyed through the Ancient Civilisations of Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt. Through stories, discussion and artistic work, they explored how people lived in ancient times and discovered mythological figures such as Gilgamesh, Enkidu and Zarathustra. Students showed great curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the lessons. They listened carefully to the myths, shared their thoughts, and connected the stories to the beliefs and values of the ancient people. The lesson concluded with beautifully illustrated Main Lesson Books that showcased both their learning and artistic skills.












Class 6 Find Their Zen in Yoga
Class 6 Find Their Zen in Yoga

Class 6 have been exploring the practice of Hatha Yoga this term, developing greater body awareness, focus and calm through movement and breath. Through gentle postures (asanas), mindful breathing exercises (pranayama) and relaxation, students are learning valuable tools to support both their physical wellbeing and emotional balance. Presented in a gentle and accessible way, the lessons encourage students to move with awareness, build strength and coordination, and find moments of stillness within the busy rhythm of the school day.
The practice is guided by parent volunteer and Yoga teacher, Martina Carosi who focuses on:
Playful Approach: Instructors often use imagination, storytelling, and animal sounds to make poses engaging and age-appropriate.
Focus & Alignment: Children learn to hold poses for a few breaths, or move in sync with their breath, helping them understand their body mechanics, awareness and improve coordination.
Breath & Calm: Breathing techniques are taught to help kids self-regulate, reduce stress, and find stillness.
The benefits of this practice includes:
Physical Health: Improves flexibility, balance, and posture, which is especially helpful for growing bodies and counteracting long hours at school desks.
Mental Wellbeing: Enhances concentration, focus, and memory.
Emotional Regulation: Teaches children effective tools to manage their energy levels, calm their minds, and release tension.
Some common poses Martina is introducing include:
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Stretches the back and legs while building upper body strength.
Sun Salutation : A series of poses liked through the rhythm of the breath, to stimulate the digestive fire, warm up muscle, improve circulation and boost the immune system.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Builds focus, balance, and stability.
Child's Pose (Balasana): A resting pose that promotes a sense of safety and relaxation, giving children the opportunity to observe their own thoughts and emotions, preparing them for meditative practices - or a peaceful day at school.



Year 9 Tennis Triumph
Year 9 Tennis Triumph

Year 9 students have been building their hand eye coordination skills with group tennis lessons at Voyager tennis. Groups are learning skills across the court and the level of energy and enthusiasm for tennis has been awesome. Tennis is such a great social game and can be played in the future at all sorts of levels of skill and athleticism. Year 9 students have shown great enthusiasm for developing skills and learning how fun the game of tennis can be!









Front Desks
Grassroots Eco Store - Inspired by Rainbows
Grassroots Eco Store - Inspired by Rainbows

Brighten up grey days with our collection of rainbow-inspired favourites.
Rainbow Umbrellas
Bright, cheerful and built to last, available in adult and child sizes with thoughtful safety features for little hands.
Rainbow Wool
Thick 16ply hand-dyed wool, locally produced and perfect for knitting, crocheting, finger-knitting and weaving.
Arts & Craft Supplies in Every Colour
From Stockmar Modelling Beeswax, Crayons, Coloured Pencils, Felt Fabric and Wool Fleece, our craft supplies are chosen to bring Steiner learning to life at home.
Visit us in-store or online for colourful, seasonal favourites.
Term 2, 2026 – Opening Hours :
Tuesday: 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm
Wednesday: 8:30am—12:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm
Friday: 8:30am—12pm & 2pm—3:45pm
Shop online anytime:
grassrootsecostore.com.au
Thank you for supporting local and choosing products that nurture creativity, sustainability, and imagination. A portion of every sale supports Glenaeon.
Grassroots Eco Store is located on the Glenaeon Castlecrag Campus, next to the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. 121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.
Warm Up at The Gentle Café
Warm Up at The Gentle Café

As the weather starts to cool, warm up with something fresh and nourishing from Marian and Peter at The Gentle Café. From hearty hot meals to freshly prepared favourites, there’s always something tempting on the menu (pictured: this week’s special - a Mexican chicken tray bake).
The Middle Cove Campus Cafe operates Tuesday to Friday, with all orders placed conveniently via the Flexischools App. Instructions for placing an online order can be found here .
Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)
Volunteer Week – Thank You!
Volunteer Week – Thank You!
It's National Volunteer Week and the Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA) takes this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the countless volunteers who contribute so wonderfully in the Glenaeon community:
- Class Parents, from Preschool to Year 12, and the Class Parents Mentor
- Parent Craft Mentor and Coordinators, and the many crafting contributors
- Family Fair Mentor, lead Fair Coordinators, dozens of stall & activity coordinators, and hundreds more volunteers who bring the Family Fair to life
- Mid-Winter Party & Silent Auction organisers, and the many Year 7 & 9 parents who make this event possible
- The GPA Steering Committee members
- And each of the parents who put their hand up for something in our community
We acknowledge all the parents who sign up to help their child's teachers with in-class activities like reading, handwork or bushwalking. We thank the many parents who volunteer in working bees, helping with plays, musicals or festivals, and contribute at our school to benefit the students in so many ways.
We also acknowledge the families of parent volunteers, whose support is often what makes it possible for those volunteers to contribute as they do. We warmly thank the Glenaeon staff who so generously volunteer their time and energy in support of the GPA and parent community.
For more info about parent volunteer roles, please visit the
GPA’s new GLO page
.
The GPA Steering Committee
Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)
News from the Class Parents Forum
News from the Class Parents Forum
The Class Parents Forum for Term 2 was held on 13th May, as an online follow-up to Term 1’s in-person meeting. These forums are hosted by Sou (as Class Parents Mentor) with Diana (as Head of School) and the GPA Office-bearers.
The Class Parents engaged in open discussion and Q&A on a range of topics, and for Term 2 this included:
- Teachers’ development program and the school’s policy on behaviour, student culture and AI use;
- The new Class Benefit Fund introduced by the GPA at the end of Term 1;
- Updates on the Mid-Winter Party, Silent Auction, Family Fair and Parent Craft;
- Activities organised by Class Parents to bond with the families of their classes.
We acknowledge the quiet power of connection and enrichment that each of the Class Parents bring to their class groups and the whole Glenaeon community, and greatly appreciate all their hard work.
We look forward to the next Class Parents Forum in Term 3. To know more about Glenaeon Class Parents, please visit the
GPA’s new GLO page
.
Sou Ewins – Class Parents Mentor
Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)
GPA in GLO
|
Contact the GPA
|
GPA on website
Midwinter Party 2026
Midwinter Party 2026
A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM
Glenaeon's Midwinter Party
Saturday 13 June 6-11pm
Club Willoughby
To the Glenaeon parents, staff and friends of Glenaeon,
The count down is on! Our annual Midwinter Party is 3 weeks away!
We are thrilled to announce the artists who will be performing LIVE!
Aiyva (Ava Keys), who is our very own current Glenaeon Year 12 student and a talented singer-songwriter, will enchant us with her original soulful pop-folk music as well as covers with her stunning vocals.

We will also get upbeat and groovy with covers by STRATUS, a band started by a Glenaeon alumni Reuben Aung Thein.

PLUS, there are door prizes, awards for the best-dressed, silent auction displays and bidding, 8-courses of canapes, complimentary welcome drink, two cash bars, dancefloor and chill zones.
Whatever your mood for the evening: dance or chill, talk or shop, dress-up or come as you are,
JOIN US
!
Ticket sales are closing soon. Adults only event, $85. Book your tickets NOW
We can't wait to see you!

Silent Auction at the Party
Silent Auction at the Party
Glenaeon Midwinter Party will be supporting the Key Projects for 2026 with the Silent Auction. If you would like to donate (an item, a service, a voucher or a holiday), please contact Sabine Simmonds: sabinejsimmonds@gmail.com 0421 216 971

The Glenaeon Midwinter Party is proudly hosted by the parents of Year 7, and the Silent Auction by the parents of Year 9, on behalf of the Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA). All funds raised by the GPA are for the benefit of our students.
GPA Cuppa & Connect in the Garden
GPA Cuppa & Connect in the Garden
The Glenaeon Parents Association is pleased to continue the GPA Cuppa & Connect community social in Term 2. This was on Wednesday mornings last week and this week (as announced
in the last newsletter
).
This week at Castlecrag, we tried changing things up after discussion with Kate Flood (Glenaeon Gardening Teacher). Parents were invited to grab a cuppa and join us in the garden, to connect in this beautiful space by chatting and helping with simple garden tasks if they wished. This was well received and will continue on two more dates this term.
All Glenaeon parents and carers, as well as Glenaeon staff, are warmly invited to join us on two remaining mornings this term:
- Week 9 – Wednesday, 17 th June, 8:30-9:30am (drop in anytime) – Castlecrag campus, come by MMG Hall kitchen for cuppa, head into garden to connect
- Week 10 – Wednesday, 24 th June, 8:30-9:30am (drop in anytime) – Middle Cove campus, come by Gentle Café for complimentary cuppa, head into garden to connect
For more info about the GPA Cuppa & Connect initiative, please visit the new GLO page .
Sylvia and the GPA Steering Committee
Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)



Stay Connected: The GPA’s New GLO Hub
Stay Connected: The GPA’s New GLO Hub
The Glenaeon Parents Association is pleased to share
the GPA’s new site in GLO
for all Glenaeon parents and carers. Please see our announcement
in the last newsletter
.
Check out
the GPA’s new site in GLO
We trust parents are finding the new site useful and interesting, and welcome any feedback on this or anything else relevant to the GPA. Please do get in touch at any time!
Huw, Alex and the GPA Steering Committee
Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)


2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Glenaeon Parents Association Incorporated (GPA) will be held in person as shown in the school’s community calendar:
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
7:00pm – 8:30pm
MMG Hall, Glenaeon Castlecrag campus
Full details of this AGM will be communicated to all parent members of the GPA in the next newsletter, via Compass (and email to Preschool parents), and on the GPA’s site in GLO. For more info about the AGM and GPA, please just visit the
GPA’s new GLO page
.
The GPA Steering Committee
Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA)
Parent Education
Steiner Parent Education Initiative
Steiner Parent Education Initiative
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 .
School Calendar
K - 12 2026 + 2027 Term Dates
K - 12 2026 + 2027 Term Dates
All 2026 + 2027 Term dates for K-12, Preschool and Playgroups can be found on our website, click here .
2026 Term Dates (K - 12)
Term 1 Thursday 29 January - Wednesday 01 April
Term 2 Wednesday 22 April - Wednesday 01 July
Term 3 Wednesday 22 July - Wednesday 23 September
Term 4
Wednesday 14 October - Wednesday 09 December
2026 Term Dates (Preschool)
Term 1 Thursday 29 January - Friday 03 April
Term 2 Monday 20 April - Friday 03 July
Term 3 Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
Term 4
Monday 12 October - Wednesday 09 December
2026 Term Dates (Playgroups)
Term 1 Monday 02 February - Thursday 26 March
Term 2 Monday 04 May - Thursday 25 June
Term 3 Monday 27 July - Thursday 17 September
Term 4
Thursday 15
October - Wednesday 09 December
2027 Term Dates (K - 12)
Term 1 Monday 1 February - Wednesday 07 April
Term 2 Wednesday 28 April - Wednesday 30 June
Term 3 Tuesday 20 July - Wednesday 22 September
Term 4
Monday 11 October - Thursday 9 December
2027 Term Dates (Preschool)
Term 1 Wednesday 27 January - Friday 02 April
Term 2 Monday 19 April - Friday 02 July
Term 3 Tuesday 20 July - Friday 24 September
Term 4
Monday 11
October - Friday 10 December
2027 Term Dates (Playgroups)
Term 1 Monday 02 February - Thursday 26 March
Term 2 Monday 04 May - Thursday 25 June
Term 3 Monday 27 July - Thursday 17 September
Term 4 Thursday 15 October - Wednesday 09 December
2026 Newsletter Publishing Schedule
2026 Newsletter Publishing Schedule
Our Newsletter is published Week 1,3,5,7 and 9 in term time.
Please see our
publishing schedule
for exact dates.
Community Noticeboard
About our Community Noticeboard
About our Community Noticeboard
Welcome to Glenaeon's Community Noticeboard! News items listed in our Community Noticeboard are not school endorsed but are included here for the information and benefit of our wider community. We welcome submissions to appear in this section of our newsletter and inclusion is at the discretion of the Editor. A submission will appear in the newsletter for a maximum of two editions.
Showing of Eric Nicholls Life and Work with the Griffins
Showing of Eric Nicholls Life and Work with the Griffins









