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 .

This year’s Mid-Winter Party is about more than just a great night together. It will also help raise funds for upcoming school projects. Together, the GPA and the School have identified a few key projects in 2026 for community fundraising support:

- Improvements to the Sylvia Brose Hall, including acoustic treatment and staging upgrades

- New musical instruments for use in Primary Music classes

- A Tenor Saxophone for senior Music students and for use in our Band program

- Outdoor play activities for use in the Castlecrag playground: open-ended, natural materials

Every ticket, donation and contribution from the Mid-Winter Party helps strengthen our school community and bring these projects to life .

BOOK NOW

For more information, silent auction donations and venue details, go to the GPA section below .

Castlecrag Campus Tour - (Little Kindergarten - Class 3)
Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: 5A Glenroy Ave, Middle Cove NSW 2068

Prospective families are warmly invited to tour our Middle Cove Campus and explore Steiner education from Class 4 to Year 12. Discover our curriculum, facilities, and outdoor learning spaces, and meet Head of School Diana Drummond. Learn how we nurture academic excellence, creativity, and confident, compassionate young people.

Registration: Book Now

Preschool Willoughby Campus Tour, Willoughby campus
Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
Time: 11:15am - 12:15pm
Location: 118 Sydney Street, 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 Director of Studies
Date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Time: 11am - 11:45am
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 Director of Studies and High School Mathematics and Science Teacher, Dr Stanley Tang. Enjoy a guided walk through the campus and time for conversation to learn more about subject offerings, academic pathways and Steiner philosophy.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Registration: Book Now

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.

What is your role at Glenaeon?

I am Meg Quinlisk and I am Glenaeon's handwork teacher. Handwork (or craft) is a special subject in the primary school, and I also teach textiles to Year 7 and 8. Every week I get to see students from every year group, from 1 to 7/8 – there is never a dull moment!

What experience do you bring to Glenaeon?

I have been involved in leading Steiner playgroups since 2012 and I currently teach in the Sydney Rudolf Steiner College early childhood courses. I have also been understudy to Glenaeon's retiring handwork teacher, Elizabeth Ellean, for the last two years.

Before parenthood, I was an architectural historian working in cultural heritage. It was during that phase of my life that I first visited Glenaeon's Middle Cove campus, which I wrote the heritage listing for.

What are your interests?

A Year 8 student from a textiles class recently asked me this question and I honestly answered that I spend my free time doing craft (mainly knitting). Although I anticipated they would think that was 'lame', they quickly recognised how lucky I am to be doing for work what I choose to do for fun in my own time.

What are you most excited about for the year ahead?

As a brand new teacher everything is exciting and I’m excited for everything. I am excited to find out who I am in my new identity as teacher.

This week, we are celebrating International Compost Awareness Week across our Gardening program with students exploring how to transform what would otherwise become waste into new life and healthy soil. Composting has become an important part of our practical work this year, helping students build a deeper understanding of care, cycles, and responsibility within living systems.

At the Middle Cove campus, Year 7 students have begun a pilot composting initiative where they will collect food waste from their own lunches (hello bread crusts and apple cores!) along with compostable packaging materials from the canteen, including paper plates, brown paper bags, and wooden single-use cutlery. Throughout the term, students will investigate how many compost bins we fill and use this information to help us understand the infrastructure needed to eventually support a whole-school composting system so that no food waste from Middle Cove is sent to landfill.

Year 8 students in their Cooking and Agriculture class have been continuing the transformation of the upper embankment within the Middle Cove Garden Classroom, recently beginning the process of planting three new fruit trees. Working in the very heavy clay soil has certainly been challenging, but students have approached the task with real willingness, determination, and enthusiasm for the landscape they are helping to shape.

At our Castlecrag campus, composting returned at the beginning of this year through the introduction of a new rodent-proof composting system that is now being enthusiastically used by all year groups, Playgroup, and staff. Students and staff have embraced the opportunity to return as many nutrients as possible back to the earth as we work to build healthy soil within our new Garden Classroom space at the back corner of the campus. Families are warmly encouraged to have a look at this area when passing through the school grounds. A special mention also goes to Mel in the front office, who has been diligently shredding paper for the compost system. While shredded paper cannot be recycled, it makes an excellent carbon-rich ingredient for compost.

Class 4 students have continued their beautiful work caring for the chickens. Through feeding, observing, cleaning, and gently handling the hens, students are developing confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility toward animals. It has been wonderful to witness the joy and care they bring to this work each week. Through this work, students are experiencing firsthand how care for the earth can become a meaningful and practical part of everyday school life.

At Glenaeon Playgroup, parents and carers are introduced to the school beyond the baking table. Autumnal surprises were enjoyed this first week back of the term, through the Little Autumn Leaf story, music, baking, Autumn inspired craft and morning tea. During the baking activity a central cloth is lifted revealing garden treasures harvested from both Castlecrag and Willoughby campuses, for families to add to the dough. Garden tea is served for young and old to taste and guess which fresh herbs were picked. These conversations bring awareness to the larger school and a connection to a possible future on the Glenaeon journey.

Below is a lovely note from a current parent referring to the gift of fruit from our Kindy tree...

"The sourdough this week was exceptional.

And the mandarin within was a hit - a suddenly marmalade experience!

the zing and lifeforce of the fruit was still there after being baked.

we loved it."

If you have been considering a meaningful activity with your little one/s (birth - 5 years) please come along for play, connection and a gentle rhythm to your week.

For more information and to book, please register here .

During Term 1, the children of Class 1 worked with great focus and enthusiasm as they were introduced to the letters of the alphabet. In keeping with our approach, the letters arose organically from the rich world of daily fairy tale stories, supported by vivid imagery and artistic activities. This allowed the children to form a meaningful and imaginative connection to each letter. The vowels were introduced separately and with special care, honouring their unique, expressive, and feeling-filled qualities. Through story, sound, and movement, the children experienced these letters in a way that engaged both heart and mind.This term has marked the beginning of the children’s lifelong journey into reading and writing. It has been a truly joyful and rewarding Main Lesson, filled with wonder, creativity, and a growing sense of confidence in their emerging literacy skills.

Being ready to learn is essential to success in any school environment. Gross motor movement is integral to preparing children for the day’s lessons and supporting their healthy physical development. Class 2 begins every day with various movement activities. This term they began with an introduction to elastics and they have excitedly and quickly advanced to high, skinny jumps with great enthusiasm. This warm-up is followed by single legs hops, galloping ponies, high skipping and other full body movements to return to the classroom and begin the day. This big outbreath through large movement followed by the more focused, fine movements of morning circle in the classroom acts like the tuning of an orchestra. Once ready, the children can engage in the main lesson work with focus as their bodies are settled and well-integrated. And the best part is that it also happens to be really fun!

Parent Craft held a beautiful morning making needle-felted Autumn produce...pumpkins, corn, onion and apples! The technique is simple yet very effective. You are all warmly invited to join this informal creative gathering happening on Wednesday or Friday mornings in the hall kitchen/garden area at Castlecrag campus. No experience is necessary to come and learn and all materials are provided...you might surprise yourself! Young children are welcome and there is a lovely play area, teas and the warmth of community.

Please contact Melony castlecrag@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au or 02 99580774 for information on how to join.

Visit our GLO page here

The weather is cooling, leaves are falling and the bush is preparing for winter. At Castlecrag, each class room, our Reception area and staff room has a beautiful nature table, filled with the treasures of the season and the stories of our Autumn time. It is the D'harawal Indigenous season of  Bana'murrai'yung, and the spotted quoll visits our nature tables as it becomes wet and cooler and when lilly pillys are on the trees and Weetjellan (Acacia implexa) is blooming. It is time to mend the old warm cloaks from the last cold season and move again.

Outdoor Education is an important part of the Steiner journey, offering students the chance to step away from their usual routines and experience learning in a new environment. Time spent outdoors often strengthens friendships, builds independence, and encourages personal growth in ways that are clearly visible when students return. Here are some highlights from the recent Class 6 trip to the Warrumbungles, 550km north-west of Sydney.

On Day 1, students embarked nice and early, visited the Mineral Museum and arrived at Camp Walaay, a campsite on the banks of the tranquil Wambelong Creek with spectacular views. On Day 2, the students set off on the Grand High Tops bushwalk and enjoyed a scenic lunch at the top of the famous breadknife, which brought their Geology Main Lesson to life. In the evening back at camp, the students were treated to stargazing, where an expert brought a telescope to the campsite and gave a lesson on star constellations.

On Day 3, there was more bushwalking and abseiling with Scottie and Eric, before the cohort took part in a special MasterChef challenge. In groups of three or four, they were each given a Trangia stove and a range of ingredients to cook with. It was a great success and good fun had by all. Thank you to Class 6 Teacher Lucy Armstrong for your support and sharing these photos and the Outdoor Education team for your gentle guiding of our Class 6 students.

The third session of the Year 7 and Year 11 Buddy Program provided students with another valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and strengthen our school community. The session focused on unpacking and exploring Glenaeon’s Student Behaviour Expectations: Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Kind, and Be Ready to Learn, with Year 11 students confidently stepping into facilitation roles.

The Friday morning session began in an energetic and light-hearted way, with Year 11 students learning a variety of circus skills from their Year 7 buddies and a large and enthusiastic game of dodgeball, helping students reconnect after the holiday break and build rapport in a fun, inclusive environment.

Building on this positive momentum, Year 11 students then led thoughtful and engaging discussions with their Year 7 peers around the four expectations. These conversations were insightful and authentic, with students clearly articulating their daily experiences and reflecting on how they can contribute to a safe, responsible, kind, and engaged learning culture.

Year 11 students truly rose to the occasion, demonstrating leadership, empathy, and maturity. Their outstanding facilitation helped empower Year 7 students to actively contribute to an inclusive and vibrant school environment.

At our Middle Cove Open Day in March, we invited guests to participate in an interactive art activity. We delighted in seeing each guest add tiny tiles to ultimately create a mosaic Santa Maria del Fiore, better-known as The Duomo in Florence. The crowd-sourced art now adorns the water fountain in the Year 8 area at Middle Cove and it couldn't look more spectacular! Thank you to Teachers Donna, Alisan and Marigold for supporting this great project.

Year 9 students have made the most of the beautiful Autumn weather conditions with their before school activities in the Cove on Wednesdays. Students have busy exploring the natural beauty of Scotts Creek with trail runs, a natural beauty art and photography challenge and taking on a different approach to the bush with a Clean Up Australia session. The clean up netted an extraordinary amount of rubbish and debris from the bush and highlighted to the students the footprint we leave behind, but also the positive impact we can have on the environment with just an hour of effort.

As the weather has cooled off, The Cove has moved to a more mindful state, students learning the art of Tai Chi under the guidance of Master Aron from the Australian Academy of Tai Chi. Students really engaged in the moving meditation  combining slow, gentle, flowing movements with deep breathing and focused designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

A Journey Into the World of Live Theatre

On Wednesday the 6th of May, Year 9 and 10 GRSS students were given the opportunity to attend the musical production of Anastasia at the magnificent Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Blessed with beautiful weather, students made the journey across Pyrmont Bridge and through Darling Harbour, with excitement building steadily as the theatre came into view. For several students, this was their very first live theatre experience, and the grandeur and atmosphere of the venue certainly left a lasting impression.

The production itself proved both visually spectacular and intellectually engaging. Rather than leaning heavily into the traditional Disney-style fantasy elements often associated with the story of Anastasia Romanov, the musical presented a more grounded and politically conscious interpretation of the fall of the Romanov dynasty. The absence of exaggerated magical antagonism allowed the historical and emotional realities of the narrative to take centre stage, creating a richer and more mature theatrical experience for students.

The set design was breathtaking, transporting audiences seamlessly from the streets of St. Petersburg to the elegance of Paris across the two acts. Students were captivated by the scale and fluidity of the staging, while the costumes and lighting combined to create a truly cinematic theatrical world.

Equally impressive were the performances themselves. Students had the opportunity to witness seasoned theatre professionals sharing the stage with talented young performers, offering valuable insight into the discipline, versatility, and collaborative nature of professional musical theatre. The music was superb, the choreography exquisite, and the energy throughout the performance sustained from beginning to end.

Most importantly, the excursion provided students with the chance not only to engage deeply with live performance, but also to enjoy one another’s company outside the classroom environment. The day was filled with enthusiasm, conversation, and shared appreciation for the arts.

The Glenaeon Drama Department would like to extend sincere thanks to Dom supporting such a memorable experience. Opportunities such as these continue to deepen students’ appreciation of theatre and performance, and we are certainly looking forward to the next adventure into the world of live theatre.

Year 11 were fortunate with the opportunity to explore some of Sydney's most iconic structures as part of their Visual Arts unit of work on architecture. Students traveled to the city to visit and participate in a tour of the Sydney Opera House. From there they traveled on foot and via public transport to Frank Gehry's Chau Chak UTS Business School. They investigated other outstanding structures of the campus as well as One Central Park with it's vertical gardens.

The excursion allowed students to understand how audience dictates architecture and the philosophy of certain architects, and what this brings to their designs and structures. Back in the classroom, students will design and model their own architectural structure as part of their Body of Work for Term 2.

At our first high school assembly for Term 2, our Year 12 students formally passed the baton to the incoming Year 11 student leaders for 2026. Gathered together in front of the high school, the moment marked both a closing chapter for our graduating class and the beginning of a new phase of responsibility for those stepping into leadership.

The Year 11 students will take up portfolios across drama, events, music, student culture, sports, visual arts and S.R.C. - each role offering an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the life of the school and to support their peers.

The captains will meet with Head of School, Diana Drummond twice per term at lunchtime to discuss the nature of leadership and discuss special initiatives.

We thank our Year 12 leaders for their steady presence and contribution over the past year, and warmly congratulate our new student leaders as they take on this important role within the school community. Please see the full list below.

As the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to gather a few seasonal staples to help your child stay warm, nourished, and comfortable throughout the school day.

Insulated Food Jars
Our Moon Insulated Food Jars (thermos) are designed to keep soups, pasta, and leftovers hot until lunchtime. Leakproof, compact and easy to open, they’re a great option for transporting nourishing meals to school or work.

Woolerina Merino Wool Clothing Layers
After 20 years, the Woolerina Australian family business is closing, and the clothing we have in store is the final pieces available.

These Australian merino wool garments are soft, breathable base layers designed to keep the body warm while allowing it to regulate naturally. They are ideal for layering under school clothes or wearing on cooler days.

With limited sizes remaining, we encourage you to visit soon if you have been considering something or want to stock up for the future.

Leather Slippers – Back in Stock
Soft, flexible, and easy to slip on, our leather slippers support warmth and quiet movement in the classroom or for cosy indoor play at home.

Visit us in-store or online for other thoughtful, seasonal essentials.

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.

Glenaeon Year 10 Meningococcal ACWY Vaccination Clinic with NSW Health nurses is on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 from 9:00am in Senior Library. Please see information & QR code for registering online.

On the day, students with parental consent for this clinic will be advised by Year 10 Guardians to go to Senior Library for approximately 30min including 20min post-vaccination observation.

Please note this communications is only for parents who wish to register their child for this NSW Health Clinic and please be assured that NO consent means NO vaccination .

If you wish for your child to receive the above vaccination, please read the attached information regarding the online vaccination consent process and register immediately online by visitng: https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage

Benefits of online consent for parents/carers:

·         SMS notifications when vaccinations are given

·         easy updating of your child’s details online

·         faster upload of child’s vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

For parents who have registered online consent, on day of vaccination please ensure:

1.    Your child has breakfast

2.    Arrives at school by the 8.40am bell

3.    Is wearing short sleeve shirt (jumper or jacket can be removed)

4.    If your child is feeling unwell on day, please email absence@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au by 8am

5.    If your child is unable to attend on that day, NSW will automatically include as catch up at next vaccination clinic

If you have any further questions, please contact me direct on 9932 2302 or email Margaret Millikin m.millikin@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

The Glenaeon Parents Association is pleased to share the GPA’s new site in GLO for all Glenaeon parents and carers. This site is the best way for Glenaeon parents, as members of the GPA, to easily access relevant information and documents about your association. It also complements the GPA’s public page on the new Glenaeon website .

We’re using GLO for the GPA’s “parent-members only” site to keep things simple, as this is the school’s current platform and the GPA already had a page which was overdue for renewal.

The GPA’s volunteers will make the content on this new site as dynamic as possible to help all parent members stay updated and connected. There’s already lots of interesting and important info to access under these 9 tiles:

About the GPA

Volunteer Roles

Events & Activities

News & Updates

Annual General Meetings

Financial Information

Document Hub

Forms & Admin

Contact the GPA

We hope parents and carers find the new site useful and interesting, and we 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)

GPA in GLO | Contact the GPA | GPA on website

HAVE YOU GOT YOUR TICKETS YET?

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind."
- William Shakespeare, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Inspired by Shakespeare, Biennale of Sydney, Winter Olympics and our very own Year 10 Musical DREAMLAND, we warmly invite the Glenaeon community into...

A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM

Join us for an evening of warmth and connection, conversation and laughter, songs and dance accompanied by delicious food and drink in the midst of an enchanted forest.

Fully embrace the theme with your attire - soft textures of fairies, floral crowns of royalty or mysterious winter woodland creatures.

It’s more than just a party, it’s about strengthening the community that makes our school a realised dream for our families.

Our venue this year, Club Willoughby, is located just over 1km away from Glenaeon.

BOOK NOW

We can't wait to see you!

Keep the donations coming! We are loving receiving your contributions. Thank you!

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.

On the last Friday of Term 1 students, teachers, staff and parents gathered in the MMG Hall at Castlecrag campus to celebrate and recognise the extraordinary service and contribution of Elizabeth Ellean as Glenaeon's Handwork and Textiles Teacher, who is retiring as previously announced .

Classes 1, 2 and 3 with their Class Teachers sang beautifully and gave cards to Elizabeth. Colleagues and parents spoke warmly and presented cards, flowers and gifts thanking and honouring Elizabeth for her lifetime of dedicated teaching to generations of Glenaeon students, and her selfless contributions to our whole community.

Sou Ewins, Class Parents Mentor, gave Elizabeth a card and gifts on behalf of the Parent Craft Mentor, Coordinators and community and the Glenaeon Parents Association, made by parent crafters and donations from Class Parents across the school. Melony Browell, Castlecrag Campus Administrator, presented Elizabeth with a beautiful blanket woven with love by students from fabric pieces donated by families.

Elizabeth shared heartfelt words of wisdom and reflection with all those present. Families and staff then joined Elizabeth for good conversation and laughter over afternoon tea. We wish Elizabeth the very best in her much-deserved next chapter, and look forward to her connection in new ways with the Glenaeon community. Thank you!

The Glenaeon Parents Association is pleased to share dates for the GPA Cuppa & Connect social which is continuing in Term 2.

All Glenaeon parents and carers, as well as Glenaeon staff, are warmly invited to join us:

Week 4 – Wednesday, 13th May, 8:30-9:30am (drop in anytime) – Gentle Café, Middle Cove campus

Week 5 – Wednesday, 20th May, 8:30-9:30am (drop in anytime) – MMG Hall kitchen, Castlecrag campus

Week 9 – Wednesday, 17th June, 8:30-9:30am (drop in anytime) – MMG Hall kitchen, Castlecrag campus

Week 10 – Wednesday, 24th June, 8:30-9:30am (drop in anytime) – Gentle Café, Middle Cove campus

At Preschool – details to be confirmed

For more info about the GPA Cuppa & Connect initiative, please visit the new GLO page

The GPA Steering Committee

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 .

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