Congratulations Glenaeon Class of 2025!

It is with deep pride and gratitude that we acknowledge the achievements of our graduating Class of 2025.
The journey of these Year 12 students reflects the essence of a Glenaeon education, one that nurtures the
whole human being. Throughout their years of learning, this cohort has engaged thoughtfully with questions
of meaning and purpose, while meeting the challenges of the HSC with commitment, perseverance, and
integrity.

The breadth of subjects undertaken speaks to the diverse interests, capacities, and gifts within the Class of
2025. Their achievements across academic, creative, and practical disciplines are a testament to a holistic
education that seeks not only knowledge, but wisdom; not only achievement, but courage; not only success,
but heart. As a non-selective Steiner school, we are proud to support every student to complete their
schooling with an HSC credential, grounded in self and ready to act in the world.

These accomplishments have been made possible through a strong and caring community. I extend my
sincere thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff for their guidance and commitment, and to our parents
and carers for the trust and encouragement they have offered along the way. Together, we have supported
these young people to grow into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate graduates.

To the Class of 2025, we offer our heartfelt congratulations. May you step forward with freedom of spirit,
confidence in your abilities, and a deep care for the world you will help to shape.

Diana Drummond
Head of School

Glenaeon Class of 2025 HSC Results

98.40 Top ATAR Jessica Coren

Top Achievers In Course Jessica Coren - 2nd in State in Ancient History

80.63 Median ATAR

Top 25% of schools in NSW* (as published in The Sydney Morning Herald 18/12/2025)

41% of students on the Merit List

50% of students studied extension courses

85% of students achieved in the top two bands (B6/B5 or E4/E3) in one or more courses

Distinguished Achievers - students achieved highest band possible for one or more HSC courses:

Sappho Appel - Mathematics Standard 2

Jessica Coren - Ancient History, English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced (2024^), Physics, Visual Arts

Iluka Ehemann - Visual Arts

Alexander Filipoppoulos - Mathematics Standard 2

Charlotte Mann - Ancient History

Joey O’Sullivan - Visual Arts

Simara Razzaghipour – Biology, English Advanced, English Extension 1, Mathematics Advanced

Liam Ryan - Mathematics Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 1 (2024^), Mathematics Advanced (2024^)

Samuel Street - English Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 (2024^), Mathematics Advanced (2024^)

Beau Thompson - Ancient History, French Continuers

HSC Showcases

SHAPE Jasmine Brien nominated

YOUNG WRITERS Rafaela Isaacs nominated

ENCORE Luka Stevanovic nominated

Smart Expressions

Cezar Bennett

Iluka Ehemann

Ella Lester

Joey O’Sullivan

* Based on students who are eligible for ATAR and have consented to disclose their ATARs to the school

# As published in The Sydney Morning Herald 18/12/2025

^ Completed the course in 2024 as an accelerated student

Gardening teacher extraordinaire Sandra Frain is finishing this term after teaching for eight years at Glenaeon. This week was filled with gatherings in all her classes to say goodbye and thank her for her invaluable, inspiring, and incredible contributions to our children, campuses, and gardens. Sandra has gradually reduced her teaching this year, first in Playgroup, then Gardening K–2 at Castlecrag. She is now finishing her Primary 3–6 Gardening classes and Year 10 Biodynamic Minor-Elective. Students, parents, and colleagues have relished her creativity, passion, dedication, and joyful presence in the garden, Playgroup, Parent Education, sourdough bread baking, the friendly chicken flock, and compost making!

Class 5 had a tea party and gifted her a hand-made felted tea cosy with embroidered leaves, flowers, and bugs from the children and families, along with a teapot. Class 4 read her a beautiful poem (read below), and Year 10 brought a banquet of homemade treats to share in honour of Sandra and her social alchemy in their biodynamic agricultural studies.

For Class 3, it was business as usual, cleaning out the duck and chicken coop, watering plants (and each other on a hot day!), before gathering to share memories and a ceremonious slice of cake at Sandra's last official garden class at Middle Cove. Last weekend Sandra also hosted a 'Volunteers Thank you Picnic' and shared with some wonderful cakes made by talented parent, Carolina.

Sandra will continue working within the Steiner community as a Tutor at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College and as a consultant for schools and community groups in her many areas of expertise, as well as doing some casual teaching at Glenaeon. You can join the biodynamic conversation and keep up to date with her workshops through her Biodynamic Gardening Group on Facebook. Thank you, Sandra, from the bottom of our (compost and worm-filled) hearts!

A Farewell for Sandra

In a garden where wonders bloomed each day,
You guided our hearts along the way.
With kindness and wisdom, you helped us grow,
Nurturing passions we didn’t yet know.

Your laughter, like sunlight, brightened our fears,
You listened with patience, wiping our tears.
Each lesson a treasure, each smile a seed,
You taught us of courage, of kindness, and need.

As you gather your leaves and prepare to depart,
Know you’ll forever reside in our heart.
Though distance may stretch like the branches of trees,
The love you have given will echo in breeze.

So, thank you, dear Sandra, for all that you've done,
For teaching us how to shine, like the sun.
As you journey ahead, with new paths to explore,
We'll carry your lessons and cherish them more.

- From Jamie Loftus and Class 4

Year 7 ended their year with a day full of salt air, teamwork and true seafaring spirit as they set off on a Tall Ships excursion from Darling Harbour. Once aboard, students learned the rhythms of ship life, hoisting the sails, handling ropes, taking on different roles, and working together to move as one crew. The sails were raised as they glided past Lady Macquarie’s Chair, before making their way across the harbour to anchor near Taronga Zoo. Students enjoyed a refreshing swim, laughter echoing across the water on a warm Sydney afternoon. Throughout the day, the experience beautifully echoed their Main Lessons in Mechanics and the Voyages of Discovery. This excursion offered a living, breathing sense of how forces, pulleys, exploration and human ingenuity all come together at sea. Huge thanks to Emma, Elena, Rhoda, and Blaise (our ever-watchful lifeguard) for guiding and supporting the students, it was a joyful and memorable way for Year 7 to close a huge year.

Last Friday, Year 10 participated in service to the homeless through participation with Kids Giving Back charity! As part of a service program delivered at school by Donna and Lillian, students in Year 10 have been hearing from other students as well as external individuals to enlighten them about the importance of service. Year 11, Michaela C. talked about her involvement with climate charities. Year 9, Matai J. presented on his work and involvement with his family's village in Papua New Guinea and empowering the women there to create and sell bags using recycled fishing nets. Sophie D. spoke about her story and involvement with MS Plus. Through discussion, debate and reflection, students are beginning to gain an appreciation for this very important work. All of this is leading towards a program the students will be developing to mentor incoming Year 7, 2026. They will work with these younger students over five sessions, two in Term 1 and then once each term following.

Our wonderful Kindergarten teacher Sarah David retired after 13 years at Glenaeon. Sarah has taught hundreds of Glenaeon children and their families and cared so lovingly for the gardens, chickens and Parent Library. The whole campus gathered in a huge circle together in the Kindergarten garden with parents, Diana Drummond and Dani Finch. Long time friend and colleague Catherine Pilko spoke of Sarah's beautiful nature, her nurturing care, diligence and skill as an educator, as the kookaburra called from the branches of 'Grandfather Gum'. Parents gifted her a beautiful memory box and a stunning, heartfelt hand-made felted artwork made by Charlotte Fayle of her sitting on the Kindergarten bench watching children play under the same gum tree. Colleagues and the school gifted her a beautiful bag made by talented parent Lisa during Parent Craft and some treasures from our Grassroots Eco Store. The children sang songs from the heart and finished with the 'end-of-day' Kindergarten verse, followed by a picnic for all in the afternoon. It was a truly special celebration. Thank you, Sarah.

The Great Big Handshake tradition returned to Middle Cove in 2025 with all the joy, chaos and heart we adore. This year, every student from Class 3 to Year 12, along with teachers and staff, formed a winding line stretching from the Hall right up to the Alice Crowther Admin building. One by one, they greeted each other with a handshake, smile, or an enthusiastic fist bump. Among the handshakes were spontaneous rounds of rock–paper–scissors, lots of giggles, and those sweet moments where older students looked out for younger ones. The sense of camaraderie across year groups was unmistakable. It was inclusive, warm, and full of that end-of-year sparkle. What a beautiful way to wrap up the school year and head into the festive summer holidays.

Last week, our school community gathered at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney for Glenaeon's Annual Carol Service. Thank you to everyone who made it an evening to remember! A festive and reflective time had by all. Enjoy some moments captured below by Melony Browell.

We are thrilled to announce the publication of the 18th edition of our annual magazine, Aeon. Click here to read.

A copy of the magazine made its way home to families yesterday, and we hope you’ve felt the joy of gently browsing through its pages as it reflects the many moments that shaped our year together. Thank you to all our contributors for your reflections and creativity and to our cover student, Cezar marking the very first Art cover.

Class 6 marked the end of their primary school journey with a joyful celebration that captured both their spirit and their togetherness. The afternoon began at Willoughby Park, where bubble soccer brought plenty of laughter and playfulness we love to see at this age. As the sun softened, everyone gathered on the Middle Cove Deck for a shared dinner, a simple, beautiful meal made richer by the warmth of community. Students, families and teachers spent the evening in conversation, connection and quiet moments of reflection on the year that has been. It was a heartfelt way to honour Class 6 as they prepare to step into the next chapter, wrapped in friendship, gratitude and the support of their Glenaeon community.

Kindergarten practised their beautiful Advent Festival in their morning circles and in the school hall and then on the last day of school they finished the year with a beautiful summer Advent celebration in a little reserve near the school with parents. Hanging stars in the trees and amongst nature, they shared their play before enjoying a wonderful picnic together with their families.What a wondrous celebration! The children shone with heartfelt love and joy which they shared with all.

The Shepherd’s Play is one of the Oberfuer plays which has been performed almost every year at Glenaeon since the 1950s. Teachers gifted the play to our students during school time, and on Tuesday evening it was our community’s turn.
This year, our teachers created a spectacular adaptation that wonderfully celebrated the theatrical, musical and Eurythmy talents of our colleagues. Our thanks to all who performed with such dedication and reverence.

Our deepest gratitude to all the staff who worked together to make the Shepherd’s Play such a joyous community event. In addition to all the onstage performers and vocalists there were a lot of staff working behind the scenes to make it run so smoothly. Thanks to this year’s director Elena Rowan with support from Katherine Arconati and to Michelle Cabena for her help in setting up the hall.

Even in the whirl of this busy season, our staff poured heart and imagination into creating a truly beautiful celebration for our community. The play shone with creativity, storytelling and the spirit of giving, a gentle reminder of why this cherished Glenaeon tradition continues to thrive year after year. We are deeply grateful to everyone from the wider Glenaeon and Steiner community who joined us and shared in the magic.

Congratulations Year 12 for taking out the Gleno Cup! Thank you to our students who showed beautiful teamwork and for cheering on their classmates. Some photos below of the great event held today on the Middle Cove ovals! 

Monday saw Year 9 students embark on their final challenge for The Cove program in 2025. In groups, they navigated a five hour Amazing Race style adventure which took them across a massive chunk of the city, chasing clues and finding landmarks. They battled public transport, ran, walked and skipped through the day telling jokes, striking up meaningful conversations with passers by, interviewing public and running bootcamps, making emergency services staff laugh amongst a host of other challenges. All the while discovering in the process, more about themselves and their teammates. Well done, Year 9!

Today we gathered as a full Middle Cove community for our final assembly of the year, with Class 3 to Year 12 filling the Hall with joyful anticipation for the holidays ahead. The Events captains opened our time together with a beautiful Acknowledgement of Country. Then a musical performance - For the Beauty of the Earth, led by Ian Munns, set a calm and festive tone.

Our Head of School, Diana Drummond addressed the students and Year 11's Ciara H. made some announcements from the Student Representative Council. She signed off with a profound speech thanking the teachers who support them in their daily school life. A sincere and enthusiastic round of applause began from the students for their teachers and this simple moment carried all the appreciation of a full and meaningful year. The assembly continued with Coach and Kim awarding the mighty Gleno Cup trophy to this year's winning team. Congratulations Year 12, taking out the Cup for the very first time!

We then shared some important staff acknowledgments with students presenting their heartfelt farewell to much-loved departing teachers. Archie extended gratitude to Eurythmy Teacher, Emily Collett, Ria And Saoirse to Science Teacher and Year 11 Guardian, Dr Hernan Carol Garis and Sofia and Juliette to Head of History, Terry Hawes who are all embarking on new and exciting chapters.

We closed with a sincere and enthusiastic round of applause from students to their teachers, a simple moment that carried all the appreciation of a full and meaningful year. And with that, we gently draw the curtain on another school year.

Class 4 performed their play on the Year 9 balcony last Friday to an adoring crowd. Class Teacher Jamie Loftus wrote the play which explored themes of storytelling and narrative. This was a beautiful extension of their History of Writing Main Lesson. Well done Class 4!

As the school year draws to a close and we reflect on the year and the people who made it special. In December, our school community has been quietly blooming with kindness thanks to the beautiful Compliment-Trees now standing at all three campuses.

Staff have been invited to write a heartfelt note of appreciation on a hand-painted paper bauble and hang it on the tree. A small gesture that’s already filling each space with colour and warmth. From little acknowledgements of everyday moments to big celebrations of the people who keep our school humming, the branches have grown full with gratitude.

These trees are a gentle reminder of how powerful it is to pause, notice one another, and speak kindness out loud. In the rush of end-of-year rhythms, it’s been incredibly grounding to watch our staff uplift each other, one bauble at a time. Here’s to a forest of compliments and to the caring hearts behind every single one.

A heartfelt thank you to Anthony Fiore, whose artistry, craftsmanship and vision shaped the Middle Cove tree. He hand-forged, painted, and brought it to life with such skill and imagination. And to Donna Miller and Alisan Smotlak, who created the delicate watercoloured bauble Gratitude tags, each one is a tiny work of art. Thank you Melony Browell for creating the tree at Castlecrag and Reny Chandy and Peggy Day for bringing this initiative to life at the Preschool for parents to get involved too.

In November, some of our wonderful Glenaeon teachers sported some truly magnificent moustaches, all in the name of supporting men’s mental health. With good humour, a touch of friendly competition, and more than a few “Is that actually staying?” comments from students, the team raised over $1,700 for a cause that sits close to many hearts. Beyond the laughs, this was a gentle reminder of the importance of connection, wellbeing and looking out for one another. These values sit beautifully within our school community. A huge thank you to our mo-growing champions and to everyone who donated. Your support helped spark conversations that matter and made a meaningful contribution to the Movember initiatives.

All visitors to the Middle Cove Biodynamic Garden will see 'the corn growing as high as an elephants eye as it reaches as high as the sky’, and green grapes dripping off the hammock pergola!
Thank you to all Glenaeon garden students for making soil, watering the garden beds, planting seedlings, pruning bushes and trees, weeding to bring air to our vegetables and flowers, fertilising soil with our home-made nourishments from our animals that include worms, chickens and ducks.
We are grateful to the native animals like the kookaburras who gather close by while we dig in the soil. They swoop down for grubs and worms, and laugh at our conversations. The fish, frogs and dragonflies also join us down by the pond where the students relax in their midst.

We are thrilled to celebrate our Gold Duke of Edinburgh International Award recipients, Samuel Street and Katiya Petkovic, who were honoured at Government House on a perfect spring day.

Sam and Katiya began their Duke of Edinburgh journey in Year 9 with the Bronze Award, progressed to Silver in Year 10, and commenced their Gold Award in Year 11. Throughout this internationally recognised youth program, they have embraced opportunities designed to help participants discover their strengths, broaden their skills, and grow into capable, confident young adults.

Through their sustained commitment to service, physical recreation, and skill development, both students have strengthened their resilience, time-management, responsibility, and organisational capacities. Their adventurous journeys challenged them to lead their peers, work collaboratively, and recognise the importance of teamwork and community.

At the Gold level, participants must also undertake a five-day residential project, living away from home and immersing themselves in a new environment. Katiya followed her passion for horses by assisting at Glenworth Valley, deepening her knowledge and hands-on experience. Sam engaged in ecological and environmental work with other Duke of Edinburgh participants, contributing to conservation efforts and learning more about the actions we can take to reduce waste, pollution, and environmental impact.

We congratulate Sam and Katiya on this outstanding achievement and commend them for the dedication, initiative, and spirit of service that their Gold Awards represent.

Class 3 has been busy channeling their inner makers this term. The students have been learning to crochet, beginning with carving their very own crochet hooks from sticks. This hands-on project had everyone feeling very proud of their work and creations.

With their new tools, they’ve been working together to weave a beautiful round rug for their classroom. It’s been a wonderful mix of patience, creativity and teamwork, and the students have loved seeing their project grow stitch by stitch.

Making a doll is a challenging project, both from a technical viewpoint and a personal one. Creating the image of the human being in doll form brings the maker into a new perspective on self. Our students engage with the challenge of doll making in their handwork lessons during Class 6. As the students become increasingly aware of facing the transition into high school, they are putting the finishing touches on their handwork dolls. Even though every student began with the same materials and followed the same sequence of steps to make the doll, each doll turns out as an individual, as unique as its maker. The variety and ingenuity which students bring to their dolls never ceases to amaze. Photos below are of the dolls in progress, ready for students to add their finishing touches!

Our Year 8 students participated in three brilliantly spirited performances of Shakespearean plays, two of which took place outdoors which was a brave choice that paid off beautifully. The Comedy of Errors brought the amphitheatre to life, with its tale of two sets of long-lost twins whose mixed-up identities created a joyful whirlwind of confusion. Over on the round oval, King Henry V marched into battle, telling the story of the young English king who leads his people to an against-the-odds victory at Agincourt.

During the parent performance, a sudden burst of rain swept across King Henry, but true to theatre tradition, the cast carried on without missing a beat. The weather soon settled, and the rest of the plays continued under clearer skies.

In the Sylvia Brose Hall, the students also presented a simplified version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where a group of amateur actors rehearse a play in an enchanted forest, only to have mischievous fairies stir up magical chaos before restoring harmony. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, courage and teamwork shown by every student involved. Their hard work shone through in each performance, rain and all.

Class 1 mathematics is a journey that begins with the wonder of the numbers, whose qualities and quantities are explored in myriad ways. Over the year, the children move from counting and working intuitively with number relationships to the introduction of the four processes. Aligning with the young child’s inner need for imagery and story, these four processes are presented through an imaginative world where they engage in various antics that teach the children what adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing are. This year, Katherine Arconati took that story and wove it into her class play, The Land of Quantity, complete with original music, verses and comedic elements. The children’s learning became visible and their enthusiasm for mathematics was palpable in the delivery of a delightful performance.

We are delighted to share that Year 12 student, Luka S. has had his HSC Music composition nominated for ENCORE, the annual showcase of exceptional HSC Music works from across NSW.

ENCORE highlights outstanding student achievement in performance, composition and musicology, and will be held at the Sydney Opera House on 2 March 2026.

A nomination is a significant recognition of a student’s creativity, dedication and artistic growth, and we warmly congratulate Luka on this achievement. Final selections for the showcase will be announced later in November.

Well done, Luka! 

Class 5 recently got to participate in the Willoughby City Council annual Wildlife Story Book which involves hundreds of year 5 students across all school within Willoughby Council learning, writing and drawing about our local wildlife. On Thursday 13 November, Willoughby City Council hosted the book launch that features work from Frida C., Florence H., Steven L., Liam O., Charlie V.l, Byron H. and Aeden G. where they were each presented with a copy of the book and a certificate from Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor and councilors. The book is now available at all Willoughby City Council library's and can be viewed online here. There are a couple photos of the very proud authors and Illustrators and their teacher Prue at the Book Launch. Well done all!

Our Year 10 students have been enjoying the fantastic Spring weather, learning the ropes around sailing at Balmoral Sailing Club as a part of their Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) classes.

Sailing small Hobie Cats, sea kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, the students have been exploring the area around Middle Harbour and enjoying the beautiful waters of the Harbour.

On Tuesday, Castlecrag turned into a small farm with many types of lambs, sheep, and a wonderful alpaca named Trevor.

Visiting as part of the children's Handcraft lesson, Classes 1 and 2 learned all about wool! They heard about the fibers and structure of wool, lanolin, and the cycle of growing and harvesting wool for yarn. The children also learnt about life on a farm as they fed and brushed the animals, and enjoyed feeling Trevor the alpaca's deep fur. Thank you to Rose for writing such a wonderful account of the day (see photos below).

In class, the children are sanding their own knitting needles and washing the raw fleece. This fleece is carded and can then be spun on a hand spindle into wool.

It was a beautiful day for all the children!

We are delighted to share that our HSC English Extension 2 student, Rafi, has been nominated for possible inclusion in Young Writers.

This respected showcase celebrates exemplary major works from English Extension 2 students across NSW, recognising creativity, depth of thought, and dedication to the craft of writing. To be nominated is a significant honour and a testament to Rafi’s commitment and achievement.

Warm congratulations, Rafi, we are deeply proud of your effort, your perseverance, and the artistry you bring to your work.

Class 4 marks the beginning of overnight outdoor education programs at Glenaeon.

Complementing the Local Geography Main Lesson, the children completed walks in the local area and slept overnight on the school oval!

Thank you to Scottie, KG, and Jamie for a wonderful adventure.

Please enjoy these highlights from the children’s reports:

On the bush walk we saw two turtles, the first one was on the first day. It was a browny colour. The water was also a bit brown. There were cliffs in the background and when we were looking at the turtle, a cormorant dived in and came out with a blacky-brown catfish that was squirming around. The next time we saw the turtle we were at a jetty and a nice green sea turtle swam past about four metres from shore. By Sai

I loved sleeping in the tent. It was fun to be so small inside a tent with Avah. I also loved the dinner. We had potato salad and beef patties and I also loved the mango strips we had on the second day. But what I really, really liked (with two million more reallys) was being in my PJ’s with my friends. By Almira

 I loved camp and these are the reasons why:

• I really liked all the walking and hiking
• I absolutely loved the food
• The flora and fauna were amazing
• The tents were very small

By Archie

Last Tuesday, Class 5 students, teachers and parents from Glenaeon, Kamaroi and the Blue Mountains Steiner Schools gathered at Glenaeon’s ‘Olympic grove’ to stage our very own Ancient Greek Olympics. 

Organised into the four city states of Athens, Sparta, Thebes and Corinth, the students competed with a friendly spirit in the marathon (400m), 100m sprint, long jump, discus, javelin and wrestling, and in spectacular chariot races. 

The Opening Ceremony featured dance, music and poetry before the god Zeus came down from the waterfall to declare the Games open. This was followed by a day of great achievement in the running, jumping and throwing events, of fine food prepared by our generous parent community, and, a day of friendship and fun. 

Medals were won and ribbons awarded for sportsmanship, grace, beauty and determination. A big thank you to Glenaeon’s Year 9 PE Extension students, who did a superb job running and judging the events throughout the day. 

Our Ancient Greek Olympics is a true Steiner community event in which parents, teachers and the students in our care create something wonderful and unique that will linger in our memories for a long time. 

Thank you to all who contributed to this fine day! 

In early November, our Rudolf Riders – Donna, Lee, Jamie, Fred, Genevieve, Keiko, Matt and KG – took to the road for the epic MS Gong ride, raising funds in support of people whose lives are affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The team cycled an impressive 80km to Wollongong, completing the journey in just five and a bit hours before enjoying a well-earned lunch by the coast.

Their dedication and team spirit reflect Glenaeon’s strong commitment to serving others as they put their pedal power to good use in aid of MS Plus, a charity dedicated to raising public awareness of MS and improving the lives of people affected by the condition.

You can help make a difference too — please consider supporting our Rudolf Riders by making a donation today. 

Last night, our Class of 2025 gathered with their families at Curzon Hall in North Ryde for a beautiful celebration marking the close of 13 years of schooling, the completion of their HSC examinations, and the beginning of a new chapter beyond school life. This occasion was also an opportunity to honour the partnership and support of parents and carers throughout this journey.

The day began with a Graduation Assembly that was both deeply moving and joyfully light-hearted. Each of our thirty-four graduates was acknowledged for the unique individuality that has shaped their path and prepared them for this next step in life. Yet, what stood out most was the strength of their collective spirit—a quality that has enriched our community and will remain their enduring legacy at Glenaeon.

As we farewell the Class of 2025 and send them forth into the world, we do so knowing they carry and embody the attributes found so often in our graduates: freedom of spirit, the capacity for purposeful action, a sense of inner grounding, and a deep care for the world around them. In the words of Rudolf Steiner: “Our highest endeavour must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives.” Farewell, Year 12 - you will always be part of the Glenaeon story and you will forever be welcomed back to connect, to find meaning and simply to belong.

We can’t wait to see you all at the Fair tomorrow – what a day it will be!

Diana Drummond
Head of School

 Photo credit: Images 1 & 2 by nbq.photography

Year 9 attended the Shoalhaven Outdoor Art Program over the last couple of weeks and came away gleaming and inspired by both the environment of the river and with their creative output at the Bundanon Education Centre!

The journey was relaxing and enjoyable as they worked in tandem to guide their crafts over rapids and still waters with little current. The energy of the river evoked different emotions and feelings at various times throughout the trip. Sleeping under tarps or the starry skies was a treat and reward for the work undertaken during the day. Some of the meals created on the simple trangia were inspiring and certainly delicious, with papadums, curries, steak, and other dishes.

Being immersed in the landscape of the Shoalhaven River allowed students to respond to their material practice based on an intimate relationship with their surroundings. It was wonderful to see the diverse expressions of the river and land the students portrayed.

Bundanon Education Centre was gifted to the Australian people by Arthur Boyd and the school has been visiting and participating in workshops as part of our Year 9 program for almost 15 years. That every student, not just art students, has this experience is unique to Glenaeon. The staff and artists at the centre consistently comment on the confidence, skill, technical level and overall participation of our students as outstanding!

Last week, Class 2 performed their beautiful play, Brigid of Iona, inspired by the life and stories of Saint Brigid, whose kindness and courage continue to inspire hearts today.

The children worked with great enthusiasm to learn their lines, songs, and movements, and it was wonderful to see each child shine in their designated roles. From the rhythm of daily Main Lesson rehearsals to the sparkle of performance day, the play was a true celebration of teamwork, effort, creativity, and growing confidence.

The story of Brigid of Iona reminded us all of the power of resilience, generosity and community - values that the children brought to life so joyfully on stage. Thank you to our families for their support and encouragement, and to the children for the warmth, joy and care they brought to every performance.

After the excitement of Glenaeon’s Languages Week cake competition, our Year 7 and 8 Spanish, German, and Japanese students wrapped up the week with a colourful crafternoon tea last Friday.

Students were transported to Spain, Germany, and Japan through music, traditional snacks and creative craft activities during their final language lessons of the week.

In Spanish, students listened to la música mexicana while creating vibrant Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) decorations. Celebrated every 1-2 November, this Mexican tradition honours loved ones who have passed away — a joyful reunion filled with remembrance, storytelling, and colour.

In German, students crafted traditional paper Christmas ornaments and enjoyed delicious Weinachtskekse (German cookies).

And in Japanese, our students enjoyed tasting traditional foods such as Inari (tofu pocket sushi) and Sweet Mochi, while using Japanese expressions related to food and dining etiquette. Afterwards, they created transforming origami, a particularly challenging style that changes form as it’s folded. Despite the difficulty, students rose to the challenge and produced some truly beautiful pieces!

As part of Class 4's Local Geography Main Lesson, the students recently visited Berry Island Reserve in Wollstonecraft and the Coal Loader in Waverton.

They participated in a guided bushwalk of the Reserve and explored the Coal Loader museum, learning about Indigenous culture, craft and bush tucker along the way.

Thank you to Jamie, Michelle, and Darren for such a brilliant excursion, and to Matilda for her beautiful reflection on the day below.

Yesterday we went to Berry Island with the whole of Class 4 and Jamie and Michelle. When we got there we met a man called Darren who was our tour guide and told us all about the Indigenous carvings. While we were walking we stopped every couple of metres so he could explain what we could eat in the bush. He told us that you could squish ferns together and put them on your insect bites. Darren also said that you could eat termites! Weird but true and most of us tried some! He told us you had to crunch on them so they didn’t run around in your stomach or mouth. 

Then we walked to the Coal Loader and went into the museum. It was small but had some amazing things in it. Darren showed us a hunting spear that his grandfather had made. Then we kept walking into the bush and came to a clearing where we sat down on some logs. Darren opened his bag and pulled out possum skins with signs carved into the skin, boomerangs, fire sticks, and a dingo skin that he handed around. Then we walked back and learned how to weave strong rope out of grasses and make water-proof bark boats. By Matilda

Last Wednesday, a group of eager Class 3–6 students gathered in the Junior Library at Middle Cove for the very first session of Glenaeon’s new co-curricular Chess Club.

Our budding grandmasters enjoyed an afternoon of strategy, friendly competition and fun as they began learning the fundamentals of this timeless game with their tutor, Max. Over the coming weeks, they will continue to explore new techniques, test their strategies, and connect with their fellow chess enthusiasts.

Chess Club takes place each Wednesday from 3:35–4:30pm throughout Term 4. It is run by the Sydney Academy of Chess – a team of experienced chess educators dedicated to teaching students the game while helping them strengthen critical thinking, focus, and problem-solving skills.

Places are still available for Term 4 — bookings can be made through Compass for any interested Class 3–6 students by 17 November – and the club will continue in 2026 (subject to interest).

For assistance with bookings, please contact Middle Cove Reception at reception@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au. For general enquiries about the Chess program, please email Adrian Carter at sport@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

This November, a group of Glenaeon’s teachers have teamed up to take part in Movember, the global movement raising funds and awareness for men’s health and mental wellbeing.

Starting the month with a clean shave, Nic, Ross, Hernan, Brendan, Adrian, Dave, Fred and Evan are now at the half-way point and proving that a little face furniture can go a long way towards making a difference.

They’re inviting our Glenaeon community to get behind them by supporting this important cause, with every dollar raised helping to fund life-changing projects for men’s health — from cancer research to mental wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Let's cheer the team on as they grow their 'mos' for Movember! Please consider donating today .

Thursday and Friday lunchtimes have been buzzing with energy this term, as more than 60 students took to the courts for the Lunchtime Legends Fast Five Netball Competition.

Across 28 thrilling matches played in the closing weeks of Term 3 and the opening of Term 4, students showcased impressive teamwork, sharp skills, and plenty of school spirit — making for a fast-paced and highly competitive series.

Two Year 8 teams, Cookage and The Vipers, stormed through the rounds, taking on teams from all year levels with outstanding success. The competition culminated in an exciting Grand Final yesterday, where Cookage emerged victorious, defeating The Vipers 8–2 in a closely-fought contest.

A huge well done to all of our players for their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and skill throughout the tournament - your effort has been legendary!

Spring has certainly arrived in the Kindergarten. The Jaboticaba (Brazilian grapetree) jewels beckon from within, the white mulberries dangle and delight, and the snow pea tower that treated our Kindy families at our Spring Festival has now made way for tomato plants and potatoes.

Even the beautiful green snake has come out of hiding and visited our playground. Although he is quite harmless, we admired him from a distance!

The children are also bursting and blooming at this time of year. Play is stretching ever upwards with creative construction, silkworms are sorted into babies, teenagers, parents, and our Kindy chooks are loved up with cuddles and cosy nests made by the children. Perhaps they are hoping that, much like in our recent story, mother hen will soon welcome some baby chickens.

As Term 4 draws to a close, amidst the flurry of deadlines and activity, we are gifted a moment to pause and reflect. The end of the school year invites us to look back on the journey of growth: of our children, our young people, and our community, over these past twelve months.

In these final weeks, our school has been alive with Class Plays, musical performances, Welcome Meetings for 2026, and many other celebrations that speak to the richness of Steiner education. Each event is a reminder of the deep, holistic learning experience that unfolds here, not only for the students but for all of us as teachers, staff, and families. Whether we are sharing stories of completed work, witnessing the creativity and confidence of a performance, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of this community, we are reminded how fortunate we are to walk this path together.

As one Year 8 parent put it this week:

"I’m still enjoying the warmth, fun and celebration of all the performances last night at Year 8’s Shakespeare Festival.  I am so heartened and moved by how events such as these give all the children the opportunity to bring their creativity, fun, quirkiness and gifts to each other, to their teachers and to their families.  It is certainly a highlight of the year and added up to what I’ve witnessed throughout the course of these children’s lives at Glenaeon. It is always a huge celebration of development, unfolding and one can marvel at who these you people are becoming as a result of their educational experience at Glenaeon."

Creating a Vibrant School Culture

Thank you to those who were able to join last week’s Parent Education evening, Supporting Students to Flourish: Strengthening Student Culture Together. At the session, we shared how Glenaeon staff and students are working together to enrich the school experience for every child. We outlined our progress and next steps in shaping expectations and approaches to student behaviour, ensuring they reflect our values and foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. This important work includes plans for the development of school-wide principles of practice, with clear approaches tailored for both Primary and High School.  Even at this busy time of year, the conversations we shared and the feedback we received were thoughtful and constructive. For families who were not able to attend, we would like to offer a brief summary of the work underway and the direction we are taking together. Click here to read more. The slides from the session are available here.

Diana Drummond
Head of School

Kindergarten Teacher Catherine Pilko is the latest Glenaeon voice on the Steiner Education Australia podcast series, Steiner Voices XYZ.

"Catherine takes us through a typical day, showing the calm, ordered and productive routines that provide a nourishing start to the child’s life at school.  It’s a rich world of learning from everyday life where English, Maths, and even Science outcomes are embedded in practical activities that build independence and personal competence. Self directed play has a central place and Catherine shares touching and amusing stories of the powerful creativity that children can demonstrate when they are allowed a safe and natural play environment. It’s all a profoundly social and character-building foundation to a child’s school journey."

https://steinereducation.edu.au/steiner-voices-xyz/

Next Tuesday (4 November) marks 110 years since Glenaeon’s founding teacher, Miss Sylvia Brose, was born.

A visionary educator and forerunner of Steiner education in Australia, Miss Brose dedicated her life to cultivating learning that balanced intellectual, artistic, and practical development. Her work was instrumental in establishing Australia’s first Steiner School, Dalcross (now Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School) and in shaping the growth of Steiner education across the country. 

Miss Brose was more than a teacher; she was a leader, mentor, and visionary whose influence extended far beyond the classroom, lecturing to groups interested in the Steiner theories of education and actively involved in teacher training. In 1984, she received an Order of Australia Medal for her unique contributions to education in Australia. Through her teaching, leadership, and advocacy, Miss Brose inspired generations of students and teachers to see education as a path of human development and social renewal. Those who knew Miss Brose remember her not only as an exceptional educator but as a person of great warmth, vision, and integrity. Her emphasis on creativity and compassion continues to resonate deeply through Glenaeon’s curriculum and school culture today.

Glenaeon is fortunate to hold a small but significant collection of Miss Brose’s original personal papers in the school’s archive collection. These include handwritten lesson notes, correspondence with early Steiner educators in Australia and abroad, early Glenaeon newsletters and reports, handwritten lecture notes, and photographs. This archival collection preserves not only the history of Glenaeon’s beginnings but also the personal voice and vision of the woman who helped bring Steiner’s philosophies to life in an Australian context.

As we commemorate the 110th anniversary of Miss Brose’s birth, we pay tribute to her forging spirit and enduring legacy. Her life reminds us that education, at its best, is an art, one that shapes both the individual and the world they help create. 

In Week 1, Class 6 performed the play Alice in Wonderland for Glenaeon's primary classes on Friday and for parents on Sunday.

We commenced the play in Term 3, where parts were given, much practise happened in Morning Circle time, and the class helped write the songs in their music lessons. In the week leading to the performances, Main Lesson was devoted to rehearsals on the oval. Props were found, made and painted, costumes found and handed out, and programs were created.

The class came together and did a wonderful job in their performances, which were enjoyed by all who came to see them.

Class 2 have been working on two projects with Handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean.

Some children are finishing their elaborate long-stitch pencil cases by decorating the second side with a drawing of their own inspiration - a pirate ship, a lighthouse, animals and more. Others have started knitting their 'Knitted Friends' - a doll they design for themselves and knit, complete with body, arms, legs, clothing colours and hair. We can't wait to see the class of new friends by the end of Term 4!

The playground has been alive with the most wonderful cubbies, games and sandpit play this week!

Children built two brilliant cubbies from natural materials, including some new wooden stumps that had to be trolleyed across the playground.

In the sandpit, a huge sandcastle was built atop the rock, complete with a water course down to the tunnels below in the sandpit - truly something to behold as the water flows down! 

Welcome & Happy Bidding

The online auction is now live, inviting all to participate in a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.

This silent auction showcases beautiful handmade crafts, inspiring artworks, enriching services, and unique workshops crafted by our talented students, dedicated parents, and inspirational community artists. Embrace the spirit of imagination and transformation as you bid on opportunities to experience transformative workshops, engaging classes, and one-of-a-kind creative pieces that nurture the soul and soulfulness of our community. Exciting bids are also available for an exclusive photo shoot with Verve Photography and we have tickets to see the incredible Ed Sheeran in concert.

You can bid on items -  CLICK HERE or view them in person and discover a full treasure trove of auction items. Don’t miss the chance to view all the enchanting objects on display in the hall kitchen during the Fair and watch the community come alive. Your bid supports nourishing the creativity within us all!

Auction items can be viewed in person at the Glenaeon Family Fair, 121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag, on Saturday 15 November between 10am-4pm.

Bidding closes at 8pm, Sunday 16 November 2025

Last week our Class 4 students delighted their audience with a wonderful string performance in Sylvia Brose Hall.

With poise, focus, and evident enjoyment, the children played a number of pieces including class favourites Tip Toe Boo and Dog & Duck for their parents, teachers and friends in Class 3.

The concert was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the skills the students have developed under the expert guidance of their music teacher Alleyne Moss and tutors Summer, Anne, Vanessa and Cathy in their music lessons and as part of their compulsory string tuition over the past 18 months.

In Classes 5 and 6, students can select an instrument from the string, woodwind or brass family to learn. Class 4 were able to enthusiastically listen to and try out a range of woodwind and brass instruments in the hall today in preparation for the next stage of their musical journey.

As part of their literacy journey, Class 1 has been immersed in Cuentos Latinoamericanos (Latin American Stories) with Class Teacher Katherine Arconati.

They have enjoyed wonderful fairy tales and legends that hail from Latin American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela. Within these stories, the children have learned about the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, South American animals and cultural traditions. In addition to writing increasingly complex sentences arising from the stories (in English), the class is also singing and counting in Spanish as part of the daily morning circle - a truly immersive experience full of joy and wonder. 

In addition to their daily Main Lesson work, Class 1 had two special guests. Carolina Ou Smolinski taught the children about the traditional use of mate and its cultural significance. They were enthralled to see all the special cups and straws from her collection and to hear the legend of its origin. The children also enjoyed alfajores, an Argentinian dessert.

Patricia Barreto-Ramirez told a cherished story about fireflies (Los Cocuyitos Alumbrados) from her home country of Venezuela. She also sang a song and played the Cuatro, a traditional guitar. The children were so delighted they all called out “Otra Vez!”, requesting an encore performance. They also enjoyed tequenos (cheese sticks) and majarete, a little sweet treat.

Many thanks to both parents for sharing their beautiful culture with the class and helping to bring this Main Lesson to life.

Last week, a bright-eyed group of new (in 2026) and current students attended our Year 7 Orientation Day, and parents an information evening, in preparation for their exciting transition to high school next year.

Our Orientation program is designed to welcome our Year 7 2026 families to Glenaeon's senior school, and to provide the information they need for a confident start to Year 7 and beyond. 

With talks and activities taking place in Sylvia Brose Hall, the amphitheatre, science labs and art rooms, Orientation Day was an opportunity for our incoming Year 7s to explore our Middle Cove campus and high school facilities, and to meet some of their high school teachers. There was also time to get to know the other students in their year group and plant the seeds of many beautiful new friendships to come. 

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the families joining Glenaeon for the first time in 2026 and our best wishes to our current Class 6 students who are making the leap to high school next year. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as primary school comes to an end and high school beckons, but rest assured we’ve got you! 

For more information, please see our 2026 High School Handbook.

Classes 1 and 2 have begun this term with gardening teacher Kate Flood, exploring animal homes and working together to build new worm farms for the campus. Children brought in animal homes they had found to show each other, before looking on campus for other animal homes like nests, burrows and trees.

Working together, Kate helped them to explore the nature and habitat of earthworms and roundworms - with the bountiful number of worms that came in her compost! The children then created layered worm farms that they will feed and look after on campus.

The children then enjoyed making and eating Japanese rice balls together (after washing their hands) ... yum!

Sylvia Brose Hall was brimming with creativity and innovation at the end of Week 1, when our Year 8 students presented their Year 8 Projects to their fellow students, teachers, families and other guests.

The Year 8 Project is a year-long project in which students use their creative minds and ‘intelligent’ hands to dream up, design and craft an object or artwork of their choosing. It is a key part of Steiner’s artisan curriculum, which focuses on practical and creative skills such as woodwork and textiles, and encourages qualities like problem-solving, persistence, skill building and self responsibility.

From fashion design to model making, to fishing kayaks and novels, the incredible variety of work on display was testament to the creativity, skill and determination of our students, as well as to the support they’ve received throughout the year from their teachers, parents and mentors.

Congratulations to all of our Year 8 students on the beautiful works you have crafted and thank you for sharing them with the Glenaeon community. Sylvia Brose Hall really did resemble the Powerhouse Museum for a day!

The school holidays hit a high note for a group of Glenaeon’s talented musicians, as they embarked on the school’s inaugural European Music Tour in September.

Led by Ian Munns, Alleyne Moss and Raphaela Mazzone over two magnificent weeks, 22 Year 9–12 students enjoyed the musical experience of a lifetime performing their all-Australian repertoire in the concert halls and churches of Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest and Prague – the heart and home of classical music.

While music was the focus, the tour as a whole offered much more: a two-week immersion in the history, geography, art, architecture, food and culture of central Europe, and an unmatched experience of growth for our students, who demonstrated purpose and dedication at their pre-tour rehearsals, the courage to try new experiences abroad, and personal responsibility and resilience throughout.

Heartfelt thanks go to Ian, Alleyne and Raphaela for their thoughtful and careful planning of the itinerary, and to our students who made the tour a resounding success with their stunning musical performances, endless curiosity, and respectful engagement with the people they met and the places they visited along the way.

Our students were superb ambassadors for Glenaeon and we look forward to our next music tour to Europe in 2028. 

More photos and videos can be found on our Instagram, and will appear in our 2025 AEON Magazine.

The Shepherd's Play is one of the Oberufer plays, which have been performed almost every year since the late 1950s, when the school began as a Kindergarten in Pymble, called Dalcross.

At Glenaeon, we see the performance of the play as a gift from the teachers to the children, and to the school community and anyone else who would like to attend.

We extend a special invitation to join us for the Community event on Tuesday 9th December at 6:30pm.

Sylvia Brose Hall, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, 5a Glenroy Ave, Middle Cove

Please RSVP so we can reserve your seat. https://www.trybooking.com/DGLKU

Last term, our Class 3 students took a dive into the art of woodworking. It is a hands-on, deeply satisfying craft that nurtures focus, patience, and creativity. 

Guided by their teacher Cathy Bower and our wonderful parent volunteers, the children learned to safely use traditional tools, shaping raw wood into practical and beautiful objects. This work strengthens their coordination and sense of purpose, while also connecting them to the rhythms of nature and the joy of making something real with their own hands.

Each piece tells a story of persistence, care, and growing independence - key qualities developed during this formative stage of their learning journey.

The Shepherd's Play is one of the Oberufer plays, which have been performed almost every year since the late 1950s, when the school began as a Kindergarten in Pymble, called Dalcross.

At Glenaeon, we see the performance of the play as a gift from the teachers to the children, and to the school community and anyone else who would like to attend.

We extend a special invitation to join us for the Community event on Tuesday 9th December at 6:30pm.

Sylvia Brose Hall, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, 5a Glenroy Ave, Middle Cove

Please RSVP so we can reserve your seat. https://www.trybooking.com/DGLKU

It’s that time of the year again. The mulberries are ripe and the silkworms are eating lots of green mulberry leaves and growing very, very fat. At the start of Spring when the mulberry leaves were first budding, we all thought about the silkworms we had last year and wondered where we had put the eggs that the moths had laid at the start of summer. When at last we found them in a little box that had been hidden away, we saw that they were all hatching and there were hundreds of tiny little worms (caterpillars) no bigger than an ant crawling about. We have now been feeding them every day and they have grown very big and they are very hungry. Silkworms make wonderful ‘pets’ and many are looking for a new home.

If you would like to adopt some silk worms and have access to a mulberry tree, please drop by the Kindergarten on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday at 3pm with a container and some leaves. You will be able to watch them spin their wonderful silk cocoons. You may even be able to watch the moths hatch, mate and then lay eggs that you can put away and save for next year! 

BOOKING LINKS:

• Geometry and The Will In Action: https://www.trybooking.com/DGERZ 
• New date: Supporting Students to Flourish - Strengthening our student culture together: https://www.trybooking.com/DGENT
• Advent Journey: Prepare for Christmas with Children: https://www.trybooking.com/DGERD

In Week 8 of Term 3, our Year 12 Biology students had an incursion week taking part in the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) program in collaboration with The University of Sydney. This international initiative allows students to step into the shoes of real biotechnologists, using research-grade equipment and techniques modelled on those used in biomedical science.

Over the course of the program, students practised precision pipetting and gel electrophoresis, learned how plasmids can be engineered, and applied these tools to create genetically modified bacteria. By adding a recombinant plasmid containing the red fluorescent protein (rfp) gene from a sea anemone into the bacteria E. coli, they were able to produce bacteria that glowed red under the blue light.

The class was thoroughly engaged and quickly picked up complex laboratory techniques. Every group successfully completed the experiments, with visible red fluorescent colonies providing clear evidence of genetic modification. These impressive results gave students a deeper appreciation of genetics and demonstrated the power of biotechnology to solve real-world problems.

Students found the experience both fascinating and motivating. The program provided a memorable opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world applications and has inspired some students to pursue further studies in biotechnology and related fields.

Classes 1 and 2 learned a wonderful dance for their Spring Festival. Practicing every morning at Castlecrag, they travelled to our Middle Cove Campus to join Classes 3 to 12 on the oval on Spring Festival Day. They joyfully sang and danced in partners and then watched the rest of the school perform, including Class 5's stunning Maypole dance.

Huge congrats to our Year 12 student, Jasmine B., whose Textiles and Design Major Textiles Project has been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE.  This means Jasmine’s HSC project was truly exemplary - a wonderful recognition of her creativity, skill and dedication.  Jasmine studied Textiles and Design through Sydney Distance Education High School, while completing the rest of her HSC subjects at Glenaeon. SHAPE is a showcase of the most outstanding projects from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design students across NSW. We’re so proud of you, Jasmine. Congratulations on your hard work and this incredible achievement!

Kindergarten celebrated their Spring Festival on the last day of Term 3 - it was a warm and sunny day and the children came to the playground singing, with ribbons on their wrists and spring garlands in their hair.

Our Kindergarten parents made a large circle and the children sang their spring songs and danced around a beautiful centrepiece of flowers and hay. Our parents then joined in the final dance, and afterwards, enjoyed a delicious shared picnic together.

Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who helped to create this wonderful festival. Happy Spring to all!

Our Primary Faculty Coordinator and Junior School Librarian, Lucy Armstrong spent much of her term break working to support the 53,000 Australian homeless women, contributing to Mission Australia's latest campaign designed to address this societal issue.

Lucy and a team of volunteers recorded a track at ABC Studios in September. Utilising the insights of Dr Gillian Eastgate, the song was originally conceived as a media publicity campaign to raise awareness about increasing need during the cost of living and housing affordability crisis. The project was directed by Stan Ghys, who also assembled the choir from singers across Australia, with a group of budding composers from a Festival Of Voices songwriting workshop, Paul Jarman refining the composition and conducting the choir, Suze Pratten and Lucy Armstrong assisting with rehearsals, Paul Jarman and Stewart Peters (Soundshed Music) being the musicians and producing the final mix.

Our teachers are an incredibly community-minded bunch, and we feel very proud of all of them. 

Thank you Lucy for using your talents in this way and making such a wonderful contribution to our society.

Donations can be made here: https://act.missionaustralia.com.au/make-this-right 

Week 10, Term 3 saw an epic Teacher vs Student soccer match out on the Oval. After several rain delays, the long-awaited showdown between the teachers and the Year 11 students finally kicked off.

In a thrilling game, the teachers found themselves 3–0 down in the first half before clawing their way back to level the score at 4–4 with just seconds remaining. As some teachers called for the final whistle—or even suggested penalties—the Year 11s snatched victory with the very last kick of the game.

The. Crowd. Went. Wild.

Massive shoutout to Dr Carol-Garis, Coach Carter, George, Rossconaldo, Nick, Brendan, and Zach for suiting up and giving it their all!

BOOKING LINKS:

• New date: Supporting Students to Flourish - Strengthening our student culture together: https://www.trybooking.com/DGENT
• Advent Journey: Building Family Christmas Traditions: https://www.trybooking.com/DGERD

During the term break, I had the privilege of attending a keynote presentation with Professor of Education, Psychology and Neuroscience, Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, as part of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australia’s Biennial Conference. An affirming session that provided further evidence that neuroscience and educational research continue to converge in useful ways, offering deeper insight into how children learn, how teachers might teach, and how schools can best support human development. Professor Immordino-Yang’s work explores the psychological and neurobiological roots of emotion and self-awareness, and their links to social, cognitive, and emotional growth.

Below are just two of many key ideas from her presentation, together with reflections on how they align with, and even deepen, core principles of a contemporary Steiner education.

The first idea is that attention, perception, and emotion are central to learning. Immordino-Yang’s research confirms that engagement through story, movement, metaphor, and lived experience is neurologically essential for learning. We know that knowledge is not absorbed passively; it must connect to what the learner already knows and feels. Emotional safety and trust are the soil in which curiosity and creativity take root. In Steiner schools, the narrative, artistic, and imaginative approach to teaching and learning - through rhythm, story, movement, and beauty - are not adornments of the teaching process, but essential pathways to deep learning.

Secondly, her work underscores the need for balance and holistic learning design. She argues that cognitive processes cannot be separated from emotional, social, or physical processes. They are, each of them, inextricably linked. It follows therefore that sustainable and deep learning depends on and is built through intentional curriculum design alongside core pedagogical practices that promote holistic development. Of course, this aligns profoundly with the emphasis in Steiner schools on integration of head, heart, and hands; on rhythm, and on cultivating environments that nourish the whole human being and through emphasis on key elements of wellbeing including sleep, movement, nutrition, novelty, social connection, and a sense of safety and belonging. The Main Lesson journey that promotes the integration of ideas from different disciplines and connects these to the story of humanity, coupled with the emphasis on creative expression through multiple modes are living testament to these principles in action.

None of this will come as a huge surprise to our teaching staff – good teachers have always understood that we are, as humans, biologically cultural beings and that emotion and thinking are intertwined.  It’s affirming that an fMRI scanner can show the enlarging and enriching neural connections that occur when the pedagogical approach and curriculum design encourage and promote imagination, creativity and transcendent thinking. 

May this term bring deep and powerful learning for our students as they complete another school year together in community, towards a flourishing and meaningful life.

Diana Drummond
Head of School

*Mary Helen Immordino-Yang is a Professor of education, psychology and neuroscience at the at the Brain and Creativity Institute and Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California.

In their last days at school before the HSC began, our Year 12 students took a trip down memory lane with a visit to our Castlecrag campus and the youngest members of our school community.

Starting in Kindy, Year 12 was treated to a beautiful song and given lovely finger-knitted bracelets that the children had made. They then journeyed to Class 1, where they joined in Morning Circle with maths games, movement and songs - harder than you might think! They continued on to Class 2 where they buddied up to look through the workbooks, drawings and craft projects that the students have been working on. Our youngest students then bid farewell to our oldest, who stopped for a customary Class of 2025 photo in the sandpit before continuing on to Middle Cove for the day.

It was a warm and lovely visit and all of us at Castlecrag wish Year 12 well on the next phase of their lives.

Saturday 15 November | 10am–4pm | Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag

Get ready for a day of joy, wonder and togetherness as the much-loved Glenaeon Family Fair returns to the lower north shore on Saturday 15 November 2025. From 10am to 4pm, the school’s leafy campus in Castlecrag will transform into a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and fun for all ages.

This year’s Fair promises a delightful mix of games, hands-on craft, delicious food, live entertainment and artisan stalls, lovingly brought to life by Glenaeon families, students and staff. Everyone is warmly invited to share in the magic of the day.

What’s On in 2025:

Fun & Games for All Ages
Step right up for classic fair fun! Test your skills with Jacob’s Ladder, the ever-popular Lollipop Climb and Face Painting. Unleash your inner artist with a fun Tie Dye craft experience.

Live Entertainment
Enjoy a lively line-up of student jazz bands, soloists and singers.

Food & Drink Delights
Fuel your fun with wholesome, home-style food and drinks. Think: Lunch Café, Sushi, Popcorn & Lemonade, Homemade Cakes, the Coffee Shop and a sizzling BBQ.  

Chill Out Zone
Need a break? The indoor Chill Out Zone offers a quieter space to relax with Henna art, and Hair Feathers.

Artisan Market & Christmas Shopping
Browse stunning handmade wares, Steiner-inspired toys, jams & preserves, and unique pieces from local creatives—perfect for early Christmas gifts or meaningful keepsakes.

Silent Auction
Support the school and win big! The Glenaeon Silent Auction features beautiful works by students, teachers, parents and artists from the wider community.

Discover Steiner Education
Curious about Glenaeon? Explore inspiring student work and chat with teachers to learn more about the holistic, creative and nurturing world of Steiner education.

The Glenaeon Family Fair is a highlight of the school year—and a celebration of what makes this community so special.

Mark your calendar for Saturday 15 November 2025 and join us for a truly magical day. Everyone is welcome!

More info: www.glenaeonfair.com

Media enquiries:
Kath Kissell, Marketing Communications Manager, Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
E: k.kissell@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au
M: 0408 408 562

Are you exploring options for your child's senior years of school? Now is the time to discover how Glenaeon combines the academic rigour of the HSC with the soul of Steiner education. 

At Glenaeon, we offer a unique path through Years 11 and 12 that’s both academically strong and deeply human. Students graduate with the NSW Higher School Certificate, equipped for university, TAFE or the workforce and they do it in an environment that values creativity, purpose and wellbeing. 

"Who I am as a person comes before the grades I get" Current Year 11 Student

"Learning is academically rigorous and you feel pushed, but the small group setting makes you feel everyone cares about you, and that every teacher knows you for who you are." Current Year 11 Student

Why Glenaeon for Year 11 and 12?

• Real Support: Our students sit the full HSC with small classes, passionate teachers and a holistic approach that values the whole person.
• Steiner Ethos, Contemporary Edge: We honour the Steiner philosophy while preparing students for the real world. It’s not either/or – it’s both. 
• Success That’s Sustainable: Our graduates thrive at University and beyond because they’re not burnt out. They’re balanced, curious, and confident life-long learners. 
• Student Voices Matter: Young adults are known, heard and respected. They’re not just getting through school – they’re growing through it. 
• Alternate Pathway options: Students with strong vocational interests are supported to explore various options whilst maintaining a solid foundation at school 
• More than just the HSC: studies are augmented by themes and ideas presented through Main Lessons allowing a balanced and purposeful school experience.

Glenaeon’s recent HSC statement of results:

Join us for a High School Tour:

Thursday 27 November 9.30am-10.30am

APPLY NOW

The Cove Billy Cart Open was full of colour and excitement. Teams decided their drivers after practice laps and set themselves the challenge of fastest circuit around the hall and down the driveway onto the basketball court for a series of turns to the chequered flag. The red and black team won in an electric time of 38 seconds, pushing the limits on their cart with some daring decision making behind the wheel. 

The cart designs overall were amazing and the recognition that this project began without a blueprint, but just a pile of timber and an assortment of hardware, our teams and our Year 9 group are truly special.

The Parzival Main Lesson is really a rite of passage, and is studied by all Steiner schools around the world. It follows the story of the 'grail knight' as he finds his way in the world - a 'coming of age' story that reflects where our Year 11 students are up to in their development.

Such a warm thank you to the wonderful Joy Day, who so generously and graciously organised master storyteller Jonathan Drew to come and tell the story with our year 11 students. Joy also organised a beautiful community event with Jonathan telling this rich and introspective story for the parents of year 11 and wider community. Held in the Marion Mahony Griffin hall at our Castlecrag campus it was a warm and enjoyable night. Musician Robert Hanly accompanied Jonathan with interludes of guitar and song, transporting us to the mountains, castles and journey of Parzival. thank you Jonathan, Robert and Joy.

This year's Year 10 students had an epic whirlwind adventure in Tasmania. All of the groups walked the Overland track, from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, stopping at beautiful campsites along the way. One of the groups started at Freycinet Peninsula National park for three days, then hopped across to walk the Overland. The weather gods were smiling down upon us for the program and we had a mixture of lots of sunshine, a few rain drops, and some snow.

Walking the Overland in winter is no small feat, and our Year 10 students took to the challenge. They embraced the cold, sustaining wet feet, and icy fingers from packing up a tent. They carried everything they needed for eight days and still managed to share some chocolate around on day seven! We encountered wombats, paddy melons, quolls, and birds to name a few, as well as meeting the many other travelers who also braved the elements to wonder through a place of beauty.

The Year 10s returned back to Hobart with rosy cheeks, sore joints, and hungry stomachs. But after hours of swapping Overland stories, cups of tea and MANY many treats from the Salamanca markets, they realised how fortunate they were to have experienced what they did.

Many of the students had experienced the Outdoor Education programs from younger years, and this trip was a culmination of all the years of walking, packing, collecting gear and working with their friends. The Outdoor Education staff that walked along with the students all had an amazing time exploring, having conversations, and swapping stories with our Year 10s. This was a journey the students will carry with them for the rest of their High School and beyond!

Class 2 have been making their own beautiful pencil cases! Learning long stitch with handwork teacher Meg Quinlisk, they have sewn one side in geometric patterns and another side in a drawing of their own design. They will be lined and stitched together and they will use this pencil case throughout primary school. There are the most fantastic array of designs. Well done Class 2.

What a wonderful turn out we had this year for our annual GlenX alumni reunion event at our Middle Cove Campus. We were thrilled to host past students from as far away as Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria, Queensland and even had guests flying in from Taiwan. We also had wonderful representation of past and current staff including Yura Totsuka, Keiko Takahashi, Donna Miller, Brigitte Tietge-Rollans, Catherine Pilko, Scott Henderson and Andrew Hill. And newly appointed Chair of Glenaeon Foundation, Mr Lee Hill!

All decade groups enjoyed the photo boards and memorabilia shared from the archives and guests were wowed at the differences and improvements that had been made around the campus since they walked the halls and playground years ago. Our Head of School Diana Drummond made a heartwarming speech and the guests joined in a recital of the Morning Verse together. Thank you to all who came and spent the afternoon connecting and re-connecting.

Next year, we are looking forward to hosting the Class of 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016 - if this is you, and you would like to help gather alumni to attend or donate any artifacts, please email alumni@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au. We can't wait to celebrate again on Saturday, 12 September 2026!

Students have started coding at Glenaeon as part of their Digital Technology class. Year 7 and Year 8 have been using microbits with Teachers, George and Evan. The microbits are programmable devices which allows students to get hands-on with coding and digital making.

Students have coded devices which can help people as part of their “Something Helpful” project. Ideas included devices which help elderly people who live on their own to alert their neighbours if they fall, or if a certain temperature is reached in their house.

More recently students have coded a Bit Bot Car. George’s class participated in the Bit Bot World Championships (photos below). Students programmed a remote control and had great fun racing their Bit Bot Cars around the classroom!

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Creative Writing Club competition! English and History Teacher Nicholas Greenfield announced the results last Friday, with three talented voices taking out the top spots – Class 4 student Matilda S., Year 8 student Rachel H., and one of our very own parents, Kenneth Roberts.

Our student winning pieces will be featured in this year’s AEON magazine in the Student Voice section, sharing their imaginative and thought-provoking stories with the wider community.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a piece, and we enthusiastically celebrate the wonderful creativity and storytelling skills crafted and refined by our members in the Creative Writing Club.

The Year 8 trip to the Warrumbungles that we just came back from was sensational. The campsite was located at the foot of the mountains in a stunning valley with the majestic hills overlooking the entire property. During our time there we learned so much about plants, flowers, bees, interactions between wildlife and how to responsibly take care of the land. The camp was very hands on and we learned how to catch and block sediment using leaky weirs helping restore the ecosystem to the way it once was.

Waking up and hearing the sweet birds chirp, holding baby goats, seeing the vast Milky Way up above, was all incredibly beautiful and awe inspiring. One of my favourite moments was climbing to the top of a hill in the late afternoon and watching the sun sink under the rolling hills as we ate dinner and looked over all the vast fields that lay beneath us.

Sitting around the campfire in the evening as we tried to warm up was a wonderful experience as we all huddled. Everyone was tired but happy as we sat around laughing and talking about the events of the day. The nights were absolutely freezing reaching to -2 degrees Celsius, and we experienced what it feels like being outside up in the mountains in winter.

Meeting the owners of the property was an incredible experience. Both of them were so knowledgeable and committed to restoring the land to its original state before European settlers had arrived. They were both so approachable and eager for questions about how they operate and take care of the restoration of their property.

I absolutely loved the trip, and I am very eager and looking forward to the next one to come. I would like to thank Scottie and Liv for facilitating such an inspiring, enjoyable and incredible program.

Written by student Oriel S., Year 8.

The 2025 Aiming High Challenge (AHC) was held on Wednesday 17 September in the Senior Library. The AHC is an interest-based project, where students create a Big Question and perform research to dive deeper into their area of passion. Students have been working throughout the year, meeting weekly and showcased their findings last week in the library.

Science Teacher George Morton-Ramwell is extremely proud of this wonderful group of diverse and brilliant minds and was blown away by the attendance from parents, teachers and fellow students. Their final showcase was an example of hard work and dedication to finding the answers to their question.

Many students completed their second year of AHC which is a fantastic achievement.

Bring on next year AHC students!

The nine year old child is needing to make sense of the world around them and through grounding activities, gardening, cooking, building shelters, and making clothing, they learn that they can use what is around them to thrive. They meet the earth around them and discover they have the power to transform it. The skills they must learn include; how to measure, to weigh, to use tools, to reap and sow crops, to make delicious food, to use tools to help them create, and to follow the seasons, and keep time. With each skill learned, the children gain comfort, confidence, and experience joy.

Class 3 students have been exploring the human need for shelter, warmth and a place to rest. The Housing Main Lesson encourages students to deeply investigate how different cultures and climates shape homes as well as the history of building techniques. Students have been hands-on building model shelters from Natural and recycled materials and learning about the practical building skills like brick laying to foster a connection with the natural world and develop a sense of self sufficiency and independence. Take a look at the different models including yurts, igloos, boat houses, desert homes, brick houses, aboriginal gunyas, windmills and more! 

A peaceful quiet descended over the hall last Wednesday, as students from Middle Cove gathered to experience something rare. They were there to watch a eurythmy performance themed ‘Passport to Everywhere’ with poetry from around the world and music from Beethoven to Philip Glass.

Eight adult eurythmy students from Pacifica College demonstrated their training, taking our students on a journey through joyful and earnest works exploring universal themes of human rights, freedom, and equality. They used expressive gestures, intricate spatial forms, colours and moods, to embody and make visible what would otherwise have only been heard and felt. The eurythmist’s inner experience of the music and poetry filled their gestures, creating a palpable fabric of energy that enthralled all those watching. This fabric felt full of life, connection, awareness and beauty, and settled over the audience like a calming blanket.

For our students it was a great opportunity to see what eurythmy actually is, and to experience from the outside how it looks and feels when people move together with intention and awareness. They were very impressed with the eurythmist’s spatial awareness, commenting on how impressive it was that they walked backwards so much yet never once bumped into each other. Others enjoyed the humourous pieces, such as when they all transformed from flowing with the music into a group of sweet meerkats looking out inquisitively.

Pacifica College, under the guidance of Jan Baker-Finch and Josefin Porteous have put together these two programs for primary and for high school students as part of the full-time, four year eurythmy training. They are currently on tour around Australia visiting Steiner schools in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth. It was wonderful to host them at Glenaeon and collectively witness something beautiful and soothing for the soul.

Last term, the Year 8 Textile Technology students learned to operate a sewing machine. In their first project they designed slip covers and stitched weighted cushion inserts for Glenaeon's Wellbeing program. It was tricky sewing through the bulky upholstery weight fabric and each cushion insert was filled with sand weighing between three and four kilos. The students are happy to “take a load off” and move on to develop skills in Digital Technology.

Assembly this fortnight was given a dynamic lift with a presentation by the Year 10 Regenerative Agriculture Biodynamic Gardening students. A sample of some of the projects that were presented included:

Biodynamic healing methods- the creation of indigenous medicines to balance soil and produce.

An Aztec Milpa - an ancient and ongoing method of companion planting projects studies how three crops, dubbed ‘The Three Sisters’, help each other thrive when grown together.

Self-serve bird feeder - a prototype for a bird feeder on a pulley system, with capacity to also grow plants for the birds to use (for food and nest building etc) is in the making!

No-kidding chocolate - winning a popularity contest, students sourced, researched and grew a cacao tree. Their idea to make chocolate flavoured with biodynamic flavours from the garden and make with sustainable goat milk, may have been the inspiration behind another student’s comprehensive feasibility study of keeping pygmy goats on campus.

The art of Bonsai -  demonstrating one student's deep study of miniature trees and everything it takes to help them thrive, including the creation of an irrigation prototype.

Teas and infusions - a collaborative effort involving the growing, harvesting, preserving and infusion of biodynamic flora, their flavours and medicinal properties.

Artistic impression - the painting of our garden illustrating an ability to truly ‘see’ into a landscape, to analyse botanical textures, colours and composition that evoke wellbeing.

Fragrant oil distillery - a beautiful copper oil distiller was loaned to a group who experimented with the process of extracting essential oils, some as fragrances, and some as consumable flavours.

Well Being for all in the Biodynamic Garden: the qualities interweaving with all the class participants and activities in the  ‘oasis ‘ were investigated and qualified by a student dubbed a ‘social alchemist ‘.

These diligent Year 10s, demonstrated self direction, self motivation, and a sound understanding and reflection on the complexities of biodynamic regenerative agriculture. In fueling each others’ interests, and helping each other present to such a large number of students and staff, including our Head of School, Diana Drummond, they also experienced the beauty of social biodynamics.

The presentation was concluded by a morning tea in the garden, catered for entirely by the year 10 Regenerative Agriculture students. This popular high school minor elective, headed by our well-known Biodynamic Agricultural educator, Sandra Frain, and garden assistants Michelle Chambers and Kai Schaefer (as well as Garden Assistants, Ilona, Guchi and Victoria) is offered to Year 10 students. Classes are held in our very own campus biodynamic boutique-sized farm.  

Biodynamic Agriculture is part of the Glenaeon curriculum from preschool up until year 6. If you would like to find out more about it you can contact s.frain@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au. 

 We know that sustainable farming, land, water and general environmental care, and adjacent studies, are becoming an essential part of our children’s future both in terms of employment opportunities and overall wellbeing. We are proud that Glenaeon provides a robust opportunity for students to deepen their curiosity and understanding of our environment through hands-on agricultural practices. 

Recommended documentaries: Kiss the Ground, Common Ground

Article crafted by Ilona Tar, with help from Year 10 students Kai D., Rosie B., and educator Sandra Frain

It is especially important not to go on working in a monotonous way, doing nothing but add for six months etc., but where possible one should take all four arithmetic rules fairly quickly one after another and then practice them. So we shall not teach arithmetic in accordance with the ordinary curriculum, but we shall take all four rules at once and be careful that through practice these four rules are mastered almost at the same time. You will find this way of doing things very economical.

- Rudolf Steiner

Class 1 is completing a four week Main Lesson that focused on the formal introduction of the four processes. After two terms spent developing number sense through counting, skip counting, quantity identification and informal work with the processes, the class was ready to take a deep dive into the next level of abstract thinking by learning to read, write and solve mathematical expressions involving the four processes. Of course, this is all done via the vehicle of the imagination so that each process is introduced with the help of a delightful character from the Land of Quantity. Emperor Equals oversees them all, and slowly gathers a robust team to ensure that all is fair and peaceful in the kingdom. Portly Plus- the counting collector, Melinda Minus – the considerate gardener, Timmy Times – the boisterous horse handler and Divina Divide- the judicious baker, all work together to solve many different problems and teach the children how to work with all four processes simultaneously. By introducing them all together, the children build  deep, lasting number sense along with the capacity to recognise the meaningful relationships between them.

The Year 9 Program, The Cove has been a buzzing hive of activity this term as students have morphed into race teams for their engineering challenge. Teams were presented a pile of materials and had to reverse engineer them into a design concept and then bring that concept to life. The challenge will be culminating in a team enduro style race where every team member acts as driver and engine in a time trial around the challenging Sylvia Brose Hall and basketball court circuit.

Half of the Year 9 group also attended Warrah Farm and Specialist school as part of their commitment to service through The Cove. Our students were a wonderful addition to the Warrah school’s book week celebrations and enjoyed making friends in the Warrah classrooms and learning about the biodynamic farming practices at Warrah farm. The Cove has been super busy, with students enjoying the Spring weather out on the water with Scottie and the Outdoor Ed team, canoeing in preparation for their upcoming Shoalhaven Program.

Book Week 2025 was a joyful celebration of stories, imagination, and community spirit at Glenaeon.  From Class 3 to Year 12, students stepped into the pages of their favourite books, arriving at school dressed as beloved literary characters or in mufti. The creativity on display—from wizards and warriors to detectives and dragons—brought a spark of fun to the day, filling our campus with colour and laughter.

A highlight of the week was The Great Book Swap, where students donated and exchanged hundreds of pre-loved books. For every $2 coin, our community helped raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, supporting vital literacy programs in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our Primary Assembly was another standout moment. Each class paraded their costumes, and Class 6 performed a delightful skit. Adding to the fun, the teachers of Classes 3–6 - including Lucy and Dani - acted out a traditional Indian tale, The Monkey and the Hats. Prue, Rodney, and Dani starred as three cheeky monkeys stealing hats from a hat maker, sparking roars of laughter from students and staff alike.

Throughout the day, classes participated in a DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) session which encouraged students to pause, pick up a book, and enjoy a quiet moment of reading. This initiative supports literacy development, student choice, and strengthens our identity as a community of readers.

Together, we raised $705 for the ILF—a wonderful achievement that reflects the generosity and enthusiasm of our students and families. You can still donate here.

A heartfelt thank you to Librarian, Primary Faculty Coordinator and Teacher, Lucy Armstrong for masterfully bringing Book Week together. Our thanks also to everyone who donated books, contributed funds, and dressed up with such imagination. Book Week 2025 was truly a celebration to remember!

The Glenaeon Music Performance Tour group have been working with energy and building excitement as they get ready for their European tour in September. Rehearsals have been buzzing, and the recent full-day incursion gave students the chance to really knuckle down on the final pieces of repertoire that have not yet been learned. Students are stretching both their choral and instrumental skills as they work to master the music and come together as an ensemble.

They are beginning to feel three terms worth of hard work paying off—the sound is coming together beautifully and the excitement is building. With each rehearsal the music feels more alive, and the students can’t wait to share it with audiences overseas.

This tour is shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure for everyone involved. This inaugural Music Performance Tour will be travelling to Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest and Prague. The group will perform at four public concerts during their tour and visiting two Steiner schools for musical and cultural exchanges. They will be seeing the beautiful sights and immersing themselves in the culture in some of the most iconic European cities.

Be a part of the excitement by coming to their farewell concert at 6.30pm on Thursday 18th September in the Sylvia Brose Hall at Middle Cove. Details to come!

Our Year 7 students performed their play Robin Hood, on Tuesday, 12 August in the Sylvia Brose Hall. The whole cohort were involved in the play and performed to various classes throughout the day and to Parents and Carers in the evening. Students had been rehearsing diligently to keep up with a very intense production schedule. They all put in an extraordinary effort to deliver such a performance. Robin Hood was selected to reflect the fun and adventure of the time period as part of their Medieval Main Lesson. Each student had a speaking part and the story was told from the perspective of Maid Marian. Students also were able to learn and flex their skills in prompting, stage timings and set creation. Thank you to all our students, teachers - Elena, Angel and Emma, staff and parent volunteers who helped to make the play a roaring success.

Our two previous main lessons introduced the big ideas of Class 2: the times tables (and their patterns) and place value. In this new block, Sailors and Merchants, we revisit and deepen those foundations while bringing fresh wonder to the work!

Through story and number play, the children step into the world of sailors navigating the seas and merchants balancing and trading with care. Just as sailors must chart unknown waters and merchants weigh every exchange, students will explore number patterns in increasingly flexible and mental ways. Along the way, they will meet magic squares, square number patterns, and the curious discoveries hidden in the nine times tables. There are lots of hands-on counting and sorting, working together cohesively to solve the pirate problems.

A key focus of this lesson is helping the children hold and work with numbers in their heads, developing fluency in mental calculation and strengthening number sense. We are practising flexibility: solving number sentences forwards and backwards, and exploring the deep connections between opposite operations (addition and subtraction, multiplication and division).

The children are also beginning to build strategies for working with larger numbers. Instead of moving straight to vertical algorithms, we are encouraging them to solve problems left to right, guided by their strong understanding of place value.

In this way, the Sailors and Merchants main lesson strengthens foundational arithmetic skills while continuing to nourish imagination, curiosity, and joy in mathematics.

On Tuesday, Class 3 went on an excursion to Grace Springs Farm as part of their Farming Main Lesson. The small family run, organic farm on the Central Coast was a wonderful, child friendly opportunity for the students to learn about animal farming. The children experienced feeding and petting the dairy cows, delighting in the pig’s antics as they rolled in mud baths and handling the cheeky chickens.

Parents and friends have been creating the most beautiful works of craft this term. Parent Craft held a doll making workshop led by Glenaeon parent Charlotte, and the most lovely folk are emerging. From little babies to beautiful dolls, each with their own individuality. These dolls are enjoyed by teachers and families alike to create stories and scenes in classrooms, homes and on nature tables. It is a treasured skill that is developing amongst our parents.

If you are interested in joining a Parent Craft session or workshop, please get in touch with Melony Browell at our Castlecrag Reception.

We had some glorious days of sun after the weeks of rain at Castlecrag and the children enjoyed basking and playing in its warmth. The children explored the gardens, sandpits, monkey bars and in the cubbies with the sun on their face, relaxing into the warmer weather before the rain returned.

GlenX Class of 2019 Alumni Lieutenant Alina Hutton has graced the pages of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers RAEME Craftsman Magazine detailing her internship with the McLaren F1 Racing Team in the UK.

You can read all about what Alina is up to while completing her Mechanical Engineering degree with the Australian Defence Force Academy here.

Glenaeon’s first ever Biodynamic Regenerative Agriculture Minor elective encourages Year 10 students to practically apply principles of this study to heal the land and all living beings.

Time and space is given to develop project ideas individually or in groups. The wellbeing of the students and the garden are achieved in this authentic collaborative venture with supportive garden teachers.

In Week 6 of Term 3, Wednesday, 27 August, the students of this class will present a summary of their projects to the high school assembly. Year 10 agriculture students and garden teachers will host all parents and family members to visit the garden to see the projects and share a biodynamic morning tea garden tour from 10:40 am until 12:00.

All welcome!

A huge congratulations to Glenaeon students and Alumni who were awarded Duke of Edinburgh Awards at last week's High School Assembly in a thoughtful and inspiring ceremony hosted by Coordinators and Teachers Donna Miller and Alleyne Moss.

Glenaeon Alumni Oscar Street and Year 12 students Hanako T. and Katiya P. received their Gold Award and Year 11 student Felix P. received his Bronze award.

Congratulations on your dedication and commitment to this prestigious achievement. 

No matter what the weather brings us in these last few weeks of winter, we have certainly been making sure that we all continue to stay warm in Kindy. Each day before we go out to play, we count our layers to make sure we are rugged up and warm. On baking day, we have been gathering firewood to make a warming fire so we can cook our bread over the hot coals. We love to sing warming songs as we cook around the fire.

‘Cold grey winter’s here, fires give us cheer. Snug together, winter weather, cannot make us drear.’

We have also been hearing a heartwarming story each week about a mitten that was dropped by a woodcutter and mysteriously stretched to provide shelter for a collection of animals looking for refuge from the cold. There was room enough for the blue bird, the bush mouse, the possum and even a big lumbering wombat who all scurried out when the woodcutter’s dog returned to find the mitten for his master. We all know how important it is in Kindergarten to make room for one more!

High School fencers, Sean, Angus, Rafello and Jasper became performers last week giving our Class 5 and 6 students a lesson and demonstration of the finer points of fencing. Students had a chance to handle a foil and learn about the equipment, rules and tactics to successfully win what the group described as a "cross between boxing and chess while holding swords!"

Yr 8 Gabriel F. performed exceptionally well at the Parkour Grand Prix One recently, placing 2nd place in the speed run and 5th place in the freestyle event. Gabriel’s excellent performances have qualified him for the State Tournament which takes place in November.

Yr 10 Jeremy M. flew the Glenaeon flag at Thredbo through the recent holidays, competing in his first ever ski race. Jeremy entered and raced in the alpine division 2 of an invitational schools snow sports racing event. In his first time racing through gates, Jeremy performed admirably, logging two clean runs, improving his time markedly on his second run and finishing 29th in a field of fifty plus competitors.

What a joy it was to welcome the Waldorf Wayfarers to Glenaeon on our first day back of term! Their presence brought a fresh energy, with new and beautiful music pouring out of both our music rooms all day.

It was particularly special to see the engagement and confidence of the students as they participated in the workshops, appreciating the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in rich musical experiences. From four part harmony accompanied by body percussion in Year 10, to a full ‘performance’ of Carl Jenkin’s Adiemus including voice, recorder, percussion and cello in Class 5 and 6, to the Glenaeon Touring Choir learning an immersive Australian choral work that gives the audience the feeling of being in a rainforest. The day was filled with music making, from the playful to the profound.

The Wayfarers themselves were blown away by the beauty of the Glenaeon campus and were impressed by the level of musicality and the engagement of our students.

It was wonderful to see so many of the Glenaeon community at their concert in the evening as well. All will agree that it was an evening to remember. A heartfelt thank you to the Wayfarers for bringing their unique spirit musical offerings to Glenaeon. We hope to cross paths again soon!

Discover the difference a contemporary Steiner education can make for your child.

Are you curious about an education that can be both holistic and academically rigorous? 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. 

When: Saturday 30 August 2025
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Where: Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School – Castlecrag Campus
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag 

REGISTER TO ATTEND OUR PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY

What you can expect 

Our Primary School Open Day provides an opportunity to explore the Kindergarten to Class 6 journey at Glenaeon—from our nurturing Kindergarten program to our rich, dynamic Primary years.  

• Meet our passionate teachers and experience how we guide children through a developmentally appropriate and intentional learning journey.
• Tour our Castlecrag campus and learn how this beautiful setting is designed to support your child’s growth over time.
• Discover Glenaeon’s unique curriculum that provides strong academic foundations through imaginative and integrated teaching methods. 
• Experience first-hand how our natural and built environments create a vibrant, connected learning environment. 

REGISTER TO ATTEND OUR PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY

A Glenaeon Primary School Education

At Glenaeon, our educational offering is contemporary, thoughtful, and deeply human-centred. As a proud Steiner school, we believe in the protection of childhood, the importance of a balanced education, and the power of teaching through the imagination as nurturing the growing child. 

Our approach is:

• Truly Holistic: Emotional, social, and physical development are viewed as crucial foundations towards intellectual thinking and strong academic outcomes. 
• Academically Rigorous: Our students learn through structured, intentional teaching and the development of learner attributes like curiosity, resilience and discipline.
• Creatively Rich: Music, Visual arts, movement, and handcrafts are part of the child’s daily rhythm, building deep engagement and joy in learning.
• Connected with the Natural World: Our gardening and outdoor education program start from Kindergarten with timetabled lessons in our garden classrooms, regular bushwalks and celebration of seasonal change.
• Deliberately unplugged: Our primary classrooms are screen-free. 

REGISTER NOW for OPEN DAY 2025

What you’ll experience:

• Immersive classroom visits in Kindergarten, lower primary and upper primary, guided by our experienced teachers 
• A presentation from our Head of School, Diana Drummond, and Deputy Head of School (K-6), Dani Finch
• Student work showcase in classrooms
• Meet our parents and enjoy a cup of tea
• Find out about our Preschool, Playgroups and OOSH programs
• Time with Glenaeon’s Registrar to discuss the enrolment process 

Understanding Steiner Education

Steiner education is different—and that's by intentional design. On Open Day, you’ll learn what makes Steiner education different and why we think that’s key for today’s children and young people. Most importantly, you’ll leave understanding how our Primary School graduates become confident and capable; well-prepared for high school and beyond. 

If you are seeking an education for your child that is grounded, human, and meaningful, Glenaeon may well be for you. Come to Open Day and discover a learning journey that nurtures the whole child: intellectually, emotionally, and socially, all within a deeply-connected community.

When: Saturday 30 August 2025
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Where: Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School – Castlecrag Campus
121 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag 

Please bring your child, your questions and curiosity! All welcome. 

REGISTER NOW: www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au/openday

REGISTER NOW

Earlier this month, we celebrated International Archives Day and the Glenaeon Archives – a living repository of stories, photographs, records, and memories that continue to tell our school community’s rich and evolving story. Cared for under the close eye of our school archivist, Will Bryant, the collection honours Glenaeon’s rich heritage as Australia’s first Steiner School and preserves this history for current and future generations.

From Main Lesson books to festival programs, photographs, and administrative records dating back to Glenaeon’s establishment in 1957, each item in the Glenaeon Archive tells a story of Steiner learning, creativity, leadership, and community spirit. Do you want to contribute to our growing archive? Reach out to our archivist, Will, at archives@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au to discuss how you can donate materials from your time at Glenaeon.

In our last newsletter, we shared the first glimpse of exciting developments underway in our two library spaces at Middle Cove, projects made possible thanks to the generous support of our parent community through donations from the GPA. Over the upcoming holiday break, the final changes will take place in the Senior Library. When students return, they will step into a revitalised, inspiring space ready to support learning, student collaboration and a love of literature.

Across the campus’, other meaningful upgrades are also taking shape. A standout example is the transformation of Glenaeon’s Drama Room, located upstairs in the Sylvia Brose Hall. Under the creative direction of Head of Drama, Dave Gleeson, the space has been reimagined into a dynamic and functional environment that truly reflects the spirit of performance and growing creativity.

Enhancements include new paint and carpet, block-out blinds, a professional theatre lighting rig, a full suite of new drama blocks, and acoustic wall cladding to contain the vibrant energy of our student performers. Already, these improvements are enriching both classroom learning and theatrical productions, and we look forward to many more inspiring teaching moments and performances in this beautifully renewed space.

Save the Date in your calendars for the annual Glenaeon Family Fair at our Castlecrag campus! 
We can't wait to welcome you for this joyful community event.

Saturday 15 November 10am - 4pm 

Yesterday our high school students enjoyed a mufti day and door decorating challenge hosted by the Student Representative Council. Each year group chose a charity to support and donate the proceeds raised by their gold coin donations. The winning door was awarded the funds for their chosen charity. The doors were judged by the SRC with the following criteria - aesthetics, connection to their charity and creativity.

The chosen charities and causes are below:

Year 7 - World Hunger

Year 8 - Animal Welfare

Year 9 - Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)

Year 10 - Thirst

Year 11 - Better Health

Year 12 - Doctors Without Boarders

Congratulations to Year 9, who with their team work, won the competition and they will be donating the proceeds of $286.20 to theACF, Australia's leading national environment organisation.

Thank you to everyone for taking part and to Ciara, Rose and Zaden from the SRC for your brilliant organisation of the day.

Last Sunday, 8 June, our one-of-a-kind Biodynamic Agricultural Gardening educator led our annual composting workshop. As those who regularly attend Sandra’s workshops set in the stunning Middle Cove Garden, know, Sandra not only delivers the biodynamic and scientific how-to of compost, but the event is a feast for the heart, the eyes and the soul.

A big thank you to all the families from all three Glenaeon campuses, of all ages, from early childhood, primary, and high school classes for whole-heartedly participating in the ‘composing’ of a biodynamic vegetable garden bed. We created, or ‘composed’ a hügelkultur bed or, as we affectionately refer to it, a ‘hugel’ (little hill). Our entire beautiful hugel was made up of layers of wet, dry, fragrant and not-so-fragrant waste generated on campus!

It was such an act of love for all who pitched in to create the little hugel hill. What happiness we experienced in the meaningful tasks. We got busy with wheelbarrows, buckets, shovels, pitchforks full of earthy, mucky treasures, inter-layering with the most beautiful sheets of music from the campus recycle bin. Like a wedding cake, we “composed” a compost masterpiece! The children played in and out of the composters, contributing as much as they wanted, and the garden's industrious army of worms did a little happy dance of joy.

All those attending enjoyed a thoroughly educational dissertation on the merits of biodynamic preparations, which we added to compost. As an example, oak bark matured in a cows skull and left in water over winter - aka Preparation 505, which is said to help combat too much fungal activity - think wine matured in oak barrels, is added.

We enjoyed a healthy morning of physical exertion, knowledge-sharing conversation, and as always, our morning ended with our hearts and bellies full of love, laughter and good food! With an extra special thank you Year 3, Neive, for sharing the delicious cake she baked.

If you missed Sandra’s biodynamic workshop, upcoming workshops are announced on the Parent Education tab on Glo.

Class 3 had an immersive hands-on experience learning all about fibres and wool production as part of their Farming Main Lesson with Class Teacher Cathy Bower. Handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean and parent helpers came together  to help children wash the sheep's wool and then carded the wool to make it soft and smooth and  free of dirt, grasses and burr. Children then learned to spin the wool using a hand or drop spindle. This hand-spun wool was then woven using a hand-made 'Back Strap' loom to begin a belt for each student.

The children marveled at the strength of the hand spun wool and how easy it was to weave and how beautiful it looked when woven! Later in the day in the hand work lesson,  the children passed around Alpacca wool, Rabbit fur and goat wool or mohair and everyone agreed that the cashmere or rabbit fur was the softest and finest fibre they experienced. Next week the children will hear a story about Chris the sheep who strayed away from his flock and was discovered by bushwalkers a few years later. Chris was so heavy because he had not had a haircut in years and he could not stand up. When they rescued him and gave him a shave, the wool they collected from Chris was enough to knit 50 jumpers.

Year 11 were fortunate to have architect Lisa Saville and her associate Jarod, take them on an architectural walk through Chippendale and the UTS campus. Students learned about form and space as well as audience (users of the sites). There was discussion about materials and design choice, sustainability and responsible building methods. Truly, students experienced the world around them with whole new perspectives. Excitingly, students will now design and develop their own architectural models as part of their preliminary study in visual arts. It is with gratitude and appreciation we thank Lisa and Jarod for sharing their expertise, time and passion on all things architecture. 

The Year 10 Art students visited the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize Exhibition last Friday. They were chuffed to see our own Year 11 student, Jasmine’s work hanging in the main hall as a Young Archie’s Finalist! There was even a past parent, Yolande Gray represented for the first time in the Award! The students learned a lot about portraiture and some of the latest trends during their time at the gallery. It really makes an impact when you see artworks in real life! The materiality of the art, choices artists make and discovering things that influence them. It is definitely the best way to learn about art.  

We Have the Will to Work...

These words are from a verse often spoken by teachers at the start of a meeting. They may sound simple, but what they suggest is initiative and freedom that direct the work of the teacher. Similarly, we aim to develop the will to work in our students. This will, balanced with thinking and feeling, leads to empowered individuals who are free to act out of integrity and wisdom cultivated over years of meaningful experiences that are full of met challenges and constant effort.

In her recent talk to parents, Katherine Arconati built understanding of what is meant by the will and how we can nurture healthy, holistic development of ourselves and our children through its development. If you wish to learn more about how the will is central to Steiner pedagogy, please take the time to listen to the recording of the lecture, now available here on GLO.

The education and teaching of the future will have to set particular value on the development of the will and feeling nature. Feeling and will are left more and more to what is called chance, because there is no insight into the real nature of will.

Rudolf Steiner – The Foundations of Human Experience

This week in Kindy the children have heard a story about the journey of the whales as they migrate north to where the Mother Whales will give birth to their babies. The children have sung along with the whales to help them on their way. 

'Through long winter nights and cold winter days,

Mother Whale she swims through the ocean and seas, ocean and seas

She follows the path, to the sun that shines bright

She follows the pathway from darkness to light , from darkness to light.'

There is nothing quite like the look and feel of a brand-new book to spark curiosity and inspire avid readers! Students in both Primary and High School have been enjoying the first flush of new books into the Junior and Senior Libraries recently. Literally hundreds of books have been added to the collection, with many more still to come. And this is just the start of exciting changes afoot for our libraries over coming months. Thanks to the tremendous fundraising efforts of the Glenaeon Parents Association (GPA), our two Library spaces at Middle Cove and soon, a new space at Castlecrag will undergo significant transformation, and we can’t wait to showcase these changes to parents and carers next term. A sneak peek is contained in these photos.

We are so very grateful to the entire parent community, over many years, for supporting projects that impact our students in such meaningful ways. Thank you for nurturing literacy at our school and fostering a love of books.

Our new Japanese teacher Noriko sensei (or Noriko Yamanaka) started teaching at both our Middle Cove and Castlecrag campuses on 5 May which happened to be Japanese Children's Day.

On this day, Japanese people celebrate children’s happiness and growth. ‘Koi’ (Carp) symbolises the strength and perseverance of children. In Japan, you can see ‘Koinobori’ carp banner on the top of the roof of houses. You can see beautiful ‘Koinobori’ carp streamers in the sky. At home, traditionally, families decorate Kabuto samurai helmets - Japanese children enjoy making these using newspaper and wear them to celebrate Children’s Day. 

Our Class 1 and Class 2 students enjoyed decorating their helmets using Japanese traditional patterned paper and colourful Origami on their Kabuto (Warrior Hat). They enjoyed learning ‘Koinobori’ song with movements. Noriko has been incorporating a music approach into her Japanese teaching, as she has a deep love for all things artistic. She is enjoying learning more about Steiner Education and incorporating this into her Japanese classes at Glenaeon.

On Tuesday evening, 3 June an audience made up of Glenaeon families and friends were treated to an evening of superb Jazz at the school’s Jazz Café, in the Sylvia Brose Hall at Middle Cove.

Throughout the evening, the audience was entertained by the school’s co-curricular big band, small ensembles, vocalists and much more. The packed hall of enthusiastic family and friends showed just how much the Glenaeon community appreciated the opportunity to, once again, experience the achievements of the school’s growing co-curricular music program.

The school’s music department wish to sincerely thank the music students for their outstanding commitment and all who contributed to the success of the evening in many ways. In particular, we want to thank the parent and carers support committee for their tireless efforts in producing this sensational night of music.

With the teachers' wonderful chalkboards and board work, the children also delight in creating the most beautiful drawings in the playground and on pathways! Thank you to the children for their joyous creations! We also had an absolutely stunning rainbow on the Friday afternoon before Mother's Day!

Class 6 recently attended their week long camp to the Warrambungles, Gulgong, Hill End and Bathurst. Key moments included a whole day walk up to the bluffs around the Breadknife rock formation, abseiling, star gazing, gold panning, mine climbing, and examining crystals and relics from pioneer times of New South Wales. The children had an amazing time and had many experiences to extend their comfort zones and extend knowledge recently explored in Geography, History and Geology Main Lessons.

Steiner education takes a gentle and meaningful approach to teaching reading and writing. From their very beginnings, Glenaeon children start their mornings in the garden, taking time to absorb the sounds, sights, smells and colours communicated by each season. Primary and Preschool children, led by their educators, celebrate Spring’s bright flowers, busy with native bees, and Autumn’s rich harvest leaves, fruits, vegetables and seeds. And amongst all this, the children find scribbles on gum trees, animal scratches on logs, and silvery snail trails through the garden. The children use sticks in the sand to scribble back their own messages and leave their own marks. And so it begins, children give and receive communication from the outside world, and through the body, heart and soul the child’s desire to read and write finds its way to the mind.

Fast forward to our Middle Cove campus where our incredible garden, held under the loving care of our Biodynamic Gardening teacher, Sandra Frain and her dedicated team, puts the language of nature into practice. Over the last few weeks we’ve seen a more literal exploration of art and the written word in our campus garden! Class 3 are really getting excited by their growing numeracy and literary proficiency as well as their growing understanding of time (how do you divide 90 minutes by the number of tasks to do?). Chalk tablets, a perfect tool to plan who, what and how they would use their garden time. These industrious eight and nine year olds used a combination of words and quick sketches to hatch a plan before diving into the tasks at hand.

Having their own visual cues to refer back to, they found division of labour and managing their time became a little easier. At least that was the idea! As always, everything is a work in progress and what we learn through the process is always key. Tasks at hand were: picking ripe guava, weeding, aerating the soil (with thin sticks). Both Class 6 and Class 3 also collected flowers and leaves, pressing them to create imprints on a special-occasion gift card for one of their special educators. A more literal interpretation of communication forms.

This term, Class 2 has been journeying through the rich and magical world of The King of Ireland’s Son. The children have been captivated by the lyrical storytelling, full of mystery, adventure, and timeless wisdom. As we follow the prince on his quest, the class is deepening its connection to oral storytelling and the rhythmic beauty of language.

To accompany our tales, we’ve been immersing ourselves in Celtic songs, bringing the mood and atmosphere of the stories into our classroom. The melodies have become part of our daily rhythm, supporting the children’s listening, memory, and joyful singing. Another exciting development is our introduction to cursive writing. The flowing, graceful letters have added a touch of wonder and artistry to our written work. The children are embracing this new form with care and curiosity, and it’s been a delight to see their confidence grow as their writing becomes more expressive. It’s been a rich and inspiring start to the term, filled with creativity, imagination, and steady progress.

BOOK HERE

Creating Compost

Sunday 8 June 10am-12pm

Biodynamic Garden, Middle Cove Campus, 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove 

A family friendly ‘hands on’ Composting aka Soil Creation workshop at Glenaeon’s beautiful Middle Cove Campus Garden”. Together we will create a Biodynamic Compost Heap that includes the six particular ‘Biodynamic Preparations’ recommended by Dr. Rudolf Steiner for healing and balancing the soil in ones garden or farm. This is a method of soil creation that can be achieved in one’s ‘backyard’. (The Biodynamic Preparations can be used in liquid and worm farm composting.) Bring your own food or garden scraps to add to the communal Glenaeon soil creation! Take homes will include matured compost that is a lively microbe-rich colloidal soil for your home gardens, including balconies. 

Speaker: Sandra Frain Biodynamic Gardening teacher and Nutrition/ Biodynamics tutor at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College. Sandra obtained her Masters in Steiner Education and Certification of Biodynamic Agriculture in New York in 2000.

From Will to Wisdom … 

For the Glenaeon community and curious minds alike!

Join us to explore how Steiner education nurtures the will — the inner drive that helps children grow into free, purposeful adults.  Director of Professional Practice, Katherine Arconati, will explore how Glenaeon provides a rigorous, education that nurtures childhood while valuing creativity, meaning, and human potential.

This free event is open to any parent interested in learning more about the impact of a Steiner education, especially in the Primary School years.

Wednesday 28 May 2025

6:30pm-7:30pm

Marion Mahony Griffin Hall
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
121 Edinburgh Road
Castlecrag NSW 2068

To reserve your seat go to: https://www.trybooking.com/DAWDH

A tremendous privilege of our Glenaeon Playgroups is to witness the children of all ages changing as they 'grow up'. We delight in the first teeth, the toilet training, the intriguing language expression and we navigate the tantrums. As the children mature, their social development becomes more interactive and this can be more exciting, and challenging too.

Of course, we adults are also evolving individually and together too. We gravitate to some families more than others. We appreciate that the Playgroup educator is balancing the needs of each family while presenting the nourishing program that is expected by everyone.

We welcome your family to join us in this community affirming experience. Please contact Angela Lakkis at Glenaeon Playgroups on playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au to enjoy the remaining weeks of Term 2.

Class 1 and 2 enjoyed beautiful weather up at Bilpin Springs Orchard picking apples on the weekend! With farmer Cedric, they enjoyed exploring the orchard and harvesting delicious apples. Together they had a wonderful picnic, climbed trees and the autumn colours in the mountains were particularly stunning.

Yr 9 and 10 Drama students were delighted to visit the Capitol Theatre in the CBD to see Annie The Musical! Accompanied by Head of Drama, Dave Gleeson and Teacher, Dom Nicholls they attended the matinée performance and were both inspired and entertained. They also commented on the incredible choreography, slapstick comedy and the star of the show, Annie's dog! A wonderful excursion had by all and an opportunity to see young actors who are practicing their craft out in the world.

Class 3 have settled quickly back into the rhythm of school life. 

In Main Lesson, they are immersed in the biblical story of “The Journey to the Promised Land”. The stories follow the early Hebrew patriarchs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who bring monotheism to human civilisation.

On Tuesday afternoons, the Technology group rotations have recommenced, and the children are enjoying cooking (and eating) pikelets, making their own wet clay pots and tending the plants and animals in the Biodynamic Garden. 

A new and exciting music experience has commenced on Fridays with the children learning to play their choice of either a cello or a violin. Their tutors are showing them how to care for their instrument, handle it properly and of course begin to create musical notes using the magical bow. It is wonderful to see the children look after their precious instrument! 

Glenaeon’s Art Teacher, Julia, is holding a special painting lesson every Friday fortnight in class, paired with the enjoyment of sipping warm herbal raspberry tea made by Lucy! The children love the calm, creative experience. 

Reading groups continue with the help of our wonderful parent volunteers and the children are pausing throughout the story to discuss their comprehension of what they are reading together. We are now “reading to learn” rather than just “learning to read”. 

The children were enthusiastically engaged in creating their own beautiful Mother’s Day card. Under the guidance of parent Alice Martin, they designed and made painted paper flowers in a layered effect that was truly stunning.

Noeleen P (Yr 8) has continued her successful run through the Swimming Carnival season. Most recently representing AICES at the NSWCIS Swimming Carnival. Up against the best swimmers from Independent schools across NSW, Noeleen had a massive race program, competing in eight events and her results were again outstanding. Her silver medal in the 100m Freestyle and Bronze in the 200m Individual Medley see her through now to the compete against Public and Catholic Schools Sports Association swimmers at the NSW All Schools Championship Carnival next week.

Our Co Curricular Fencing program has been flourishing under the watchful eye of Fencing Coach Andrew Szandurski and our fencers have been out competing at the NSW Fencing League Schools Championships. Sean L , Angus M (Yr 10) and Raphello (Yr 9) went through their first week undefeated after three matches. Despite dropping some tightly fought matches in the second week of competition, they are well positioned for a very strong finish and a potential high placing in a very competitive competition, doing both themselves and us proud as wonderful representatives of our school.

The Jonas Stoebe Memorial Shield which is presented to the Champion School at the end of the ISD Cross Country Carnival has returned to Glenaeon. 34 keen runners from Yr 7-12 defended the ISD title in conditions ranging from sun-drenched to torrential rain at Centennial Park last Friday. Congratulations to all those students who so beautifully represented our school showing their grit and determination and a deep competitive streak to help retain a shield which holds so much importance to our school. Whilst there were dozens of highly impressive individual runs, the camaraderie, support and encouragement within our team was a true highlight of the day.

Class 4 lovingly made a Mother's Day treat for their mums and mum figures in Handwork class with Elizabeth Ellean. They chose colours and stitched words and pictures and made designs with their loved ones in mind. Aren't handmade gifts the best kind?!

Royal Agricultural Easter Show took place in the term break and we were delighted to see two students from Glenaeon that had their craft work of embroidery, and crochet selected for display. There were many categories for the under 20's section and between them they entered in and received prizes for home decoration, wearable garment, accessory, and toys.

Hanako T. (Yr 12) entered three craft pieces and she won three prizes: First prize - any type of needlework incorporating hand stitching, Second prize - most decorative article for the home in a textile medium and Highly Commended- Creative item, hand knitted or crocheted.

Goro T. also entered three crafts pieces and he won one prize - Third prize - Wearable article, hand knitted or crocheted.

They enjoyed sewing and crocheting every day. Especially during their sailing competitions (one of Hanako and Goro's other passions), which can last from two days to over a week. It can be mentally challenging to stay focused throughout, but by doing crafts after each race, they are able to relax and recharge for the next day. Craft helps maintain our mental health and promotes a sense of calm.

Well done Hanako and Goro!

Class 5 were very proud of the glorious and unique mini cucumbers they lovingly grew in the Middle Cove Biodynamic garden. So proud that they generously shared them with the Middle Cove staff to try. Delicious!

Year 9 Photography elective students started the term by going on an urban photo walk. They left school at lunch time and walked into Chatswood, taking photos all the way. From Chatswood they caught the Metro to North Sydney, capturing the futuristic architecture of the new station, then gradually made their way down to the water, spending time on the foreshore, at Luna Park and under the Harbour Bridge.

The purpose of this excursion is to give the students a range of environments to work in, to allow them to experience the way the light changes from midday, through sunset and into the dark of the evening when all the lights come on. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to practise the photography skills they have learned at school over an intensive, extended period – which is the best way to embed learning with a skill like photography.

Wet streets, clouds and rain were all part of the experience for the students this year, but despite the weather, the excursion was still a highlight of the course.

To honour and celebrate our wonderful mums and grannies, Big Kindy children invited them for a special afternoon tea. Gifts had been made well in advance, with lots of careful wet felting, rolling of wool balls and then threading together to make a special necklace which the children wrapped, along with a beautiful autumn card. On the day, flowers were carefully picked from the Kindy garden and made into posies ready for each of our special guests. The children were also busy making sandwiches and collecting herbs for the tea. We made sure the classroom was extra, extra tidy. Mums and grannies were greeted with a small wrist rub of lavender essence and shown to their seat by the children. Then we all enjoyed some herbal tea, sandwiches and scones with cream and Kindy made plum jam. Happy Mother's Day and thank you mums and grannies, for all you do for us every day.

A NURTURING START TO A MEANINGFUL LIFE

Our Kindergarten to Class 6 program nurtures the development of the whole child.  At Glenaeon, we nourish young minds and hearts in a healthy, beauty-filled environment through imagination, artistic expression, and practical achievements.  

A TIME FOR IMAGINATION

Our rich curriculum offers a rigorous academic program enriched by drawing, painting, singing, learning an instrument, woodwork, performing in plays, learning a language other than English, sport and outdoor education.  

Glenaeon is an independent Steiner school offering a holistic education from Preschool to Year 12 that meets and enriches the NSW syllabus requirements. Our educational philosophy and practice was developed by and evolves out of the work of Rudolf Steiner. Our approach to learning encourages expansive thinking, development of the living spirit and profound connection to the wisdom of the past, realities of the present and possibilities for the future. Learning at Glenaeon takes place in truly unique settings blending natural and built environments within a deeply connected community – people, place, purpose.

Founded in 1957, Glenaeon caters for children from Preschool to Year 12 on three campuses: our Preschool at Willoughby; an expansive campus at Castlecrag for students in Kindergarten–Class 3; and the 4.5 hectare Middle Cove bushland campus, adjacent to Sydney Harbour, that caters for students from Class 4 through to Year 12. In addition, Glenaeon runs playgroups for babies and toddlers, from birth to five years at Willoughby and Castlecrag. 

We support the development of habits that inspire a love of learning and help students to lead a meaningful life. Our students are:

• Free in Spirit: curious, disciplined, reverent
• Able to Act: ethical, creative, capable
• Grounded in Self: confident, true, humble
• Caring of the World: aware, compassionate, involved

APPLY NOW

Contact Us:

For inquiries, contact our Enrolments Registrar Sunita Shah at +61 2 94173193 or email enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

BOOK A TOUR

The journey starts here!

Many Sydney families begin their Glenaeon School experience by joining one of our playgroups on either our Castlecrag or Willoughby Campuses. They meet like-minded families who also nurture their children with a respect for sharing natural beauty inside and outside the playgroup rooms.

In the autumn and winter we expand our playgroup community experience by joining our Preschool families to pick apples and picnic in the Blue Mountains or to enjoy warming soup around a fire and have a magical lantern walk around the preschool after a winter story. How wonderful it is that many of our high school students carry these early memories of those festivals as they bring a reverence to the occasions of gratitude in their school year.

Term 2 Playgroups are now open for registrations! For more information, visit here or to book please contact us at playgroups@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming you and your little one to Glenaeon Playgroups. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

Families gathered for a wonderfully creative ‘Pysanky’ Ukranian egg decorating workshop before the Easter holidays began. Mary Heard and Catherine Pilko created the evening, and assisted by Melanie Harper, showed families how to create the most stunning and colourful eggs using this traditional hand-dyed technique. Designs are drawn on hollow blown-out eggs with a traditional hot beeswax pen called a ‘kistka’. The eggs are then sequentially dipped in many beautiful colours, each time with new wax decorations layered on the shell, creating a complex and colourful design. Once complete, the wax is gently warmed near a candle and rubbed off, leaving the most remarkable designs! Traditionally, families and villages would spend quality time creating special and personal eggs for each other as gifts leading up to Easter. Warm chai tea and delicious treats were shared as our community enjoyed a truly special evening together. Many thanks to Mary and Catherine for sharing this intricate technique, handed down through generations. Have a look at some of the gorgeous eggs that were created!

On Saturday 29th March, Science and Maths teacher George Morton-Ramwell ran around Mount Buffalo in the Buffalo 100km Stampede Race. This race has nearly 5000m of elevation, making for a long day out. With a time of 14 hours 10 minutes, he placed 31st out of 300 runners. George has enjoyed sharing his story with students and inspiring them to chase their own passions. He loves the challenge of trail running, being in nature and the kindness of other athletes and volunteers at the events. Congratulations, George - a wonderful example of tenacity and strength.

As Term 1 came to an end, our school community were treated to four remarkable performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as our Yr 10s took to the stage for their Glenaeon musical debut.

The audiences were in awe of the sets, the costumes, the singing and of course, the very impressive performances and team work by the whole cohort. We levitated out of Middle Cove and into the wonderment of the land of Wonka.  

Congratulations to our Yr 10 students on their dedication to the show and thank you to the unstoppable staff and parent volunteers for making it all possible and such a lovely experience for our community who attended four SOLD OUT shows in the Sylvia Brose Hall.

School holidays aren’t all about rest and recovery. Keen Glenaeon surfers took on the challenge of competitive surfing in the Inaugural Gleaneon Surf Riders Surf Tag Championships at Long Reef on the first Friday of the holidays. Surfers from Years 7-11 made up teams of four and surfed clean 2-3 foot waves in a relay event where each surfer rode two waves and was judged on their wave selection, manoeuvres, speed, power and flow. Their scoring waves added to their team’s tally.

Blue team, made up of Tighe and Oscar from Year 8, Finn from Year 10 and Archie from Year 11, came away with the win after a decisive wave from Finn, who took off on the biggest wave of the session and managed a series of turns and a big re-entry off the lip, which impressed the judge. Huge thanks to Rob from Manly Surf School who judged the contest and to all the parents and students who attended. Any surfers keen to be involved in future Glenaeon Surf Riders competitions should see Coach or Kim and check the Sports Noticeboard for updates on surf sessions and upcoming comps.

On the last day of Term 1, our Kindergarten children gathered with their families in the Kindy playground to bid farewell to the term and celebrate the festival of Easter. In the warm Autumn sun, they enjoyed a seasonal story, an egg hunt with onion skin-dyed hard boiled eggs, singing and sharing delicious homemade buns the children had baked that morning. They carefully rolled out dough to make the signature cross on top of the hot cross buns! The children and their families were delighted.

Each child excitedly took home an Easter basket they made full of treasures and wheat grass seeds to grow, along with a booklet of wonderful ideas to celebrate the season over the holidays. Thank you to Kindy teacher Melanie Harper for creating this cherished booklet brimming with ideas. What a beautiful opportunity for connection between student, parent, teacher and friends to round out the term. Thank you to the teachers and assistants for making this afternoon so special.

We have a rare swimmer in our midst. Noeleen P (Year 8) had a phenomenal meet representing Glenaeon and ISD at the AICES swimming carnival late last term. Her 7 medals were an absolutely outstanding achievement. Noeleen won both age champion for the 14 Years Girls and Female Swimmer of the Meet, which is a highly prestigious award. Noeleen now goes onto compete representing AICES at the NSWCIS Swimming Carnival on Monday.

Noeleen's medals at the AICES carnival:

3 Gold:
50m freestyle
100m freestyle 
50m breaststroke 

2 Silver:
50m backstroke
50m butterfly

2 Bronze:
200m freestyle
200m individual medley

Congratulations!

On the last day of term, our high school celebrated the harvest season with their annual Autumn Festival. Yr 7, 8, 9 and 11 gathered in the Sylvia Brose Hall around a mandala thoughtfully created with lovingly donated produce and pantry staples from Glenaeon families. Each year group performed a special poem or song and stories were shared of heroes, hope, diversity and courage.

The Student Representative Council students then helped to bundle up the produce ready for the Oz Harvest truck to collect and deliver to charities that afternoon. Thank you to all who made the festival such a memorable and reflective experience.

At the end of Term 1, I, along with my volunteer, Tim Bacon (2020 Glenaeon graduate) headed out to a stunning property north-west of the Warrumbungle National Park for our first-ever bird banding trip under our expanded bird research project! This property also happens to be where we run Year 8 and Year 12 Outdoor Education programs.

This exciting trip coincided with the Year 12 solo program, giving students the unique opportunity to observe real fieldwork in action. It was a fantastic way to bring science to life, seeing how we gently capture, measure, and band wild birds before safely releasing them back into the bush. Over four days, we banded an incredible 186 birds across 37 species. We worked at two very different sites: a cool, lush gully and a dry, sunny ridgeline. It quickly became clear how important it is to protect both types of habitat. The gully was a haven for small insect-eaters like fairywrens, while the ridges were buzzing with honeyeaters drawn to the flowering eucalypts.

A huge thank you to Eric and Elise Butler for generously allowing us to run this project on their property. Thanks also to our wonderful volunteers: Tim, along with KG and Elise, whose support and enthusiasm made the trip such a success. This pilot study has given us a great foundation to build on. By returning each year in different seasons, we’ll be able to track changes over time, help support local birdlife, and provide more hands-on learning experiences for our students.

The Warrumbungles has already proven itself to be a special place for birds and for budding scientists too! Stay tuned for more updates from the field as our project grows! Enjoy some photos of the birds we captured. Also, a link here to a scientific report for those who wish to read about the initial findings.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Dr Stanley Tang
Director of Studies, Head of Science and Year 9 Guardian

It is so special to witness the beginning of Class 1, starting with the lovely ‘Rainbow Bridge’ ceremony. The Class 1 children gather in the Kindergarten garden with parents and share a morning circle and songs together. The Class 2 children form a beautiful 'Rainbow Bridge' - a tunnel made with long silk and flowers and sing a lovely song called “Make New Friends”. At the beginning of the rainbow, the Kindergarten teachers gives each child a flower to take with them 'under the rainbow bridge' to the other side, where their new Class teacher, Katherine Arconati meets them and welcomes them to Class 1.

Parents of both classes watch and our Head of School Diana Drummond and Deputy Head of School (K-6) Dani Finch also share in this moment. The children then make their way onto the balcony of Class 1 and their first day in the Class Teacher Period begins! This is an important right of passage and a symbolic moment in Steiner education and ignites the beginning of the Class Teacher journey. Katherine is excited to get to know the children and begin this wonderful journey again, having just completed an 8-year cycle. She took her previous class through primary school and then two years as a high school Guardian during Year 7 and 8. Katherine will form special bonds with each child and nurture and guide them through their primary years with the supportive assistance of other specialist teachers. Following the ceremony, parents share morning tea together, with Senior Teacher Catherine Pilko, Dani Finch and Diana Drummond and Class 2 parents welcoming them and building community on our Castlecrag Campus. 

Class 1 and 2 students prepared over 200 bread rolls and 60 cobs of corn to enjoy while hosting the entire Primary School for the Michaelmas Festival. Earlybirds Clair, Melony, Sally and Maria and their children came at 7am to start making the bread – kneading and rolling 10kg of flour! Class 2 parents and children spend the morning rolling baking the rolls. Parent and baker Carolina made an amazing Dragon Bread for the Festival display which Class 1 and 2 shared! The Harvest display, with the woven ‘Horn of Plenty’ and corn husk dolls, is created by Class 1 and 2 parents using the abundant produce donated by our families. Our generous families donated such beautiful produce for our Harvest Festival, and we donated this to Oz Harvest to distribute to charity kitchens and those in need. Children enthusiastically helped pack and carry the produce to the truck with strong muscles and big smiles. Thank you to all of our lovely families who donated.

We have been enjoying seasonal work and play in Kindergarten. Bread making, pom pom apples in craft, making plum jam, Harvest gifts and lots of outdoor play in the Autumn air.

This term, our Yr 8 students embarked on their outdoor education expedition to Parr State Conservation Area at Webbs Creek. They started with a prep day where they attend Main Lesson and then partake in preparation sessions with their outdoor education instructors. During the sessions the students pack their hiking backpacks, cook on Trangias (camp stove) and practice setting up shelter.  When they arrived at Webbs Creek,  they had a short session on how they could achieve the most from the trip and then began bushwalking to their first campsite.  On this journey the students develop their navigation and outdoor travel skills as well as participating in an abseiling and land care activities. The students journeyed to different campsites on the property each day. We are so proud of our Yr 8 students for stepping out of their comfort zones and to our teachers and staff for your encouragement and support.

The aim of the program is to make sure that each stage reflects the broad aim of the curriculum; which is to serve the young person’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs, specific to each year of their development. The Year 8 student is acutely aware of both the social group and their individual place within it. Throughout the program, students will learn to be self-reliant and support others. They are encouraged to work effectively in groups, accept responsibility for their own actions, prepare their own food, manage their own hygiene, take responsibility for leading the group and are introduced to travelling in and around their natural environment.

To celebrate the Autumn season, Handwork Teacher Elizabeth Ellean has been guiding our students in making corn dolls out of corn husks. Class 5 have been working hard on their dolls and also knitting up a storm (perfect timing for the cooler weather to come)! Watching their skills growing beautifully is such a joy. Class 1 and 2 also made dolls in the garden with Sandra last week. Some of the finished dolls were also on display at our Primary Autumn Festival!

Every Tuesday afternoon, the Class 3 children exclaim, “What are we cooking this week?" They gather excitedly around the outdoor table and peek curiously at the fresh ingredients. Like any well trained apprentice chef, they follow good food hygiene practices; they wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, wear an apron and even a hair net (yes, there are giggles galore!) We have discussed safe behaviour in the kitchen and demonstrated sensible handling of utensils such as metal graters and knives and cutting boards with adult supervision. Our cooking sessions have become a hands on exploration of food – from grating carrots, to slicing capsicum, stirring lentils, smelling spices, picking fresh herbs and trying new tastes such as Kalamata olives!

The children are enjoying the procedure of following a recipe to completion and then reaping the reward of sharing the meal together, after a blessing is sung and a gentle reminder about table manners. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Then it’s all hands on deck to wash and dry the cutlery and crockery and pack away. At the end of the year, each child will bring home their own Cooking Book that they have been collating from our sessions to share with their family.

Theresa Parisi
Class 3/4 Assistant

Last week, our Preschool families braved the uncertain weather and gathered at Cedric’s Bilpin Springs Orchard for our annual apple-picking day. In the morning, with rain in the forecast, we wondered if the event would go ahead. However, a small window of clear weather was predicted from 10-12 am—just in time for our arrival! Having both lived in the UK, Lesley and I are no strangers to rainy days, so we decided to take the chance and sent out an email confirming that apple picking was still on. To our delight, we had a fantastic turnout!

And the best part? The apples were extra delicious and juicy thanks to the overnight rain! Families filled their baskets with crisp, fresh apples before gathering for a shared meal. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed—our spread was filled with beautiful homemade dishes, including a delicious apple pie that was the perfect way to celebrate the harvest.

Back at Preschool this week, the children are continuing their apple journey—making apple crumble for morning tea, threading apple slices to dry, and using our manual apple machine to prepare baked apples drizzled with honey (turning them into their own apple sauce!). It’s been wonderful to see the sense of ownership they feel, proudly placing their apples in the fruit basket and announcing, "That’s the apple I picked myself yesterday!" with a beaming smile.

In Steiner education, seasonal rhythms and community are at the heart of learning. Experiencing the apple harvest firsthand connects the children to nature’s cycles, deepens their appreciation for food, and strengthens their sense of belonging within our community. This shared experience—from picking to preparing—celebrates the joy of working together, nurturing both gratitude and connection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was truly a sweet success! 🍏✨

Amy Attewell
Preschool Early Childhood Educator and Room Leader 

Class 1 celebrated the Persian New Year (Nowruz), which corresponds with the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, last Friday. Thank you to Mahdi and Roya for setting up the Haft Sin with many of its traditional, symbolic elements. The class also enjoyed a special craft project in honour of Haji Firuz, who is one of their storied figures on this special day.

For more info on Persian New Year visit here and here.

Last week, all the primary school classes came together at our Castlecrag campus for the festival of Michaelmas - midway between the summer and winter solstices. The play follows the story of a fiery dragon who scorches the crops and threatens the lives of a group of humble villagers who appeal to their wise King for assistance. The King’s daughter is unafraid and bravely confronts the mighty dragon (thanks to Class 5), and with the help of St. Michael, the dragon succumbs and the villagers are saved. In song, verse and movement, the story is told, with each class preparing and performing a part. Each class rehearses their own part, coming together to perform as one. Thank you to the children, teachers and parents for working together on this event. It’s a beautiful example of how the Steiner curriculum builds imaginative pictures that become a source of wisdom and nourishment for children as they grow. The entire primary school singing in rounds is breathtaking and beautiful and the quote “the whole is more than the sum of its parts” is perfectly shared in this festival!

Year 10 students have taken to the beach as part of their PDHPE lessons on Wednesday afternoons this term. It’s a great chance for students to combine the theory around waves, surf conditions and surf safety that they learn in the classroom and practically applying it in the water. Our surfers have developed skills like positioning on waves and recognising wave shapes. From our 'new to surfing' surfers to our advanced surfers out the back with a surf coach, Year 10 have beautifully embraced the challenge with a huge uptake in surfing. Keep an eye out for photos and results from the Inaugural Glenaeon Surf Riders Surf Tag Relay competition which will take place early in the holidays. We thank the Sports Department and Manly Surf School for providing this wonderful experience to our students.

This week, classes 1 and 2 began their gardening blocks to finish Term 1. Our gardening program begins in kindergarten where the children learn to care for, observe and connect with the environment through both play and meaningful work. Building a sense of the unseen forces of nature that work with seasonal and environmental changes leads to strongly developed observational skills in upper primary school that later support scientific thinking.

Today in Class 1 the children began with a eurythmy sequence about the trees and were then introduced to two biodynamic medicines to support healthy growth. They dynamised the water which contained these substances and observed the geometric forms that appeared as they stirred the potion. The children then ground up rock dust to mineralise the soil and sprinkled the stir over the garden beds. A kookaburra came to herald their work to finish the lesson.

In Class 2, the students watched as parent Michael Fayle demonstrated the process for pruning the lemon tree. Some Class 2 students stayed with Michael to prune while the other students proceeded to the far corners of the Castlecrag campus. They observed the status of garden beds they created in past years, touching and tasting flora and fauna as was appropriate. They engaged heartily in the activating of soil fertilisers in rain water, the application of tree paste on beloved trees and tended the worm farm. A group of students planted seeds all over the campus which will bring surprises as they germinate in-situ. The gardening lessons concluded with tasting of biodynamic herbal garden tea and freshly baked sourdough bread. Thank you to parents in both classes who assisted the students in having a well-supported gardening time.

Class 6 has been busy this term writing stories and articles for their Class 6 magazine, The View from Class 6. The first issue has been printed and the students are very excited for their families and teachers to read it. It is a wonderful class project which everyone in the class is involved in. While not every person contributed an article for the first issue, there was plenty to do: drafting, editing, scribing, drawing pictures and compiling it all together ready for printing. So far it has a readership of 70 people, and the class will be using the profits from magazine sales to support their class charity, The Make-a-Wish Foundation, and a portion will also go towards the Class 6 end-of-year celebration.

Congratulations to Rafa A. (Yr 8) for attending the Montessori Model United Nations conference in New York City. The delegates had their final session at the United Nations Headquarters General Assembly Hall. The solutions that have been proposed on current critical global issues will be presented as part of the consultative report to the actual UN General Assembly. What an incredible opportunity - well done, Rafa!

Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) is a conference that annually brings together nine to fifteen year olds from all over the world to come up with solutions to critical global issues using the format of the General Assembly of the United Nations. MMUN is a division of Youth For a Better World, recognised as an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. Every child of 9-15 years is qualified to participate. Their proposed solutions are all heard. The children find that they have a voice and that their opinions are considered.

Class 2 have been learning satin stitch and sewing their initials on their own hand-felted etoile with Handwork teacher Elizabeth Ellean. This is a little felt booklet that they will use throughout their time at Glenaeon to hold needles, scissors and crochet hooks! It's a beautiful project and they are enjoying the challenge. It's a popular activity and is even done in the bus group as children get ready for the school buses to arrive!

We are thrilled to announce that Ava K.(Aiyva), a talented singer and songwriter from Yr 11, has recorded and released her debut single, Long Way to the Mountains. To celebrate this incredible moment, Aiyva hosted a launch party where she performed for friends, family and some familiar faces from Glenaeon! The event was a fantastic success, and we’re excited to share a few photos from the celebration. 

We invite you to listen to Long Way to the Mountains on your favorite music platform. You can find it on Spotify and Apple Music. Don’t forget to follow Aiyva on Instagram to stay updated on her musical journey and future releases – simply scan the QR code and have a look at the launch and her music journey at Aiyva's Instagram! 

In the Kindergarten this year, we have been busy celebrating a number of Summer and early Autumn birthdays. Each child’s birthday is celebrated with a special birthday story, songs, a seasonal birthday table, a handmade gift from the teacher, a drawing from each child made into a book and a shared cake that has been baked in the Kindergarten with the eager help of the children.

In heaven shines a golden star

An angel brought me from afar

From heaven’s heights down to the earth

From heaven to my place of birth. 

Thank you to all who came to celebrate a beautiful Harvest Gratitude Parent Education session last Sunday in the Middle Cove biodynamic garden. 60 celebration participants from families spanning the three campuses of Willoughby Preschool, Castlecrag and Middle Cove from Playgroups to High School enjoyed the morning together.

Making butter, creating flower and grass bouquets, harvesting mature composted soil to re-enliven the rainbow garden bed, planting seedlings a new, moving a ton of campus collected leaves into the chicken and duck coop, and feasting on garden delights. A biodynamic silica remedy to strengthen herb leaves and sweeten guava fruits was also dynamised and distributed all over the garden.

‘Come butter come X2
If you don’t hurry you’re going to be late
And I’m going to beat you to the garden gate’

We sang together as we shook and passed that jar of cream all around our circle of friends.
Golden butter was then ours to eat on home made sourdough bread dotted with sweet guava paste. 

Thank you to Biodynamic Gardening Teacher and Playgroup Leader Sandra Frain for hosting a magical morning at Glenaeon.

Congratulations to Georgia Di Laudo our Administration Assistant who celebrated 10 years at Glenaeon last week! Georgia is a bright star who's energy and friendly personality make her a joy to work with. Thank you Georgia for you your commitment to Glenaeon, we love having you as part of our team.

We were thrilled to have YuNiOn return to Glenaeon for a Japanese drumming workshop with our high school Japanese language students. During Period 1, our students enjoyed learning about one of Japan’s ancient traditional music instruments and traditional rhythms. Then in Assembly, our students were guided by Graham from YuNiOn to perform for their peers and teachers. Thank you to our Japanese Teacher Keiko Takahashi and Music Teacher Alleyne Moss for organising and supporting our students.

Some fun facts about Taiko drumming:

• Taiko drumming is a 12,000-year-old artform
• The deep resonant sound of the taiko drums is thought to represent the powerful energy of nature and is often associated with the spirit of the Japanese people
• It’s not just about the music, it’s about choreographed movements and body postures creating a dynamic visual performance
• Taiko drums are a prominent feature in Japanese festival, adding excitement and rhythm to celebrations.

On a sunny Sydney day last week, we welcomed back our Class of 2024. It was great to hear of the diverse range of exciting experiences they’ve had since graduating, and their plans for 2025. Some are taking a gap year, others diving straight into double degrees and further study.

After an enjoyable morning tea, thanks to our Gentle Cafe for the spread, alumni then moved to the cool Hall foyer to share their experience of Yr 12 with our current students. The foyer was full of friends reuniting and chatter about their experience of Year 12 and sharing insights and reflections with the next cohort starting their final year in their Glenaeon journey.

Thanks to all who could come along, we missed the ones that couldn’t and we hope to see them all back here again in the future. Check out the beautiful baby gifts lovingly crafted by GlenXers for Sally Fenton (2024 Yr 12 Guardian) and Baby Fenton. A gorgeous felted mobile and crocheted blanket. 

In Kindergarten we have started the year with many wonderful adventures and memorable moments. On the first Wednesday of term we welcomed in the Chinese New Year of the Snake with a delicious morning tea of Chinese dumplings that had been made by a generous and willing group of Kindy parents. The Year of the Snake has continued to be celebrated in the Kindergarten in a variety of ways as snake themes have permeated our stories and morning circle content. In the Big Kindergarten the children have enjoyed hearing a lively story about how the snake got his hiss. In the mixed-age Kindy, the children have heard a story about two children who set out to seek some adventures and sailed to many different islands. On one of the islands, a snake came to visit and surprised the children by reminding them that it was the Chinese New Year of the Snake! In our morning circle, the children have delighted in slithering and sliding in the deep blue sea along with Mama Sea Snake and her little babies three!

Our celebrations culminated this week in a surprising visit from a real snake! Slither the Green Snake unexpectedly found his way into the Waratah classroom. Perhaps he had been seeking shelter after the very dramatic storm we had all witnessed the day before, or perhaps he just came to continue celebrating the Year of the Snake. Well, we didn’t stop to ask him why he was there. Instead, we gave a brief hello before quickly evacuating into the Wattle classroom where we all shared lunch and rest together while Stanley the Snake Catcher (Dr Stanley Tang who teaches Science and Maths in the High School) came to catch and relocate the snake. Thanks to Stanley we had a wonderful opportunity to have a close up look at the beautiful green snake who had come to visit our Kindergarten. What an adventurous start to the New Year.

MEANINGFUL LIVES BEGIN HERE

Discover Glenaeon’s unique points of difference at our annual Open Day, showcasing our holistic and integrated learning program that inspires imagination, creativity, and the growth of good character within a deeply connected community.

Join us on Friday, March 14, 9am - 11am for a truly immersive experience.

Why Choose Glenaeon?

We nurture a sense of belonging, purpose, engagement through intentionally designed learning experiences that reflect our understanding of childhood development and the need to prepare children for a meaningful and fulfilling life in contemporary society.

Our educational approach unfolds in a unique and beautiful physical environment in which wellbeing for learning is central.

Glenaeon, Australia’s first Steiner school, enjoys a strong record of academic excellence. Our students perform admirably each year in the NSW Higher School Certificate, consistently placing our school in the top 15-20% of all NSW schools.

View our 2024 HSC results

Join us and discover a vibrant, growing world of difference at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School.

OPEN DAY Event Details:

Where: Middle Cove Campus, 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove

When: Friday 14 March 2025

Time: 9-11am

REGISTER NOW for OPEN DAY 2025

What to Expect:

Discover Glenaeon’s distinct offerings:

• View student work from across the school from a range of curriculum areas
• Observe students during lessons on our Middle Cove campus
• Explore our extensive Sport and Co-Curricular program
• Learn about our award-winning Outdoor Education program

Self or Guided Exploration:

• Opt for a self-guided walking tour with a printed map or join an organised tour group, led by our students

Meet our Leaders and understand core values:

• Hear from our Head of School, Diana Drummond.
• Connect with Dani Finch, Deputy Head of School for Classes K-6, and Yura Totsuka, Deputy Head of School for Years 7-12.
• Talk with our Year 11 Captains

Engage with our Environment:

• Take advantage of our looping courtesy bus from nearby parking to campus.
• Explore our beautiful bushland campus

Personalised Engagement:

• Ask questions and engage with Heads of Department
• Gain insight into how Glenaeon supports and integrates students when they first join the school, and throughout their Glenaeon educational journey

Take Home a Piece of Glenaeon:

• Receive a comprehensive Prospectus Pack
• Browse the Grassroots Eco Store pop-up shop

Indulge and Relax:

• Enjoy coffee or a wholesome treat from The Gentle Café on the deck surrounded by tranquil grounds and bushland

Contact Us:

For inquiries, contact our Enrolments Registrar Sunita Shah at +61 2 94173193 or email enrolments@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

Kindergarten Entry?

• Families interested in Kindergarten entry for 2026 and beyond are also encouraged to attend our Castlecrag Campus Open Day in 2025.

REGISTER NOW for OPEN DAY 2025