YSS Newsletter 2025 Term 4 Week 3

The growing I of man Speaks to the universal, Forgetful of self But mindful of primal origin; In you, this universal, freeing me From chains of selfhood, I ground my true being. Calendar of the Soul -Rudolf Steiner

We acknowledge the Wadandi (Saltwater people) as the traditional custodians of these lands, skies and waterways where we come together at Yallingup Steiner School, and where learning has taken place for thousands of years.

We extend this respect to all First Nations people and thank the Ancestors, Elders, and custodians of the Wadandi community, who have cared for and continue to nurture Country, in their many restoration projects, community and cultural research and spiritual wisdom of the earth as sacred.

Upcoming Events Term 3

Monday  27th October

  • C4-6 Surfing
  • Parent Education: Embrace Film 6pm

Tuesday 28th October

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Wednesday  29th October  

  • Ice Cream Day

Thursday 30th October

  • C1-6 Incursion Circus
  • K6 Cape and Crown making workshop 2:30-3 in Hall

Friday 31st October

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Monday  3rd November

  • C4-5Surfing
  • Class 6 Depart for Rottnest Camp

Tuesday 4th November

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Wednesday 5th November

  • Ice Cream Day

Thursday 6th November

  • C1-6 Incursion Circus

Friday 7th November

  • Class 6 Return from Camp
  • Crown Making Session One 2pm-3pm -Rainbow Room

Monday  10th November

  • C4-6 Surfing
  • C3 Parent Meeting 2pm

Tuesday 11th November

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Wednesday 12th November

  • Ice Cream Day

Thursday 13th November

  • Class 1 Parent Meeting 3:30pm

Friday 14th November

  • Crown Making Session Two 2pm-3pm -Rainbow Room

Monday  17th November

  • C4-6 Surfing
  •  Parent Education 6:30pm: Talk with Lou Harvey-Zahra Author of Happy Child Happy Home 

Tuesday 18th November

  • C4 Excursion

Wednesday 19th November

  • Ice Cream Day

Thursday 20th November

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Friday 21st November

  • Crown Making Session Three 2pm-3pm -Rainbow Room

Monday  24th November

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Tuesday 25th November

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Wednesday 26th November

  • Ice Cream Day

Thursday 27th November

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Friday 28th November

  •  

Monday  1st December

  • C4-6 Surfing

Tuesday 2nd December

  •  

Wednesday 3rd December  

  • Ice Cream Day

Thursday 4th December

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Friday 5th December

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Monday  8th December

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Tuesday 9th December

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Wednesday 10th December  

  • Ice Cream Day

Thursday 11th December

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Friday 12th December

  • End term 4 12:30 finish

Welcome to Week 3

Dear Families,

One the best parts of my job by far, is the opportunity to converse with the budding minds and imaginations of the children…

This morning, I dropped in on one of the kindergartens for some casual popcorn and banter. The wide-eyed imaginative talks and shared enthusiasms landing upon me in the warmest way.

As I concluded my visit with a quick lay on my back to look up and marvel at the size of the Marri tree shading the play area, a little pair of super observant eyes sitting next to me quietly pointed out the face of a big black skink peering out from under a log. Just another friend having a bit of morning tea in the enchanted world of early childhood.

How wonderful it is that we allow this to be the reality for our young students, spending time observing and playing in the wonders of the world.

For an experienced commentary on Early childhood education in Steiner schools tune in to the latest pod cast on Steiner Voices XYZ with Catherine Pilko and Andrew Hill. I have the interview scheduled for my own drive home this afternoon!

The podcasts are such great listening and so easily accessible through Spotify or similar streaming services. Alternatively, go to the Steiner Education Australia website for the link.

I hope that you are all able to bask in the beautiful seasonal change of the weather and find some time to spend enjoying the outward expression it brings forth in the children.

Outside I can see furious digging and mud play in the Primary playground. Wonderfully filthy smiling happy playmates that could just as easily be working the banks of the Nile as enjoying a quick half hour break from classes.

 

Warm regards,

Jacqui

 

Class Two Fables

Class Two performed their Fables play in the last week of Term 3. They demonstrated their developing expressive drama skills, their beautiful singing and their impressive ability to memorise and speak fables in chorus. Thank you to classes One and Six who came to watch and were wonderful audience members. Thank you also to the parents and family members who joined us and showed the children their support.

The Greek Olympics Class 5

The Ancient Greece Main Lesson in Class 5 deserves a generous dose of time and attention.  This cultural epoch has had an enduring impact on humanity, enlightening us in democracy, freedom, beauty, art and philosophy.

During Term 3 we began studying the geography, mythology, poetry and history of Ancient Greece.

We immersed ourselves in the many stories of this time; honouring each god, hero or character who possessed powers, strengths and weaknesses reflective of human potential. The Class 5 student is more awake to receive these inner impressions. As the students experience the transition from the group consciousness to free independent individuality mirrored by the ancient cultures such as Greece, so the stories support a healthy development of intellect and freedom.

With our shared reading of Homer’s Illiad the archetypal theme of good vs evil was challenged, with the students questioning day to day, “Who were the good guys?”

Studying the artwork commonly painted on glazed pots or sculpted upon temples friezes, we discovered the process of ‘decoupage’ and glorified the brave warriors of the Trojan War on Father’s Day coasters.

Inspired by Prometheus, man’s friend and creator, we learnt the skills to sculpt pots and figures with our ceramicist expert, Clarice.

Incorporating the Language Arts curriculum the students gave oral presentations, made poems, newspaper articles and wrote from different perspectives.

And yet, even with all this beauty, wisdom and skill, every day, after morning tea, for about 8 weeks, the students would ask the same question, without fail: “Are we doing Olympic Training today?”

 

As I love movement, naturally I was more than happy to share the student’s keen interest in shaping up for the Greek Olympics, which was held in Perth in Week 9 alongside other WA Steiner Schools. We did a lot of training for the pentathlon (marathon, long jump, javelin, discus and wrestling), sprints and relays. But we trained in more than just speed, strength and skill, we trained in beauty, grace and honour. In both the training and on the Day of the Olympics I am proud to say the students gave their individual best, but never lost sight of the ideal: unity.

As their strengths and challenges played out, opportunities for humility and perseverance presented. Students enjoyed forging new friendships or rediscovering old ones. Many students reported they “exceeded my own expectations”. Of course they did! For they invoked the help of the Gods who praised their virtuous efforts.

 

I am so proud of all the Class 5’s. They stood up to the task with the might of Zeus, the force of Poseidon, the speed of Hermes and the courage of Ares. Inspired by the skill of Artemis, the bellows of Hephaestus and Athena’s strategy each student achieved success. With Hera’s poise and Aphrodite’s beauty they participated with grace and honour. But maybe it was all thanks to Dionysus and Gita who gifted us a grand Greek feast the night before!

In striving physically to do their best in the original skills at this special event, they tested themselves. Lifelong memories were created.

Our Greek adventures will sail on into Term 4, through our reading of the Odyssey, the study of geometry, philosophy, Pythagoras… and one or two more wars to put us in good stead for Rome next year.

Kindest

Lisa 

Spring Fair and Open Day

Despite the unpredictable weather, with rain making its presence felt throughout the day, the spirit of the P&F remained unshaken. Our dedicated Parents and Friends pressed on, working tirelessly to ensure the event was a memorable occasion for all. Their commitment and enthusiasm transformed the day into a special celebration, undeterred by the wet conditions.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to our teachers, who went above and beyond by preparing their classrooms over the weekend. Their efforts provided families with a wonderful insight into the progress and achievements of the year so far, creating a welcoming and impressive atmosphere for all family visitors.

Parent Education

We have received a request from Lou for accomodation for two nights 16th & 17th November. If you are able to help please contact the office. 

Community Notices

(Please note – the events and views in these Community Notices are not sponsored by YSS and do not necessarily reflect the views of the School.)

SAFE: Animal Fostering

Can your family foster a cat or dog with SAFE? 

SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia) is WA’s largest volunteer-based animal rescue and rehoming service, and our local branch in Busselton urgently needs more foster carers. It’s a wonderful experience for the family to foster one of their lovely cats or dogs, providing a caring, temporary home to an animal that may have been abandoned or forced to be given up, until they find their forever family. They’re usually adopted within a few weeks to a few months. If you can help the Busselton branch, please apply here: https://safe.org.au/foster/

Event/ticket link here https://artsmargaretriver.com/event/runt-and-the-diabolical-dognapping-book-launch-an-afternoon-with-craig-silvey/

All tickets $10 / Ticket with a copy of the book $32

Or you could say “get your tickets at artsmargaretriver.com

Circle of Security Program- For Dads

“Dad’s this one’s for you! The Circle of Security Program (term 4) is all about enjoying the ride of fatherhood and connecting with your kids.  

Real talk, good laughs and simple ways to be the dad you want to be”

Jill  Rogers | Community Health Nurse

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