YSS Newsletter 2026 Term 1 Week 4

Dear Families,

It is with genuine happiness that I return to the fold of our school this week after a prolonged absence to attend to family needs. Having the privilege of time, to accompany a family member as she passed away, has been appreciated immensely.

I am so very grateful for the combined efforts and capabilities of my esteemed colleagues who have stepped in to cover me. Especially to my long-term working partner Rae-Lee who has been at the school alongside me for the past 16 years.

The opportunity to work collaboratively within the school’s management model brings the benefit of seamless transitioning at such times, giving both staff and students positive continuity.

This week I have observed classes deeply immersed in their first Main Lessons for the year and have been so pleased to see that the new Class One cohort have begun to settle into the Primary School playground, with some lovely mixed age play very visible.

One of the benefits of a small school context is the opportunity for student to find stimulation and comfort in the opportunity to develop relationships across the cross section of age groups during break times.

Though the weather can be changeable at this time of the year, please remember that sun protection is an important consideration and that having footwear at least in children’s bags is a must.

An upcoming seasonal festival is anticipated for mid March, to coincide with the Autumn equinox, details of which will be communicated closer to the date.

We look forward to taking the students to Dunsborough for their annual swimming lessons a little later in the term this year, with classes scheduled for weeks eight and nine. This will be very nice way to segway into the mid semester break.

Thank you to those families who have remembered to update their children’s medical plans for 2026. If you require any guidance in this area or are yet to notify the school of allergies or pre-existing medical conditions, please contact Jane Watts as soon as possible.

Steiner schools around the world are committed to supporting children in their individual unfolding to find a sense of healthy and meaningful social and cultural belonging. With the support of parents and caregivers, working together we have the capacity to provide wonderful consciously supported childhoods for our treasured students.

In the words of Rudolf Steiner, in what has become famously known as his ‘Motto of the Social Ethic’:

 “A healthy social life is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living.”

A shared and common understanding and appreciation of the collective efforts made by each of us builds a shining example of mutual respect in the school yard.

Best wishes everyone and make it a great day,

Jacqui