FiveIssue Five July 2013

A letter to the future My kids don't learn poetry Ten Tenets AEON Issue Five July 2013

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Sylvia Brose Hall construction and opening in 1985

Contents

04 School Council Welcome to AEON 5. »» Council Members Aeon gives a glimpse into the »» Moving on rich learning community that is Glenaeon, established as 06 A letter to the future Australia’s first school for Rudolf Steiner education. The magazine 08 Fine motor and more is a record of school life, featuring people and events that are 09 My kids don'’t learn important in our community. poetry... Glenaeon pioneered the vision 10 A successful disaster of a creative and collaborative education in Sydney: we look Titanic: The Musical forward to a reinvigorated future 12 Festivals where we celebrate the unique community that has grown around 14 Ten tenets the school. Aeon is a voice and forum for the rich learning that 16 Glenaeon 2013 remains the school’s core impulse. »» Netball, Hockey Whether currently involved with »» Blame it on the Boogie the school, or one of our many »» Open Day alumni families and friends, we »» Works of Mum invite you to enjoy in the following »» Year 11 & 12 camps pages the unique vision of a Glenaeon education. 20 Donations and The Foundation Andrew Hill Collegiate Chair 22 GlenX 23 Centenary Day

Article and photo from the North Shore Times August 1985 written by Jan Barford at the time of the Sylvia Brose Hall Opening.

Aeon and Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School would like to acknowledge this article was provided by Terry Ryan as displayed in Glenaeon School, Another Time 1981–1988. p12 Glenaeon Alumni and Friends is the new body bringing together MidWinter festival our diverse community of present and former students, parents and friends of the school. We look forward to many events celebrating the Glenaeon community and our 54 year history. Nikki Crow is our Alumni Coordinator and she welcomes Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Ltd enquiries about alumni activities and feedback about Aeon. ABN 94 000 385 768 For all details of alumni events, contacts and general information, 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove or to receive Aeon electronically, you can contact Nikki on: NSW 2068, Australia [email protected] Phone: 9417 3193, Fax: 9417 5346 Design: Campbell Van Venrooy (cvvdesign.com.au) www.glenaeon.nsw.edu.au

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Council There are many things that work behind the scenes of a school. One of them is the regulatory and financial foundation that ensures the school remains legally viable and financially sustainable. These matters are not ones that should be front and centre in the childrens’ education, but matters which nevertheless are fundamental to a school’s existence, survival and success.

lenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Ian Davis Ken Gunderson-Briggs Ltd is a not for profit company: Ian’s long service of ten years Stepping into the Chair role we Gthe directors of that company on the Council has been an welcome Ken Gunderson-Briggs. form the Council which is the extraordinary contribution to the Ken’s eldest child began at Glenaeon governing body of the school. As in school while maintaining a busy in 1997 and his three children have any sound company there is a clear schedule in his professional career all attended the school. Ken has delineation between management as Mangaing Director of Telstra been a member of Council for nearly and governance: the directors are Television, Ian has worked tirelessly four years and served as Treasurer not involved in managing the school, to guide the school to a successful during that time. Ken has been the but maintain a role in providing an and sustainable future. He oversaw driving force behind the creation overview of long term strategy, the reorganisation of the school’s of the Glenaeon Foundation Ltd maintaining the school’s financial management and governance and as the founding Chair he has solvency and protecting the school structures during this time, and he done a huge job in establishing this against risk. has been instrumental in guiding the important new development arm of While most of our directors are or school to a new era of stability. the school. He now steps up to Chair have been parents of children in the His professional skills in of the Council and we welcome him school, in stepping onto the Council organisational development and into this important role. they move out of the personal role management have been profoundly Ken is a Chartered Accountant of being parent of particular children valuable, while his personal skills in with 30 years experience in in particular classes. They take on a guiding our organisation through a professional chartered accounting broader stewardship role where they complex change process have been in public practice, including 20 years champion, advocate and oversee the exemplary. On a human level, he at partner level. governance of the school as a whole. has been steadfast in his personal In 2009 Ken established Directors go through a detailed commitment to Glenaeon over Gunderson Briggs, a boutique selection process, and the Council such a long period, and he leaves chartered accounting firm that maintains a balance of professional an enduring legacy for the future. looks after the financial affairs of skill sets that encompass Steiner We are deeply grateful to Ian for his business owners. Gunderson Briggs education, finance, human resources, contribution to the school and wish specialises in solving problems, law, marketing, and facilities. him well in all his future endeavours. providing guidance and giving advice Directors are volunteers, to people in business. contributing many hours of service Ken was previously a Partner at to the school. We are deeply grateful Grant Thornton for 15 years, holding that this so necessary task is given the role of Head of Privately Held so happily and professionally. Business Services. This year we said goodbye Since 2003 Ken has been a to two long serving directors, non executive Director of Harvey Malcolm Day a member of Council Norman Holdings Limited, and for over ten years and Ian Davis has held positions on a number who has been a member of Council of not for profit boards including for ten years and Chair for eight the Windgap Foundation. Ken also years. In Ian’s place as Chair, we has involvement in sporting bodies welcome Ken Gunderson-Briggs, including North Sydney District and it is an opportunity to profile Cricket Club, Mosman Cricket all current members of the Club, Northbridge Football Club, Glenaeon School Council, on the and undertaken various roles from following pages. Treasurer to Coach & Player. 

Page 3 AEON Issue Five July 2013

Members of Council

Robin Borrud Alasdair Fuller Lee Hill (Deputy Ann Kenna Earle MacGregor Originally hailing Alasdair and the Chair) Ann has been involved Earle is Treasurer on from California, Robin Fullers have had a A member of the with Glenaeon for nearly the Council and former has a background in long involvement with Glenaeon Council since ten years, initially with Treasurer of the Glenaeon marketing and sales Glenaeon with both late 2010, Lee is closely daughter Eliza (who Parents Association. in the US, where she children going through associated with the graduated in 2009) and His children have both worked at the national the school, Oliver from School in many ways. Tatum who graduated enjoyed their high school level building campaigns Class 3 to Year 12 and His partner Donna Miller in 2012. years at Glenaeon with for major brands, as Francis from Kindy to the is the current Year 12 Ann has over 25 years Hannah finishing Year well as locally with current Year 12. Alasdair Guardian and an Art of Human Resources 12 last year and Lincoln small advertisers to set is married to Julia Byrne teacher at Glenaeon. advisory experience currently doing his HSC. up and create in-house who works at the school Lee & Donna’s two gained through her His wife Michele marketing agencies that as an Art Therapist daughters joined the consulting & corporate enjoys her involvement allowed them to control and was featured in a School in 2005 – Blaise roles including HR with the school in all of their marketing and previous edition of AEON. is now in Year 8 and Jaz Director, Wolters Kluwer managing the Treasure media needs. Alasdair works as the is in Class 6. Lee became Asia Pacific (Publishing), Chest at Castle Crag. She and her family Head of Procurement for involved in the Glenaeon General Electric (GE Professionally Earle moved to Sydney 4 ½ NBN Co, the company Parents Association Finance), Allens Arthur is an experienced years ago. She has three rolling out the nationwide (then P and F) in 2006, Robinson (Law) and General Manager, daughters at Glenaeon high speed Broadband initially as part of the ACNielsen (Research). CFO and Consultant – Emily in Class 7, Lilly network. He joined NBN Spring Fair organising During her career as a who has worked for in Class 4 and Clara in Co in early 2010, from committee and later senior HR practitioner she several entrepreneurial Class 3. The family moved Optus, where he was the became co-Chair of the has led many large-scale and Australian listed to Castlecrag from the Director of Procurement P&F Committee. change management companies, mainly Eastern suburbs to be for the previous nine Born and educated projects including requiring significant closer to the school. years. Alasdair started in the UK, Lee moved to acquisitions, mergers and organisational change, Over the past three out at a New Zealand Australia in 1992. He is organisational re-designs. development and growth. years since her family law firm, and was also an experienced business She is currently the He has guided joined Glenaeon, she has an investment banker leader with a background Principal of her own three companies, become very active in the with the NZ subsidiary in general management consulting business Freedom Furniture, community and in her of Macquarie Bank. He is and marketing. Lee’s (hrINSIGHT.com.au). Mortgage Choice and BT children’s classrooms. a Barrister and Solicitor career has spanned a During her time as a Investment Management In addition to serving of the High Court of diverse range of sectors parent (and class parent) through Australian on the Glenaeon Council New Zealand. including tertiary at Glenaeon, Ann has stock exchange listings she is currently Class 4 education, consumer had the opportunity to and directed two large class parent. goods, financial services broaden and deepen mergers. Earle is a & web technologies. Lee her knowledge of, and Chartered Accountant is now self-employed interest in, the teachings having started his career as an advisor to service of Rudolf Steiner. Ann with Price Waterhouse businesses, in particular, with husband Mark have in audit and business in Tertiary Education been active volunteers advisory services. and Professional at the school, initially Services. During the as class parents, joining past ten years Lee has working bees, spring served on many Boards fairs & parking rosters including charities (The and more recently when Variety Club – NZ), not- Ann joined Council in for-profits and Public & May 2012. Private companies.

Page 4 ...and moving on

Martin Porteous Tracey Puckeridge Ray Shorrocks Malcolm Day Martin’s two teenage Tracey Puckeridge Ray has been a parent Malcolm has been children (now Year 10 was a Class Teacher for at Glenaeon since 2002 a member of Glenaeon and Year 11) both joined 14 years at Casuarina and his three children School Council for over Glenaeon after their Steiner School, Coffs have all attended the ten years. primary schooling at Harbour. During this time school, with Hamish Educated as an Kamaroi. Martin is the she fulfilled leadership currently in Year 9 and architect, Malcolm has Manager of INALA Day roles as a College Margot in Class 6. enjoyed a long and varied Services and member Executive member, Ray is a Director of career in architecture and of the Executive at College Chair, Deputy Patersons Securities all facets of the building INALA, a Steiner-based Principal and was a Limited and Heads industry. As a director, Disability organization, Board Director for eight the Corporate Finance he has contributed an and is responsible years. Tracey joined the Department in Sydney. enormous amount to the for the coordination Glenaeon Council in 2012 He is also the Chairman school over his time on the of staff training and and has enjoyed her of an ASX listed Council, playing a major development. He is the time getting to know the company and a director role in the planning and Australian representative Glenaeon community. of a number of private oversight of the significant of the Executive of Tracey is currently the companies. Ray has building projects that the ARSCESTA (Steiner based CEO of Steiner Education worked in the Investment school has undertaken disability organisations Australia. This position Banking industry for over the past ten years on in Australia) at the gives her a national more than 20 years. Prior all our campuses: International Conference picture of the Steiner to his role at Patersons, »» The Arts/ Science of Social Therapy and education movement in Ray was the Head of building at Middle Cove; Curative Education at the Australia and she holds Corporate Finance at »» The Marion Mahony Goetheanum in Dornach, key stakeholder positions BBY Limited. Ray is Griffin Hall and the Switzerland. representing SEA at state, highly conversant and BER development at Having originally territory and national experienced in all areas Castlecrag; studied Arts/Law at government levels. of mergers & acquisitions »» The renovations to the UNSW, Martin has been Last year Tracey was and equity capital property in Willoughby actively involved with invited to be a member markets, including to create the Glenaeon Anthroposophy and of the International a significant track Preschool. associated work for over Forum for Steiner/ record of transactions Prior to that Malcolm 35 years. Prior to his Waldorf Education and in the metals and was a very involved involvement with Inala represents Australia at mining, industrials and parent, sending his four he graduated from a these meetings, which property sectors. children and a step son Steiner- based Speech gives a broad ranging to Glenaeon: he even and Drama training, perspective of the growth trained as a teacher and and worked as writer, of the Steiner movement was one of the last student performer, director and globally, as well as future teachers to be trained teacher in Australia, issues and current by Glenaeon’s founder England, USA and Europe educational trends. Sylvia Brose. Malcolm’s for ten years. Tracey was also wife Joy Day continues He has been a recently elected to the to be an active organiser Director of Sydney Rudolf Board of the Association and contributor to our Steiner College for ten of Independent Schools Parent and Community years (Steiner-based Adult of NSW, continuing Education program: we Education) and a member a long tradition of thank Malcolm for his of Council since 2007. Glenaeon’s involvement outstanding contribution with the peak body for to the school and wish him independent schools and Joy all good things across the state. in the future.

Page 5 AEON Issue Five July 2013

A letter to the future In 1912 Captain Robert Falcon Scott lay dying of starvation and cold in a tent on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. One of his companions in the tent was a doctor called Edward Wilson who as well as being a medical practitioner was a gifted artist and the zoologist on the expedition. Wilson’s love of nature, particularly birds, had inspired his friend Scott to be more attuned to the natural world and its wonders than he had been before, and as he lay dying Scott wrote a last letter to his wife, a heart-breaking final letter if ever there was one, making a plea for his son’s future:

You see I am anxious his remarkable last letter, And the connection to Glenaeon? for you and the boy's written with a frozen pencil in The winning letter was written by Ta temperature of –50 Celsius, Brent Astley Richards who is the future — make the was found many months later uncle of Warwick and Jack Taylor buried in snow with the bodies in Classes 5 and 6. The letter boy interested in of the explorers. His wife did as was chosen from 600 entries and requested and the boy Peter Scott selected by a panel of celebrity Nature if you can, it grew up to be a well known artist wildlife broadcasters one of whom and illustrator, and a leading pioneer is taking some of the top letters to is better than sport — of the conservation movement. Antarctica where she will post them they encourage it at He mentored the young Sir Davis from the most southerly post office Attenborough and in particular in the world to all schools in the UK. some schools — I know founded an organisation in the UK As one of the judges said of the called the Wildfowl and Wetlands winning letter, "We have to inspire you will keep him out Trust (WWT) which has been active our youngsters to get close to nature, in the open air. in preserving bird habitats and not just for their own benefit but eco systems, and running wetland also so that they will protect our visitor centres educating children environment in the future. on conservation issues. "It’s mindboggling how Captain To mark the 100 years since Scott’s letter, written thousands Scott's Antarctica expedition, of miles away and a hundred years the WWT ran a competition ago, has resulted all these years throughout the UK to find an later in WWT saving endangered inspiring letter. Scott’s last bird species around the world and letter, written at the other end running wetland visitor centres of the world 100 years ago, has around the UK which get children resulted in the international work close to nature. Just imagine of the WWT fostering the care what Brent Astley Richards’ letter and protection of the natural world. might accomplish a hundred years The WWT wanted to find a letter from now?" that might be just as inspiring in Yes, its extraordinary how a another 100 years time. single heroic action can continue doing good for so long after. The letter speaks for itself, encouraging children to switch off their computers and go and see the immense variety of wildlife (in Britain). It’s a letter to children in the UK but the message is for al children everywhere, a letter we publish in AEON as a message to our children here. 

Page 6 The winning letter

Dear: Children of Great Britain Thank you to Heather for passing on her brother Brent’s letter. I am writing to you because: His sentiments are You alone hold our future and indeed the future of all living things in your exactly those that we would want a hands. Past generations have made a real mess of our planet but at long last Glenaeon education we are all beginning to learn that we can and must make a difference. Over to promote in our the last fifty years or so we have made great headway against the seemingly students. We trust his letter insurmountable problems of indifference, ignorance, political necessity and will inspire children corporate greed but there is much still to be done. When I was a boy in the everywhere to be committed to the 1950’s most of our rivers were so polluted they held little if any wildlife, now natural world around most are clean and healthy and once again full of fish, we need to keep them them and work creatively in nurturing that way. On the other hand in those days I could often hear the wonderful our natural heritage. song of the Nightingale or wander through hay meadows full of wild flowers and butterflies, sadly much of that environment has since disappeared. We need to save as much as we can of what we have left and recreate those environments wherever possible.

In 2013 would you do one thing for me: Many of you love your computers so to start with, look up wild birds, wild flowers, insects and wild animals and see what an immense variety surround us. Did you know for example that we have the fastest creature on earth here in the UK and it can be seen in most cities. It’s the Peregrine Falcon and it can reach speeds of over 180mph. We have snakes, lizards, bats, a moth that looks like a Humming Bird, a bird that walks along the bottom of rivers and one that flies nonstop for more that three years, all things that you could see. All you have to do is switch off your computer and go for a walk. But when you go for the walk take a long hard look at your environment. If you see a wild flower take a good look at it but don’t damage it, look at its shape its colour, the leaves and where it grows. Look at the birds, their colour, the shape of their beaks, did you know that the shape of the beak will often tell you what they eat. Fat beaks are usually for breaking into seeds, thin for eating insects, long for poking into tree bark or down into mud. When you finish the walk go home and write down the best bits and think what you could do to help our wild creatures.

This is important because: The only creature on this planet capable of destroying it, is man. We all Glenaeon Middle Cove need to be aware that we survive because of the natural balance of nature, Campus pathway a balance we are in great danger of upsetting completely. You all hold the future of this planet in your hands and only you can determine its ultimate fate.

From: Brent Astley Richards

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Fine Motor and More

“An entire generation of children are losing their motor skills because of a chronic addiction to technology such as smartphones and iPads... The situation is so desperate that a growing number of parents are turning to physio and occupational therapists to help build muscle tone in their children’s hands and arms.” From a recent article in the Daily Telegraph (May 4th) While it might be true that some media outlets are prone to exaggeration, there Using Professor Howard may also be a grain of truth here. Yes, it’s a danger our school have been warning Gardner’s understanding of about for many years. The chickens are coming home to roost as the long term multi-intelligences, we could say and age-inappropriate use of technology starts to be noticeable. that at Glenaeon we establish fine motor coordination through And what are the strategies that professionals are suggesting to remedy this four different intelligences: desperate situation? »» Linguistic intelligence: “(At one school) children ...spend time playing with plasticine, threading beads writing on fishing line and playing with clothes pegs to practice the “pincer grip” »» Visual intelligence: essential for handwriting.” drawing »» Musical intelligence: I read this article somewhat incredulously. Are they serious? recorder playing “...playing with clothes pegs to practice pincer grip”..? Clothes pegs?!? »» Kinesthetic intelligence: handcrafts. Using our own words, we How do we build fine motor skills at Glenaeon? can say head (writing), heart (art and music) and hand (craft) 1. Kindergarten 3. Drawing work together to build the child’s Kindy is one big "pincer grip" We teach drawing simultaneously fine motor skills, a perfectly factory: baking, bread making, with writing for an important reason, balanced approach that builds building, cleaning, weaving, finger one in addition to the artistic reason balanced human beings. knitting, sewing, winding, cooking, of being able to create imaginative hese are the very reasons why tidying, wax modelling…it goes and beautiful representations of we have no technology in our on. All activities are full of will, full story images. Holding a stick crayon Tprimary classrooms: it’s not of busy, purposeful fingers doing reinforces pencil grip, further building because we don’t like technology important, purposeful things. Then fine motor control. (we do!), it’s not because we can’t comes Class 1... afford technology (it’s cheap!), it’s not 4. Musical instruments because we don’t know how to use 2. Writing before reading Playing a musical instrument is technology (it’s easy!). It’s because Our approach to literacy is based on ear-hand coordination. these human skills need to be founded on movement as children Playing recorder every morning not established first in this essential early naturally learn through movement. only builds fine motor control, it time. It’s because good education To ensure children learn to read in also builds musicality, and of course demands a balanced, human-centred an age-appropriate, child-friendly creates beautiful music that uplifts foundation as its very core. manner, we teach them to write their the soul. The lifelong benefits of fine motor letters first, and then read second. control can lead to unexpected The writing is active movement 5. Craft career choices. Glenaeon alumni and needs to come first, while Knitting and sewing are real Dr Tom Thorvaldson is a surgeon in reading which is passive should life, adult skills that produce real Maitland, NSW. In his early years at come second. The act of writing products that are both useful and our school he learned to write, draw, practises "pincer grip", or as we call beautiful, like bini’s, scarves, dolls play recorder, knit and sew, and as it, "pencil grip": the teacher spends a and toys. They build eye-hand a young medical student a senior significant amount of time modelling coordination, and both skills depend surgeon complimented him on his and practising the qualities of this on the "pincer grip" so essential very neat stitching of a major wound. kind of grip, knowing that bad for pencil grip. They also build a The compliment led him to consider habits established in Class 1 can be healthy self confidence and sense his specialty options, and today he life-long. The emphasis on writing of achievement. happily continues to use his fine strengthens the hand and fingers, motor skills in life-saving surgery.  and is the foundation on which good We should thank the Daily Telegraph for presenting such important news on the fine motor control is established. state of childhood today. If ever we needed vindication for our approach, this is it.

Page 8 This article by writer Nikki Gemmell appeared in a recent edition of The Australian. It’s a beautiful piece and we have an answer for Nikki: in the past term Class 6 learned The Man From Snowy River, and Year 8, embarking on their Shakespeare Main Lesson, learned a number of sonnets. Learning poetry in either a main lesson or in Morning Circle continues to be a standard part of the Glenaeon curriculum from kindergarten to the senior high school. Any parent could tell Nikki that at this Aussie school, all students learn poetry by heart. Her article is worth a read to remind us of the importance of the spoken poetic word, and we thank her for permission to reprint in AEON.

My kids don'’t learn poetry by heart in their Aussie schools Nikki Gemmell

The golden hour. An Aussie beach, an evening of heavenly clearness. Several families around a fire, tummies full of snags and steak.

he sparklers have all been to relax and unfurl amid the mad students memorise a thousand lines sparkled by the kids – whirligigs fracturing of motherhood, work, per semester. Why? To prepare Tand words in the sky, too brief! age, life. So much in my head, them for later life, he reasoned, for And the glow-sticks are losing too much! I willed my brain to whatever might be flung at them; their potency. The world is settling, astound me that day and resolutely, to provide solace. During his exile exhaling at last. Suddenly, a voice. disappointingly, it didn’t. in the Arctic by the Soviets he was “There was movement at the Learning by heart is a form of grateful for every piece of poetry he station...” The entire poem: 104 lines, mental exercise; leave it untended had in his head. Aung San Suu Kyi by heart. One by one we're reeled and the ability rusts away. Like kept her mind exercised during her in, caught; especially the children handwriting and shoelace-tying, own long imprisonment by learning who’ve never heard of the colt that its significance is fading in this a new poem every day. In the end got away, of the galloping rhythms of modern world. Memorising anything she’d memorised Tennyson’s and Australian recital. By an urban bloke, at length now feels like an agility, Yeats’ complete works. no less, who none of us knew had it a marvel, that's being lost amid My kids don't learn poetry by in him; a shine in him as he sat there everything, instantly, on tap; heart in their Aussie schools. In and stunned us all. screens are constantly at the ready, London they were forced to, for an The voice, the words washed over in front of us and in our pockets, annual, compulsory, school-wide each adult, stilling us with a great for whatever we want. Recital’s competition. Five-year-olds were calm of reverie and wonder. Oddly, no longer taught in schools. NYU reciting mostly nursery rhymes it didn’t feel out of place among professor Catherine Robson’s book but the older kids were diving into state-of-the-art beach recliners and Heart Beats: Everyday Life and the Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Lear. It iPhones. Most of us were astounded Memorized Poem looks at recitation was wonderful to witness. The sheer our friend could remember the poem from last century, when it was skill of it; the way their little minds at all. “Mum taught me as a kid,” part of the classroom curriculum. would absorb the poem’s rhythm, he shrugged quietly. “I’ve never Why do it? To cultivate a love of beauty, narrative muscularity. I wish forgotten it.” literature, to boost self-confidence, they'd do something similar here. Shortly afterwards, I did a TEDx to improve the speaking voice, to We have a vast tradition of bush talk in Brisbane. These talks are exercise and strengthen the brain – poetry that feels like it’s not written meant to be memorised rather and to maintain a connection with for the page but the voice. than delivered with notes; it’s a the poet. “If we do not learn by A campfire voice, just as I heard feature of their tightly controlled heart,” Robson writes, “the heart on that wondrous night recently, presentation. But the words felt does not feel the rhythms of poetry which felt like we were suddenly like they were hanging on by their as echoes or variations of its own afforded a direct line to the poet. fingernails, they lost their grip too insistent beat.” Banjo Paterson felt close, thrillingly, much; mortified, I surrendered to Poets are big on recital. Russian for an arrested moment, and then palm cards. My mind just refused Joseph Brodsky demanded his life took over once again... 

Page 9 AEON Issue Five July 2013

a successful disaster Titanic: The Musical

Earlier this year there was a triumphant tragedy, and our magicians of stage and song (Musical Director Manu Prasad, and Directors Liz Chan and Scott Henderson) worked their annual alchemy on Year 10 and turned them into performing gold: the show was entertaining, engrossing and engaging from start to finish with beautiful ensemble work across the cast. Congratulations to Year 10 for a fabulous performance, one that impressed for the balance between all the roles, and the uplifting and moving finales. The show played to three well attended houses. As always a large group of backstage supporters provided the foundation for the show, including school staff and many parents, and we thank all involved for the huge effort that brought this unique show to the Glenaeon stage.

Page 10 Page 11 AEON Issue Five July 2013

Festivals

Hymn to the Sun

Once again thou flamest heavenward; once again we see thee rise. Every morning is thy birthday, gladdening human hearts and eyes. Every morning here we greet it, bowing lowly down before thee, Thee the Godlike, thee the changeless, in thine ever-changing skies.

Shadow-maker, shadow-slayer, arrowing light from clime to clime, Hear thy myriad laureates hail thee, monarch in their woodland rhyme. Warble bird, and open flower, and, men below the dome of azure Kneel adoring Him the Timeless, in the flame that measures Time!

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Akbar’s Dream

Mid--Winter

ur MidWinter festival marked reaches of our being and what the time of the year when guides us on our journey. Othe sun reached its lowest The candle flame of the festival arc, otherwise known as the winter can be an image for us of many solstice, and we celebrate this things, even a starting point for moment on so many levels. renewing our own consciousness. For the younger children there is As Professor Arthur Zajonc points the moment to be aware of the sun out it in his magisterial survey of the and its annual journey. The journey history of human understandings moves from the high arc of summer of light Catching the Light: The when from the zenith, the sun can entwined history of light and mind, Through many cultures and beat down so relentlessly, to this humanity has strived to understand history, light has been seen as a time of its lowest arc when the pale light in so many different ways divine being, an ethereal substance light of the winter sun seems unable through history. honoured as a spiritual force given to fend off the winter chill. Through What is this outer light to us to provide a guide to humanity on all its changing journey, the sun today? We have definitions from earth: the gods Krishna (India), Ahura provides a constant source of that Physics, but even the great Albert Mazdao (Persian), Ra (Egyptian), most remarkable and immaterial Einstein, who knew what he was Apollo (Greek and Roman) all entity, light. talking about, came to a point of were the light bearers of their Our MidWinter Festival is for admitting he could not actually respective cultures. the children, a reminder of our say what light is. He remarked As Dr Steiner was at pains to dependence on this most elusive at the end of a long career spent point out continually, these spiritual and profound of earthly experiences. studying light: traditions of mankind find their high When each child /student in “All the fifty years of conscious point and consummation in the new the school lights his or her own brooding have brought me no tradition that marks the birth of a individual candle in the darkened closer to the answer to the question, new consciousness and civilization: hall, it is an image of each one’s own “What are light quanta (ie what is unique spark of being, derived from “I AM the light of the world: he who light)?” Of course today every rascal a central light, and there for each one follows me will not walk in darkness, thinks he knows the answer, but he to carry on our own unique journey, but will have the light of life.” is deluding himself.” no matter how dark or challenging Gospel of St John 8, 12 the way ahead may seem. Earlier traditions experienced light in For adults in our community more unconscious ways: Our MidWinter festival can be the festival celebrating the longest approached on many levels. This night of the year is a time to pause “I am the one who openeth his eyes, year we began our community and ponder on light itself, this and there is light; festival in the evening with a mug of most elusive of mysteries which When his eyes close, darkness warm punch by the fire, a very warm we value as the foundation of life falleth.” and human social beginning to this on earth: the nature of light, the Egyptian god Ra, festival that celebrates an eternal nature of our own mind, the deeper from an inscription, 1300 BC cosmic rhythm. 

Page 12 Class 5 Indian Feast

arlier this year Class Five This year the stories also begin a chronological sequence acted as a wonderful vehicle for Eof epoch studies that extends developing the children’s use of to Class Eight: Ancient India, Persia, evocative and descriptive language. Egypt, Greece, Rome, Medieval Exploring similes they created their Europe, the Renaissance and the own word pictures of the dramas. Age of Revolution. This year Prue Ritchie and In their writings: her Class began the year with »» “Sita’s beauty shone like the stars the study of Ancient India. The on a moonless night”, children’s experiences over the »» “Ravana, the lord of the demons, in 2012, had this to say of Steiner course of this unit serve as a good … fell to the ground like a tree school graduates: “they possess example of the approach that both in a thunderous storm”, the eye of the discoverer, and fires the imagination and embues the compassionate heart of the »» “Sita was seated in the flowers a love of learning. reformer which, when joined to a like a beautiful lotus floating Integrated into the lessons are task, can change the planet.” experiences in the arts – dance, silently and calmly”; and painting, song, speech and drama. »» “Ravana carried Sita through The Main Lesson experiences, The children learned the Gayatri the air like a cloud flashing from the imaginative world of Mantra, most revered of mantras, with lightning.” Class 1 to the richly intellectual and one spoken by children each challenges of the senior school give day in schools all over India. Towards the end of this Main our students the strength of an They sang songs, wrote Lesson, along with many parents inner picture of the evolving human Sanskrit, practised the Rangoli and teachers I watched Prue’s Class consciousness and encourage the forms – the traditional patterns that Five perform a selection from the development of that invaluable welcome the deities. They learned Ramayana; a substantial and much quality – truly creative thinking.  traditional dance movements and practised performance of song and donned saris. All these experiences dance and speech-work. They did so Elizabeth Baxendale are powerful foundations for the very well. The following day though, Class Teacher and development of positive interest saw them repeat the performance Appraisal Coordinator in the world and healthy respect – all of it, on their own insistence – for other cultures. for our Assembly. I think that they The stories from the Ramayana were all taller. They had taken hold that are told each day in this of something and all stepped out Main Lesson are amongst the into the world with just that bit more most ancient in the world. The confidence and strength. students listened and creatively At that same UNESCO reconstructed the tales in their gathering in 1994 in Switzerland main lesson books. Arthur Zajonc, keynote speaker at the Glenaeon teachers conference

Page 13 AEON Issue Five July 2013

From the book, ‘Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting in a Toxic Sports Environment’ by Kim John Payne, Luis Fernando Llosa, Scott Lancaster

ten tenets of a balanced whole youth sports experience

eyond Winning’ provides frustrated parents with help in the form of advice and concrete solutions to common questions, and step-by-step Binstructions for helping young children develop athletic ability in an ‘environment that’s less structured while encouraging athletic and personal growth. It also reveals how to avoid bullying, sledging, and elitism. Consider these principles to provide an ideal balance of active and educational play and foster a healthy mix of mental and physical development in your child athlete each year.

Kim John Payne is an Australian Movement 1. Play one sport per season 3. Play competitive sports teacher and Steiner educator who has developed When a child plays more than one a maximum of three seasons a high profile in the UK and the US for building sport, they often end up with little per year sports programs in Steiner schools. His new free time. Children need downtime Take one or two seasons off book will be out in August. ‘Beyond Winning’ to exhale, regroup and recharge to discover and explore other offers an alternative approach to teaching emotionally. They also need to rest activities that are challenging, but sports to children. It deemphasizes short-term and recover physically from training not necessarily team oriented. This goals like winning and youth championships and, of course, time to properly expands an athlete’s skill set and and discourages the introduction of adult- focus on school work. What’s broadens his or her perspective. oriented, league-structured competition. more, a cluttered athletic schedule After consecutive seasons of soccer, Instead it emphasizes training techniques impinges on all-important family basketball, and lacrosse, for example, time, essential to the development of the stress of competition can wear and coaching strategies aimed at improving healthy, supportive family ties. The on a youth. Relaxing or trying core strength, balance, and creativity in bottom line: a child should be able to something different like surfing, aspiring athletes, using an age-appropriate fully enjoy one particular sport rather kayaking, hiking, or even fishing, is four-stage timeline, based on a child’s physical, than be overcommitted and harried. a great way to learn, achieve balance, psychological, and neurological development. Fun, not frenzy, is the key. and rest mind and body for next year’s athletic endeavours. 2. Play different sports during different seasons 4. Engage your child in at least Avoid specialization at an early one activity per year which age, or at any age, for that matter; involves the development and it is problematic both physically and mastery of balance mentally. Children need a variety Balance is an often overlooked, of athletic experiences to develop yet vital, cornerstone of athletic better motor skills and limit burn-out. development. Most sports Playing different sports also helps require young athletes to find or Kim John Payne prevent wear-and-tear injuries (seen maintain balance during the flow of surprisingly frequently nowadays competition, while attempting to in children as young as nine or ten) execute other actions like a hockey and, most importantly, keeps them slap-shot, a golf shot, rebounding a passionate about playing well into basketball, or completing an infield adolescence and beyond. Forcing play. Work on improving balance children to develop one sport at helps a child develop core strength the expense of others can turn and rotational force, which is vital training into a grind and playing into for optimal performance in sports. a perpetual performance review, Incorporating a balancing activity rather than what it should be: fun that is both fun and challenging (like and invigorating. skateboarding, mountain biking, skiing, or snowboarding) is a great way to improve a young athlete’s capabilities in a favourite team sport.

Page 14 5. Study the history of a sport 8. Provide children with 10. Train the Brain – you play practices that challenge and Build/Create/Problem Solve Children should not miss the engage them An important, often overlooked opportunity to get to know the This suggestion applies to both element of athletic development colourful background of their parents in their backyards and is cognitive development. When favourite sports. Learning about youth sports coaches. We often children play in their backyards, or how, when, and where the sport hear that children don’t want to at the park with friends, and make was invented and how it has evolved attend practice or learn a new up games, build tree forts or design will give them a great historical skill: “practice is boring;” “it’s not obstacle courses, they are actively perspective and deeper appreciation fun;” “I’m not getting any better.” learning how to think and problem- for the sport. Many youth sports coaches have solve. When engaged in novel little time to prepare, or lack the tasks they have to learn to make 6. Learn all the rules of the knowledge to run a practice that adjustments and work out solutions. sport your child plays teaches the fundamentals but is In organized sports, children are Many athletes have found that also dynamic enough to engage often given too much instruction a thorough knowledge of rules of every child. Practices often devolve before, during and after games, and the sport they play deepens their into scrimmages, where coaches not allowed to figure things out for understanding and can give them teach little, and groups of children themselves. Coaches bark orders a distinct competitive advantage. are forced to sit, watch and wait. about playing in position rather than For example, even at the elite Whether you are at home or at a allowing children to learn from their professional level, PGA golfers have team practice, you should do your mistakes and adjust on the fly. learned the hard way what can homework, consult the experts, Challenge your children at home happen when you make decisions and set up a circuit to engage and then find a coach who does mid-tournament without a proper and challenge kids when you are the same on the field. Start by grasp of the rules. Such errors have teaching them fundamentals and setting up areas in your house for cost them strokes and thousands if technique. Children should be rotated creative play and experimentation. not hundreds of thousands of dollars. frequently between drill stations Introduce new things they can Raymond Berry, retired NFL New to keep them physically active and build in the living room or backyard. England Patriots head football coach, mentally engaged. Parents and Change their environment: Take was famous for quizzing his players coaches should make sure to spend your kid for an exploration hike or and carefully reviewing the rules as little time as possible explaining bike ride. These varied experiences with them at least once a week. things verbally to players. It’s better help them develop creativity and Berry believed that with a thorough, to show them what you want them adaptivity, critical building blocks frequently refreshed grasp of the to learn. If you do need to talk with of cognitive development which rules, his players would have a better them, engage them in conversation will complement their physical and understanding of how the game is rather than lecturing them. Elicit emotional growth.  played, and therefore make fewer observations from your child or the mental mistakes and have a distinct team. They will surprise you with advantage over their opponents. their acute insights on what they are doing well and what they need to 7. Arrange for your young focus on more to improve. athlete to help coach a team at a younger age level 9. For older children, teach them how their bodies work If you’ve ever had to teach, you understand the amount of The best way to understand how preparation that goes into doing a something works or why you’re good job. Teaching also provides you doing a particular exercise is to with a great learning experience. educate youth athletes by showing The very fact that you are required them how the body works: what to explain something to someone muscles and joints are involved forces you to think through the entire in sports activities, and why it’s process and understand it much important that they be developed more clearly. Providing a young to increase strength and avoid athlete with the opportunity to coach injury. Introducing your youth (or assistant coach) a younger child athlete to the body’s anatomy is an or team is a great training experience important first step in understanding for him or her: learning through how the body works (for book teaching can translate directly into or DVD recommendations visit deeper understanding and improved www.wholechildsports.com). performance on the field.

Page 15 AEON Issue Five July 2013

Glenaeon 2013

Under 14 Girls Hockey complete an unbeaten season Sport Netball Legend at Glenaeon

ne of Australia’s greatest netball Anne’s offer and was delighted Hockey players, Anne Sargeant OAM when she won. Ovisited the Middle Cove campus The Glenaeon netball team goes for a coaching session with the into their next match fuelled with he Glenaeon Under 14 Girls school’s Netball teams. enthusiasm after being coached by Hockey team won their Anne represented Australia for a world champion. last game 2-0 and thereby eleven years from 1978-1988 and T completed an unbeaten season to captained the Australian Team for Background emerge outright winners of their six years from 1983-1988. Anne During her time with the grade. Congratulations to all the girls, retired in 1988 leaving behind a Australian Netball team Anne played and particularly to their coach and record which will almost certainly in three World Championships Sport teacher Kat Evonley who has never be matched. Her outstanding where Australia was equal first with put so much effort into developing contribution and achievement in Trinidad and Tobago in 1979 and skills and building the team.  netball was further recognised with achieved first place in 1983. This Well done to all! the award of an Order of Australia included the tour of Wales in 1985 in 1988 and in 2003 the award of when she captained an undefeated “Sydney's Greatest Netballer Ever”. Australian side and posted a career Anne coached an enthusiastic personal best of three consecutive and awe-struck team of girls 100% shooting games. through some basic skills, team Anne Sargeant was also a work, drills, partner work, fitness member of the NSW Netball from and goal shooting. Anne said she 1978–1988 and captain of the team was delighted to be passing on her from 1982 until 1988, in these last experience to another generation of eight years leading her team to an keen netball players. impressive four Australian titles. She offered her coaching skills In 1987 Anne was inducted into as a fund-raising auction item for the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame the Sydney Cancer Council. Mother and in 1988 she was admitted to of a team member, and teacher the NSW Hall of Champions.  at Glenaeon, Donna Miller bid on

Page 16 open

daygood crowd of over 100 pen visitors joined us for O ADay in April, and saw a total of 23 different classrooms in action and/or displays: it was a magnificent showcase of the Middle Cove campus, culminating in a preview of Titanic. The visitors were highly impressed and gave some glowing feedback. Many thanks to Maria Lee, Robin Borrud and Deanne Hardwick who acted as parent tour guides taking groups of visitors around the grounds. 

Blame it Art exhibition on the boogie works of mum

ur MidWinter Ball Blame it on huge Thank You to everyone with parents for the drop off and the Boogie was an absolute who was able to contribute collection of the art works. Thanks Oblast and thoroughly enjoyed by Ato the Works of Mum also to the PA for their support a full house who discoed the night art exhibition. in staging the show and to Claire away in homage to the Seventies. The show was a lot of fun Brown and Jackie Rawlings for As our central social event of the to put together, and reading the invaluable help in bumping the show year, the Ball has come to be a accompanying stories was as in and out of the hall. special event that continually sets interesting as seeing the works Best regards to all.  high standards. Our warm and themselves. The show was a special thanks go to Year 7 parents real sharing of family treasures, Jock Brown, Glenaeon Parent for all the work in planning, hosting, memories and contemporary pieces. setting up the hall, and a very quick It was amazing to see examples and efficient take down. While it’s of work from three different I would like to send HUGE invidious to point out individuals centuries and we had everything congratulations to Jock Brown, as so many parents did sterling from grandma’s knitting to toys, Elizabeth Ellean and Claire Brown jobs on the bar, on the food, on trunks, embroidery, plates, quilts, and their helpers for a wonderful the hall decorations, Class Parent tapestries, and fine art pieces. inaugural ‘Works of Mum Art Show’ Representative Stu Tyrrell did an The variety of items all combined I was fortunate to have two art enormous job behind the scenes and to make the exhibition work as a works in the show and experienced we thank him for his coordination. fantastic acknowledgement of our firsthand their sensitive preparation The night will live long in the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and organisational skills. memory, so thanks and a serious and great grandmothers. So thanks Jock’s curation of the cross well done to all!  again everyone for embracing the generational pieces was particularly idea and providing such wonderful heart warming and I felt honoured to material to work with! share in this creative side of many Thanks to Glenaeon staff Gleneaon mums and grand mums. Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Michael, Thank you Jock for instigating and Elizabeth E for providing this show.  the beautiful venue, publicity, maintenance, and coordinating Christine Wiltshier

Page 17 AEON Issue Five July 2013

Glenaeon 2013 Year 11

Some reflections on the trip by Year 11 students

An imaginative recreation of a child’s reflections on Hermansburg and its Lutheran mission...

In Central Australia Day 1 Day 11 Term Two 2012 I still didn’t know what was I was told to collect fire wood from the happening, my mind was not working. woods with the other kids today. I felt arly in Term 2 Year 11 returned I didn’t understand at first, but when like running off, but then I thought from their Central Australian I caught on I lost it. Why were they where to? My mother was probably Ecamp with many stories to taking me away from my mother? moved by then and anyway I have a tell. The class visited Uluru, then She had looked after me for 10 years good life here, food, company. I also spent 5 days working as aides in already. She taught me how to look kind of like Paster Schulze’s funny the classrooms of Yipirinya school after myself and my sisters and music. When we try to sing it he gets for indigenous students in Alice Springs. They finished their visit brothers. But they take me away from this funny smile on his face, I don’t with some days on the Lara Pinta her and put me here, with all these think we sing it so well. Trail through the MacDonnell white folk and other kids like me. A Ranges, one of Australia’s signature half cast they call us, they put us all in Day 24 outback experiences. together and lined us up according to I went to a Sunday service today; they The trip was led by Senior the colour of our skin. I got picked to played the funny music and talked College Coordinator Manu Prasad come down to this mission, the only about God. Everyone was all dressed who has built the relationship with one for a hundred miles I reckon, they Yipirinya over the past four trips up-like. The stories were almost like call it Hermansburg. I wondered how to the school. Outdoor Education the ones the uncles used to tell us long till I could see my mother again? Coordinator Scottie Williams kids back at home. I thought maybe managed logistics and the outdoor this was just another way of saying it. end of the trip, including getting Day 2 Paster Schulze’s wife also spoke to us students up at 2.30 am so they could The other kids seemed happy enough today; she was a fancy woman with all walk to the summit of Mt Sonder to be here, all laughing and acting like the gloves and all that. to see the sunrise, no mean feat. the white folk. Going to a thing they Guardians Yura Totsuka and Brigitte call a ‘church’ and all that. The food Tietge-Rollans accompanied the Year 8 they give us tastes funny not like mum students in this important step in Paster Schulze has died today. We used to make. The girls and boys are the students unfolding journey of walked down with him singing his understanding one of Australia’s all split up to sleep. The rooms are so favourite songs down the dry river most significant issues.  hot and small for too many bodies. The bed. All of our anguish matched the other kids don’t seem to mind though. suffering he was going through and he was finally put to rest in the red Day 5 dirt where he could become part of The ‘Paster’ Schulze, he spoke with the land. a funny accent and his name was hard to pronounce, but he was Camille Karski the first white fella I saw to speak my language. He spoke about our dreaming stories and didn’t say a thing about any of ceremonies or whatever they do, I liked him.

Page 18 What if our lives were like theirs? As a people we value our" sense of freedom and believe that we can do anything we set our minds to, but what if those options weren’t available to us? It’s hard to imagine not having a sense that you could become whatever you pleased because of sheer disadvantage you suffer, we often complain about school, the early wake-ups, getting out of bed on a cold day, but just imagine not even having an option of going to school, or having to stay home and look after your siblings. It’s difficult to imagine unless you’ve seen it first hand, by hearing a Year 12 teacher talk about a girl in year 5 staying home to look Solo Camp after her sisters while her mum is out, or seeing a girl he 3-day Year 12 Solo camp is Thoughts rushing over to get seconds the culmination of the school’s or thirds of lunch because A gentle tugging Tactive wilderness program which she has no idea when the Of a mischievous grin began in Kindergarten with class- walks into the bush around the school. next decent meal is going Brown toes in the dirt Over the intervening years the class to be. Crack of thirsty leaves has been kayaking, ski touring and Cry of a lonesome flight Being amongst these kids rock climbing to name just three of A silent rock has shown me that special the activities as well as worked with As old as the sky people can overcome aboriginal children in Central Australia, Scurry of a hurried ant adversity and that it takes giving the program an extended Red, red sand a special group of people community dimension as well. A persistent fly The solo camp has both elements to care for these kids. The Vast, endless desert the wilderness and the community. attachments that you Swirling, rolling olgas The main part of the camp was form with these kids are Chatter on the wind spending 30 hours by themselves unbelievable, in a short in the bush, which may seem Desperate faces space of time you begin to very non community! However, A singing church feel a certain need to care the independence required to do In a subdued town for them, and hearing about this both mental and practical is Patterned pools on a how they live and seeing it in fact a wonderful preparation downward fall is absolutely heartbreaking. for participating in society in an A murky waterhole The attachments I’ve formed independent and resourceful way. An ocean-blue sky It does not train hermits! Further, will always be in my heart, Through silken gums it gives students, who are in their especially with one little girl Pale leaves whisper final year of schooling and about to in particular who I fell in An old mission step out into the world, a chance love with from the moment to contemplate their past and their A past time preserved I laid eyes on her. future in a detached way. Autumnal afternoon sun It is very possible that they will The past few days have Warming spiky brown grass completely changed how never get such an opportunity again. A child’s laughter sings There was a more direct community I perceive the world. The A delighted song dimension to the camp as well, sheer joy on the kids’ faces because on the final day the students Sasha Lee as they come into school were instructed in and carried out is unlike any kind of joy revegetating a disturbed native I have experienced, the fact landscape, planting 180 trees. They that they can get so much will have heard political messages joy from something we as emphasising the importance of a western society take for revegetation schemes in Australia, granted is both beautiful and this was an opportunity and heart-breaking at the to experience the process and understand its difficulties.  same time.

Louise Cameron" Donna Miller & Nigel Hoffmann Year 12 Guardians

Page 19 Donations and the Glenaeon Foundation

Gifts

often think of Isaac Newton’s those decades. The only facilities ast year the school established famous comment: If I have seen not funded by community were the the Glenaeon Foundation to Ifurther it is by standing on Marion Mahony Griffin Hall and the Lstart this important process of the shoulders of giants. He was two classroom spaces at Castlecrag community-building and fund-raising admitting that his own unique and which both came from the very that all independent schools need to ground-breaking work was always recent Commonwealth government address increasingly in the future. based on the work of those who BER program. The Arts/Science Many years ago Glenaeon employed went before him. building at Middle Cove was built a professional fund-raiser who was How often this applies to all of us. on a bank loan with some bank debt active in raising the funds needed We can assume we are cutting edge, still in our financial mix. for establishing our current facilities doing new things, breaking new The simple reality for independent but the school has not embarked on ground, reaching for new horizons, schools is that tuition fees only any significant fund-raising for nearly and we may be. But the ground we fund the school’s delivery of the 20 years. are breaking out from, the edge we curriculum: the small surpluses that With the needs of the future are cutting beyond, the ground we are generated each year go to the of the school very much in mind, stand on as we reach for that new upkeep and maintenance of existing the new Glenaeon Foundation horizon…was established by those facilities. Any new facilities need determined that as a matter of who went before us. A mature sense to be financed by other sources of urgency we should appoint a of reality for any individual, and any funding. Long term planning for the Director of Development. This organisation, is the sense of the gift future can only be built on other position is now common in from the past on which we stand streams of funding that are over and independent schools: the task is to which enables us to do the work we above tuition fees. establish a culture of philanthropy ourselves are destined to achieve. We have many plans for future in the school and to build the At Glenaeon I am constantly developments at Glenaeon including relationships and community reminded of that gift, and how we the following: support that will raise significant can so easily take it for granted. »» New Buildings: Our masterplan funds for our future. This role is one We stand on the shoulders of the envisages a number of buildings requiring specific professional skills founding parents, teachers and that will complete our suite and experience and we needed to friends of Glenaeon who dedicated of resources and provide the cast the net wide to find the right so much work, money and good optimum of facilities for our person able to step into the role. will to establishing the first Steiner students; After an extensive search we school in Australia. From a founding selected Nicole Crabb as the »» Sylvia Brose Hall Appeal: our Kindergarten class of three students, successful candidate. Nicole brings iconic hall at Middle Cove, so their efforts have left us a legacy of a background in marketing at senior central to the life of the school a Preschool to Year 12 school spread levels in the corporate world, as for so long, is now nearly 30 over three campuses: the combined well as running her own marketing years old, and in need of a serious number of those enjoying a rich consultancy: much of her work has refurbishment; Steiner education from Playgroups been involved in building networks through to Year 12 at Glenaeon now »» Scholarships: we have long and partnerships across businesses totals over 500 children. wanted to widen the possibility of so we are confident she will provide Virtually all of our facilities were access to our school by providing the school with considerable financed by extensive fund-raising scholarships to students who professional expertise in building within the school by teachers, could not otherwise attend, the networks with parents, alumni parents and friends through the 70’s including indigenous students; and the wider community that will and 80’s: the Castlecrag campus, »» Bursaries: each year the school support our needs into the future. the Sylvia Brose Hall, our classrooms provides support for current Nicole is excited about working at at Middle Cove were funded by the families who find themselves in Glenaeon and is eager to become generosity of the community during financial difficulties. part of our community.

Page 20 Nicole Crabb

Dear Friends

Nicole also has experience in Having now completed one term at Glenaeon and having had social media and one of her tasks the opportunity to get to know a few of you better, I am excited to will be to upgrade our social media be part of the Glenaeon community. I am convinced on the unique presence: watch out for some new value of a Rudolf Steiner education and the way in which inner social media initiatives keeping you wholeness is carried out into the global community by our students up to date with school events! and our alumni. I have seen many examples of how our students and alumni have a strength and security in their thoughts and actions and are becoming our agents of change, our future thinker The Glenaeon Foundation has and leaders. It brings me great personal satisfaction and peace of mind to work for and belong to something that has the potential to established two key funds for change the world for the better. gifts to the school, both with deductible gift recipient (DGR) For our school, like many independent schools, the cut back status meaning all contributions in Government funding will have a strong negative impact, and are tax deductible: we must rely on individuals for our long term financial viability. Financial gifts, crucial to the school’s survival and existence, supplement tuition fees, the major financial source. »»The Glenaeon Foundation Building Fund to support capital In every school, a cycle of fundraising events marks the seasons The Annual Giving works and new buildings; and and helps add to the school’s operating budget. Appeal supports the important work of the Glenaeon Foundation »»The Glenaeon Foundation Building Fund and helps underwrite the Glenaeon Foundation Scholarship and Bursary Fund Scholarship Fund. I am delighted to announce that the Annual to bring diversity to our community, Giving Appeal 2013 generated $11,500. While we are starting from to widen access to our education a small base, this represents an increase of 120% on last year’s and to support families over a appeal. Thank you to those of you who gave most generously to period of financial need. the Appeal. Your donation will assist us with some of the following projects: »» New buildings on the Middle Cove campus All gifts benefit the children »» An enhanced Scholarship and Bursary program to make of the school either directly our education accessible to a wider range of families or indirectly, they build our »» Refurbishment of existing classrooms and facilities at community, and through a gift, Middle Cove and Castlecrag you can be the shoulders on which the future stands!  I look forward to meeting with many of you over the coming months and hearing of your thoughts and vision for this remarkable school. In the meantime if you would like to discuss the work of the Foundation, please call me on 9932 2317.  Andrew Hill Collegiate Chair Nicole Crabb Director of Development

Page 21 AEON Issue Five July 2013

Dr Luke Fischer Toby Fitch Jess Mulholland where are they now?

From left: Robin Hearfield, Daniel Bateson (GlenX'98) with Bliss n Eso’s Jonathon Notley and Max MacKinnon

Poet’s Voice of romantic, modern and post- Bliss n Eso here has been something of a modern environmental poetry and ne of Australia’s leading resurgence of poetry in Australia poetics, all the way from Goethe Hip-Hop bands returned to Tover the past decade, and two to Gary Snyder. ‘Augury?’ is a Otheir roots during Term 2. people who have been very active in marvellous example of a radical Aria award winners and chart- the local poetry scene are Glenaeon poetry that draws its energy more topping band Bliss n Eso returned alumni Dr Luke Fischer (GlenX’97) from progressive intention and to the Middle Cove campus where and Toby Fitch (GlenX‘03). scope than, for instance, displays the two founding member of the Toby recently published a volume of formal experimentation.’ trio first met in high school. of his own poetry, is the poetry Luke attended Glenaeon from The band was preparing to reviews editor for Southerly and Class 4 to Year 12, has a PhD in release a new single called Home curates a monthly poetry night at Philosophy from Sydney University is Where the Heart is, recalling their Sappho’s Bookshop in Glebe. and is now back in Sydney after high school time at our beautiful Luke won the literary journal time teaching philosophy in Europe bushland campus. The single is Overland’s Judith Wright Poetry and the US: he is currently working part of their new album Circus in Prize for 2013: his entry ‘Augury?’ on post-doctoral research and is the Sky. was selected from nearly 300 poems converting his thesis into a book. The band shot video footage with and earned a prize of $6,000. At the recent Festival of students which now features in the The Overland Judith Wright Innovative Australian Poetry held music video. Poetry Prize is one of the most at the NSW Writers Centre, both Jonathan Notley (GlenX’98) lucrative and prestigious literary Luke and Toby were active on panels and Max MacKinnon brought back prizes in Australia, and is the only discussing recent work and reading friends from their high school year major prize dedicated to new and their own poetry. group to reminisce and relive some emerging poets. The prize was happy school memories. judged by Overland poetry editor, Jess Mulholland Current Years 10, 11 and 12 Peter Minter. In his judge’s report, We are delighted to welcome students were excited about meeting Minter describes ‘Augury?’ as a back Jess Mulholland (GlenX’09) such illustrious GlenX, and many contemporary ‘ramble poem’, a who is currently back at Glenaeon autographs were inscribed on diaries genre with a rich history ‘where undertaking an internship as part and school bags. the complexities of human of her degree in Marketing and The band is now on an Australia- ambivalences are made ineluctably Communications at Charles Sturt wide tour, with the album Circus in central to the experience of nature’. University. Jess will be working the Sky riding high at No. 3 in the Fischer’s poem, Minter says, on a number of projects including Aria charts. At time of writing the ‘balances epistemological certitude building our alumni networks, social YouTube clip of Home is Where the on a hinge of doubt. At first the media, the school website and Heart is, with footage of Glenaeon, poem grabbed me because it is marketing our presence in the local had 126,762 hits.  fundamentally honest and well- community. She is interviewing crafted, making no bones about many of her former classmates and wanting to be easily read and writing profiles that will be posted demonstrating an excellent grasp on the website. 

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Centenary Day: Dedication of the MMG Hall

Glenaeon

gala

2 4

he centenary year of 3 2013 marks the Thundredth anniversary of the beginning of the Griffins remarkable story in Australia. This performances were held in the In Canberra’s centenary year we pioneering couple captured the Haven Amphitheatre, study groups spirit of our nation and expressed celebrate Castlecrag and Glenaeon’s discussed philosophy and festivals common origins in the inspiring our identity in their design for our brought the community together. nation’s capital. Here in Castlecrag One of the Castlecrag group work of the Burley Griffins. they laid the foundations for a was Sylvia Brose, a young teacher new vision of Australian suburban Our Centenary Day will unveil a who was inspired by the Griffins: sandstone plaque naming the Hall as living that fused family homes she said later that Marion’s group in a sustainable and harmonious was for her a University in the the Marion Mahony Griffin Hall, with balance of community and the bush of Castlecrag. She later went contributions from the school and natural environment. They were to Europe and studied Steiner community, tributes to the Griffins pioneers ahead of their time: education. sometimes viewed as unorthodox, and their legacy, our Alumni Choir, and Walter BG had taken on a a festive afternoon tea will mark this even odd, many of their views and young partner in his architectural values are now benchmarks for practice that worked between his day as a special one: on 19 October government policy. Sydney and Melbourne offices: from 3pm. They were also among the first Eric Nicholls moved to Sydney And in the evening from 7pm, to bring the work of Dr Rudolf to cover the work here, and after Steiner to Sydney. Marion joined Walter left for India, Eric took over the Glenaeon Gala for 2013! the nascent Anthroposophical the practice. He too was inspired An informal night of meeting, greeting Society in 1930 and founded a by Dr Steiner’s work. study group that aspired to start From Marion’s seed community and entertainment from the GlenX a school based on Dr Steiner’s these two individuals together community: come and catch up with impulse. She also ran a playgroup founded Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner past students, parents and friends of for children in Sunnyside Avenue School, with Sylvia as the founding the school in a night specially designed that she hoped would one day teacher and Eric as the founding to uplift, remind, and re-establish become the basis for a school. It Chairman. The three students in was not to be in her time, but by the first Kindergarten at Pymble friendships, to entertain and embellish. the time she left to return to the in 1957 soon grew in numbers, US in the late 1930’s, she had Glenaeon Centenary Day Gala and the school moved to its main from 3pm on 19 October 2013. created a rich seedbed of people campus at Middle Cove, part of committed to a new vision of the original Burley Griffin estate of 1. The Marion Mahony Griffin Hall. education and community. They the three peninsulas of Castlecrag, formed a creative community 2. Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin, Middle Cove (originally named Sydney 1930. of progressive individuals: by the Griffins as Cove Crag) and 3. Sylvia Brose with her first class (circa 1957). regular plays, dance and musical Castle Cove.  4. Eric Nicholls

If you wish to advertise in AEON in 2013 please contact Nikki on 9932 2313 or [email protected] Page 23 AEON Issue Five July 2013

Comin g Events

We welcome all former students, parents and friends to join us for these key events in the upcoming year.

 School Concert Years 5-12 16 August  Year 12 HSC showcase 20 August  Spring Festival 13 September  Centenary Day and Alumni Gala 19 October  Glenaeon Art Show 1 November  Family Fair 2 November  Glenaeon Carol Service 2 December

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