AEON 2024 Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Magazine Issue 17

IN THIS ISSUE: Preschool's Time to Shine Our Growing Community Where is Vanilla Now?

Drummond Head of School

AEON gives a glimpse into the rich learning community that is Glenaeon, established as Australia’s first school for Rudolf Steiner education. The magazine is a record of school life, featuring people and events that are important in our community.

Glenaeon pioneered the vision of a creative and collaborative education in Sydney, and we celebrate the unique community that has grown around the school.

AEON is a voice and forum for the unique learning experience that remains the school’s core impulse. Whether currently involved with the school, or one of our many alumni families and friends, we invite you to enjoy in the following pages the incomparable vision of a Glenaeon education.

Dear Glenaeon Community,

As we close the chapter on 2024, this Growing More themed edition of AEON offers a heartfelt reflection on the year that has passed. These pages are more than just a record—they are a celebration of the creativity, perseverance, and unity that have defined our school year.

Each story, photograph, and piece of artwork captures moments of learning, discovery, and connection. They tell tales of individual and collective triumphs, of challenges that sparked growth, and of new paths that have been courageously explored. Through these glimpses, we see the essence of what makes our community so special—our shared commitment to nurturing both the mind and the spirit.

As you turn to these pages in the years to come, I hope you’ll be reminded not only of the events that took place but also of the joy, friendship, and the sense of purpose that filled our days.

Dive into this edition of AEON a testament to the remarkable journey we’ve taken together.

Warm regards,

Diana Drummond Head of School

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners of the land, the Cammeraygal people of the Gu-Ring-Gai Nation. Our school stands on their ancestral lands. We pay respect to the wisdom and traditions of the aboriginal custodians of country whose culture and customs have nurtured this Land since The Dreaming. We honour these past practices of the Cammeraygal people and pay our respects to the elders past, present and emerging, and the ancient spirituality of their Ancestors.

Preschool’s Time to Shine

Photo: Raw Life Studios/Mike Bell

AEON Editors: Kath Kissell and Tamara Louis

Design: Campbell van Venrooy

Diana

MESSAGE FROM

Shaping Glenaeon

Looking back on 2024, I am filled with a deep sense of satisfaction for the achievements that have continued to shape Glenaeon. The year represented not just the continuation of our rich history, but a period of significant growth, both as a school and as a community. I wish to acknowledge the remarkable dedication of our teachers, staff, and families who continue to be the driving force behind this wonderful community that is Glenaeon.

Our commitment to the development of the whole child remains at the forefront of everything we do. In 2024, we launched a range of new initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall student experience, from academic excellence to wellbeing programs. Attention was given to the enhancing of the school grounds, at Middle Cove especially, ensuring that students continue their immersive learning in nature, which lies at the heart of our philosophy. In addition, we commenced upgrades of both the Senior and Junior Libraries that will reflect the ever-changing nature of learning and optimise our extraordinary and unique environment.

I am also pleased to highlight the expansion of our music and performing arts programs. After the triumphant return of our School Music Concert in 2023, we broadened our music curriculum, fostering not only artistic talent but also collaboration and increased confidence. Next year, some of our students will have the opportunity to participate in a highly enriching International Music Tour. The arts continue to be a cornerstone of our approach to nurturing the whole child, and these expanded opportunities allow students to explore their passions in meaningful ways.

I wish to particularly acknowledge the current Year 12 students, who in 2024 are coming to the end of their Glenaeon journey. Their dedication and focus are a testament to the learning environment that our teachers have

built, and we eagerly await seeing their future unfold, hoping it will reflect the well-rounded foundation and lifelong skills cultivated during their time at Glenaeon.

In community, we find our strength. In a deeply moving tribute to Jonas Stoebe, we unveiled a memorial on the first anniversary of his passing in September. The beautiful memorial wall was designed under the guidance of parent and local artist Jade Oakley, in collaboration with students, and Arts teacher Donna Miller. The memorial honours Jonas’s profound impact on our school community and will ensure that his legacy of kindness, dedication, and passion continues to inspire future generations.

The involvement of our parents and the wider Glenaeon family continues to be a vital part of our story and our success. A true celebration of our community spirit was also found in our Family Fair 2024, bringing together families, students, and friends for a day filled with creativity. Events like these showcase the spirit and connection that are central to life at Glenaeon.

During the year we announced our new Strategic Plan for 2024-27. This plan, with its strategic intent of Growing More was created in close collaboration by the Board and the Executive Management Team, with input from the broader community. The plan positions Glenaeon to thrive amidst the constantly changing educational landscape and is designed to ensure that we continue to grow as a leading Steiner school and navigate the coming years with insight and confidence.

On behalf of the Board, I wish to express our gratitude to the School leadership team and congratulate Diana Drummond in leading the Executive and Collegiate teams to continue the School’s growth. Diana’s thoughtful approach to Steiner education ensures that Glenaeon remains true to its principles while meeting the needs of our modern world. Her leadership empowers not only the staff but also the students, leading to the enrichment of our community as a whole.

Diana continues to deepen her knowledge of Steiner education through ongoing learning, capped off in October by the completion of an invaluable two-week international study tour. This tour, led by Steiner Education Australia CEO, and former Glenaeon Head of School, Andrew Hill, included representatives from 15 Steiner schools, taking in Steiner educational facilities in Berlin, Dresden, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Bangkok as well as a visit to the Goetheanum in Basel.

In closing, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of continued growth and accomplishment. We are poised to achieve new milestones, guided by the shared commitment to Steiner education that unites us all. I extend my deepest thanks to you all, our teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, and friends, for your continued dedication. Together, we will continue to grow, building a future full of possibility. 

Peter Candotti Chair, Glenaeon School Board

Peter Candotti Chair, Glenaeon School Board

HEAD OF SCHOOL

From our not-so-new Head of School

Growing More: Advancing Toward the Source of Knowledge

‘We must recognise that every day of life holds unique value and is not without purpose. Each day and every new year offers continual revelations.’

Rudolf Steiner

Steiner’s words, penned over a century ago, remain as relevant now as ever, reminding us to cherish the present moment's opportunities for learning and growth, while also looking forward to the renewal and insights the future holds. This year, our students have not only met but surpassed expectations, exemplifying the core values we hold dear at Glenaeon in a multitude of ways. From academic achievements to artistic endeavours, from community engagement to profound personal growth, our students have shown that they are capable of extraordinary things. Their accomplishments fill us with pride and affirm that the Steiner approach to education—one that nurtures the whole person—is as effective as it is inspiring.

As we celebrate the personal growth of our students, we also acknowledge the importance of evolving as a school community, moving ever forward towards the source of knowledge that Steiner’s indications provide us. Our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, developed collaboratively, outlines a vision to expand our reach and deepen our impact through four key strategic commitments: growing our students, growing our staff, growing sustainably, and growing beyond.

» Growing Our Students means continuing to offer a holistic and rigorous education that prepares young adults to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence, creativity, and compassion.

» Growing Our Staff involves investing in ongoing professional development, ensuring that our educators and professional services team embody the ideals of Steiner education with clarity of vision, high skills and understanding.

» Growing Sustainably is about staying true to our core values while adapting to the evolving needs of students and society. This includes preserving the natural beauty and serenity of our campus—essential elements of our students' daily experience—while improving and enhancing our facilities to ensure long-term sustainability.

» Finally, Growing Beyond focuses on extending our influence, reaching out to new communities, exploring new opportunities, innovations and amplifying the impact of Steiner education beyond our immediate surroundings.

Diana Drummond Head of School

Above: Year 7 induction to High School

Above: Free play at Preschool in Willoughby

Akey moment in my journey as Head of School this year was visiting Steiner schools in Germany, Switzerland, and Thailand during the SeptemberOctober break with Steiner Education Australia. The insights gained have been invaluable, deepening my understanding of anthroposophy and Steiner educational practices, broadening our connection with the global Waldorf community, and expanding my knowledge of learning space design and teacher training within Steiner schools.

As we look to the future, we do so with confidence and deep gratitude for those who laid the foundation of our school with creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication. The work we are doing now is paving the way for a future where Glenaeon remains a place of learning, growth, and transformation—a place where every student is equipped with the tools and support they need to thrive.

In closing, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our School Executive Team for their vision and leadership. Their unwavering

dedication has guided us through the challenges and opportunities of this past year, ensuring that every decision aligns with our mission to nurture and develop the whole child.

Equally vital has been the support and strategic oversight provided by our School Board. Their thoughtful stewardship has been instrumental in shaping our path forward, especially as we implement the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. Their commitment to honouring our Steiner heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future has been a guiding force behind Glenaeon’s ongoing success.

Finally, my heartfelt thanks to our entire community for your ongoing support and commitment. Together, we are building something truly extraordinary—a school that not only honours its rich heritage but also looks to the future with confidence and vision. The journey ahead is bright, and I am excited to continue growing with all of you as we embark on this next chapter of Glenaeon’s story. 

Diana Drummond Head of School

On the SEA International Study Tour to Germany, Switzerland and Thailand, Diana visited Steiner schools and classrooms.

Above: Middle Cove celebrate Spring Festival

Above: Kindy help in the garden at Castlecrag

Sandra Frain Playgroup Manager and Educator

Welcome Home

Our seven ‘Welcome Home’ Glenaeon Playgroups at our Castlecrag and Willoughby campuses have been ‘Growing More’, to ‘bursting’. Playgroup educator Sandra Frain’s playgroup song and game embodies this:

“Five little peas in a pea pod pressed. One pressed, two pressed and so did all the rest. They grew, and they grew, and they never stopped. They grew so big that the pea pod popped. They grew so big that the pea pod popped.”

For families expanding, this song has special relevance!

The Playgroup families develop an awareness of the Gadigal land that we are grateful to be on. They learn what grows in the garden beds tended by our Glenaeon community: fresh herbs for tea and flowers for baking; songs and stories that reflect their surroundings. We are delighted to have grown our playgroup space in the Preschool Cottage to two dedicated adjoining rooms now. Playgroup Educator Natalie Choo hosts a maximum of 10 families at a time (as do the Castlecrag Playgroups). Many families acclimatise their small children to the Glenaeon Preschool by first attending one of the two lively playgroups Natalie hosts there.

Playgroup educator and Preschool teacher Nancy Amini is sought by families who want their child to become acquainted with her before attending Preschool. On our Castlecrag campus, Nancy delights the children she has previously had in her Playgroups and Preschool classes in their ‘grown up’ stages of Kindergarten and Class 1 and 2. This relationship that families celebrate with Nancy exemplifies security and belonging in the Glenaeon school community.

Annually, our entire Playgroup community is included in the beautiful and wonderous Preschool winter festival thanks to Nancy’s hospitality.

For a second year, our Japanese Bilingual Playgroup hosted both Japanese background/non-Japanese background families and new migrant

families to Australia. Our Playgroup educator Naoko Murphy has created a joyous ‘Welcome to Steiner Education’ Glenaeon playgroup community with Japanese customs.

In Term 4 Playgroup and Preschool educator Marianne Kaulima embellished our playgroup offerings with her South Pacific warmth as Naoko returned to Japan. Our foundational playgroup community is ‘growing’ and benefits Glenaeon’s Early Childhood, Primary and High School students and their families. 

Sandra Frain

For the Playgroup Educators Team

Preschool's Time to Shine

At Glenaeon Preschool, as echoed on our entry plaque, ‘there is time to play, laugh, dance, sing and climb, as children have done for long ages past.’

Inaugural Preschool Open Day

Imagine that early on a Saturday morning the teachers have come, out of their generosity of heart, to set up our two playrooms and to give a creative morning to the local community.

Now see almost 100 parents and children coming in the gates to play, paint with watercolours, watch puppet stories and bake bread – all smiling, absorbed in the joy of life.

The parents see what they always knew was joyful and healthy – children engaged with creativity, beauty and laughter. When the teachers speak about the curriculum and the pedagogy the parents hear what resonates deeply – a vision for their child’s early years.

Uplifted Gardens

Now imagine further that they come to join our community and our newly beautified gardens and play space. We began picking our white mulberries

and in Term 2 they gathered a basket of mandarins. The beetroot is growing invisibly under the soil, as the leaves get larger above. The bay tree reaches for the sky and the lemon grass waits for little hands to come and pick it for tea and cooking. A grandad helps make the morning tea and little hands learn to cook and wash up.

Life around the children grows in seasonal waves and they grow too – in their confidence, social interactions, creative and imaginative play and their language skills. They grow to love the world. They want to be as strong and capable as their parents and teachers and they strive at every moment.

The teachers develop as they bring their creative capacities to their work: writing poems, drawing and painting with the children, making all the props for a puppet story, weaving and knitting, and as they take on a life-long study of the healthily growing child.

Happenings at Playgroup

Now while the Preschool children are inside building their cubbies, painting, making sushi and preparing morning tea, the Playgroup children go outside to the garden with parents and carers.

How do you grow as a little one from your family life into the community? Through singing, sharing morning tea and baking bread at our Playgroups, led by experienced Playgroup leaders and then looking in on the Preschool children and teachers from the garden knowing that you will be big enough to go soon too!

How our Preschool relates to ‘growth’

Life can be challenging, so we begin with a beautiful space that is child-size, a space the whole family can enter, a community they can grow into, a place to work together to build connections that transcend the trials as we all develop together.

A dynamic flourishing life is the birthright of all children. Here at Glenaeon Preschool we have included the children in creating our colourfilled flower and vegetable beds and herb plots. We made garlands for the Spring Festival from the jasmine growing at our entrance way and after a silk marionette puppet play we went to the park right next door to sing and fly our tissue paper butterflies, gifts given to the children.

The sweet white mulberries have started to fruit. The weekly gardening morning with our teacher, Sandra, is filled with joy and laughter as they plant, weed, water and pick from their kitchen garden.

Our Garden Book is a gift to all children beginning here, which they take home as a colourful reference for their new place to play and learn. They turn the page to the taro plant’s large leaves, the guinea pigs and jasmine vine. This is the beginning of their new adventure, the whole family’s new community. 

Soraya Garcia Preschool Assistant Director

Peggy Day Preschool Director

Kindergarten Teacher and Senior Teacher at Castlecrag

The Wonder of Childhood at Castlecrag

Many children and families begin their journey into Steiner Education and Glenaeon at the Castlecrag campus. Some have already begun their journey at our Preschool, others find their beginnings in a Playgroup at Castlecrag or in our Little Kindy or Kindergarten.

Still others may find their beginning in Class 1 or 2 which are also located at Castlecrag. Castlecrag campus is a place where our youngest students can grow and flourish. In fact, Mary Heard, who some years ago worked in reception at the Castlecrag campus and continues to support the parenting journey of many of our families through her Simplicity Parenting programs, once famously named our Castlecrag campus a National Park for children.

I think this is a wonderful picture of who we are at this campus. All those of us who work here at Castlecrag are touched by the magic world of young children and know that we are all working together to provide a nurturing environment that protects and supports childhood.

So how exactly do we create an environment that supports the growth and development of little children?

In Steiner Education, we recognise that underlying each stage of child

development is a unique way of learning and of knowing. In their first seven years, we recognise that children have an incredible capacity to learn through soaking up the world in which they live, imitating it and then playing it out. In their first seven years of life, children learn more than at any other time of their life, and for the most part they are unconscious of their learning! This unique way of learning is part of what we could term the dream consciousness of childhood. Rather than wake the child up with a lot of intellectual heady explanations and information that cannot easily be digested at this age, we as adults can support their unique way of knowing through creating an environment that is truly worthy of imitation. Most importantly we model purposeful human activity and work. We also create an environment with open ended natural materials that supports healthy child initiated play and engagement.

Each day in the Kindergarten the children are held in the warm secure embrace of a predictable rhythm, incorporating morning circle, movement, songs, story, domestic activity, gardening, crafts, painting, games and of course, lots of play. Seasonal work and themes inform our circles and daily program and culminate in the celebration of community festivals.

As the children slowly begin to waken from the cocoon of early childhood they give birth to, and grow, new capacities of memory and

picture thinking. In Steiner education it is recognised that the formative or growth forces that have previously been incorporated in building healthy bodily organs now become freed for picture thinking. These new capacities inform the curriculum of Class 1 and 2 where the children are told daily stories that carry the content of their learning and their more conscious journey into numeracy and literacy. The children are slowly now growing their imaginations and inner life as they are moved by the artistry of their teacher who lovingly brings the content of this vibrant world of story to life through a rich tapestry of drama, speech, music, painting, drawing, sculpting and movement. Through our work as teachers, parents and carers of young children we all know that we are not only working to grow children but we also grow ourselves. In education there is a rich reciprocal relationship of growing each other. It is such a privilege to work each day at Castlecrag and to have such a wonderful opportunity to partake in the wonder of childhood. 

Kindergarten Teacher and Senior Teacher at Castlecrag

Catherine Pilko

Catherine Pilko

Growing from Kindergarten to Class 6

When you work in a school, growth is all around. Academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, we educators guide students from their earliest experiences of formal schooling through to graduation.

At Glenaeon, from Kindergarten to Class 6, wonderous, meaningful experiences mark the journey of growth through childhood, integrating academics, community, adventures in nature, and the arts.

In Kindergarten, Glenaeon children often become the custodians of a collection of minuscule black specks in a shoe box.... these dots gradually reveal themselves as tiny squiggling silkworms eating their way through a mountain of mulberry leaves before weaving silken homes in which they transform, ready to begin the cycle again. What better way for a child to learn about metamorphosis imbued with caring and wonder?

By Class 1, many children begin to lose their baby teeth. We mark this special moment with the gift of a small origami treasure box to safely transport the tooth home. These tiny boxes are created by a long-standing Glenaeon family, gifted to the school, and stored until the time is right – just waiting for those days when a child walks in with a gummy smile. It takes a village!

From the beginning, bushwalking and playing in nature are essential elements of growing up at Glenaeon. From Class 4, we begin Outdoor Education in earnest – creating experiences for our students away from school and home. These journeys, whether camping on the oval at Middle Cove, walking the Grand Canyon in The Blue Mountains, or abseiling in the Warrumbungles, hold essential

elements of becoming and growth. Children learn to organise themselves, keep themselves safe and warm, and to sleep away from home. Growing and learning to become independent takes many years; we begin with taking those first steps away from the cocoon of family within a challenging but supportive framework.

The Main Lesson curriculum is a masterfully constructed journey of growth from those earliest straight and curved lines in Class 1 to understanding the complexities and human fragilities of the Roman Empire in Class 6. Through rigorous yet sensitively and beautifully presented lessons, each child in our school experiences this rich tapestry of humanity and, through doing so, begins to contemplate their own place in the enormity of history.

Seasonal festivals and Class Plays mark the passage of time and the growth of our students. From the Kindy Spring Festival, where we sing in circles and picnic with family, to the older Primary children who perform the Maypole with grace and coordination to create intricate patterns with their ribbons, we watch the children become increasingly skilled. Class Plays progress from group recitation in Class 1 to complex works of children’s theatre in later Primary with props, lighting, and music often created by the students. To inhabit a character other than one’s own with voice, gesture, and costume is to try it on for size, an experience that we see as crucial while our children grow towards adolescence. Learning what it feels like to be the wicked character, the virtuous one, or the trickster are experiences that many of our GlenX alumnae speak of as formative.

Growing up at Glenaeon is a marvellous thing and witnessing from early childhood through the Class Teacher period is a treasure indeed! 

Dani Finch Deputy Head

of School Classes K–6

Dani Finch

Deputy Head of School Classes K–6

Below: Class 5, Outdoor Education, in the Blue Mountains

Above: Class 6 Maypole, Spring Festivals

This page: Kindy children with silkworms

A lost tooth

Class 1 Main Lesson, Friends of Ten book

Class 6 Main Lesson, Ancient Rome

HIGH SCHOOL

Yura Totsuka

Deputy Head of School

Years 7–12

Honouring the Growth of Young People

This year, Year 7 was the first group of students to arrive on campus, a full day before the rest of the school returned from the summer holidays!

The Induction Day saw them racing around the campus trying to be the first to finish the scavenger hunt questions: Who works in Reception? What’s on the far window in Mr Munn’s music room? What animal is painted outside the Japanese room?

As the year draws to a close, these students have not only grown taller but have also developed a newfound confidence in their own abilities.

The High School curriculum provides opportunities for a young person to learn about themselves by learning about the world. Through its careful and gradual unfolding, it instills an understanding of transformation, growth, and the potential for both individual and societal development. The interdisciplinary approach allows the young person to cultivate a nuanced worldview, and a deepened understanding of themselves as complex, multifaceted individuals.

As students progress through High School, they encounter various ways in

which one can engage with academic pursuits that are factual, imaginative, contemplative, analytical, and creative, each guided by specialised educators. We honour the growth that comes from the learning process by emphasising the importance of engaging with the phenomena, and thus the world, students encounter as one that can be understood through the application of their cognitive capacity, not merely as information to be memorised.

From humble beginnings observing the bonfire in Year 7 Chemistry in Fire Main Lesson to Year 12 laboratory work in molecular biology, students grow to become grounded, confident learners.

With the introduction of elective courses in Year 9, such as music, art, and technology, the skills students gained in Years 7 and 8 were further practised and refined. The Artscapes exhibition celebrated the progression of artistic expression through works from Year 9 Shoalhaven Art/Outdoor Education program to Year 11 bodies of work.

Performing Arts mark key milestones in a Glenaeon student’s journey. The Year 10 production of ‘Les Misérables’ not only showcased the cohort’s collaborative spirit but also highlighted the importance of play – the School’s Performing Arts program. Year 7 Canterbury Tales and Year 8 Shakespeare Festival productions ensure every student has a speaking role, which is an important aspect of the school’s approach to drama productions. This allows all students the experience of stepping

into different roles to explore diverse perspectives, to express and connect with emotions beyond their own, and to thus expand their own emotional lives. This process not only enhances the student’s ability to understand others, but also fosters self-reflection and personal growth.

In some instances, it is the stepping back of the adult presence that brings about growth in young people. Visitors to the school speak highly of the Year 11 Student Captains who take visitors around the school, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) is a thriving self-managing group that has built a strong presence and voice for students. SRC’s mufti days, Talent Show, and Gleno Cup are much anticipated events on the school calendar bringing a sense of joy and celebration to the school community. Each year, as our newest graduates leave our school gates, we look back on when they first walked down the drive. Our hearts swell with pride as we acknowledge their individual growth and development, and to see them as capable, assured, and compassionate young people, ready to embrace the world beyond our school. 

Yura Totsuka Deputy Head of School

Years 7–12

Above: Year 7, The Canterbury Tales

Right: Year 7, Induction day

Below: Talent Quest

Above: Year 7

Above: Year 8 Engineering Technology

Farewell and Best Wishes, Year 12!

As the Year 12 Guardians, our hearts are overflowing with pride and warmth as we look back on the incredible  journey of the Class of 2024.

The final week of Term 3 was full of celebrations, capturing the spirit and togetherness that defines this wonderful group. It all started with the campus walkaround, where our seniors filled the air with laughter and joy, bringing smiles to the younger students at Castlecrag and Middle Cove— leaving behind a trail of giggles and cherished memories.

The Head of School Breakfast was another beautiful moment, with the students' warmth and enthusiasm shining brightly. The farewell lunch, so thoughtfully organised by the Year 11 students, was a testament to the deep bonds and friendships that make the Glenaeon community so special. The Mystery Tour, where students wore tie-dye t-shirts they had made themselves, was full of

laughter and unexpected moments, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

The farewell tunnel, a colourful gathering of faces from every part of our school community, was

a powerful symbol of unity and support that moved us all. As the students completed their HSC exams in Term 4, we came together once more to celebrate their achievements at the Graduation Assembly and the heartfelt Graduation Dinner.

Congratulations to our amazing young adults. As you step into new adventures, we hope you carry with you the enduring values, friendships, and experiences that make Glenaeon so unique. We are confident that you will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the world. Farewell and best wishes, Year 12! You will always hold a special place in our hearts and in our community. 

Stanley Tang and Sally Fenton Year 12 Guardians

GLENAEON CLASS OF 2024

Amelie Jones (Jonesie)

Charli Keeping Axel Wilmot

Daniel Hedley Erin McCormack

Marcie Collins

Muna Ottendoerfer

Reuben Westbury-Price

Morgan Rose

Reuben Aung Thein

Jayden Smith Fern Bennett

Jack Horneman Joseph Keys Forrest Burnett

Lara Gilmartin

Maya Kobayashi

Karl Hearder

Kai Karlowatz

Luc Monnet-Demarbre

Rohan Brown

Rose Gladstone

Sophie Lewis Roman Lee

Sasha Seymour-Smith

This year we undertook the enormous challenge of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables. Being one of the most iconic musicals of all time, the sung-through epic focuses on the character of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict in 19th-century France.

Performed entirely by students

A musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg

School Edition specially adapted and licensed by Music Theatre International (Australiasia) and Cameron Mackintosh (Overseas) Ltd

Our Year 10 musical is one event in our school calendar that the whole community looks forward to. It is fairly unique to Glenaeon to have what is normally a whole High School co-curricular project, become an integral part of the Year 10 curriculum. We deliberately make it part of our program of learning in Year 10 as it fosters teamwork, personal responsibility and cooperation. It also forms a solid group dynamic leading into the senior years of study.

The story spans many years as it tells of Valjean’s release from prison and reformation as an industrialist whilst being constantly pursued by the morally strict inspector Javert.

Our Year 10 students took to the challenge with wonderful enthusiasm. Our rehearsals allowed the cast to come together to develop their singing and acting skills in many diverse ways: from the many opportunities to feature as a soloist to the ensemble singing, Les Misérables provided musical and dramatic challenges that the students not only managed but excelled in overcoming.

Achieving such a successful production run relies on many different sections of our school community coming together to work in multiple areas. Musical productions rely on parent volunteers, maintenance, professional services and teaching staff coming together to create sets, organise costumes, coordinate rehearsals, do make-up, lighting and coordinate back-stage movements. Without our strongly connected community, we would not be able to achieve such amazing productions.

The feedback we often get is something like…

“…we cannot believe that the show we have just seen only involves Year 10 students!”

This is testament to the belief that we have in the process of engaging our Year 10 students in creating a musical which they can make their own.

A very special thank you to our teaching staff who were integrally involved in the many aspects of the production. Parent involvement and assistance is vital in any show, and we would like to thank those parents who helped in so many different ways.

Our maintenance and professional services team are also crucial to the smooth running of our musical each year and we would like to express our gratitude for their contribution to our production of Les Misérables. 

Ian Munns Head of Music

An Evening of Music and Community

Once again this year, we had the opportunity for our students to come together to perform in our School Concert.

The Concourse Concert Hall is a professional standard venue which gives our whole community the opportunity to perform in a space that is world class. We are very fortunate to have such a space available in our local area in which to stage concerts such as this.

The music that we select each year aims to bring our co-curricular and class ensembles a program that is varied and exciting. Combine these performances with our whole school items and we have a display of the wonderful opportunities we have for music-making here at Glenaeon.

This year’s concert featured items by all our co-curricular ensembles which rehearse before school, after school or at lunch time each week: Big Band, Senior Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Concert Band, Chamber

Choir and Sinfonia. We are also fortunate to have, as part of our music program, our class ensembles which rehearse during one timetabled period each week: Year 7/8 Guitar Ensemble, Year 5/6 Strings, Year 7/8 Percussion Ensemble, Year 7/8 Bands (and beginners), Year 7/8 Strings and Year 5/6 Bands

It is integral that we give all of our students the opportunity to sing: it is part of our culture. We are in the unenviable position to be able to timetable choir lessons as part of the curriculum for Years 9-12 each week. Our Year 9 Choir also featured in our concert this year with a beautiful performance of two pieces from Across the Dark by Ben van Tienen. Finally, we finished the program with two whole school performances (accompanied by Sinfonia): our

school song For The Beauty Of The Earth by John Rutter, and Baba Yetu by Christopher Tin. We would like to thank Evan Sanders for his invaluable expertise in stage managing this huge event. To those staff who assisted in coordinating a massive backstage operation, we could definitely not achieve such a seemingly smoothrunning concert without your help. Once again, it is the coming together of our teaching, professional services and maintenance staff that makes concerts like this possible. So thank you to all involved in creating this wonderful opportunity for our school to come together to celebrate music at Glenaeon. 

Ian Munns Head of Music

Ian Munns Head of Music

Growing our Team Spirit

How do we measure our success as a sporting school? While other schools have trophy cabinets gathering dust as a measure, Glenaeon has a sporting culture that richly reflects who we are as a school.

Our teams are brimming with enthusiasm, community and support for each other which is such a testament to the way our students perceive the word ‘team’. Outwardly, 2024’s sporting success has been consistent and celebrated.

This year, we have added to our accolades with ISD Cross Country Champion School, ISD Open Girls Netball Champions. We have had Grand Final appearances for our Open Boys Touch Football, Open Girls Football, Semi Final appearances in ISD Open Boys Basketball, Open Boys Football and Junior Girls Netball

We have celebrated numerous individual selections to represent ISD teams including Lenny T. and Luca S. in Basketball, Rohan B., Morgan R., Emily M. and Ciara H. in Touch Football. Will T. and Jayden H. in Football.

Twenty-six of our track and field athletes qualified to represent ISD at AICES and from them Mattia M. was selected to represent AICES at NSWCIS Athletics.

Beyond the trophies and ribbons, our measure of success is a bit different. As a newcomer to Glenaeon, my observations were of an amazing set of traits, which I can see becoming our own benchmark for our teams in the future. Here’s what I saw:

» Glenaeon teams respect each other and their competitors. The way our students carried themselves in both victory and defeat was respectful to all involved.

» Glenaeon teams embrace a fair, yet competitive spirit.

» Glenaeon teams are resilient. Our students face difficulty and challenge with an open mind and a great attitude.

» Glenaeon teams embrace the enjoyment of sport, not the winning or losing, but being open to enjoying moments within the game, not just the outcome.

» Glenaeon teams support each other. The words of encouragement and comfort between athletes was heartwarming.

» Glenaeon teams are inclusive. Our most experienced and talented athletes are willing to share court or field time and advice to those less experienced.

And whilst our Glenaeon teams continue to show these traits on the tracks and courts and fields of sport, we are succeeding.

The leadership and role modelling by our 2024 Year 12 student athletes was unlike anything I’d ever seen and the legacy passed down by those students will echo into Glenaeon sporting teams for years to come. 

Above: ISD Open Girls Netball Champions

Adrian Carter Head of PDHPE

Year 10 Surfing at Long Reef

Above: AICES Junior Girls Touch Football

Below: ISD Cross Country Championships

Left: AICES Senior Boys Touch Football Champions

Above: Year 9 The Cove

Steiner Schools Swimming Carnival

Above: PDHPE Team – Sarah Simmons, Adrian Carter and Kim Mann Right: ISD Athletics

Above: ISD Cross Country Championships

Below: ISD Athletics

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

A Connection to the Natural World

Outdoor Education is a program that is paramount to the identity of a Glenaeon education. This year, our Year 10 cohort journeyed to Tasmania to not only explore the land, but also themselves. Thank you to students, Amelia B and Ciara H for sharing their perspectives.

"From the 7-17 August our class, Year 10, set out on a trip to Tasmania. Most of us walked along the stunning Overland Track exploring mountains and playing in snow, everyone else trekked the Freycinet Peninsula where we were immersed in blooming wildflowers and lively animals. Then we set off to the immensely beautiful White-Water Wall to climb and enjoy the views from up high.

Over the duration of the Freycinet trip, our group walked from the Coles Bay town area all the way to Cooks Beach. Throughout the trip we were all blown away by the flora and fauna which were filling the air with beautiful colours and smells (and some less amazing smells curtesy of the Padymelons). At each campsite we stayed on, there would always be beautiful birds, shells, and flowers to enjoy, which was super uplifting after a long walk.

From the second we started on the Overland Track; we fell in love with the new environment and took notice of all the animals we saw. Unlike the Freycinet group who saw the ocean, the Overland walkers came across many mysterious and gorgeous lakes, which those who were brave enough even took a freezing swim in Lake St Clair on our last night. Over the course of the Overland Track, we saw mountain ranges and scenery like no other, as well as mossy forests we never thought could be seen in Australia.

The trip wasn't entirely without incident, there were nights of rain and flooded tarps, long hikes in the burning heat, some very steep mountains, and a noticeable lack of snacks. As a result of all this hardship, our Year 10 cohort has grown. We’ve grown closer; it was amazing to see everyone forming connections with people they wouldn't normally converse with and help each other out. We’ve grown stronger; those first steps on the wire covered boardwalks made us think our knees were about to collapse underneath us! We’ve grown to be more resilient; waking up on rainy days to pull on our wet socks and dripping rain gear, tape our blisters and slide our mud-covered boots over the top chanting our mantras “be bothered” and “I think I can”.

From shared snacks to carrying others packs, the sounds of new friendship and a greater sense of connection to both ourselves and the natural world continues to fill the air.  

Amelia B. and Ciara H. Year 10

The trip took place on Leeawuleena Country (St Clair National Park) and the home of the Toorerno-maire-mener clan (Freycinet Peninsula band of the Coles Bay tribe).

Dani Finch Deputy Head of School Classes K–6

BIRTH-7 YEARS

14-21

YEARS

Glenaeon Wellbeing Framework

Glenaeon has long been known for providing a welcoming and nurturing school atmosphere where wellbeing is prioritised and in which students grow and thrive.

IN2023, we set out to understand and make explicit the practices and elements that create this environment; that is, we set out to design the Glenaeon Wellbeing Framework.

Through consultation with students, staff, parents, and experts in Positive Psychology, our Wellbeing Framework has been created to explicitly express what have previously been implicit aspects of our education.

Once we had created the basic framework, we sought to learn more about the research and neuroscience behind trauma-informed education through collaboration with Dr Tom Brunzell, Director of Education at Berry Street in Victoria. Under his guidance, we are excited to incorporate aspects of the Berry Street Model into our practice at Glenaeon to support and enhance our Wellbeing Framework. 

Dani Finch Deputy Head of School Classes K–6

Will Bryant Archivist

70 years at Middle Cove, 1954-2024

2024 marked 70 years since the purchase of our Glenaeon Middle Cove campus. However, our campus’ history stretches far beyond 1954.

Originally, Glenaeon was not supposed to be built at Middle Cove. In the early 1950s, the New South Wales Anthroposophical and Rudolf Steiner Society received a land bequeath from Ivon Crawford McDowell, a member of the McDowell retailing family, for an estate in what is now Belrose. Called ‘Glenaeon’ –a homage to the McDowell’s Scottish roots – the estate was the brainchild of Ivon’s late brother, Thomas Crawford McDowell, who purchased the property to build a replica of Walter Burley Griffin’s Castlecrag community that was based around the principles of anthroposophy. Thomas was a follower of anthroposophy, a successful Sydney merchant, and a founding director of the Anthroposophical and Rudolf Steiner Society in New South Wales, formed in 1927.

Sadly, Thomas passed away in 1939, aged 58, fighting a fire at his Glenaeon estate. As set out in Thomas’ will, his brother, Ivon Crawford, and sister, Katie Constance McDowell, received the deeds for the estate, with the Sydney Anthroposophical Society receiving the property after Ivon and Katie’s death for a school

Left: Clipping from The Daily Telegraph, 6 March 1940 (National Library of Australia)

Right: Alice Crowther Building at Middle Cove today

based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy. However, the Anthroposophical Society deemed the estate ‘too remote’ from residential concentrations, purchasing Glenaeon’s current Middle Cove 11¾ acre campus and our original Dalcross preschool with the monies gained from the sale of McDowell’s estate in June 1954. Today, Glenaeon Retirement Village stands on McDowell’s property, with our school keeping the name Glenaeon in honour of Thomas and his donation.

As a school, we are very fortunate to be able to come to our Middle Cove campus to learn, teach, and work. Surrounded by natural bushland and situated on the lands of the Cammeraygal people of the Gu-Ring-Gai Nation, Glenaeon Middle Cove is a tucked away haven where children can grow and be nurtured. The Anthroposophical Society purchased this site because of the sheltered sanctuary characteristics of the landscape whilst also being a larger-scale replica of the Castlecrag Haven Amphitheatre – a creative cornerstone of the Castlecrag community.

Following his architectural design of the Thredbo skiing resort, school architect and co-founder Eric Nicholls also designed each Middle Cove building so they would fit comfortably within the bush setting, creating the impression of a small village. Our Middle Cove campus and adjacent bushland are also home to many diverse Australian flora, including a wide array of native eucalyptus, ferns, and wattle species, as well as fauna such as the Eastern Water Dragon, Superb Lyrebird, and the Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo.

In commemorating 70 years at Middle Cove, Glenaeon continues to honour our rich heritage, fostering a unique learning environment deeply connected to its natural bush surroundings and the visionary principles upon which it was founded.

Will Bryant Archivist

Above: Eric M Nicholls, co-Founder of Glenaeon along with Miss Sylvia Brose

We are delighted to showcase just a taste of the words, thoughts, artistic works, and imagination of the people who represent the beating heart of our school, our students.

Spring

A thousand tulips raise their sprightly heads, As dark grey clouds leave their frosty beds. Greens and yellows spreads all across the land, The trees and roots start stretching their hands.

A mother magpie sows her loyal nest, And the winter bear takes his well-earned rest. The sun graces us with her warm embrace, Fairies spinning clothes of sweetened lace.

Stand in the heavy sun, if you may care As the light breeze plays with your every hair. Hear the songbirds embark on their soulful tune, And the sweet smell of the goodbye from winter June.

Taste fruit of the orange, and peach tree, The glistening juice and some sweet tea. Take a walk in the forests, dark but don't fear, Life is afoot, because spring is here.

Lara A.G. Year 12

Above: Eleanor R. Year 8 Geography Main Lesson

Above: Year 8 Japanese, Left: Sophia B. Right: Alex G.

Above: Otis T. Year 9 Japanese

Captain’s Corner

Drama has always been something I’m passionate about. I grew up listening to musicals, taking drama classes, dreaming of becoming an actor, although I now know that that isn’t something I want to do anymore. The problem is, I can be a very quiet person. Despite this, I’m always keen to say yes to anything in drama, to be the first to play games and to create art. Somehow, all of that stress and worry washes away and I get to make people relate or laugh. Over the years, I must admit, I’ve lost a bit of my creative self, but part of it lives on,

whether it’s in scriptwriting, video drama, or improvisation, because it allows me room to express myself. Outside of drama I’ve started just saying yes to things that I would normally decline for the sake of ease. Nothing major, just small things like helping people out, doing more of the things I’m passionate about, and listening more to those around me. When I first started this journey of opportunity, I thought I needed to immediately take on major projects and I had this yearning to change things, to do something important. I’d always thought I was too young to start any initiative, too quiet, too shy, too inexperienced, but suddenly I was in Year 11, and time was running out before the end of school. Year 11 is only three terms and is packed with assessments and experiences, leaving little room to take on new things. With only less than two years left, when was I going to do something I was passionate about, something important? Then, one morning, Ms Drummond explained that we were now able to apply for captain roles. That was it – my moment to choose something that would allow me to change something and countless opportunities to say “yes” to.

We have such wonderful drama, art, and music communities at this school, filled with people who are very passionate about things inside and outside of the classroom, and I’m continuously grateful for it. The other day I was colouring something in my main lesson book and I was shading, as we were taught in Year 7. I had a moment, this being one of my last Main Lessons, where I realised how much this school has shaped me. The way I colour reflects my education here, and that is something I will carry with me for a long time. Whether it is drama, colouring, music, art, science, maths, writing, whatever you're passionate about, hold on to it, because it will find you again. Even if you’re busy or scared, it’s important to pursue those things without pressuring yourself to do too much, because the right opportunity might present itself due to the ways your interests shape you. So, I encourage you to be grateful for the community we have here at Glenaeon and take on some of the opportunities it offers you.   

Simara R. (Drama Captain)

Year 11

Above: Sophia B. Year 8 Geography Main Lesson

First Warmth

The first mild day of August where my nostalgic heart blooms the wind is full of whispers and the breeze full of sighs

The winter had been cruel and I sink into the beginning of Spring like my childhood bed It's warmth removes my shivers gentle as a mother’s touch and I think how beautiful it is to feel the seasons changing upon my skin

And in its own subtle ways the earth confirms its need to start anew the trees sway to music we cannot hear and the birds offer their cacophonous company once again

And I will touch a hundred flowers but pick not a single one for my childish heart nestles here a mild spring morning once again

Sash S.

Year 12

Above: Year 12 Drama

Left: Nicholas C.V. Year 8 Power of the Word Main Lesson

Above: Rose G. Year 12

Visual Arts Major Work Interlinked (Detail)

Left: Muna S. Year 12

Visual Arts Major Work

One World 4 Lands (Detail of a series)

Our Garden Oasis

In our Glenaeon gardens, we work alongside our earth: creating soil, growing colourful herbs and nurturing animals. Exploring these delicate ecosystems allows students and our community to learn useful life skills while enjoying a sense of calm that only nature can offer.

The biodynamic gardens on all three campuses are ‘growing more’ thanks to the many people of all ages who are caring for them. Beautiful new eco systems are co-created proudly by all the garden class students (Classes 1-7)

together with the garden teachers. Preschool, kindergarten and Class 8 contribute too. Many parents speak of the joy, skills and confidence their children bring home from their experiences in the Glenaeon gardens.

Adult volunteers are experiencing their dreams of learning about biodynamic gardening while developing functional gardens Festive garden workshops are a popular event with many Glenaeon families sharing skills while feasting on the gardens’

Sandra Frain Biodynamic Gardening Teacher

harvests. Thanks to a new coop eagerly built with parents and students, our flourishing flock of chickens and ducks thrive with volunteer Glenaeon families every weekend/holiday period.

‘The oasis’ is a central point of the Middle Cove garden hosting individuals, groups, and classes too. The benches and stumps surrounding the pond invite a resting space for enjoying the view of the pond and surrounding garden. Its active plant and fish life attracts hovering dragonflies, thirsty birds and students on bent knees dipping their searching hands into the pond to feel the fish scooting about. The goal of creating a shady central relaxing zone for students is achieved as the sapling trees grow into maturity.   

Sandra Frain Biodynamic Gardening Teacher

Chris Scrogie Operations and Facilities Manager

Sustainably Growing Our Campuses

This year we have continued to look critically at the facilities the School has, and how we can sustainably grow them to support the learning and development of our students.

To enhance the natural beauty of our site we are implementing new internal and external colour schemes that draw on the colours of the bush around us.

In the High School our rooms need to become more multifunctional, and we are looking at how we can reconfigure areas to optimise their use. This also provides the opportunity for refurbishments as part of this reconfiguration. Some of our current projects include the Senior library, Science facilities and student amenities. Some exciting improvements are in the pipeline.

Energy efficiency is a key focus, we continue to implement improvements to our use of energy, the better use of natural light coupled with efficient LED lighting, replacement of inefficient hot water services with energy efficient heat pump systems. Water conservation, improved insulation and acoustics and direct sun protection are also being enacted. Maintaining the natural protection of our bushland site is also key.  

Chris Scrogie Operations and Facilities Manager

The Glenaeon Parents Association is a registered not-for-profit association, made up of the parents and guardians of the children who attend Glenaeon. The GPA exists to actively foster a culture of giving, connection, support and care for ourselves and each other through purposeful activities such as parent craft, parent education and fundraising projects.

Community spirit at its best!

Highlights of how our creative, generous community came together this year include:

This year, through the generous, purposeful endeavours of so many parents across our school community we’ve been able to contribute some wonderful projects enhancing the school and educational experience for our children.

2024 projects include:

7-8

7-8

Bottom Right: Mid-Winter Party at Foys Kirribilli

» Construction of the Year 7/8 playground area and picnic  shelter, built with $80,000 contributed in 2023

» $10,000 for the bursary

» $10,000 for our beloved Jonas Stoebe’s memorial

» $4,000 for decodable readers for Classes K-2, created by our talented teachers

» $5,200 to upgrade the GPA’s sound equipment used at the Mid-Winter Party, the Family Fair and other school events

» $3,800 for Parent Education

» $5,000 to upgrade the Castlecrag GPA storage sheds and Family Fair stage equipment

We have further projects to fund in the pipeline including Middle Cove library revamp, refreshing the library book collection, High School locker upgrades and creating a peaceful, nurturing space in the Castlecrag Reception area – stay tuned! 

Mid-Winter Party

The wintery weather didn’t dampen the spirits in mid-June where over 150 pirates, mermaids, sharks, sailors and revelers gathered for an evening of merriment and fun.

Organised by the Year 7 parents, Foys at Kirribilli provided a nautical escape by the harbour. Entertainment was provided by comedy duo Patrick Franklin and Robbi Pittorino, DJs Lisa Taylor and Zoe Wilde, and a live band who rocked the house – thanks to Jules Munro, Adriaan Mees, Kate Richards, David Chapman, Charlie Lancaster, Katherine Arconati, Bill Arconati, Lucy Armstrong, Ben Weir and Kenneth Roberts.

A huge thank you to the hard work of Year 7 parents (led by organising committee Sou Ewins, Emma Burns, Charlotte Hendry and Rose Aung Thein) who planned, organised, sold tickets, made decorations, baked desserts, prepared the venue and hosted a fabulous evening.

Huge Ahoy! to the Year 9 parents (led by Jacinta Dunn and ably assisted by Jung Ah Kim, Rebecca Zeus and Paula Saunders) who organised the Silent Auction, which alone raised over $12,000! We would also like to acknowledge the generosity of all the donors who contributed a terrific array of fabulous auction prizes.

The Family Fair

ITtakes a village, and this year’s Family Fair in early November was our village at its best – what a celebration of our community!

Guided by the capable, enthusiastic, creative Class 4 parents our children, school community and visitors were welcomed for a day of vibrant fun, delight and enjoyment. Our gorgeous Castlecrag campus opened its gates and heart to families, friends, stall holders and the broader community.

The classrooms and grounds were transformed into places to play, create, rest, restore, be nourished with delicious food, listen to music, chat, connect, relax, do some shopping, showcase our children’s learning, cool off with a dunk, paint, plant, mine for treasures, climb for lollipops, listen to stories, sip chai, bid on gorgeous art works created by our children, have a chance of winning in the raffle and so much more.

A debt of thanks to all Class 4 parents and everyone who volunteered at the Fair, especially the Fair Committee comprised of Nick Van-Bell, Penny Mapp, Tim Hill and Nancy Dela Cruz (Fair Coordinators), Craig Lee (Logistics Coordinator), Ann Mundie and Deahne Moore (Art and Craft Silent Auction Coordinators), Tim Howell (Fair Treasurer), Scottie Williams (Safety Warden), David Varnes and Neil Mundie (assisting Logistics), Dani Demos and Bodhi Sherrot

(Tokens Coordinators), Bec Heap (Raffle Coordinator).

We acknowledge and thank the many School Staff who teamed up with the parent organisers and worked so hard to make the Fair possible. Thanks also to parent Rino Petkovich who for years now has been installing and checking all the electrical equipment that's essential for Fair day.

In closing, we also want to acknowledge the Steering Committee of the GPA who have worked behind the scenes throughout the year to run our meetings, write Minutes, provide input and feedback, organise and discuss. An important area of focus this year has been to review the GPA’s governance structures, including a detailed review of our Constitution in conjunction with the Board and Head of School.

Thanks to the Steering Committee, comprising Alex Pampel (Treasurer), Jacinta Dunn and Karina Schlieper (Secretaries), Guchi Garcia Guevara, Ann Mundie, Nick Van-Bell, Ilona Tar, Korin Virgona and Alex Van-Bell.

A special acknowledgement is also offered to Alex Pampel who has worked tirelessly and relentlessly this year to upgrade the GPA’s financial reports, digitise how we communicate and organise ourselves, guide the Fair committee, and many other countless things that just got done – we offer him a debt of gratitude!

Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously, to support and celebrate our school. 

Sabine Simmonds and Ben Cunnington GPA Co-Chairs

Annual Giving

2024 is the twelfth year of Annual Giving with the Foundation.

The overarching theme this year was in support of the recently launched Strategic Plan 2024-2027 titled

GROWING MORE

The campaign called on the community to give to four main fund categories:

» Growing our Students (Scholarships Fund or the Bursary Fund)

» Growing our Staff (Staff Innovation Fund)

» Growing Sustainably (Building Fund or the  Library Fund)

» Growing Beyond (School’s Discretionary Fund)

This was the second year of the inclusion of the Staff Innovation Fund category.

The total received in 2024 was $33,127,  which is such a wonderful heartfelt gifting. The current economic situation is difficult for many at the moment and on behalf of the Glenaeon Foundation I would like to thank everyone who was able to contribute to the campaign. The contributions add much to the fabric of the school and will continue to nourish students and staff. 

Warwick Brown

Warwick Brown Glenaeon Foundation Chair

GLENAEON RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL BOARD

The School would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors for their unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to the success of our school community. Their thoughtful leadership, countless hours of service, and steadfast focus on the betterment of our students’ educational experience does not go unnoticed.

Peter Candotti (Chair)

Peter has been a member of the Glenaeon School Board since 2018 and was elected Chair in 2021. He has over 30 years of finance experience and brings to the Board a breadth and depth of finance knowledge, developed both locally and internationally.

Peter and his wife Uli have had a long and deep association with Glenaeon going back to 2001. Their children, Luca and Chiara, both spent their entire school lives at Glenaeon from Playgroup through to Year 12; Luca, graduating in 2017 and Chiara in 2020. Peter and Uli have both been very active members of the school community throughout this time. Peter also serves as the Chair of the Risk Committee and Co-Chair of the HR and Leadership Committee.

Professionally, Peter is a Chartered Accountant and is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Lawcover Insurance, a provider of professional indemnity insurance to the NSW legal profession. Prior to joining Lawcover in 2018, Peter spent 16 years at QBE Insurance Group, where he held a number of executive management roles in finance, treasury, capital management and reinsurance, as well as sitting on numerous management Boards.

Stephanie Graham (Deputy Chair)

Stephanie has a long association with Glenaeon with all three of her children having attended the school. In over 10 years of service to the Glenaeon Parents Association, Stephanie undertook a variety of roles including Co-Chair of the GPA, Parent Education Coordinator, Class Parent Coordinator, Fair Coordinator, and Chair of Art Show Committee. In 2011 she was appointed to the Board of the Glenaeon Foundation where she served for 9 years. In 2016, Stephanie joined the Glenaeon School Board, and currently serves as the Deputy Chair, as well as Chair of the Marketing and Enrolments Committee and a member of the Governance, Risk and Compliance Committee, the HR Committee and the Nominations Committee Stephanie is an experienced management professional whose early career was focused on education and training within the finance industry before moving into the field of philanthropy and community engagement. Currently Stephanie is Head of ESG, People and Culture for a private renewable energy company where she brings her passion for developing a purpose-driven culture that is good for business and good for the planet.

Helen Wicker (Treasurer)

Helen has been involved in Glenaeon since 2004, when her son Henry joined Class 1. Her daughter Mirran started Kindergarten the following year, and both children completed their HSC with Glenaeon, in 2015 and 2017. The family moved to Middle Cove to be close to the School and enjoy being part of the local community.

Helen joined the Board in 2016 and became Treasurer in 2017. She is Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and the Bursary and Scholarship Committee, and a member of the Building Committee.

Professionally, Helen is a tax specialist, advising on international and domestic tax issues across a wide variety of industries. A Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, Helen has experience in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, succession planning, strategy, business growth and governance. She has been a taxation partner since 2000, most recently with SW Accountants and Advisors. Helen is now a consulting director with SW and is also responsible for strategic and financial oversight for a group of private businesses.

Warwick Brown

Warwick joined the Glenaeon Board in 2023. He is an experienced sales leader with a demonstrated history of working in advanced analytics and professional services fields across a variety of industries. He is skilled in business value creation, sales leadership, partner management, go-to-market strategy, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and is a strong sales management professional, having graduated from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and Beijing International Studies University and Macquarie University.

He has a passion for utilising data and analytics for critical thinking and decision making and brings a depth of strategic marketing expertise.

Warwick has three children, all educated at Glenaeon. He served as GPA Co-Chair and Treasurer from 2019-2023. Prior to that, he was a member of the Kamaroi School Board for five years, and served the Glenaeon Foundation for three years.

Ganesh Chandrasekkar

Ganesh is General Manager, Talent and Culture, Australia Retail at ANZ. He has worked in the financial services and banking sector for 20 years; and has over 25 years’ experience working in Human Resources. Ganesh holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. Ganesh was previously the Group General Manager, Reward, Culture and Capability for the Westpac Group. He has also held a number of senior business roles as General Manager SME Banking and Connect Now and General Manager Premium Banking at Westpac. Prior to joining Westpac, Ganesh held senior roles in management consulting in Australia, Asia and the Middle East, specialising in the people aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions.

Ganesh joined the Glenaeon School Board in 2021 and has a son currently enrolled at Glenaeon.

Danielle Ferrari

Danielle currently works for a leading engineering and consulting firm as a project and program management professional and Team leader. Danielle works with clients across the project lifecycle from strategy, feasibility and planning through to design, delivery and into operations. As a project manager, she is responsible for managing project scope, time, financials, quality and risk. She has delivered projects in the buildings, education, transport and water sectors in Brisbane, London and Sydney. As a Team Leader, she is responsible for implementing a growth strategy, while maintaining strong commercial performance and managing all aspects of people, team culture and career development.

Danielle and her family discovered Glenaeon and Steiner education when they moved to Sydney in 2017. She has two boys at Glenaeon, her youngest child started at the Preschool and is now in middle school, her older boy joined Glenaeon when he started high school.

Georgina Michaelis

Georgina was raised and educated in Sydney, relocating to Bellingen on the NSW North Coast in 1980, where she spent many years volunteering, working and parenting at Chrysalis Rudolf Steiner School where her three children were educated. Her youngest son attended Glenaeon for his high school years.

Georgina was Business Manager of Chrysalis School from 1996–2000. She returned with her family to Sydney in 2001 and worked at the Children’s Garden Rudolf Steiner School until its closure. From 2002 Georgina took up roles with Steiner based curative education and social therapy organisations, including as CEO of Miroma in Vaucluse, then Executive Officer Miroma when it amalgamated with Inala from 2010 to 2012. From 2012 to 2019 she was CEO of Warrah in Dural navigating its transition to the NDIS. From 2019 Georgina became a quality management auditor, auditing the standards of NDIS funded services across Australia. She is now retired.

Georgina has many years’ experience both reporting to, and as a member of the Boards and Committees of Rudolf Steiner organisations. From 2003 to 2009 she was

a Director of Glenaeon. In 2018 she again joined Glenaeon’s Board. Georgina is also a member of the Bursary Committee and the Human Resources Committee.

Tim Perkins

Tim Perkins joined our Glenaeon community in 2018 when his son, Max, enrolled for his final years of high school. Max graduated in 2020, after three years of enriching education.

With over 30 years in education, Tim is an experienced primary school teacher, academic, and executive coach. He holds a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Education. Tim is a Senior Associate at Cut Through Coaching and Consulting, where he leads workshops on organisational culture development, wellbeing, motivation, resilience, and leadership. He also works one-on-one as an executive coach with school leaders, athletes, and corporate clients. Tim co-hosts the Habits of Leadership podcast and writes a monthly column for Australian Teacher Magazine. Previously, he was a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Notre Dame Australia, specialising in Mathematics education and Social Justice. Tim is also on the Board of the Living School in Lismore.

Bryan Rose

Bryan is a dedicated father of three, with all of his children educated at Glenaeon: Anouska Rose, who is currently in Year 9, Morgan Rose, who graduated this year, and eldest son Oliver Rose who also attended Glenaeon.

With over 25 years of experience in the property development industry, Bryan brings valuable expertise to the Glenaeon Board in building and development, strategic planning, and financial analysis. He is the Managing Director of Rose Property Group, a multi-award-winning company known for its commitment to quality development, environmental sustainability, and enhancing community amenities. The Rose Property Group excels in planning and delivering master-planned estates and communities, showcasing Bryan’s extensive experience and dedication to impactful development.

Robert St Clair

Robert is the General Counsel of the Endeavour Energy Group. He has over 18 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer and adviser. Robert advises on strategic commercial direction and the management of commercial and legal risks. He has fronted and negotiated some of Australia’s largest and most complex infrastructure projects. Robert also enjoys mentoring and building high performing teams. Robert has also led a high performing legal team for a large listed company and also worked in private practice at a large national law firm. Robert has a BA LLB from Macquarie University and is admitted to practise Law in NSW, the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia.

Robert joined the Glenaeon Board in December 2021 and serves on the Building Committee and the Risk Committee. Robert is an ex-student of Glenaeon (Kindergarten to Year 12), and is also the parent of two students currently enrolled in the school.

Rebecca Zeus

Rebecca is co-owner and CEO of BizCubed Pty Ltd, a data engineering company helping people make better decisions every day. She currently leads a team of data engineers delivering for some of the most recognisable brands around Australia.

She is trained as a chemical and environmental engineer and a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, with experience across the US, Europe and South Pacific. Rebecca has built a reputation as a global leader and expert in business process design and implementation – including scaling up a global energy efficiency and carbon tracking program, designing a reduced-bias recruitment process aligned with business values, and executing an Information Security Management System certified to ISO27001.

Rebecca is also a mother of four (her three school-aged children attend Glenaeon), an avid volunteer, a non-profit board member and a crafting enthusiast.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Many Glenaeon students go on incredible journeys, carve out unique pathways, and live quite inspiring lives. Our latest Where Are They Now? feature delves into the extraordinary story of Glenaeon Alumni Vanilla Tupu (Class of 2015).

Vanilla Tupu

Vanilla Tupu is an Australian Film Maker and multidisciplinary creative, committed to unearthing unique voices both in front and behind the screen. She is a champion of storytelling and strives to challenge engrained structures in the film and TV industries, in pursuit of female driven, culturally diverse stories. The 2023 documentary ‘ONEFOUR: Against All Odds,’ in which she was the line producer, shot to the number two position nationally on Netflix in its initial two days.

We caught up with Vanilla while she was in the U.S. to debrief on her time at Glenaeon and what exciting projects she has in the pipeline.

How did having a Steiner Education influence your understanding of yourself and the world around you?

Steiner was completely influential to my world view. Growing up in an educational context that not only taught lateral thinking, but actively encouraged thinking outside of the box, is something that has carried over into ever aspect of my life – from my work, to my interpersonal relationships and even my understanding of myself. Being able to be creative with the way I approach both challenges and opportunities, has been an essential part of my practice as a film-maker. It's something I am very thankful for, and something that is not often afford through mainstream educational systems.

Another aspect that was very formative for me was the physical environment that Steiner provided. Being able to go to school every day in such a beautiful natural location was an absolute joy. Nowadays, my schedule is very full and quite demanding, so finding time to unwind in nature is something that has become a fundamental part of my day to day life, and is something that was cultivated during my time at Glenaeon.

What was your favourite subject or extracurricular activity at Glenaeon and why?

I absolutely loved music class. We were a really small, passionate group and always had so much fun together. I also just personally love the capacity that music has to both move and bond people. It transcends language, place, background, life experience; no matter who you are or where you come from, you can bond with someone else over the same song or album, even if you’re from completely different worlds.

You have worked hard to create a successful career, what advice would you give to the current Year 12’s at Glenaeon?

Keep at it! All the things I loved during High School are things I still love to this day, and I’ve been lucky enough to craft those passions into a career. I get to work with musicians, writers and creatives on a daily basis, and construct whole worlds from thin air and a seed of an idea. If you’re passionate enough about something, you will find away to incorporate that love into your daily life.

What are some more recent work/projects you have done and are proud of?

In 2022 I was lucky enough to line produce the Netflix documentary ‘ONEFOUR: Against All Odds’. The documentary follows the lives of Western Sydney Drill Rap group ONEFOUR, exploring how their music has elevated them to stratospheric levels of international acclaim, in

Photos: supplied

spite of a punitive local police force who have attempted to foil their every success. As a Samoan woman, it means a lot to me to be able to work on a project like Against All Odds, and to contribute to shaping the next generation of stories told by Pacific Islanders, for Pacific Islanders. The Australian film industry has only very recently begun to shift it’s paradigm and prioritise authentic representation both onscreen and behind the scenes, so being able to be a part of that wave of culturally specific storytelling and to be able to bring stories of pacific excellence to the world stage, has been an incredible privilege and honour. Last year I also worked with the musician Solange, during her Australian tour. The level of artistry and creative brilliance that I experienced during that week, was like nothing I have ever experienced before. It set an absolute benchmark for me in terms of how I want to operate as a creative, and the kind of calibre of artist that I want to work with in the future. I also made some lifelong friends, and got to work alongside some of my best Sydney pals, which was such a joy. Seeing them flourish in such an international forum made my heart glow.

What are your plans for 2025 and beyond?

I’m going to be based between the US, NZ and Australia next year and have a number of writing/directing projects in development with some awesome companies (I can’t say much yet, but I'm VERY excited!). Aside from that, I feel like the hustle has been REAL since I left High School, so I’m actually really looking forward to some time off and learning how to strike that balance between work and play a bit better. Putting time into my family and people I hold dear is something I really want to prioritise in 2025. 

GlenX Reunion

2024

What a fabulous turnout 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 the Central Tablelands of NSW, Adelaide, SA and even had guests flying in from Japan. We also had wonderful representation of past and current staff including Guardians Yura Totsuka, Alisan Smotlak, former Class Teacher John Rowan and other long-standing staff including Glennis Mowday, Catherine Pilko, Elizabeth Ellean and Lynne Collett.

All decade groups enjoyed the photo boards and memorabilia shared from the archives and guests noticed the differences and improvements that had been made around the campus since they walked the school yard years ago.

Our Head of School Diana Drummond made a heartwarming speech, and the guests joined in a recital of the Morning Verse together. Everyone mentioned they were so pleased to be back together and had a lovely time connecting and re-connecting.

G len X 2025

Next year, we are looking forward to hosting the Class of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015 – if this is you, and you would like to help gather alumni to attend the event, please email alumni@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au.

We can't wait to celebrate again in 2025! 

We encourage GlenXers from these cohorts to save the date: Saturday 13 September 2025.

Join the Glenaeon Alumni Group on Facebook.

RETIREMENT

LYNNE COLLETT

“The path that led me to Glenaeon has been quite circuitous.

After completing a Law degree at ANU I worked in Canberra as a Solicitor and Community Lawyer.

Subsequently I spent several years in the USA where I became interested in anthroposophical perspectives on life and the Steiner approach to teaching. I was very fortunate to attend many classes exploring Steiner insights into art and academic subjects and completed a Steiner teacher training degree at Sunbridge College in New York.

I moved back to live in Australia and joined Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School as Class 1 Teacher in 2001. At the same time my three children also attended Glenaeon. Between all the various meetings for four different year groups, school plays, sports, concerts and various activities, Glenaeon was our second home.

As a Class Teacher I embraced the richness of the curriculum and its ability to unfold a world of meaning, beauty and connection. I relished the opportunity to teach and tell the stories of humanity, put on class plays, musical performances, attend class camps and lead adventurous hikes and excursions. I continued as a Class teacher with different class groups in the High School and the Primary through to 2017.

After a sabbatical I returned in 2018 to Glenaeon to work in the school as a Librarian/Teacher. In this role I have been fortunate to share my love of stories and reading with the younger students and in turn be inspired by their joy in discovering new worlds to explore through books they enjoy.

I have been greatly nourished and supported over the years by my relationships with the teachers, parents and students forming the Glenaeon community. It has been very satisfying to see these relationships build through generations of students and parents and be enhanced by the unique and vibrant, natural environment of the school. It is a privilege to have been able to nurture the learning journey for many students and to see them transform into caring and positive adults.

The Glenaeon community of teachers has been and is enormously talented, caring and skilled. Teachers as a profession bring so much care and love to their work. I have found this to be particularly true at Glenaeon and it’s something I have treasured in my colleagues.

My years at Glenaeon have been a voyage of discovery where I have learnt to look at the world with new eyes and with gratitude and thankfulness for the rich tapestry of opportunities that life as a teacher has given me. It is a gift I cherish and one that I take with me as I venture into the joys of retirement.  

Lynne Collett

2024 STAFF MILESTONES

Glenaeon is a great place to learn, but it’s also an inspiring place to work. We thank our staff for their service and association and, celebrate these important milestones.

40 years

» Brigitte Tietge-Rollans

25 years

» Alisan Smotlak

» Catherine Pilko

10 years

» Amanda Ford

» Ella Pooley

» Evan Sanders

5 years

» Chris Scrogie

» Daiana Pepe

» Hernan Carol Garis

» Jamie Loftus

» Kath Kissell

» Melony Browell

» Yuri Dehn

2024 CLASS PARENTS

Our sincere thanks to the wonderful parents and carers who have supported the school this year in the important role of Class Parent.

» Angela Lakkis

» Bec Heap

» Catherine Lee

» Charlotte Hendry

» Danielle Ferrari

» Danny Moss

» David Camacho

» Frances Hibbard

» Hasu Opa Clark

» Holly Gibbons

» Ilona Tar

» Jacinta Dunn

» Jayne Hughes

» Marliesa Peitzman

» Meghan Hay

» Michelle Cabena

» Miranda Carter

» Nick Van-Bell

» Rachel Reynolds

» Rachelle Rose

» Rose Aung Thien

» Sabine Simmonds

» Sahar Manesh

» Susanne Karlowatz

» Tiffany Hill

Catherine Pilko

Brigitte Tietge-Rollans Alisan Smotlak

2025 COMING EVENTS