As we approach the shortest day of the year—a time that traditionally invites inward reflection—it also offers us a moment to pause and appreciate all that we’ve achieved in the Early Childhood department so far this year.
We’ve navigated many adjustments, all of which have been met with care, intention, and a shared commitment to our values. With the introduction of the Banksia after-school and school holiday programs, we are now able to more thoughtfully responding to the needs of our community, all while maintaining the high-quality Steiner early childhood experience that we hold dear.
The transition from three rooms to four now feels seamless—almost as though it has always been this way. With this growth, we’ve also welcomed many new team members who have begun their Steiner journey. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working team who have supported these new staff with warmth and generosity, helping them to settle in smoothly.
I would especially like to thank Tracy McCormack, who has taken on the role of Educational Leader for our department. Tracy has thoughtfully developed and facilitated meaningful professional development sessions and has guided us in refreshing our approach to critical reflection of our teaching practice. Her work has introduced practical and considered ways of documenting our practice and deepening our insights as educators.
This work serves to continue fostering a passion for development and to provide the children in Early Childhood with a high-quality play-based foundation—one that grows and evolves alongside them, reflecting our commitment in all of our educational endeavours to being teachers who truly are – “worthy of imitation”.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to continuing to grow and develop together in the months ahead. May the Winter Festival bring you warmth, connection, and a renewed sense of inner light during this reflective time of year.
Kira Du Plessis – Director of Early Childhood
