Silver Tree Steiner School
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Silver Tree Steiner School is a Steiner school in Parkerville, Western Australia.
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[edit] History
In 1997 the Silver Tree Playgroup came into being in the home home of a parent, in the Hills east of Perth, Western Australia. The commitment of the founding parents to Rudolf Steiner's philosophy of education led to a search for a more permanent home for a Waldorf School in the Hills.
After an intense search, a location was offered in a bush setting Parkerville Children's Home, beside Clutterbuck Creek, close to Mundaring. "The Silver Tree Kindergarten" opened its doors for the first time in February 1998, with seven children attending. The Primary School commenced in February 2001, with nine pioneer class children. Since then the School has grown, both in numbers and in cultural activities such as festivals, a music program, language, and so now the School is seeking more permanent premises.
[edit] Principles
Steiner educators believe that children should not be rushed into adult consciousness but allowed to savour and fulfil their childhood, particularly enjoying nature, crafts, singing, the arts and an encounter with nature and meaning: so that learning involves all of their senses, rather than through abstract learning.
[edit] Name
The name "Silver Tree" evokes the Silver Princess eucalyptus of Western Australia.
[edit] Management
The management of "Silver Tree" (as the school is often called colloquially) is guided by Steiner's indications for organisations, the threefold social order. Steiner recommended that organisations distinguish between the predominantly economic, legal or socio-cultural aspects of endeavour - this is encapsulated in the French Revolution call for "Liberty, equality and fraternity!" Good governance arises from separating these activities, so that a cooperative relationship can be established. Thus the faculty represents the educational, socio-cultural aspects of the school; financial affairs are run by the Bursar assisted by the Finance Mandate Group; and legal-administrative matters are held by the School Secretary and Facilitator. There is no need for a principal in this system. All strive to work collegially. A Parents and Friends group operates at the School, and the "Rats 'n' Rainbows" shop offers school- and Steiner-related items for parents and the wider community.
[edit] Cultural events
The Winter and Spring Festivals and Christmas Carols are key moments of the school's calendar. Teacher-devised plays performed by primary age children, are also offered each year. On occasions composer Paul Lawrence and writer/librettist Jennifer Kornberger have had original works performed on campus. Community education is periodically offered both at Parkerville and at nearby locations, canvassing the importance of story, creative play, and freedom from undue electronic media, for children at the earlier stages of their development.
