The end of the school year brings a torrent of waves, surging voluptuously, towards the end of term. Teachers experience the need to finish main lessons and fill in gaps, before the new year arrives. Then there’s assessing the children, formally and informally, with a view to school reports, looming so large during November. Adding to the picture, many classes work on their class plays, verses and music introduced from early in the term.

The Class Play! Our little ones, so vibrant and full of energy, learning to work together, oblivious to the impact they have on each other, waif-like, they barely have their heels on the ground. It’s not the final performance that sums up the whole, it’s the piecing together of the fabric of the class along the way, that has a lasting effect. Steiner indicated that throughout the younger years, before Class 5, the children are rarely able to put their new-formed selves aside to embody a character. Then there is the transformation at around 11 years of age, enabling the child to live into a character and meet the audience whole-heartedly, as someone other than themselves. Main lesson stories and characters are drawn, written about, discussed and embodied. Then with many aspects of the play already under their belts, the Class Teacher brings the play to the class. Roles are sought after, some are evident, some therapeutic, others left begging. There is choral work, backstage, costumes, and always music, that brings the play to life.

You may ask why this work is honoured with so much time and space in Steiner education? Why do we revere storytelling and drama? At Shearwater, the work in the Primary classes establishes the foundations within the children, for our High School teachers to recognise, acknowledge, utilise, and mould into the dynamic program and performance that is WAVE. Indeed, we do this to bring the young human being to its fullest potential — to extend; to provide boundaries; to nourish growth through experiencing working alongside one another; pulling and pushing together; meeting new horizons; striving towards aspirations, and supporting each other to achieve the same; holding hands, listening and growing together.

As parents, you come in at the end, often not until later in Primary School, to witness the final product — The Performance, a result of the long, growth-full process that underpins the class play. The performance has brought the class together, discovering success and elation through sharing the fruits of their labours; an achievement to be reflected upon in years to come; preparation for the future, when working collaboratively is the key to productive outcomes.

We offer our High School students an amazing opportunity to explore individual choice and skill development through WAVE. When I first arrived at Shearwater in 2018, I volunteered to support WAVE behind the scenes, where students prepared to perform. Each student had a choice to commit and take personal responsibility to work collaboratively towards the production of WAVE. I observed the students working around each other, knowing themselves and the other, with respect and purpose.

This is the outcome of freedom to make choices, to know thy self and work collaboratively. To celebrate being a part of a whole, a breathing, thriving organism that is holistic and alive — the Class Play in a broader sense. A community Class Play. After experiencing now quite a few class plays and WAVE in various forms, it is with wonder and a lot of work, supportive of each other, students of all ages, and teachers in every sphere of the School, that we move forward together, always aware of the stages of development of the human being — our precious youngsters, the budding middle years, our blossoming teens and our graduates, bearing with them the fruits of schooling at Shearwater. Now these young adults are about to go forth into the play of life - with inner strength and with our blessings.

Linda Mayer
Shearwater College

This term, several of our High School students attended a Try a Trade day at Kingscliff TAFE where they participated in practical activities and demonstrations, including house building, brick laying, electrical work and mechanics, as well as trying out a working at heights virtual reality simulator.

The students then got to put their new skills into action at the Kingscliff Hospital work site, building scaffolds and plastering, as well as installing ducting and fire safe devices. It was a great day and everyone came away from it with a better picture of the training and career options available to them.

Lachlan Gibbs
High School Science Teacher

The buzz is building at Shearwater and it's not just the bees! With just a week to go until curtains up on WAVE 2022, the high school has hit Term 4 running! Tickets are on sale now for this year's Wearable Arts performance event - the school's 22nd, titled 'Horizons’.
“Amidst all the disruptions of COVID, students and staff pulled off two incredible events over the past two years,” says WAVE Director Josh Rushton. “But in 2022, eyes firmly on the horizon, we look forward to welcoming our audiences back on site to experience WAVE in all its transcendent glory.”

For the first four weeks of Term 4, every year, the Shearwater high school begins to look and sound like an episode of 80s TV drama Fame (or Glee for our milennials).

A highlight of the school’s performing arts calendar, WAVE is embedded in the curriculum  (and also a ton of fun!), with around 200 students taking on roles as dancers, musicians, actors, writers, filmmakers and editors, lighting and audio technicians, carpenters, tailors, set and prop designers and builders, choreographers, photographers, stage hands, models and caterers.

“It's always an exciting moment when the competition garments, created by students, staff and the wider creative community, begin arriving at the school,” says Rushton. 

“In this sense, Shearwater’s Wearable Arts event has built, over more than two decades, a true artistic interface between high school and world. A competition that goes out to the community; a high school production that builds an incredible show around an inspiring theme; and finally the integration of competition entries that brings the show to life.”

The performances will take place in the Shearwater Hall from November 2 to 5. Wed, Thu and Sat performances will commence at 8pm, with refreshments available from 6.30pm. The Fri performance will commence at 6pm. Winners will be announced on opening night. 

Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for school students, with family options available (not suitable for children under eight years). Book early to avoid disappointment!

Book your tickets via the WAVE website at shearwaterperformingarts.com. All ticketing enquiries to wavetickets@shearwater.nsw.edu.au or phone Shearwater on (02) 6684 3223.​

Congratulations to Year 9 dancer Amani Wiriyanjara, who recently performed the role of Hermia, in the Byron Ballet company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. The performance featured Amani's first pas de deux, opposite Zac Healy. She also performed as one of Tatania's fairies for the other two performances.

​Last month, we had a group of 13 students from Years 7 to 9 represent Shearwater at the NCIS regional athletics carnival in Coffs Harbour. With a variety of students participating in track and field, they all prepared themselves physically and mentally for a sunny day amongst some of the most talented athletes in the region.

With true Shearwater spirit, we were not the biggest cohort of students, however the support and positive encouragement for all teammates during their events was prominent! All of our athletes represented the School with great enthusiasm and some students placed on the podium, including Sol Bailey, Shanti Puzzarini and Polly Jefed. We were all proud of the students for the long day and the hard work. Congratulations to all of them!

Tai Johnston
High School Teacher

​There is nothing like the smell of crisp mountain air and the sound of skis and boards carving through fresh snow – at the start of this term, Year 7 finally made it to their snow camp!

For most of the students, this was their first experience in Australia’s alpine region of the Snowy Mountains, and they certainly made the most of the opportunity. After plenty of warnings of cold and icy weather, we were met by blue skies and beautiful sun shining down on us throughout our days on the snow.

All the students skied or snowboarded at Thredbo, strapped on some snowshoes and cross country skis at Perisher and succumbed to fits of uncontrollable laughter during the daily snowball fights.  There is nothing like seeing pure joy radiate from the faces of our students with the Snowy Mountains as their background.

On our return journey, we visited Parliament House for a tour and education session.  We arrived the day before the current sitting of Parliament so there was plenty of activity in and around the building.  We were even treated to members of the armed forces practising their marching in formation in preparation for the ceremonies.

One of the highlights of the Year 7 camp is the opportunities it provides for the students to come together as one class and spend time with their new Guardians, who will guide them through their five years of High School. We would like to thank April, Sarah and Tom for all their support and the care and warmth they showed to the kids throughout the camp.


Penny Martin and Anja Grapentin
Class 7 Teachers

​As part of our Year 8 Science course students undertake a mini Scientific Research Task, an exercise implemented to improve and facilitate scientific writing skills. Mini-research is not limited to practicing writing skills but also trains students to communicate their writing in a scientific presentation and provides a ‘field study’ experience. 

This year students planted peas, measuring their growth (in cms) under two conditions, one in the greenhouse, the other in an open field garden plot. Both research groups were undertaken at the School’s biodynamic farm. The project, a collaboration between Science teachers and Farm staff, has seen students set up trials testing the effects of biodynamic and conventional soil treatments.

In the field trial, students prepared and planted two garden areas separated into biodynamic, control and NPK treatments. The biodynamic treatments used a compost known as cow pat pit (sometimes called manure concentrate), the control had no treatment and the conventional had a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertiliser added.  Lachie ran a pot trial in the greenhouse, in which small groups each planted three pots, biodynamic, control and NPK.

The trial encouraged students to deepen their understanding of scientific research methods and design. They were able to consider the various limitations of the trial and measure, observe (and taste) the results of the research.  To sweeten the experience, students also had a chance to forage amongst the mandarins and other citrus.

There were some challenges along the way. Rodents ate almost all of the seeds in one of the field trials and strong winds blew over the nursery pots. But the trial produced some interesting results.

In the pot trial, the NPK treatment increased growth significantly above the other treatments. In the field trial, the biodynamic treatment produced slightly better growth to the NPK and plants had a more upright growth pattern.

Biodynamics works with growth forces in the soil and atmosphere to create balanced growth and plants that are nutritious and disease resistant. The conventional approach is akin to force-feeding the plants. It can result in greater growth in the short term but also leads to poor soil conditions and plants that require continual inputs, as well as ongoing pest and disease management. 

Andrew Carter
Teacher, Primary Industries and Agriculture
Farm Manager
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​Our Year 9 class is currently enjoying the wonders of Far North Queensland. Our campsite on the edge of Lake Tinaroo is beautiful and we have the whole place to ourselves. We walked through rainforests, saw turtles and swam in the crystal blue waters of a volcanic crater lake and drove through misty mountains and the highest town in Australia to see a big waterfall and enjoy some hot springs. 

After leaving the Atherton tablelands and it’s lush cool climate the class headed out to Laura and it’s dry and hot weather where we have seen some amazing rock art. After spending a night sleeping under the stars we rose early and drove down to Mossman where we spent the day immersed in local indigenous culture and visited the shoreline and Mossman Gorge.

With the solstice upon us we prepared a winter festival for the Far North Steiner School and the students  helped the little ones with a beautiful spiral walk accompanied by some singing.

We are off to the Daintree today. Spirits are high and everyone is stepping up to support each other and make the most of this wonderful adventure.


Luke Wigmore
Year 9 Guardian

The 2021 Marine Studies class, as part of the Marine Craft Construction module, planned, designed and built a new school boat. The design is a flat-bottomed punt with a glass panel in the floor for benthic (seafloor) survey work, and perfect for diving, fishing and snorkeling. So we now have our old school boat, Kylam, for boating skills training, skurfing and towing the underwater manta-board (fun), and our new research vessel for all things Marine Studies. Big thanks to our current Year 12 marine students.
​
Greg Shanahan and Nick Thorne
Marine Studies

​After the floods, some of our High School students were left with feelings of powerlessness and a lack of purpose. Many had been helping with the clean-up in Mullumbimby and Lismore and felt conflicted by coming to school, when there was still so much work to be done in the community. We came up with the idea of an exhibition fundraiser, to be held tomorrow night in the School Hall.

The exhibition includes artworks by Year 10 and 11 students to be auctioned, with all proceeds going to flood relief. The title ‘Ground’ refers to the longing for stability and healing after the experience of chaos and upheaval. Doors open at 5pm, followed by the High School music showcase, Shearwater Live, at 5.30pm. Cakes and coffee available. We very much look forward to seeing you there to support our wonderful and talented High School students.

Siobhan Hungerford-Gerth
High School Teacher

​Lachie's Year 8 Science class has been learning all about energy. They have been investigating the different types of energy, energy transformations, energy efficiency and the law of the conservation of energy, and investigating the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non renewable energies, within the context of solving real world problems. For their major assessment task the class attempted to solve the problem of heat loss by applying their knowledge of heat transfer to the construction of a homemade thermos, with several students succeeding in keeping water at 75 degrees celsius for 20 minutes.

​Lachie's Year 10 Science class has started a unit on genetics by investigating how traits are passed from one generation to the next. The students obtained DNA by performing an experiment that allowed them to extract it from the nucleus of strawberry cells.

​​Last month, Louka McAllister received an HSC ATAR of 97 - the highest ever awarded to a Shearwater graduate, with two Band 6 results (indicating a mark over 90) and five Band 5s, or equivalent. 

After two years immersed in the full spectrum of academic subjects - Physics, Chemistry, Advanced and Extension Maths, and Advanced and Extension English 1 and 2, as well as Business Studies “just for fun”, Louka is enjoying a big breath out this year - getting his hands dirty, working for a friend’s roofing business and saving some money for travel, before starting a university Science degree in “Physics, Maths or both”.

He laughs when I ask about the roofing and admits he learnt a thing or two apart from advanced calculus, during his 15 years at Shearwater.

"I’m probably not the most handy person but I know my way around a little bit. I definitely enjoyed subjects like metalwork and woodwork in the younger years of High School. Even though I didn’t end up pursuing those subjects, it was a good opportunity to explore them and get some more skills."

With offers of places into Bachelor of Science degrees at his two universities of choice, Louka is pleased with his HSC results. “The only thing I was a bit disappointed about was that I had really high Band 5s, just missing out on a Band 6, in three subjects,” he says.

Like so many before him, Louka says “the camps!” when asked about his best memories of Shearwater. “They were just amazing life experiences,” he says. “And at the end of the day, I don’t think I was worse off for missing out on time in the classroom.”

“I did consider going to another school at the end of Year 10. The big thing that kept me here was actually the Vanuatu camp! And also the relationships. I think we have a much tighter-knit class community than a lot of other schools and I really enjoy that. And the relationships with teachers are a lot closer and more personal.”

Louka’s maths teacher through High School, Oren, described the class as “pure joy”. “There was a culture of diligence, hard work, laughter and friendship that deepened and grew,” he said. “By the end of Year 12, the class had achieved the best HSC maths result ever recorded at the School.”

“At Shearwater, you get a lot of education that’s not just in the classroom,” says Louka. “But you can also do really well academically here. If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll get a lot of support from your teachers.

“I also definitely prefer the smaller class sizes. Most of my classes were around eight people, which, means you get a lot more one-on-one time."

With a well-trod trail between Shearwater and Melbourne, Louka says he’s likely to land in that southern city next year.

“The plan was always to go to Melbourne because that’s where I want to live. From Melbourne Uni you can walk to the MCG! Also Melbourne Uni is the best ranked for Science. But the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree at Sydney Uni is also really good, so I still haven’t quite made up my mind."

His sights set on a career as a research scientist, with postgraduate study and possibly a PHD, Louka is nonetheless open to whatever the exciting world of acadademia sends his way. 

“I always thought I was interested in pure maths but there are a lot of new areas in maths that are really interesting. I found out the other day you can do mathematical biology, where they map tumour growth in brains…”

We will be sharing more stories from our Class of 2021 (and other Shearwater alumni) over the year, and we congratulate them all on their achievements, and wish them well on their onward journeys.

The shearwaters gathered and looked to the sky
On hearing their guide in the winds that swept by
They answered as one as their wings stroked the air,
And set out on a journey they all would share.

(From Shearwater’s school song, Shearwater Pacifica)
​

​This year, our High School students, from Class 7 to Year 11, will be engaged in a series of wellbeing programs, starting with a Talking Consent Workshop by Jane McGowen in Term 1. 

During the workshop students will be focussing on the understanding, defining, and negotiating of consent. This sensitive information will be delivered in a facilitated environment of cohesion and positivity. The workshop is designed so that young people should feel empowered to seek healthy relationships and look after each other, whilst also understanding and identifying risks. In addition, the aim is for students to become more self-aware so that they may have a sense of preparedness as they grow and change.

The understanding and knowledge provided by Jane's workshop will be utilised consistently and frequently in both Guardian time and the classroom. Jane will also be sharing the program with parents and carers, via a Zoom information session, details of which will be provided.

In Terms 2 to 4, students will be engaging in programs on social interactions and bullying, social media safety and becoming familiar with the law.

Marie Perry
High School Wellbeing Coordinator

The Shearwater Certificate is a pathway offered to Year 12 students at Shearwater that provides an alternative to the HSC, allowing students the freedom to create a unique learning experience for themselves, following their passion and creating a project of personal interest. Do not let the word freedom fool you. The Shearwater Certificate is a rollercoaster ride.

This year there were five students who undertook the journey, Tula Tansley-Beckerman, Judah Tsadik, Gemma Susanna-Davies, Aurora Bodhivajra and Charli Gaiter-Thompson.

The learning that comes out of undertaking a year-long project is invaluable, and the skills these students have developed will serve them well in the future. They have learnt things no textbook can teach, and no exam can assess. They have learnt to believe in themselves, to communicate clearly, to think critically, to problem solve, to ask for help when it’s needed, to get up and keep going when things are hard, to support others and work together.

The Shearwater Certificate can be done as a 120 or 240 hour program, in conjunction with three or four HSC subjects. Year 12 is challenging at the best of times but I think we would all agree that this year has been particularly difficult. It has presented these students with new challenges, unique to these times. When they presented their proposals a year ago none of us knew what this year would be like, that we would have an extended lockdown and limited access to external facilities among many other things.

The students presented their work, comprising displays and speeches, last week, and although we couldn’t invites their families and community to the event, due to COVID restrictions, it was still a beautiful conclusion to the process. These students deserve to be congratulated and celebrated. They have demonstrated resilience and determination and I am so incredibly proud of them, and very grateful to have been part of their journey as their supervisor.

Anna Delzoppo
Shearwater Certificate Supervisor

Congratulations to Year 11 Textiles student Gypsy Hunter who was recently awarded third place in the Senior Category of the international Wool4School student design competition. Entrants were asked to design an outfit, made primarily from wool, which was versatile, protective, dynamic and functional, to aid in commuting and traveling, under the theme ‘Wool on the Go’.

The SRC have been up and running through Semester 2 and despite lockdowns, we have been able to do some leadership workshops, establish what we love about the school and also work out what we want to see improved and how we might help make that happen. Many ideas have been discussed such as dress code, student events, classroom comfort, better signage and wellbeing services. Small actions have been taken to help make sure students' voices are heard and supported. One issue we discussed was the number of students coming to school without breakfast. The solution — Breakfast Club! 

We canvassed teachers that had experienced breakfast clubs at other schools to find out what worked and what didn’t. The SRC developed a survey which was filled in by over 70 students. The results surprised everyone. On that particular day, we found that just under half of our students were coming to school without breakfast. The reasons ranged from having to leave too early for the bus, to making them feel sick on the winding road to school, through to being in too much of a hurry, forgetting or just not feeling like it first thing. Some were getting something at school if they had time but many buses arrived too late to go to the canteen and some students didn’t have money with them. That very afternoon, after tallying up the surveys, we heard that due to staff shortages, the canteen would not be opening the next day. Breakfast Club (and now Lunch Club) were going to have to happen very quickly!

We purchased supplies that afternoon and had some basics ready to go at 8.30am the next day. Toast, tea, cereal and fruit were all on the menu. At lunchtime, the cooking elective baked some sausage rolls and pasties we were able to give out to those who were hungry or hadn’t brought lunch. We managed to do this for each of the three days the canteen was not able to open. Over 100 students accessed the service each day and overall it seemed a great success.  

The SRC would like to thank James and all the teachers and students who supported them to make this idea a reality in such a short timeframe. The canteen will be open every day between now and the end of term and the SRC will take on board all that was learnt from the trial and see if it’s something they will propose in some form  next year. In the meantime, it’s a good reminder to make sure students are coming to school with food in their bellies ready to learn, and with enough food to last them for the day. We are lucky to have such a wonderful canteen and thank Steve and the crew for the wholesome and affordable options they provide every day.  

Sarah Ndiaye and the SRC

​Our Class 7 students had the opportunity to experience the illustrious silk paintings and picture books of local author and illustrator, and former teacher, Kim Toft, this term.

Kim guided the class through the process of story-boarding, providing inspiration for the classes' Indonesian assessment task, in which they are creating an advanced pictorial based on the life of a family member of their grandparents' generation. 

Emily Joy
LOTE Indonesian Teacher