Principal's Report

Dear School Community,

As we come to the close of Term 1, we reflect on what has been a truly long and hot summer. It has been a season that tested our patience and resilience, but we are so grateful for the rain that has graced our community over the past week. The cooler weather now on the horizon brings a sense of relief and renewal—not only for our land but for all of us who call this special place home. 

As I reflect on the term, I am filled with pride at the tremendous growth we have witnessed in our students and the vibrant sense of community that defines our school. It has been a wonderful start to the year, with significant progress both in and outside the classroom. 

Student Growth & Development

Throughout Term 1, our students have made impressive strides academically, emotionally, and socially. From the youngest learners in Early Childhood, exploring the world through their senses, to our senior students developing complex problem-solving skills, there is a palpable sense of progress and engagement. The holistic education we offer continues to nurture well-rounded individuals, and it is heartening to see our students develop not only their academic skills but also a deep sense of self and empathy for others.

Community Connections & Gratitude

One of the cornerstones of our school is our strong and vibrant community, and this term has been no exception. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our parents, teachers, and staff for the unwavering support you’ve shown in making Term 1 such a success. The involvement of our families and the dedication of our staff truly make this a special place for our students to learn and grow.

Looking Ahead – Exciting Events in Term 2

Term 2 promises to be even more exciting, with a jam-packed calendar of events designed to inspire and engage our students, families, and community. Here are just a few highlights:

Class 5 Camp – Larapinta Trail: Our Class 5 students will embark on a memorable three-night camp on the Larapinta Trail. This will be an incredible opportunity for them to connect with the land, explore the natural world, and build lasting memories with their peers.

Class 8 & 9 Camp – Kilkivan Biodynamic Farm: Classes 8 and 9 will also be heading off for an adventurous three-week camp at Kilkivan Farm in Queensland. This immersive experience will provide our older students with a chance to deepen their connection to nature, engage in farm-based learning, and develop new skills.

Autumn Fair: One of the highlights of Term 2 is our Autumn Fair, which promises to be a fantastic celebration of our school community. We are grateful for the incredible efforts of everyone involved in making this event a success. As always, it will be a day of fun, food, and fellowship, and we look forward to seeing you there! The Autumn Fair is on Saturday 24th of May. 

Lower Primary Literacy and Numeracy Events: Our two Lower Primary Literacy and Numeracy events will take place this term. At these events, we will share insights into our Steiner approach to literacy and numeracy, answer all your burning questions, and offer practical tips on how to support literacy and numeracy at home. The Literacy event will be held at 3:15 pm on Tuesday, 13th May, and the Numeracy event at 3:15 pm on Tuesday, 3rd June, in the Class 1 classroom. These events are for parents with children in Transition, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.

Prospective Secondary Student Event: For families with students in Class 7 (2026-2028 intake), we will be hosting an event for prospective secondary students, providing an opportunity to learn more about the transition to secondary school at The Alice Springs Steiner. Please note we have had to change the date of this camp to accommodate some speakers. This event will now be 3:15pm Thursday 8th of May. 

Parent Workshops with Melanie Deefholts: We are delighted to welcome Melanie Deefholts, who will be delivering two parent workshops: Social Understanding and Healthy Relationships with Self and Others, as well as Developmental Milestones Throughout Primary School. These workshops will provide valuable insights for parents and caregivers on supporting their children’s social and emotional growth. These workshops will be 5:30pm Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd April.

Backyard Chickens Workshops: We are excited to announce that our school has been awarded a grant from The Alice Springs Town Council to deliver two workshops: Introduction to Backyard Chickens and Citrus & Chickens – Creating a Thriving Eco-System. These workshops will help students and families connect with sustainable practices while learning about caring for chickens and fostering an eco-friendly environment. Our first workshop will be 9am Saturday 7th of June.

AGM – We will be having our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 7th of May at 3.30pm. Please see further information in the important dates secti

For further details about these and other upcoming events, please visit our school’s events page or contact the office. With so many enriching activities, camps, and opportunities ahead, it promises to be a term full of growth, learning, and community spirit. I am truly grateful for all the energy and effort our staff, parents, and students continue to put into making our school a place where we can all thrive together.

Farewell and Gratitude to Valued Staff Members

As we approach the end of this term, we bid farewell to several cherished members of our school community. It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that we acknowledge the significant contributions made by:

• Ellen, our Finance Manager, whose meticulous attention to detail and dedication to ensuring the smooth operation of our school’s financial processes has been invaluable.
• Jessica, our Class 3 Teacher, for her passion, commitment, and nurturing approach that has greatly impacted the lives of her students.
• Cassie, our Early Childhood and Primary Teacher, whose creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm have inspired and enriched the educational experiences of many.
• Janine, our Arrernte Teacher, for her profound connection to our local culture, and for sharing her knowledge and wisdom with both staff and students.
• Codie, our Preschool Assistant, who has consistently provided care, support, and joy to our youngest learners, helping to lay a strong foundation for their educational journeys.

Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on our school and the lives of our students. Their dedication, hard work, and positive energy will be greatly missed. We thank them for their contributions and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. They will always remain an important part of The Alice Springs Steiner School community.

Thank you for everything, El, Jessica, Cassie, Janine, and Codey – you will be missed!

As we enter the school holiday period, we understand that it can be a time of rest and recharge, but it can also bring challenges as families adjust to different routines. Here are some Steiner-inspired tips to help you navigate the break:

Maintain Rhythm and Routine: While holidays are a time for relaxation, keeping some rhythm in the day can help children feel secure. Simple daily routines—such as morning walks, family meals, and time for creative play—can bring a sense of balance and calm.

Outdoor Time: Take advantage of the natural world around us. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, or simply spending time outdoors, connecting with nature is central to a Steiner Education. It nurtures creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of wonder.

Creative Play: Steiner Education values imaginative, unstructured play. Encourage your child to engage in activities that spark their creativity, such as drawing, building with blocks, or storytelling. Limit screen time and allow for more free play where children can explore their imagination.

Slow Down: The holidays are a great time to slow down. Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, embrace moments of quiet reflection and rest. Reading together, storytelling, or simply sitting outside and observing the world can bring a sense of peace and mindfulness.

Involve Children in Household Tasks: Children can help with preparing meals, organising spaces, or caring for pets. Involving them in practical life activities helps develop a sense of responsibility and connection to family life.

Foster Connection: Take time to connect as a family. Whether through shared meals, outdoor activities, or just sitting together, these moments of bonding help strengthen relationships and provide a sense of security for children.

We wish you all a wonderful, rejuvenating holiday period and look forward to seeing you in Term 2, ready for another season of growth and learning.

Dina