Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

I had the privilege of speaking with our new parents about the unique educational philosophy we embrace at our school. This provided an opportunity to highlight our Head, Heart, and Hands methodology, which reflects our holistic approach to education. You may also hear these areas referred to as thinking, feeling, and doing—or alternatively, cognitive, affective, and practical. I would like to take a moment to briefly explore these three interconnected domains of learning.

Head (thinking or cognitive) refers to the intellectual functions that allow us to understand the world around us, form rational judgments, and engage in perception, memory, imagination, and thought. While cognitive development is traditionally a strong focus in education, research increasingly shows that learning is more effective and meaningful when integrated with the other two domains.

Heart (emotion or the affective domain) encompasses the feelings and emotional responses that influence every stage of learning. It is through emotional engagement that we can connect with new information and give it personal significance. At our school, we use stories, images, music, and art to stimulate the emotional and moral dimensions of learning, helping to inspire deeper involvement and enhance memory retention.

Hands (doing or practical) emphasizes the importance of movement and hands-on learning in the educational process. Studies, such as those by Janson (2005), show that the brain's motor functions are closely linked to cognitive processing, and that movement activates neural connections throughout the body. As a result, every lesson in our school incorporates physical activity—whether through movement on mats, hands-on work, craft, or practical book tasks—ensuring that the body becomes an integral instrument of learning.

The integration of these three domains—Head, Heart, and Hands—is a hallmark of Steiner education. We believe that for children to develop fully, it is essential to nurture not only their intellectual abilities, but also their physical well-being and emotional growth. Our approach fosters a balanced education that promotes both academic understanding and moral, emotional, and physical wellness.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide a rich, holistic education for your child.

Dina