Steiner Voices XYZ

Steiner Education Australia
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Bimonthly

Welcome to Steiner Voices XYZ, a podcast series hosted by Steiner Education Australia. We’re a forum for some of the varied voices of Steiner school communities and their people around the country, of teachers, parents and students. Steiner education is a worldwide movement of some 1100 schools across the globe, on all inhabited continents and embraced by parents, teachers and students of all cultural backgrounds. In Australia we have 52 schools who are members of Steiner Education Australia and are all dedicated to delivering the rich and uplifting Australian Steiner Curriculum framework, recognised by the government education regulator ACARA as an approved equivalent to the Australian Curriculum version 9. Listen to our Steiner Voices podcast series and you’ll meet some of the many people who make our Australian Steiner schools such vibrant learning communities.

  1. 1d ago

    Moving Through History to the Other Side of Complexity & Inspiration in a Time Between Stories

    Dr Brad Kershner is Head of School at the Kimberton Waldorf School, Pennsylvania, USA, and was the keynote speaker at our recent GLAM (Governance, Leadership, Administration and Management) conference at Samford Valley Steiner School. Qld. Brad has a fascinating background as an early childhood teacher, religious studies scholar, meditation practitioner, administrator, and now a school leader working with Steiner education and anthroposophy. We will explore Brad’s personal story in a coming podcast episode. His keynote addresses were powerful statements on the importance of Steiner education at this moment in world history and they received universally positive, indeed effusive feedback, so much so they deserve to be heard widely. Here then is Dr Brad Kershner in his first keynote where he explores the increasing complexity of the times in which we live, this time between stories, and the role Steiner schools can play in helping to move us to a positive vision of the future.  For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

    55 min

  2. May 25

    Finding a Way through the Forest: The Path of a Pioneer

    Chris Jack trained as an architect, then worked in construction and property before realising his life’s vocation was in teaching. After coming to a fork in the road in his life, he moved his young family to Emerson College, UK to train as a Steiner teacher. Returning to his hometown of Brisbane, Chris became the pioneer teacher of Samford Valley Steiner school which in his time has grown from then, a staff of three to now over 100: he describes the path of a pioneer as like “finding a way through the forest without a track”. He later pioneered Birali Steiner school, Qld, shepherding its progress from 14 students in a rented hall to being the owner of 26 acres with over 100 students. Chris reflects also on his time as Chair of the Board of Steiner Education Australia, contributing to the growth of Steiner schools nationally. Music has always been a central part of Chris’s life, from guitarist in Murphy’s Pigs, an internationally acclaimed Celtic rock band, to his personal guitar Victor who plays a key role as Chris’s “assistant” in the classroom. For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

    31 min

  3. May 11

    An Elegant Journey of Awakening: Learning to think in Science education

    Dr Tim Dunn’s educational journey began in IT and computing, then led him on to a university career as a scientist with a PhD in cancer research and immunology. Tim was drawn into teaching when asked by friends to help out in the fledgling high school at Samford Valley Steiner School. He negotiated a release from university commitments of one afternoon per week to teach Maths, but soon found himself captivated by the quality of thinking he encountered in the high school students: a flexible, active and engaged thinking that contrasted with the fixed and formulaic thinking with which he was familiar. The one afternoon per week became a full time commitment when he left a position as Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, and became a Science teacher at the school. Tim describes the Steiner school approach to science as an “elegant journey of awakening”: one following the classic traditions of the great scientists, of clear and intense observation of phenomena following by a critical reflection that builds the concepts of Physics, Chemistry and Biology into a living whole. The process is as important as the content in helping students to not only know their subject, but also to learn to think critically and creatively. For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

    49 min

  4. Apr 27

    “There is no greater joy than learning”: Memories of a Beautiful Education

    In this 28th episode of Steiner Voices XYZ, it’s time to look back on some highlights. Every episode has been a highlight for me as the podcaster, remarkable for the huge breadth of voices and experiences demonstrating the rich and diverse endeavour of Steiner education. Yet for the great diversity, there has also been a remarkable unity and coherence of experiences, like the many polished facets on a full-cut diamond, each reflecting the light in their own unique way. So here are highlights from the voices of three alumni from different Steiner schools in different parts of Australia. For all the different locations, they have common memories of a beautiful education, a time of creativity and calm, of vivid colours, imagination, deep trusting relationships with teachers, immersion in nature, and most importantly, of learning that was both challenging and joyful. Rudolf Steiner himself put it so perfectly: “there is no greater joy than learning” For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

    29 min

  5. Apr 13

    Community: Learnings from the Class 12 Major Project

    Nicolai, Charlie, Marni and Finley are four students who graduated from the Willunga Waldorf School in SA at the end of 2025. In this podcast they tell of their journey with the Major Project, just one part of a very full Class 12 academic program. The projects require the students to conduct independent research, to produce a tangible, useful product, and to make a positive contribution to the wider community. While the content of each of the projects is significant, the process and personal growth the students undergo in completing them are just as significant. They share their journeys of learning and contribution, and the gains they made in confidence and awareness of self, demonstrating one of the overarching themes of Steiner education, that genuine learning is always meaningful personal growth as well. For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

    34 min

  6. Mar 30

    The Rhythms of Life: Steiner Education on Five Continents, and Bondi

    Diane Tatum’s long career in Steiner education has taken her around the world, from her origins on the east coast of the US, to schools in Europe, China, South America and over the past 30 years, in Australia. She trained in Eurythmy in Germany and the US, and has devoted her professional life to bringing eurythmy, drama, music, movement, and story to Steiner school classrooms and communities. Behind all these artistic forms lies the power of rhythm, and Diane’s inspiration has been to work with the healing power that healthy rhythm has on the growing child. She has worked as well on school communities through festivals which can build and nourish the social organism of a whole school. More recently she has seen the healing power of artistic rhythm as it mitigates the impacts of acute trauma in her work with Emergency Pedagogy. Diane was one of a team of Australian Steiner educators who supported survivors of the Bondi terrorist shooting last December where she experienced again the healing power of the rhythms of life. For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

    56 min

  7. Mar 16

    From Nick Cave to Parzival: Steiner Education in a State High School

    Ken Killeen recently retired after teaching for 20 years in the Steiner stream classes at Castlemaine Secondary College, Victoria. Ken is a professional artist with a deep vision of what Steiner education can offer to adolescents in particular, and the world in general. He tells the story of losing his faith, then finding it again as a fresh impulse which led to new initiatives including the founding of the Steiner stream. His connection with Steiner’s work from agriculture to education has spanned decades, and continues to inspire his work of carrying the students through the challenges of adolescence. He quotes Nick Cave’s advice to a seeking teenager: explore art, music, culture, and the sciences as broadly as possible and become a full human being before making the step into a particular vocation. The Parzival story underpins his own journey, from a feeling of ignorance and separation, to the bliss of sensing the numinous, the unity that underlies the material world. Ken’s message to teachers? Have reverence towards your students, gratitude for life, work together in your College of Teachers, stay fresh, and innovate! For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ ⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠

    40 min

  8. Mar 2

    Ready to Step into the World: A Shearwater Journey

    Thea Mills-Crockford has just completed Year 12 at Shearwater, The Mullumbimby Steiner School in northern NSW. Thea gained early entry into the Australian National University, and recorded this interview on her way to Canberra where she will begin a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Psychology and Philosophy. Her time at Shearwater began at the age of 2 when her parents took her to Playgroup, and now after 16 continuous years at the school, she reflects on a journey which included so many of the rich experiences that Steiner students enjoy during their education. Each school has its own unique offerings, and Thea remembers fondly some of the special Shearwater events such as WAVE (Wearable Arts Vision in Education), a choreographed production involving high school students that encompasses design, drama, dance, music and technology. Recognising that time moves on, she is sad to say goodbye but takes with her some beautiful and nurturing memories. Perhaps most important of all, she takes with her an inner strength of character and understanding of self that helps her feel ready to step into the world. For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠  Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠  Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠  Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠  The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham.   Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠  Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/

    38 min
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About

Welcome to Steiner Voices XYZ, a podcast series hosted by Steiner Education Australia. We’re a forum for some of the varied voices of Steiner school communities and their people around the country, of teachers, parents and students. Steiner education is a worldwide movement of some 1100 schools across the globe, on all inhabited continents and embraced by parents, teachers and students of all cultural backgrounds. In Australia we have 52 schools who are members of Steiner Education Australia and are all dedicated to delivering the rich and uplifting Australian Steiner Curriculum framework, recognised by the government education regulator ACARA as an approved equivalent to the Australian Curriculum version 9. Listen to our Steiner Voices podcast series and you’ll meet some of the many people who make our Australian Steiner schools such vibrant learning communities.

Information

  • Creator
    Steiner Education Australia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All material is owned by Steiner Education Australia
  • Show Website
    Steiner Voices XYZ

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