Meet Kamaroi School Principal, Vanessa Snaith

What first got you interested in a career in education?
My first love is painting, and as a teenager doing the HSC my dear conservative father couldn’t reconcile that his daughter with the high grades intended to go to university to ‘just’ study fine art. I then had an epiphany that everyone had to go to school and, even then, truly believed if I studied education and could reach and nurture children in schools that I could make a difference. I did fine art and a Dip Ed so I could teach High School Visual Art. 

When did you discover the Steiner approach to learning?
I was 21 and saw an ad in the Sydney Morning Herald for Steiner House Bookshop in Sussex St for a public lecture to be given by Dr Fiona Campbell, (who is still furthering great research) on Art History and the Evolution of Consciousness. To see ‘Art and Consciousness’ in the same sentence was rare, and I scooted down there. I recall so palpably someone mention Steiner Schools had specialist Art/Handwork teachers. My heart was beating out of my chest. Everything that was important to me; Art, Education, Nature, Consciousness studies, Creativity, Imagination, and a Philosophy that integrated diverse spiritual perspectives was all integral. 

What defines the Steiner education approach?
We really look at what is the task of humanity and how is the evolution of consciousness occurring. Within that, how do children need to be prepared, and what kind of education will give them the lived experiences necessary to face the challenges of today and the kinds of capacities and tasks that they will need to develop. In practical terms this translates as the children learning in ways that foster deep engagement, critical thinking, discernment, perception, clarity, teamwork, and kindness.

What are your “unplugged education” methods?
We do not introduce any screen-based learning at all in the younger years. In class 5 and 6 we have a specialist information technology teacher who runs targeted lessons to ensure all students have the skills they need to be fully prepared for high school, learning to make word documents, power points, spreadsheets, touch typing and research skills, as well as learning about cyber safety, the history and development of technology, and gain practical experiences of understanding computers as tools – by pulling them apart and seeing and understanding how they work. Our intention is that students leave with the feeling they can be creators of technology not consumers. 

How does the campus itself assist in the children’s education?
We are on a very special site surrounded by National Park resounding with incredible natural wildlife, flora and fauna. We have nature-based play spaces, veggie gardens, chickens, and we cultivate a connection to country, and caring for the land. Each term ends with a seasonal festival in which nature and the changes within are celebrated, acknowledged, and appreciated. Our focus on a reverence for nature and sustainable practices allows children to feel empowered in relation to caring for our resources.

Any advice for Tawny readers with infants trying to decide on the best path for their child’s education?
Find your people and trust your intuitions for your children. Be very clear about finding avenues to preserve your child’s childhood. It is precious. And if finding it hard to decide on their best path, you can bring your child onsite to Kamaroi for a tour, see the classrooms, engage in the outdoor spaces. This can be very helpful in seeing your child respond to the atmosphere here. 

*Learn more about Kamaroi by visiting www.kamaroi.nsw.edu.au, or calling 02 9450 1651. You can also book a place on their next school tour taking place on 16 November and see the facilities firsthand.