Growing minds and branching out at Mornington Park Primary School

Mornington Park Primary School celebrated a significant milestone as the Steiner Stream marked its 21st year of nurturing young minds amid the lush greenery of the Mornington Peninsula. What began as the vision of a dedicated group of parents, who lovingly planted and tended saplings to create a haven for holistic education, has blossomed into a thriving community where children flourish under the nurturing canopy of knowledge and creativity.

Now their affectionately named Mrs. Apple Tree and Mrs. Mulberry stand tall, providing fruit for the children to snack on and bearing witness to the laughter and learning that fills the school grounds. From the early days with founding teachers Lyn Fleming, Jan Raabe and Elaine Thompson at the helm to the present day under the guidance of principal Beverly Dadds and assistant principal Kathleen Lord, the teachers at Mornington Park continue to support their dual-streamed school.

In a world where standardised education often overlooks the individual, Mornington Park’s Steiner Stream stands as a beacon of personalised learning that encompasses the head, heart and hands of each child. Here the curriculum is not confined to textbooks, but flows seamlessly through the rhythm of the day and the seasons, with academic content woven into the fabric of creative exploration and practical skill-building.

The curriculum focuses on meeting the needs of the child, with a play-based Prep program that supports physical, social and emotional development. From there, the children ‘Fly Up’ to their Class 1 teacher, who journeys with them through to Class 6, allowing the teacher to establish deep connections to the children and their learning. Academic content is delivered using overarching themes – main lessons – that allow students the time to investigate and deeply immerse themselves in the subject matter.

Students are enveloped in a range of experiences designed to ignite their curiosity and nourish their souls. From seasonal festivals to community markets, from orchestra performances to class plays and open days, every event is imbued with a sense of reverence and celebration, honouring the journey of each child.

Indeed, the impact of Steiner education extends far beyond the school gates as past students return to share their successes in secondary school, university and beyond. Whether they pursue careers in film, business, trades or health care, they regularly credit their ability to think creatively and tackle challenges to the foundation laid during their formative years at the school.

As Mornington Park’s Steiner Stream looks ahead to the next 21 years and beyond, it does so with a sense of gratitude for the tireless dedication of parents, teachers and students who have helped shape it into the nurturing sanctuary it is today. With each passing season, the roots of Steiner education at Mornington Park grow deeper, anchoring generations of learners in a lifelong journey of discovery and fulfilment.