The Southern Highlands Company for Steiner Education Ltd is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality and inclusive Steiner education to families in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales. Established as an Australian Public Company in June 2012, it operates with the aim of offering an alternative, holistic approach to learning that aligns with the Steiner educational philosophy[1][4].

Overview

The organization supports local families seeking a distinctive education model that emphasizes the development of the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. This approach is embodied in the Steiner curriculum, which integrates creative and practical activities with academic learning to nurture spatial and social awareness, motor skills, music, language, balance, and coordination[1][3].

Governance and Structure

The governance of the Southern Highlands Company for Steiner Education Ltd is closely linked with the Southern Highlands Association for Steiner Education Inc. (SHASE), which serves as the school's governing body. The board of SHASE consists of elected members responsible for overseeing business and legal matters, ensuring that the school operates within appropriate regulatory frameworks[5].

Management roles are shared between voluntary members of the association and the school principal, reflecting the community-driven nature of the organization. A dedicated College of Teachers, composed of committed educators and staff, leads the educational direction and meets weekly to maintain the school's pedagogical integrity and development. Additionally, a vibrant Parents and Friends group plays a significant role in supporting the school community and its activities[5].

Educational Philosophy

The Southern Highlands Company for Steiner Education Ltd follows the principles of Steiner education, which focuses on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and holistic child development. The curriculum is designed to engage students in meaningful activities that cultivate their capacities in multiple dimensions, fostering well-rounded growth and lifelong learning skills[1][5].

This organization exemplifies the growing interest in alternative education models in Australia, providing families with options beyond mainstream schooling that are grounded in a comprehensive, inclusive, and community-oriented educational ethos.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6683b78b-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/profile [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6683b78b-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/42ba53f1-e434-ef11-8e4e-000d3a6a3e6c [3] https://www.changepath.com.au/southern-highlands-company-for-steiner-education-ltd [4] https://abr.business.gov.au/ABN/View/24373803749 [5] https://www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au/schools/10284-1457661118-brochure.pdf