There’s so many! I really loved how we learnt such a variety of crafts and trades. Almost every afternoon we’d listen to a story and keep our hands busy, painting, knitting, felting, baking, crocheting, making pottery, doing woodwork, gardening, moulding beeswax, drawing… the list goes on. I always felt a sense of pride in the care and time we’d put into our work, and be so excited to take everything home at the end of the year to show my family. I think that thoughtfulness stays with you and encourages you to take pride in your learning.

I also absolutely loved how much there was to explore on campus. I distinctly remember the thrill of being a Year 7, and feeling as though you had the whole world to adventure in. Being able to swim in the creek, climb trees, pick all manner of strawberries, snow peas, citrus, lilly pillys and more… it was awesome. So many epic games were had, building cubbies, making dams, crystal hunting and getting grubby. Play was equally as important as schoolwork and so grounded in nature. I don’t think I’ve ever stopped those adventures, I’m still climbing higher and higher and chasing waterfalls every moment I get.

Best High School memory?
That’s also hard to choose! I think some of my best ever memories are from school camps — one in particular in Year 10 when we went to Burye Burye (Humpy Island) in the Great Keppels. It’s the moments when we’re all in the camp kitchen, tunes are up, Uncle Nick’s cooking up the catch from the day and we’re scheming up our next game of capture the flag. You just feel so present and connected with the people around you, it’s the most inexplicable kind of joy.

How would you describe your class?
Like a big family. We’ve known each other for so long they’re all like cousins. Letting go of them is the hardest part about graduating. But I also don’t doubt that the friendships made at Shearwater last a lifetime. There’s such a culture of care among us — every single person would step up to support any other in an instant. I see it all the time. We owe a lot of that to Anna and Luke our High School Guardians.

Post-school plans?
I’m heading off on a scholarship to study my dream course, ‘Philosophy, Psychology and Neuroscience’ at ANU in Canberra in February 2026. I’ve never moved before so it’s equally terrifying and exciting, but the Northern Rivers is home so there’s no doubt I’ll be back.

Did you ever think about trying another school? 
I did consider moving due to frustrations with the academic rigour in Primary and early High School. I really wanted to be pushed and that wasn’t something I always felt completely satisfied with. But ultimately there were always so many other unique things about Shearwater that I knew I would miss way more. I would’ve been back in an instant if I had moved schools and I’m definitely glad I didn’t, because by senior school the academic rigour had definitely caught up!

What are your passions? 
Just about everything! I love playing music, spending time with friends and family, camping, hiking, spear fishing, cooking, working out, sports, learning… the list goes on.

Is academic excellence possible at a Steiner school?
I think yes, although sometimes it requires more internal motivation because it’s not the sole priority of Steiner philosophy like it is at many other schools. These past two years the school focus has felt very student led. So for those who have wanted to pursue academics, there have been so many inspiring teachers and rich resources through which we’ve learnt sooooo much.

How did Shearwater help you become the person you want to be?
Shearwater is so wrapped up in my identity it’s hard to differentiate. I think Shearwater has encouraged me to be conscious and caring in the way I walk in the world, and guided me to appreciate the most important things: people and place. I always hoped to feel capable and ready to navigate life after school and Shearwater has definitely given me that.