Our Year 8 & 9 students were invited to write a reflection of their time at Sophia Mundi, and why they chose to be at this school. They asked to be kept anonymous. 

I chose Steiner education because I went to a public school for a long time and I really wasn't happy. I wanted a gentler school with more interesting subjects and nicer teachers and kids and a fresh start. I wanted somewhere I could thrive as a person.

Some of my favourite memories have been from school camp. Camps can be really challenging but ultimately they really make me grow as a person and get closer to my fellow students, at the end of the camp it's really fun.

Student 1

I don't really care about it being a Steiner school, it's just that the people here are so nice and I feel like I'm valued for my contributions to the school.

I've been at Sophia Mundi for three years. I started here in year 6.

I also absolutely love the music program here, it helps me flourish.

Student 2

I chose to come to Steiner education because they didn't have enough support or help for me at a state school.I enjoy the calm environment.

Student 3

I chose Steiner education because I need help with my learning. My favourite thing about school is science, even though we can't do electronics and we haven't done physics yet.

Student 4

I didn't come to this school first. I originally went to Northcote High School with almost two thousand students, and I got bullied and I was super depressed, so I moved here after nine months. Honestly, it was my parents who made the call for me to move.

I like this school because it is a lot smaller than most other schools and it's so weird and nice to know everyone's names, which is impossible in public schools. The other nice thing about Steiner schools is that everyone is friendly and there are no outsiders because we're all each other have got.

Student 5

When my parents first told me I was going to this school I was reluctant, I thought the classes were too small, the kids were weird and too loud and that it was weird that the home room teachers were called guardians. I couldn't have been more wrong. I feel like this is the happiest I've ever been.

Student 6

I didn't choose Steiner, but I had been asking my parents to change school for a long time because of the constant bullying from everyone, including me, and that's not who I wanted to be and I'm still dealing with the consequences of all that. The reason I think my parents liked this school was because it is small and that there is almost no tech in year 1 to 7 and only some in high school. I don't really know my favourite memory because they all blur together, but probably the first high school dance. The best part of Steiner education is the community vibe and that everyone knows everyone.

Student 7

I started class one in a mainstream school, and instantly hated it. There was violence and yelling constantly, and overall it was overwhelming. So my parents moved me. I studied in a Steiner school [overseas] for 5 years, then moved to Australia, and so far I've been in this school for 3 years and a half. I joined in year six, after leaving my old Steiner school, I skipped a year. I am now in year 9, and there are many memories.

I think the best memories and experiences are camps. Camps are such a fun and great time to learn more and create new connections with friends, to develop and learn new skills, and overall just have a good time. (Something) I value much about Steiner education is the time and effort the teachers give, and the slow-speed learning, that helps every time.

Steiner education is a gift, something that every kid should appreciate deeply, and be thankful for every day.

Student 8

I like Steiner education because we get to develop better relationships with our teachers. This leads to more flexibility with our school work so we can find a way that works for us. I enjoy school because I like seeing my friends and learning about different topics that I actually find interesting. My favourite memory is when I went on camp with my year 8 & 9 combined class because I liked making memories with my friends that I will remember forever.

Student 9