When I walk through the gates of Sophia Mundi, it feels like coming home. The laughter and connection in the courtyard, the gentle hum of creativity in the classrooms, they’re familiar, and I see the same warmth that shaped my own school years now embracing my children.

I journeyed through Sophia Mundi from class two in 1992 to year 12 in 2002. My school years were spent at the Nicholson Street site, a hidden gem nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the inner-city industrial landscape, where the inviting Steiner classrooms stood in gentle contrast to the world outside. The school’s unique location offered a balanced reality; the city itself became an extension of our classroom, providing lessons and experiences that helped us navigate life with confidence and understanding.

The education I received at Sophia Mundi met me where I was at every stage of my growth, academically, emotionally, and socially, both challenging and supporting me, and nurturing a deep sense of grounding and belonging. We were a close-knit community, with small, cosy classes and families spanning multiple year levels, all walking the same journey. The relationships we built with teachers and peers were profoundly meaningful, fostering lasting connection and community.

The Year Nine camps stand as a testament to this meaningful curriculum. These experiences, demanding both commitment and courage, foster independence, resilience, and connection, to peers, to teachers, and to the natural world. They are lessons for life, shaping character and perspective long after the classroom years have passed.

I also hold deep gratitude for the music program and the opportunity to learn the violin, an experience that offered continual challenge and reward, fostering commitment, dedication, persistence, collaboration, and joy. Music is woven through the school’s festivals and celebrations, offering students the chance to share their gifts while strengthening community and connection.

By committing to language, I discovered another world, one that welcomed me to exciting opportunities after Year 12, most memorably, a European backpacking adventure and a chance to live as an au pair in France.

The same opportunities and experiences that enriched my own life are those I hope to provide for my children.

I feel so fortunate that my class was able to pave the way beyond Year 8, the point where the journey had ended for many students before us. Together, we forged traditions, shaped experiences, and built a legacy for those who would follow. Our teachers guided us with dedication and insight, supporting us through uncharted territory.

Being part of the inaugural Year 12 class was a unique privilege. The opportunity to complete the year-long Year 12 Project was a truly enriching experience, deeply supported by our teachers, the wider school community, and beyond. It was an ambitious undertaking for a small school, a reflection of deep purpose, commitment, and the shared desire to complete and fulfil our Steiner education journey.

It’s heartwarming to see that the Year 12 Graduation continues to be honoured with the same reverence I experienced some 23 years ago. Journeying through the classrooms, greeting teachers and students, sharing moments of gratitude, the energy of young and older students learning side by side remains truly captivating.

The Spiral and Graduation ceremonies offer a fitting farewell, a moment to pause, reflect on the journey, and celebrate growth within a deeply caring community.

For me, Steiner education is a gift. I am so grateful to have received this education along with my four sisters and feel fortunate that my children also have the same opportunity, and that we continue to be a part of this special inner city Steiner community.

Franky Corcoran

Parent of Michaela, Year 10; Emmanuelle, Class Six; Ned, Pre-Prep 2028 and Sophia Mundi alumna