Lorien Novalis School was established in 1971. It is situated in a picturesque bush setting. The buildings have a uniquely Australian character nestled among landscaped biodynamic gardens and an orchard. Purpose-built facilities include workshops, craft and art rooms, drama and music rooms, a laboratory, library, a computer room, playing courts and a pool. The educational approach is holistic. Equal emphasis is placed on all facets of the student’s being — the harmonious development of intellectual, artistic and manual skills.
Facilities: Theatre and drama space, science laboratory, Junior and Senior library, swimming pool, music room, computer room, cooking facilities, woodworking workshop, craft workshop, soft-craft room, special education spaces, animal pens, vegetable gardens, herb gardens, playgrounds, playing fields and film room.
Electives: The school’s holistic ethos requires all students to participate in all areas of the curriculum. High school students do regular elective lessons each week, increasing markedly in Years 11 and 12.
Sport: A diverse program is offered throughout the school, which includes bushwalking, rock climbing, abseiling, caving, canyoning and surfing.
Extracurricular activities: Musical productions and performances, dramatic productions and outdoor activities.
Welfare and personal development: In Steiner schools, each class has a guardian who not only teaches in the school, but also commits to providing pastoral care, pedagogical overviews, counselling, and guidance to the students in that class for the duration of their primary schooling. There is also a second guardian through their high school years. This allows for unique relationships to evolve and develop. Personal development is an integral part of the curriculum and is given extensive scope on annual class trips, which range from local, day or overnight trips in the lower school to overseas trips in the upper school.
Special features: Lorien Novalis School has graduates pursuing successful careers in all areas of human endeavour and students performing well in further education in various tertiary institutions.