Alumni
Jessica Carruthers
Biomedical Scientist
We are proud to share the inspiring journey of Jessica, an alumna of Newcastle Waldorf School. Jessica attended our school from Kindergarten through to Class 12, sharing the journey with her siblings and members of her extended family. After graduating, she pursued a degree in Biomedical Science at Newcastle University, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling. As a Genetic Counsellor, Jessica specialised in oncology, cardiology, and paediatric genetics, working to support, educate, and provide genetic testing for individuals and families; a role requiring significant empathy and professional skill. Jessica’s career has included professional experiences in Sydney, Brisbane, and Newcastle, allowing her to thrive in diverse clinical settings. Jessica and her husband made the decision to return to Newcastle to start their family. Since that time, Jessica has taken a career break to focus on raising their three sons who attend Newcastle Waldorf School.
Joel Gajewski
Earth Scientist, Teacher
Joel completed his secondary education at Newcastle Waldorf School, attending from Class 7 to Class 12, and graduating in 2001. He pursued further education in Earth Sciences at Newcastle University, motivated by his passion for the natural environment; a passion that was significantly influenced by excursions and camps experienced at Newcastle Waldorf School. Upon completing his tertiary studies in Earth Sciences, Joel joined the Bureau of Meteorology, where he conducted atmospheric research in the Southern Ocean and at Casey Station in Antarctica for an extended period. Following additional academic pursuits, Joel returned to Newcastle Waldorf School as an educator, inspired by his positive schooling experiences and a desire to provide similar opportunities to future generations. He successfully guided two primary school cohorts from Class 1 through 6, witnessing the development of many young children into confident and capable adults. Joel has recently resumed working in the sciences and is involved in coordinating geophysical studies for projects such as the European Einstein Telescope. Although Joel has left our teaching cohort, he remains a respected member of our community as a parent of children at our school. We wish Joel well in his future pursuits.
Marigold Pazar
Actor, Artist & Filmmaker
Since graduating in 2006, Marigold has built a fulfilling career as an actor, artist and filmmaker, driven by a passion for creative expression. Over the years, she has trained at various prestigious acting institutions, produced and performed in award-winning films that have toured widely, and exhibited her artwork in numerous local galleries. Her extensive portfolio also includes a diverse range of performance credits, reflecting her dedication and versatility in the arts. She is co-founder and co-artistic director of HER Productions, along with alumna Charlotte De Wit. HER Productions is a company dedicated to exploring innovative and meaningful storytelling through theatre, art, film and dance, championing female roles across the industry.
Isaac Osland
NWS Graduate 2020
Isaac completed his HSC at Newcastle Waldorf School in 2020 and is currently studying a double-degree in Global Indigenous Studies with a minor in Human Services. Upon completing his HSC exams, Isaac and his fellow Class 12 students were tasked with creating a mural for the Design & Technology building. Due to his strong connections to Aboriginal culture, Isaac was selected as the designer for the artwork and served as consultant for all imagery. To read more about the story behind the mural, click here.
Alethea Graham
NWS Graduate 2020
Alethea attended Newcastle Waldorf School from Kindergarten to Class 12, graduating in 2020 with a 90+ ATAR. She pursued a university degree in International Studies, with a major in French and International Aid & Development. Alethea’s passion for the outdoors and personal development led her to study for a Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership. She is also proficient in Wilderness First Aid. Working as an assistant freedive instructor, Alethea enjoys guiding others in safe and mindful freediving experiences. She currently leads retreats with Salty Pilgrims Freediving and manages groups for Dolphin Swim Australia.
Matt Webster
NWS Graduate 2020
Matt joined Newcastle Waldorf School in Class 3 from the public school system. Matt thrived in our unique learning environment and deeply enjoyed the performing arts opportunities that our school offers. Since graduating in 2020, Matt has completed a Certificate III in Hospitality, and has been working with children in the entertainment industry for several years.
Vali Graham
NWS Graduate 2021
Vali attended Newcastle Waldorf School from Kindergarten through to Class 12. Since graduating in 2021, Vali has studied Art and Outdoor Leadership. This has afforded him to opportunities to put his creativity to work with Eastcoast Mountain Trails where he has designed and built mountain bike tracks. Vali has also developed his skills during volunteer work with Pura Vida Adventure Retreats in Costa Rica.
Roisin Kennedy
NWS Graduate 2023
Roisin joined Newcastle Waldorf School in Class 5 after moving to Newcastle with her family. She continued with our school through to Class 12, graduating in 2023. Roisin excelled in her studies and was awarded the University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence. She is now studying at the University of Newcastle for a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design.
Jenbae McIlroy
NWS Graduate 2023
Jenbae joined us at Newcastle Waldorf School from Kindergarten through to Class 12. His creativity was always on display from his wood carving skills to his “design and make” abilities. Jenbae gifted the school a Parkour facility as part of his project work in Class 11. It continues to be a much-loved and well-used apparatus for our current students.
Learning Phases
Join Our School
To express an interest in joining our wonderful school, please follow the link.