More than 50 guests gathered on Friday 12 June to officially open our two newly renovated K-2 classrooms.
The beautiful new classrooms were a repurposing of a school building that was once the home of Warrah founders Hannelore and Karl Kaltenbach. The project has been a dream for several years, with renovations commencing in November 2025. The whole project, which has been the result of a huge community fundraising effort attracting both monetary and in-kind donations, will allow even more families to be able to access life-changing education for their children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and complex learning needs.
We were honoured to welcome Hannelore Kaltenbach and her family, who took the time to tour the school, while reminiscing about nearly 60 years of history at Warrah.
The classrooms were officially opened with a ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling by Hannelore, alongside members of her family. The commemorative plaque honours the legacy of Hannelore and Karl and recognises their contribution to creating a place of learning, growth, and belonging for future generations.
Guests included the Member for Hornsby, James Wallace MP, representatives from Mainbrace Construction, who generously donated the concrete for the project, Constructive Dialogue Architects, Living Edge Builders, Independent Schools NSW, members of the Warrah Board and Executive, families, supporters and members of the wider community. We are grateful for everyone who has contributed to the project.
Principal Dr Dawn Grant-Skiba spoke of the importance of the early years in a child’s development and the opportunity the new classrooms create for more children to access specialist Steiner education. She offered that the new classrooms “honour an educational philosophy that has long been part of Warrah’s identity. Dr Rudolf Steiner believed that early childhood education should take place in a protective, homelike environment where children learn about the world through imitation, imagination, active play and joyful discovery. Classrooms that nurture wonder, creativity and a deep connection to the natural world – spaces rich in sensory experiences, meaningful relationships and opportunities for children to learn through doing. I can see those principles brought to life [in these new classrooms].”
One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came from parent, Jade, who shared her family’s experience of searching for the right educational setting for her son, who has an intellectual disability, autism and additional learning needs. Her heartfelt story spoke of the challenges many families face in finding a place where their child is understood and supported in a safe and caring environment. There was barely a dry eye in the audience as she reflected on the difference Warrah has made in her son’s, and her family’s, lives.
Warrah Board Deputy-Chair, Rowena Dudgeon, also spoke about her pride in the consistent feedback she hears from families who describe Warrah Specialist School as a place where children are genuinely known and celebrated for who they are.
James Wallace MP reflected on the beauty and functionality of the transformation of the building into classrooms for children with disabilities, noting that few legacies could be more meaningful.
Thanks to the courageous vision of the Kaltenbachs nearly 60 years ago, our school continues to grow, with a strong commitment to early intervention and for children to be seen far beyond their disability.
Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten to Year 2. Families interested in learning more about Warrah Specialist School are encouraged to contact the school or attend an upcoming Open Day.
