Windows into Waldorf March 30, 2025
For the love of Spring!
IN THIS EDITION
Director’s Note
Key Dates
Sugaring off at Waldorf Academy
Knitting Circle schedule for this term, all parents invited!
Building an inclusive community event - guest speaker
In the community
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Dear Waldorf Community,
This past week I had the pleasure of attending at the Detroit Waldorf School (DWS) as a member of the AWSNA accreditation team.
I learned a great deal from the experience working with six other accreditors from six different schools across Canada and the US, as well as opportunities to review with the faculty and staff at DWS.
It was reassuring to hear in conversation and practice that all Waldorf Schools share the same values and commitments, and there is a spirit and dedication among the schools that is joyful and refreshing. In many ways our little school is in great shape and poised to make a positive move forward. At the same time, it is also oddly reassuring to note that many Waldorf schools are facing similar issues related to enrolment, financial sustainability, governance structures, and a natural friction as philosophical ideals live alongside practical realities. There is no one solution for all schools, though increased communication is essential in finding the best path forward.
On April 10th, I ask you, everyone in our community, our to join me at the Community Council meeting. I will present some key information and encourage an open discussion, shared communication, as a way to guide our strategic directions and planning for the next few years.
With respect and gratitude,
Conor
KEY DATES
Tuesday, April 1 - Pajama & Wacky/Creative Hair Day on April Fools Day. For the younger grades, one stuffy friend is also welcome
Thursday, April 3rd, Bear Bergman presents "How to build an inclusive community". This free event is for faculty and staff, parents/guardians, caregivers, and community members. You are welcome to bring a friend! RSVP below
Knitting Circle for adults is now on Monday mornings (instead of evenings). Join Ms. Grainger on Mondays in our new Art space from 8:30-10:00 am.
Tuesday, April 8th - Homework club for students in particular grades is starting up again on Tuesday, April 8th (consult your teacher)
Apr 18 & 21 - School & CCC Closed - Good Friday & Easter Monday
Saturday, May 3rd Mayfair
SUGARING OFF AT WALDORF ACADEMY
Did you know it takes 40 litres of tree sap to make one litre of maple syrup? The students do! Yesterday, parent Min-Hi Choi who works at TRCA led a demonstration of a ‘sugaring off’ where sap harvested from our playground maple tree plus some from the Conservation Authority was boiled down to produce maple syrup. Students also learned about the history of the ‘liquid gold’.
Fun Fact: There are about 12 million trees in Toronto, and some of them are maple! Toronto’s tree canopy cover and total tree population has increased from 26.6% to 28.4%.. Toronto is working to increase its tree canopy cover to 40% by 2050.
Ms. Gerrard’s classroom chalk art
THE KNITTING CIRCLE RETURNS!
This TERM, the knitting circle will be held in our beautiful new art space (made possible by you, members of the community with our 30 Wishes in 30 Days Campaign).
Details include:
What: The popular knitting circle returns!
When: Mondays from after drop off (8:30) to 10:00am starting March 31
Where: Waldorf Academy’s brand new art space
Who: Everyone! Beginners welcome, No experience necessary
How: Waldorf’s specialist teacher Sydney Grainger has donated supplies
We’re looking forward to seeing your creative masterpieces!
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY - Thursday, Apr. 3, 7-9pm
Waldorf Academy is hosting guest speaker, Bear Bergman on Thursday, April 3rd, from 7-9pm at the school. Bear will be speaking on how to support healthy gender identity development in children and how to foster a welcoming and safe environment for trans/non-binary members of our community.
Feel free to extend the invitation to friends and family.
CANADIAN HISTORY IN THE COMMUNITY
Our neighbours at Tollkeepers Cottage will be hosting a Renowned Canadian Historian Adam Bunch will be at the Tollkeepers Cottage Mar 30, 2:00–3:30 PM
Explore Toronto tales from early days.
More info at adambunch.com.
