Windows into Waldorf May 9, 2025
"Waldorf is blessed to have so many talented and creative people in our community. This image was taken by professional photographer and Childcare parent, Nick Kozak."
“The Play’s the Thing…” - Hamlet
This Week’s Issue includes:
Director’s Note - From Mayfair to the world of theatre!
Mayfair in Pictures
Key Dates - Performances and Thespians Everywhere!
Registration open for summer camp (ages 4-7)
In the community
DIRECTOR’S NOTE - Windows into Waldorf 9 May 2025
We say Waldorf education makes sense, though we don’t always follow that up with clear examples. Today we remedy that as our theatre and dramatic arts productions are examples of ‘age & stage’ in action. The Waldorf Academy stage illustrates how play selection and production elements are carefully scaffolded to grow in depth and complexity as students mature.
For the youngest students theatrical experiences are rooted in imitation and collective expression.
Grade 1 students participate in simple class plays based on fairy tales and nature stories. The focus is on group recitation, choral speaking, and gesture as children learn through rhythm and mimicry.
The Grade 2 students explore fables and legends with their wonderful production of “The King of Ireland’s Son”. The choral work is exceptional with basic costumes and minimal staging keeping the focus on group learning and interactions.
In Grade 3, the plays often draw from stories of the Hebrew Bible, which resonate with the child’s developing sense of self and the beginning of individual differentiation. This year's performance demonstrated that growth with “Joseph and his Brothers”, which required significantly more structure. Students had assigned roles, and had to master complex staging and formal choreography.
As our children’s sense of individuality and capacity for abstract thought grows so do the demands and opportunities of theatre in Waldorf education. Plays tend to be longer and more elaborate in terms of props, costumes, and dialogue. Students are given more responsibility for their performances. The mythic tale of “James and the Giant Peach” performed earlier this year as the Grades 4 & 5 production demonstrated this scaffolding of skills. Students had distinct roles, individual lines to memorize, and growing expectations in character development.
In the middle school years theatre is a powerful tool for self-expression and collaborative work. This year’s Grade 6 production of “Robin Hood” (Community Performance Thursday May 15) ties with the history studies of the Middle Ages. Students have the opportunity to delve into more serious character motivations and interpersonal dynamics. The songs are more complex and shifting to understand comedy on stage is a challenge. Grade 7&8 students are increasingly capable of exploring complex emotions, moral dilemmas, and internal conflict. The class traditionally stage a full-length play showcasing the culmination of years of artistic and personal growth. This years’ production “The Miser” by Moliere, (Community Performance Tuesday June 5) involves the students in all aspects of the production.
Theatre in Waldorf education is deeply integrated with the main lesson curriculum. The focus is on ensemble work, creativity, moral development, and self-expression. Plays are thoughtfully chosen to meet the emotional and intellectual needs of students at each stage of development, reinforcing the Waldorf philosophy of educating the whole child—head, heart, and hands.
Few schools and curriculums place as much emphasis on the skills and importance of theatre production for children. These are life skills.
MAYFAIR - In Pictures!
Spadina Museum is a delightful backdrop for such a lovely community event. Our thanks to everyone who helped make it possible! An unforgettable celebration of Spring.
KEY DATES
Friday, May 9 - Gr. 2 Play - King of Ireland’s Son
Thursday, May 15 - Gr. 6 Play - Robin Hood
May 16 - 19 - Victoria Day Weekend (PD Day May 16)
Thursday, May 22 - Gr. 5 Olympiad
June 2 evening - Save the Date to Meet your Grade 1 Teacher - For parents of SK students going into Grade One, keep an eye on your inboxes. We’ll be sending out an invitation with details soon!
Thursday, June 5 - Gr, 7/8 Play - Moliere’s Play The Miser (first performed on September 9, 1668!)
DISPATCHES FROM - The Play’s The Thing……
“No dress rehearsal. This is our life.” G. Downie
Grade 6 - Robin Hood next Thursday evening (May15) is at 6:30 pm. Call time for student actors is 5:30. As we have a busy day with a rehearsal and a grade school matinee, students are welcome to leave after lunch to go home and get some food and a rest before returning to school for costumes and warm up at 5:30 pm. Please invite friends, families and neighbours as the bigger the audience is, the more exciting it is for the students. As well, please let Ms. Bender know how many people you will be bringing to the show so that we can space the chairs accordingly.
Grade 2 - King of Ireland’s Son
DID YOU KNOW…?
Jennifer Aniston is an alum from a Waldorf School? Other Waldorf Alum and Parents who participate in the Theatre and Entertainment Industry include:
Watch their ‘Benefits of Waldorf Learning’ testimonial video here
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN to 4-7 year olds
Led by Ms. Garcia, we’re excited to announce that registration is now open for this year’s summer camp. The theme for camp will be: The Living Earth: A Journey Through Nature’s Wonders.”
*NEW* In previous years Summer Camp included students 4 to 6 year olds, but this year we have opened it to 4-7 year olds.
Camp Details: 6 weeks as follows:
Week #1- Camp is open to Kindergarten AND Grades 1 to 5 students.
The theme for Grades 1 to 5 camp week will be “Nature Quest” exploring the four elements — Earth, Water, Air, and Fire
Week #2 through Week #6 is for children ages 4 to 7 years old. Daily schedule and activities to follow.
**Children must be 4 years old by the start of the Summer Camp as outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act.
Dates:
Week #1: June 16th to 20th
Week #2: June 23rd to 27th
Week #3 June 30th to July 4th (4 day week, no camp on Canada Day)
Week #4 July 7th to 11th
Week #5 July 14th to 18th
NO CAMP - July 21st to 25th. The Child Care center is closed for this week.
Week #6 July 28th to August 1st
Location: 250 Madison Ave.
Registration Deadline: May 23rd, 2025
Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register soon to secure your child’s place. We can’t wait to share this magical summer experience with your children!
**When you reach the payment portion of the camp registration please do not use the fast check out button only use the paypal button. At that point you can select your payment method and it will process your payment.
IN THE COMMUNITY
For all of our families on the East Side, PINE PROJECT is hosting a Campfire dinner nature night May 27
“What Will your Verse Be?” - Walt Whitman from Oh Me! Oh Life! - Robin Williams from Dead Poets Society
Watch on YouTube
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