Windows into Waldorf May 22, 2025
Maid Marion and her Lady in Waiting discuss Robin Hood’s intentions
THIS WEEK’S ISSUE INCLUDES
Director’s Note
Key Dates
a Blue Jays invite from Community Council
Registration open for summer camp (ages 4-7)
In the community
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Director’s message Windows into Waldorf 23 May 2025
Moments ago, the elementary school students cheered the Waldorf Academy Olympians as they embarked on their quest for honour and glory. The Olympians recited the Ode to Athena from the top of the foyer staircase, proclaiming their intentions to the Greek goddess. The raucous cheers from the crowds assuring their voices would be heard on Mount Olympus. I have never seen Grade 5 students so happy to be on their way to camp out in the rain!
This is the annual Waldorf Greek Olympiad, where Waldorf schools from all over Ontario and neighbouring US, join together and experience being an Olympian. More than an athletic event, it’s a meaningful opportunity to connect with themselves and their community.
Re-enacting the Olympiad carries lasting memories for the students as well as educational, cultural, and social value. It becomes a space where physical movement meets character; as the values of fairness, perseverance, and grace are held in high esteem. In a digital age, these real life activities encourage focus, presence, and inner balance.
The Olympiad also enhances cultural literacy and imagination. Students don’t just read about history—they live it. They engage with ancient Greek values like excellence, beauty, and civic duty. The mythic stories they read in class map onto their own experiences - and what mythic stories they will tell of their own exploits on their return! The event deepens empathy and sparks meaningful reflection.
At its core, the event is a celebration of community and ritual. In ancient Greece it brought people together in peaceful unity. Through shared games and traditions—such as torches and oaths—students experience belonging, teamwork, and reverence for ethical action.
Athletics become a vehicle for learning respect, humility, and honour. Children strive for personal excellence without ego, cultivating integrity and compassion. The Olympiad offers a counterbalance to our modern metrics of sports where effort, courage, and spirit take precedence over efficiency and measurable results.
The Greek Olympiad models whole-child development, invites reverence for story and tradition, and builds ethical, joyful communities. It reminds us that our purpose is to provide an education that is not solely about achievement, it is an opportunity to experience what it means to be fully human.
To accompany students to the Greek Olympics is divine,
to do so in the rain is human.
Thank you to our dedicated faculty, Isaac Ankamah & Clara Hilts, and the many parent drivers and chaperones.
Wishing our Olympians well,
Conor
KEY DATES
Thursday & Friday, May 22, 23 - Gr. 5 Olympiad
Thursday, May 29 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Parents are invited to meet their child’s Grade 3 teacher (details below)
Sunday June 1 - Let’s play ball! Blue Jays at home game with Waldorf Academy
Monday, June 2 evening from 6:30pm - 7:30pm - meet your child‘s Grade 1 Teacher - For parents of SK students going into Grade 1, details below
Thursday, June 5 - Gr, 7/8 Play - Moliere’s Play The Miser (first performed on September 9, 1668!)
DISPATCHES FROM THE CLASSROOM, INVITATIONS AND A CALL FOR INSTRUMENTS
May 29 at 6:30 - Hey Grade 2 parents! - Come meet your grade 3 teacher!
For a thoughtful and grounded transition into next year we invite you to meet your Grade 3 teacher!
Join us at 250 Madison next Thursday the 29th for a parents only meet-and-greet with Hanna Kubis to talk about the joy of learning and all things Waldorf.
Grade 3 invite
SK Parents - Meet and Greet Your Grade One Teacher!
Monday, June 2, 6:30 - This parents-only gathering gives us all the opportunity to meet-and-greet Ms. Lee and hear about curriculum and the rhythm of the classroom.
Come to the Grade One classroom for a peek into the ‘day in the life of your child!’
DISPATCH - From the Music Department
"If music be the food of love, play on" - Shakespeare (of course)
Dear families of Waldorf Academy,
As the year comes to a close, I will be going through our school's musical instrument inventory to see what needs repair and replacement. If anyone has instruments that they no longer want and would be willing to donate to the school, I may be able to take them off your hands! Below, please find a list of the instruments we are in need of. For more information, or if you have an instrument that is not on the list, please contact me directly at chilts@waldorfacademy.org.
Instruments List:
Strings program:
(bold = greatest need)
Violins: sizes 1/2, 3/4, 4/4Cello: sizes 1/2, 3/4, 4/4String accessories (sets of strings, pegs, bridges, shoulder/chin rests, rosin, bows)We currently do not have any violas or basses, but if you have one to donate, we would gladly take it!
Other Instruments:
Guitars (any size)Ukulele (C tuning)Metallophones (i.e. glockenspiels)General percussion (class sets and multiples are ideal, sounds effects for plays, etc.)Tenor and Bass Recorders
Why support the Waldorf Academy Music Program?
Music is an integral part of Waldorf education, woven thoughtfully into every aspect of the curriculum and daily rhythm. From the early grades onward, students experience music not only as a subject but as a living, breathing presence in their school day—through singing, movement, storytelling, and seasonal celebrations. Whether learning to play instruments like the recorder, ukulele, or violin, or joining in harmonized singing, music supports the development of listening, coordination, memory, and social connection. It nurtures emotional expression, fosters a sense of beauty and form, and strengthens community, making it a vital thread in the holistic education of every Waldorf student.
Overview of Music Program through the years
Early Childhood and Kindergarten: Singing connected to the rhythm of the day and games, Pentatonic or mood of the fifth (open-ended feeling, less rooted, less structure/beat)
Grade 1 and 2: Pentatonic Flutes and Singing, music games
Grade 3: Soprano Recorder, singing, introduction to rounds (if ready), diatonic scale
Grade 4: Introduction to a string instrument, singing unison and rounds
Grade 5: Introduction to alto recorder, singing unison, rounds, harmony introduced
Grade 6: Introduction to the bass clef and lower register instruments i.e. Tenor and Bass Recorders, Cello (individuals only), further development of part singing
Grade 7 and 8: Further individualization of instrumentation, 3 or 4-part harmony singing
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION CLOSING MAY 30 - to 4-7 year olds
With the program nearly full, the camp promises to be a wonderful time for our children!
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 30, 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
Cyclists, Don’t forget June is Bike Month! - From Cycle Toronto
From Cycle Toronto’s Newsletter
It’s your favourite cyclists’ favourite month – Bike Month! This June, ring in bike month with Cycle Toronto as we congest a cargo-tonne of events in 30 days. Bike month is for all people of all riding abilities. It’s a chance to learn new skills, develop old ones, connect with your community and celebrate your favourite two-wheeled machine (more or less two but who’s counting?). And be sure to join on Wednesday, June 4th for the annual Bike to Work Day group commute and pancake breakfast.” Calendar of events here.
Group ride anyone?
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