Windows into Waldorf May 29, 2025
Building toolboxes in JK/SK
THIS WEEK’S ISSUE INCLUDES
Director’s Note
Tuition Contracts info
Key Dates
June 1st - First half of tuition is due
Registration summer camp closes May 30
In the community
DIRECTOR’S NOTE - Why we Handwork and Woodwork - on agency, confidence and patience
A parent sent me two photos of our Kindergarten students outside in the bright sunshine, busy at a woodworking table crafting their first tool box. The parent wrote, “I snapped these pics of the kiddos this morning. I keep coming back to the question, what is our mission at Waldorf Academy? I don’t have the fully formed version of the mission but this picture is a part of it.”
As a Waldorf school that speaks to our “head, heart, hands” approach to doing things, we sometimes lose focus on the last part: working with our hands is part of our mission. There is joy and pride in the act of creation. The following note came from our JK/SK teachers about “woodworking”.
A note from our JK/SK teachers on "Woodworking" - We have been busy working on our tool box project. An enormous heartfelt thank you to Francis's father, Jesse, for coming up with the design and sourcing and preparing all of the pieces of wood for both kindergarten classes to build these toolboxes.
The children have been busy learning to use hammers and hand drills to assemble their toolboxes. It has been wonderful to see the focus and determination as the children work steadily to accomplish the steps involved in making them."
Meanwhile, our upper year students show off their newly made hats! Another perfect example of our handcrafting style here at Waldorf.
MESSAGE FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
2025-2026 Tuition contracts have been sent with new tuition totals, please refer to this new contract for your June 1st payment.
Tuition payment schedule:
Biannual payments- First half of tuition is due on June 1st
Monthly payments via etransfer- refer to the 2025-2026 contract with you new monthly amount. Please send to accounting@waldorfacademy.org with a note of "Tuition payment- child's name".
If you pay via pre authorized credit card or PAD the new monthly total has been updated and will be processed accordingly on June 1st.
If there is a balance owing for your 2024-2025 tuition, Michelle Priestap will contact you with further details.
KEY DATES
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
Play Posters adorn the Hallways!
DISPATCHES FROM THE CLASSROOM, INVITATIONS AND A CALL FOR INSTRUMENTS
Grade 1 - Parents! Don’t forget that next Friday June 6, the Grade One’s are putting on a performance for you!
From Ms. Aggi’s Glimpse Letter: “We have been busy co-creating the presentation for you next week—something the children are very excited to share- they keep asking to share more and more of their beloved songs!”
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 - GRADE 6 - DID SOMEONE SAY BAKED GOODS?
Thinking ahead, the Grade 6 class is hosting a bake sake to fundraise for next year’s class trip!
Weds, June 4! Our Bake Sale will happen from 12:00- 1:00pm.
So if your child wants some tasty goodies for a good cause, please have your child bring $5-10 to support the ‘rising’ Gr. 7/8 class trip.
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
GRADE 5 - The OLYMPIANS IN ACTION! LAST WEEK IN PICTURES
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION CLOSING MAY 30 - TODAY - 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
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?
Summer plans?
View past issues of Windows into Waldorf
