Windows into Waldorf Oct 10, 2025
THIS WEEK’S ISSUE INCLUDES
Director’s Note
Key Dates and happenings
Give & Grow, chess club and Sing-A-Long
What goes on at our PD Days - Learning in Layers
Dear Waldorf Academy Community,
Making Ground Cherry Salsa
Dear Community,
Professional Development Days are important events for our school and community. For students it may be a day off, for our faculty it is an exceptionally valuable work day. We value the opportunity and it is imperative that we make the most out of this time to enrich our practice and improve our teaching in service of the children and community.
Here is a snapshot of what we are doing today.
The day begins at 8:30 sharp with eurythmy. We gather as a community to awaken our bodies and our minds. It is a wonderful way to set the tone for the work ahead.
Our morning professional study is on Rudolph Steiner’s The Kingdom of Childhood. In small groups we are discussing the text and sharing best practices. The conversation crosses from the philosophical to the practical and covers diverse topics. My group (I am writing this on the lunch break!) discussed why we tell stories as a main teaching method, how relationships inform classroom discipline and dynamics, and how form drawing is an essential practice to assist children in developing a strong sense of self.
This discussion is still resonating as the faculty review our curriculum ‘scope and sequence’. This review ensures the teaching topics and specific skills are introduced in a logical and attainable progression over the years. In addition Waldorf teaching has an element of the ‘spiral curriculum’ where information and skills from previous years are picked up and reintroduced, and where future topics and stretch skills are hinted at as an exciting look at what is to follow. The intentionality and thoughtful approach to curriculum is key to a Waldorf education. As teachers often move up with their class year over year, it is important for all of us to understand the curriculum as a whole. All teachers of all grades and subjects must know what has come before, what is to follow if we are to have a real sense of knowing where we are!
Lunch can be a continuation of these discussions. We eat lunch communally, today it is Indian food. Sharing a meal and conversation is key to the community we have and wish to nourish.
After lunch we move to the practical details of our work. We will be finalizing the report card format after reviewing the feedback from last year. We will get an update on our self-study goals and objectives for the year; the topic is Uplifting Waldorf Education.
We close our formal meetings with a verse and as it is Thanksgiving Weekend we will all share something for which we are thankful.
And on that note, I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.
With respect,
Conor
Grade 7 Lesson Book page - All the best to our stellar Track and Field Team next week!
KEY DATES & HAPPENINGS
The school-wide Calendar of upcoming events can be found here.
Friday Oct 10 - PD Day
Tuesday Oct. 14th from 8:30am - 10:00am: Knitting circle (details below)
Tuesday, Oct. 14 Grades 5-8: Track & Field
Sunday, Oct. 19: from 10:00 - 2:00 - Give and Grow (details below)
Tuesday Oct. 21: Chess Club! - Inaugural after school chess club for students (details below)
Wednesday Nov. 19: AGM
Sunday Nov. 30: Winter Fair
Inaugural Knitting Circle was a ‘happening event’! Three tables long and full of creativity and mirth.
Tuesdays - weekly onwards from 8:30am - 10:00am - There’s always room for more!
1958 Book - Marion Holland
What a delight to see so many parents after drop off weaving their magic in our beautiful Arts Studio earlier this week. The patterns and stories were so warm and inviting. There’s always room for more! Join us next Tuesday, same time and place!
Parent Song Circle
Community Council is thrilled to announce that the beloved Song Circle, led by our wonderful parent Layah, has started for another joyful school term! Join from 8:30am-9:15am in the basement Art Studio to raise our voices together in song. This morning’s session was very uplifting.
No prior attendance or singing experience is needed. This is all about the joy of coming together as a community to share music and connection.
Upcoming Song Circle dates:
Friday, November 14
Friday, December 5
Friday, January 9
Friday. February 6
After School Chess Club on Tuesdays!
We are excited to announce a new after school club offering! Indeed, all students in Grades 4–8 are welcome to join the inaugural Waldorf AcademyChess Club. Led by Mr. Bharati (dad to Kairav and Talen), Mr. Buchbinder, and Mr. Jones, this club will meet every Tuesday from
October 21 through November 25, inThe Cedar Room, from 3:30 to 4:30.
All skill and experience levels are welcome.Chess Clubis a great way to build spatial imagination and logic while practicing fair play, patience, and learning from mistakes (core skills for turning adversity into strength).Most of all, it will be a chance to have fun with friends in a relaxed environment once a week. Spaces are limited, and we’d love to see you there. Sign-up sheet forthcoming.
Cost: $35 for the six week session.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL IN ACTION
Community Council Meeting - Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:00pm including Mission, Vision and Values Workshop
Thank you to all who attended our Community Council Meeting exploring our school's Mission, Vision and Values statements for our strategic review.
“They Grow so Fast!” Fun, Fashionable and For the Planet
Community Council putting a loop in the linear economy
Dear Parents,
With the long weekend approaching, now's the perfect time to sort through your children's closets and gather any outgrown clothing, halloween costumes, gear or accessories for our upcoming Give and Grow Event! This fun clothing sale supports our school while offering families a chance to shop for new (to them) treasures.
Event Details
What: New and gently worn clothing and gear for kids aged 14 and under, including footwear, outwear, accessories and Halloween costumes.
When: Sunday October 19 from 10:00 am - 2:00pm
Where: School gymnasium
Details:
Bring your own tote bags
CASH ONLY
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and treats while you shop and socialize!
For Donations:
Drop off at school in the donation box in the school lobby from Oct 6 - October 17
If your donations are larger than a garbage bag, please text Charlotte or Sarah to arrange drop off.
To Volunteer:
Please sign up for a spot Friday afternoon, Saturday or at the event on Sunday.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable and happy Thanksgiving weekend!
Amrit and Charlotte
GLIMPSE INTO THE CLASSROOM
Every once in a while we’ll share with the community an image or activity that says “This is what Waldorf is about.” Today’s images are from Grade 2 & 4
OPEN HOUSE DATE FOR FALL 2026 STUDENT COHORT - OCT 22
*ChildCare Parents! Kindergarten Teachers Ms. Ciepielewski and Ms. Lennox will be Hosting a Kinder Campfire Morning at Waldorf Academy - NOV 22 from 10:00 - 11:30 to share with you what you can expect coming to JS next year. Keep an eye on your inbox for an invitation*
Our Open House inviting prospective parents to come and explore all Waldorf has to offer for the Sept. 2026 School Year is Oct. 22.
We’ll spend an afternoon sharing our approach to education highlighted with activity stations celebrating all things Waldorf.
When: Wednesday, October 22 from 1:00 - 3:00
Want to help or have suggestions on what we should highlight? Need help with your “Why did you chose Waldorf elevator pitch?” Let us know! admissions@waldorfacademy.org .
