Windows into Waldorf Oct 23, 2025
THIS WEEK’S ISSUE INCLUDES
Director’s Note
Key Dates and happenings
Open House images and video
Dear Waldorf Community,
“Remember to breathe.” I’ve said this to students over the years and people have said this to me, usually when it is obvious I am stressed.
In Waldorf education the rhythm of the day consists of in-breaths and out-breaths. The in-breath activities involve calm, concentration and focus; it can be internal, a time of gathering and processing. The out breaths are active, expansive and exploring; it can be external, a time where one engages with the world. Together the in-breath and the out-breath regulate the day, as our own breathing regulates our health and state of being. Focussed work is balanced with active play, and together it leads to flow and a state of security and comfort.
We may not notice our own breathing unless it gets dysregulated and we have work to do to get back to balance. So too with the flow of our days at school. This week our Grade 5-8 spent an active morning in the local ravines learning survival skills, orienteering, running around, chording (ancient rope making), then stopping to make an observation and study. Then again the gathering of material to make fire to boil water and pausing for tea was a slower pace.
Our middle school students are on a “screen fast” this week. It is providing space to breathe as they reflect on the role of technology in their lives by the absence of it, and the space to do something else with that found time. Breathe in, breathe out.
At our Open House this past Wednesday a prospective parent commented that there was a wonderful energy in our school. They couldn’t quite express what it was - they had toured other schools and Waldorf was noticeably different. They mentioned the kind parents, engaged teachers, and the students enjoying their classes (which seemed to surprise the visiting parents). I think it may be the intentional way the event was designed. The structure provided the opportunity for visitors to experience the day from the student’s perspective and time to reflect on their experience. The event had flow, time to breathe in and breathe out. After a while it becomes second nature - you don’t even notice it - until a guest arrives and says, this is different, this is wonderful, this is what I’m looking for.
Thank you to our parent volunteers at our Open House and to those who made the Give & Grow event last weekend such a success.
Remember to Breathe.
Conor
OPEN HOUSE - a grand success, thank you!
Our first few weeks of school have been an active time of learning, using our head, heart and hands. As a community of action, reflection and wonder - always curious about nature, science, theatre, art, music - and being human with purpose, we are happy to invite others to join us. At the Open House yesterday, parents participated in class (history and literature as well as science) and observed some lessons in art, music and form drawing.
Thanks to all the parents and teachers and students for making it a wonderful afternoon.
HIGHLIGHT REEL - A peek into Waldorf Academy - an education designed for joy
KEY DATES & HAPPENINGS
The school-wide Calendar of upcoming events can be found here.
Tuesdays Nov. 4 - 25: Chess Club! - Only a few spots still available
Thursday, Nov. 6th and Friday, Nov. 7th: Parent-Teacher conferences - An announcement to book time slots and information on availability will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Wednesday Nov. 19: AGM
Sunday Nov. 30: Winter Fair
GIVE AND GROW - Community Council delivers a home run!
Because of your time, energy, and big hearts, the Give and Grow event raised $2312.00! Plus, we hope you got some awesome swag.
Thank you for being part of this amazing community effort and for all of your hard work.
DISPATCHES from the CLASSROOM
Every once in a while we’ll share with the community a story or activity that says “This is what Waldorf is all about.”
Art is everywhere - From Roman Empire to Diwali, to lantern walks, there are some pretty impressive chalk drawings in the classrooms at Waldorf Academy!
CHILD CARE PARENTS - Join us for a Kinder Campfire and Playdate Nov. 22
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. Check your e-mails for the invitation to RSVP.
