Windows into Waldorf Nov 15, 2024
IN THIS EDITION:
Director’s Note
Key dates
30 Wishes
Parking Ps & Qs
Winter Fair Tickets
Winter Clothing Drive
Lantern Walk Images
DIRECTOR’s NOTE
Dear Waldorf Community,
Last night I attended the Childcare’s Lantern walk. It was lovely to see the lights floating in the darkness. The glow illuminating the faces of children grasping the lanterns they decorated, walking hand in hand with their parents. The entire event, a few circles around the side-yard while singing, “Glimmer lantern glimmer, little stars a’shimmer …” took only a few minutes.
Talking with parents last night I mentioned that while the event was lovely, it was unfortunate that it was so brief. One parent said, it is brief for us, but so significant for the children. She went on to say her older child still sings the Lantern songs years later and talks about the event; in his memory it seems to have taken hours.
As an adult we take 1,000 steps around the yard, aware of time and space. For the children, this is a 10,000 step journey, the lantern they decorated held high, pushing back the darkness, which is easily done when holding hands with a parent.
“I go with my little lantern, my lantern walks with me …”
Wishing everyone in our community a lovely weekend.
Conor
NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 2nd
A friendly reminder that there will be no school on Monday, December 2nd so that our teachers can complete report cards, and the Winter Fair Elves can tidy after our beloved community event. Camp will be offered; details to follow.
MAKE A WISH FOR OUR 30 WISHES CAMPAIGN!
Our 30 Wishes for our Lower Level Renewal will run until November 20th, 2024, so there’s still time to make a difference! To donate, simply send an e-transfer to donations@waldorfacademy.org and include the item you’re funding in your note (or simply indicate that you are happy for your donation to go towards whatever is needed). You can choose to contribute the full amount or a partial amount for any item on the list. 21 wishes have been funded and 9 wishes still need to be filled!
PARKING Ps & Qs
As we work together to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, we kindly ask for your cooperation with our school parking procedures. Please do not block empty faculty parking spots in the mornings and remember the parking at the Archives is only for QUICK pick-up or drop-off; please do not park there for extended periods of time lest we lose the privileges the Archives have kindly afforded us.
GET YOUR WINTER FAIR TICKETS (aka WRISTBANDS)!
Winter Fair 2024 fast approaches! This is a parent-run celebration and we are delighted to continue building community together as we co-create Winter Fair magic for our school. Please look out for communications from your class reps about ways to get involved in the Winter Fair area that your class is hosting.
Can't come to the Fair but want to support? Please consider signing up for a setup shift on Sat Nov 30. We also welcome contributions to our bake sale from one and all!
Wristbands are on sale now and advance Marionette Show tickets are almost sold out. Please place your wristband orders ASAP! Wristbands that include a delicious catered meal are only available until FRI NOV 22. Wristbands that don't include food will continue to be available after Nov 22. bit.ly/wa-winterfair2024
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
Winter is almost here, and many of us are realizing last year’s snowsuits, coats, gloves, and boots just don’t fit our littles anymore. But what do you do with all your great winter wear that’s still in great condition? Good question.
Waldorf Academy has the answer: we’re hosting a #keeptorontowarm Winter Clothing Drive until Friday, November 29th. Please drop off your donations in the school lobby donation box, and they’ll go to New Circles, an organization supporting refugees, newcomers, and individuals living on low incomes, in shelters, or on the streets. They urgently need warm outerwear to help thousands stay safe and warm this winter.
Here’s what they need most:
Winter coats
Snowsuits and snow pants
Boots and warm footwear
Scarves, hats and gloves/mittens
Baby, toddler, and children’s outerwear
Let’s come together to make a difference!
If you have any questions, please email Waldorf parent Sarah Levine (sarahmeganlevine@gmail.com)
LANTERN WALKS
We hope families from Kindergarten to Grade 3 enjoyed the Lantern Walks this evening (the Childcare Centre Lantern Walk was yesterday). Here are a few images from last year, with more to come soon from this year’s 10,000 warmly-lit steps.
WE WISH YOU A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
