Windows into Waldorf May 28, 2026
THIS WEEK’S ISSUE INCLUDES
Director’s note
Key Dates and Happenings
Dispatches from our Classrooms
Dear Waldorf Community,
Why we ‘rose ceremony’
When my son was born I received a lovely card from my friend Jennifer K. who wished me “much nachos” in the future. I was puzzled by the message. I asked Jennifer why she wished me nachos. She laughed and explained that she had written shep naches, a Yiddish term meaning to derive pride and joy from the positive achievements of our children. Jennifer’s poor handwriting has remained with me ever since and “Much Nachos” joined my personal lexicon.
When my children accomplish something, (ride a bike, win a race, act in a kind manner) I say to myself, that’s much nachos. My misread and repeated neologism is an awareness and respect for the original phrase at a deep level. No other words describe the experience. It is not my achievement, it is my child’s accomplishment, though I feel deeply proud and joyous.
As the school year draws to a close, I encourage all parents, caregivers, significant adults and relatives to take a moment to revel in the accomplishments of our children. The Grade 1 students play this week, the Grade 8 play next week, the student-led class peaks, the success of our first softball team, and the emotional and moving student moments to come in the rose ceremony that will close out our year. Their accomplishments will be many, and they may not see the significance of them, how far they have come. That’s where you come in. Take that moment to appreciate them, their achievement, take joy and pride in it. I wish you much shep naches now and in the future.
Looking forward to seeing you in the near future,
Conor
KEY DATES & HAPPENINGS
Friday, May 29 - Grade 1 Play
Thursday, June 4 - Grade 5,6 Play (details below)
Thursday, June 4 - Grade 8 Graduation
Friday, June 5 - Grade 2 Play
June 7, 8 - Wanda’s World Playdate
Please see all of these details on our community calendar: Waldorf Academy Toronto School Annual Calendar
DISPATCHES FROM THE CLASSROOMS
Dear Soon-To-Be Waldorf Academy Kindergarten Parents
Ms. Ciepielewski, Ms. Lennox and the Kindergarten Faculty warmly welcome you to attend a convivial event to meet the teachers and learn “What to Expect for Kindergarten”
Monday June 15 from 4:00 - 5:00
Agenda includes: We'd like to introduce ourselves, build connections among all of you, and familiarize you with the first 6 weeks of school (and beyond!). We'll share information about our outdoor program and festivals, and suggest activities and readings for the summer.
We invite you to register below.
Grade 1
The Dress Rehearsal for the Grade 1 Play in preparation for the ‘big show’ tomorrow was a success!
The doors of the Eurythmy room will be open at 9:20!
The children told the story of Snow White with enthusiasm and emotion, and they are very much looking forward to performing it for their families and community.
On Movement, Memorization and Dramatic Play - Read about why Waldorf does ‘plays’ in Grade 1 through the learning lens
Grade 5, 6 - Odysseus Play is coming to Life!
The set pieces are all painted and ready, and the posters have been put up around the school! Will you join us June 4?
The dates and times of the play performances are as follows
Dress Rehearsal:
Tuesday, June 2, 1:30 PM
School Performance:
Wednesday, June 3, 1:30 PM
Public Performance:
Thursday, June 4, 1:30 PM
Thanks Fabiana for the Softball Tournament Pictures!
IN THE COMMUNITY on a culinary tour of Asia with Grade 4
Asian Heritage Month brought to Life!
The diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada runs deep at Waldorf. We gather together to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.
The theme “Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada” recognizes the essential contributions Asian Canadians have made to Canada’s social, cultural, and economic life across generations. It highlights how individuals, families, and communities helped build the country—often while facing exclusion and systemic barriers—and affirms that their histories are a foundational part of Canada’s national story. By centering the theme on lived experiences and community narratives, it supports learning, reflection, and a more inclusive understanding of who we are as Canadians.
Grade 4 enjoyed a culinary tour of Asia with delicacies that spanned the whole Asian Continent. From Korean sweet red bean paste sandwiches to South Asian and Tibetan dumplings filled with seasoned meat or vegetables (Momos from Parkdale), seaweed and Samosas (the original ‘traveller’s snack’!) the table was creaking under the weight of delicious treats! Thank you parents for cheffing up a storm, and also picking up some of the best Asian delicacies that can be found in our beautifully divers city!
Knitting Circle - see you next year!
Our last knitting circle of the 2025/26 school year took place outside in the glorious sun this week! The creations we made! Thank you to the community for weaving our beautiful Tuesday mornings into an important event we all looked forward to attending. Can’t wait to see the beautiful lakeside cottage masterpeices that get made over the summer.
You’re invited to an exclusive Waldorf Inspired Opening of Wanda World!
Grade 2 Parents and Serial Entrepreneurs Zorana and Yusuf would like to invite Waldorf students and parents to a specially curated school-wide “playdate”!
Inspired by the community, and the Waldorf philosophy, Zorana and Yusuf have just opened Wanda World to great acclaim! For this reason, they’d like to invite the community to come out and join in for some fun!
Whether to join Ethel the Squirrel or Gareth the Bulldog or sign up for some Olympics, there’s something for the whole family and community at Wanda World!
“One of the best things about having children is that it allows you to be a child yourself again.” - Yusuf
Join our friends for a family day of fun!
