Windows into Waldorf Sept. 10
Rose Ceremony edition
Dear Waldorf Community,
Welcome Back. The opening of school has been remarkably smooth and classes are already running as if we have been here for a month. It is a joy to witness the bustle of Waldorf springing back to life.
Our Grade 1 to Grade 8 classes opened the year with our Rose Ceremony. Thank you to all who were able to join us and share this important symbolic moment. After the Grade 8 students welcomed the Grade 1 students to our elementary school (and the start of their journey here), the faculty presented their classes with a glimpse of some learning students can anticipate. Presented with flair and variety, it was evident that Waldorf Academy is intentionally different in how we approach education.
The faculty sang ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ for our students and community. The performance is linked below as well as a few photos from the morning.
Looking forward to a terrific year ahead.
Conor Jones
Director of School
PICK UP, DROP OFF & PARKING
The first few days of getting into a rhythm means that there will be some pick up and drop off hiccups. With safety for our children a priority, please heed the direction of the crossing guards stationed at our front door.
With the addition of our new Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) program and a longer lunch recess, end-of-day pickup times have shifted slightly:
Grades 1–4: 3:20 pm
Grades 5–8: 3:30 pm
Thank you for your flexibility as we settle into these new rhythms!
For the parents with children enrolled in our Childcare Centre at Spadina, temporary short term parking for pick up and drop off is available in the Archives parking lot - the spots closest to MacPherson Ave. Please do not park or stop in the Archives Loading zone on Madison.
Limited metered and neighbourhood street parking can be found on Madison Avenue and adjacent side streets for longer term visits for those in our multi-modal community who do not bicycle, public transit or walk to school.
KEY DATES & HAPPENINGS
From Parent info Evenings to Apple Picking, please consult our community calendar for upcoming events: Waldorf Academy Annual Calendar. At the beginning of the year in particular, some dates are subject to change as the planning settles. So please check in often to confirm the community schedule.
TUESDAYS - Our ever popular Friends and Parent Knitting Circle starts up this school year next Tuesday!
Where: Art Room in the Lower Ground
When: 8:30 - 10:00
Don’t know how? Come Learn! Join for the fun and camaraderie, no experience necessary…you’ll have a scarf done by December!
DISPATCHES FROM THE CLASSROOM*
Each Grade teacher sends out regular notes to class parents on the comings and goings (and learnings!) happening in their Grade.
To highlight the layers and interconnectedness of the grade-by-grade learnings (holistic learning) we will often use this space to provide demonstrable examples of how our teaching helps shape those ‘a-ha’ moments as your children learn science in art class, math in history etc.
Watch this space in the future for more examples of how we do things intentionally different around here.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Community Council
Waldorf Academy is blessed to have the most incredible Community Council, parents who animate our school and bring learning and play to life.
As Class/Grade Representatives are being recruited (thank you!), the Community Council has set up their meeting schedule for everyone keen to engage with the school to make it even better.
Meetings are from 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm (sometimes members with more culinary flare will bring samples of their kitchen artistic creations!)
Wednesday, September 16
Thursday, October 8th
Thursday, November 12th
Thursday December 10th
Thursday January 14th
Thursday February 18th
Thursday April 8th
Thursday May 6th
These dates have also been added to the School Calendar.
THURSDAY SEPT. 24 at 6:30 - YOU’RE INVITED! Book Talk - Author Mary Willow coming to Waldorf Academy
What if there was not one child to parent but two? Parenting mentor Mary Willow (nurse, midwife and Waldorf educator) introduces the dramatic difference between the ‘True Child’ and and the child’s ‘Defence System’ - which she calls the ‘Guard Dog’ - in her book:
Breaking Through: How to Rescue Childhood and Heal the Parent-Child Relationship
This dynamic framework for understanding your child’s behaviour and transforming family life covers early childhood through to the teenage years.
Mary’s work is frequently described by parents as ‘life-changing’.
Linda Lee of Paper Pipit will attend this event with books available for purchase.
TUESDAY, OCT. 20th, 6:30 - 8:00 - YOU’RE INVITED to an “UNPLUGGED WORKSHOP” -
CORRESPONDENCE FROM OUR FRIENDS IN THE WALDORF COMMUNITY
Intro session: Tuesday September 15, 8:45 am - All Welcome!
Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy are introductory adult education programs that explore the spiritual philosophy, human development, and artistic principles that underlie Waldorf education.https://rscc.ca/foundation-studies/
NATURE PLAY-Pine Project - Run Wild After School Program - Starting Sept. 28 for 6-13 year olds
If any parents have kids ages 6-13 bursting with pent-up energy after a full day of school, Pine is offering a weekly fast-paced adventure in nature where they play games, explore forests to discover hidden mysteries, and learn new skills like fire-building. By ‘running wild’ and choosing their own adventures, participants form lasting friendships, build physical health, and connect with nature.
This is a year round program with 29 sessions. Sessions occur on a weekly basis between September 28th - June 4th, 2027, with seasonal breaks.
Offered in both the East and West end.
More Info here.
Free Native Trees!
Our Friends at Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization are distributing free tree saplings. Details below if you want to order a tree!
