Windows into Waldorf Sept. 25
Dear Waldorf Community,
With September nearly behind us, the school has settled into the steady, happy rhythm of a new year. Classrooms are humming, routines have taken hold, and the hallways are full of purpose. Tired, happy and surprised at their own abilities, our Grade 8 students have just returned from their week-long canoe trip to Temagami with stories to share. One of our faculty guides noted that the trees there are already turning gold and crimson, and the nights dipped to nearly zero degrees.
This is a clear reminder that the seasons are turning, and that change is coming to us too. In Waldorf schools we meet this moment with the festival of Michaelmas. As the days shorten and the warmth of summer fades, we tell the story of Michael and the dragon. It is a picture of the courage, strength and clear will each of us needs as we head into the darker months. For our children, the festival is a chance to find their own inner light and to face challenges bravely, whether that means a hard new lesson, a new friendship, or simply a cold morning walk to school.
Seen in this light, our Grade 5 to 8 students will participate in our Terry Fox run on Monday; a series of small strides in reverence of Terry’s longer journey. Our Harvest Festival follows on Friday and brings us together as a community to give thanks for the abundance around us. We gather outdoors and enjoy the crisp air and the changing of the season. I warmly invite every family to join us, get outside, and celebrate this beautiful time of year together.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend and week ahead.
Conor
KEY DATES & HAPPENINGS
From Parent info Evenings to Terry Fox and Harvest Festivals, please consult our community calendar for upcoming events: Waldorf Academy Annual Calendar.
Highlights next week include:
Monday Sept. 28 from 1:30–3:00 PM - The Terry Fox Run for Grades 5-8 at Roycroft Park
Tuesday, September 29th - 6:30-7:30 PM - JK-SK Parent Evening date
Wednesday Sept 30 - Orange Shirt Day and Middle School Outdoor Education Day (Grades 6-8, come on-time and dressed to be outdoors for over 3 hours)
Thursday, October 1, 6:00–8:00 PM. - Grade Five Parent Evening,
Friday October 2 starting at 2:00 PM - Michaelmas Play & Harvest Festival (3:00)
Community Council has sent a letter calling for volunteers and bakers to help make the Festival a great success.
For those of us who are new to the school, an article on why we celebrate the change in the season through Michaelmas can be found here.
October Hot Lunch Schedule - Note from Friday Lunch Healthy Kids for Grades 1-8
Reaching out to let you know that the ordering pages for the month of October have been posted on our website (link here).
The deadline for October orders is Friday, September 25th (today).
Breaking Through - Book Talk
Thank you to everyone who joined Parenting Mentor Mary Willow’s parenting talk where she shared insights into the dramatic difference between the ‘True Child’ and and the child’s ‘Defence System’. We hope that there were some good take aways for our parent community to think upon.
DISPATCHES FROM THE CLASSROOM
Grade 5 - Taking the Class Outdoors
Ms. Carrady shared her class calendar and some photos of the students doing work outside in the Nordheimer ravine.
October 5–9: Pinecrest Overnight Camp
October 12: Thanksgiving
October 23: Lacrosse Day Grades 5-8 supported by the Haudenosaunee Sports Development Group (New!)
October 30: PD Day
November 2: Day of the Dead
November 4: Diwali & Parent Peek
Grade 8 - ‘Fresh’ from a week in Temagami, here are some highlights of the trip.
For those interested in looping up the loop, we started with a float plane ride in a 1956 DeHavilland Beaver, took portage ‘lessons’ at the Langskib basecampe, and then headed out! Starting at Langskib we looped counter clockwise up across Diamond Lake to Wakimika, then Obabika to their Northwaters basecamp. With some beautiful weather, and a chilly North wind, we enjoyed 5 campsites (both rocky and sandy), and did 5 portages connecting it all. “Great sun, a brr. north wind, some swimming (some unexpected) and chilly cozy campfire nights.” Next week, over lunch break, the Grade 8 students will go through the photo roll to pick out the best to share with their families and talk about their journey.
Grades 6,7,8
Monday from 4:00 - 5:00 - Join us for a Highschool Preparedness talk about how to find and apply to the ‘perfect fit’ school for your children.
WALDORF IN THE NEWS
The LINK to the article can be found here
WALDORF OPEN HOUSE - will you be a Waldorf Ambassador?
THURSDAY OCT. 15 from 1:00 - 3:30 - WALDORF ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE - will you be a Waldorf Ambassador?
In Post City News, Toronto Star, Our Kids and in your socials, you’ll see ads inviing families to sign up for our Open House scheduled for Oct. 15.
Like last year, we are looking for Parent Ambassadors who could be on hand to speak to the unique approach of Waldorf learning. Please reach out to Anthony for details.
TUESDAY, OCT. 20th, 6:30 - 8:00 - YOU’RE INVITED to an “UNPLUGGED WORKSHOP” -
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.
