Windows into Waldorf October 2
Dear Waldorf Community,
It has been a busy week, reflecting on our place in the community through our Orange Shirt day curriculum and Terry Fox Run, capped with today’s Michaelmas and Harvest Festival
The barrier wall at the Hydro One Bridgman Transmission Station on Davenport Road "Gete-Onigaming: The Old Portage"
From our Grade 4 class cheering on the older students running for Terry Fox, to our Outdoors Day learning about the First Nations role on the landscape (did you know Davenport Rd. is an original First Nations Trading Route?) on Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - I reflect on how we support each other and how we learn tangibly with intent.
Today for Michaelmas we look inward for courage as we head into Winter, followed by our Harvest Festival, a living celebration of gratitude, and community.
Next week it will be somewhat quiet in the hallways with Grades 5,6,7 off to Pinecrest for some nature based programming, and Grades 3 and 4 off to Glencolton Farms to learn about harvest season.
As we transition into Fall, I wish you joy in rustling leaves and scavenger hunt forest walks with your children and peaceful reflection that we are ready for the change in seasons.
Have a great weekend,
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:
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.
Knitting Circle is cancelled for next week because our teacher Rep. Ms. Grainger will be at Pinecrest with the students.
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.
Terry Fox Run
We are thrilled to share that we officially surpassed our $2,000 fundraising goal for the Terry Fox Foundation!
Because we reached our goal, students in Grades 5–8 have earned a Students vs. Teachers Kickball Game. The date and event details will be shared soon.
Thank you to every family, student, staff member and community member who donated and assisted with making this campaign successful. Your generosity has allowed our school community to make a meaningful contribution toward our shared goal to improve survival and quality of life and usher in a new era of hope for cancer patients and their families. Thank you Grade 4 class and volunteer parents for keeping the ‘wind in our sails’ cheering us on!
The Lay of the Land - Orange Shirt Day we look to history and the stories of the landscape
Call to Action 62 in the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission speaks of the need for education and building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
The Middle School Outdoor Education Day on Wednesday focussed on just that, learning about the history of Davenport road as an ancient trading route and interpreting the new art installation at Bathurst with all its First Nation symbolism.
Michaelmas and Harvest Fest - First Round of Pictures (more to come next week!)
Thank you parents and teachers and students for a spectacular harvest festival where the dragon was tamed and an array of delicious international delights were spread out for everyone to enjoy!
Grade 8 - TWS Information evening for those who are interested
On October 13th at 7pm there will be a presentation of the TWS High School by our Faculty. We will also have an alumni presentation to speak to participants and give first hand impressions about the student experience. This is a chance to hear about the rich program the high school offers and to ask all the questions you have always wanted to get answered!
This evening is open to all parents across the school though we will prioritise parents in Grades 5 to 8. Students in Grade 7 and up may attend! To register for the event, please click on the link below.
TWS High School Information Evening
Come learn more about the High School at TWS!
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” -
Toy touch up for Ms. Ciepielewski
Ms. Ciepieleski has had this rocking chair in her classroom for almost 30 years. It has been well loved. When it recently started showing signs of wear, Jesse Macht took it upon himself to restore it back to ‘play state’. The kids will be thrilled to have it returned ready for another Kentucky Derby of fun.
