Windows into Waldorf October 8
Dear Waldorf Community,
After the community bustle of Michaelmas and Harvest Festival, the school feels quieter now with our Grades 3,4,5,6,7 away at their respective camps.
Reports from camp indicate that the preparation and classroom learning is transitioning into actual skills and accomplishments. It’s nice when it works as intended.
The barrier wall at the Hydro One Bridgman Transmission Station on Davenport Road "Gete-Onigaming: The Old Portage"
In our school-wide survey last Spring many parents asked for additional and more meaningful outdoor experiences. With our ‘scaffolded experience” trips, where skills, duration and challenge increase based on the previous year's excursion, I hope that you feel we are delivering on this promise. A Summary of last Spring’s survey results can be found in this newsletter below.
Next week we engage with the 2027 school year by hosting an Open House for prospective new families. If you know of anyone who might be interested to see how Waldorf builds learning, the Open House on Thursday Oct. 15 from 1:00 - 3:00, is a great opportunity.
Have a great Thanksgiving Weekend and see you on Tuesday (photo day!).
Conor
KEY DATES & HAPPENINGS
From Parent info Evenings to Community Council and Winter Fair, please consult our community calendar for upcoming events: Waldorf Academy Annual Calendar.
Highlights next week include:
Parent and friends KNITTING CIRCLE resumes next week! Every Tuesday Morning after drop off.
PHOTO DAY -Tuesday OCT. 13 -
Our parent photographer A. Bradshaw has generously offered to take the school photos this year. Please mark Tuesday, OCT 13 in your calendar. We’ll put together a class-by-class schedule to rotate the students through the ‘lens’. Look your usual best, and have fun!
SUMMARY of RESPONSES to PARENT SURVEY LAST SPRING
In late Spring we held a Parent Survey to take a pulse on how Waldorf Academy as a school community is delivering on your expectations for your child(ren). With an impressive turn-out, we’d like to thank everyone who participated. Your voices help shape our growth; highlighting where we do things well and where we can improve.
A summary of the results are below as we continuously strive and work to improve the school experience for your children and family.
What's working well
The results affirm what we hold dear as a community. The vast majority of families report that their children feel happy and settled in their classrooms, with teachers who know and understand them as individuals. Families spoke movingly about growth they've witnessed this year, from children finding their voice and confidence to deepening friendships and a genuine love of coming to school.
For example, to the question: My child feels happy and settled in their classroom = 96.3% agree or strongly agree.
Our festivals and seasonal celebrations continue to be a highlight, with Winter Fair, Mayfair, the class plays, and Harvest Festival named again and again as meaningful touchstones for families. The Coffee House last year was a big success as well. Many also expressed real appreciation for feeling welcomed, heard, and supported, particularly when bringing forward a concern.
Where families see room to grow
Alongside this strong foundation, families offered thoughtful suggestions for the year ahead:
Community and inclusion: Some families asked for more visible commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including representation in curriculum and celebrations, and clearer communication about the school's values and policies.
Outdoor and nature-based learning: Many families would love to see even more time in natural green spaces, with continued attention to the school's outdoor areas. The full school Earth Day celebration where Spring asked the students to help find the Elements to ‘wake up the season’ was cited as a great example of the outdoor learning experience.
Logistics and daily rhythm: Parking and drop-off, aftercare flexibility, and morning start times came up as practical areas families would like the school to keep ‘smoothing’ out.
Academic clarity: A number of families asked for a clearer picture of how their child is progressing against grade-level expectations.
Looking ahead
We're grateful for this honest and generous feedback. It will inform our planning for the coming year, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with families through our regular communications and community events.
An Update from our Community Council on the Harvest Festival : ….We hope you had a restful weekend after all the fun at the Harvest Festival.
The Community Council is excited to share that we raised $3,108 at the bake sale on Friday. Thank you to Neda and Susana, who organized this year’s Harvest Festival bake sale, and to the parent reps, who rallied their classes to help make the day such a success. We're grateful to all the parents who contributed, whether by baking, volunteering or by purchasing treats. These funds will help support student experiences including:
Haudensosaunee Sports Development- Lacrosse Day
Music trip to Toronto Symphony Orchestra for "Sounds of the Lunar New Year" and
Trip to see the stage play, A Christmas Carol at the Harbourfront Center.
Dispatches from the Classroom
News from Pinecrest - Dear Grade 6/7 Families,
The students are safely back at Pinecrest after their overnight camping and canoe trip.
They had beautiful weather for paddling, and good fortune besides: both rainstorms missed them entirely. Mr. Buchbinder insisted that every student pack two sleeping pads, and his foresight was rewarded with a good night's sleep in the tents.
Swimming yesterday was a highlight for our more adventurous students. This morning, before paddling back, each student settled into a quiet sit spot to take in the lake and the forest. It was a lovely way to close their time at the campsite.
Everyone has returned happy, tired, and ready for the static high ropes this afternoon. They will have many stories to tell you when they come home.
Oct. 13 @ 7:00 pm - 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” -
In the Community - Before and After School Request
Dear Families,
We're lucky to have wonderful neighbours around our school, and we want to help keep those relationships warm.
The homes directly across the street at 381 and 383 Madison are private residences. Each year the family puts up Halloween and holiday decorations, and their own children put a lot of care into choosing and placing each piece. You're welcome to enjoy the displays from the sidewalk. We ask that children stay off the lawns and leave the decorations untouched.
More generally, before and after school, please help your children remain on the sidewalk or on school grounds rather than gathering or playing on neighbours' front lawns. A gentle reminder from you goes a long way.
Thank you for helping us show the care and respect for others that are so central to our community.
