Director's Note – Windows into Waldorf – 30 October 2026
Dear Waldorf Community,
Children don’t learn mainly from what we tell them. They learn from what we are: our gestures, our moods, our tone of voice. That’s why Steiner asked the adults around children to be worthy of imitation. Rudolf Steiner wrote that two “magic words” describe how a young child relates to the world: imitation and example.
Modern research agrees. Children “over-imitate,” copying an adult’s exact actions. Infants’ heart rates rise when a parent is stressed. Long before children understand our words, they’re tuning in to us. Older children take on our mannerisms, attitudes and approach problems using the same strategies we use.
A thoughtful question is, what are we teaching our students when we are interacting with others, perhaps unaware we are “still teaching”?
Just one of the thoughts the JK to Grade 8 faculty will reflect on tomorrow in our Professional Development session.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and safe Halloween.
Conor
KEY DATES & HAPPENINGS
From Teacher-Parent Conferences, Lantern Walks and theatre excursions, please consult our community calendar for upcoming events: Waldorf Academy Annual Calendar.
Some Highlights next week include:
Monday - Day of the Dead Celebration
Wednesday - Diwali
Thursday-Friday - Parent Teacher Conferences
SCHOOL LOGISTICS
Board Call for Nominations
The Waldorf Academy Board of Directors is looking for new members to join our volunteer Board.
Serving on the Board is an opportunity to support the school’s mission and long-term vitality through strategic planning, financial oversight, and governance. Members commit to a three-year term, attend monthly Board meetings, and contribute to committee work.
We welcome a range of skills and perspectives, particularly in finance, fundraising, governance, education, and human resources. Equally important are collaboration, sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to the well-being of our school.
Parents, alumni, and individuals beyond the school community are encouraged to apply. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences.
To apply, please send a CV or brief summary of your experience, your reasons for applying, and your connection to the school, if any, to Nominations @ waldorfacademy.org by November 20th, 2026.
The Nominations Committee will review applications and meet with selected candidates. References will be requested from shortlisted candidates following interviews.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to Waldorf Academy’s future.
The Nominations Committee--
Second Biannual Tuition Payment Due Date
A reminder as we settle into the rhythm of autumn
Our second biannual tuition payment due date is coming up on November 1st.
We kindly ask that you ensure your payment is arranged by the due date. If you have already taken care of this, thank you- you're all set!
Please contact mpriestap @ waldorfacademy.org if you have any questions.
Hot Lunch Orders for Nov.
Please find below the link for ordering Hot Lunch for your children in November.
Orders are due until Friday, Oct 30th.
Please be aware of the following dates:
Nov 6 - No hot lunch at all - Parent-Teachers conferences
Nov 27 - Grades 6, 7 and 8 - No hot lunch. They are away from the school for a tournament ( Grade 5 students are having an Outdoor Education Day but will be back in time for Hot lunch that day).
Halloween logistics (and Lantern Walks!)
This year, the calendar has made a decision for us. October 30 is a faculty PD day, and Halloween falls on a Saturday, so we will not be marking Halloween at school. The season is still richly held at school.
Lantern Walks
We have already gathered in the harvest and met the courage of Michaelmas together, and in November we turn toward the light of the Martinmas lantern walk.
Check for e-mails from your Grade Teachers for details:
Wednesday, November 11 at 6:00 pm. - Grades 1 to 3 will lead the walk. Every family is warmly invited to join.
Thursday, November 12 - Childcare Lantern walk
Friday, November 13 at 5:30 pm - Kindergarten Lantern Walk at Roycroft Park at 5:30
Parent-Teacher Conference November 5,6 - Camp for Grades 1-5 Available
Parent teacher conferences are just around the corner, and we have two fun filled days of camp available for students in Kindergarten to Grade Five.
If you need a place for your child to spend the day since there is no school on November 5th and 6th, camp registration is now open!
Please note registration is on a first come first serve basis, in order to complete the registration we must receive your registration form AND payment.
Please check your e-mail inbox for details on how to register. Once you have submitted the registration form, please send your payment via e transfer to accounting@waldorfacademy.org. AND include a message with your transfer of: Camp payment and your child's name.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing your child at our November Camp days!
Lost and Found
As the season fluctuates from hot to cold and back again, our Lost and Found seems to be filling up.
If you are missing anything, there’s a chance it might be at the bottom of the stairs towards the Art Studio.
Thank you parents for your reflections on learning!
Recently, we asked a number of parent’s to speak to their experience with Waldorf Academy and why they chose it for their children. So many came back with their perspectives of the school and we invited them to share their stories.
“An environment of kindness”
“If I had in my mind what an ideal school should be…”
“Tuned in teachers”
“It meets the children where they are and brings out the best in our kids.”
“A great mix of athletics and academics.”
“Nature is medicine.”
“A community of friends.”
Thank you parents for speaking to the joyful learning that happens at Waldorf Academy!
DISPATCHES FROM THE CLASSROOM
This section is to share communication with the community on Grade announcements, highlighting the layered approach to learning and joy (and sparked wonder) that happens throughout the school.
Grade 6/7 Selling their Wares at the Business Fair
The home-made ‘advertising’ had been up for a few days, so there was great anticipation for the ‘Grand Opening’. Key chains, mini magnets, cookies, squishy balls, a board game, cat masks (?) were all on display for the Grades to marvel over! Well done Grades 6/7!
Grade 3 - Shelter Projects
Grade Three Parents are warmly invited to join Grade 3 in the classroom on Wednesday, November 4th, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. for our Shelter Project presentations!
The children have been working diligently on their shelters and the written work that accompanies them. They have been putting their literacy skills to work as they research facts about their chosen shelters, gather their ideas, and weave their findings into cohesive pieces of writing, all in cursive!
We are looking forward to sharing their hard work and learning with you!
We will have tea brewing and freshly baked apple crisp to share as we gather together.
Shelters from last year included every type of dwelling from medieval stone cottages (with sheep!) and Yurts
IN THE COMMUNITY
Waldorf’s Very Own Chris Tanaka-Mann is performing! Chroma is a chamber choir that he sings with which does a variety of choral music at a high level. They often do Canadian compositions, although this particular concert features a number of pieces from across the pond. It's on Saturday, November 7th at 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary Magdalene Church on Manning Ave., so if you're available and interested, he hopes to see you there!
For info and tickets, check here: https://www.chromavocalensemble.ca/2026-2027
