Education for the 21st Century |
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Dear families,
We have enjoyed welcoming our students back from our two week spring break. Upon their return, we have had the privilege of several current and upcoming field trip opportunities for the grades and high school. We also hosted Track and Field for our 8th graders in partnership with the Waldorf School of San Diego. We are planning a modified students-only May Faire celebration on campus Friday, May 14. Our Spring Concert will be held in in late May and early June- details are below. Bit by bit, we look forward to expanding our activities as a school community, and we celebrate each small step forward!
Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook to enjoy photos and excerpts of what your students are learning and participating in here at WSOC. Click here for easy Social Media links. Like our posts, comment and share! By doing so, you help to introduce our beautiful school to new friends.
Lastly, don't forget to click "unclip message" if you receive this newsletter on your computer or tablet. It often shows up in your inbox in an abridged format, so if the newsletter seems extra short, just make sure to unclip it at the bottom so that it expands entirely.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Warmly,
Alyssa Hamilton
Communications Coordinator
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Mon 5/3 - Thu 5/6 • Grade 5 Field Trip Catalina
Mon 5/3, 3:30p - 5:00p • Tea with the 12th Grade
Tue 5/4, 8:45a - 10:00a • Room Representative Meeting
Tue 5/4, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 7 parent meeting
Wed 5/5, 6:00p - 8:00p • Grade 6 Parent Meeting
Fri 5/7 • No school for Grade 5
Wed 5/12, 9:00a - 10:00a • Coffee Chat with College & Admin
Wed 5/12, 6:00p - 7:00p • Grade 9 parent meeting
Wed 5/12, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 2 parent meeting
Mon 5/17 - Mon 5/24 • Grade 12 Trip
Mon 5/17, 6:00p - 9:00p • Board Meeting
Fri 5/21 - Sat 5/22 • Grade 8 Projects
Wed 5/26, 6:00p - 7:30p • Grade 5 Parent Meeting
Fri 5/28 • NO SCHOOL: In Service Day
Mon 5/31 • NO SCHOOL: Memorial Day
Adult Education
Fri 5/7, 5:00p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Fri 5/7, 7:00p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Sat 5/8, 8:00a - 4:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Sat 5/8, 8:30a - 4:00p • Foundation Studies
Tue 5/11, 6:30p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Tue 5/11, 6:30p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Fri 5/21, 5:00p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Fri 5/21, 7:30p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Sat 5/22, 8:00a - 4:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Sat 5/22, 8:30a - 4:00p • Foundation Studies
Tue 5/25, 6:30p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Tue 5/25, 7:30p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
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We are very excited to announce the Spring Concert schedule for strings and band. The concerts for grades 4-7 will be held outside on the wooden stage outside of 5th grade. Seats will be socially distanced, and everyone will be asked to wear a mask. Concerts in Meadows Hall, for grade 8 - high school, will have roll up doors up, air running, immediate family sitting in and out doors, masked, and socially distanced. All concerts will be recorded or live streamed to the WSOC community as well.
Boys' Attire
white, long sleeved, button down shirt with collar
black dress pants
black dress shoes'
black tie
Girls' Attire
white, blouse
black dress pants/or skirt
black dress shoes
May 28th
Friday Concert: Meadows Hall
6pm- High School
June 3
Thursday Concert: Outdoors on wooden stage
6pm- 6th grade strings
7pm- 7th grade strings, 7th & 8th grade band
June 4
Friday Concert: Meadows Hall
7pm- 8th grade strings
June 10th
Thursday online students concert:
6pm- 5th and 7th grade strings
June 11th
Friday Concert: Outdoors on wooden stage
6pm- 4th grade strings
7pm- 5th grade strings
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Dear families and friends,
Where does inspiration come from? Most recently, inspiration came to me from an unlikely source, a Chapman University student interested in an ethnographic study of Waldorf communities. To begin his requested interview, this Chapman student explained he was drawn to learn more about Waldorf education after discovering two of his best friends on his college campus are Waldorf alumni. He went on to describe these Waldorf friends as knowing who they were and having clear purpose in their lives. I then spent the next hour talking about one of my favorite subjects, “Why Waldorf?” His pure interest and attention to my responses opened a deep well of gratitude for this education and specifically the community we are able to create.
I’ve learned that communities are living organisms, expanding and contracting with the seasons and life’s circumstances. They have the unique capacity to meet the vast and varied needs of its many individual members, while sometimes needing renewal and rejuvenation. Over the past month, our school community has begun expanding after what feels like a long hibernation. In this newsletter, you will find photos, evidence of this burgeoning regeneration. With careful consideration to upholding our commitment to student and faculty health and safety, we have hosted the Waldorf School of San Diego 8th graders for a day of track and field, been invited to once again take classes on adventures in the local nature preserves, broadened the classroom learning experience to field trips in Joshua Tree and Catalina, and hosted class cohort parents to be together as an audience for their child’s performances. It’s clear to me that we have been a strong community during this past year’s challenges, but these drops of communion are the very nectar required to rehydrate a year of separation.
The College of Teachers, Board of Trustees, Faculty and Administration continue to plan for the upcoming school year. School leadership succession plans are unfolding with new servant leaders coming forward to help further our school’s mission and vision. Soon we will welcome a new School Administrator, Board Chair and College Chair, while earnestly expressing our gratitude to those who have faithfully served in these roles.
We’ve missed seeing our Parent Association members on campus during this year and look forward to an inspired year ahead with new opportunities.
Warmly,
Brooke Natzke, College Co-Chair (at the pen)
Andrea Hubert, College Chair
Douglas Garrett, Administrator
Megan Brown, Board Chair
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Tea with the 12th Grade: Recorded Version Available Soon! |
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Click image to "activate" our interactive poster and view our students' projects! |
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Countdown to Graduation...
Congratulations to the Class of 2021
We are so proud of each one of you!
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Dr. Lesa Terry Master Class |
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On April 22, middle school and high school orchestra students participated in a special Master Class through Arts and Learning Conservatory, where our very own Debora Wondercheck is the Founder and CEO. The Master Class was titled "Journey to Creativity: Be Brave, Break the Rules," by Dr. Lesa Terry. Some of the questions considered included:
What does it mean to be free?
How can you find musical inspiration away from your instrument?
How do we define GOOD or BAD?
What is your source for information?
“Stay in the child. Play, just play," said Dr. Terry. "Let your spirit play. You play on your instrument, but in that mindset of exploring and investigating. Don’t try to be perfect. It’s exhausting and you’ll never get there. You can improve, but let the perfection go.”
“I feel like what you shared with us today is something that we have forgotten. As kids we were taught to explore and be creative, but I feel like as we get older our options get narrowed down and there are more rules," said Grade 8 student Emily N. "It’s nice that you reminded us about this."
“It was such an honor to share space (even if virtual) with Dr. Terry, a professional violinist- she does an incredible job of pulling music out of its boxes and lines, making it more accessible and, I would say, more heartfelt. The format of such an involved discussion is also so valuable and welcomed," said Grade 10 student Hannah L. “It’s beautiful to see the spirit of a musician, and to feel like she sees the same reflected back in you.”
As a violinist, composer, artistic director, educator, and scholar, Dr. Lesa Terry is at the vanguard of contemporary musical interpretation and an artist whose creative genius consistently brings distinctive innovation to musical performance. The astounding depth and breadth of her talents are apparent upon a cursory review of her background including a master’s degree in Afro-Latin music, and fulfilling her lifelong dream of a doctorate degree, awarded in May 2010 from the University of Rhode Island. Her accomplishments include membership with the Atlanta and Nashville Symphony Orchestras, as well as performances, lectures, clinics and master classes with the Uptown String Quartet and the legendary Max Roach Double Quartet.
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We still have spots remaining in our 2021 Summer Camps! We have camps for every student, from early childhood to high school. Offerings range from sports and theater to music, art, crafts and more. Click image to peruse the many offerings in our Camp Brochure and to register.
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On Tuesday, April 20th, The Waldorf School of San Diego brought their eighth grade class to compete in a track and field meet at WSOC. We began the day with a one mile race, ended the day with 4X100 relays and in between competed in the high jump, shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m events. It was a beautiful day on the field and our San Diego guests mentioned that they felt some field envy, reminding us how grateful we are to have this wonderful open space.
"Our students were beyond impressive in these events, taking all 23 gold medals and 44 of the 60 total individual medals awarded. The most impressive part of the day for me was how gracious and humble our students were with their victories. San Diego games teacher, Sara Gomes, said her students had a great time and really enjoyed getting to know our eighth grade," said Mr. Brad, Games teacher.
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Become a WSOC Admissions Ambassador |
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When we look at the history of what brought each family to WSOC, it’s clear that we are overwhelmingly supported by word-of-mouth referrals from current families. Our happy community members are our very best marketing!
Sharing the gifts of a Waldorf education with another parent is a valuable opportunity for a parent who may be unfamiliar with this extraordinary curriculum.
Who is this school “right for?" The answer is, every child. For the child who is “advanced” and moves rapidly through academics, it provides a balance into the opposing realms of their brain – dexterity, spatial dynamics and social-emotional strengths. For the child who struggles with academics, the curriculum allows the space for growth at the student’s own pace without the pressure of being labeled, while inspiring the student to reach his full potential. Waldorf curriculum, more than anything, provides a “balance” that helps to nurture a well-rounded student into a happy and successful adult.
Every time a parent recommends our school to a friend or family member, we increase our reach and potential for even greater success for us all. To thank you for your recommendation, we are very pleased to offer you a token of our gratitude for every referral you make who completes registration at our school.
For more information, visit our website here.
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Coffee Chats with College of Teachers Members and
Our Administrator
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The next Coffee Chat is coming up on May 12 at 9am. Mark your calendar! No need to pre-register; just join the call!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 813 8923 5519
Passcode: 288423
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What is the phrase we learned as wee ones? April showers bring May flowers...we celebrate May and all of its beauty, along with time to celebrate Mother's Day. In the store, we have a delightful display of gifts for your beloved mother, grandmother, or close friend!
- Dr. Hauschka skin care
- Sweet hankies
- Vintage cosmetic pouch
- Pre de Provence Mini Milk Soaps
- Badger Body Oil
AND...A SPECIAL TRUNK SHOW FOR MOTHER'S DAY
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The Refined Bohemian
Friday, May 7
9:00am - 3:00pm
Company of Angels
Reem Khalil is a textile mixed media artist and a fixture at the Sawdust Festival. We are thrilled to welcome her clothing designs as well as her insights into natural dyeing.
We are here for you...please take the time to stop by and say hello!
Warm regards,
The Angels
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SCRIP News: Scrip of the Month |
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Hello Scrip Shoppers,
Just to remind everyone to take a look at your Scrip usage and see if you are on track for meeting your $275.00 annual obligation. Please feel free to stop by the Company of Angels, and we will be happy to help you out. You can also email Scrip Coordinator Pam Lusk: plusk@waldorfschool.com
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Scrip of the Month: Water Brewery. 10% rebate! In the Water Brewery's Pyramid of Wellness, the first cornerstone to achieving optimal health is their high-potency, love-charged Aqua A.M.O.R.E. water. Water is of the highest importance - not only in our company culture, but also in a global, universal way as the macrocosm of the Earth and the microcosm of each human body, comprised mostly of water. 1125 Victoria St., Ste A, Costa Mesa (by Fermentation Farm). Mon- Sun 10am - 6pm. Local water delivery now available!
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Grade 8 Play: The Sound of Music |
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Please enjoy Ms. Lorri's wonderful, hard working and talented 8th Graders in their play, The Sound of Music. Suitable for all ages. Click image to view.
Enjoy!
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High School Sustainability Block
As part of their Climate Change and Sustainability block the seniors visited local business Fill Up, Buttercup (@fillupbuttercup) a zero-waste refill store for home and body products in our community. Owner Jamie explained to students that she had the impetus to open the store after learning that less than nine percent of plastics ever gets recycled. Finding and exploring solutions to environmental issues is a key part of sustainability, and students enjoyed getting out of the classroom to see this put into practice, said high school science teacher Kim Eijpen.
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Wild Nature in Early Childhood
WSOC's early childhood program includes lots of outside play. One of the many benefits is a steady stream of wild creatures to observe, including lizards in the warmer months. When our children go for walks with their teachers in Fairview Park across from our school, it's not unusual for them to encounter frogs, tadpoles, hawks, owls and a variety of small reptiles. Observing wildlife in its natural environment is a true gift for our youngest students, and fosters a love and respect for all of Earth's inhabitants.
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Register Now for Early Years Programs:
Nursery, Playgroup and Bridge!
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Click here to register for Session 3 Playgroup. To learn more about Playgroup, Nursery or Bridge programs, click here.
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Early Childhood Education with Ms. Teri: The Wisdom of Parenthood |
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Who can join: Currently enrolled Pre K and Kindergarten parents.
When: Tuesdays 9:15-10:15am, outside Company of Angels. We will be distanced and outdoors.
What: This gathering is a combination of study and practical and artistic activities.
How many: There will be a limit of 10 parents.
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Community News & Announcements |
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Congratulations to our high school history teacher Hugh Brennan and his wife on the recent birth of their first baby! Welcome to Earth Bodin Brennan! |
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Waldorf Alum Connections
Did you know that AWSNA offered a continental New Year happy hour for alums across the continent? Seventy-five alums attended and it was a blast! Quarterly social events are now on the schedule.
Need an architect, an artist, an accountant? Support alum businesses and share with your community the alum business directory.
- The Continental Waldorf Alum Business Directory
- currently listing 125 businesses
- sharing alums' successes and endeavors far and wide
- Mentorship and Mentee Opportunities
- with 100s of alum registrants offering themselves up as mentors, the potential support for young alums is truly boundless.
- Alum Parent Registration
- the platform welcomes not only alums, but alum parents as well, with the hopes of parents sharing job postings and internship offerings
- School Community Pages*
- fully manage events and registration in one place
- integrated Zoom for events
- full fundraising capabilities offered directly through the WAC platform
- * offered for an additional annual fee
- Internship and Employment Postings
- Searchable Alum Map by location, industry, class year, school affiliation and more.
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Click here for WSOC College of Teachers, Board Members and Administrative Rotation
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Waldorf School of Orange County
2350 Canyon Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3948
(949) 574-7775
wwww.waldorfschool.com
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