Education for the 21st Century |
|
Dear families,
We have some very special community offerings coming up this week (Grade 11 Monologues on Thursday pm) and throughout May, and we hope you will join us! Kids on Tech (May 4) and our DEI Conversation (May 10) is open to parents only, thank you! More information below.
We also have our High School Arts Festival (May 21) and an in-person May Faire (May 22) to look forward to! Please mark your calendars for these wonderful community events.
Reminder: this Wednesday through next Friday, Grade 8 is collecting your gently used clothing and household items during afternoon pick up for their garage sale fundraiser. Spring cleaning with a purpose! Their garage sale will be on May 7. Details below!
We are looking forward to seeing you all at our WSOC events and enjoying some much-needed in-person celebrations.
Happy Monday,
Alyssa Hamilton
WSOC Communications Coordinator
|
|
May Faire: Sunday, May 22 |
|
At WSOC, May Faire has traditionally been one of the most anticipated, festive and colorful days of the entire school year. Two years ago, we hosted a “drive-through” May Faire for families due to the new restrictions in place. Last year, without the ability to invite families onto the campus, we had a lovely Friday May Faire during the school day for the students. We are so, so happy to return to a true community event this year -- in person, on our big wide-open field, so that all can enjoy the beauty, grace, and joyful spirit this festival has to offer!
May Faire is a marker in time and space for spring, this time when the earthly forces of life and growth miraculously unfold and spring forth after the dead of winter. Some of the more specific aspects of this celebration have brought up questions, especially for those newer to our community: Why do we dance around the May Pole? What about the flower wreaths and the white or pastel clothing we wear? Why is it the fourth graders who traditionally weave the ribbons down the pole? Is May Day a Christian holiday?
Certainly the celebration of spring has origins and elements that pre-date Christianity. The goddesses of spring and fertility of many ancient cultures were often depicted wearing white garments and flower wreaths. The May Pole reflects the reverence various peoples held for sacred trees, such as the tree of life. For people connected to the earth, people who depended on fertile soil, ample sun and enough rain, such celebrations were not simply for fun. They were a means to ask the support and benevolence of the spiritual world to ensure their livelihoods and wellbeing. Nowadays, our May Pole is simply a beautiful symbol, a fitting “centerpiece” for our community to congregate and gather around. White or pastel clothing creates a lovely backdrop and complement to the abundance of colorful flowers. Our fourth graders work extensively on woven forms such as Celtic knots. The concentration, focus and mindfulness that comes with the over/under of weaving, granting and taking the right of way, meets their developmental stage perfectly.
We sincerely hope that everyone – students, parents, extended family and friends of WSOC – will be in attendance on May 22 as we gather to celebrate our community and a true renewal!
What will be the same as in past years:
- Our festival will include May Pole dances, music, games, vendors and activities for all ages, beverages and baked goods, and of course our cake walk!
- We all wear white or pastel-colored clothing.
- All students are expected to be in attendance for the entirety of the festival; they will be with their class/teacher until the dances have concluded.
- We will be pre-selling tickets for beverages, baked goods and games
- There will be handicapped parking available
- Consider carpooling, rideshare or parking at Fairview Park.
- Flower donations are welcomed - a donation of $20 per family is also an option in place of flower donation (We’ll make a trip to the wholesaler!)
What will be new this year:
- May Faire will be on Sunday, May 22, 11 - 3pm, instead of our usual first Saturday in May.
- The procession to the May Pole will begin at 11am. Students in Grades Pre-K through twelve should arrive to their classrooms no later than 10:30 am.
- Students will make their head crowns/wreaths at school the week prior.
- There will be no full entrees for purchase at the festival, aside from beverages and baked goods.
- Families are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch or to pre-order fresh, packaged meals through WSOC for pickup at the festival grounds; more information on ordering will be shared soon.
- In place of professional musicians, our live music will be provided by students and community members
Which classes are responsible for what?
- Pre-Kindergarten - Games for young students (EC through Grade 2)
- Kindergarten - Set-up for the Festival
- 1st Grade - Crafts for young students
- 2nd Grade - Roving Characters
- 3rd Grade - Flowers and decor
- 4th Grade - Games for older students (Grades 3- 6,7,8)
- 5th Grade - Tear down of the Festival
- 6th Grade - Cake Walk
- 7th Grade - Treats, baked goods
- 8th Grade - Beverages
- High School - Alumni lounge, face painting, and (different) beverages
Still in process:
- We will be taking presale orders for packaged food from Fermentation Farm, Nourish and possibly one or two more places.
- We will also do a presale of tickets at the same time that we do our food orders.
- We will provide a Venmo account for monetary donations for flowers
We’re very excited to share this wonderful all-school event with you!
If you have questions about the May Faire and are wondering who to ask, send a text to 949-413-7221 or email hellojenmc@gmail and we’ll get you an answer.
|
|
Sustainability at May Faire |
|
Dear community,
For many of you this is old news, but with all the new families that have joined our community this year, and because it’s been two years since we’ve had a traditional May Faire out on the field, we wanted to reach out with thoughtful communication on this topic in advance. We will continue doing so in the coming weeks to hopefully reach everyone.
A few years ago the high school student body initiated a movement to reduce waste at school. This included encouraging the entire community to refrain from using single use plastics and disposable containers in general.
When it came time for our festivals, we needed to rethink how we were going to handle food service so that we did not create an excess amount of unnecessary waste. It’s funny how something seemingly so simple can be such a difficult task to put into action. We have tried many creative ideas for reducing festival waste, some better than others, but we’ve learned something each time… like dishwashing stations are gross and we’ll never do that again… and mug drives aren’t very exciting, but seeing your friend sipping tea out of your grandma’s country kitchen coffee cup at a parent meeting is fun - I think we can all agree! But probably the biggest change we’ve had to make collectively is getting used to bringing our mess kits with us to festivals.
This May Faire we will keep the momentum going by requiring everyone to bring their own mess kits, but we’ve also made changes to how food will be offered this year. Our goal is to avoid creating long lines for food that take away from enjoying the festival and one another. So instead of having food booths at the festival, we will be putting together a simple menu with a few lunch options and for those who would like to order from that menu, we will take those orders and payments prior to the festival. On the day of the festival, those of you who pre-paid for any lunch items will be able to pick those orders up on your way into the festival.
To be clear - it is not required that you order food from our menu, but if you choose not to then you will want to bring your own picnic lunch with you to the festival, or pick something up from your favorite restaurant beforehand. The only food items that will be on offer during the festival will be the 7th and 8th grade baked goods and drinks.
We will have much more detailed information for you in the coming weeks. Please keep your eye out for it in upcoming posts. In the mean time, any questions regarding May Faire can be directed to
We are looking forward to celebrating Spring and our wonderful community!
Warmly,
Jennifer McNeish
May Faire Committee
|
|
High School Events: Join Us! |
|
11th grade students experience a growing capacity for self-reflection and self-knowledge. They begin to examine questions of identity as they consider their own paths. The Waldorf curriculum meets this curiosity through an insightful creative writing class where the students first study characters from published playwrights and then build a fictional character to portray. The students reflect on their characters through active journaling, discovering which qualities are similar to themselves and which are different. This challenges the individual student to look at the world from another perspective — one different from their own. The monologue class ultimately gives students the opportunity to express their individuality, and they discover that we are all connected through our shared experience of being human.
Refreshments will be served by Grade 10. We hope to see you there! (Suitable for grades 7 and up.)
|
|
This event is a favorite for many who are inspired by the breadth of our high school students' experience. |
|
Dear community,
As a parent of two graduated Waldorf students, one of the aspects of the curriculum that I remain most grateful for is the Waldorf class play. Seeing the recent Grade 7 (“The Tempest”) and Grade 8 (“You Can’t Take It With You”) productions reminded me of the benefits that my children and all Waldorf students receive from participating in these “pedagogical dramas.”
The class play deepens social emotional and collaborative learning and provides opportunities for students to develop artistic skills such as painting (set design), fabric arts (costumes), music and dance, and, of course, dramatic arts. And by working together, the students learn to cooperate and collaborate. In the younger grades, the plays are mostly performed in chorus, while the older students are given parts that challenge or complement their development.
The class play is presented at the discretion of the teacher, who considers the needs of the class in deciding whether to present a play, which play to present and how to cast the students. Sometimes, an unlikely candidate is chosen for the lead part. My extremely quiet daughter was given the lead in her Grade 8 class play (“The Life of the Party”) rather than several other excellent young aspiring actors in the class. Her role was that of a quiet, studious girl who decides she needs to come out of her shell and become “the life of the party.” The teacher’s casting decision was challenging for many of the students (most certainly including my daughter) but brought them closer together by the end of their performances and provided important learning experiences.
What I have seen is that the opportunity that Waldorf students are given to be on stage in front of the full school community builds a confidence that noticeably carries over into many aspects of their adult lives. As a parent, I am so grateful that the class play has become a Waldorf tradition.
Warmly,
Kevin McDuff
School Administrator
|
|
Parent Discussion: Kids on Tech
Wednesday, May 4
|
|
"As an education for our time, Waldorf pedagogy embraces the contributions of modern science and the technological tools it has developed. Our challenge is to find the appropriate place for these tools within the curriculum and the life of the developing child." - Douglas Gerwin, Waldorf Educator |
|
Foundation Studies: New Session Beginning Fall 2022 |
|
Have you ever said, I wish I was the one going through Waldorf Education! Or perhaps you would like to learn more about why Waldorf teachers bring subjects to their students in a particular way. With Foundation Studies, you can! Waldorf School of Orange County’s two-year program enables participants to experience many of the subjects their child learns, including a study of great literary works such as Parzival, form drawing, wet-on-wet watercolor, projective geometry and more. Additionally, courses include Child Development and the Basics of Waldorf Education, a Biography Workshop, and other fundamentals of Waldorf Education. Faculty members from WSOC support the program, as do several guest teachers from the wider Anthroposophical movement.
WSOC’s Adult Education program is directed by Chris Bennett, who joined the faculty of WSOC in September 2009 and is the former director of Kula Makua Adult Waldorf Education in Honolulu, and was an instructor at the London Waldorf Teacher Training Seminar (UK) for many years before that. He served as WSOC class teacher from 2009- 2017, when his class completed 8th grade.
What does the Foundation Studies program have to offer WSOC parents? "A deeper understanding of the education their children are receiving and its basis in Anthroposophy, and the reasons we teach what we do when we do, and also why and how we do it," says Chris. "In addition, participants get to try out a lot of the wonderful arts and crafts their children experience throughout the school. It is of great benefit to the school community as a whole to have a group of parents within it who have this comprehensive understanding of Waldorf Education."
Added a graduate of the two-year program, "Being a student in Foundation Studies was a transcendent experience for me. Not only did I get a deeper understanding of how and why subjects are brought to our children, I got to experience so many lessons firsthand. I got to build with clay, immerse in paint, learn how to draw in new ways, study great artists and architects and writers. We sang together with Mr. Bennett around a piano, we shared so much about our lives. I became very close to my group. Additionally, we got to delve into early childhood development, the roots of Anthroposophy, and experience powerful inner work such as biography studies. It gave me new insights into parenting and helped me support what was happening in the classroom. In addition to enrolling your child, this is the best way to get the most out of Waldorf education!"
This is a two-year, part-time adult education study program. A monthly payment option is available. (September-June). Please click here for brochure and registration instructions.
|
|
DEI Parent Conversation
Tuesday, May 10
|
|
Summer is coming and we are excited to share the wealth of summer camps our teachers are offering. There's something for everyone! We have a fun and diverse range of options for Early Childhood through High School. Spots are filling fast!
Click the image for our interactive WSOC Summer Camp brochure and registration.
|
|
Faculty Spotlight:
Holly Peterson
|
|
You have a rich history at WSOC and as a Waldorf educator; you have taught kindergarten, grades and now are teaching Early Years students. What would you say is a vital area of focus for current parents of young children in today's increasingly fast-paced, digital world? How best can they support Waldorf education in their home environments?
I believe a vital area of focus for all families is human relationship. Steiner speaks of 12 senses, seven more than the traditional five. The four “higher” senses are used in observation of others. One of the greatest gifts a family can give their children is to have a sacred ritual of sitting at a table at home and having a 45 minute or one hour meal and conversation together, preferably three times each week but no less than one night per week. One night should be identified as sacred – no one can schedule anything on that night.
As a society we are losing the ability to make genuine connections and relationships, and this cannot be blamed on any one thing. Busy lives, screen time, extracurricular activities or one reason is not alone the cause for this trend. However, it is a great loss for humanity and already contributes to a negative trajectory taking us backwards.
This quality of relationship also requires a family commitment to agreements around the use of screens (ages for no screens and consistently held limits and boundaries when there are screens).
You have one adult son who was a Waldorf student back in the day. What initially drew you to Waldorf education?
I had the blessing of going to Council Grove Community School in Pasadena for grades 1-6 when I was a child. The school provided a progressive curriculum along the lines of the Westland model which still exists in Los Angeles. Initiated by a group of parents, the school served a group of 21 children with a mix of 3 grades moving together through the grades. We lived as Tuaregs in the desert, eating dates and wearing our robes made from old sheets, we researched where to get 8’ logs and built a life-size hogan and sewed our calico skirts and corduroy shirts (with button holes). We prepared a medieval feast and enjoyed the entertainment of recorder playing and jesters.
When my son was four years old, I decided I would have to start a school so that he could have a similar educational experience. I began my teacher training at the Waldorf Institute when it was in Santa Monica and quickly realized I could not possibly create what the worldwide Waldorf movement already had in place.
Little did I know that Waldorf Teacher Training at Rudolf Steiner College would also speak to the other quest in my life: why are we who we are, and there must be a deeper meaning of life.
Early Years students are finally getting their own classroom (facing the Grade 3 garden)! It was a lot of work to get us to this point. Tell us a little about the process.
The Early Childhood Department identified this need more than 10 years ago. The discussions over the years were the beginning of the process. When Admissions at WSOC became more formalized, the impact of the gap by not having a Nursery became even more clear.
The dreaming around the building was leading to the use of containers like our high school. But personnel at Newport Mesa School District (our landlord), and City of Costa Mesa Building Department requirements, plus time limitations and costs, took us back to another trailer type building; they are considered “temporary." In the end we went with another modular option that is much like the containers, but the containers came as flat prefabs. In California, the sides are popped up and each modular unit is outfitted and then given state approval as an individual unit. We needed five units, which meant the one nursery classroom has five air systems (and thus five air conditioners). Ha! We will remove three and use them in other classrooms.
What are you most excited about with this new classroom?
Serving the children and families with a continuous Waldorf education from birth through twelfth grade.
What is your favorite part about being a Waldorf teacher?
Meeting the children with an amazingly well thought out and broad curriculum. The students and the community are my favorite part.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher: I just took a detour before getting here.
Tell us about a favorite weekend activity.
Camping at the beach in Carpinteria. I hate swimming in the ocean (I am afraid), but listening to the waves is my “heaven."
Waldorf education founder Rudolf Steiner always stressed the importance of adapting his educational methods to current times. Do you have thoughts on the future of Waldorf education?
I hope that Waldorf schools and educators, world-wide, will continue the commitment to Steiner’s picture of meeting human development from an Anthroposophical perspective with the academic- and art-based curriculum, which I see as a rich tapestry. In addition, I have the vision of the children at the center of all curriculum and decisions.
|
|
WSOC High School Fuel Cell Race Car Team:
Full Steam Ahead Despite Challenges
|
|
On Saturday, March 26 our Fuel Cell Racing team competed in Pomona at the California Championships. They finished in 10th and 13th place. We were the only first year teams to make it to this level of competition.
In the four hours of racing they completed 498 and 453 laps, while being challenged with having to reattach parts that came off during race contacts kept them off the track for some time. The teams ran out of battery power towards the end of the race, which has already started discussions of re-designs for the next racing season.
Congratulations to a successful season and some amazing teamwork! Way to go Wildcats!
-Nicola Weiss, WSOC coach
|
|
Grade 8 recently presented a lively rendition of "You Can't Take it With You," a 1938 comedy in three acts about a girl from a family of freethinkers who falls for the son of a conservative banker. |
|
Grade 12 enjoyed a festive senior trip to San Diego, where they took in many of the sights, culture, outdoor activities and fun that the city had to offer!
|
|
Bread day in Ms. Terri and Ms. Oriana's Early Childhood kindergarten class! |
|
Dear Community,
One of our most popular vendors, ERIC SILVA, is coming to the store on FRIDAY, MAY 6TH!
Eric Silva is an L.A. based designer. His work reflects an individual artistic viewpoint that combines both natural and industrial materials in a small, thoughtfully constructed space. His designs highlight the often-overlooked details found in daily life. He believes in the simplicity and integrity of the materials themselves, and for those who own his work, Eric affirms that a unique bond is forged between artist and owner.
"My jewelry is about self-examination; revealing pieces of myself through artistic creations," he says. "I draw my inspiration from the often overlooked simplicity of beauty found in the ordinary."
Also, we are offering a BACK ROOM SALE...75% OFF...help us clear our shelves for new items!
|
|
Mon 4/25, 6:00p - 9:00p • Board Meeting
Wed 4/27, 6:00p - 7:30p • Early Childhood Information Evening Meadows Hall
Thu 4/28 - Fri 4/29 • Grade 6 play Robinhood
Thu 4/28, 8:45a - 9:45a • Parent Enrichment for Early Years parents
Thu 4/28, 6:00p - 7:00p • Nursery Parent Meeting
Thu 4/28, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 11 Monologues
Fri 4/29 • Track and Field
Sat 4/30, 9:00a - 10:30a • Morning in the Kindergarten
May 2022
Mon 5/2, 6:00p - 8:00p • Grade 7 Parent Meeting
Tue 5/3 • Teacher Appreciation Day
Tue 5/3, 8:45a - 9:45a • Room Rep Meeting
Wed 5/4 • Kids on Tech Parent Talk 7:00p - 8:30p
Wed 5/4, 8:45a - 9:45a • Room Rep Meeting
Wed 5/4, 6:30p - 7:30p • Grade 11 Parent Meeting
Thu 5/5, 8:45a - 9:45a • Parent Enrichment for Early Years parents
Sat 5/7, 8:00a - 11:00a • Gr 8 Garage Sale
Tue 5/10, 4:00p - 5:00p • DEI Parent Conversation Meadows Hall
Adult Education
Tue 4/26, 6:30p - 9:00p • Adult Education Program (Foundation Studies: 7:30pm - 9pm)
|
|
|
David Zedaker, WSOC's eurythmy accompanist, and his wife Priscilla recently welcomed their first child, Cyrus Dean Zedaker. He was born 4/16 at 2:21 AM at 8 pounds, 4.5 ounces, and 22 inches long. Congratulations David and Priscilla, and welcome to Earth, Cyrus! |
|
Letter to the WSOC Community from a Concerned Neighbor:
Please Slow Down
My name is Andreas and I live on Capital Street in Costa Mesa. Due to the speed bumps on Wilson between my house and Waldorf, there have been a number of parents using my street/neighborhood as a cut-through at very high speeds.
Our neighborhood has a number of young children (2-10) that are frequently in the streets playing or riding their bikes. I would think that a parent would understand the need to slow down but apparently not. Could you please help inform the parents that they should keep their speeds to a minimum when coming through our neighborhood? In reality, they are not saving themselves more than a few seconds. It's happened enough that if it happens again I will be meeting people in the pickup line to express my concerns personally. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Andreas
|
|
|
|
AWSNA Waldorf Alum Instagram
We are pleased to announce the launch of the "official" AWSNA Waldorf Alum Instagram account celebrating the incredible work and undertakings of Waldorf Alums across North America. Follow us @WaldorfAlums, and post alum news using the hashtags...
Read more
www.waldorfeducation.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Click here for WSOC College of Teachers, Board Members and Administrative Rotation
|
|
Waldorf School of Orange County
2350 Canyon Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3948
(949) 574-7775
wwww.waldorfschool.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
