Weekly Bulletin
September 29, 2021
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From the Festivals Committee |
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"Michaelmas time, Michaelmas time," begins one of the songs that we sing in our Michaelmas assembly every year. Signs that it is that time of year are popping up around our campus. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, as the days get shorter and autumn comes knocking at our door, bringing with it the cold crisp autumn air, we prepare ourselves for a new season to arrive. All cultures have a way to mark the change of season. For us at WWS (and at many other Waldorf schools) it begins with celebrating Michaelmas.
Michaelmas has its roots in pre-Christian Celtic times and is named for Michael who is a powerful angelic figure in Judaic, Christian, and Islamic tradition. Michael is often depicted holding a sword to the throat of a dragon and subduing it. Michaelmas ultimately calls on the conscious courage it takes to learn to know ourselves (source: Linda Sawyers). The day conjures up images of courage and hope. Traditionally, Waldorf schools around the world celebrate this day in various ways, often involving a play depicting the story of Michael and the dragon and games where the children can show strength and courage.
The stories that are shared around Michaelmas time have changed over the years to include stories of courage and hope from around the world. This year’s second grade teacher Ms. Morley has put much thought and effort into finding a story that works for her class and the times.
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“The second grade play shares the theme of courage through a story from Chennai, India. Shiva, as Nataraja, faces a demon who threatens to bring pain, sadness and suffering to humankind. Shiva protects the people by dancing and imprisoning the demon beneath one of Shiva’s feet. The class heard a follow up story about the courage of Shiva and the beautiful white cow, Nandi, who is Shiva’s companion." - Ms. Morley
The play and lyrics were written by Ms. Morley and the music was written by Mr. Bender. Both were supported by the Rao family who offered cultural background and insight into the stories of Shiva. The scarves that the students wear are called dupattas, the drums are called tablas, and the rhythm sticks are used in traditional dance and celebrations.
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Festivals are an integral part of life at a Waldorf School. They bring rhythm and nourishment to the school community through the seasons. The Michaelmas Festival is a time to test one’s strength and courage. |
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On Monday, the high school held their traditional Michaelmas time of reflection gathered around a fire pit.
Early this morning, the seniors jumped into the work of creating a chalk dragon and a sand dragon as visual centerpieces for the Michaelmas celebration. The 3rd grade navigated their own obstacle course around the blacktop. Late in the morning the Lower School gathered on the blacktop for a Michaelmas assembly. The students were welcomed by Kate Knuth (G8 Class Teacher) who spoke about Greta Thunberg as an example of someone who demonstrates courage as she speaks from her convictions.
The 2nd graders performed their play (see above for more information), Señora Tapia led the singing of a Spanish song, the 5th graders gave a eurythmy performance, two 8th grade students recited a poem about dragon bread in German, and the 6th grade played and led the singing of "Michaelmas Time".
Before lunch, the 1st and 12th graders played hopscotch together on the chalk dragon.
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Staying Up to Date With Our School Calendar
* Current Parents can find Zoom information for meetings in ParentSquare
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September
29/ Wednesday
- G3 Parent Evening (Zoom), 7pm
- G9 Parent Evening (Zoom), 7:30pm
- Craft & Conversation (Zoom), 7:30pm (see below)
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October
1/ Friday
- Lunch with Lelia & Danielle (online), 12pm (see below)
5/ Tuesday
- Nursery Parent Evening (online), 7:45pm
6/ Wednesday
- Songbirds Parent Evening (online), 8pm
7/ Thursday
- Craft & Conversation, 9:30am (see below)
- Whole HS Parent Evening, 7:30pm (online)
8/ Friday
- Lunch with Lelia & Jessica Gottlieb, School Counselor (online), 12pm
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Craft & Conversation Zoom Tonight
Wednesday, September 29, at 7:30pm
Our next session is this Wednesday, Sept. 29, on Zoom, 7:30-8:30pm. We’ll work on Mushroom Topped Pencils, a simple painting project. If you'd like to participate, please email PLG@washingtonwaldorf.org for the supplies and Zoom information, and also let us know if you'd like to be added to the email list for C&C.
ALL skill levels are welcome; no experience is necessary!
The following week we will meet at Anja's house on Thursday, Oct. 7, 9:30am-12 (come and go as necessary for your schedule) and work on needle felting toadstools and pumpkins, and make acorn gnome peg dolls.
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Lunch with Lelia & Danielle Menditch Roessle, College Advisor
Friday, October 1 at 12pm on Zoom
Join Lelia and Danielle (WWS Alum and College Advisor) to learn more about the role of the College Advisor at WWS and how she supports our students and their families in their search for the right next steps after WWS.
Parents from all grades are invited. Look for Zoom information in the department Notes or an invitation in ParentSquare.
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On Tuesday, the HS Girls played their first soccer game of the season against McLean School. WWS won 6-2. Go Knights! |
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Michaelmas Inspiration for Home |
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We were so glad to gather the LS students in person for the Michaelmas Assembly today, but there are still more activities you can do at home if you feel inspired to celebrate the courage that is at the heart of Michaelmas. Use this list as a guide or come up with some of your own activities. |
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What You Might Do
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Bake your own Dragon Bread
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Make your own butter
- Conduct a family tug of war
- Create dragon drawings using sidewalk chalk or on paper
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Build a birdhouse
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Set up a slackline or obstacle course in your yard
- Climb your favorite tree
- Jump rope
- Do something kind for someone
- Speak up for someone
- Sing or play an instrument for someone
- Split wood
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Throw a football at a pyramid of cans
- Challenge each other to arm wrestling
- Play at subduing a dragon
- Create a dragon's cave
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What you Might Read
- Dragon Baked Bread (K-G2)
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Min-Yo and the Moon Dragon (K-G2)
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The Dragons are Singing Tonight (K-G2)
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The Knight and the Dragon (K-G2)
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Saint George and the Dragon (K-G2)
- The Dragon Masters series (LS)
- How to Train Your Dragon (LS)
- Harry Potter (G4+)
- Hatchet (MS)
- Refugee (MS/HS)
- Unbroken (HS)
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Waldorf in the Woods Space Available |
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Tell your friends!
Do you know someone who might be interested in the Waldorf in the Woods program? There is usually a waitlist for the Woods class, so this is an unusual opportunity to join the class early in the year.
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Parent Organization Update |
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Parent Volunteers Needed
The remote Fall Bazaar is back for another round! We invite you to participate in and contribute to this cherished annual tradition, as we carry it forward through these unusual times.
Please see the Bazaar Information Sheet that describes the typical Bazaar and sketches the plans for this year, and a Parent Participation Survey where you can indicate how you would like to contribute to the preparations for this year's event. Please fill out the survey at your earliest convenience, and we will be in touch about further plans! |
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How to Submit a Listing
- We welcome submissions of community news, items for sale, want ads, etc. Please keep notices to 500 characters or less. There is no charge for listings.
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Please submit listings by COB Tuesdays with the subject "Bulletin Submission."
- If you are sending images or flyers, a link to an online version is preferred.
- Bulletin Board notices generally run for 3 weeks - if space allows - unless other arrangements have been made. Listings may not be accepted and will likely be edited.
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These notices are from the WWS community, the greater Waldorf community, and occasionally from our school neighbors. The information and views in them belong to the individuals who submit the notices and do not necessarily reflect the views of WWS. |
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Classifieds & Events from the Community |
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FiberArt.Studio After School Classes
from Anja Caldwell (WWS Parent)
Registration is now open online for my after school handwork classes Tuesdays and/or Thursdays 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm for October and Nov/Dec. Classes are max 6 kids from regularly tested households only. Studio has lots of room and fresh air.
WWS families enjoy 10% off with Code WWS
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WWS Parent Sharing Information About Non-Smart Phone Option
from Sarah Vakkur (WWS Parent)
Does your child have a phone or are you thinking about getting them one?
ScreenStrong.com recommends switching a child/ teen’s smart phone to the Gabb phone as gaming, internet and social media are not possible on these phones. I welcome any parents to contact me as to why I highly recommend you delay buying your child a smart phone (i.e. a supercomputer in the pocket) as well (Sarah at vakkurstudio@me.com). See ScreenStrong.com or the same group on Facebook for more information on why they highly recommend Gabb phones that are talk / text only. https://gabbwireless.com
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Wooden Play Stands, Cradle, Trucks, Toys and Stokke Chair
from Theodora Scarato (WWS Parent)
Beautiful wooden toys gently used for sale. Playstands, cradles, American door wheelchair, red Stokke high chair and more! Our family will donate all funds from raised to WWS Annual Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute/Roots and Shoots. Please see the list of items at this link. If you are interested please contact Theodora Scarato at theodorams@aol.com.
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WWS Family Looking for a Nanny
from Christiam Camacho (WWS Parent)
We are looking for a caring, responsible nanny for our toddler to help with all aspects of childcare as well as developmental activities (crafts, puzzles, music, etc.). Must speak either Spanish or Russian, as well as working-level English. Looking for someone fully vaccinated, with their own car, with good references from previous employers. Experience as preschool teacher/assistant and CPR/First Aid certificates would be an advantage.
Around 30-33 hrs per week on weekdays. Additional hours on weekends possible by mutual agreement. If you have any recommendations, please let me know at christiam@hotmail.com.
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Preparing to Enter the Secrets of the Womb of the Earth - A Michaelmas Talk and Readings - September 27, 28 & 29
from Nancy Foster (WWS Alumni Parent & WWS Grandparent)
The Festivals Group of the local Anthroposophical Society invites you to join in a Michaelmas observance over three days. Participants will read on their own two lectures on September 27th and 28th, then will join a zoom call to hear a talk by Mary Stewart Adams on the 29th.
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Part Time Help Needed
from Michael Danzansky (WWS Parent)
Are you passionate about supporting children's wellbeing and emotional health? I am looking for some part time help (paid) with a project for adolescents around self compassion. Work involves research, making connections, and marketing.
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MCDOT - Bicycle Donation Drive - Community Service Month
Friday, October 8 from 7am – 2pm
shared by Bonnie McClelland (WWS Alum & Faculty)
Do you have an extra bicycle you no longer need?
On Friday, October 8, Montgomery County's Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will once again sponsor a bike collection drive during this year's Community Service Month.
Donated child and adult bikes will be accepted from 7:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, October 8, 2021. (No bike parts or bike helmets, please)
Donations will go to the Rockville Bike Hub, a non-profit organization whose volunteers refurbish the bikes and give them to low-income residents throughout the County, through Rockville's Terrific Kids and MCDOT's Bike Match MoCo programs.
Location: Montgomery County Council Office Building Parking Garage at the corner of East Jefferson Street and Monroe Street in Rockville.
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Christian Community Rite of Passage/Confirmation Class
from Carol Petrash (Former WWS Faculty and Alumni Parent)
Warm greetings to the Waldorf community from the Greater Washington - Baltimore Christian Community! We are holding regular services, following COVID safety protocols, in the chapel on our beautiful property, which includes a biodynamic garden, in College Park, MD and wanted to let you know about a rite of passage opportunity for your middle school aged children. The Christian Community is a worldwide movement for religious renewal that was founded in the early part of the 20th century by a group of clergy with the help of Rudolf Steiner.
This fall, Rev. Emma Heirman (WWS Alum 2003) and her husband Rev. Matthias Giles will offer a yearlong class for 7th and 8th graders, leading to confirmation for the 8th graders in the spring of 2022. This is an opportunity for the young people to meet and talk about life questions in the context of faith and a non dogmatic Christian view of the world. You do not need to be members of the Christian Community for your children to attend these gatherings.
For further information about any of our offerings, please contact our priests:
I would also gladly speak with anyone who has an interest in the confirmation classes (all three of our children were confirmed) or the Christian Community in general.
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Free Book Program
shared by Susan Walsh and Tammy Gompper (WWS Library)
This program is in its last couple of week, but if you happen to use any products from Kellogg's, you can turn in a picture of your receipt (for a purchase made before September 30), and receive a free book.
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Tutoring Available
from Catherine Dixon, shared by Taisto Saloma (Faculty, WWS Parent & Alumni)
Waldorf Graduate and Waldorf Trained Teacher available for remote tutoring of all kinds. Raised in Washington DC and Maine, I was a middle school teacher in Baltimore city for a few years before getting my masters from Antioch University and becoming a Waldorf class teacher. Take a look at my website: catherinehdixon.com. I look forward to the opportunity to work with your child!
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UPDATED - FREE Film Screening “Standing on Sacred Ground: Profit and Loss”
from Theodora Scarato (WWS Parent)
Watch online October 7-14, 2021
The film “Standing on Sacred Ground: Profit and Loss” features indigenous communities resisting threats to their sacred places—the original protected lands—in a growing movement to defend human rights and restore the environment. In Canada’s tar sands, First Nations people suffer from rare cancers as their traditional hunting grounds are stripmined for a culture of consumption.
These films are part of Environmental Health Trust’s Jackson Hole Virtual Film Festival.
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Published by the Washington Waldorf School
Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved
We welcome your comments and submissions. Contact Alia Goodyear if you would like to be added to our mailing list, or if you have submissions, questions, or suggestions. Please email submission by COB TUESDAY with the subject line "Bulletin Submission."
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Washington Waldorf School
4800 Sangamore Road,
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-6107
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Washington Small Schools Association
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