Education for the 21st Century |
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Dear families,
I was recently thinking about our collective shift to winter, how we are beginning to draw ourselves inward, even in sunny Southern California where a dip below 70 degrees counts as a significant seasonal change. There is a meditative practice called Tummo, which literally means ‘inner fire’, an ancient meditation technique practiced by monks in Tibetan Buddhism. It is a combination of breathing and visualization techniques used to increase a person’s ‘inner heat’. As a devotee of Wim Hof, (a Dutch extreme athlete who utilizes comparable breathwork methods to push mental boundaries and boost the immune system), I greatly enjoyed a recent Zoom faculty/staff meeting where high school teacher Hugh Brennan led us all in a centering breathing exercise. It was energizing and beneficial to our group discussions.
Breathing, as a reflexive function of our bodies, is easy to take for granted. This is not true for all creatures. Dolphins, for example, are conscious breathers. Every breath is a choice, even at rest.
We humans choose how we breathe. We tend to breathe shallowly in our culture. Taking a few minutes to focus on our breathing, deepening and expanding it, can change the course of our entire day. Proper breathing can ease anxiety, create a more alkaline environment for the body, and reset the nervous system. Best of all, it's free.
I bring this up now because we are all experiencing added tension: with the impending election, with the uncertainties of the pandemic, even with the change in season. As we bring our light inward to sustain us through the winter time, we can also generate warmth and sustenance through our breath. Even on the busiest of days, it is a gift we can all give ourselves.
Interested in breathwork? For a free mini class, click here.
Happy Monday everyone!
With warmth and a collective deep breath,
Alyssa Hamilton
Communications Coordinator
PS: Don't forget to order your holiday greens and Trees for Troops from Grade 8! Details in Community News. You can order until Nov. 4.
Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more photos and school happenings! Click here for easy Social Media links!
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A Message from WSOC's Leadership Circle |
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Dear WSOC Community,
We came to the end of October with mighty winds blowing fire smoke our way, and definitely the feeling of the cooler fall and winter days to come. We are grateful to be together and whatever comes our way, at school and in our homes, we will mourn the losses and then strive to awaken to new possibilities.
Our theme in the last few weeks has been community, revisiting in these weekly messages many of the joyous ways the students and we adults have been with each other participating in creating and sustaining the WSOC school community. Each of us individually can hold the whole community in our hearts as we bring the strength of each one into living expression. On Friday Oct. 30 we enjoyed – and now in the Newsletter you get to enjoy - the colorful variety and creativity of student and faculty Halloween costumes (also follow WSOC on Instagram and Facebook for more pictures and news). Another sign of the season!
In Gratitude,
Andrea Hubert, Chair, College of Teachers
Douglas Garrett, School Administrator (at the pen)
Maureen McDermott, Chair, Board of Trustees
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Sun 11/1 • Daylight Savings Time Ends: Fall Back One Hour
Mon 11/2 • In Service Day: NO SCHOOL
Wed 11/4, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 2 Parent Meeting
Wed 11/4, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 8 Parent Meeting
Wed 11/4, 6:00p - 7:30p • Grade 1 Parent Meeting
Fri 11/6, 11:30a - 12:30p • Support for the Parenting Journey Zoom for Early Childhood and Grade 1 Parents
Fri 11/6, 5:00p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Fri 11/6, 7:00p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Sat 11/7, 8:00a - 4:30p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Sat 11/7, 8:30a - 4:30p • Foundation Studies
Mon 11/9 • Early Registration for 21-22 Grade 9 Students
Tue 11/10, 6:30p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Tue 11/10, 7:30p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Wed 11/11, 6:00p - 7:00p • Grade 9 Parent Meeting
Thu 11/12, 11:00a - 12:00p • "Meet the Admissions Director" Virtual Meeting
Thu 11/12, 8:30a - 10:00a • Room Rep Zoom Meeting
Fri 11/13, 11:30a - 12:30p • Support for the Parenting Journey Zoom for Early Childhood and Grade 1 Parents
Mon 11/16, 6:00p - 9:00p • Board Meeting
Tue 11/17, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 4 Parent Meeting
Wed 11/18, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 12 Parent Meeting
Thu 11/19, 8:45a - 12:45p • Nursery Program
Fri 11/20, 11:30a - 12:30p • Support for the Parenting Journey Zoom for Early Childhood and Grade 1 Parents
Fri 11/20 Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Break
Mon 11/23 - Fri 11/27 • Thanksgiving Break
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement from AWSNA |
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(Excerpted from AWSNA) The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America recognizes the historic and ongoing impact of racism on our continent and the injustice and discrimination faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color. We understand that inclusivity and equity is a journey of both moral and educational imperative. As such, we take seriously our responsibility to bear witness to what is happening in the world, to center the voices of color in racial justice work, to change the course of inequities, and to identify and break down structural racism in all forms where it exists, particularly in Waldorf education.
We know that we have far to go as an association and as individuals in our understanding of racial oppression and social justice. Advancing the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is one of the compelling forces behind AWSNA’s strategic priorities. These priorities make equity and inclusion central to our work and aim to bring us closer to the world that we want for our youth.
The AWSNA executive team is spending more time than ever asking the following questions:
- How do we participate, consciously or unconsciously, in systemic racism?
- What meaningful actions will we take in service to the leadership and agency of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color?
- Where are the possibilities for each of us to prioritize racial justice in our work to further Waldorf education?
- How do we actively engage in anti-racism both personally and professionally?
WSOC's DEI Committee is currently creating a framework to support this mission. We will share more information in the near future!
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Board of Trustees Spotlight: Amy Rasmussen |
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"I am really grateful to be a part of the Board and support WSOC," says Amy Rasmussen, WSOC Board of Trustees member and mother of Johnny, a ninth grader at WSOC.
"I first learned about WSOC through my sister. Twenty years ago, we came to the school when her two kids were attending Playgroup. Through Playgroup, I learned about Waldorf education. The philosophy deeply resonated with me, and I knew when I started a family that I would want my children to experience it.
I have had the honor of working side by side with amazing people volunteering at WSOC through May Faire setups, Winter Festival activities, and the annual Gala. In working closely with the Gala team over the years, I met so many wonderful, passionate people that support WSOC in countless capacities. The volunteer experience really gives you a behind-the scenes glimpse into the hard work and dedication everyone brings to our school.
What I bring to the Board is a passion for communication gleaned from my experience running a business. The experience I have had on the Board, working closely with the College of Teachers, has shown me how deeply we all hold the Waldorf vision and vitality of WSOC for today's community, as well as for many generations to come.
I highly encourage community members to volunteer at our school; it gives a wonderful window into WSOC and all of the amazing people and programs our children get to experience with a Waldorf education."
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Board of Trustees Thank You to Lisa Arnquist |
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The Board of Trustees would like to thank Lisa Arnquist for her three years of loving service. Lisa's family originally came to WSOC with their twin girls Lily and Izabella (now WSOC alumni, Class of 2019) for Playgroup. Over the years, Lisa was always willing to jump in and support the school in a variety of capacities. As a Board member Lisa contributed significantly, utilizing her deep understanding of Waldorf education as well as generously sharing her decades of expertise as an attorney.
Lily is currently attending Laguna College of Art and Design, and Izabella is at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. We wish Lisa and her beautiful family the best!
- Maureen McDermott
Chair, WSOC Board of Trustees
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News from the Business Office |
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High School Wildcat Weekly |
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Handwork & Practical Arts |
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Handwork in Early Childhood: Where it all Begins |
Matti Bergstrom, a Finnish neurophysiologist, said: "The density of nerve endings in our fingertips is enormous. Their discrimination is almost as good as our eyes. If we don't use our fingers, if in childhood and youth we become 'finger-blind,' this rich network of nerves is impoverished- which represents a huge loss to the brain and thwarts the individual's all around development."
Handwork and Practical Arts are an integral part of the Waldorf curriculum, beginning in Early Childhood. Projects expand in complexity and scope as our children enter the Grades and culminate with several intricate projects in High School.
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Copper is a malleable metal, changing from hard to soft to hard again with exposure to the right temperature and pressure. This is representative of sympathy and antipathy, mercurial qualities that are beginning to manifest in the young teenager, says Mr. Matan, Practical Arts teacher. Working with this kind of metal is in developmental harmony with Grade 8, forming and shaping their beautiful copper bowls. |
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High School: Grade 10 Lyres and Grade 11 Jewelry Making |
Grade 10 with their hand-carved finished lyres, a stringed wooden instrument that takes dedication, patience, and perseverance to complete and results in a piece of functional art and beauty. |
Grade 11 continues the glorious alchemy of working with metals, begun in the Grades, to create unique jewelry. |
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Special Scrip Giveaway: Exclusively for New Families
We at the Scrip office welcome all of our new families to our Waldorf community!
We will be running a promotion for the next two weeks for any families who are new to WSOC.
November 3 - 13: Just stop by the Company of Angels to sign up for your Shop With Scrip account and we will give you a $10 gift card of your choice. You can pick from Amazon, Starbucks, Target or Wahoo's.
This is the perfect opportunity to support the school and start some of your holiday shopping. We are here to help you get started!
Thank you, and feel free to reach out with any questions!
Scrip Coordinator
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Register Now for Early Years Programs:
Nursery, Playgroup and Bridge!
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A few spaces are still available in Playgroup and Bridge! Click here to register.
To learn more about our Early Years program, click here!
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WSOC students in Grades 1-12, along with some creative faculty and staff, enjoyed a day of costumed fun on campus Oct. 30. Visit our pages on Instagram and Facebook for more pics! |
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Community News & Announcements |
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Job Opening: School Assistant
WSOC School Assistant sought for the 2020-2021 school year. Candidate must be mature, dependable and have experience working with children. Familiarity with Waldorf Education is an asset. We have rigorous Covid-19 protocols which candidate will be responsible to help maintain. Position includes some child supervision and some cleaning/spray sanitizing. This is a part-time hourly position (10-15 hours per week) for grades 1-8 when school is in session. Successful candidates must have T.B and Federal Background Livescan clearance before beginning work.
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Order Your Holiday Greens: Orders Due Nov. 4!
It's Holiday Greens sales season again! Thank you in advance for supporting our Grade 8 fundraising efforts, particularly this year with our late start due to distanced learning. These greens are always fresh, beautiful and long lasting. We highly recommend ordering them for yourself and passing along the info to your friends and family.There is now a website where you can easily shop and place orders without having to fill out any of the paperwork! Here is the link:https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/wsoc
Also attached is the 2020 Trees For Troop brochure. To order online, visit https://fundraiser4us.com/zz/WSOC/. This holiday season, show your support to our troops and also our Grade 8 class by giving the gift of a tree or wreath. Your donation directly helps our troops & their families AND also our class fundraiser, this is truly a win-win! Let's Go Wildcats!
Click here for Holiday Greens PDF brochure and here for Trees for Troops. Please share with family and friends!
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WSOC Picture Day March 2021
Picture Day is scheduled this year for March (no photos in time for Thanksgiving, but you'll have them by Mothers' Day!).
- All school March 30 & 31
- HS senior and Grade 8 Promotion photos April 1
- Make-up Day April 20
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Tree Ring Discount Extension
By popular request, Tree Ring has extended their 5% early purchase discount until Wednesday, November 18th.
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Waldorf Today Newsletter Spotlight: the Antidote to Doomscrolling |
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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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