Handbook
Festivals
The rhythmical cycle of the year is celebrated in all Waldorf schools. We foster a sense of harmony with the changing seasons of the year in a variety of ways. An individual class may celebrate a festival that is closely related to its curriculum (as with the 3rd grade Seder), or the entire school community may celebrate together (as with the May Fair). Some celebrations may not change from year to year, but others do. The College of Teachers carries the study and planning of the three major seasonal all school festivals:
Michaelmas, Season of Light and Spring. The various other festivals and assemblies are carried by the faculty. Parents and families are welcome and encouraged to attend seasonal assemblies that are announced in the Bulletin.
The Opening Day Assembly gathers the Grade School and High School students, faculty and staff together to celebrate the beginning of the new school year. After everyone has been welcomed back, and introductions have been made, a special Rose Ceremony takes place. The new 1st Graders are called to the stage with their teacher, where the seniors give each one a welcoming rose.
The Autumn Festival Season reflects the bounty of the harvest as well as inner and outer preparation for the coming darkness of winter.
Michaelmas, September 29, is a festival little known in North America but is a major celebration in Waldorf Schools. It takes place near the autumnal equinox when daylight grows shorter. The festival is named for the archangel Michael, the protector of humanity, who inspires qualities of courage, initiative and steadfastness. The elementary and high school students, along with the faculty, participate in activities that reflect the values connected to these qualities.
Halloween, October 31, is celebrated with merrymaking, age-appropriate stories and dressing up. Students wear costumes that follow their teacher’s recommendations. In keeping with the school’s emphasis on the development of the imagination, children are asked not to wear costumes depicting media, cartoon or gruesome images. Masks are not allowed.
Day of the Dead and All Souls’ Day, November 1, is marked by an assembly for Grades 1-12 to honor and remember those important people in our lives who have crossed the threshold.
Thanksgiving is celebrated in a school assembly the morning before the holiday. A food drive is held to benefit the Ignatian Services Food Pantry.
The Winter Festival of Lights Season reminds us of the light shining within each individual in the midst of the encroaching darkness of the season.
School begins each Monday morning with a silent assembly in which the Grade 11 students present Eurythmy in the auditorium. Often during this season, the faculty and friends of the school present one or more of three medieval Christmas plays. The Paradise Play, appropriate only for students in grade 3 and up, tells the story of creation and the fall. The Shepherds’ Play, appropriate for all ages, tells the nativity story. The Kings’ Play, appropriate only for students in grade 6 and up, tells the story of the journey of the wise men.
Some classes and families join in the Garden of Light, a spiral pathway of pine boughs leading to a candle in the center. Chanukah is also a festival of light and many classes observe the festival with story, song, and the lighting of the menorah. Some students may hear the story of Bishop Nicholas and may receive a visit. Second Graders bring a gift of song, candle light and sweet bread to the school on Santa Lucia’s day.
The Spring Festival Season reflects nature’s breathing out, the growth of new plant life and the lengthening of the daylight hours. This season finds us celebrating our community with Grandparents and Special Friends Day as well as Music and Eurythmy Festivals. There may also be a school wide celebration of Earth Day. Younger students practice the Maypole dances and perform them for the community at the May Fair.
As the school year draws to a close, the entire school joins with parents and friends in the auditorium for the Closing Day Assembly. Here we reflect on the events of the year and then, in an echo of Opening Day, the graduating seniors take the stage where the 1st Graders present each one with a goodbye rose.
The 12th Grade Graduation represents the completion of the full Waldorf curriculum. Graduating seniors take with them the capacities of thinking, feeling and willing that have been cultivated over twelve years by a rich, comprehensive Waldorf curriculum and the many individuals who cared for them. The evening ceremony honors the individual work and gifts of each student and offers congratulations and inspiration for the future. Graduation gives the community an opportunity to acknowledge and say goodbye to the senior class.
The 8th Grade Celebration honors the completion of 8th Grade and marks the transition from Grade School to High School. The afternoon ceremony celebrates the work of the students and recognizes the contributions and guidance of the class and special subject teachers and the 8th Grade parents.
Birthdays
In the Early Childhood classrooms birthdays are very special days. The birthday child wears a crown and a cloak. There is a story and a song. Parents are invited to attend and bring a special snack. The birthday observance continues, with slightly less ceremony, into the early grades and, even as it diminishes somewhat, parents are still encouraged to be part of the celebration. The ways in which birthdays are celebrated in each class is at the discretion of the teacher.
Performances, Plays & Assemblies
These are many opportunities for parents to experience the students work. During the course of the school year there may assemblies during the school day. All parents are invited to these assemblies which are announced in the Bulletin. There are also a number of weekend events such as music and Eurythmy assemblies and class plays.
Traditionally, 8th, 10th and 12th Grade plays are planned with the entire community in mind. These plays are well-attended, wonderful family activities which give parents and the wider community a chance to enjoy the achievements of the older students.