Michaelmas Here!

            Even in southern California amid record temperatures, there is a slight change in the air- a cool breeze in the evening, the slight turn of the leaves into auburn and gold, and new produce on the end caps of the grocery stores.

            In a Waldorf community, this change is marked by the Michaelmas Festival. For the children in early childhood and grades, this festival is characterized by the story of Michael and the dragon, an image of courage in the face of impossible ferocity. For the high schoolers and adults, this image is transformed inwardly, as we confront our own inner demons and summon our inner "iron sword" of courage.

            This festival also coincides with the autumnal equinox, the passing of summer into autumn. Equinox comes from the latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), marking the time of year when the balance of night and day is equal. The autumnal equinox marks the transition from long summer days to long winter nights. It is the time when nature turns inward for rest, and human beings turn inward for strength and seek a community of support.

            This Friday the school will celebrate the Michaelmas Festival by celebrating the community which lives among the children and teachers. In order to keep the festival intimate and curriculum-based, the day is exclusively for students and their teachers. However, this year, we would like to share this experience with you at the Back to School Night on October 3 at 7pm. On this evening, you will enjoy pictures from the Michaelmas Festival and hear the highlights from the day. We are hoping you can all make this important event.

            As the days grow shorter and darkness begins to grow, may we all find the fortitude, strengthened by our community, to let our inner light shine. Our lives are the examples from which our children form their determination to persevere through the darkness and have the courage to transform the world.

Happy Michaelmas!

Robin Theiss

On Behalf of the College of Teachers

Life is "Swell" in the High School!

How many times, have we parents exclaimed "I wish I went to school here!"  We have another reason. . . the high school has a new surf team!  The students are leaping out of their beds early in the a.m.,  before school starts to practice their new skills.

   

• Staples gift cards are overloaded-for $25, it is worth $26.25 at the store & for $100, it is worth $105.
• Edwards theater tickets ONLY cost $8.00 each & some movies are $12-$13!
• AMC theater tickets ONLY cost $7.00 each~save money here too!
• See's Candies: for one pound-$15.00 at The Scrip Store-worth $16.90 at the store!

The fineprint -- each receipt is calculated in $20 increments.  A receipt of $19 yields nothing.  A receipt of $99 dollars yields $4.