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SEATTLE WALDORF SCHOOL NEWS
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Many photos from Michaelmas and Harvest Festival activities will soon be available for you on the SWS photo-sharing site, SmugMug. The site is protected with a password, and we can send it to you if you include your child's name and grade in your request. Learn more about SmugMug here.
Grade 4 students prepare applesauce. Photo thanks to Tricia Enfield.Next issue: October 23
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Courage And Compassion
On Wednesday morning in our weekly community circle at the high school, faculty member Carl Busse shared a compelling image of Michaelmas with students and colleagues. He shared the story of a deeply spiritual friend who was drawn to work in Northern Ireland, which was fraught with conflict between the Catholic and Protestant communities. Carl likened his role of bringing together people who harbor such hatred of one another to that of Michael, carrying his sword with the dual edges of compassion and courage. This friend's response was to shine his sword so brightly that he could reflect back to each group the other's humanity, helping them realize that the dragon was not living in the man or woman, but in the emotion of hatred itself. This is what was destroying their community and country.
Sadly, this image of hatred was brought horrifically to life yesterday, with the tragic shootings on a college campus in Roseburg, Oregon. This was the fourth shooting on a college campus since August. On average, there is a school shooting every week somewhere in this country. When will it end?
My first thought when I heard the news was of my own daughter - a senior, who will head to college next fall - and whether this made her afraid to go out into a world where hate is so prevalent and people are randomly injured and killed. I cannot give her the assurance that she will be safe and everything will OK. This breaks my heart.
During this time of Michaelmas, where we turn inward and reflect on the darkness within our own souls, we are also called to consider the dragons challenging our larger world. Earlier in the week I planned to write this article on the threat technology poses to our human connections - that quickly paled in light of yesterday's senseless tragedy and the continued shameful pattern of violence. We are in danger of becoming numb to these gut-wrenching occurrences - we cannot allow that to happen. As Carl so eloquently shared on Wednesday, the dragon we face is not the person. It is the hatred people carry in their hearts. This is what we must have the courage and the compassion to overcome.
I allow the radiant figure to shine into my heart and soul and mind
And so gain the strength to vanquish the dragon.
Powerful, wise spirit of the will,
Weaving in the far reaches of the spirit over all,
Working through spiritual beings ---
Surely you are working too
In the depth's of my soul's being
So, in loving working, bind fast
My inner life to your illumined strength
In finding you, I find myself.
~Rudolf Steiner
I look forward to seeing many of you this evening for our celebration of Michaelmas!
Warmly,
Tracy
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The Board held its annual retreat on Wednesday, at which members reviewed a draft of the 2015 Strategic Plan. They also learned more about the NWAIS/ASWNA accreditation process, including a presentation by Chaya Keefe, Director of Accreditation for NWAIS (and former SWS trustee and alumni parent). The Board finalized its goals for the year, which include deepening members' understanding of Waldorf education and their connection to the school.
Throughout the year we'd like to introduce trustees to the SWS community; we'll begin this week with Cathy Simon who joined the SWS Board of Trustees in 2013. The parent of three children at SWS (in grades 12, 10 and 4), Cathy chairs the Advancement Committee and also serves as the Board Secretary. Cathy is a very social person and she treasures the SWS community and the many opportunities it offers to adults and children. In her free time she loves to play with her dogs and cook for family and friends. (The photo shows Cathy helping grade 3 students make soup for Michaelmas this Thursday.)
"I really appreciate the SWS faculty and staff! SWS is the right place for my kids." In the coming months we look to keep the community apprised of the Board's work as well as provide information on strategic issues and initiatives. If you have questions or would like more information on how to get involved, please send us an email at board@seattlewaldorf.org. 2015-16 Board of Trustees:
Brigitte Bertschi, Cindy Davis, Curt Eckman, Eva Elliott, Ted Enderlein, Missi Goss, Scott Graham, Mimi Hetzel, Neil McCarthy, Mark Perry, Steve Roos, Cathy Simon, Norm Smith, Sharlyn Turner, Mike Silva, Fred Ingham; Ex officio members: Tracy Bennett, Nettie Fabrie
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Do You Know. . .
The journey of SWS began in the imagination of three people, led us to quite a few temporary homes, and was made possible through the labors of love by many. Over the course of this school year, our 35th, we will be sharing with you some images, stories, and trivia questions to bring this journey alive for you. . . .Who Was The First Teacher?
The answer will be published in the next issue of the Connection. The photo shows the first grade 1 class in 1980.
Answer to the last SWS history trivia question: The first class convened in a space owned by Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church.
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Printed Directories Coming Your Way
The printed directories will be sent home via kid mail early next week. Thank you for your patience! Should you need to update your family's contact information, please contact Meg Petty.
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Join Our Sock Drive!
Socks are the most needed, but the least donated item of clothing - they can make a big difference on a cold night. YouthCare, a local nonprofit serving children as young as 12 up to young adults aged 24 who are experiencing homelessness, needs over one hundred thousand pairs of socks each winter. One hundred thousand pairs. That is a lot of cold, young toes covered. Autumn has arrived in all its glory, bringing back cool nights, and between 700 and 1,000 young people have no safe place to sleep each night in Seattle. Starting Monday, you can donate socks at all three campuses - with limited resources and an alarming rise in demand, the smallest contribution makes a difference. Kelly Finn, grade 4 parent
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Stop Googling. Let's Talk.
I read this interesting article on Sunday and think it is worth sharing. When I walked into the high school commons at lunch on Monday, and then outside, I was struck that I did not see a single phone in use. Kids were sitting around tables in conversation, playing Frisbee, strumming guitars - engaged with one another. Read the New York Times article online here. Tracy Bennett
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High School Service Day
Today our high school community celebrated Michaelmas with our first Service Day of the year, with students and faculty contributing their time and energy to an array of groups both within the park and beyond. Students worked within their advisor groups to support these worthy causes:
Look for photos of today's activities on the SWS photo sharing site, SmugMug here. (Some images are available for viewing now, more will be posted within the next few days.)
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Traffic Request
We kindly ask that you take extra care to drive slowly on NE 100th Street, and especially as you enter and exit (right turn only) our campus. Our parking lot as well as 100th Street can become quite congested during both drop-off and pick-up. Thank you for your help in ensuring the safety of our students and of the neighbors who share their street with us.
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Aftercare Rate Change
Please note that for the 2015-16 school year, the hourly rate for Aftercare (for early childhood through grade 5 students) will be $10 per hour. The new rate will be reflected on September invoices.
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Break Care - Sign Up By Monday For 10/9
Break Care is available at the grade school campus for children age 5 to grade 5. Registration is required: please register and submit payment online to secure your child's spot. Half-day and full-day options are available; please refer to this information sheet for details. Registration is due by Monday, October 5. Register online here.
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Grade School Ultimate Frisbee: The Year At a Glance
Our grade school Ultimate Frisbee program is up and running already, and this year promises to be filled with many exciting opportunities for students in grades 5 through 8 to get involved. We have put together a listing of the many offerings throughout the year, with important dates, locations, and other details, in order to help you plan our your year. This document is in a folder that will hold other Ultimate related items as well. Find the folder here. Please feel free to contact us with any questions by emailing UltimateCoachesGS@seattlewaldorf.org. New players are always welcome, so feel free to get in touch if your child is interested or just show up to one of our Sunday open-play sessions. We are looking forward to seeing those discs fly! The Grade School Ultimate Coaches
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Grade 3 - Sukkah
Grade 3 students had a wonderful time last week building a sukkah for the Jewish festival of Sukkoth. They enjoyed decorating the structure with colorful cloths and eating their snack in this cozy space. Many thanks to master architects and builders, Dorine Harris and Mark Bryant, both grade 3 parents. Dorine led the students through an understanding of the basics of creating buildings that are structurally sound in a way that was both elegant and age appropriate.
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Kinderhaus Harvest Festival
Making butter, apple cider, soup and chestnut garlands kept all hands busy and happy today. Find more photos on SmugMug here soon, thanks to Joana Silva.
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This section provided as a free service to the SWS community.
What Are Our Community Members Up To?
Vienna Scheyer, grade 8 of 2014, plays the bagpipes with the NW Junior Pipe Band. The band competed at the 'Worlds' Pipe Band Championships in Scotland in August where they earned an impressive 6th place ranking and were awarded the 'Balmoral Shield.' You can see and hear them perform here. Vienna will be an intern at the Tacoma Museum of Glass this weekend, October 2-4,during the 12th annual ' Bird Lovers Weekend'. Vienna's passion for glass blowing began 10 years ago after her parents had won a membership to the museum at the SWS auction!
Lectures, Workshops, Concerts, Festivals, Classes Etc.
Family Dance
Sunday, October 4, 1 to 3 pm, Phinney Neighborhood Center, lower brick buildingCome out and join the fun dancing with your kids! Always live music, all dances are taught, no experience necessary. A great family activity! PNA/SFS members $5 per person, $15 per family; all others $7 per person, $20 per family; babes in arms free. This month live music by Betsy Alexander and her fiddle students; dances led by Sherry Nevins. Questions: seattledance.org/family or amy@calleramy.com. Save the date for the next dance: Sunday, November 1, 1 to 3 pm at the Phinney Neighborhood Center .
Mashenka And The Bear Sunday, October 11, 11 am and 1 pm, Three Cedars Waldorf School, BellevueEnjoy a marionette performance of this lovely story presented by Willow Branch Puppet Theater. Advance Visa/MC reservations: $7 child/senior, $8 general admission. Call 206-985-2059. At the door: $8 child/senior, $9 general admission. See the flyer here.
Eurythmy Spring Valley Evening Performance Thursday, October 22, 7 pm, The Bright Water Waldorf School, Skinner Hall (1501 10th Ave E)Eurythmy Spring Valley ensemble from New York will give an evening performance in Seattle as part of their West Coast tour this autumn. Their performance, The Tide is Turning, based upon a speech by Chief Seattle calling us all to care for our precious earth, explores this theme through poetry, music and eurythmy. Tickets are available at at Brown Paper Tickers here ($20 for general admission; $15 seniors; students free with adult). Presented by the Seattle Branch of the Anthroposophical Society in America. For more info contact Catherine Padley: 206-465-4616 or catherine@eurythmist.com. View the poster here.
Annual Licton Springs Halloween Festival
October 31, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Licton Springs Park (bordered by N 95th St & N 97th St and Densmore Ave N & Ashworth Ave N)Spearheaded for years by Betsy Weill, SWS faculty member and parent, this wonderful family event will be carried on by Jean Wu, grade 3 and grade 1 parent, and Melanie Davies, SWS alumni parent and Licton Springs resident. They are calling all families of little ones who would like to trick-or-treat along the paths of the park, and meet the 'Friends of the Forest' who have sweet treats to share. Meet at the playground for music and warm organic cider. Trick-or-treat until 6 pm with music and cider until 6:30 pm. Looking to recruit Friends of the Forest for Licton Springs Halloween: Do you or anyone you know like to dress up and give out treats? (The treats are provided.) Are your kids older and you miss seeing the young ones dressed up? Groups are welcome. You must be at least 12 years old to be a Friend; parents with children welcome. Please contact Jean at 206-799-2834 or Melanie at 206-227-9155 if you can volunteer. The time commitment is from 4:15 to 6 pm. The cider and music has been extended to 6:30 pm so that volunteers can join families for the festivities near the playground for the last half hour. (This is optional of course!)
The Farm Wife Mystery SchoolSecond Sunday of the month, October - June, 10 am - 4 pm, Snoqualmie + CarnationPut yourself on the path to independent, conscious living by reclaiming the lost skills and healing arts of the traditional farm wife. In the old days, the farm wife knew how to grow, preserve, cook, nourish and heal her family. She could take a small leaf from the garden and turn it into a healing salve, or preserve it for a winter's meal. Wouldn't it be great if there was one fun series of classes that could teach you all this and more? There is: The Farm Wife Mystery School, and it's currently taking registrations. There are only a few spots left, so if you are interested, don't delay. Find specifics here. For Teens: An Invitation To Journaling
Mondays, October 19 - November 23, 4:15 - 5:40 pm, North SeattleThe practice of keeping a diary offers a way to navigate the changes and challenges of growing up by providing refuge and developing perspective. This weekly class will introduce numerous modes of writing for oneself: to chronicle outer events, to observe nature, to express emotions, to ponder and reflect - and much more. Course Fee: $125 - $200 (Sliding Scale) Mary Oak is the mother of four former SWS students, taught Language Arts at Hazel Wolf High School for five years, and has been on the core faculty of Sound Circle Center since 1998. Mary Is offering classes for adults as well: Writing From the Book of Nature, Essays, Deep Story Immersion and more. Please see her website for more information.
Classifieds
Piano Wanted
Housing Needed For AWSNA Conference Participants
Offering home stays to visitors is a long-standing tradition as SWS. Local residents rent their guest spaces to short-term visitors who come to attend courses, workshops and events at SWS. If you have space you would be willing to offer a participant of the February AWSNA conference, please email Nettie Fabrie, nfabrie@seattlewaldorf.org. Dates needed are February 13-16.
Private Piano Lessons
Molly Knight offers high-caliber, fun, and comprehensive classical piano lessons from beginner to advanced. She has 30 years of teaching experience, has taught countless Waldorf students, integrating an age appropriate curriculum. For FREE interview:
206-234-7958 Free Dental Services For ChildrenVisit the University of Washington Center for Pediatric Dentistry in Magnuson Park on October 8. Throughout the day, children from 1-18 are invited to receive a full exam, teeth cleaning, x-rays, fluoride and/or sealants at no cost to the family. Appointments are required - there are only a limited number available - and can be made by calling 206-543-5800. Learn more here.
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Sound Circle Center (SCC) is an independent, not-for-profit adult learning community. SCC offers inspiring Waldorf teacher training and professional development programs during the school year and over the summer. Workshop topics include Waldorf education, leadership and parenting. The teachings of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf Education, are at the heart of the SCC mission, and SCC is dedicated to the support of Waldorf Education in the Pacific Northwest and all of North America.
Parenting Classes Start October 10 One Saturday/month, October-May, 8:45 am-3:30 pm, Seattle Waldorf School grade school campus, 2728 NE 100th St. "Parenting is a vocation, from which we sometimes need a vacation." Parents, we hope that you will join us for a monthly day of renewal to learn more about the tools of your trade. Two series will be offered again this autumn: Family Foundations (covering topics related to newborns to six-year-olds), and Soulful Parenting (seven- to fourteen-year-olds). Whether you are taking a deep brush to your housecleaning, or a deep breath with your preteen, you will find a joyful and deeply spiritual perspective of the life you share with your children. There is no need to exhaust yourself parenting when you can learn to renew your energies. Both of these courses nourish resources that provide you with rhythm and parenting wisdom. For curriculum and registration information, please visit our website.
Taste Of Anthroposophy
Saturday Mornings, 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Seattle Waldorf School grade school campus, Huckleberry Hall, 2728, NE 100th St.
Would you like to understand more about the philosophy that informs Waldorf education, Anthroposophy? Starting in September, sessions in the new Foundation Studies program (formerly called "Foundation Year") are open to all. Each block, presented by selected faculty, will be held over two-to-three consecutive Saturday mornings, and will focus on essential aspects of Anthroposophy. You can mix and match, according to your availability and interest - a taste at a time. To see the different topics offered and to register, please visit our website.
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MISSION: Daily we strive to inspire learning, courage, and joy in the developing human being.
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