Newsletter for our families and friends 
December 3, 2015


Winter Festival
 
Saturday, December 5th, 1 - 5:30 pm - Rain or Shine
 
As winter approaches, we experience a special mood of anticipation and quiet contemplation, which brings us into a deeper relationship with the world around us. Gathering as a community brings us joy and comfort regardless of the weather. To be on the safe side, we have chosen the upper grades and assembly hall area to host this year's festival; covered walkways and added tents will help keep us dry in case of rain - but please make sure to dress appropriately for the weather as some of the seating for dining will be outside under the tent. All the cherished traditional crafts and activities will be there, food to please every palate, lovely music, and good cheer!
 
Tickets 
It is strongly suggested that you pre-purchase your tickets to avoid lines at the event itself. Booths accept only tickets, no cash. Tickets are $1.00 each and will be on sale at drop-off and pick up.  Admission is free. 
 
Sign up for Twinkle Star CaféWinter Festival
This very special - children only -- cafe is presented by Grade 4. The students provide a fine dining experience to children in Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade.  Musical ambiance is provided by the 5th and 6th grade strings. 
 
Worth Mentioning Twice
As is tradition, the festival will end quietly at sunset as the 7th grade walks the advent spiral. The advent spiral of evergreens is a symbol of life, a picture of receiving and kindling our inner light to dispel the darkness around us. Please join in and celebrate this beautiful event together as a school community. This is a reverent moment, and requires each individual to encourage calm and quiet after such a festive day. Please refrain from conversation and the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, and collect all students and children around the spiral for this lovely closure to our evening.  As soon as the spiral is over, the 7th grade students will lead everyone to the exits to say goodnight.  Please leave quietly, carrying the mood of the day along with you.  

Although cleanup efforts will begin after the spiral, no children should remain on campus. We ask that you arrange care for little ones so that they do not lose the magic of the day.
 
Greens
It is not too late to contribute to the magnificent decorations we are accustomed to enjoying at the Winter Festival! Please help round out the picture by bringing evergreen clippings to grace our Advent Spiral and decorate the campus. Greens are being collected next to the instrument storage by the 7th grade classroom.

CAROLERS NEEDED

Winter Festival Carolers needed:
Please join Miss Tiesha and the festival singers for caroling during the Winter Festival. We will be singing all of your holiday favorites. Great singing voice not needed just a love for the community and joy when singing holiday carols. We will also end the evening with the last song during the spiral. If you can join us please wear a white top and black bottoms. We will have music books for 8 people but the more the merrier!  Meet by the CofA @ 11a.m. Saturday Dec. 5th. Hope to see you there!


COMPANY OF ANGELS

SPECIAL EVENT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4th - 9:00am - 4:00pm
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5th - 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Santa Fe Jewelry Artist - 
Wanda Lobito &
The Founder of The Company of Angels with
   Reinvented Antique Jewelry - 
Carrole Watts



Added guest...Little Nepal Christmas Store - benefiting Project for a Village and brought to us by Alumni parent, Cindy Johnson, The Nepal Christmas store will be selling incredibly beautiful tablecloths, runners, and aprons from India.  You may remember Cindy's merchandise from past May Faire's. The SCRIP STORE will be selling during the WINTER FESTIVAL - Make it a point to continue with your holiday shopping at this one stop shopping center...THE COMPANY OF ANGELS.

Date to Remember:
Holiday shopping in store
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13th - 11:30am - 3:30pm

Happy Holidays to One and All!

STUDENT PHOTOS

This Saturday is the last day to order student photos!


2. Enter password: Waldorf (case sensitive)

3. Click on gallery you want

4. Click on student photo

5. Click green buy button 

6. Choose either "This Photo" for A-La_Cart , Specialty, and Download option items or "Buy This Photo Package" for package options.

7.  Some print sizes/items will require you to set cropping. This will be done at either item selection or shopping cart. The site will let you know when that can be done. 

HOLIDAY GIVING

In the spirit of holiday giving our community looks for various ways to help others. Our high school has in the past worked with Share Our Selves here in Costa Mesa. During the holiday season they offer an Adopt-A-Family program, click here for more information shareourselves.org/2015-adopt-a-family-program/
 
If you are looking for a different type of organization or way to offer support this holiday season check out The Orange County Community Foundation. Our partner in our Legacy program, has a comprehensive database of organizations throughout Orange County that you can search to find a charity meaningful to you and your family. You can find the database here http://connectoc.org/
Upcoming Events and
Class Parent Meetings

HS Japanese Club
Wednesdays
3:10 - 4:30 pm
Grade 6 Classroom

HS Boy's Basketball Practice
Monday 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Friday 1:15 - 3:15 pm

HS Girl's Basketball Practice
Friday 1:15 - 3:15 pm
_____________________

Friday, December 4 & Saturday, December 5
Company of Angels Special Event -  
Wanda Lobita & Carrole Watts
Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 

Saturday, December 5
Winter Festival
1:00 - 5:30 pm 

Wednesday, December 9
Early Childhood Information Evening
Kindergarten
7:00 pm 

Wednesday, December 9
Ms. Catherine Parent Evening
7:00 pm

Thursday, December 10
HS Boy's Basketball 
Pre-season Game
3:00 pm 

College of Teachers
Catherine Averett
Christiane Bohr
Eden Boric
Jenell Carlson
Brad Holm
Andrea Hubert 
Masami Inoue
Lisa Masterson
Angie Meier
Robin Thiess
Brooke Trudeau
Deb Waring (Chair)
Board of Trustees
David Burnett (Chair)
Chris DeRosa
Joe DeMichele
Leslie Morrison
Colin Severn
Olivia Slutzky
David Tabone
Abril Turner
Deb Waring (College Rep)
Wende Zomnir

Administrative Rotation:
Carolyn Gregg 
Gina Illes
Kim Sava
Linda Timmons
Parent Association Leadership Chairs
Rachel Hulan
Olivia Slutzky
Jamie Stahl
Lorri Whitney
ANNUAL GIVING

We are nearly halfway through the Annual Giving Fund Drive. Thank you to all who have participated and generously given to the campaign.
 
Please consider making your gift before the holiday break. Gifts or pledges can be made online at waldorfschool.com/annual-giving or pick up an envelope in the front office.
 
Congratulations to these classes for taking the lead:
Ms. Catherine (Pre-K)
Ms. Terri (Kindergarten)
Grade 5
Grade 7
Grade 4

HIGH SCHOOL

HS Boy's Basketball Team Schedule
First Pre-season Game 
Thursday, December 10 at 3:00 pm

HS Girl's Basketball Team Schedule
First Pre-season Game 
Tuesday, December 15 at 3:00 pm
Apollo Park, Downey

A Christmas Wish
Our growing high school is in need of a bigger refrigerator for the student canteen.  If you are planning to get a new one we'd be happy to take your old one!  It cannot be wider than 32 inches but there are no height restrictions.
Thank you!

SLOW DOWN

The holiday frenzy seems to be upon us.  A near miss in our  parking lot was a reminder that we need to ALL SLOW DOWN.  Never let your children out of your car until you are safely parked or at the curb.  Children jumping out of cars and running through the lot is a recipe for disaster.   It's hard when there is so much on everyone's mind but let's all just take a communal breath and slow down to enjoy the spirit of the season and so we can all share safe and happy holidays!!

AWSNA NEWSLETTER

Attached is December's 
Inform - AWSNA's community newsletter. Highlighted in this issue:
  • The recent International Forum meeting, hosted by AWSNA at WSOC
  • Focus on the Leadership Council - what it is, what it does
The newsletter shares information about the Association's activities, events, news, and inspiring stories pertaining to Waldorf Education. 
 
Here is the direct link to the Inform newsletter on the AWSNA website: 
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/03_NewsEvents/documents/InformDecember2015.pdf
 
AFTERCARE



Big Aftercare News:

Baba the Storyteller
December 17th
3:30 - 4:30 pm

He will be here from 3:30 until 4:30 pm, so please consider that for pick up. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to join. 
Waldorf School of Orange County
http://www.waldorfschool.com
2350 Canyon Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Awsna Logo New 2013
WASC Logo
A member of the independent Waldorf® schools of North America.
Fully accredited by the Schools Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges
For more information about Waldorf® education, visit Why Waldorf Works