Recent Gr. 9 Work: Chemistry Main Lesson Books

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Glimpse into the Classroom

 Outstanding work for the Gr. 9’s Chemistry main lesson books

In our high school, every day begins with a two-hour lesson in a core subject such as science, math or humanities. Each main lesson block lasts 3-4 weeks, taught by teachers specializing in the subject. These lessons have an artistic or movement component that enhances the learning experience.

Grade 9 students recently completed an organic chemistry main lesson block. These are just a few pages of one student’s 30+ page main lesson book. Creating one’s own book anchors knowledge more solidly than simply reading a textbook and the enthusiastic pride students take in creating their books demonstrates a true joy in learning.

View some of the recent work by two of the Grade 9 students:

Sample Book 1                                                                                    Sample Book 2

Community Corner – December 19

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WWS Spotlight

A way to meet our school community

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Leo and Sabrina Chaves – WWS Parents to Gustavo (Gr 8) & Luiza (Gr 3)

You made the big move from Brazil to Whistler a few years ago now. Is Whistler now your permanent home? 

Yes, as a family we’ve chosen Whistler to settle new roots and we are very happy. We found elements here that we consider important like safety for the kids, good education, and diverse culture. The lifestyle you can build here is an amazing mix of working hard and at the same time fully enjoying life. The outdoor life with the exuberant nature is becoming something rare especially being so close to a big center. What our family experiences here is incredible.

Has life in Canada and enrolment in our school brought any surprises? 

Yes when we decided to enroll our kids at WWS the only thing we knew about the method and the school was the online research we did. We liked what we read, but didn’t know how well our kids would adapt. Very quickly we noticed they were thriving in all aspects of their lives. In less than a year, all the family were totally adapted and already felt embraced by the community. We can say that the school was a key element to facilitate such a good transition. We had our own challenges in the first year but considering the big picture it couldn’t be better. Today our kids are almost more Canadians than Brazilians and I say that in a good way. We love our country, we miss our family, but Whistler became home and the WWS is our kids’ main reference offering the tools they need to grow.

I know you have been donating lots of time and energy behind the scenes to the school & Whistler Summit Centre. December is often a time associated with giving –  in recognition of that, what prompts you to give your time so generously?

When we decided to move to Whistler, as a family we worked to have a clear view of our values. Time is one of the most valuable commodities today but I believe this is about choices and priorities. Over the last two years an unique opportunity was presented to create something incredible for our School and our community. I started searching to better understand the school’s needs and acting the best way I can to support those short term needs. But I think it’s important to look and work on the long term as well, so not only my kids but all newcomers can access Waldorf education. Whistler Summit Centre will not not only allow that to happen but will also create a ripple effect to develop and support the local community.

Thank you Leo! We’re happy you have made Whistler and WWS home for your family.

 

Bulletin Board Listings

Posts from the community and school

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What’s Happening at the YC in December:

December Youth Centre Calendar: So many events going on… the annual ‘gender bread’ decorating event, the YC’s Turkey Dinner and more. Come on out to the YC in December!.

TOMORROW – Friday December 20th at  7 PM – Amazing dinner sponsored by ALL our fantastic grocers in Whistler (Nesters, Creekside Market, The Grocery Store, Independent Grocers, Fresh St. Market) and deliciously prepared by The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Chefs!

Loads of other HOLIDAY activities… just check out the December Calendar included above.

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Student Visitors Requesting Temporary Accommodation:

There have been 2 visitor requests for short-term (1-3 weeks) accommodation in Whistler for this upcoming ski season. Details of both students are below with contact info. included. A bed or possible couch could do the trick so they can visit and enjoy our wonderful Whistler community for even a small amount of time or to get settled for longer. Thanks for your generosity!

Callum Mather – I’m 16 years old, from Australia and have been travelling around the U.S. for the past three months exploring, hiking and rock climbing. For our second part of the trip we came to explore beautiful British Columbia and hopefully to go snowboarding. I got a Whistler ski pass for my birthday and am hoping to use it for the start of the snow season.

Jonathan Marten – I’m 16 years old, coming from Switzerland where I visit a Waldorf school near to Zurich. At the moment I am on an international stay on Maui, there also visiting a Waldorf school, as my plans coming to Whistler did not work in summer. I am an uncomplicated, happy and sportiv guy and a fascinated Snowboarder.

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House swap available in France:

Looking for a 3 bedroom plus home in Whistler over the Christmas break 2020 to swap with a Provençal farmhouse in rural area of France, 20 mins from Avignon. (Swap can be non-simultaneous).

Our home is a typical Provençal three storey 1860’s converted farmhouse with sitting room with large open fireplace, dining room, modern kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 modern bathrooms. Each room has heat pump heating/air conditioning units and all windows are double glazed. The house has its back to a local road to the north and overlooks a large 6000m2 garden to the south. The garden is mainly grass and trees with a secluded pool and a small vineyard.

Get in touch with Anna Earl for details or call 604-967-3648.

Community Corner – Dec. 12

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WWS Spotlight

Oak Smith – Gr. 8 student
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How long have you been a student at WWS?  – Since Grade 2
And what do you like most about our school?
I like that is it art and nature based. I don’t think students in other schools get to use art to learn in the same way we do. I also think that there is a different focus on character.
Tell me what you mean by that.
Well, I think people are able to express themselves and be who they really are. I also like the small size – it is easy to make friends with everyone.
I heard that you shared a poem you wrote at assembly this week
Yes, I’m in a Biology main lesson with Mr. Hazel. We were asked to write a poem answering the question “What is Life?”.  I thought of all of the positive aspects – it’s happy, it’s fun, but I quickly decided that I also wanted to make it realistic and capture more what life really is. I thought, for example, of women and how they might feel insecure about looks at times. I tried to capture all of that.
And you read it to the entire High School? That’s brave!
Actually, I’m trying to do one thing per day that scares me. So, I was nervous, but I did it!

Oak has bravely agreed to share his poem ‘What is Life?’ here. Thank you, Oak!

What is Life
Life is a game
That we all play
It is not a picture frame
That you get to throw away
It is a feeling of grace
Love or sadness
It can be a healing space
Or it can be madness
The choice that we make
Is something we choose
It is not a mistake
To walk in your own shoes
Life can be a symbol
Or love and giving
It seems so simple
But are we alive or are we living
Are we counting the days
Or making the days count
Do we need what they say
Or do we have the perfect amount
Are we crying our tears
Without any strife
Are we counting the years
asking what is life
Are we climbing a mountain
That has no top
Are we drinking from God’s fountain
Thinking when life will stop
Are we feeling unsuitable
Are we just not fantastic
And when we are not feeling beautiful
Do we just turn to plastic
Are we full of anxiety
That will never leave
 Is it because of society
That we give up on what we believe
Do we trap ourselves
In boxes and labels
Are we trapped in hell
Are we mentally stable
Are we comparing our vanity
On our wealth and worth
And do we still have humanity
When we are killing the earth
And when we are all done the hours
When we all pass away
When we are done with our power
Will we die or will we stay
By Oak Smith.

Bulletin Board Listings:

Need more holiday magic? Come for a ‘reindeer’ ride in Pemberton. 

On Sunday Dec 15th – 11am-3pm, come to Mountain Horse’s Christmas event in Pemberton for a reindeer ride (on our well costumed horses), wreath making, family photos, snuggles with the animals, and shop gift cards, memberships and other treasures for your loved ones. Details can be found on our website.

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December Youth Centre Calendar: So many events going on… the annual ‘gender bread’ decorating event, the YC’s Turkey Dinner and more. Come on out to the YC in December!.

TONIGHT  – Thursday December 12th  – 5:30 – 7 PM – Annual Holiday Gender Bread Decoration event (Alphabet Soup Event @ WCSS)   

Friday December 20th –  7 PM – Amazing dinner sponsored by ALL our fantastic grocers in Whistler (Nesters, Creekside Market, The Grocery Store, Independent Grocers, Fresh St. Market) and deliciously prepared by The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Chefs!

Loads of other HOLIDAY activities… just check out the December Calendar included.

 

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Student Visitors Requesting Temporary Accommodation: There have been 2 visitor requests for short-term (1-3 weeks) accommodation in Whistler for this upcoming ski season. Details of both students are below with contact info. included. A bed or possible couch could do the trick so they can visit and enjoy our wonderful Whistler community for even a small amount of time or to get settled for longer. Thanks for your generosity!

Callum Mather – I’m 16 years old, from Australia and have been travelling around the U.S. for the past three months exploring, hiking and rock climbing. For our second part of the trip we came to explore beautiful British Columbia and hopefully to go snowboarding. I got a Whistler ski pass for my birthday and am hoping to use it for the start of the snow season.

Jonathan Marten – I’m 16 years old, coming from Switzerland where I visit a Waldorf school near to Zurich. At the moment I am on an international stay on Maui, there also visiting a Waldorf school, as my plans coming to Whistler did not work in summer. I am an uncomplicated, happy and sportiv guy and a fascinated Snowboarder.

_______________________________________________

House swap available in France: Looking for a 3 bedroom plus home in Whistler over the Christmas break 2020 to swap with a Provençal farmhouse in rural area of France, 20 mins from Avignon. (Swap can be non-simultaneous).

Our home is a typical Provençal three storey 1860’s converted farmhouse with sitting room with large open fireplace, dining room, modern kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 modern bathrooms. Each room has heat pump heating/air conditioning units and all windows are double glazed. The house has its back to a local road to the north and overlooks a large 6000m2 garden to the south. The garden is mainly grass and trees with a secluded pool and a small vineyard.

Get in touch with Anna Earl for details or call 604-967-3648.

Mindfulness and Reflection in Waldorf Education

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“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

Aristotle, Greek Philosopher & Polymath

Mindfulness and Reflection in Waldorf Education

The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) mandates that each school that carries the Waldorf name engage in a regular process of self-reflection, in relation to the principles that guides Waldorf Education.

This year the Faculty, Board, and PAC are to study three of the seven principles and ask the questions, “How is this principle reflected in our school?”,  “Where do we innovate?”, “Where do we shine?” and “Where do we face challenges?”

In the last few weeks, the faculty have begun reflecting on Principle 5: The conscious development of human relationships fosters individual and community health. 

Below are some reflections from our teachers. I’m touched by their honesty and their commitment to continue to develop themselves and our school:

  • Fostering relationships within the school community, parents, students and colleagues, is vital to the health of the school. It takes time to create these trusting relationships.
  • Recognition that vulnerability lives within interdependence.
  • There are three aspects of relationships: maintaining healthy relationships, deepening relationships, fostering new/challenging relationships.
  • Seeking to understand; asking more questions of parents to gain insight from their perspectives.
  • Our area for further focus is in building truly collaborative relationships with the parents and broader community.

In both philosophy and practice, the focus of the AWSNA accreditation process is on the development and nurturing of excellence, helping the school assess its strengths and weaknesses, and helping the school confirm the validity of its priorities and planning for growth. I look forward to working with the Board and Parent Action Committee, as we move towards further connection and reflection in the coming year.

Wishing you my best this holiday season.
With gratitude,

Rubeena Sandhu, Head of School

Community Corner – Dec. 5, 2019

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WWS Spotlight

Matt Hazel– WWS Teacher
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Mr. Hazel is new to our HS Math and Science teaching team this year. Please share a bit about your background with us:

I was a full time teacher in the UK for 6 years. In 2014, I made the decision to leave that role and move to Whistler. I became a CSIA level 1 ski instructor as well as a level 1 IDP bike guide for WB. I also founded ‘Hazel Tutoring’. Creating this program has allowed me to take my love of outdoor, practical and project based learning and develop it further.

Why did you decide to join WWS?

I believe the school’s ethos lines up perfectly with my approach to both teaching and learning and am extremely excited to continue to develop my teaching here.

What’s been the highlight for you so far?

I love the creativity of the approach. Bringing content to the classes in a way that I choose and marrying my ideas with the Waldorf approach has been great. It really allows me to meet the students where they are at and provide them with what they need.

Any surprises?

Well, the small size of the school is different than where I was at in the UK. A pleasant surprise has been how accepting and welcoming every one has been.

Thanks Mr. Hazel. Welcome to Whistler Waldorf!

Bulletin Board Listings:

December Youth Centre Calendar: So many events going on… the annual ‘gender bread’ decorating event, the YC’s Turkey Dinner and more. Come on out to the YC in December!.

Thursday December 12th  – 5:30 – 7 PM – Annual Holiday Gender Bread Decoration event (Alphabet Soup Event @ WCSS)   

Friday December 20th –  7 PM – Amazing dinner sponsored by ALL our fantastic grocers in Whistler (Nesters, Creekside Market, The Grocery Store, Independent Grocers, Fresh St. Market) and deliciously prepared by The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Chefs!

Loads of other HOLIDAY activities… just check out the December Calendar included.

 

_____________________________________

Student Visitors Requesting Temporary Accommodation: There have been 2 visitor requests for short-term (1-3 weeks) accommodation in Whistler for this upcoming ski season. Details of both students are below with contact info. included. A bed or possible couch could do the trick so they can visit and enjoy our wonderful Whistler community for even a small amount of time or to get settled for longer. Thanks for your generosity!

Callum Mather – I’m 16 years old, from Australia and have been travelling around the U.S. for the past three months exploring, hiking and rock climbing. For our second part of the trip we came to explore beautiful British Columbia and hopefully to go snowboarding. I got a Whistler ski pass for my birthday and am hoping to use it for the start of the snow season.

Jonathan Marten – I’m 16 years old, coming from Switzerland where I visit a Waldorf school near to Zurich. At the moment I am on an international stay on Maui, there also visiting a Waldorf school, as my plans coming to Whistler did not work in summer. I am an uncomplicated, happy and sportiv guy and a fascinated Snowboarder.

_______________________________________________

House swap available in France: Looking for a 3 bedroom plus home in Whistler over the Christmas break 2020 to swap with a Provençal farmhouse in rural area of France, 20 mins from Avignon. (Swap can be non-simultaneous).

Our home is a typical Provençal three storey 1860’s converted farmhouse with sitting room with large open fireplace, dining room, modern kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 modern bathrooms. Each room has heat pump heating/air conditioning units and all windows are double glazed. The house has its back to a local road to the north and overlooks a large 6000m2 garden to the south. The garden is mainly grass and trees with a secluded pool and a small vineyard.

Get in touch with Anna Earl for details or call 604-967-3648.

EYC Opens today! Thank you to the community!

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Today the Whistler Waldorf School Early Years Centre in Spring Creek officially opened its doors! This opening marks the end of months of preparations and countless hours of work.  It also marks the beginning of more quality early childhood programming in our community.

We wish to once again gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Community Foundation of Whistler. Many individual donors also supported this important initiative by giving generously at the Whistler Waldorf School fundraising gala held this past June. THANK YOU!

In addition, we’d like to acknowledge the ongoing support of MLA Jordon Sturdy, WCSS Director Jackie Dickinson and Roger Weetman of the RMOW. Their letters of support helped strengthen the Whistler Waldorf School’s provincial grant application allowing us the opportunity to operate the new childcare centre. Gratitude also goes out to the Sea to Sky Community Services Society for their patience and flexibility as the facility lease holder – we are excited to be sharing the building with other local not-for-profit organizations doing great work in our community including Zero Ceiling and Howe Sound Women’s Centre.

Through the generous efforts of all the above, the Whistler Waldorf School Early Years Centre is excited to open its doors and enthusiastically welcomes you to come and take a peek! 

For more information, explore the Early Years Centre and contact Admissions to book a personal tour.

Fall Board Update including Summit Centre details

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Fall update from the WWS board

This fall, David Udow, former Board Chair, has formally stepped down as a board member, having served the 6 year consecutive maximum term. We thank David for his many years of contribution and wisdom in helping guide the school through some important years of growth and change. We wish David well as he looks towards spending more time focusing on growing his business. David will continue to assist WWS and the board from the background.

The WWS board has also added two additional members. PJ O’Heany (father of Savannah, Gr, 9 and Aiden, a WWS graduate) and Tony Horn (father of Lucy, Gr. 8) have officially joined our team.

Tony has also taken over the position as board treasurer. We thank them for stepping up and helping to support our teachers, faculty and students. Lastly, Amanda Imregi has offered to assist myself as Board Chair with minutes and other administrative duties. Thank you, Amanda, for your help.

 

The Board of Trustees is regularly looking for other contributors to either sit on the Board of Trustees or one of the board’s committees including finance, marketing, legal, and governance. If you are interested, please reach out to Geoff Telfer, current Board Chair for Whistler Waldorf.

Whistler Summit Centre Design Charettes
The Whistler Summit Centre Board and staff have been busy over the summer and fall on many behind-the-scenes projects to support our common goal. To recap, the Whistler Summit Centre will be a basecamp for learning, arts and culture, and health and wellness for our community with the Whistler Waldorf School as the long-term anchor tenant.
A critical project that launched in September is a four-part design charette process being led by architect, Tye Farrow. Tye is helping participants in the Founder’s Circle, a group of Whistler Waldorf School leaders (Rubeena Sandhu, Brian Gohlke, Ellen Maclean, and myself) and other Whistler community leaders create a shared vision for the future Whistler Summit Centre campus.
Working with a scale model and blocks of space representing classrooms, gym, art studios, etc, the group is moving the various blocks around to explore the best arrangement of spaces to meet a variety of uses. These sessions have been highly interactive and enjoyable and reflective of the positive energy that emanates from our school and community.
More information about the Whistler Summit Centre can be found on their website.

Community Corner – Nov. 28

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WWS Spotlight

Jaden Richer – WWS Grade 10 student

Grade 10 students are given the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange and Jaden just returned from a few months abroad.
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Where did you go?
I studied at a Waldorf school in a small town near Paris.

What was notably different there?
Definitely the school hours – some days we were in class from 8:30 – 6! The pastries were excellent; the salads were a bit strange. People would eat only lettuce as a salad without other vegetables or additions.

What was the highlight of your time abroad?
I loved seeing all of the tourist attractions in Paris; the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and all the cathedrals were amazing. I also visited Portugal .

And what about challenges?
It was hard committing to communicating in French. Everyone’s English was strong enough that I actually had the option to speak in English.

Were you excited to come back?
For sure. I missed the teachers; I feel like our teachers are a lot better here and I am also excited to have shorter school days again.

Our current Gr. 9 students are now planning their exchanges; what advice would you give them?
Talk to your exchange partner as much as possible before you go. Think of a bucket list of things that you’d like to do while there and importantly, don’t be afraid to share your opinion when asked!

Thanks Jaden. Happy to have you back!

Bulletin Board Listings:

Student Visitors Requesting Temporary Accommodation: There have been 2 visitor requests for short-term (1-3 weeks) accommodation in Whistler for this upcoming ski season. Details of both students are below with contact info. included. A bed or possible couch could do the trick so they can visit and enjoy our wonderful Whistler community for even a small amount of time or to get settled for longer. Thanks for your generosity!

Callum Mather – I’m 16 years old, from Australia and have been travelling around the U.S. for the past three months exploring, hiking and rock climbing. For our second part of the trip we came to explore beautiful British Columbia and hopefully to go snowboarding. I got a Whistler ski pass for my birthday and am hoping to use it for the start of the snow season.

Jonathan Marten – I’m 16 years old, coming from Switzerland where I visit a Waldorf school near to Zurich. At the moment I am on an international stay on Maui, there also visiting a Waldorf school, as my plans coming to Whistler did not work in summer. I am an uncomplicated, happy and sportiv guy and a fascinated Snowboarder.

_______________________________________________

House swap available in France: Looking for a 3 bedroom plus home in Whistler over the Christmas break 2020 to swap with a Provençal farmhouse in rural area of France, 20 mins from Avignon. (Swap can be non-simultaneous).

Our home is a typical Provençal three storey 1860’s converted farmhouse with sitting room with large open fireplace, dining room, modern kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 modern bathrooms. Each room has heat pump heating/air conditioning units and all windows are double glazed. The house has its back to a local road to the north and overlooks a large 6000m2 garden to the south. The garden is mainly grass and trees with a secluded pool and a small vineyard.

Get in touch with Anna Earl for details or call 604-967-3648.

Establishing healthy social skills at an Early Age

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Children are encouraged to share, to work together, to care for each other and to respect the needs of others.

Children help perform a myriad of tasks including preparing snacks, setting the table, sweeping, and washing up after meals. An emphasis on gratitude, intention of preparation, and table manners helps develop lifelong social skills and a sense of responsibility.

Learn more about the Early Years program or contact Admissions to arrange a private tour of the Early Years Centre.

Winter Faire is back again Dec. 7

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Join us at our annual Winter Faire on December 7 to make seasonal crafts with your child. The Faire will feature beeswax candle dipping, candle rolling, woodworking and several other crafts including this wooden Santa.

The WWS Winter Faire has become a holiday tradition eagerly anticipated by families throughout the community. Festive craft making is a simple way of giving children an opportunity to express their creativity and make a special gift for someone on their list.

Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 10-2 pm
Location: 7324 Kirkpatrick Way