Highlight Reel: Waldorf 100 films

Celebrating 100 years – From AWSNA

An Education for the Future – from the Association of Waldorf School’s of North America is a short video for the celebration of 100 years of Waldorf education with the worldwide Waldorf Community.

Learn to Change the World – Waldorf 100

Waldorf 100 – the International Forum for Steiner/Waldorf education has produced a number of short videos to celebrate this huge milestone for Waldorf education.

Waldorf 100 – The Film (Part 1) – “Learn to Change the World” shows people from around the world who work on the big pedagogical tasks of our time based on Waldorf/Steiner pedagogy.

Waldorf 100 – The Film (Part 2) – After the great success of part 1 of “Learn to Change the World”, the second part deals with encounter, engagement and inclusion: learning that goes beyond merely accumulating information can be understood as an individual way to seek the truth.

Becoming – “Becoming” is the third film in a series of short films produced on the occasion of the centenary of Waldorf Education under the direction of the award-winning Californian documentary filmmaker Paul Zehrer.

 

WWS Celebrates Waldorf 100

Celebrating 100 years of Waldorf Education

This year on September 19 – Waldorf education will be celebrated as officially 100 years old. Waldorf 100 was created to promote the 100 year celebrations and WWS is excited to participate, extending a warm invitation to you and your family to join us in several Waldorf 100 events at WWS over the course of this school year. As Waldorf strives to develop students’ intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner,  we look forward to celebrating each of these aspects at the events!

October 2019 

Bees to Trees Launch | Annual Festival of Courage  (Michaelmas)

Date:   October 4, 2019 

Time:  10:45-1:00 pm 

Waldorf schools around the world are aiming to have students of all ages participate intensively in the health of bees, from the lower to the upper grades, from harvesting honey to pursuing complex research projects. 

Join us at our Annual Festival of Courage where we will launch our Bees & Trees initiative by making pollinator seed cards and building a native pollinator hotel. 

January 2020

WWS Coffeehouse  

Date:    January 30, 2020 (Thursday) 

Time:   6-8pm  

The importance of art in our children’s education is undeniable. Join us for a social gathering showcasing the musical, spoken word, comedic, and kinesthetic talents of our community members including parents, students and faculty. 

Further details to come including how to sign up to perform! 

March 2020

Concepts out of Insight: Student Led Conferences 

High School Date: Wednesday, March 11

Times:  Session 1: 2-3pm & Session 2: 5-6pm 

Lower School Date & TimesVarious dates/times. Details TBD. 

Rudolf Steiner often told his students that they should not take his word for anything; he exhorted them to do their own research, find their own connections, and come to their own understanding. In a Waldorf school, we ask the same of our students. 

The world does not need adults who simply accept the conclusions of others. The world needs adults who have the imagination and the clarity of thought to conceive of creative solutions to problems that don’t yet exist. What could be more exciting and satisfying than leading your children to be those adults? 

Join us at this year’s student led conferences to celebrate our student’s research, connections and understanding.

Changing seasons; Back to School rhythms

The return of the school year brings us all together again while the summer days are coming to a close.  As the sun rays diminish we now begin to turn inward, and can be excited and challenged to turn also, to the fiery warmth of our school community in the fall.  The turning of the leaves are a beautiful vision, yet can be a symbol of a cyclic transitions within a familiar environment: the returning rhythms of school, the bustle of after school programs, homework and packed lunches, the complexity of old relationships and the challenges of new ones.

As the leaves turn, let us honour our students, our children, our colleagues and ourselves. As we adjust to the changing season, let us turn to each other as partners, and enjoy each other in another school year of growth and development for all.

Rubeena Sandhu, Head of School

Community Corner for Sept.12, 2019

WWS Spotlight…

Ms. Tracey Sheppard–  Grade 4 Teacher

Ms. Sheppard is a new recruit to Whistler having moved here with her family in 2017.  Prior to this, she taught grades 4-7 as well as Health and Physical Education at an independent school on the east coast of Australia.  Tracey has a degree in Biology from the University of Victoria, a coaching diploma through the National Coaching Institute and a graduate diploma in teaching from Griffith University in Australia.  Since her return to Canada, Ms. Sheppard has also studied special education and is currently enrolled at the West Coast Institute where she is continuing her teacher training in Waldorf Education.

When Tracey is not in class, you will find her playing outside with her family, stretched out on the yoga mat, or hidden away with a good book.

School Billboard…

  • Sea to Sky Orchestra – The Sea to Sky Orchestra  is playing on Sat, Sep 14 in the Pemberton Community Barn at 12pm as part of the Mountain Muse Festival. Families can come enjoy a free concert and see music teachers Katherine Fawcett, Yuko Iwanaga and Charlotte Jacklein in action!

Community Corner for Sept. 5, 2019

Spotlight…

Maeve Bellmore –  Whistler Waldorf School Receptionist

I was born in Dublin, Ireland, island hopped to London, and then after finishing my Art degree some (many) years later, landed in Whistler in 2006. Captivated by the enchanting mountains and iridescent greenery, I decided to stay. I found myself a good Canadian boy, got hitched on Whistler Mountain, and am now growing roots (and baby Areli) in our beautiful idyllic mountain town.

For the past 13 years I have been working in the hospitality and retail industry. 9 years of which were spent managing a children’s retail store, enjoying the high paced life of sales and customer service.

In my spare time I love traveling, embracing the great outdoors and lakeside chilling. I am also an artist, having had many exhibits in town. Currently I am writing & illustrating children’s stories, inspired by my little exuberant muse Areli, who is now 15 months.

I am excited to join the Whistler Waldorf School community in the role of Receptionist and look forward to getting to know all of you and your children.

School Billboard…

  • ‘A Celebration day for Girls’ Day – in North Vancouver on Sat. Oct. 12th for girls ages 10-12 to celebrate young women. Rachel Pilgram from Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia, who is a menstrual educator offers a range of programs for girls and women to support their menstrual health and well being. During her visit, she will host the workshop ‘A Celebration day for Girls’ (http://www.celebrationdayforgirls.com), and a 3 day Facilitator Training for women to train to run the program in their own communities. This program originated in Australia, and was first run at the Castlemaine Steiner School in the year 2000. It is now run in over 20 countries and growing. A Celebration Day for girls is designed to support girls in Grade 5 & 6 to be prepared and confident around periods, empowering them to be happier, more resilient and able to focus on what they love doing. More information can be found on the website.
  • Spartan Race – A shout-out call for local volunteers to help with the race on Whistler-Blackcomb for Sept. 14-15th. What is Spartan Race? Spartan is more than a race; it’s a way of life. We believe that you can’t have a strong body without a strong mind, that you can’t grow without pressure, that obstacles help shift our frame of reference and make us more resilient. We believe that signing up for a race holds us accountable and keeps us motivated to train harder and eat healthier. With more than 200 events in over 30 countries, there’s no excuse not to take the first step. Click HERE for more information! Volunteers help check-in racers in registration, assist within our exciting festival area which includes our start and finish lines, and lend a hand out on our epic course to help motivate and guide participants through the race. In addition, we also will be donating to groups of volunteers. If you know of any groups in the area that would like to volunteer for a donation or even just need community service hours send them our way! Help us make this race a great one for every Spartan who crosses that start line! Perks include free bag check, Spartan Support Tech Shirt, Free race (valid in CA and US), Volunteer Delta Wedge, Lunch, Additional perks!

Early Years Centre expansion to Spring Creek

The Whistler Waldorf School Society  is excited to announce the expansion of its Early Years programming to a new facility south of Whistler in Spring Creek! 

What:

16 new licensed group childcare spaces for children 30 months – school age 

Where:

Spring  Creek  Sea-to-Sky Services Building @ 1519 Spring Creek Drive

When:

The Early Years Centre opened December 2, 2019.

Current Program Details:

*updated Sept. 2020

Days 2, 3, 4 & 5 day options available Monday-Friday (2 day min. ongoing registration required.)

Time – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuition & Fee Schedule Starts from $70/day; monthly rate is equal to min. 2 day/week total cost for approx. $600/month.

Please note: WWS offers lump sum or monthly payment options and has been accepted into B.C.’s Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI), as part of the 2019/20 Child Care Operating Funding Program, which may provide a reduction of up to $350 per month per child. 

 

Daily Schedule – Similar to our currently offered Waldorf playschool program, this program will reflect Waldorf  educational  principle and offer children abundant opportunity for free play and exploration of the world around them balanced by a healthy rhythm of group activities including singing, movement, stories, artistic and practical work.

View more details on the Curriculum for Early Years.

Registration:

Whistler Waldorf School accepts applications on a rolling basis. Read more about our rates and application process. Contact our Early Years Admissions Manager to learn more about our tuition adjustment program and making a Waldorf education possible for your family. 

Please note: We encourage you to apply at any point during the year and will be happy to consider your application. Registration is based on space availability and the school’s ability to meet the needs of your child. Our goal in the admissions process is to ensure there is a good fit for children and their families, in support of Whistler Waldorf’s Mission, Vision and Values.

 

We  wish to thank the Province of British Columbia, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Community Foundation of Whistler and the many donors who gave generously at our June Fundraising Gala in support of this important initiative.

New childcare spaces announced for Whistler

The Whistler Waldorf School would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the Province of BC, Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and the Community Foundation of Whistler for helping fund the creation of 16 new Whistler Waldorf Group Childcare spaces for children 30 months to school age.

Learn more about the new Early Years Program at Spring Creek and how to enroll your child.

 

Also, a few class spaces still remain in the elementary and high school for school age students for the 2019/20 school year.

We still have spaces for K, Gr. 1-3

We are currently accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year for KindergartenGrade 1-4, 8 and High School Grade 11 & 12

“I invite you to learn more about our unique educational approach. With small class sizes and an emphasis on strong student/teacher relationships, Whistler Waldorf fosters the development of creative thinking, self-confidence and an enthusiasm for academic learning.” 

Ms. Rubeena Sandhu – Director of Education

Offering an extensive tuition adjustment for qualified families. Learn more here.

Email Admissions to book a personal tour or find out more about our admissions process.

We’re Hiring! Admin/Management Positions Available

The Whistler Waldorf School continues to grow and expand its administrative team. Please help us spread the word by sharing this with anyone who might be interested.

RECEPTIONIST

Ms. Mary is moving into another administrative position here at WWS and we are seeking her replacement. This is a full time (33 hour/week) position.

We are also currently hiring for:
NEW DAYCARE ADMINISTRATION CONTRACT POSITION
NEW DAYCARE FACILITY MANAGEMENT CONTRACT POSITION

Our Little Cedars playschool program is at maximum enrolment. To help meet the growing demand for childcare in our community, we aim to open a second program. The proposed site for this program is at the Spring Creek Community Services Building, Spring Creek, Whistler. We are looking for leads to help us oversee the work needed to bring this to its successful completion.

The Whistler Waldorf School offers a full compensation package including medical and dental benefits, life and disability insurance, pension, partial tuition remission, and a competitive salary based on relevant education and work experience.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and two reference letters to principal@whistlerwaldorf.com.

Part-time Registrar Position Available

The Registrar reports to the Director of Education. The Registrar works in collaboration with the Receptionist and the Admissions Manager to ensure all student and staff information is accurate, organized and streamlined. The Registrar ensures data in Big Sis is accurate and in accordance with BC Ministry of Education requirements, and in compliance with provincial and federal law, including but not limited to the Freedom of Information and Protection of -Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

For more details, view Registrar Posting.