Whistler Waldorf’s spotlight and school bulletin board includes community member interviews, local and Waldorf events, volunteer opportunities and much more to keep us all connected.

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.

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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 – Nov. 21

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WWS Spotlight

Zen Moses & Savannah O’Heany– Grade 9 students

I hear you are both life long Waldorf students.

SO: Yes, we’ve both been here since preschool.

ZM: We are two of the original group along with Kaia and Maya who have also been here that long.

 

You must have some thoughts about Waldorf having been here this long.

ZM: I really like the education and that we learn so many different perspectives. In history, for example, we don’t just learn about one religion, we learn about all religions.

SO: And I would say that I really like how accepting everyone is. It’s not just the teachers who are accepting; the students are also taught to be ok with other students and accept their differences and that’s cool.

ZM: Looking back I also appreciate that I wasn’t pushed into reading so early. It took me a bit longer – I was a little slow and I was allowed to develop at my own pace.

You both were chosen to participate in the RMOW’s Sister City Youth Exchange to Karuizawa, Japan. How was that experience?

SO: It was awesome. There were so many highlights. We spent a night in Tokyo, took the bullet train, did lots of sight seeing including seeing lots of shrines. A highlight for me was attending school. Everything seemed to be run by the students themselves – they have a lot of responsibility which was interesting to see. We really felt like honoured guests there & Zen got to make a speech in front of their whole school.

ZM: Yes, I made a speech to about 200 students and then they welcomed us with student performances including a full orchestral performance conducted by a student. There were so many highlights, but the three big ones for me include: purchasing a sword; seeing the shrines – they were truly amazing and the onsen (public bathing) was a great cultural experience.

Thanks, Zen and Sav. Congratulations on being chosen to participate in this program! It sounds like we were very well represented by your participation.

Bulletin Board Listings:

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.

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Howe Sound Women’s Centre looking for donations: We are always in need of gently used women’s and children’s clothes, shoes and other items. All donations gratefully accepted. A donation box is located in the Field House. Feel free to contact France with any questions or check out the Women’s Centre for more info.

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WWS Family in Search of Housing: We are a Vancouver based family needing weekday housing (possibly excluding holidays) for one adult, one grade 8 student, in the short term.  A quiet one or two bedroom, reasonably-priced, non-smoking suite would be ideal.  Full time housing for three of us, plus our dog, would be the longer term goal.  If you have any leads for temporary housing for one to two months (excluding Christmas), or longer term beyond spring 2020, we would appreciate the community’s help! Thanks, Trista.

 

Community Corner – Nov. 7

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WWS Spotlight

Rebecca Povall  – Grade 2 Teacher

Share a bit about yourself:

Hello Whistler Waldorf community! It has been fantastic to join such a welcoming community and getting to know you all so far!

I grew up in the UK, near Liverpool, and originally moved to Whistler in 2012, spending a couple of years here before moving to Perth, Australia. I became a teacher whilst in Australia before deciding I needed a little more snow in my life again so came back to BC in August last year. I have spent the majority of my 20s travelling and living in different places, so I have been extremely lucky to experience different cultures and ways of life!

After all your travels, where would you recommend someone visit?

It would have to be Ghana. I spent a month volunteering and travelling there and really enjoyed experiencing a completely different culture and way of life. At times it was very eye opening and really made me appreciate how lucky I am. I would highly recommend a visit there to anyone who is looking for a completely different travel experience; the Ghanaian people are so welcoming and friendly!

Outside of all the prep work teachers do, what else do you do outside of school?

Of course, I enjoy all the mountains have to offer – skiing, hiking and getting outside as much as possible. I recently bought a paddleboard, so spent many happy days on the lake this summer. A little while back I taught myself to crochet, so try to (slowly!) make things when I can. I also used to have a pet turtle in Australia so loved taking care of him!

Thanks, Rebecca and welcome to WWS!

Bulletin Board Listings:

Howe Sound Women’s Centre looking for donations: We are always in need of gently used women’s and children’s clothes, shoes and other items. All donations gratefully accepted. A donation box is located in the Field House. Feel free to contact France with any questions or check out the Women’s Centre for more info.

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WWS Family in Search of Housing: We are a Vancouver based family needing weekday housing (possibly excluding holidays) for one adult, one grade 8 student, in the short term.  A quiet one or two bedroom, reasonably-priced, non-smoking suite would be ideal.  Full time housing for three of us, plus our dog, would be the longer term goal.  If you have any leads for temporary housing for one to two months (excluding Christmas), or longer term beyond spring 2020, we would appreciate the community’s help! Thanks, Trista.

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THIS FRIDAY – Freestyle Ski Fundraiser with a Film Premiere and Silent Auction – Supporting Whistler’s Freestyle A-Team. For more information: https://artswhistler.com/event/faction-skis-the-collective-bonus-films

  • Date: Friday, November 8, 2019
  • Times: 7:00pm Doors/Opening Party | 7:45pm Show | 8:45pm Prizes/Giveaways
  • Tickets: $15 Advanced | $20 Day of show
  • Venue: Maury Young Arts Centre

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Youth Band looking for members – If you’ve ever wanted to play a trumpet, now is your chance! Or a flute, guitar, drums or any instrument you would like. The Whistler Youth Band is looking for musicians from Grade 5 and up – beginners are welcome!

Come out and try it on Mondays from 6:30-8:00pm at Blackcomb Base.

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Volunteering Opportunities at Whistler Olympic Park – If you like Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or just enjoy being outdoors, consider volunteering at Whistler Olympic Park! Applications are being accepted now for this ski season.

 

Community Corner – Oct. 31

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WWS Spotlight

Bronwyn Preece  – High School Drama Teacher

You are joining WWS as the High School Drama teacher.  Please share a bit about your background.

It’s been such a treat to join the WWS team of amazing students and staff this fall: what an inspiring community and extended network of people to be surrounded by. I come to Waldorf as a multi-disciplinary professional artist, with a PhD in Performance, a Masters and BFA in Applied Theatre.  In addition to my performance work, I have two children’s books published, am a poet, a mother, a hiker…and have been living here for almost two years now!

Your first WWS performance was with Grade 8 this week and it’s Shakespeare. How has it gone?

The Grade 8 class and I have undertaken the challenging task of trying to mount a Shakespearean production in less than a month…and we have jumped right in!  The past 3.5 weeks have seen us wrapping our tongues around The Bard’s language, trying to decipher the layered and complex twists and turns of the intersecting plots, deepening our understandings of the nuanced subtleties of character traits…and connecting/questioning the relevance of Much Ado About Nothing to today’s issues…and trying to memorize many lines! What we aimed to share with parents and fellow school mates was not a polished, final product — rather an exciting glimpse into our continued understanding and embodying of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies…with the personalization of the WWS Grade 8 touch!

I understand that your own work often explores ecological/social/political themes. Is there an all time favourite piece that you’d recommend?

One of my favourite performance projects I was involved in was titled The Trans-Plantable Living Room. This was a trans-national project, created for World Stage Design 2013 in Wales.  The project worked with community gardeners in Cardiff, who grew a ‘living’ set within which we performed. Sprouting Sofas. Flourishing furnishings.  Tables with tendrils.  The performance project explored how something as local as gardening could serve as metre for global climate change.  The project was later featured in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

Thank You…and I am looking very much forward to working with the 9/10 and 11/12s in the Spring for their Play Blocks!

Thank you, Bronwyn!

Bulletin Board Listings:

 

Youth Band looking for members – If you’ve ever wanted to play a trumpet, now is your chance! Or a flute, guitar, drums or any instrument you would like. The Whistler Youth Band is looking for musicians from Grade 5 and up – beginners are welcome!

Come out and try it on Mondays from 6:30-8:00pm at Blackcomb Base.
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Freestyle Ski, Film Premiere and Silent Auction Fundraiser!  – Supporting Whistler’s Freestyle A-Team. For more information: https://artswhistler.com/event/faction-skis-the-collective-bonus-films

  • Date: Friday, November 8, 2019
  • Times: 7:00pm Doors/Opening Party | 7:45pm Show | 8:45pm Prizes/Giveaways
  • Tickets: $15 Advanced | $20 Day of show
  • Venue: Maury Young Arts Centre

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Volunteering Opportunities at Whistler Olympic Park – If you like Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or just enjoy being outdoors, consider volunteering at Whistler Olympic Park! Applications are being accepted now for this ski season.

Community Corner – Oct. 24

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WWS Spotlight

Zalan Gloch (Gr. 11) – WWS International Student from Veszprem in Hungary.

What is your most memorable experience so far:

I loved the fall trip and wish I could stay for the winter one as well. It was beautiful scenery and I felt it pushed me out of my comfort zone being out in the wilderness. It was a great experience.

What class (es) are you enjoying?

I really liked Mr. Power’s physics class as I learnt a lot and have been able to expand my English vocabulary. It was really challenging but fun.

You’re a professional videographer. Is this something you would like to do after you graduate? 

I’m not sure yet. It’s definitely an option. I don’t have concrete plans yet, but I’d like to go to an English speaking university in the future so I can work on my English more.

Is there anything that you really enjoy at our school?

I really love the teachers. They are great and very helpful. I also like that we spend more time outside to learn and do more in the outdoors.

Thanks  Zalan and welcome to WWS! 

(Above Photo credit> Zalan is shown with Ms. Orsa Horvath, Waldorf’s Little Cedars Teacher, who is also from Hungary.)

 

Bulletin Board Listings:

 

Oct. 24 @ 7pm – Sea to Sky Orchestra in Pemberton:

If you missed the Sea to Sky Orchestra’s last performance at the Whistler Public Library, you can catch it free on Thursday, October 24 in Pemberton. The Sea to Sky Orchestra will play a collection of classical music along with some new favorites including selections from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and more.

Oct. 26 from 10-5pm – Sea to Sky Trans, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse: Learn + Share Workshop for all ages, their families, and loved ones in Squamish.

LEARN  …about Trans Care BC and what we do & SHARE  …what is important for you to feel supported as a trans, Two-Spirit or gender diverse person, parent/caregiver or loved one. The Parent Caregiver and Child/Youth sessions are both from 10am – 1pm, and Adult and Care Provider sessions are from 2pm – 5pm. For more details, or to secure your spot, contact Catherine or phone/text 604-341-8316

Volunteering Opportunities at Whistler Olympic Park:

If you like Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or just enjoy being outdoors, consider volunteering at Whistler Olympic Park! Applications are being accepted now for this ski season.

Community Corner – Oct. 17

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WWS Spotlight

Jacqueline Maartense, Peter Giesebrecht & Ciara (Gr. 8) – WWS Family Members/Student

Tell Me About Yourself:

We moved to Whistler in 2014 with a plan to spend one year in the area.  Six years later Ciara graduated from Ecole La Passerelle.  We are hybrid locals and continue to spend our summers in Pembroke, Ontario. Ciara and I co-founded a company together called Mountain Mystery Games. It’s a Whistler-themed, live, interactive gaming experience for parties, team building and fundraising. Ciara’s goal this year is to fund fifty business women in developing countries through the game sale proceeds. Ciara is also writing a circus-themed mystery for younger kids. Professionally, Peter does real estate development and I run a strategy consulting practice for high tech start-ups, and coach local youth about entrepreneurship in association with Junior Achievers.

What brings you to WWS?

We have good family friends who attend WWS. We’ve watched their kids thrive in the Waldorf community.  As we pondered our high school options, we decided to check out Waldorf.  Here we are!

Has there anything that has surprised you at our school?

Ciara’s biggest surprise has been her freedom in the classroom.  She had never experienced Waldorf’s style of learning.  Our biggest surprise is that she likes Shakespeare!

Is there anything that your child is particularly enjoying?

Ciara thinks that the Waldorf teaching method makes learning a lot more fun.  She has found it more challenging than other school environments.

Thanks Jaqueline and welcome to WWS! 

 

Bulletin Board Listings:

 

Oct. 24 @ 7pm – Sea to Sky Orchestra in Pemberton:

If you missed the Sea to Sky Orchestra’s last performance at the Whistler Public Library, you can catch it free on Thursday, October 24 in Pemberton. The Sea to Sky Orchestra will play a collection of classical music along with some new favorites including selections from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. https://www.facebook.com/events/490102451545373/

Teacher Accommodation Needed:

Hello! My name is Olivia Hanna. I am currently teaching kindergarten at the Whistler Waldorf School. I am searching for a place to live in Whistler long term by mid November, but I can move in sooner. My budget is $1000-$1200  for a room in a shared house. Non-smoking. I have no pets. Tidy, quiet, 35 years old. Just moved to Whistler from Ontario in late summer. Hoping to spend free time skiing and enjoying the beautiful nature here. I also enjoy yoga, hiking, cooking and knitting. If you know of a room that might be a good fit, please send me an email or text. Thank you for your help! Pls. contact me at my email or 647-673-5891.

Christmas vacation rental needed:

Intl. student Miguel’s family would like to visit over Christmas but having a hard time finding lodging. They are planning to come from Dec 25th to Jan 4th. Budget is approx $300/night. Please contact Lorena.

Community Corner – Oct.10

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WWS Spotlight

Maude Ash – Registrar & Admin Asst. at Whistler Waldorf

What is your role here at WWS?I am both the Registrar and Administrative Assistant

What exactly does a Registrar do?

My position as the registrar consists of managing the physical and digital student records – all the Ministry of Education stuff! I am the one to contact if you need any info that has to do with student files: personal information and contact details, course registration, issuing transcripts, etc.

In my Administrative Assistant role, I work closely with the Head of School, the Admission and HR departments and the Early Years Program.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Any fun facts to share?

I am originally from Quebec, I moved to BC about 18 years ago to escape the harsh winter. I lived in the Okanagan for many years before deciding to settle in Pemberton 6 years ago because it has the some of the most amazing opportunities for paragliding in Canada. I completed a Specialized Education Diploma and an Early Childhood Education – Infant and toddler diploma. I am currently enrolled in a bookkeeping/accounting course. I love traveling, listening to music and I love to knit hats for the BCCH NICU (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit). I also have a 4.5 year old son who enjoys keeping me busy!

Bulletin Board Listings:

  • Teacher Accommodation Needed – Hello! My name is Olivia Hanna. I am currently teaching kindergarten at the Whistler Waldorf School. I am searching for a place to live in Whistler long term by mid November, but I can move in sooner. My budget is $1000-$1200  for a room in a shared house. Non-smoking. I have no pets. Tidy, quiet, 35 years old. Just moved to Whistler from Ontario in late summer. Hoping to spend free time skiing and enjoying the beautiful nature here. I also enjoy yoga, hiking, cooking and knitting. If you know of a room that might be a good fit, please send me an email or text. Thank you for your help! Pls. contact me at my email or 647-673-5891.
  • Christmas vacation rental needed: Intl. student Miguel’s family would like to visit over Christmas but having a hard time finding lodging. They are planning to come from Dec 25th to Jan 4th. Budget is approx $300/night. Please contact Lorena.

Community Corner – Oct.3

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WWS Spotlight

Miguel Fernandez – Grade 8 International Student

Why did you decide to come to Whistler to study?: It is common in Mexico to study abroad in Grade 8 or 9. We had travelled to Whistler before and I enjoy skiing so it seemed like a good fit. I am from San Luis Potosí and do not go to a Waldorf School, but my parents were interested in having me experience a different method of learning.
And what do you think?: It is different, but it’s been really fun. I enjoy the arts aspect and there are more field trips and hands on things to do. I also studied Shakespeare here and that is new!
What’s been most surprising to you?: I think the people. The teachers talk more to the students and really try to make sure that we understand. All the people have been really nice.
Are there any must-do things on your list while you are here?: SKIING! I definitely want to go skiing.

Bulletin Board Listings:

  • Teacher Accommodation Needed – Hello! My name is Olivia Hanna. I am currently teaching kindergarten at the Whistler Waldorf School. I am searching for a place to live in Whistler long term by mid November, but I can move in sooner. My budget is $1000-$1200  for a room in a shared house. Non-smoking. I have no pets. Tidy, quiet, 35 years old. Just moved to Whistler from Ontario in late summer. Hoping to spend free time skiing and enjoying the beautiful nature here. I also enjoy yoga, hiking, cooking and knitting. If you know of a room that might be a good fit, please send me an email or text. Thank you for your help! Pls. contact me at my email or 647-673-5891.
  • Oct. 5th – Tout l’Monde Swingue (6-10pm)… Howe Sound Performing Arts Association is pleased to provide an evening of traditional French Canadian music and dance. The all-ages cultural event will feature live music from Daniel Gervais and Roger Dallaire, with a silent auction, food trucks, and more! Join us on at Howe Sound Secondary School, 38430 Buckley Ave., Squamish. Tickets: $50/family; $20/adult; $10/child,  purchase online or email Howe Sound Also, check out our Facebook event.
  • Oct. 6-12 – Fire Prevention Week (FPW) & Contest… This year’s theme is: Not Every Hero Wears a Cape, Plan and Practice Your Escape. There will be 2 open houses – at the Whistler Village Fire Hall on Oct. 5 & on Oct.6th in Spring Creek. Both events run from 11-2pm. Have a meet and greet with local firefighters to learn more about the equipment, trucks and fire halls for the afternoon!  Also, the annual Fire Prevention Week Poster & Video Contest is now looking for submissions.
  • Oct. 7th – International Day of the Girl (6:45-9)… Millennium Place will feature three diverse female speakers exploring “equality for girls in Canada and around the world.” Doors open at 7 and tickets are $10 each. For more information, visit Arts Whistler.

Community Corner – Sept. 26

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WWS Spotlight…

Carlos & Itziar Cornejo – WWS Family Members

Tell us a bit about yourselves – Our family originally hails from Mexico City. We have 3 children – Triana, Grade 11; Mikel, Grade 8; and Ferran, Grade 6.We are very close, and we love to do things together.  We are very outdoorsy and love trekking, camping, skiing and mountain biking. We are also avid scuba divers.

How long have you been at Waldorf? – We became a Waldorf Family when Triana was entering Grade 4 and Mikel was in Grade 1. We moved to a small town in Mexico intending to stay for one year. We initially moved there because of what that town had to offer, but in reality we ended up staying for 6 years because of its Waldorf School and Waldorf education. Since that time, we have been fortunate to have been in 3 spectacular Waldorf Schools. Even though we still have not had enough time to fully experience the Whistler Waldorf School, the one common denominator in all three, which is incredible, is the sense of community that is built around each school.  You always feel welcomed, you are never alone. It can be with the teachers, staff or other family members, there is always someone there to lend a hand.This is very special for a family who just moved from a different country and culture.

What do you value most about Waldorf education? – The one thing that we value the most about Waldorf Education is actually a combination that grows in most Waldorf kids, and which is fascinating; happy kids that are always hungry for knowledge. To us, this means everything.

Thanks, Carlos & Itziar – and welcome to WWS!

School Bulletin Board…

  • Oct. 3rd  from 7-8pm – Sea to Sky String Orchestra… Treat yourself to an intimate evening of classical music at Whistler Public Library courtesy of the Sea to Sky String Orchestra. This event is free to attend, and registration is not required! The program includes Grieg, Respighi, Vivaldi, Corelli, and Elgar, plus a selection of contemporary pieces that the audience will recognize from movies and TV (think: Pirates of the Caribbean, Game of Thrones and more.) The acoustics in this beautiful, high-ceiling venue promise to enhance the classical string music experience.
  • Oct. 5th from 6-10pm – Tout l’Monde Swingue… Howe Sound Performing Arts Association is pleased to provide an evening of traditional French Canadian music and dance. The all-ages cultural event will feature live music from Daniel Gervais and Roger Dallaire. The band is sure to keep your toes tapping by calling group and contra dances. The evening will also feature a silent auction, food trucks, and more! Local performers Cam Salay and Sofie Hill of The Spruce Tops will start off the evening. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 6:00-10:00 PM at Howe Sound Secondary School, 38430 Buckley Ave., Squamish. Tickets: $50/family; $20/adult; $10/child, online howesoundarts.tickit.ca or howesoundperformingarts@gmail.com  Check out our Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/391886408401656/

Community Corner – Sept. 19th

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WWS Spotlight…

 

Sarah Clark & Leo Kwok – WWS Family members 

Tell us a little bit about yourselves – We moved to Whistler this summer after spending three years in Ubud, Bali where our two girls, Tayleigh (Grade 4) and Kailena (Grade 2) attended Green School. Leo and I were both raised in Vancouver, but we’ve spent 14 years abroad – 11 years in Hong Kong prior to Bali. When we agreed it was time to return home to Canada, we chose to build a new life here in Whistler among a more like-minded community of family focused, active and outdoorsy people. Our girls are loving trail riding as well as the wide range of other activities here from musical theatre and aerial silks to soccer and tennis. But the truth is, we all cannot wait to get back on skis this winter (although, Leo keeps threatening to dig out his circa 1994 snowboard)!  

Leo maintains a sourcing and manufacturing company in Hong Kong, however, while in Bali, as the girls ran a muck in the jungle at Green School, Leo’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight and he a few partners opened Ubud’s first full facility family sports centre, “Titi Batu” named after a historical stone bridge and a nearby sacred holy spring. This allowed Leo to indulge more regularly in his passion for squash and basketball while the girls skateboarded, took hip hop dance and swimming classes. I literally got my ski legs back at the boot camp classes last Autumn. I originally worked in PR and journalism in Vancouver and in Hong Kong, but I now practice as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.  In Bali, I practiced with in-home consults allowing my clients a tailored privacy while investigating the root cause of their health issues. I am really looking forward to getting back to work here in Whistler.

Our eldest, Tayleigh is a big fan of both the visual and dramatic arts making Waldorf a natural fit for her. While our youngest, Kailena is a whizz at math and loves soccer, basketball and tennis. Both learned to ski in Dec 2018 and absolutely love it. As a family we love to travel. Over the past few years, we regularly visited the east and west coasts of Australian and explored New Zealand. Our most memorable trip was in 2018 to Raja Ampat, a protected marine conservation area in Western Papua where we shared a live aboard diving boat with another family and enjoyed two to three dives per day while the children snorkeled above us. However, we are so grateful to be settled back home in Canada now and to avoid jet lag for as many years as possible. The odd drive down to Vancouver is enough of a family adventure for now!

How did you first hear about WWS? – We first heard of WWS from a friend who raved not only about her children’s experience here at WWS, but of her own as well. We immediately identified as it’s so important to us that parents be involved and engaged in the school community and that we have a natural rapport with truly invested teachers. We have experienced this beautiful rapport with WWS since our application process began and have been so impressed and overjoyed with our girls’ teachers and our experience as a family at WWS thus far.

Is there anything that has surprised you at our school? Our girls are probably most surprised to have flush toilets at school after finally getting used to the compost toilets at their former school! They are making great progress being back in the developed world, thankfully! As a family, we have all been pleasantly surprised by how attentive the girls’ teachers have been since our arrival. For our younger daughter, her teacher actually came to our home to meet us and to connect with Kai prior to starting grade 2. This was so meaningful and so thoughtful. The number of check ins and follow up emails from both grade 4 and grade 2 teachers have also been really thorough, and extremely thoughtful with a genuine interest in our girls’ settling in and in their learning. This has meant the world to us as the social – emotional aspect of a new school has really been seamless.

School Bulletin…

 

  • Right Turn Clyde – Sept. 22 @ 11am… Waldorf faculty member Katherine Fawcett and Waldorf parents Harvey Lim, Pierre Richer, Robyn Forsythe and Tony Horn are playing music in Village Square as part of Arts Whistler’s Hear & Now Celebration.  Come cheer them on!
  • Creekbread Fundraiser – Sept. 24 @ 8:30pm… Help support Grade 9 students Savannah and Zen as they fundraise for their upcoming Karuizawa  Sister City exchange trip. (50-50; silent auction; raffle). If there is anyone who would like to donate to the silent auction please contact Savannah.
  • Epic SchoolKids Whistler Blackcomb Pack – Registering Now... a FREE program for Canadian and Washington State. It’s available for Kindergartners through Gr. 5 and provides five days of free skiing and riding at Whistler Blackcomb. No purchase necessary! It also includes one free first-timer ski or ride lesson with equipment rental, restrictions apply.