Happy yule log assembly following goody bag pick up last weekend.
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The first light of Advent
is the light of stone—
Stones that live in crystals,
seashells, and bones.
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Dear <<First Name>>,
As November comes to a close and the month of December opens before us, we begin to shift gears from a more gregarious outward impulse to a quiet mood of reverence. As the days grow noticeably shorter and the cold winter nights approach their longest, like many, I begin to yearn again for the light.
Advent is traditionally known as a Christian festival; however, the pre-Christian peoples living far north, who lost both light and life with the sun's long disappearance, had ways of cultivating hope by lighting candles and sharing company, food and song. As for these northern folk, Advent festivals invite us to be vulnerable to our longing and open to our hope.
We honour the light in our students by inviting them to walk the Advent Spiral.
A spiral of evergreen boughs and golden stars is laid, forming a path for students to walk. A single candle at the center lights the room, and peaceful music sets the mood. One at a time, the children walk the spiral path to light their own candle, then, on the journey back, place their glowing candle upon a golden star. After all the children have taken their turn, the spiral shines beautifully as a symbol of the divine light within each of us.
I want to express my gratitude to you, our community of parents, grandparents, friends, faculty, and alumni for allowing us into your inbox week upon week. Your feedback, questions and clicks help us understand better what is meaningful to you, providing vital knowledge, as this publication is meant to serve you!
Laura Bergstrome
Communications & Events Coordinator
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Tuesday, December 1
GivingTuesday all-day
Grocery Card Distribution 3:00 pm, GS Pick up |
Thursday, December 3
Full Faculty & Staff Meeting 3:30 pm Zoom
Parent Education: SHIFT Sexual Health 7:00 pm Zoom |
On the Horizon
GivingTuesday December 1
VWSS Board Meeting December 9
Grade 8 Play: A Christmas Carol December 16-18
End of Term, Early Dismissal December 18
Winter Break December 21 - January 1
Winter Term Begins January 4
ECC (Early Childhood Centre) | GS (Grade School) | HS (High School)
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GIVINGTUESDAY - Yes, GivingTuesday is part of our annual campaign, but the day is about more than our fundraising goals. It's a day to celebrate generosity, to recognize good deeds, to honour the ways we each make a difference simply by showing up. We want you to feel great in your giving and volunteering, and we are so grateful for your support of the VWS and being part of this amazing community.
Please do us a quick favour (takes 30 seconds!) and visit the Canada Helps pledge page and share how you will support the VWS - by volunteering, donating, spreading the word, or raising funds. With each response, we will be entered into a draw for $5,000 towards our Community Fund! And of course, if you wish to make a financial donation, you may always visit vws.ca/givingtuesday to give.
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PARENT EDUCATION - SHIFT Sexual Health with Jessy Wollen, teacher and certified sexual health educator. Jessy forges the way for teachers, caretakers, parents, and grandparents who want to learn how to talk to young people—including diverse learners—about sexuality without being weird about it. Her evening presentation on Thursday, December 3, at 7:00 pm on Zoom is open to all VWS parents. register here
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GRADE 7 ARTIFACTS - On Monday, Grade 7 is beginning a block on Asian geography and is looking to borrow items to make their learning more immersive. Please email Mr. Briault at sbriault@vws.ca if you have statues, posters, or instruments you could lend for their journey into the richness of China and India.
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WALDORF STUDY GROUP - The Development Committee continues to discuss possible avenues to nurture connection amongst the parent community. During our last meeting, an idea that surfaced was the possibility of a study group whereby the group decides upon the topic and article/book to be discussed. An example of something similar was recently shared by the Detroit Waldorf School, where the school engaged in a “community read” and then met virtually to discuss and share learnings that stemmed from their chosen title. Such positive feedback came from the DWS community that we’re hoping to do something similar in the New Year. If you’re interested in participating, please email Mary at (mhenley@vws.ca).
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GROCERY CARD PROGRAM - If you aren’t yet enrolled in the program, please contact Mary (mhenley@vws.ca) to learn how. Grocery cards can also be purchased directly from the Accounting Office at any time (accounting@vws.ca). It’s straightforward, and all funds raised go directly to the Community Fund, which supports all sorts of initiatives that improve the school.
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HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE - In accordance with information from the BC Centre for Disease Control and conversation with HealthLink BC, the VWS has implemented the following as of Friday, November 19:
- Masks must be worn by all Faculty and Staff at all times in common areas, including school hallways and faculty rooms, except when eating.
- Masks are not required in classrooms when teaching within cohorts.
- Masks are not required when alone in individual offices.
- All students in Grades 8-11 are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in common areas, such as hallways and bathrooms.
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GRADE 8 PLAY - If you can help with lighting or filming, please contact Ms. De Ceuster at mdeceuster@vws.ca. Here are the details:
- Someone to set up all the lights any time after school or between 9 am, and 10:45 am on Weekdays.
- Someone to make a simple lighting plan (with Ms. De Ceuster - any weekday after school)
- Someone to do the (simple!) lighting during the play (4 performances; December 16 and 17 6:30 - 9 pm; December 17 and 18: 8:30 - 11 am)
- Someone to record or lend us a video camera + tripod to record the dress rehearsal on Wednesday, December 16. Capacity to record for 2+ hours. (9 - 11 am)
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CLASSIFIEDS - Take a look at new postings in the classifieds section of our website. Galloping Hobby Horses, books for both children and adults, and housing have been added to our classifieds on the website. vws.ca/community/vws-community-directory
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COMMUNITY HIKES POSTPONED - Until restrictions on social gatherings are lifted, our bi-weekly community hikes are on hold. We'll let you know when we may once again convene.
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Dear parent and student volunteers,
With a warm heart and a feeling of immense thankfulness have we as teachers looked at the efforts put into this year’s Children's Winter Fair. While the Health Guidelines continued to change, the spirits kept up, and idea after idea was transformed into what became the Winter Fair 2020.
Not only the joy in the parking lot where the pickup of the so carefully assembled packages took place was enchanting, as were the cries of joy and wonder while opening up those special wintery goody bags.
You all have managed to bring the spirit of the Winter Fair into each home, and we as teachers are beyond amazement and gratefulness for what you all have put together; what a beautiful start of the season!
A big, warmhearted thank you to all involved!
VWS’s grateful teachers.
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Paige, Eolo, Taeo & Story
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What inspires you to give?
Eolo and I are so grateful that our children attend the Vancouver Waldorf School. Every day we witness the magic that the thoughtful and caring approach to education brings into our family’s life—and we know it wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our generous community. We are inspired by the spirit of this giving and do everything we can to participate.
Eolo volunteers his time to serve on the Board. As a former Waldorf student, he feels deeply invested in the current and future success of the school so that his children and others can receive the same nourishing approach to learning. It also offers him an opportunity for connection to a place where his children spend so much of their time, even when his work does not allow him to often visit them there physically.
Giving my time to the school connects me to the other people in the community. I helped organize the New Moon Social in 2018 and through the planning of the event developed a close connection to many of the parents that I worked with—parents that I now consider my friends. I also cherish the opportunity to be in the classroom with my children, seeing how their world is opening in such bright and wonderful ways. One day, they will be grown and I will have the treasure of the window I had into the childhood of their lives.
We couldn’t imagine entrusting our children’s learning anywhere else and we are honoured to contribute wherever we can so that the Waldorf school can continue to give this special experience to children for many generations to come.
Paige and Eolo, thank you so much for sharing with us. What an honour to read (and feel) your words.
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If you wish to share what inspires you to give of your time and/or resources in a future publication, please reach out to Laura at lbergstrome@vws.ca.
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A tradition that cannot be skipped is the Grade 6 Bairn's Bazaar. Ms. Chrimes and her students have been busy designing, crafting, and practicing their business math skills to put together an online bazaar with stalls filled with delights! Jewelry, toys, clothing, wax wraps, hair accessories, and more - they are confident that you will find something to tickle your fancy.
Watch for our launch next week!
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The Red Door Store is a great way to shop locally and support small businesses over the holidays and beyond. Shop comfortably online then arrange to pick up your treasures either in the store or from reception in the Grade School. Visit reddoorstore.ca for Waldorf toys, books, art supplies, clothing and more or book a time with Ella to shop in person by emailing reddoor@vws.ca.
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Genevieve Dagobert ~ On Race, Waldorf Education, Anthroposophy, and Steiner
"I say it in the episode, but I really can not express enough gratitude for my lovely guest Genevieve Dagobert. Genevieve is right here in New Hampshire, where I currently am, but we've only just connected this year. She is so brilliant, passionate, and courageous, I really just can't say enough about her.
Geneviève is a life-long educator with over thirty years of teaching experience, both in Haiti and the US, ranging from early childhood through elementary grades, to educating adults in a college setting. In 1983, Genevieve opened an Early Childhood center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
She migrated to the US in 1992 and a few years later founded a parenting education company that produced culturally sensitive parenting videos in French and Haitian-Creole. In 2004, she produced an educational video that focused on the skills needed to master and enjoy the art of breastfeeding.
Another enriching experience was with Planned Parenthood of South Florida. As a Community Services Coordinator, she provided scientifically accurate sexuality education to teens in a rural, low-income community located on the southeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee.
Geneviève holds a Master of Science in Human Development from Wheelock College in Boston and a Master’s degree in Waldorf Education from Antioch University. Geneviève took a class from 1st to 3rd grade at the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School.
Throughout her career, Geneviève’s determination to serve children and their families has remained constant. In these tumultuous times, she unequivocally stands in solidarity with those fighting for racial equality and has committed herself towards understanding and eradicating the tragic inequalities that define our nation. Her hope is to bring Waldorf Early Childhood Education to all children regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic, cultural, or linguistic background. Genevieve’s ultimate goal is to serve humanity by providing children and young adults with the sound foundation that will help them develop into happy, independent and responsible human beings.
Genevieve's passion really comes through when she speaks about Waldorf education. She comes alive when she speaks about the joy Waldorf education sparks in children. However, Genevieve's journey with Waldorf education did come with some ups and downs. She credits her resilience and deep love of Waldorf education with helping her to persevere on her path as a Waldorf teacher and advocate of Waldorf education."
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