Waldorf Education News October, 2021 The official eNews of AWSNA
Dear Waldorf Community,
The season of Michaelmas began on September 29. The essential imagination of Michaelmas is one of taming a great dragon. There are endless stories from cultures around the world that depict this battle. One such story is Susanoo slaying the Yamata-no-Orochi. This is an ancient Japanese myth dating back to 712 CE. The dragon depicted in all these myths is symbolic of struggles and challenges that we all face and can overcome and tame, whether internal or external.
Amidst COVID-19 Delta variant surges, fires, hurricanes, and flooding, the opening of this school year is a true example of the mood of Michaelmas. Our continued strength, courage, and unwavering dedication to Waldorf education and community is palpable. Our teachers remain steadfast in their task to deliver inspired experiences in the classroom. Our parents are striving to create normalcy for their children, and school leadership and administration continue to strengthen Waldorf education through their tireless work.
This Michaelmas season carries a mood of strength and courage to face the dragon of these times. I see posts online of the beautiful beginnings of the year at various Waldorf schools and it is clear that the deep engagement in our communities is stronger than ever. Together we are able to slay our dragons, face our fears, and find courage when it appears that the odds are against us.
Thank you for being part of our community,
Rebecca Moskowitz Melanie Reiser Stephanie Rynas
News of Note Michaelmas Celebration Photos AWSNA member schools throughout North America celebrated Michaelmas this year in many different ways. There were play performances, songs, cider making, bread baking, and even kite flying enjoyed by students.
Some communities were able to gather and participate, others were not, but schools then shared their celebrations through video and photos. We also wanted to share some photo highlights in an album on Facebook.
Alum November Gathering Join our next bi-monthly Waldorf Alum Networking and Social Hour in the afternoon/evening of Tuesday, November 9 at 4:30 PT / 5:30 MT / 6:30 CT / 7:30 ET.
Our November topic is Health and Wellness in the 21st Century. Join with fellow alums who are health and wellness professionals as they share their wisdom and insights about health and wellness physically, mentally, and spiritually. Then, spend time connecting and networking with fellow alums!
A Deeper Look into the Days of Michaél Photo Credit: Tucson Waldorf School Waldorf Publications offers us an in-depth look at Michaelmas in the Waldorf tradition in their article, "A Deeper Look into the Days of Michaél."
"[Michaél] strengthens human beings to be strong and courageous, to face evil with equilibrium, to choose good over evil and thereby to strengthen human freedom by choosing between good and evil with thinking hearts and warm-hearted minds."
Michaelmas in a Time of Uncertainty Cedarwood Waldorf School reminds us that during another pandemic Michaelmas season of uncertainty, we find strength in connection.
"When we understand one another, healing may occur to mitigate our animosities. When we work together in collaboration, we can overcome our fears."
Essentials in Education - The AWSNA Blog
Civil Discourse In the Classroom Photo Credit: Lake Champlain Waldorf School As students enter adolescence, they begin to recognize that their school communities and classrooms are full of people with diverse values and ideas. While this awareness may cause cognitive dissonance as old assumptions of unified shared values are lost, it is also a perfect opportunity to introduce our students to the basic tenets of civil discourse.
Education News For these and other news and articles, see www.WaldorfEducation.org
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