Festivals and Events
A rich festival culture is one of the central features of Waldorf School life. As an integral part of the curriculum, festivals serve to cultivate in our students an appreciation of the seasons, to form a sense of annual rhythm, and to bring us together as a school community.
September
Rose Ceremony
As students transition from Kindergarten, they often experience trepidation and grief at leaving the warm embrace of Kindergarten. The Rose Ceremony, which celebrates the transition, addresses both excitement and grief. Grade one students have an extra day of summer vacation so that they are not lost in the all school “first day” excitement.
On the second day of school the children in the first grade arrive after everyone else has gone into their classrooms. The children gather with their kindergarten teacher one last time in the kindergarten and they lead them into a beautifully decorated space where their families and new teacher are waiting for them. A harpist plays for them. They hear an archetypal story full of images and wonder about their journey through the grades. Then they meet their new friends in the oldest class and each child is given a flower. They cross through a bower and follow their teacher to their grades classroom for the very first time.
Michaelmas
As part of our self development we have been reimagining what our festivals mean for us here in Nova Scotia. The timing of Michaelmas and Truth and Reconciliation carry significance for us, and we have reimagined our festival in this light. We set up a series of gentle "trials" for our students. These activities will provide them with opportunities to explore their bravery, leadership, grace, inner strength, trust and deeds of goodness.
October
Halloween Whispers
A magical evening celebration called Hallowe’en Whispers is organized by parents and teachers. The students create short musical vignettes that are performed in different spots in the forest.
Parents, teachers and friends came together and share delicious food, festive games and crafts and music. The event is open to the public.
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Parents and faculty come together to create this visually amazing annual event. Set up takes place the day before, though props and costumes start long before that. Parent participation is vital to this festival.
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Tickets for the performance will be available at the event if any remain available.
Activity tickets will also be available at the event.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting is a cornerstone community event, the first all-community gathering of all families, faculty and staff. Attendance at this event is extremely important for the school's operation. Besides the business of running the school, and reports from various departments, there will be time to socialize, and enjoy fresh lunch and snacks.
November
Lantern Walk
A festival celebrating compassion and inner light in the outer darkness of approaching winter.
This festival invites us to follow the lantern light into the gathering darkness. As the dark nights become long and the air cold, our lanterns represent the light and warmth we wish to send into the world and carry in our hearts. This is one of our most beautiful, and reverent events. The mood is one cultivating an inner quiet.
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​We end the evening by sharing hot apple cider and bread, then quietly making our way home. Many families find this festival becomes their favourite of the year.
Holly & Ivy Fair
Step into the magic of the season at the Holly & Ivy Fair!
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Holly & Ivy Fair is an annual seasonal festival and celebration with games, craft activities, live music, amazing food, puppet show performances, a silent auction and a handmade market.​
Children can enjoy festive activities like candle dipping, explore a whimsical Gnome Grotto, watch a puppet show, and discover treasures in a children-only store. Families can explore our craft market featuring Waldorf-inspired toys, crafting supplies, children’s and parenting books, and locally made gifts. Enjoy homemade food and live music at the Holiday Café. Admission is free; individual activities are ticketed.
December
Advent Spiral
Kindergarten families gather to celebrate compassion and inner light in the outer darkness of approaching winter during their Advent Spiral Festival.
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The beautiful Advent Spiral of evergreen boughs is created by the Grade 1-2 and 3-4 classes. The advent is observed and walked on Sundays for four weeks ahead of Christmas, please feel free to come walk it with your family.​
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Verse For Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles
by Rudolf Steiner
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The first light of Advent is the light of stones.
Stones that live in crystals, seashells, and bones.
The second light of Advent is the light of plants.
Roots, stem, leaf, flower and fruit by whom we live and grow.
The third light of Advent is the light of beasts.
Animals of farm, field, forest, air and sea.
All await the birth in greatest and in least.
The fourth light of Advent is the light of humankind.
The light of love, the light of thought, to give and to understand.
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Holiday Break
The autumn term ends and school breaks for a three week holiday from mid December to the beginning of January.
January
Winter Fest
Inspired by the Winter Festival in Quebec, Carnaval we spend a week in January celebrating Winter. A variety of activities take place inside and outside the classroom.
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All Community Meeting
The second meeting of the whole school community to share news, get updates, share food and catch up.​
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February
Open House
In early February the school hosts as Open House event for anyone considering enrolling or interested in finding out more about the school can drop in, meet staff and faculty, and have a tour.
Puppet Show & Tea
Our annual Puppet Show and Tea open to the school community and the public.
March
Spring Break
During mid-March the school breaks for a spring holiday for two weeks.
The Winter Term ends at the behgining of the break, and Spring Term starts right after the Spring Break.
Spring Break Camps
Camps are offered during mid-March the school break. They are open to the public as well as Waldorf School families. Find out more on the camps page.
April
All Community Meeting
In late April, the third and last all-community meeting of the whole school community to share news, get updates, share food and catch up.​
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May
All-School Cleanup
The school community will spend a weekend in early May doing a variety of cleaning and maintenance work. This sort of hands-on participation is central to the community's fundamental involvement in the school.
Mayfair
Celebrate Spring at the South Shore Waldorf School Mayfair!
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Traditionally Mayfair celebrates the beginning of summer; it is a festival of flowers. Mayfair is good, festive fun and a reminder that warmer days are ahead. Join us for a joyful day of family fun, featuring a Maypole dance, puppet show, carnival & field games, silent auction, face painting, a petting zoo, live music, a Spring-inspired lunch, and an annual spring plant sale.
Stop by the farmer’s market and enjoy activities for all ages. Tickets available at the door, or buy online in advance and skip the lines.
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Parents and faculty come together with school friends, partners and sponsors to make this event happen. The school usually is closed the day before to allow everyone to participate in setting up the magic.
June
End of School Year
The school year ends in mid-June. Summer break begins.​
Summer Camps
Summer camps begin in late June. Check the camps page for more detailed information. Camps are open to the public as well as Waldorf School families.