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.
Originally inspired by All Souls Day in Mexico and acknowledging those who came before us, the students create short musical vignettes that are performed in different spots in the forest.
Parents, teachers and friends came together and shared delicious food, festive games and crafts and music. This wonderful celebration has evolved into a significant fundraiser for our school.
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.
​
​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
One of our major fundraising events, Holly and 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.
January
Winter Fest
Inspired by the Winter Festival in Quebec, Carnaval we spend a week in January celebrating Winter.
​
​
February
Puppet Show & Tea
Our annual Puppet Show and Tea
May
Mayfair
In ancient traditions, Mayfair was the celebration of the beginning of summer; it was a festival of flowers. Mayfair is good, festive fun and a reminder that warmer days are ahead. Our school is festooned with decorations and we gather as a community to play games, make music and merriment. The day is graced by the children dancing the Maypole and by onlookers clapping and singing along.
​
This festival offers a warm, festive atmosphere, many children’s activities, good food, and an annual plant sale along with a silent auction, puppet performance, live music and field games.
Festivals and Events
In ancient cultures, festivals were an integral part of community life marking the changes of the seasons and the calendar year. 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. There is as much joy in the preparation and the anticipation of a festival, as there is in the participation in it
