Calgary Waldorf School

The Calgary Waldorf School is a private school in Cougar Ridge, Calgary, Alberta, Canada founded in 1985. It accepts students from kindergarten to grade 9. [http://www.members.awsna.org/Public/SchoolListPage.aspx AWSNA Member School List] ] The school follows the Waldorf education philosophy, pioneered by Rudolf Steiner, and promotes nature and the arts, while shying away from technology. It currently enrolls about 250 students, with class sizes no more than 26. There is generally a waiting list for the earlier grades.

The school is a member of the ISAA (Independent Schools Athletic Association). Its sports teams promote teamwork and accept any student who wants to play. The school offers many sports including cross country, volleyball, basketball, badminton, floor hockey, soccer, and track and field. In 2005, the school's senior basketball team won the cities title, and placed a close 3rd in regionals. In 2007, both boys and girls Grade 8-9 volleyball teams won silver medal. [ [http://www.leaguelineup.com/information.asp?url=isaajr&catid=17586 Calgary ISAA Junior High volleyball standings] . Accessed 2008-08-22.] In 2008, the Grade 9 girls basketball team won silver medal [ [http://www.leaguelineup.com/information.asp?url=isaajr&catid=32558 Calgary ISAA Junior High basketball standings] . Accessed 2008-08-22.] and a Calgary Waldorf student was declared Junior High female Athlete of the Year. [ [http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?sid=240691883&url=isaajr Calgary ISAA Junior High information] . Accessed 2008-08-22.]

The school is a candidate for membership in the [http://awsna.org Association of Waldorf Schools of North America] (AWSNA). [http://www.members.awsna.org/Public/SchoolListPage.aspx AWSNA Member School List] ]

The Calgary Waldorf School is located at 515 Cougar Ridge Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta. [ [http://www.calgarywaldorf.org/cws/Contact+Us Calgary Waldorf School Website] ]

Kindergarten

A typical day in kindergarten at the Waldorf School includes abstract watercolor paintings, where the students are encouraged to paint what they feel, as opposed to an actual picture of something (with the exception of rainbows). Also, students help teachers cut fruit for a daily "snack". There is also a handwork section, where the children learn finger knitting.

In keeping with Rudolf Steiner's philosophy, there are no traditional "toys" for the children to play with. Instead, there are baskets with things like acorns, pine cones, jewels, and various types of cloth.

Elementary and Junior High

The Calgary Waldorf School does follow the Alberta Curriculum, and therefore teaches things like math, science, reading, writing, and social studies. Aside from that, students from grades one to nine are taught both German and French. Students from grades one to five attend a handwork class, where they learn knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Students from grade six to nine attend a woodworking class, where they learn to make things such as spoons, whirligigs, boxes, and even a bow, all using almost no electric tools.

Every Friday, the main school meets for 45 minutes in an assembly. During this time, the entire school watches various classes perform songs, or play recorder, or do a skit. Announcements are made, and the assembly is dismissed with a closing verse.

Events

The school conducts many fundraising events, their most notable being the Waldorf Faire (formerly the Christmas Faire), with various activities for kids, including candle dipping, wishing well, and a children-only store. There is also live music and homemade food, and an artisans area. It runs for a Saturday in mid-November.

The second most notable event is adult-oriented. The "Faerium" boasts more notable live artists (Laura Love has played there in the past), a silent auction, catering, and even a sheesha tent.

ee also

* Curriculum of the Waldorf schools

References

External links

* [http://www.calgarywaldorf.org/cws/ViewPage.action Official Page]