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Teacher Training & the Season of Light
As we enter the Season of Light, we are reminded of the light we nurture within ourselves—the light of consciousness, goodness, and the striving toward higher virtues and ideals. This fall, our faculty has been engaged in deep teacher training, at the root of which lies self-development. In its essence, Waldorf education is a healing education, both for adults and students. Through this work, we teachers renew our own inner light so we can better guide and protect the unfolding light within each child.
Rudolf Steiner describes this inner work in a verse often shared in teacher circles: “I look into the darkness; in it there arises Light—living Light. Who is this Light in the darkness? It is I, myself, in my reality.” Self-development strengthens character—steadying us in patience, deepening our capacity for self-control and discernment as we create the reality of our lives and cultivate a warm inner firmness that children instinctively experience as safety. This inner work radiates outward: it brings rhythm, predictability, and emotional steadiness into the learning environment, allowing students to relax into their growing selves. Our self-development helps us meet students with greater understanding, patience, and intention, recognizing that our classrooms are homes away from home, from the moment we greet them at the door, to the moments spent in singing and social movement, to working with meaningful content.
As electric lights glow and twinkle around us, may we parents and teachers hold fast to the inspiration and striving of this most important inner light within ourselves and within the children.
Antje Bojarsky, MSEd, MA
Pedagogical Director, 8th Grade Teacher
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Dia de los Muertos
Ofrendas
On Dia de los Muertos all the corners of the school were decorated and held meaning and beauty, students walked along the path of cempasúchil petals leading from class to class, infused by the aroma of copal and marigolds. Each ofrenda held meaning and was observed with reverence as the images and mementos filled our minds with the memories of those who have parted from this physical world. The ofrendas were put together by students, parents, and teachers of each grade. Even the kindergarten classrooms partook in their own mini celebration of Dia de los Muertos. After the walk through the classrooms, the grades gathered in the gym for a school assembly.
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Dia de los Muertos Assembly
We are so lucky to have a new member amongst the community and were honored by her presence. Lulú Perez is the grandmother of two of our students and is well known throughout the community for her work as a Community Health Worker and Leader, Protector and Carrier of Fire, and her wisdom with Herbal Medicine and Midwifery. She opened sacred space for our gathering through an Ancestral Fire Ceremony. Special songs were led by our choir teacher, Thea Blair, and the 8th Grade Class, but not before the 8th graders presented the beautiful retelling of the 9 Levels of Mictlān, a part of the Cosmovision of the Mexica and Nahua peoples. Our day could not have been complete without a homecooked meal of Pozole and Pan de Muertos which was prepared by our own Chef Erin, and Becky as her sidekick. It was a fabulous and memorable experience.
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Pumpkin Path
Sprites Night was reimagined this year with the debut of our newest tradition—The Pumpkin Path. Thanks to Middle School Leadership and the stewardship of eighth-grade teacher Antje Bojarsky, our campus was transformed into a glowing jack-o'-lantern path paired with a gentle storytelling walk for children and families. It was a beautiful evening of wonder and light.
A heartfelt thank you to the storytellers and booth organizers for creating the magic; to the students, faculty and volunteers who ushered, entertained us with games and crafts, staffed the refreshment table; to the Leadership Council for executing the event; and to the Parent Association for securing 200 pumpkins so our students could carve the jack-o'-lanterns that set the tone for this special night.
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The Kindergartens, 1st, and 2nd grade classes enjoyed beautiful lantern walks, carrying their handmade lanterns beneath the oaks on our inspiring campus. The lantern walks were a gentle celebration of each child’s inner light and the warmth of our school community. | | Morning Glory Kindergarten | | |
Jog-A-Thon
Our annual Jog-A-Thon is such a fun and active event! Organized by our Woodland Star Educational Foundation, this fundraising tradition raises money for our field trips. Students ran hard for ten minutes, earning their pledges with every lap, while peers, volunteers, and faculty cheered them on.
A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up, serve fruit and water, mark arms, DJ, and tally laps; to our fantastic MC, Hardy; to those who brought fruit for the runners; and to the teachers and staff who help make it all happen! And thank you to Sharolyn Townsend for donating her creativity and talent by designing the artwork featured on our Jog-A-Thon shirt.
Bravo to the WSEF for putting on such a joyful fundraising event!
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Gratitude Assembly
Just before the Thanksgiving break, the first grade led an assembly centered on the theme of gratitude. The class chose gratitude as their theme for the year because it has such positive effects and supports an overall healthy way of being. The research and evidence on gratitude’s benefits are extensive. It was inspiring to gather the grades together for an assembly that allowed our students to express and display their gratitude to one another in a meaningful way.
“The power of gratitude lies in its ability to positively impact mental, emotional, and even physical health by shifting focus from negative to positive, increasing resilience, and fostering stronger relationships. Being grateful is linked to higher levels of life satisfaction, optimism, vitality, helpfulness, empathy, forgiveness, and positive affect.” (Ohara, 2024)
Gratitude can be cultivated through practices such as journaling, meditation, or simply expressing thanks. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood and self-esteem, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
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8th Grade: Luther Burbank Center
The eighth Grade saw "In To America" by Griffin Theatre Company at the Luther Burbank Center. This was a dramatic show created from personal diaries, journals, and documented historic narratives; these richly diverse stories came to life through dramatic monologues with a backdrop of projected images and video, personifying a shared history spanning some 400 years. This was a powerful tracing of the American immigrant experience from Jamestown to the present day via the stories of ordinary people who departed their homelands in the hopes of creating a new and better life.
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5th Grade: Sonoma Ashram
The fifth grade visited the Sonoma Ashram, where they were introduced to aspects of Indian traditions and sustainable living. Students experienced elements of ashram life through activities that highlighted mindfulness, wellness, and respect for the natural world. It was a meaningful extension of their classroom studies.
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4th Grade: Napa Bale Grist Mill
Our fourth grade class visited the Napa Bale Grist Mill, the only working grist mill in all of California! (The only other one is in Portland.) The visit offered students a rare opportunity to step back in time and see traditional milling in action. What a unique and memorable field trip for our fourth graders!
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6th Grade: Legion of Honor
The sixth Grade spent a gorgeous morning at Mile Rock Beach with clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge, then visited the Legion of Honor, where the museum’s grand architecture beautifully complemented their recent Roman studies.
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Sweet Pea Kindergarten: Pumpkin Patch
Sweet Pea went on a field trip to the Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch to celebrate autumn, the changing of the seasons, and enjoy a fun fall outing. The children took part in all sorts of autumn games and activities, went on a train ride, sang songs, picked out a pumpkin, and enjoyed a gorgeous Sonoma County fall day!
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3th Grade: Sukkah Shelters
After learning about the Hebrew holiday Sukkot, our third grade had the opportunity to build their own sukkah structures. Students spent the night on campus, enjoying the experience of sleeping in the structures they created with their friends. The overnight trip was filled with fun, campfire activities, and a sense of pride and adventure.
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Morning Glory Kindergarten
Beck Farm
Our Morning Glory Kindergarten class visited Beck Family Farm, where they got up close to feed a mini horse, chickens, goats, and pigs. It was a hands-on, fun-filled experience connecting students with animals and farm life!
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Maxwell Farm
The MGK class explored Maxwell Village Farms, hiking through the woods, and enjoying playtime near the creek. The students had a wonderful day discovering nature and enjoying the outdoors beyond our beautiful campus.
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Sweet Pea Kindergarten
Our youngest students in the Sweet Pea Kindergarten learn and grow through imaginative play, building the foundation for Kindergarten and the grades ahead. Whether in their warm classroom or outdoors on our beautiful campus, they are immersed in experiences that nurture healthy development and joyful learning.
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Handwork
First graders are building their knitting skills while crafting cozy scarves of their own.
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Middle School: Halloween Dance
Our 8th graders hosted the Halloween Dance as a fieldtrip fundraiser, welcoming sister Waldorf schools. The gym was transformed, costumes were on, and students enjoyed contests like Best Costume, a photo booth (thanks Chris Woodcock!), snacks, and lots of Halloween fun! A heartfelt thank you to the parent volunteers who sent in food, helped with decorations, supervised, and assisted with cleanup; to the middle school teachers for their support; and to the 8th graders for bringing their vision for the event to life.
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6th Grade: Rome Projects
Sixth Grade wrapped up their Rome block with creative projects showcasing their research—from goddesses and sculpture to engineering feats, Roman foods, and beautifully crafted costumes. Students brought their studies to life in inspiring and imaginative ways.
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7th Grade: Class Business
Our 7th grade class has started Woodland Waxes and Wishes, a candle business! Keep an eye on ParentSquare for seasonal pop-ups. Please help support their business and field trip fundraiser!
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Middle School: Thanksgiving Feast
After the Jog-A-Thon, our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders came together for a Middle School Thanksgiving Feast. Potluck-style banquet tables allowed students to branch out from their grades, socialize, and enjoy a delicious meal together.
| Woodland Star Educational Foundation | | Please help us spread the word! School tours are held weekly, and the lottery for enrollment in the 2026–27 school year will take place on February 1 (TK) and March 1 (K–8). | | The Glen Ellen Farmers Market, right here on our campus, is hosting a Holiday Bazaar this Sunday, December 7. Come enjoy delicious food, unique gifts, books, crafts, and time spent connecting with community. Meet up with friends and join in the festive fun! | | Shop local & support our students! Visit Woodland Gifts, our Middle School business, at Sonoma Holidazzle, Dec 13. | | Join us for the second session in our Parent Education Series and continue the journey of learning alongside fellow parents. Mark your calendars and register today! | | |
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Newsletter created by
Carly Fedor
outreach@woodlandstarschool.org
Newsletters are a wonderful way to showcase the life of our school—highlighting where your child’s educational journey has been and where it’s going. If you capture any great moments or happenings at Woodland Star, we’d love to see them! Please email your photos to me for possible inclusion in future newsletters.
~Carly Fedor
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