Some devices may cut your newsletter short, make sure to click 'View Entire Message' if it appears. |
|
G'mar chatimah tovah
In September, our Jewish friends celebrate two high holy days,
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Rosh Hashana marks the start of the Jewish New Year, and is filled with shared meals and prayer among loved ones. The celebration also begins the Jewish High Holy Days leading up to Yom Kippur – and a time when Jews focus their attention on repentance and reflection of action.
|
|
Michaelmas is celebrated across various Waldorf schools with a gesture of dragon taming. There is dragon bread and festivities with displays of courage. This festival, just like many other celebrations in the Waldorf community, highlights the strife of the soul in freeing itself from its internal struggles. The wrestling of St. Michael with the dragon and its eventual slaying is an external personification of what happens in each and every human being at this time of the year - Fall. As the days get shorter with the arrival of Equinox, we have more time for introspection and for facing those struggles.
(below courtesy of Grades 3 & 4)
|
|
This time, we want to bring to you a Michaelmas story from the Hindu tradition of India. A long long time ago, there was a king called Mahishasura. He prayed intensely to the gods and acquired a boon that he would never be slayed by a man (underestimating the power of the divine feminine). After he was blessed with the boon, he became a tyrant and caused havoc in all the worlds. The gods were worried until they realized that they were missing the feminine grace. They invited a feminine form to bring the end to the tyrant king and she came -- goddess Durga-- in her resplendent beauty with ten arms and riding a fierce lion. Durga slays Mahishasura and to destroy every ounce of him, finishes him by drinking his blood. |
|
At this time of the year, Hindus in India celebrate the spirit of Michaelmas for nine nights, where they worship mother Durga (or Maa Durga) in her powerful physical warrior form for the first three evenings, then in her heart centered form - Lakshmi for the next three nights, and then in her head centered form as Saraswati, culminating on the 10th day called the victorious 10th or vijayadasami. On vijayadasami, a human can arrive with a force moving forward since he/she has emerged victorious from the striving for nine evenings. This year, especially, seems like a year of Michaelmas and on this Michaelmas, we acknowledge everyone who is striving and displaying courage in their daily lives. |
|
- Thank you to our firefighters who bravely fought the San Diego fires!
-
We are so grateful that the Children's Nature Retreat was saved and RE-OPENED on 9/24!
|
|
Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933-2020
Ruth Ginsburg was the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court and was the first Jewish woman to serve on the court. She spent much of her legal career as an advocate for gender equality and women's rights, winning many arguments before the Supreme Court.
“But if you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself, something to repair tears in your community, something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you.”
|
|
Happy to see our Early Childhood children back at play/work!
|
|
|
For the letter B from the Scottish fairy tale, The Bear
Bounding in the barrel went the big brown bear.
But Bridget beneath it would be at the ball,
dressed in her ballgown of moonbeams and all.
|
|
The letter, S, from the Icelandic fairy tale, Seal Skin
Said Silka the seal who had come to land as a maiden after her seal skin had been hidden from her,
Oh, what is to become of me?
I have seven sisters in the sea,
and seven children on the land,
My fate is in my hand.
|
|
Work from Penelope Canning from temporary distance learning:
Drawing of mountains for the letter, M, with Michael and the dragon.
|
|
Third and Fourth Graders exploring their new outdoor classroom and recess areas. |
|
Seventh graders enjoying some sun after in-person main lesson in one of the outdoor classrooms.
|
|
Senior Project Spotlight:
Guru Sahai Rae Khalsa
|
"I am currently trying to raise money through my art to donate to Border Angels. The nonprofit organization helps those struggling near the border, providing them with water, educational programs, immigration and employee rights consultation and more."
Guru Sahai's art is currently being displayed at the Bread and Cie Cafe and everyone is invited to check it out! She is donating 100% of the proceeds to Border Angels. Also please pass on the message to others who might be interested.
Thank you,
Guru Sahai Rae Khalsa
Bread and Cie Cafe:
350 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
*Note: The paintings of the birds were created by Lena Nguyen (my Dad's wife) and she will be donating 25% of the proceeds to Border Angels.
|
|
|
WSSD SCHOOL TOURS
We are still enrolling for the 2020-21 school year! Due to smaller class sizes and social distancing limitations, placement is limited and classes are filling. On-campus tours are by appointment and limited to one family at a time, observing proper social distancing protocols. We are excited to show your family our new outdoor classrooms and play spaces.....the best air is fresh air!
|
|
Inquiries can be made at SanDiegoBusinessPhotos@gmail.com Alternatively call or text
(619) 786-0939.
|
|
Check out the new Virtual Tours on our website! The videos were were filmed by our friend,
Ryan Johnson.
Ryan Johnson is a photographer in San Diego, specializing in Google Street View tours for businesses, locally and nationwide. This 360 imagery allows customers to “walk through” a business on Google Maps. Since the start of the pandemic, this service has become increasingly ubiquitous for business owners looking to engage with potential clients.
Additionally, Ryan offers video and high quality still photos with a background that includes TV commercial production and photographing the highest rated hotels in California.
|
|
How Are You ... Really? For Waldorf Schools
Registration Now Open
Three September Sessions Now Available
Teachers, Administrators, & Parents or Caregivers Welcome!
Would you and other individuals in your school community welcome a chance to share your responses – concerns, activities, sadness, or moments of resilience – to the multiple challenges that Covid-19 is bringing to our lives?
The Center for Biography and Social Art is now offering small group conversations on Zoom, facilitated by biography workers. You will be guided through simple biography exercises for personal reflection. As we speak out of our own experiences and listen carefully to others, we can practice building strength and support in these challenging days.
Biography and Social Art work increases empathy and appreciation for difference - creating the foundation from which to work toward diversity, equity and inclusion. To learn more about our more extensive Waldorf school program AWAKENING CONNECTIONS: CREATING COMMUNITY see our brochure here.
Please note that these three upcoming dates are specific to your role in your school community. We realize that people wear many hats, so choose what speaks to you most strongly now.
Sessions will begin in September and we will be adding more dates as needed. Teachers, administrators, and parents & caregivers are all welcome to participate!
|
|
The WSSD Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Committee will be holding quarterly open sessions for any non-members to observe the meeting and to participate in studying an article about anti-racism. The first one will be October 27th at 4:00pm, via Zoom. To participate, please e-mail eidwssd@gmail.com and you will be sent the study as well as the Zoom link.
Committee Chair: Esteban del Rio
Co-Chairs: Sudha Dorairaj, Socorro Maldonado, Emilia Sumelius-Buescher, Sara Gomes
Members: Heather Scott, Candie Harper, Armida Gomez, Jessica Cohen, Suzy Bramzon, Jehanne Spriggs, Elizabeth Heald and Andrew Holets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Association for Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) bulletin:
ANNOUNCING - WALDORF COMMUNITY OF COLOR AFFINITY GROUP
We are very pleased to share that Christina More, parent at the Green Meadow Waldorf School, is hosting a monthly zoom Waldorf Community of Color Affinity Group gathering. This space has been created for Waldorf community members, primarily current parents, to share and support each other with conversations on race. It is open to current and past Waldorf community members and anyone affiliated with Waldorf education in North America. They meet on the second Sunday of the month from 8-9:30pm ET and warmly welcome new participants.
|
|
Artist Susan Logoreci has been commissioned by the City of San Diego to create a permanent public artwork for the Fairmount Avenue Fire Station, San Diego's newest fire station-to-be in City Heights.
Join Susan for a casual conversation about her artistic practice and share your knowledge of City Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods. Register here and receive a free virtual background designed by Susan! View flyer here
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Despite pandemic putting painting on hold for several months, the Love City Heights group recently unveiled it's 25th mural on University Avenue.
The recently painted, coronavirus-inspired, 21-foot-high mural in City Heights titled “6 Feet Apart.” is by
Sandra R. Escobar .
WHO THEY ARE
Love City Heights is dedicated to creating art experiences in City Heights and along University Avenue to bring together local residents, community leaders and businesses. They are unified in their vision of making City Heights an arts and culture destination.
|
|
|
|
Kids Free in October | October 1-31, 2020 - San Diego...
This October 1-31, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many art, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County. Check out a new destination or an old favorite. Kids Free in October gives families the opportunity...
Read more
sandiegomuseumcouncil.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wyland National Art Challenge
OCTOBER 1, 2020 - DECEMBER 1, 2020 Every year, between Oct. 1- Dec. 1, the Wyland National Art Challenge encourages thousands of students across the nation to think about the many conservation issues we face around the world and interpret them...
Read more
wylandfoundation.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
News from the Snake & Lily! |
Great News! Snake & Lily is going online! We are busy as bees setting up our new online shopping cart! In the meantime we are able to take email orders and you can pick up your orders the next day. For all questions and orders, please email snake.lily@waldorfsandiego.org
We will respond to you asap in the order your email was received. We can send you pictures of the items we have and take care of your questions via email. For items we don't have in stock, we can order most items. Thank you for your patience while we build our Snake & Lily shopping cart!
Order Pick Up Instructions:
- WSSD Parents Order Pick Up: We can give you your orders at drop off and pick up times during the school days Monday through Friday.
- WSSD Employees Order Pick Up: We will deliver your orders directly to your classroom or if we happen to catch you at the beginning or end of your workday.
-
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED PICK UP TIMES: 9AM - NOON Monday through Friday If you not a WSSD Parent or Employee and you are able to come pick up your orders between the hours of 9AM-12NOON Monday through Friday, then you do not need an appointment. Please text us when you are here and we will bring your order out to your car.
- IF APPOINTMENT NEEDED FOR ORDER PICK UP: If you are unable to pick up during the open window mentioned above, we are happy to make you a Pick Up Appointment. Please email or call us to set up your appointment.
- We are happy to ship orders too!
Thank you!
Your Snake & Lily Crew, Candy and Liza
Mobile #'s:
Candy McGrady 973-902-6478
Liza Ferraro 619-318-8460
S&L phone 619-280-8016 x202
|
|
|
|
Friendly reminder to please set up your Raise Right App! |
This is the new way to buy your Scrip on the fly! Same company just easier and faster! Also it's been convenient to deliver your hard card scrip orders in the drop off and pick up lines at school!.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact, Liza Ferraro 619-318-846
|
|
Yep we're still recycling! Those of you that would like to help, please feel free to save all your CRV (CA Redemption Value) Glass, Cans and Bottles and drop them off at drop off in the mornings! All proceeds will go to help the future High School Service Trips. You can drop off recycling at both Altadena and Colina Campuses at the Temp Check Points.
If you're interested in those blue stackable sorting bins for your home, please contact Liza Ferraro 619-318-8460. $50 for a set of 3. Thank you!
|
|
|
Early Childhood Program
with Laurie Clark, Early Childhood Specialist
|
November 7, 2020 from 8:45a-4:00p
Cost: $80
|
|
|
Laurie Clark, an early childhood educator from Colorado, is offering a Zoom Workshop through The Waldorf Institute of Southern California on November 7, 2020 from 8:45a-4:00p. This is a unique opportunity to learn that healthy development is dependent upon opportunities for movement with potent imaginations that invite the child to integrate into their body in order to feel the treasured sense of well-being. In this course, we will explore various ways to understand and support the young child's four foundational senses with applications in the classroom setting.
Ideas to practically set up the classroom to give ample opportunities for the children to experience various ways to satisfy their sensory needs will be shared. Adventures for circle time and games will also be practiced.
Nutrition from an anthroposophical viewpoint will also be discussed with suggestions for snack in the early childhood that is truly nourishing the children in our care. Johanna Müller Laurelin will lead Eurythmy.
Laurie Clark has had the privilege of being a Waldorf early educator since 1978. She incorporates her therapeutic training into all aspects of the classroom and is in continual research through observation and constant engagement with the young child. The deep question of how to meet the child of today and exploring their needs in practical applications lies at the heart of her work. Laurie mentors teachers, is a frequent conference presenter and has co-authored two books with Nancy Blanning on therapeutic movement for young children.
|
|
Now more than ever we want to support our community!
All businesses listed will have a WSSD family connection. This is an opportunity to expand, increase and grow your business and a great way to support our community. Think of our community any time you shop, use professional services or dine out!
Our Directory is officially up on our website, under the Community Page!
|
|
We want to hear from you!!
Our "balm" for these times lies in our personal connections and our community. We are all exploring ways to stay connected with those outside of our inner "within the home" circle, while we are looking at ways to create a more harmonious existence within our constant inner circle!
We invite you to find ways to bring laughter and joy into your weeks and days. Suggestions include: sharing puns and "knock-knock" jokes; having a weekly family "talent show";and sharing your talent show with neighbors (they at their doorstep - you at the sidewalk or driveway). Be sure to share your ideas for bringing joy and laughter into your days by "tagging" us @waldorfsandiego and #beyondtheclassroomwssd.
|
|
|
|
Shop to Support Us
Select "The Waldorf School of San Diego" as your charity of choice and a percentage of eligible purchases goes to the school.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
