The Story Behind the Tree
The Story Behind the Tree - From Senora Marcela
Senora Marcela, our Grade 7/8 teacher recently shared this story with her class parents:
In Waldorf schools, there is a simple and beautiful story that is told to the children in first grade:
Your hands are your most valuable tool. With your hands, you can create, you can help, and you can bring beauty into the world.
Eight years ago, on one of our first days together, this class heard that story. Soon after, we went for a walk around the school as part of our first science block, learning about nature. During that walk, we met the jacaranda tree. The children learned that this beautiful tree is part of our Santa Barbara landscape. For me, this tree is also very close to my heart, as it grows in Argentina. It carries a little piece of my roots, and I feel deeply connected to it.
We also learned to “read” the tree in a simple way: when the jacaranda is full of flowers, it is time for our summer break; when the flowers are gone and the seeds fall, it is time to come back to school. That day, the children collected jacaranda shells. We opened them, observed them, and planted many, many seeds together.
Over the years, those seeds grew and we cared for them. Like the children, the trees also changed, grew, and found their path. Some continued their journey in other ways, and some stayed with us. Now, eight years later, as part of a Waldorf tradition, the eighth graders offer a gift to the school in gratitude for their years here.
This class has chosen to give back one of those trees they planted long ago.
This week, the students and their parents gathered in the garden to plant their tree. They prepared the soil during their gardening classes, and carefully placed it on the earth. A special thank you goes to Ms. Liz for her loving guidance.
Important Dates
Wednesday, April 22: Board of Trustees Meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22: Grade 8 Mentorship Projects at 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 25: Spring Soiree 5 - 10 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: May Faire and Grandparents/Special Friends Celebration (more information forthcoming)
Monday, May 11: Strings Assembly at Drop Off
Friday, May 15: Hike-a-thon from 9 a.m. to noon (more information forthcoming)
Thursday, May 21: Faculty Led Parent Meeting at 2 p.m.
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day NO SCHOOL
Friday, May 29: End of Year Potluck 5 - 6:30 p.m. (more information forthcoming)
Wednesday, June 3: Flower Ceremony and Grade 8 Graduation
Thursday, June 4: Last Day of School - no after school care
The Grade Six Rising Warrior Medieval Games
As a culmination of their curriculum, the 6th graders, Ms. Nelson, and Mr. Gaddis joined 13 Waldorf schools at Journey School in Aliso Viejo.
The annual Rising Warrior Medieval Games brought 250 Grade 6 Waldorf students from schools across Southern California to compete in games of strength, courage and teamwork. Students leaped over hay castle ramparts, threw the javelins, showed off their archery skills, traversed obstacles, and plunged into the great mud pit. In addition to the physical trials, the day included artistic activities, a shared feast, and class presentations of virtues.
The class also took the opportunity to visit the Getty Center where they saw and learned about many beautiful art pieces.
Grade 3 Class Trip to Midland School
This week the Third Grade spent three days in Los Olivos. They camped at Midland School where they worked in the garden, visited with the local cows, hiked, and swam in water holes!
Last Chance to Buy Spring Soiree Tickets
Next Saturday, April 25 is our Spring Soiree, The Wholesome Hoedown. Please purchase your tickets here NO LATER THAN MONDAY, APRIL 20 and join us for a full dinner, drinks, and an evening of dancing and connection!
