FAMILY HANDBOOK 2020 - 2021 250 Madison Avenue | Toronto, ON, Canada | M4V 2W6 waldorfacademy.org | info@waldorfacademy.org |416.962.6447
Table of Contents 1. Our Purpose 2. Our Values 3. Our Home 4. Our Organization a. Board Of Directors b. Director c. Administrative Managers d. The Faculty e. Parent Representatives and The Community Council f. If You Have A Concern 5. Our Channels Of Communication a. How To Reach Faculty b. Class Email Groups 6. Our Code Of Conduct 7. The School Year Calendar 8. Administrative Procedures 9. School day Procedures 10.
Social Health and Discipline
11.
Health and Safety
12.
Transportation
13.
Videotaping and Cameras
14.
Waldorf Education
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"Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives." Rudolf Steiner, Originator of Waldorf Education
1. OUR PURPOSE We have a vision of a school community that ignites in children and adults alike a passion for the art of learning. We have made it our mission to build upon the foundation of Steiner's profound understanding of child development, and strive always to create a deeply inspired learning community. Our community is carefully tended by all of us when we foster healthy relationships among young learners, their families and their educators. Healthy relationships, in turn, support a culture of caring respect and creative collaboration in service of better teaching and learning.
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2. OUR VALUES Respect for each other, for nature, for ourselves Compassion to be caring toward each other Empathy to feel the joys and sorrows of others Curiosity to always wonder, always seek Creativity to observe the world through an artist's eye and poet's heart Courage to know and believe in yourself, and question convention
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3. OUR HOME Waldorf Academy is an independent, co-educational and nonsectarian Waldorf school. The school first opened its doors in September of 1987 as a one-room kindergarten. Over the following decade the school grew incrementally along with its first cohort of children adding a grade each year until the first cohort graduated from the eighth grade in June of 1996. Since then, the school has enjoyed a stability that allowed it in November of 2008 to become a great innovator and pioneer founding the first ever Waldorf Education Childcare Centre. Since then Waldorf schools in Canada and the United States have begun to follow Waldorf Academy's lead establishing their own childcare centers to meet the growing childcare needs of twenty-first century parents. Located in midtown Toronto, at the foot of Casa Loma, Waldorf Academy is an accredited member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN). The school is approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education and is a registered not-for-profit corporation. Waldorf Academy welcomes students from all socio-cultural and economic backgrounds with differing gifts and abilities to share in an integrated Waldorf curriculum. We educate young people to become free-thinking individuals who offer innovative solutions for the problems of the day, fueled by intellectual freedom, artistic inspiration, and social care.
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We adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code and highly value inclusivity in all its forms in service of our families, staff, and community at large. We strive to create a truly inclusive community, and we intentionally welcome all. We do this without requiring adherence to any religious belief or creed. We foster a climate of purposeful inclusion, an environment where all can feel safe, valued, cared for, and given an opportunity to form meaningful connections with each other. We cherish the diversity of humanity, a diversity which includes differences in sex, age, race, ethnicity, and national origin, range of abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, financial means, education, and political perspective. These beliefs and practices apply to all of the activities of our school community; they inform all of our decisions, including our enrolment and employment decisions. Our school derives its vibrancy and character from its larger community. On the one hand, the school exists in the middle of Canada's largest, busiest metropolitan city. On the other hand, it is nestled in the urbane midtown South Hill neighborhood peppered with lush parks, historic sites, charming museums, theatres and art galleries. The city and neighborhood are an extension of our campus, enriching and enlivening our programs.
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4. OUR ORGANIZATION Waldorf Academy is a not-for-profit corporation in the Province of Ontario with charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency. All its employees, directors and community council parent representative are members of the Corporation.
The 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) : T.B.C.
Notice of the AGM is sent out two weeks in advance with the agenda. All currently enrolled families are invited. The community council parent representatives and faculty are required to attend. Voting at the Annual General Meeting is restricted to “members� of the Corporation, who include the principal class reps and the Community Council co-chairs. 4a. Board of Directors As of September 1, 2020: Joe Donahue, President and Chair Anna-Marie Castrodale, Secretary Gisbert Segler, Treasurer Kevin Liggett Garrett Kerr Anton Christopher Michael Bernstein Jill Shakespeare Stephen Taylor
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The legal and financial affairs of the school are the responsibility of a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the parents and friends of the school. The Board of Waldorf Academy, like all independent school boards, has fiduciary duties and an obligation to lead the school, which it oversees, toward the fulfillment of its vision and mission. The directors are elected to their terms at the Annual General Meeting of Waldorf Academy Incorporated. 4b. Director of School and Childcare Cheri Grogan o leads the administration o manages the strategic direction o manages school human resources o facilitates the work of the managers o oversees school operational effectiveness 4c. Administrative Managers Business Operations Manager Matthew Denton o manages financial operations o manages business-to-business operations o manages the facilities Admissions Manager Jennifer Deathe o manages admissions and retention o manages marketing and public relations o manages student records Childcare Manager Lucia Amaral o manages childcare operations o manages childcare human resources o manages childcare admissions and retention o oversees childcare operational effectiveness
Office Manager Melody Bogin Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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o facilitates the work of the administration o provides assistance for students, parents, and the public o manages program registration
4d. Faculty Circle The Faculty meeting is the heart of our school's organization. Faculty members are also a part of all decisions that relate directly to the pedagogy. The Childcare Centre "CCC" (1.5 to 4 yr-olds) Childcare Centre Manager Lucia Amaral Morning Star Garden ("toddlers" 1.5 to 2.5 yr-olds) Natalia Gomez and Cathy Chen Sky Garden ("preschoolers" 2.5 to 4 yr-olds) Charlotte Koen-Butt and Terri Santos Rainbow Garden ("preschoolers" 2.5 to 4 yr-olds) Swati Mahajan and T.B.C. Fairy Garden ("preschoolers" 2.5 to 4 yr-olds) Corina Liu and Fei Cong Woodland Garden ("preschoolers" 2.5 to 4 yr-olds) Lisa Gibson and Samantha Cruz Support Staff Monica Darie and Ahlam Ali The Kindergartens Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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Kindergarten Assistant and Kindercare Lead: Mai Vy Nguyen
The Grade School
Grades 7-8 Mathematics Christy Shin
Education Support Yasmeen Mamdani
French Golnesa Amani
Aftercare Blythe Sheppard
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German Volunteers (GVs) Each year the school hosts three young men from Germany who have chosen to perform community service abroad. They assist around the school in a wide variety of ways and are valuable members of our community. Unfortunately, due to the current health and safety precautions due to COVID-19, the school will not host German Volunteers for the 2020-2021 school year. If you have questions, please contact ksingh@waldorfacademy.org 4f. Class Parent Representatives and Community Council Each class (typically) has two parent representatives. One class rep is designated as the principal class rep and will vote at the AGM as a member of the corporation. These parents are volunteers, who are invited by the teacher to represent the class.
The role of class representatives is to facilitate regular, healthy communication among the class parents and between the class parents and the school, in service of supporting an optimal environment for the students. Position Profile i.
participation on the school-wide parent body, Community Council
ii.
attendance at the Annual General Meeting
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iii.
becoming knowledgeable about the organization of the school and the appropriate channels of communication to direct concerns
iv.
acting as parent ambassador to new families to the class
v.
practical and logistical management of the class community (e.g., make phone calls and write emails to class families regarding group activities involving parent participation, assisting with class events)
vi.
promoting and organizing social activities among families
vii.
encouraging individual parents to take concerns directly to the teacher or parent with whom they have the concern
When possible a staggered-entry two-year rotation is recommended. Thus, one parent will, in their second year as rep, act as the "principal class rep," while the other will, in their first year, become orientated to the duties of the role. The Community Council is a forum for parent involvement in the life of the school. The mission of the Community Council is to strengthen and consolidate parent volunteerism. It endeavors to develop a committed core of parent volunteers who meet regularly to share information, experiences and ideas, and take steps to help enhance school community and spirit. The Community Council meets throughout the year. (See the "community calendar" on the school website waldorfacademy.org).The meetings provide a forum for updating the parent community (through their representatives) on school
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developments and activities in order to build a conscious community that supports their children’s education through the school. The Community Council may also wish to organize educational events for parents with the appropriate faculty manager.
Typical Meeting Attendees o o o o o o o
co-chairs of Community Council class representatives from childcare to grade eight faculty representative(s) board representative(s) administration representative(s) any interested current parents Director of School and Childcare
4g. Your Commitment: Each Individual Parent and Guardian
The entire school community is strengthened by the support of parents. Please complete the “Opportunities for Parent Involvement� form included in your summer package and return it to the office by the requested date. School children thrive when there is a close relationship between their home and their school. Parents and guardians are encouraged to become a part of the community in some of the ways described below in addition to the ways outlined earlier for parent class representatives and in the Community Council.
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Parent Evenings (Whole Class) Typically, each class teacher schedules three parent evenings during the school year. The dates for these evenings are announced in the school newsletter. All families in the class are expected to be in attendance at these evenings. Topics typically covered include: the current stage of child development relevant for the class, a detailed look at the Waldorf school curriculum for the current grade, the teacher’s and parents’ views of the social life of the class, and class events updates and announcements.
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Individual Families) Formal parent-teacher conferences take place in November and February. (Please refer to the school calendar online for this year’s dates.) Conferences can be scheduled with specialty teachers as well as the class teacher. There is NO SCHOOL during the days on which parent-teacher conferences are held. This year, the conferences will be held via Zoom meetings.
Home Visits It is advisable, especially in the first year of enrolment to invite your class teacher for a social visit to your home, preferably before the spring break. Often class teachers, when first joining a group (in the early grades), will contact families directly to book such visits. Home visits can be of great benefit to your child by helping them form a secure emotional connection between home and school. It is Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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a particularly recommended practice if your child is having difficulty settling into school. While the practice is typically carried out by class teachers, it can also help develop connections with specialist teachers. Please contact the teacher you would like to invite for a visit directly. Pro-active Participatory School Parenting It greatly enhances the life of our school when parents pro-actively: 1. learn about Waldorf Education and Anthroposophy, 2. partner with your children's teachers, and 3. engage in and committing to healthy communication These pro-active commitments when taken up by a critical mass of parents and guardians will provide the strongest foundation for a mutually supportive school community. We welcome parents and guardians to promptly pursue direct, personal dialogue in order to address concerns in a manner that strengthens mutual understanding and serves the advancement of the children's experience. The next two sections address the "how" of doing so effectively within our school.
If You Have A Concern Please communicate directly with the relevant teacher. If concerns persist, please speak to the School Director.
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5. OUR COMMUNICATION CHANNELS 5a. How To Reach Someone Members of the faculty and administration can be reached through their @waldorfacademy.org email accounts. Faculty members will respond as soon as possible within two working days. While the school does not provide faculty phone numbers, individual faculty members may provide such and inform parents of hours during which they receive parent calls.
5b. School Phone Extension Numbers Following are the telephone extension numbers of the faculty and staff of Waldorf Academy (for faculty without an extension, please send an email): Offices Lucia Amaral - Childcare Manager.................................…………….. 248 Melody Bogin - Office Manager.......................................………………221 Jennifer Deathe - Admissions Manager ..........................………………225 Matthew Denton - Business Operations Manager ........………………226 Cheri Grogan - Director ……………………………………………………231 Yasmeen Mamdani - Student Assessment Manager ...……………..232
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CCC, EC Classrooms (There are no phone lines in the grade school rooms) Sky Garden ........ ..................................................................……………...222 Woodland Garden.................................................................................223 Morning Star Garden…………………………………………..........……..227 Fairy Garden .......................................................................……………230 Rainbow Garden ...................................................................................239 Sun Garden Kindergarten.....................................................................240 Star Garden Kindergarten....................................................................241 After School Programs Kindergarten Aftercare (Star Garden) ............................……………241 5c. Class Email Groups The Waldorf Academy class email groups are a ONE-WAY medium of information communication from the school (i.e., the faculty, the administration, the community council, or the Board) to the currently enrolled parents and guardians in each class. They are not equipped with a ‘reply all’ function. If there is a piece of information a parent in the class wishes to disseminate to the rest of the families via the school’s email group, that parent may send a request to the class teacher who acts as the class’s electronic messaging moderator. Parents are encouraged to create their own email contact lists for social purposes. 5d. The Voice E-Newsletter, Voice Flashes, and Window into Waldorf Please be sure to regularly read our e-newsletter to stay abreast of school events and updates.
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“The Voice,” Waldorf Academy’s e-newsletter, is emailed bi-monthly through Mailchimp and is the primary school news communication vehicle. It carries information about school events and updates on school life. To receive the e-newsletter directly via-email, complete the consent form in the summer package. Please manage your subscription with mailchimp and update your email address when relevant. At times the school will make “flash” announcements that cannot wait until the next e-newsletter publication date. This is called a “Voice Flash” and comes in the form of an email to the community. Windows into Waldorf is the Director, Cheri Grogan’s e-mail newsletter to the families.
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6. OUR CODE OF CONDUCT At all times, please adhere to this Community Code of Conduct which was developed in an effort to support a healthy social life within the school community. To build and sustain a healthy school community, as a parent or guardian, I will: SPEAK DIRECTLY with the relevant teacher, administrator, or parent about matters of concern. LISTEN WITH OPENNESS to what others have to say and allow space for healthy disagreement. AVOIDSECOND-HAND INFORMATION and hearsay. DISENGAGE from communications with fellow parents that lay blame. CONSIDER, before acting or speaking, the question “Is this constructive?” MODEL those behaviours that I encourage and expect in my children. PROMOTE the above behaviours when engaging with others in the community.
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If issues persist: ASK THE DIRECTOR FOR HELP to organize a meeting involving the appropriate parties. Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but are not limited to: DISRESPECT towards members of the school community, especially school employees and other persons in positions of authority. INJURY to the moral tone of the school or to the physical or mental well-being of others. BULLYING, INTIMIDATING OR THREATENING a member of the school community. HARASSMENT of any kind, which is defined as engaging in vexatious comments or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. MISUSE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND EMAIL LISTS to solicit, advertise or discuss matters unrelated to the Waldorf Academy curriculum. Parents and guardians exhibiting inappropriate behaviour will be called to meet with the facilitator and/or the board chair to conclude a plan for resolution and repair. Failure or refusal of the parent or guardian to meet or conclude a plan may result in an immediate or future termination of enrolment of the parent or guardian’s child/children. It should be noted that all Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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parents and guardians sign an enrolment contract with the following statement in it: By signing this Agreement, the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) understand(s) that Waldorf Academy may require the withdrawal of or may dismiss a student at its sole discretion. The Parent/Guardian further understands that a positive and constructive working relationship between Waldorf Academy and a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) is essential to the fulfillment of Waldorf Academy's mission, and agrees that Waldorf Academy may terminate enrolment, or decline reenrolment, if Waldorf Academy, in its sole discretion concludes that the student's action or inaction is detrimental to Waldorf Academy, or whose parent(s)/guardian(s) have engaged in conduct which is detrimental to Waldorf Academy.
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7. THE SCHOOL YEAR School Hours Kindergarten Half Day Kindergarten Full Day Kindergarten Extended Day Grade School Grade One Optional Grade Two Optional
8:20 am to 12:00 pm 8:20 am to 3:00pm 8:20 am to 5:30pm Staggered arrival and dismissal times 12:35 pm to 3:05 pm (Wed. & Fri.) 12:35 pm to 3:05 pm (Wed. only)
A Sample Class Timetable Grade one (example only)
8:4510:30
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Main Lesson
Main Lesson
Main Lesson
Main Lesson
Main Lesson
10:3511:00
Snack & Short Recess
11:1511:55
Period 1: Movement
Period 1: Music
Period 1: French
Period 1: Math
Period 1: Handwork
11:5512:35
Period 2: French
Period 2: Math
Period 2: Handwork
Period 2: French
Period 2: Music
12:3512:55 12:551:35
Lunch Long Recess (Period 3)
1:351:55
DEAR (Drop Everything and Read)
1:552:35
Period 4: Art
Period 4: Walk
Period 4: Optional
Period 4: Movement
Period 4: Optional
2:353:15
Period 5: Art
Period 5: Walk
Period 5: Optional
Period 5: Music
Period 5: Optional
3:153:25
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Dismissal
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Special Events, School Closures and Statutory Holidays 2020/2021 Please make note of the calendar dates below and plan accordingly. Currently, we are unable to provide camps to minimize person-to-person contacts until further notice. The full calendar is available on the school’s website here September 7
Labour Day (Statutory Holiday)
8 9
First Day Grade school, Kindergarten Distanced Picnic First Day of Kindergarten
10
New Parent Evening/Curriculum Night (by Zoom)
14
Grades 7/8 Parent Evening (Zoom)
15
Grades 6 and Grades 1/2 Parent Evening (Zoom)
16
Grades 5 and Grades 3/4 Parent Evening (Zoom)
29
Michaelmas Festival (in-class celebrations)
October 12
Thanksgiving Monday (Statutory Holiday)
13
Professional Development Day #1 (School Closure) No Camps
available 22 25
Annual General Meeting (TBC) Halloween Dance (Middle School)
29
Halloween Celebrations (in-class)
November 1
Tuition Payment Deadline
4
Parent/Teacher Conferences; No Camps available
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4
Parent/Teacher Conferences; No Camps available
6
Fall Holiday – School Closed; No camps available
11
Grades 1 to 4 Lantern Walk and Martinmas Play (5:30 pm)
12
Childcare Centre Lantern Walk (5:30pm)
13
Kindergarten Lantern Walk (5:30pm)
December 6
Winter Fair Online Auction
7
(School Closure); No Camps available
18
ECE Winter Light Festival
18
Last day of fall term; Full day of school
21-31Winter Break (School Closures); No Camps available January 1-3
Winter Break, continued (School Closures); No Camps available
4
Professional Development Day #2 (School Closure); No Camps available Winter term begins
5
February 11,12 Parent-Teacher Conferences via Zoom (School Closures); No Camps available 15 Family Day (Statutory Holiday); No camps available
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March 1
Tuition Deposit Deadline
3-4
Grade Eight Projects
8-19 March Break; March 20-24; No Camps available 22 23
Professional Development Day #3 (School Closure); No Camps available Spring term begins
April 2
Good Friday (school Closed) No Camps available
5
Easter Monday (school Closed) No Camps available
May 8
Mayfair (T.B.C)
24
Victoria Day (Statutory Holiday); NO Camps available
25
PD Day #4 (School Closure); No Camps available
June 1
Tuition Payment Deadline
3-4
Grade Eight Play
16
Grade Eight Graduation
18
Rose Ceremony; Last Day with dismissal at 12:30; (kindergarten dismissal at Noon) Summer Camps Begin (T.B.C.)
21
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8. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES Office Hours and Phone Calls The school office is staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Messages can be left on voicemail if office staff is busy. Messages are checked regularly throughout the day. Change of Parent Contact Info Parents are asked to notify the Office Manager immediately if their address or phone number changes at home or at work so that they can be reached in case of an emergency. Office Telephone Usage There is a telephone in the office for the use of parents and children in emergencies. Pick-up arrangements and social arrangements should be made ahead of time and students are not use the school phone for these purposes. Late and Safe Arrival Attendance is taken in the classroom at 8:45 am and parents of grade school children will be contacted by the office if the school has not been notified that a student is absent. Please phone the office by 9:00 am if your child will be absent or is late at info@waldorfacademy.org Students who arrive at school after attendance has been taken are required to sign in at the office.
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Consent Forms for Out of Town/Overnight Trips All overnight trips and field trips are cancelled until further notice due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions. Below is the school’s standard procedure. Beginning in grade three, grade school classes schedule out of town trips at least once a year. These trips are an essential part of the Waldorf curriculum. They create the social fabric of the class and deepen the children’s experience of the material presented in the classroom. For their own educational enrichment and social wellbeing, we expect students to be full participants in all class trips. Parents are notified in advance of the details of the trip including transportation, accommodation and food arrangements. Some parents may be asked to accompany the class to support the teacher with the practical aspects of the trip. The school requires a signed consent form from a parent of each participating child. Lost and Found The Lost and Found is located in the basement. Please contact the school if your child has lost an item. Student Registration and Tuition New students begin with a probationary contract*. If there are no issues the probationary period will be concluded and become a "perpetual enrollment" contract, meaning that you only have to complete and return one enrollment contract when you first join the school. The contract is then automatically renewed for years moving forward. At the start of each calendar, in January, you will receive notice of tuition fees as well as information for our tuition assistance. The perpetual enrollment contract will stay in effect from year to year without any renewals. If, for some reason your child will not be returning to Waldorf Academy for the following school year, you Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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must notify the Admissions Manager, in writing by the date indicated in the annual January notice. Parents interested in enrolling siblings may arrange for a school tour and/or have information and a brochure mailed out by calling the office during regular school hours. This same information is available on the school website. Withdrawals and Dismissals Probationary Contracts During the application procedure, parents/guardians are required to present all relevant information about their child which might affect his/her academic and social experience at Waldorf Academy including copies of all psychological reports and learning assessments. If a student is accepted and then displays behavioural and/or developmental challenges which were known but not disclosed at the time of application, Waldorf Academy reserves the right to dismiss the student from the school. In the event there is a breach of a policy of Waldorf Academy including, but not limited to, the Accounts Arrears and the student obligations found in the Family Handbook, the student may be dismissed at the School’s sole discretion. The Withdrawal/Dismissal Policy allows for the following exceptions: There is a minimum probationary period for all new students: six weeks for kindergarten, lower and middle school. This probationary period may be extended in writing at the discretion of the teachers, education support and the admissions manager. In the event that a student would be asked to leave during the probationary period, the parents/guardians would be responsible for the non-refundable deposit plus a pro-rated amount of the tuition. A student with physical, intellectual or emotional challenges may be accepted under specified conditions. The admissions manager on Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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behalf of the teachers and education support team will prepare a letter stating the terms of acceptance, which must be signed by the parents/guardians. Failure to satisfy the conditions of acceptance by the student or parents/guardians may result in the student’s dismissal. The parents/guardians will be responsible for the non-refundable deposit plus a pro-rated amount of the tuition fee. If written notice of withdrawal is received before school begins in September the parents/guardians will be responsible for the nonrefundable deposit. If written notice of withdrawal is received by the end of Term 1 the parents/guardians will be responsible for the nonrefundable deposit plus full tuition for the term. If notice of a withdrawal occurs after term 1, the parents/guardians are responsible for the full contract amount. Affordable Tuition Each year the school sets aside a limited amount of funds to assist those families from kindergarten to grade 8 who temporarily require financial assistance in order to have their child attend the school. Families requesting assistance are asked to fill out a Tuition Assistance Application Form with Apple Financial for that school year and supply supporting documents. Apple Financial charges a small fee to process. The third party provides a recommendation to the Business Operations Manager. The Admissions Manager informs the families of the amount available. Factors affecting the amount are the result of the recommendation, school policy, strategic planning and funds available. A detailed Tuition Assistance Policy and application forms are available to download from the school website.
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9. SCHOOL DAY PROCEDURES The First Day of School: What to Bring and Where to Go Kindergarten: Please refer to your summer letter from the class teacher and the kindergarten family handbook. Grade School: Students should bring comfortable shoes to wear inside the school. Outdoor shoes are not allowed in the classrooms. They should also bring a nutritious snack and a lunch including a drink. (Please see additional information in the section, lunch, and snack.) Orientation Week Schedule – At A Glance Kindergarten: September 8: Sun Garden and Star Garden Kindergarten picnics September 9: Sun Garden and Star Garden Group A September 10: Sun Garden and Star Garden Group B September 11: Optional full day for Kindergarten Grades 1 – 8: September 8 & 10: Grades 1/2, 5, 7/8 September 9 & 11: Grades 3/4, 6
Morning Procedure, Tardiness & Absence Before Care: There is no Before Care offered for the 2020-2021 school year.
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Drop-Off Schedule 8:20: Gr. 1-2 students will wait in their designated waiting areas in the sideyard and will remain in the sideyard with their teacher until the teacher leads them inside through the front entrance. 8:20: Gr. 3-5 students will wait in their designated waiting areas in the sideyard and will remain in the sideyard with their teacher until the teacher leads them inside through the front entrance. 8:25: Kindergarten students will be escorted by their masked parents to the backyard gate where they will be collected by their teacher. 8:45: Middle school students will head directly to their classes through the front door after their screenings. 9:00: Childcare Centre opens. Parents are requested to drop their children off at the front of the building. Parents are not permitted into the building during this time due to COVID-19 Health and Safety risk mitigation. If your child will be absent or late, we ask that you notify the Office Manager by 8:45 am, either by email at info@waldorfacademy.org. Please note your child’s name, grade, and the reason for their absence. If you have not notified the Office Manager, we are obligated to call home to confirm absence. It is vital that the children’s education is not interrupted by absences except in cases of illness. Please attempt to schedule family vacations during the regular holiday schedule included with each year’s school calendar. If it is necessary to take children away from school for a period during term, written notification should be given to the child's teacher with ample notice prior to the absence.
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If your child is leaving the school before the end of the school day, a note must be presented to the class teacher/office. For safety reasons, the child must be signed out in the school office.
What if my child has an appointment? Parents/caregivers should aim to schedule appointments at the beginning or end of the school day; students will not be admitted back to the school once they exit the building for appointments. Ms. Bogin must be notified of any appointments/early dismissals directly at info@waldorfacademy.org Students must sign out at the office when leaving the building during the school day. Parents/caregivers must wait for their child in front of the school as parents are not permitted to enter the building at this time. Dismissal and After School Procedure Grade school students are dismissed through the front door at the front of the school between 3:05 and 3:25p.m. Parents should pick up their children from the front of the school at their designated pickup time. Students who have signed permission to leave the school alone should leave through the front door promptly on dismissal. Students may not return after leaving the building. Pick-Up Schedule (KG – Gr. 8) There will be no free play after school. Parents are required to pickup their children straight away according to the staggered dismissal timetable. Student dismissal is staggered to limit physical contact and exposure to others; therefore, it is of the utmost importance that parents collect their children on time. Childcare Centre parents must use Spadina Road entrance and may park in the assigned Archives parking lot. Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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3:00: Kindergarten will wait in the backyard to be collected at the gate 3:05: Gr. 1/2 will wait at the front of the school 3:10: Gr. 3/4 and Gr. 5 will wait at the front of the school 3:15: Gr. 6 will wait at the front of the school 3:20: Gr. 7/8 will wait at the front of the school Before Care & After Care Programs (KG – Gr. 8) Extended Day Kindergarten programming is available for fullyear, pre-paid enrolment. Drop-ins are not available at this time. Grade school after care is available for full-year, pre-paid enrolment. You must designate the days your child will be attending. Drop-ins are not available at this time. Please submit your aftercare enrolment form by August 24, 2020. Before care is not available at this time. Kindercare and Aftercare run until 5:30pm. Optional Afternoon Program: Grades One and Two The transition from kindergarten to grade school is a big step for children. The demands in learning and concentration are considerably greater than in the kindergarten years, resulting in the children becoming easily exhausted. The faculty, therefore, strongly recommends that pupils in grade one be taken home at 12:35 Wednesdays and Fridays, and pupils in grade two be taken home at 12:35 Wednesday. The children who remain will take part in the optional afternoon program. The optional program is a combination of outdoor play, storytelling and quiet activities. Inclement Weather If it becomes necessary to close the school because of inclement weather during the winter, an announcement will be posted on our Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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website and a voice flash will be sent to the community. In addition, parents will be contacted by their class representatives. Building and Yard Use In general, the side yard and back yard are part of the school property, so all rules for the school apply for this space. In particular: Only Waldorf Academy students, staff, and parents are allowed in the side yard. Students must stay on school property unless they have their teacher or parent’s permission to leave. Students are not allowed to climb fences surrounding school property. The walkway on the south side of the school is not a play area. Bicycles are to be parked on the north side of the school building where there is an indent. Festivals The grade school holds a grade school parent festival 1-2 times a year. Parents are invited to see a presentation of some of the work the children are doing with their class. The Festival takes place after school and it is the expectation that all students will attend. These are traditional occasions in Waldorf schools worldwide. There is an opening and closing ceremony of the year as well that parents are welcome to join. The celebration of seasonal festivals forms an integral part of the Waldorf school year. In celebrations, festivals and their qualities are raised into greater consciousness through the power of pictures, stories, songs, drama, and food, all providing nourishment for the body and spirit.
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Examples of major festival celebrations observed throughout the school during the year are: Michaelmas Hallowe'en Day of the Dead Lantern Walk/Martinmas Winter Light Festival Chinese New Year Earth Day Mayfair
Courage, strength, perseverance, gratitude. A time for fun and games To honour those that have passed Charity and inner light Anticipation, inner light, love A time to honour ancestors Rebirth/transformation in nature Welcoming Spring
Traditionally, festivals in Waldorf schools have been based on European traditions. With the diverse nature of our community, our faculty is making a conscious effort to celebrate these festivals in a more inclusive way that is universal. Families who would like to share additional celebrations are encouraged to contact their child's class teacher. Generally, teachers collaborate with parents regarding the celebration of these festivals. In this way, festivals are celebrated appropriately through the parents’ knowledge of a particular festival and the teacher ensuring its pedagogical significance for the children. In addition, other festivals are integrated into different grades at the teacher's discretion to give the children a deeper feeling and awareness of the diversity of cultures. For example, in grade three, Passover may be celebrated as part of the study of Hebrew Bible stories. Extra-Curricular Sports Currently the school is unable to offer after school sports programming due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Detailed below is our standard extra-curricular sports programming information:
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As a member of the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF), an organization of small, independent schools in the larger Toronto area, the school offers an extra-curricular sports program for students of grades six to eight. The following sports may be offered: Basketball Volleyball Floor Hockey Soccer The above teams are open to all male and female students in the appropriate grades who are willing to make a commitment to attend practices and games on a regular basis. Games are played both at Waldorf Academy and at other schools throughout the Toronto area. The teams typically practice twice a week after school and there are often optional morning practices. Students usually attend a Waldorf student basketball tournament at the end of January that is hosted by Toronto Waldorf School. Other tournaments that we have participated in are indoor soccer, indoor ball hockey, baseball, and cross-country. For safety and insurance purposes we travel by bus or TTC to all games and tournaments. Any student in the middle school is eligible to be on a team and we do not conduct tryouts for the teams unless there are a maximum number of spots allowed on the roster. Homework Policy Assignments completed outside of school hours are important for all ages in order to build will forces in the children. Homework begins in the early grades as simply doing chores or being read to. Students get their first real project in grade three and by grade five, they are
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completing weekly assignments in main lesson, languages and mathematics. Families can support their children at home by making sure they have a quite workspace and uninterrupted time in which to complete their assignments. Rest and out of school activities are vital to the forming of a healthy, happy child so it is very important that parents communicate with the teacher if they feel that their child is doing too much homework. The amount of time spent on assignments should begin with only a few minutes per day in the lower grades to around an hour on average in middle school. Report Cards While marks are not emphasized at Waldorf Academy, particularly in the early grades, a process of assessing and benchmarking is in place throughout the grades to monitor students' progress and development. In grades six, seven and eight, students receive marks on their mid-year and end-of-year reports. At the end of the year, every grade school child receives a comprehensive written report from their class and specialist teachers. Fundraising Activities Our needs are very specific to our unique program and while tuition can cover our basic operating costs, it does not extend to the extras we need to fulfill our Waldorf ambitions Annual Gift Campaign – Each year parents and guardians are asked to donate to the Annual Gift Campaign. This campaign is an essential aspect of the overall annual financial plan. The school sometimes designates particular projects that require special funds, such as refinishing the gym floor, library resources, teacher development fund, etc. Winter Fair – This is a highly-anticipated, popular event that brings our community together at the beginning of December. Parents work all year making crafts and goods to sell. Our school building is magically transformed into a winter wonderland, with story-telling, carol-
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singing, candle-dipping, and much, much more. Each class is responsible for a different room or activity, and the entire school community comes out for the day. Several other events may be scheduled throughout the year. Some events that have taken place in the past are concerts by artists who are parents, films by and for parents, dances, and yard sales. Parent initiative in this area is very welcome. For the 2020-2021 school year, we are planning an online auction in place of the school-wide transformative event we have known to cherish. Parent Volunteer Background Check Procedures As of August 2012, Waldorf Academy requires that all parents working in the school store, volunteering in a classroom, or accompanying children on a school field trip complete a criminal background check. The school has an account with mybackcheck.com, and the process is fairly simple: we register your full name and email on their secure database, they send you an email, and your information is verified and sent to the police for processing. Once complete, an email is sent to you and the school with the results. The cost of a back check is $35. Parents are required to pay the fee. If you plan to volunteer in the school this year, please email info@waldorfacademy.org so that we can start the process. In order to ensure we have the results on time, please contact us at least two weeks before the planned outing. 10. Social Health and Discipline Well Managed Schools Model: Well Managed Schools Model (WMS) is a strategic, multi-tiered intervention approach that emphasizes behaviour management
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practices, relationship-building techniques, and social skills instruction to address and prevent behavioural challenges in a school setting. This research-based, positive behaviour approach model is rooted in applied behaviour analysis and social learning theory and has widely proven success in helping schools to create and sustain productive and cooperative social environments in their learning communities. WMS offers the structure and strategies needed to reduce disruptive or harmful behaviours and empower students with the selfmanagement skills necessary for academic and social success. As an intervention strategy, it represents a comprehensive classroom management and discipline approach that emphasizes preventative practices and social accountability rather than reactionary, punitive responses. In this way, WMS connects directly to the vision and mission of Waldorf Academy where we strive to model, shape and nurture both academic and social/emotional learning. We believe this holistic approach provides key assets in helping young people to mature into caring, responsible and resilient adults capable of achieving success in all aspects of their lives. One of the key components of this program is the Social Skills Curriculum which focuses on 16 social skills. To view the 16 Social Skills, along with steps for each skill, please ask for a copy from the school office. Waldorf Academy Student Code of Conduct I am respectful I am responsible I am safe I am prepared
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We are here to learn, therefore, I will do nothing to prevent the teacher from teaching and anyone from learning, including myself. I will cooperate with all school staff. I will respect others, school property, the environment, and myself. I will not use any mean word, sign, or act (including digital and online communication) that threatens or hurts a person’s body, feelings, or things. GENERAL SCHOOL RULES  Electronic devices (cell phones, i-pods, etc.) may not be used on school property or brought into the classroom by students unless it is part of a curriculum program. Parents will be notified in advance if this is the case.  Knives, matches, lighters, fireworks and caps are prohibited on school property. Illegal Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use of illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco by students is not permitted. A student in possession of any of these substances in or near the school will be immediately suspended for three to five days while further consequences are determined. Student Responsibilities 1. Students must bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the day's activities. Students must have athletic shoes that are only used for indoor activities. 2. Warmth: students must be dressed appropriately for weather conditions and consider activities such a recess and field trips. 3. Students must bring all required school equipment and materials needed for the day's lessons. 4. Students are to arrive on time in the morning and be ready for classes on time.
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5. Students must bring enough food and snack items to carry them through their day's activities, including after-school activities and trips. Students will not be allowed to leave school to purchase food. Dress Code The responsibility for the dress and grooming of a student rests primarily with his/her parents or guardians and the student. The dress code is designed to allow students to freely participate in the full range of activities that can be a part of every lesson, and to limit distractions. During the school day, students should dress neatly, in clothes that fit properly and are appropriate for the weather conditions and for all outdoor and indoor activities. Grade School 1. No graphics or logos (characters, brands, sports or corporate) larger than 10 cm are permitted. 2. Specialized courses and events may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms, safety gear and performances. 3. All students must have indoor and outdoor shoes. Indoor shoes must be suitable for athletic activities, while outdoor shoes must be suitable for normal outdoor activities, including running, nature walks, and sports. 4. All clothing must be mended and hemmed properly, no rips or holes. 5. Students must come to school with clothing appropriate for the expected weather conditions to allow for daily outdoor activity. 6. Hats and hoodies may not be worn in the classroom. 7. Jewelry that interferes with any activity or creates a hazard must be removed. All grade school students are encouraged to have a change of clothing on site that meets the dress code. * This dress code may be subject to change at any time.
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Discipline and Personal Conduct Our school supports and enforces the rules and guidelines outlined in the Waldorf Academy Code of Conduct, General Rules and Attendance. Further, the administration supports the ageappropriate management techniques used by the classroom teacher. When an exception arises, the teacher is encouraged to contact the parents and/or the administration for collaboration and assistance. Parental support will ensure that the learning atmosphere can be maintained at school. We believe that regular, open communication between parents/guardians and the teacher helps diminish any problems that may occur, whether they are academic or behavioral. We urge parents and teachers to take a proactive approach in developing and maintaining open communication. Having high expectations is a characteristic of effective schools. At Waldorf Academy, we have high expectations for ourselves and for our students. Therefore, compliance with school rules is expected. Individual teachers implement classroom discipline plans that include both rewards and consequences. When classroom discipline issues occur teachers contact parents as soon as possible. The following SCHOOL RULES are to be followed by all students in the classroom, hallways, playground and restrooms: I will respect myself. I will respect others. I will accept responsibility for my actions. I will do my best. I will be safe. I will be prepared. Teachers may have additional rules for their classrooms.
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Offenses justifying a trip to the social skills room and/ an office referral include but are not limited to: Disrespect shown to school personnel Inappropriate language or profanity (including threats to harm) Obscene gestures (including gestures suggesting violence or intent to harm) School vandalism Threats to harm (spoken, written, drawn or gestured) Theft Fighting Assault/physical aggression Bullying
Students will be disciplined for not following rules and violating the Code of Conduct. When they are sent to the social skills room for effective discipline, the faculty views these incidents as opportunities to teach and reinforce appropriate skills. Faculty and Administrators use the WMS corrective teaching process to: 1. Offer initial praise or empathy. 2. Describe the inappropriate behavior. 3. Describe the appropriate behavior. 4. Provide rationales. 5. Practice the social skill that is needed.
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6. Provide specific feedback on the practice. 7. Identify consequences. 8. Provide general praise. Communicating Social Skill referrals to Parents and Guardians When a child is sent to the social skills room as a formal office referral for violating the Waldorf Academy’s Code of Conduct, parents/guardians are contacted by the referring faculty as soon as possible to discuss the incident. The child will also complete a full, verbal apology to anyone that s/he has wronged or disobeyed. The social skills faculty may also follow up to address how to support the student at home and at school. Consequences that will be considered are: • Corrective teaching and an apology are always part of the disciplinary process. • Supervised short break in the classroom or office to reflect and regulate. • Loss of a privilege • Completion of a problem-solving sheet/activity Suspension – Withdrawal* In most cases, the above steps will be sufficient. If not, the following course of action will be followed: First Written Notice for a conference to take place. An action plan will be developed so that all parties are consistent with the strategies that need to be put in place. The type of supports needed will be determined at this time. Second Written Notice may result in a suspension. This will provide more time to hold an in-depth evaluation of the child and to
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develop a more detailed plan to better support the child in the program. An action plan will be developed in order to plan for the child to return to the program. The plan may include external resources. Third Written Notice: Should the child’s needs be deemed by the Director to be beyond the expertise of the school staff and Education Support/Resource teacher, recommendation will be made in writing for the parents to withdraw their child and to enroll the child in an alternate facility where his/her needs may be addressed. Whenever possible, the parent/guardian will be given sufficient notice to make alternate arrangements. However, in the event that a child’s individual needs or behaviour pose a serious threat to the safety of other children and staff, the parent may be required to immediately withdraw the child from the school at the Director’s written request
11. HEALTH & SAFETY Lunch and Snack Parents are asked to send a healthy mid-morning snack and lunch with their grade school children, including nutritious food and a drink. Lunch and snack are eaten in the classroom and supervised by the class teacher. Children who attend After School Care should bring an extra snack for the late afternoon. Parents of preschool children should consult the nursery and kindergarten program section for additional information regarding snack and lunches. Please do not send your child to school with chocolate, candy, pop, or any other food with high sugar content. Chewing gum and bubble gum are also not permitted on school premises.
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We strongly encourage the use of refillable and recyclable containers and litter-free lunches. The school has a compost system for fruit and vegetable matter. An Allergen-Free School The school, in conjunction with the parent community, made a decision several years ago to become a nut-free school, as some children and teachers have life-threatening allergies to nut products. Parents are asked to support this by having children’s snacks and lunches nut-free. This includes not only nuts but also nut oil. If your child has an allergy to any substance, please make sure that both the office and your child’s class teacher know.
Student Immunization Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires parents of students attending Waldorf Academy to provide proof of their child’s immunization. It is the parent’s responsibility to update their child’s immunization record and provide a valid exemption form to the Toronto Public Health. Call for more information Toronto Public Health 416-392-1250. Failure to update your child’s immunization may result in suspension as per the Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Anaphylaxis The school feels that all parents would like to be aware that there are children and faculty members in our school with severe lifethreatening food allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. This is called anaphylaxis, a medical condition that causes a severe reaction to specific foods or other materials, and can result in death within minutes.
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Although this may not affect your child's class directly, the schoolwide policy is that children do not come to school with any nut products. Waldorf Academy appreciates your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the safest environment for your children. Health Procedures What should I do if my child is not feeling well when they wake up? It is important that all students who are not feeling well stay home until they are symptom free for at least 24 hours. Student absences must be confirmed directly with Ms. Bogin by email at info@waldorfacademy.org. Contact your doctor if necessary and/or visit a COVID-19 testing centre if you suspect symptoms of COVID-19. Waldorf pedagogy is concerned with the whole child and sees a relationship between overall health and teaching. You will find teachers most receptive to any comments you wish to share about your child’s health, sleeping and eating habits, stress, and home life rhythms. Parents are asked to keep sick or infectious children at home, and to notify the school before 8:45 a.m., as described in the section Absence/Lateness above. If children become ill during the day, they may wait in the selfisolation room until a parent or another designated caregiver can pick them up. Included in the summer package are health and emergency forms which must be filled out in full and returned by the date requested. New students must either bring in proof of immunization or sign the appropriate exemption form. The school must have a copy of each child’s birth certificate on file. Parents of children with severe allergic reactions should ensure that the school is aware of both the symptoms and the appropriate Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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treatment for such allergies by filling out the medical form appropriately. The school has made a diligent effort to keep children free of head lice, which is endemic to school-aged children. Regular checks for lice are scheduled throughout the entire school. Parents of children who are found to have lice are informed by phone or by a note and are asked to treat their children before they return to school. A follow-up check is done when the child returns to school. ILLNESSES When a student has a temperature of more than 37.8 C/100 F degrees, is hurt or ill, parents will be contacted to pick up their child from school. Any child with an illness is required to be signed out through the Front Desk before leaving the school. A parent or guardian must escort the child home. Parents are asked to: ● Inform the office that the child is unable to come to school. ● Keep the child at home until fit to return to school (as per Toronto Public Health recommendations). For the safety of all Waldorf students and faculty, children should be free of fever, diarrhea and vomiting for at least 24 hours before returning to school. (See additional details below). ● Do not let children control or keep possession of medicines of any description in school. ● Any medication to be administered during school hours requires a parent/guardian complete the Medication Authorization Form. It is available at the front desk. INFECTIOUS OR CONTAGIOUS DISEASES The isolation periods for children suffering from such illnesses are given below and should be followed in all cases:
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ILLNESS INCUBATION PERIOD ISOLATION OF STUDENT Illness: Incubation Period Chickenpox:
14-21 days
Fifth Disease:
14-21 days
German Measles:
14-21 days
Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease:
10-14 days
Measles:
10-14 days
Mumps:
14-21 days
Measles: We will comply with the Toronto Public Health procedure and students with incomplete vaccinations or an exemption from receiving the vaccine will not be allowed to attend school until the outbreak is over or they have been vaccinated. OTHER CHILDHOOD CONDITIONS Conjunctivitis: Exclusion from school until eyes are back to normal Impetigo: Exclusion from school until treatment has started Lice: The office must be notified immediately of any discovered cases of lice. A student with lice cannot return to school unless they have been treated. An e-communication will be sent to child’s class to notify and provide instructions on how to prevent the acquisition and spread of lice. We recommend contacting our lice check provider, Lice Squad, for more information or assistance: http://www.licesquad.com/
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12. TRANSPORTATION Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Grades 1- 8 To facilitate a smooth flow of traffic on Madison Avenue during the busiest time of the day, parents are requested NOT to park and leave their vehicle. Please drop off your child/ren at the appropriate drop-off times in front of the school. Teachers and administrators will be on duty to see your children safely into the back yard, where a teacher is on duty. Please respect our neighbours and do not park in front of the laneway to the north of the building or on adjacent properties’ parking lots or loading areas. Please do not block the faculty and staff parking located at the front of the building. At the end of the day, we ask that parents collect their children as soon as possible from the side yard. Again, it is a rolling a pick up. Travel To/From School Unaccompanied Children traveling unaccompanied must have a Permission to Leave School Unaccompanied form signed by a parent in their school file. If any child does not arrive at school by 9:15 a.m., the child's parents will be contacted by the office. At the end of the day, unaccompanied students must leave school grounds promptly by their dismissal time. Any after-school social arrangements among students should be made well in advance to avoid confusion. Bicycles Students riding bicycles to school should lock them securely in the designated area, by the laneway along the north side of the school. Please do not lock bicycles in front of the building near the front entrance or against the front wall, as they can be damaged by cars
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entering or exiting the parking lot. Bicycles may not be kept inside the school building. The school cannot be held responsible for loss of/damage to bicycles. Collection/Carpooling Class teachers and the office must be aware of regular carpool arrangements; any adult picking up your child on a regular basis should be added to your child's Permission to Leave School Unaccompanied form. If someone other than the parent will be collecting your child or there is a change in carpool arrangements, please inform the teacher and office in a written note. This is very important from a security/safety point of view. It is not possible for the office to make last minute arrangements regarding carpools and social arrangements. Please make these arrangements before the start of the school day so that there is no confusion between children, parents, and teachers about how your child is getting home.
13. VIDEOTAPING AND CAMERAS The faculty requires you get their permission to use cameras or video recorders at school plays and festivals. The school reserves the right to use cameras and filming for outreach purposes. Screens (television, handheld devices) Television viewing and use of computer games by children is discouraged by the school for the following reasons:  Television viewing is a passive activity that can result in restlessness and poor concentration.  Recent studies show that exposure to electromagnetic fields of video screens is a concern.
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Many programs have adult content, violence and disturbing visual images not suitable for children. Cartoon characters are often stereotyped and provide a poor model for children's behaviour. Teachers strive to create a learning environment in the classrooms and in the building that supports the philosophy of Waldorf education. When a child brings the experience of viewing a television program, video or computer game into the classroom setting, the environment which the teacher has created can be negatively impacted. We recognize that television viewing is part of our culture. However, parents can assist their child’s education greatly by conscientiously monitoring children's viewing time. In particular, we request that there be no television watching before coming to school each morning or before going to bed at night, so that the child can absorb the curriculum taught that day into their sleep.
14. WALDORF EDUCATION Each year lectures and courses on Waldorf education are conducted or organized by the Community Council or the Faculty. Parents and friends of the school are invited to attend, and notices of these events will be posted in the Voice and on our website. If you are interested in joining a study group on Waldorf education at the school, please be sure to observe community announcements. Recommended Reading Listed below are a number of books that parents may find useful to learn about various aspects of Waldorf education. Several of these books may be available at the school store. It is certainly not a complete list but is a starting point for parents. In addition, the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) has a very Waldorf Academy Family Handbook
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informative web site (https://www.waldorfeducation.org/waldorfeducation. General Reference: Waldorf Parents Handbook
Lois Cusick
Waldorf Education: A Family Guide
P. Fenner & Karen Rivers, ed.
You Are Your Child’s First Teacher
Rahima Baldwin
Lifeways - Working with Family Questions
Gudrun Davy and BonsVoors
Education Towards Freedom: A survey of the work of Waldorf Schools
Joan and Siegfried Rudel, English editors
School as a Journey: The Eight-Year Odyssey of a Waldorf Teacher and His Class
Torin M. Finser
Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman
Encountering the Self Transformation and Destiny in the Ninth Year
Hermann Koepke
On the Threshold of Adolescence
Hermann Koepke
Just Because It’s Not Wrong Doesn’tMake It Right
Barbara Coloroso
Looking Forward: Activities
Molly von Heider
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to Develop Children’s Learning Abilities Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds – For Better and Worse
Jane Healy
What Is Waldorf Education
Jack Petrash
The Child and the Machine
Alison Armstrong and Charles Casement
Festivals, Seasons & Crafts: The Children’s Year Festivals with Children Family, Festivals and Food The Nature Corner
Copper/FynesClinton/Rowling Brigitte Barz Diana Carey / Judy Large M.V. Leeuwen / J. Moeskop
Making Soft toys
Freya Jaffke
Festivals Together: A Guide to Multi-Cultural Celebration
Sue Fitzjohn, Minda Weston and Judy Large
Study Material: Education As a Lively Art
Marjorie Spock
Childhood - A Study of the
Caroline von Hyderbrand
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Growing Child The Way of the Child
A.C. Harwood
The Recovery of Man in Childhood
A.C. Harwood
The Philosophy of Freedom
Rudolf Steiner
The Study of Man
Rudolf Steiner
The Education of the Child
Rudolf Steiner
Children and Their Temperaments
Marieke Anschutz
The Wisdom of Fairy Tales
Rudolf Meyer
The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) Waldorf Academy is a full member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). AWSNA provides a network of information, ongoing education, conferences and mentoring for Waldorf teachers and schools in North America. It also acts as an information source for persons and organizations interested in knowing more about Waldorf education. AWSNA meets twice a year, with each member school represented by a delegate. A complete list of all schools and teacher training institutes affiliated with AWSNA is available at www.awsna.org. Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN)
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Waldorf Academy's early childhood program is a full member of Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America and the International Association of Waldorf Kindergartens. WECAN works closely with its sister organization, the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). Its mission is to nurture the work with the young child from pre-birth to age seven, based on an understanding of the healthy development of the child in body, spirit, and soul, with a commitment to protecting and nurturing childhood as the foundation for a truly human culture. Rudolf Steiner Centre The Rudolf Steiner Centre, adjacent to the Toronto Waldorf School in Thornhill, offers a year-long Waldorf teacher training program as well as running an extensive adult learning program, with courses based on the work of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf Education. Brochures outlining the centre’s courses are distributed each term with the Thursday flyer and from time to time the centre uses Waldorf Academy as a location for particular workshops and lectures. The centre can be reached at 905.764.7570 or www.rsct.ca.
Donations to the School Donations are tax-deductible and are greatly appreciated.
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