Family Handbook 2022-2023 Oct.

HANDBOOK 2022

Waldorf Academy is an accredited member of AWSNA: The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.

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.

"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

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

Waldorf Academy aims to:

• Provide an education of the highest quality so our students become balanced individuals, having developed clarity of thinking, sensitivity of feeling, and strength of will.

• Inspire within the children a love of learning, a morality that strives for goodness, an appreciation of beauty, and a pursuit of truth and social justice.

• Provide our students with knowledge, skills, and the means to work competently in the world.

• Provide our students with values that will enable them to find their path in life.

• Inspire a sense of wonder at, and a healthy positive connection to the world, arising from a knowledge of and responsibility toward the individuality of themselves and others.

• Inspire a sense of the spiritual dimension of life as well as a healthy respect for the physical.

These aims are held throughout the child’s schooling but implementation of them will vary according to the development of the child.

Waldorf Academy

Waldorf Academy is the only independent Waldorf school in the urban centre of Toronto. With a thriving childcare centre boasting a wait list of eager families, and intimate, dedicated classrooms for grades 1-8, Waldorf Academy parents describe it as “education with a soul,” a place that provides a true community for families within Canada’s largest metropolitan hub.

What began in September of 1987 as a one-room kindergarten grew quickly, adding a grade each year until the first eighth grade graduated in June of 1996. In 2008, Waldorf Academy opened the first Waldorf Childcare Centre, inspiring Waldorf schools across North America to follow its pioneering path by opening early childhood programs to meet the needs of 21st century parents.

Dedicated, caring teachers offer a unique pedagogical approach, grounded in the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, that is comprehensive, unparalleled, and

inclusive of global cultures. Relationship-based, experiential learning infuses arts, movement, and outdoor education across the curriculum. Parents refer to the approach as “schooling with heart,” a kinder, gentler education where a carefully planned and applied pedagogical framework aligns with the stages of brain development in ways that allow magic and wonder to linger longer in childhood. Parents claim children are seen beyond their behaviors and appreciated for having a complex inner world.

Waldorf Academy makes its home in an aesthetically calming, welcoming, and beautiful space, making use of the natural environment surrounding the campus. Small class sizes combine with a vast classical education to create a diversity of understanding that leads students to build the confidence they need to comfortably go out into the world in their own unique way. A pervasive reverence for nature and love of learning emerges from strong student-teacher relationships and avid outdoor education, preparing students for innovation, exploration and an enduring sense of imagination that equips them to excel in high school, university and the world at-large.

Grades students create their own textbooks, fully immersing in their learning for a holistic, whole-person experience. At Waldorf Academy, students not only go through the necessary subjects and advancements of all Canadian students; they build crucial emotional intelligence that leads to strong empathy borne out of a deep sense of being seen and known.

While screens and technology are not prioritized, middle school students engage in a unique cyber civics curriculum to explore digital citizenship and privacy in a global world.

Accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN), Waldorf Academy is a not-for-profit school approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Waldorf Academy’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“The conscious development of human relationships fosters individual and community health.” - AWSNA Principle #5

“More than a century ago, the very first Waldorf school was founded by Rudolf Steiner as a social justice initiative motivated by a worldview that

acknowledged the spiritual nature of human beings. Waldorf education to this day, continues to be a philosophy-driven approach that prepares students to experience their lives as filled with purpose and meaning, contributing to the well-being of humanity. Worldwide, our awareness of historic and existing injustices is deepening. The impetus for transformation and social renewal is resounding. Waldorf Academy welcomes this call for social healing and commits to creating and sustaining diversity, equity and inclusion within our community.

As we move forward and take up this work, we aim to collectively examine the impact of privilege, illuminate biases and investigate our role in both perpetuating and dismantling social and institutional discriminations. As a school community, we have a moral responsibility for empathy, critical thinking and truth. We hold space for discomfort as it arises and encourage resolve as we audit our curriculum, our operations and our ethos. We have faith in our collective ability to foster healing and create new wholesome social life. Waldorf Academy is committed to respecting the dignity of each community member regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, visible and invisible disability, gender expression, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, age, body size, occupation, family constellation and socio-economic status. Any statements attributed to Rudolf Steiner which imply or suggest discrimination or judgment toward marginalized groups are rejected. Such attitudes are contradictory and undermine the goals of this education.

At Waldorf Academy, we acknowledge the free and universal spirit living in every human being. We endeavor to nurture the children in our care by preparing them to meet the wide world with open-mindedness, confidence, compassion, and resilience. We have the potential and capacity to embody the intersection and synergy of Waldorf education and social justice initiatives, and we invite every member of our community to join us.”

Please find more about Waldorf Academy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our website, which includes a timeline of ongoing professional development, curriculum modifications and updates, and community discussions and events here: https://waldorfacademy.org/about/diversityequity-and-inclusion/

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. Please click here to find out more about our Board of Directors.

The 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on: TBC, via Zoom

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 2022)

Michael Bernstein Anoosha Reddy Bill Ross

Rami Bazzi Joan Rempel Tyler Colford

Emerson Rajaram

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

Interim Director of School and Childcare Jennifer Deathe

o leads the administration

o manages the strategic direction of the school

o manages school human resources

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

Interim Admissions Manager Lian Novak

o manages enrollment o manages student records

Childcare Centre Manager Lucia Amaral o manages childcare operations

o manages childcare human resources

Office Manager Melody Bogin

o manages student health and safety; COVID Compliance Officer

o manages programs and program registration

o manages attendance

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 years old)

Childcare Centre Manager

Lucia Amaral

Morning Star Garden ("toddlers" 1.5 to 2.5 yr-olds)

Yu Kanazawa, Ahlam Ali, and Haleema Syed

Sky Garden ("preschoolers" 2.5 to 4 yr-olds)

Charlotte Koen-Butt and Terri Santos

Fairy Garden ("preschoolers" 2.5 to 4 yr-olds)

Fei Cong and Thalita Ferratti

Woodland Garden ("preschoolers" 2.5 to 4 yr-olds)

Lisa Gibson

Support Staff

Monica Darie and Hollis Keillor

Kindergarten Teachers

Sun Garden Kindergarten Star Garden Kindergarten

Bozena Ciepielewski Andressa Oliveira Thuy Le Genevieve Lennox Mariela Pasatir Camila Garcia

Moon Garden Kindergarten

Fernanda Vera Swati Mahajan Chanay Calamusa

Grade School Teachers

Class Teachers

Grade One Grade Two Grades Three and Four Grades Five and Six

Specialty Teachers

Katherine Fulford Deepa Jeetu Agnes Zsigovics D’Arcy Colby Vivien Carrady Grade Seven Grade Eight

Tammi Gerrard Lesley Moffitt

French Mathematics Physical Education Music Middle School Specialist

Golnesa Amani

Jula Bender TBA

Clara Hilts Sydney Grainger

German Volunteers (GVs)

Each year the school hosts youth 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.

We welcome two German Volunteers for the 2022-2023 school year: Kati and Pauline!

If you have questions regarding this program, please contact our Interim School Director, Jennifer Deathe at director@waldorfacademy.org

4f. 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.

Parent Evenings (Whole Class)

Each class teacher schedules three parent evenings during the school year. The dates for these evenings are scheduled in advance on the school website calendar. All families in the class are expected to attend. 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. Dates are subject to change so please check in with the class teacher.

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.

250 Madison Avenue | Toronto, ON, Canada | M4V 2W6 waldorfacademy.org | info@waldorfacademy.org |416.962.6447

There is NO SCHOOL (no classes) during the days on which parent-teacher conferences are held. The school does offer full day camps on these days; during COVID, camps will be held where possible under government guidelines. The conferences will be held via Zoom meetings. TBC

Pro-active Parent Partnerships

It greatly enhances the life of our school when parents pro-actively:

1. learn about Waldorf Education

2. partner with your children's teachers, and

3. engage in and committing to healthy communication

4. engage in healthy and non-violent communications (ie. crucial conversations)

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.

4g. 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 terms are 2 years.

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

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 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 on waldorfacademy.org). The meetings provide a forum for updating the parent community (through their representatives) on school 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 in consultation with the school leadership to support strategic goals.

Typical Community Council Meeting Attendees

o co-chairs of Community Council

o class representatives from childcare to grade eight

o faculty representative(s)

o board representative(s)

o administration representative(s)

o any interested current parents

Responsibilities

Class Representatives have a tripartite role:

1. They are a key link between the Community Council and their class: 1. receive email communications from the Community Council co-chairs;

2. disseminate key CC information to their class parents via email, always cc’ing their class teacher(s).

3. attend each CC meeting (or have another class parent attend on their behalf) to share feedback from their class, and to bring back information to their class parents.

2. They play a leadership role in their class:

a. assist class teachers in organizing class activities, e.g. festivals, outings;

b. uphold Community Council goals through annual activities;

c. invite parents to become involved, and encourage broad participation.

3. The primary class representative is automatically a Member of the Corporation. Members of the Corporation form the body to whom the Board is legally accountable.

a. prepares for, and attends the Annual General Meeting (AGM, typically October/November);

b. votes for new board members, and on other items that require ratification; c. may request copies of board and committee minutes; d. has rights as outlined in relevant statutes and school by-laws

Community Council Co-Chairs have tripartite responsibilities:

1.They are a link between the Community Council, Faculty, Board and Administration:

a. maintain regular communication with the Faculty, Board and Administrative representatives (via emails, attending meetings, etc); b. set the agenda for, and chair, each Community Council meeting to share information among Faculty, Board, Administration and Parents; c. disseminate the date/time of Community Council meetings, and the meeting agenda, in advance of each meeting to all members of the school community.

2. They play a leadership role within the Community Council:

a. support school-wide activities and initiatives, in collaboration with class representatives, faculty and administration;

b. send email communications to the class representatives to disseminate key CC information. School Director is cc’d in all CC communications from the Co-Chairs to the Class Representatives.

c. uphold CC goals through annual school activities; d. invite the community to become involved, and encourage broad participation.

3.The Community Council co-chairs are automatically Members of Corporation, like the Class Representatives, and as such have the same responsibilities in this regard (see above).

Core Verse

The Community Council’s core values are presented in the following verse by Rudolf Steiner, which is typically read at the opening of all CC meetings:

“A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.”

Waldorf Academy Community Council Mandate (July 20, 2021)

Mandate

The Community Council is the body that provides the formal forum for parent involvement in the life of the school. It promotes communication and cooperation within the school, and nurtures parent engagement. It is an important venue where the four bodies of the school (Parents, Faculty, Board and Administration) come together to share information, and to promote the vitality of the school. The Community Council encourages a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of the school through social, educational, and volunteer opportunities.

Mission Statement

At Waldorf Academy, parents sustain the school in many ways, and are, in turn, sustained by the school. Waldorf Academy’s Community Council seeks to:

i) help parents support the school through activities such as volunteering inside and outside the classroom, and supporting community events and initiatives. In

these activities, the Community Council seeks to organize volunteer efforts in a way that nourishes, respects and protects parent volunteers.

ii) help the school support parents by enhancing communication via CC meetings and emails, by promoting parent education on Waldorf philosophy, by facilitating parent-to-parent connections, and by enhancing overall cohesion of the school community.

Composition

Community Council is the school body comprising: one or two volunteer Class Representatives from each class/grade from CCC to Grade 8; one representative each from the Faculty, Administration and Board; and two parent Co-Chairs who need not be Class Representatives. One class representative from each class/grade, and all Co-Chairs, automatically become Members of the Corporation for the duration of their tenure, pursuant to Waldorf Academy By-Law section 4(c).

Nominations & Terms

Class representatives are confirmed annually within each class, typically via an organic process in the final Parent Evening of the year (e.g., by May). The names of the class representatives are communicated by the class teacher to the CoChairs and the Administration. Ideally, each class has two representatives, who each serve an overlapping, two-year term. Ideally, parents serving in their second year are the “primary” class representatives, designated as Members of the Corporation.

Co-Chairs are confirmed by a process of nomination or request. As for class representatives, it is ideal to have at least two Co-Chairs who each serve an overlapping, two-year term. It is recommended that multiple parents serve in the roles of Class Representative and Co-Chair, so it is best to avoid two consecutive terms.

Goals and Objectives

In collaboration with the School (ie. class teachers, administration, full faculty, as appropriate), the Community Council (Co-Chairs and the Class Reps) annually determines how best to carry out its functions to achieve the stated goals and objectives.

Examples of Objectives/Responsibilities of Parent Reps (and Co-Chairs) include but are not limited to:

1. Collaborative exchange: Monthly meetings provide the opportunity to share updates from the Faculty, Board, Administration, Class Reps and Parents. Questions are welcomed. Time is set aside to plan upcoming

activities and events together, cultivating an informed and engaged school community.

2. Community Building: Outreach to parents - both by class and school-wide - e.g. buddy systems for new families, social gatherings, postal-code parties, Parent Cafés, etc.

3. Parent education: In collaboration with faculty and administration, organize seminars, speaker-series, film screenings, etc., to foster understanding of Waldorf pedagogy and related values.

4. Assistance to teachers: Assist class teachers as needed, e.g., helping with class communication, engaging class parents in class activities and outings, class-led festivals, etc.

5. Assistance to school: Coordinate volunteers for various school initiatives, e.g., community events, food drives, smaller-scale fund-raising initiatives, open houses, etc.

6. Assistance to parents: Become knowledgeable about the structure of the school and the appropriate channels of communication in order to direct parent concerns. Encourage individual parents to take issues/concerns directly to the teacher, staff or parent with whom they have the concern.

7. Appreciation for teachers and staff: Organize group gifts and cards for Faculty and Administration

8. Education for Members of the Corporation: Ensure that Community Council Members of the Corporation (i.e., one class rep from each class/grade and the Co-Chairs) are aware of their rights (i.e. voting at the Annual General Meeting/Board elections, observation of Board meetings, access to Board minutes, calling meetings).

5. OUR COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

a. 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.

b. 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

Jennifer Deathe - Interim Director………………………………..……………………..225

Melody Bogin - Office Manager ................................................... ………………….221

Lian Novak - Interim Admissions Manager ................................... ………………….231

Matthew Denton - Business Operations Manager....................... ………………….226

Lucia Amaral - Childcare Manager 248

Afterschool teachers will provide families with contact information during the school year.

c. 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 parent representative of the class who acts as the class’s electronic messaging moderator. Parents are encouraged to create their own email contact lists for social purposes.

d. “Windows into Waldorf” , The Voice E-Newsletter, and Voice Flashes

Please be sure to regularly read the Director of the School’s “Windows into Waldorf”. In addition, we provide a school e-newsletter, The Voice, each term for our families to stay abreast of school events and updates.

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.

Contributions to the newsletter are welcome. Please contact Admissions manager, Lian Novak at admissions@waldorfacademy.org

e. Parent WhatsApp Chat Groups

The group is a tool for parents to help organize class events, parties, parent time, and chaperones for field trips and is organized and managed by your Class Representative(s).

Many parents value a class WhatsApp group so that they can easily contact each other for play-dates, carpooling etc. Since you will not receive a phone list from school, if you wish to create a WhatsApp group, the Class Representatives will retrieve the parents’ phone numbers from them directly to create the group.

Please abide by the following rules:

1. This group is to receive information about your class.

2. There is a Class Rep. who is also a moderator in the group.

3. No advertisements can be posted.

4. No personal messages or “my child...” messages should be posted.

5. If you have specific issues or challenges with your child or a teacher/staff member/parent, those must be addressed with the teacher or the administration and should not be mentioned within the group.

6. If you are participating in a class activity and are taking pictures, please remember that some parents do not want their child’s picture online. Therefore, pictures of children in the class should not be posted to the group.

7 The hours of the group are between 6am and 8pm

6. OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

Waldorf Academy adheres to all national, provincial, and municipal laws, bylaws, and guidelines; this includes COVID-related bylaws set by government agencies and Toronto Public Health.

At all times, please adhere to this Community Code of Conduct which was developed 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.

• AVOID SECOND-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.

If challenges 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 wellbeing 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. Please see more information regarding harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

• MISUSE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND EMAIL LISTS to solicit, advertise or discuss matters unrelated to the Waldorf Academy curriculum.

• DUAL RELATIONSHIPS, such as the hiring of current school staff or German Volunteers for private babysitting, tutoring, (etc.) of our students at any time is prohibited; this practice creates a dual relationship as well as a conflict of interest.

Code of Conduct Procedures:

a) Parents and guardians exhibiting inappropriate behaviour will be called to meet with the Director and/or the board representative to conclude a plan for resolution and repair.

b) 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 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.”

7. THE SCHOOL YEAR

Your teacher will provide you with your child’s timetable.

Before care: 8:00-8:30 in the sideyard

Drop-Off Schedule

• 8:30: Gr. 1 students will begin their day in the sideyard with their teacher.

• 8:30: Gr. 2-8 students will head directly to their classes through the front door.

• 8:30: Kindergarten students will be escorted by their parents to the sideyard where they will be collected by their teacher.

• 8:00: Childcare Centre opens.

Pick-Up Schedule (KG – Gr. 8)

There will be no free play after school. Parents are required to pick-up 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

• 3:00: Kindergarten will wait in the backyard to be collected at the gate

• 3:10: Gr. 1 - 3 will exit and wait at the front of the school

• 3:20: Gr. 4 - 8 will exit and wait at the front of the school

Before Care & After Care Programs (KG – Gr. 8)

• Extended Day Kindergarten programming is available for full-year, prepaid 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 registration form by September 1, 2022.

• Before care is available from 8:00am in the sideyard

• Kindercare and After Care run until 5:30pm*

• * New time aligns with CCC

Special Events, School Closures and Statutory Holidays 2022 - 2023

Please make note of the calendar dates and plan accordingly. The full calendar is available on the school’s website here

Below are some highlights of typical events at Waldorf Academy:

September

First Day of School; Rose Ceremony Grades 1-8 (Parents are welcome)

Main Lesson Drop In

Lantern Walk (Parents Attend, CCC and Grades 1-3)

Kindermorning

December

Winter Light Festival

Winter Fair * T.B.D. (Parent Opportunity)

Winter Break

January

Middle School basketball Tournament * T.B.D.

Grade One Info Session (For Parents)

Pancake & PJ Breakfast

February

Parent-Teacher Conferences via Zoom (No School)

Family Day (Statutory Holiday)

Middle School Info Session

Grades Open House (Parent Volunteer Opportunity)

Parent Festival

Black History Month

Chinese New Year

Pink Shirt Day

March

Grade Eight Projects (All Parent are Welcome)

March Break

March Break Camps

April 22 Earth Day

EC Open House May

Mayfair (T.B.D.)( Spadina House)

Victoria Day (Statutory Holiday); NO camps

Grade 7 Play

June

Grade 8 Play

Kindergarten Rainbow Bridge Celebrations

Grade Eight Graduation

Rose Ceremony; Last Day of school

Summer Camp (Kindergarten)

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 or through e-mail. Messages are checked regularly throughout the day.

Change of Parent Contact Information

Parents are asked to notify the school 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 email Ms. Bogin at info@waldorfacademy.org by 9:00 am if your child will be absent or is late.

Parents are encouraged to do everything possible to have children arrive on time.

Consent Forms for Out of Town/Overnight Trips

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 well-being, 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. Check immediately when something is missing. Before the end of each term, the lost and found items are displayed. All items not claimed after that time are given to a local charity.

Student Registration and Tuition New Contract Language Updated November 2021

At Waldorf Academy we consider it a privilege to teach your child and to provide our students with an outstanding education. We thank you for choosing Waldorf Academy for your child’s education. The following details the Enrolment Contract between Waldorf Academy and the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student.

1. The parent(s)/guardian(s) are subject to all school policies in the Family Handbook

2. The parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to select a payment plan to make all tuition and other payments in full as per the payment plan selected.

3. The parent(s)/guardian(s) understand that the grade school enrolment fee and deposits are non-refundable and are not prorated.

4. The parent(s)/guardian(s) understand that should they withdraw on or/after June 1st they are obligated to pay the full tuition and that the tuition is not pro-rated.

5. The parent(s)/guardian(s) understand that there is a 6 week probation period that begins the first day of school.

6. The parent(s)/guardian(s) understand if Waldorf Academy determines it cannot meet their child’s needs and dismisses their child within the 6 week probation period, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for a pro-rated tuition payment. The deposit is non-refundable.

7. The parent(s)/guardian(s) understand that if they are not returning for the following academic year they are required to notify the Admissions Manager by March 1st in writing/email.

8. The parent(s)/guardian(s) understand that there will not be reductions in tuition, fees and deposits due to their child’s inability to attend school for reasons including, but not limited to bad weather, expulsion, family emergency, illness, pandemic, suspension, and/or vacation.

9. In the event that Waldorf Academy refers to the collection of an overdue account, the parent(s)/guardian(s) agrees to pay legal and/ or agency fees.

Waldorf Academy Family Handbook

New students begin with a probationary contract*. If there are no issues the probationary period will be concluded and become a one year contract. After one year has been completed it becomes a "perpetual enrollment" contract. 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.

New! Tuition Assistance applications must be submitted by November.

If, for some reason your child will not be returning to Waldorf Academy for the following school year, you must notify the Admissions Manager, in writing by the date indicated in the annual January notice.

Withdrawals and Dismissals

Probationary Contracts

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.

If written notice of withdrawal is received before June 1st , the parents/guardians will be responsible for the non-refundable deposit. If notice of a withdrawal occurs after June 1, the parents/guardians are responsible for the full contract amount.

Affordable Tuition

Families requesting assistance are asked to fill out a Tuition Assistance Application Form with Apple Financial for that school year and supply supporting documents November 15th. 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.

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.)

Morning Procedure, Tardiness & Absence

Before Care: The school provides free supervision for kindergarten and grade school students at 8:00 am in the side yard. By 8:30 kindergarten students will gather with one of the EC teachers

8:30 am School Starts

Before school supervision from 8:00 am and 8:25 in the sideyard. At 8:25 am Grade school students will be taken to class via the backyard entrance and Kindergarten will remain in the sideyard. After 8:25 am students should enter via the front doors. Any arrivals after 8:35 am are considered a late.

All grade school students must enter through the front

door after 8:25 am.

Parents are to drop their children off at the front of the school and are not permitted inside the school at this time. The grade one teacher may choose an alternate drop-off/pick-up to begin the school year, and will inform parents of any change in procedure.

Late Arrivals/Absences

If your child is absent or late, we ask that you notify the Office Manager by 9:00 am 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 the absence. All illnesses must be reported to the Office Manager and daily COVID screenings must be performed prior to your child entering the school. Please read further more information regarding illnesses as well as review our Health and Safety Guide

2022-2023 for more information regarding COVID protections at Waldorf Academy.

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.

If your child is leaving the school before the end of the school day, a note must be sent to Ms. Bogin at info@waldorfacademy.org. For safety reasons, the child must be signed out in the school office and signed back in upon returning to school.

Dismissal and After School Procedure

Grade school students are dismissed through the front door at the front of the school between 3:10 and 3:20p.m. Parents should pick up their children from the front of the school at their designated pick-up time. Students who have signed permission to leave the school alone should leave through the front door promptly on dismissal.

* The school's dismissal procedure is based on the safety of the children: making sure they have a safe, supervised place to play until they are picked up, and ensuring that they are being released to a parent or adult that is authorized to collect that child. For this reason the school has many staff on duty outside in the afternoon.

Aftercare Program

The Aftercare program for grades 1-5 runs from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aftercare is not a drop-in program and requires full year registration. Parents can choose less than 5 days but the days must be consistent, for example, always Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The aftercare program offers interactive programs for grade school children (weekly themes, games, and snacks). If your child needs after school care, please complete a form and return it to the office by August 30th as spaces are limited to 10 -15 students; capacity determined by the aftercare coordinator and administration. For more information on fees for after school care, please see the schedule included in the summer package or contact the school office.

There are separate after school programs for the kindergarten and the grade school.

Aftercare and Camp Code of Conduct

Due to the nature of the mixed ages in Waldorf Academy aftercare and camps we follow a developmentally appropriate student code of conduct as stated in the Family Handbook. If a student is unable to follow the code of conduct, there will be the following interventions:

1. Corrective teaching as outlined in the family handbook and a communication to the family that includes the incident report and description of the corrective teaching.

2. If the behaviour continues to escalate the aftercare teacher/camp leader will try an alternate corrective measure and consult with the family and the class teacher with regular check ins to determine impact and need for additional resources/strategies.

3. If the above two strategies have not resulted in a change that meets the expectant behaviour, the family may be asked to withdraw from the aftercare/camp program or to finance direct support for the student (for example, to hire an education specialist to directly supervise the student on-site).

Our goal is to provide a healthy and safe program that benefits all students. If any student behaves in a way which compromises our ability to foster a sense of respect and preserve the dignity of every person at school (students and staff alike), then it must be understood they will be managed as described below.

Any student that breaks any of the following in-house rules will be sent home immediately. There will be NO refund or credit on fees.

• Weapons or any implement that our staff deem dangerous or potentially dangerous are strictly prohibited.

Any student that breaks any of the following in-house rules MAY be sent home based on the seriousness of the offense. If that is the case, there will be NO refund or credit on fees.

• Students must remain inside our designated facility boundaries; students cannot ‘run-away’ from the teachers/camp leaders at any time.

• Inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying, teasing, harassment, swearing, acts of aggression (kicking, biting, hitting, including threats to do so), threats, pranks, practical jokes or disrespect for other people or the environment are not tolerated at Waldorf Academy. What may seem harmless to you may have lasting emotional or physical consequences for others.

• Stealing or borrowing other people's possessions without their consent will not be tolerated.

• Vandalizing, defacing, and damage to school property and equipment is a serious offense and will not be tolerated. This includes any damage to walls, furniture, window screens, doors, washrooms, classrooms, any other buildings, signs, program equipment and including the natural environment. You will be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, including labour costs.

• Tampering with any safety devices including smoke alarms and fire extinguishers is a serious offence and will not be tolerated.

Inclement Weather

If it becomes necessary to close the school because of inclement weather during the winter, an announcement will be posted on our website and a voice flash will be sent to the community. In addition, parents will be contacted by their class representatives. Text messages will also be sent from our student database system, Defero.

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, and staff are allowed in the side yard.

• Between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m., only those students and staff participating in the aftercare program, or children and staff from the Childcare Centre, are to be in the side yard. This means that parents must pick up their children promptly during their staggered dismissal time.

• 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 and bike locking bar.

Festivals

In person attendance at assemblies, festivals, and other events of significance will be confirmed based on city, and provincial mandates and guidelines.

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 Parent 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.

Examples of major festival celebrations observed throughout the school during the year are:

Michaelmas/Sukkot/Harvest: Courage, strength, perseverance Hallowe'en: A time for fun and games Day of the Dead Celebration: To honour those that have passed away Lantern Walk: Charity and inner light Winter Light Festival: Anticipation, inner light, love Chinese New Year: A time to honour ancestors Earth Day: Rebirth/transformation in nature Mayfair: 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

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 extracurricular 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 once a week after school and once a week in the morning 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. In some cases we may use a Taxi service. 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 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

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. In addition, donors can allocate to a diversity scholarship for middle school students.

Winter Fair: *This event might be re-imaged due to COVID-19. 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.

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 2021-2022 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

Waldorf Academy requires that all parents 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.

If you would like to volunteer in the school this year, please email Ms. Bogin at 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 or event.

10. Social Health and Discipline

The Well Managed Schools Model (WMS) is a strategic, multi-tiered intervention approach that emphasizes behaviour management practices, relationshipbuilding 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 self-management 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.

Waldorf Academy Student Code of Conduct

I am respectful

I am responsible

I am safe

I am prepared

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 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.

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. Exceptions for cultural related head attire.

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.

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 age-appropriate 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.

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

Anti-Bullying Policy

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 Well Managed Schools 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.

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 breaching 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:

a) 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.

b) Second Written Notice may result in a suspension. This will provide more time to hold an in-depth evaluation of the child and to 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.

c) 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.

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.

We strongly encourage the use of refillable and recyclable containers and litterfree 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 (Nut-Free School)

The school feels that all parents would like to be aware that there are children and faculty members in our school with severe life-threatening 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.

Although this may not affect your child's class directly, the school-wide 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

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 a parent or another designated caregiver must pick them up immediately. 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.

If in the morning before school, there is some question about your child’s state of health, please keep the child at home. It is suggested that parents give their children at least one full day of rest at home after an illness. This also protects the other students and the teacher’s as well from getting ill.

Parents of children with severe allergic reactions should ensure that the school is aware of both the symptoms and the appropriate 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

COVID-19:

All staff and families are required to screen their children and household members for symptoms each day before coming to school using the Toronto Public Health Screening Tool. All families and school staff are required to follow the mandates and guidance published by Toronto Public Health as well as local and provincial governments.

When your child is well and able to return to school under current guidelines, parents must sign the Toronto Public Health Back to School Attestation Form prior to their return to school.

Please review our Health and Safety Guide 2022-2023 for more information regarding COVID protections at Waldorf Academy.

GENERAL ILLNESS INFORMATION

When a student has a temperature of more than 37.8 C/100 F degrees, is hurt or otherwise ill, parents will be contacted to pick up their child from school immediately. Any child with an illness is required to be signed out through the office before leaving the school. A parent or guardian must escort the child home. Parents are asked to:

● Inform the office of the symptoms and that the child is unable to come to school at info@waldorfacademy.org.

● Keep the child at home until fit to return to school. For the safety of all Waldorf students and faculty, children should be free of fever, diarrhea and vomiting for at least 48 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:

ILLNESS INCUBATION PERIOD ISOLATION OF STUDENT

Illness: Incubation Period

Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea: 2 days

Chickenpox: 14-21 days

Fifth Disease: 4-21 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 ecommunication 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/

12. TRANSPORTATION

Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Grades 1- 8 Madison Avenue is Southbound only during these times

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 do not block laneways and parking spots: 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. Please do not play on our neighbour’s lawns!

At the end of the day, we ask that parents collect their children as soon as possible at the designated dismissal time to ensure a rolling pickup

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 9:00 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 3:25 p.m. 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 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.

• 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 screens are a 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 screens 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 school leadership. 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 informative website.

Please contact the school for more information and resources.

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)

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 College

The Rudolf Steiner College Canada, 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. The centre can be reached at 905.764.7570 https://rscc.ca/

Philanthropy

At Waldorf Academy, we are committed to inspiring a strong culture of philanthropy and community engagement which are essential elements in supporting a high quality independent school education and the healthy growth of our school.

Our strength stems from our community including our dedicated faculty and staff, our shared belief in the Waldorf development philosophy and curriculum and the commitment of our student families.

The outpouring of support from parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends enables WA to fulfill our mission and expand our vision for the future.

Giving Opportunities

Annual Fund ( Last year spearheaded a Diversity fund in addition to the programming)

Winter Fair ( Has been on hiatus but may return with a puppet show)

Silent Auction ( Last year the focus was music and gardening)

School Store: https://www.waldorfathome.ca/

Our online school store supports Tuition Assistance and sells beautiful handcrafted toys, books and biodynamic products, and eco products

Family Leadership Committee Work

Gardening Committee ( New in 2022)

DEIJ Committee ( Coming soon)

35th Anniversary Committee (This would be mandate specific)

Eco Committee (In the past- events were guided by this group)

Parent Ambassador (Join Admissions to support outreach and word of mouth)

Board Committees ( Advancement, Governance)

Ad Hoc committees sometimes surface

Annual School Festivals

Alumni Committee (Contact Admissions)

Other Areas of Involvement

Class Parent

Classroom needs, flowers, play support

Waldorf Academy Family Handbook

Chaperone field trips

Book Studies

Artistic Workshops

Speaker throughout the year Postal Code Party Organizer German Volunteer Support Community Connector Support

Giving Opportunities

Annual Fund

The annual fund is yearly appeal to our all of our community including board and faculty to raise funds to enhance student programming and experiences. Doesn’t Tuition cover all operating expenses?

The Dish with One Spoon wampum: Take only what you need, keep it clean, and leave some for the future Indigenous Toronto, stories that carry this place p.25

The operating budget is covered but the annual fund allows for growth and plants seeds for the future such as a diversity fund, tuition assistance, music storage, new instruments, special guests speakers, beautification of facilities, etc.

Why not raise tuition?

A school that charges the full cost of educating it students and building toward the future would price itself out of the market: hence, all independent schools have Annual Funds. Keeping tuition as modest as possible helps to make Waldorf education affordable to as many qualified students as possible.

Why is 100% parent participation important?

The school’s financial strength depends upon the participation of the entire community. Parent participation levels are also viewed as a barometer of support and are carefully viewed by outside funders considering gifts to the school. How much should we give?

Won’t you consider making your children’s education, and their school, your top philanthropic priority? Please be as a generous as you can be… and THANK YOU!

Donor Recognition

Coming soon! Contact Matthew Denton, Business Operations Manager to set up a regular donation plan or for a one time donation. mdenton@waldorfacademy.org