The Waldorf Buzz: Be Informed
Weekly Newsletter for Students, Parents, and Friends of Waldorf MoraineMichaelmas 2021
Each year our school, and many other Waldorf Schools around the world, celebrates Michaelmas (pronounced Mickel-mas) with a festival or theatrical play, in addition to community service projects. The intent is to honor St. Michael, the mythical Dragon-slayer. Through the legend of Michael, we understand the autumnal resurgence of human strength, willpower, and striving to overcome our inner Dragons or struggles may have flourished during summer’s dreamy warmth and forgetfulness.
With its roots in England, Michaelmas is a holiday celebrated on September 29, marking the end (and beginning) of the farmer’s year. The holiday provides an opportunity to undertake tasks to improve and care for one’s surroundings. Our school will be celebrating on September 30th with our traditional pageant followed by works of service around campus. Check back next week for photos and to learn more about how we celebrated!
To learn more about Michaelmas and its connection to the international Waldorf community, you can read this insightful post on our blog — Click Here to view.
Annual Fund 2021-2022 is Open!
As the school year commences, we invite you to show your love for WSMF by making a gift in support of our school. Each year the Annual Fund helps us attract and retain our talented faculty, maintain our beautiful campus, and bring inspiring educational opportunities to our students. In short, these funds directly impact the experience of every student at WSMF on a daily basis. To make a gift or learn more about the impact of your generosity, visit our Annual Fund page.
Substitute Teachers Needed for 2021-22 School Year
We are seeking substitute teachers for the 2021-2022 school year. Those with an interest in Waldorf education and experience working with children are encouraged to apply. To learn more about working at WSMF, or to file your application, visit our site.
A Letter From the Outgoing Board Chair
Over the summer former Board Chair Teri Riddle’s term ended. Teri served the school for many years taking an extended term as the Chair and providing guidance and insightful leadership as the school grew and changed. We are so thankful for Teri’s work throughout her term as well as her continued support of the school and wish her all the best with her next endeavors. Below is a copy of a letter that Teri shared with the school community last week.
Dear Waldorf Community,
As the first official full week of school gets underway, I am reflecting on how the momentum of all that was accomplished together last year created a solid foundation to confidently welcome returning and new students and their families to the beautiful Moraine Farm campus.
I am writing to you today to formally share that my extended board chair/board term officially ended on June 30th. Since that time, I have been working closely with the board to ensure that all the work in progress was either completed or transitioned to the right people. While I will continue to ensure a smooth transition, please know the board is committed to proactively managing the changes, both unexpected and normal, our school is experiencing.
It has been an honor to serve as your board chair for the past four years. We have achieved so much together and also weathered some difficult storms. Through it all, what was most important to me personally was that our students’ holistic wellbeing remained at the center of everything we were doing to enable a thriving Waldorf school. It has been quite a journey and I am grateful for all that I have learned along the way.
Sincere best wishes for a wonderful and healthy school year.
Warmly,
Teri
Introducing New Board Members
Tim Braughler
Tim joined the Board of Trustees in 2021. Tim is an attorney and partner at the law firm of Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie, Lougee, LLP where he specializes in all aspects of family law and probate litigation. He and his husband, Brian, have a daughter who currently attends the Waldorf and his family enjoys being part of our wonderful community. Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, hiking, running, and cooking.
Jennifer Beardslee
Jenny has completed graduate programs in both school psychology and school counseling. Her school experience includes working in a private Waldorf school, a public charter school and for the past six years a public school district north of Boston. She, along with her husband Luke, have two students at Moraine Farm, one in Early Childhood and one in the Grades. Both started in Mrs. Hill’s class and have loved every year since. Jenny and Luke have been a part of the school community since 2013 and consider the school to be central part of their life.
Matthew Sumner
Matt is a parent to two Waldorf students and joined our board in 2021. He was raised in England and moved to the US after attaining a master’s degree in Theoretical Physics from Durham University. He is an Engineering Leader at HubSpot, with over 10 years of experience building software products, and believes that being fulfilled and striving for balance is key. He is also a professional coach and helps others to work at a sustainable pace and set clear expectations. Matt balances his work life by playing games with friends and family, enjoying home-brewed beer, and the occasional running race.
Back-to-School Ice Cream Social
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Last week families gathered joyfully to partake in our annual Back-to-School Ice Cream Social. Sponsored by the WCA, the social was a wonderful opportunity for returning families to reconnect and for new families to get to know our community. It was also a great opportunity to showcase local business, Cherry Farm Creamery, who supplied the most delicious chocolate, vanilla, and cookie dough ice cream as well as sprinkles and chocolate sauce. Vegan options were also made available so all could participate! Thank you to our volunteer ice cream scoopers and the WCA for coordinating such a fun event and bringing smiles to so many faces!
Opening Assembly and Rose Ceremony
On September 8th we welcomed the new school year with love, laughter, and music. Highlights included a song from the faculty and staff, and the perennial favorite rose ceremony during which the community officially welcomed our newest grade students and paired them with their 8th grade “buddies”. Afterwards, families of 1st and 8th grade students gathered to meet their buddies and take photos. At the end of the year our 1st graders will callback to this moment when they send their 8th grade buddies off with roses!
Relive the fun! This year’s assembly was livestreamed on our community Facebook page where you can watch it any time (this group is private and you will need to request to be added as a member)!
MedBot and Drop Off
Does the start of the year have you a little turned around? Not sure what the different results in MedBot mean? Ms. Smith has all the answers to your most pressing questions here!
All Community Meeting
Save the Date!
Our first ACM this year is scheduled for September 23, 7:30-8:30 pm via Zoom. More info and the Zoom link will be shared next week.
Volunteer Coaches Needed
Soccer season is right around the corner and we are seeking a volunteer coach to help out with our Middle School Soccer team. Practices will be held on Tuesday and Thursdays, after school from approximately 2:45-4:15 on the lower field at WSMF. Details on when games will be scheduled is TBD as this will depend on the size of the team. Please reach out to Deann Reyes-Wangh if you’re interested @ dreyeswangh@waldorfmoraine.org.
WCA Update
View the most recent Waldorf Community Association (WCA) newsletter: September 10 • WCA Newsletter. Below are highlights of WCA’s current projects and events. All community members are invited to participate.
- WCA General Meeting
The first meeting of the year will be happening on September 14th in our community Facebook Group.
- Family Freecycle
Late in October the WCA will host a week-long event in which you can donate clothes and receive clothes. There is no cost involved and you do not need to donate in order to receive. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate this event.
- Monarch Butterfly Migration
Second week of September through October 1st you can catch massive numbers of Monarch Butterflies as they migrate through Gloucester on their way from Nova Scotia to Mexico. You can see clusters of them at the Eastern Point Lighthouse (135 Eastern Point Road in Gloucester). For more information call Mass Audubon at (978) 887-9264.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
| Date | Event |
| Tuesday, September 14 | WCA General Meeting (8 PM) |
| Thursday, September 23 | All Community Meeting (7:30 PM) |
| Thursday, September 30 | Michaelmas Day |
| Tuesday, October 6 | 8th Grade Play (during school for students) |
| Wednesday, October 7 |
School Photos for Kindergarten and Grades 8th Grade Play (after school for guests) |
The complete school calendar can be found here.
Celebrating Summer Camp
What a wonderful summer – being immersed in nature, exploring new places, making new friends and trying new things! This summer our camps & programs grew to the largest we have ever had- which is saying something after 20 years of camps being held here at Moraine Farm!
We offered 6 weeks of camp for children 7-11 years of age. Each week having a specific focus, from Birds and Bugs to Theatres and Outdoor Engineers.
Featured Photos:
The Birds Eye View camp created their own life size nest made from collected natural materials.
Nature journaling activities
For our 4-6 year olds, we offered a summer program for 8 weeks. For many of the weeks we had 3 full groups running consecutively!
Featured Photos:
Making bouquets from our garden’s flowers
Harvesting rye
Dyeing with flowers
We welcomed children who have been a part of the school community and many who had not been on our campus before. These programs allowed newly enrolled families to see how it feels to attend our school and helped many children feel more ready and prepared for the coming start of the school year.
Faculty Work Week
This week we welcomed back our faculty members who spent time energizing and preparing for the new year. The faculty spent 4 days working on various practical activities, learning about the organizational and structural work that happens behind the scenes at the school, planning class schedules and transitions, and setting up classrooms. Highlights included sessions on supporting social and emotional learning, numerous songs, and updates from the board, leadership circle, festivals committee and more!
COVID Q&A Session
Save the Date!
Wed, September 1, from 7:30–8:30 pm
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