Calgary Waldorf School
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The Calgary Waldorf School is is a private school in Cougar Ridge Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It accepts students from kindergarten to grade 9. The school follows the Waldorf Education teaching philosophy, pioneered by Rudolf Steiner, and promotes nature and the arts, while shying away from technology. It currently enrolls about 250 students, with class sizes no more than 26. There is generally a waiting list for the earlier grades.
The school is a member of the ISAA (Independent Schools Athletic Association). Its sports teams promote teamwork and accept any student who wants to play. The school offers may sports, including Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Floor Hockey, Soccer, and Track and Field. Recently (2005), the Calgary Waldorf School's Senior Basketball Team won cities, and placed a close 3rd in regionals.
The Calgary Waldorf School can be found at 515 Cougar Ridge Drive SW Calgary Alberta.
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[edit] Kindergarten
In keeping with Rudolph Steiner's philosophy, there are no traditional "toys" for the children to play with. Instead, there are baskets with things like acorns, pinecones, jewels, and various types of cloth.
A typical day in kidergarten at the Waldorf School includes abstract watercolor paintings, where the students are encouraged to paint what they feel, as opposed to an acutal picture of something (with the exception of rainbows). Also, students help teachers cut fruit for a daily "snack". There is also a handwork section, where the children learn finger knitting.
[edit] Elementry and Junior High
The Calgary Waldorf School does follow the Alberta Curriculum, and therefore teaches things like math, science, reading, writing, and social studies. Aside from that, students from grades one to nine are tought both german and french. Students from grades one to five attend a "handwork" class, where they learn knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Students from grade six to nine attend a "Woodworking" class, where they learn to make things such as spoons, whirligigs, boxes, and even a bow, all using almost no electric tools.
Every Friday, the main school meets for 45 minutes in an "assmbly". During this time, the entire school watches various classes perform songs, or play recorder, or do a skit. Annoucements are made, and the assembly is dismissed with a closing verse.
[edit] Events
The school offers may fundraising events, their most notable being the Christmas Faire, with various activities for kids, including candle dipping, wishing well, and a children-only store. There is also live music and homemade food, and an artisans area. It runs for a Saturday in mid-November.
The second most notable event is adult-oriented. The "Farium" boasts more notable live artists (Laura Love (musician) has played there in the past), a silent auction, catering, and even a sheesha tent.
