Announcements for week of May 24, 2013

Monday May 27th, 2013 School will be closed for Memorial Day.

Letter from Lisa Bono

Dear Parents,

On behalf of the faculty and staff, it is with deep joy and gratitude that I thank you and the community for a wonderful and memorable Spring Fair.

A few months ago the theme of sheep, fibers and spinning came alive from the fair committee, just at the same time the faculty chose Spindle, Shuttle, Needle for the puppet show. How perfect they worked together. I feel this is a small picture of what I often experience as a teacher among our teacher and parent community - harmony.

I know of course these events are a lot of work and can bring about some difficult moments, but when the day came it appeared effortless. I was amazed by the simplicity and beauty of the auction, garden activities and the food. It's was so nourishing and my senses grateful, to take in the beautiful handmade auction items. I felt in the room your hearts, creativity, the children and your love in working with your hands. The food was abundant, delicious, and I could taste the thoughtfulness and care in each bite!  The flow of the garden time brought such ease to an afternoon gathering of so many of us...

Most of all what I'd like to convey the amazement I experience by how our community is living through and through in striving with love the gift to humanity we call " Waldorf education" .
Creating a living, breathing strong organization that brings joy to us all.

Thank you thank you!

With Love,
Lisa

Spring Fair Thank You!

Three Cheers for the Spring Fair!

Our Spring Fair was utterly beautiful. Thank you to the teachers for the captivating puppet show, wondrous crystal cave, and for stepping into the role of Mother Nature in Mother Nature’s Magical Garden. Thank you to the staff for contributing their amazing organizational skills and unending patience. Thank you to Lisa and Jeff for the wonderful wool spinning demonstration. Thank you to the Eurythmy teachers for the pocket fairy magic and the beautiful performances in the garden.  Thank you to our generous sponsors who provided us with the resources to get the materials and food we needed to make this whole event possible.

Thank you to everyone who showed up and worked their fingers to the bone. The indoor shifts were fulfilled diligently and graciously. It was wonderful to experience our first Spring Market! The El Jardin picnic and activities were delightful. The food was delicious and nutritious and the set up was perfectly planned and gracefully executed. The garden has never seemed more inviting or beautiful.

We want to thank especially the core group (you know who you are) who worked tirelessly: plotting, planning, sewing, knitting, pressing, cutting, building, packing, writing, carrying, lifting, digging, hauling, driving, watching, purchasing, setting up, cleaning up, working until their legs and muscles seized, until they hobbled home and passed out on their couches mid-hand-dyeing silk! You are all creative, brilliant people who make our school sing with imagination, beauty and spirit.

And a very special Thank You to Lisa for your purity of vision and your great inspiration to all. It is your example that pulses through our hearts when we strive to become our very best, purest selves. Thank you for that.

There was something indescribable about watching all the children run around the garden, their faces painted, the rain threatening, the weather as intense and exuberant as their joy. And it is moments like these when we realize exactly why we work so hard. We do it for these little, painted faces: these puppies and kitties, bunnies and saber tooth tigers, princesses, fairies, flower girls and many, many butterflies, foxes and unicorns, little bats and spiders, dancing monkeys and swirly, pink fish. We work so hard so we can witness their delight and honor their wonder and goodness. We hope all the children had a magical, unforgettable experience at our New Amsterdam Spring Fair.

With Deep Gratitude and Love,

Spring Fair Committee

2013-14 Aftercare Program Survey

All parents of children enrolled in our 2013-14 Morning 3 and 5-Day Nurseries and Mixed Age Kindergarten Programs should have received a link to a brief online survey regarding our Aftercare program.  Your input is essential in our work to provide an aftercare program that meets the needs of our families.

Please take a moment to complete the survey and contact me if you have any questions or comments or if you did not receive the survey.

The Aftercare Program currently meets from 12:30-3 PM and addresses the needs of working parents who want their children to participate in an afternoon care that is consistent with the principles of Waldorf education.  After the active morning the children enjoy lunch (brought from home) followed by a story or a song and nap. After their rest they will share in an activity and/or a period of free play followed by a healthy snack (provided by the school) before they are picked up at 3:00 PM. The intent is not to structure this time with a whirlwind of activities, but rather to provide a secure daily rhythm within which the child is free to explore options.

You will be receiving 2013-14 Aftercare Enrollment Forms in July and I will let you know as soon as possible if we will be expanding the program to include extended hours.

Warmly,

Karen Talluto 
karen.talluto@newamstercamchildhood.org