On April 27^th, over thirty-five teachers, administrative staffers, board members and parent representatives met at the Germantown Historical Society for The Waldorf School of Philadelphia’s second school leadership retreat.

At our inaugural retreat last year, consultant Torin Finser oriented school leaders toward the idea of “servant leadership” and the Leadership Team model of governance. This year, the Leadership Team hosted the retreat organized and guided by current Faculty Chair/incoming Interim School Chair Kerry Hoffman.

“Strengthening the Spirit of the School” was our theme, and harmony was our medium in the “discussions” that took place in a variety of activities: answering a shared set of questions in small groups; singing a round conducted by music teacher, Mandy Rogers-Petro, facing a challenge in a game that couldn’t be won except by cooperating; and painting the glorious, watercolor mural now installed in the main entrance stairwell.

The vibrant spirit of the Waldorf School of Philadelphia shows in the color garden 8^th grade teacher Lesya Parashchuk guided us in painting/planting. It was also spoken in our answers to questions Kerry Hoffman posed about who we are (“established, but not hidebound,” “organically created community,” “heart-centered leadership”, “courageous holding to our passion for Waldorf Education”) and about what we want to be (“truly reflecting the diversity of Philadelphia,” “more inclusive,” “more responsive to working, busy parents,” “better at transparency”).

What can the larger school community expect to grow from the seeds we planted that Saturday? Members of each constituent group met at the end of the retreat to share ideas about action goals. Reflecting on their role scaffolding the many activities that make it possible for WSP to offer Waldorf Education to Philadelphia, the administrative team proposes to strengthen their working relationships to parents with a communications survey (look out for it in the many ways you connect to the school!). Our teachers resolve to open discussion in their meetings about more parent enrichment opportunities. Parent representatives propose to work on involving more parents to the Parents’ Association by drawing on the varied strengths and talents of our parent community. Board of Trustees members discussed developing descriptions for the board advisory committee to bring more parents and friends of the school into their leadership circle. Keep on blooming, WSP!

Hearty congratulations to the students of the 8th grade who graduated on Sunday, 3rd June. Pictured is Cristina Shiffman and her students with their letter press diplomas.

The Class of 2012 took a plane to New Hampshire last week to begin the final leg of their journey together through the grade school before graduation on June 3rd.  They spent a week at a wilderness camp before returning to school.  Pictured above is Mrs. Shiffman (center) with her students at Philadelphia International Airport early on Monday morning.

On Thursday, May 10th & Friday, May 11th @ 7.00 p.m.

You are invited to join The Waldorf School of Philadelphia’s Class of 2012 for

Shakespeare’s magniloquent and farcical display of pyrotechnic wordplay.

In the Kingdom of Navarre, the lord of the land, his two best friends, and all their male courtiers vow to forego female companionship, feasting, and sleep! So, naturally, three gorgeous and quick-witted French noblewomen arrive that same day. WHAT NOW?

Join us to find out, but in fairness to performers and audience and little ones alike, please leave children who aren’t in the grade school (ours and other grade schools) at home. Doors open at 6.30 p.m. The Cheltenham Arts Center is located at 439 Ashbourne Road in Cheltenham.

There is no charge for the show, but donations will be appreciated . Concessions will be on sale from the Class of 2013.