Festivals allow us to be attuned to the rhythms of the Earth and the community we live in. Regardless of personal beliefs and faith, every human being can connect with the magic and gifts that each turning of the seasons brings. Many festivals are celebrated school wide while others are held within each class.
Some celebrations, such as birthdays, are held within the class as they are unique to children and families in the program. Halloween, St Nicholas Day and Easter are also celebrated by each class individually. This allows for the festivities to be tailored to a specific age group and class configuration, offering the experience that will resonate with the children in the most appropriate way.
The EC Thanksgiving Potluck and the Lantern Festival are celebrated with Preschool, Kindergarten and Parent & Child families to preserve the simple, dreamy quality of early childhood. While siblings are invited to join, the EC festivals are planned with the younger children in mind, and are therefore held close to school grounds.
Some festivals, such as The Rose Ceremony, Michaelmas and Santa Lucia are reserved for the Grades, as their content and celebrations are more appropriate for older children. EC Families are often welcome to attend with their children if they desire. Oftentimes, the EC children glimpse parts of these festivals (by contributing bread for the Michaelmas feast, being visited by Grade 2 in their St Lucia procession), offering an exciting peek into what is to come when they journey to the "big kid's school".
Other festivals, such as the Advent Spiral, Winter Faire and May Festival allow the whole school community to come together and share their light. During these events, the faculty and parents work together to provide a cohesive experience to children from Parent & Child to Grade 7.
As offering a chance for our families to connect is a priority for our Parent Group, events such as the Harvest Dance, Kin Beach Camping and Goose Spit Picnics also happen throughout the year.
Festivals are an opportunity for every community member to participate in creating something special: many of our class crafts revolve around a seasonal event, teachers and children prepare items and presentations for many festivals, and parents are encouraged to help in any way they can: coordinating events, volunteering time and resources, etc.
Please refer to the school calendar, class emails and the monthly newsletter to know when festivals occur, and what kind of help is needed.
Some celebrations, such as birthdays, are held within the class as they are unique to children and families in the program. Halloween, St Nicholas Day and Easter are also celebrated by each class individually. This allows for the festivities to be tailored to a specific age group and class configuration, offering the experience that will resonate with the children in the most appropriate way.
The EC Thanksgiving Potluck and the Lantern Festival are celebrated with Preschool, Kindergarten and Parent & Child families to preserve the simple, dreamy quality of early childhood. While siblings are invited to join, the EC festivals are planned with the younger children in mind, and are therefore held close to school grounds.
Some festivals, such as The Rose Ceremony, Michaelmas and Santa Lucia are reserved for the Grades, as their content and celebrations are more appropriate for older children. EC Families are often welcome to attend with their children if they desire. Oftentimes, the EC children glimpse parts of these festivals (by contributing bread for the Michaelmas feast, being visited by Grade 2 in their St Lucia procession), offering an exciting peek into what is to come when they journey to the "big kid's school".
Other festivals, such as the Advent Spiral, Winter Faire and May Festival allow the whole school community to come together and share their light. During these events, the faculty and parents work together to provide a cohesive experience to children from Parent & Child to Grade 7.
As offering a chance for our families to connect is a priority for our Parent Group, events such as the Harvest Dance, Kin Beach Camping and Goose Spit Picnics also happen throughout the year.
Festivals are an opportunity for every community member to participate in creating something special: many of our class crafts revolve around a seasonal event, teachers and children prepare items and presentations for many festivals, and parents are encouraged to help in any way they can: coordinating events, volunteering time and resources, etc.
Please refer to the school calendar, class emails and the monthly newsletter to know when festivals occur, and what kind of help is needed.