Waldorf School of Princeton

Dear Waldorf School of Princeton Community Member,

I hope that this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and of sound health.

As we all continue to navigate through this new norm, we are just now starting to understand the scope of the changes to our lives that the pandemic has disrupted. Yet, we are challenged by mounting questions due to the severity of the disruptions. Will the character and size of our community change? Can Waldorf School of Princeton develop a robust growth pattern for years to
come? How will the aftermath affect the experiences that my family and I have come to depend on for my children’s educational and overall family’s spiritual growth?

And yet, I am hopeful. At the heart of Waldorf Education is the belief that humanity has the wisdom to transform itself and the world. In my understanding as a WSP parent, Waldorf education endeavors to bring out each child’s unique spiritual, mental and physical potential in a way that serves the further development of humanity. In these newfound times, it is this hermetic concept that I am doubling down on for my children.

It strikes me that prior to the pandemic, our Waldorf community was ahead of the curve in already implementing many of the topics that have become urgent for all of us, including Technology Disconnection, Play-based Learning, Integration of Academics, Arts, Practical skills, and much more.

In the context of this thought leadership, the WSP staff has embraced technology as a tool to empower meaningful distance learning and virtual classrooms. Layered upon this advantage is the attention to family needs. I and other parents believe the willingness to adapt to and help us establish our home rhythms during this transition to home learning has been invaluable. The teachers have been very responsive to the needs of the students and parents, and they continue to support all elements of a Waldorf upbringing.

On June 13th (which was rescheduled from April 24th), we were slated to have a fun and joyous inperson Barn Bash with live music, dancing, drinks and a live auction to benefit our School. This event would have showcased WSP alumni and current and former parents, all against the backdrop of a live concert and live auction. With May Faire and other events that bring so much joy and cohesion to our community unfortunately canceled this year, we have decided to forge ahead with something that will be fun for students, parents, alumni, alumni parents and everyone in our community.

The Barn Bash will become a Virtual Live Concert & Auction event on Saturday, June 13th from 5:45-8:30pm, starting with a magic show followed by live music by Gravity Hill Unplugged. The
auction live now for electronic bidding until close at 8:15pm. The event is free and open to the general public. The live auction will benefit the school’s Covid-19 Fund that is already serving a critical role in maintaining the well-being of the school community. I hope to see everyone and their friends rock out with us online! Stay tuned for a formal invitation and details on how to connect with us on June 13th.

I thank you for being a part of the Waldorf School of Princeton community; and I am grateful for every gift that has been given to WSP via volunteerism, the Annual Fund, the Covid-19 Fund, scholarships, the playground capital campaign, etc., and so I thank you all again for your generosity and belief in our mission. I truly miss my morning drop-off times spent debating parenthood concepts. It was those times where I learned the most about Waldorf Pedagogy, and how to be a better parent. I believe that it is communities like ours that will continue to foster a better humanity for tomorrow. I cannot wait until our community is back together again.

               Sincerely,

              

               Achal Jain
               Waldorf Parent (2nd Grade and Early Childhood)
               Development Committee Member