Okanagan Waldorf School
730 Whitevale Rd V0E 2G7 Lumby, BC, Canada

If you were to walk into our Grade 5 classroom today, this is what you would see. These students are currently learning about Ancient Greece - through lectures, stories, written assignments, drawings, artwork, and hands-on projects. Interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School? Please contact our administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected]. We are accepting new enrolments for September 2021 (space is very limited in s...ome classes, with some waitlists). Okanagan Waldorf School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education. #lumby #coldstream #vernonbc

Those that have been following us know that our campus is buzzing with all the excitement of the development of our Community Garden and dreaming of what this expansive garden will bring to our students and greater community. Students have planted their first seeds this Spring, and we are all starting to envision the orchard, outdoor classroom, greenhouse, raised beds, and toddler area that are planned for this garden paradise. As we work to make this happen, we want to share photos of our progress. Our success to date in our development of the garden can be attributed to the support of Regional District of North Okanagan through their Community Works Fund, Tolko Industries Ltd., and many wonderful volunteers. Thank you.

Since their initial orientation, grade 3 students have now been back to Grassy Gnome Acres and have had the chance to feed and water animals, and help with farm chores. These visits get them familiar with the farm, animals, and the associated daily tasks - all in preparation for next year, when in Grade 4, they will have weekly visits as part of their curriculum. At OWS our Grade 4 students work alongside the resident farmers on chores and projects that need to be completed.... While they work they learn about animal husbandry, develop skills associated with maintaining and fixing aspects of the property, gain work ethic as they tackle sometimes difficult or tedious tasks, and build resilience as they work outdoors no matter the weather. Best of all it gets the students out of their regular environment to build all of these critical capacities in a fun and rewarding way while connecting them with their greater community. Interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School? Please contact our administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected]. We are accepting new enrolments for September 2021 (space is very limited in some classes). Okanagan Waldorf School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education. #lumby #outdoorlearning #coldstream #vernonbc

Yesterday some of our students ventured to "the swamp" and then rinsed off in a farm sprinkler. Such a breadth of wonderful daily experiences made possible by our inspiring rural setting; creating such amazing memories of their elementary school years that will serve them well into their future. Interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School? Please contact our administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected]. We are acceptin...g new enrolments for September 2021 (space is very limited in some classes, with waitlists in others). Okanagan Waldorf School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education. #lumby #coldstream #vernonbc

This past Friday we celebrated Mayfest on our campus. We were delighted to bring back this Spring tradition, albeit in a smaller way. It was a joyous afternoon with flower crowns, and song and dance around our maypole. Children and students from both the Okanagan Waldorf School and the Early Years Centre participated in the celebration. And although our larger community could not be there in person, a lifestream was offered so that parents, grandparents, and caregivers c...ould share in the festivities. It truly was a joy to see the young 3 & 4 year old Marigold children through to our grade 8 students (separated by cohort) celebrating Spring together. Interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School? Please contact our administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected]. We are accepting new enrolments for September 2021 (space is very limited in some classes). Okanagan Waldorf School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education. #lumby #coldstream #vernonbc

Did you know Okanagan Waldorf School and Early Years Centre are operated by The Bridge Educational Society, which is a registered charity? This means that our operations - both our elementary school and childcare centre - are not-for-profit and our organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. From the very beginning our success can be attributed to the generous sharing of skill and time through the engagement of volunteers with involvement ranging from partic...ipation on the Board or a sub-committee to work parties and fund-raising drives. Our society is seeking input and participation from community members who might be interested in joining a sub-committee, or our Board. Does participating in an organization through significant growth excite you? We operate a 65 space childcare centre and our elementary school (which is slated to grow by another 30% this coming school year). We have many exciting funding opportunities in the works to expand our service to local families and our community. Our Society has been awarded grants totaling well over $2M over the past three years! We are currently recruiting another community member to broaden the skills of our Finance Committee to help us plan for and manage our growth. If this intrigues you, please consider submitting an expression of interest (more information in the comments) to join our team and lend your time and skills to contribute to something amazing for the North Okanagan.

We experienced quite the windstorm here in the North Okanagan! Its force downed this massive tree on our campus in the early morning hours. We are grateful that no children were on campus and that it missed our beautiful Early Years Centre cedar play yard fence and our new community garden wildlife fence. Phew! Now to plan for how this beautiful tree will enhance our campus and the play and development of children in a different, less upright way...

Writing and stories in all subjects...yes, we do that here at OWS. Effective writing clarifies and organizes a student’s thoughts, and the slow pace of writing is conducive to student learning because it allows them to reason carefully to make sure they’re correct before they state their thoughts, King wrote. Studies have shown that writing is valuable specifically for the math classroomfor example, it seems that a student’s ability to explain concepts in writing is rel...ated to the ability to comprehend and apply them. There’s brain science to support using stories to help kids engage with content and create personal meaning, explained Kang, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Listening to facts mainly stimulates the two language-processing areas of the brain. However, when we listen to a story, additional parts of the brain are also activatedregions involved with our senses and motor movements help listeners actually ‘feel’ the descriptions. Here are some examples of how the students at OWS use writing and stories to enhance their understanding of math. Check out this link to a recent article where researchers explain the benefits: https://www.edutopia.org//why-students-should-write-all-su. Interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School? Please contact our administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected].

Two of our students have completed their dolls! The dolls are a handwork project this year for our Grade 7 and 8 students. Why is handwork an important part of the OWS curriculum? Because it provides a huge array of benefits for children. Not only does it show how the conceptual can become concrete, it also teaches simple and complex math, hand/eye/brain coordination, and significant amounts of resiliency. Have you ever had to undo your own work to correct a mistake? Or st...ick with a project over many months? The learning outcomes resulting from handwork cannot be underestimated. However, arguably the best part is the pride that each student shows when a project is complete and the resulting confidence that they build within themselves. This project was so popular this Fall that two of our faculty members have organized an online doll making workshop for parents and community members. We can't wait to share pictures of the finished dolls (many of which will be gifted to the Early Years Centre to be played with and cherished by the youngest children on our campus). Interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School? Please contact our administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected].

Yesterday was a glorious winter day at OWS. Here are some fun moments captured during our Grade 1/2 students' physical education & outdoor nature time. Perfect snow conditions for building forts! Okanagan Waldorf School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.

Did you know that we offer education from Kindergarten through Grade 8? Offering complete elementary Waldorf curriculum through Grade 8 has been a goal of ours for many years. And although this year has had many challenges, expanding to Grade 8 has been a wonderful achievement for our little school that continues to grow in students, educators, and programs each year. Here is a picture of one of our first Grade 8 students in the history of OWS proudly showing off their detai...led Main Lesson Book work during the Anatomy block earlier this school year. Interested in learning more? Please contact Trish at 250-547-9212 or [email protected]. Our wonderful administrative team will be able to answer any questions you might have. In regards to our older students, one of the biggest concerns/questions parents have is how do students transition from OWS to other schools? We are happy to share the experience of past students and their transition to other schools (including to local public or independents schools and to boarding schools) - just contact our administrative team! And for those with Kindergarten-aged students, please know that enrolment for 2021/22 will open soon! Contact us today to learn about our enrolment process. The Kindergarten and Grades programs operate as a BC Ministry of Education Independent School with a Group 1 Classification. The education is based on Waldorf curriculum and meets all provincial learning outcomes. Tuition payment plans are available.

Our Grade 3/4 class celebrated the holiday season today with this snowflake project! They were thrilled to surprise their families with their huge snowflakes at the end of the day. Okanagan Waldorf School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.

Here is a peak into the magic that is this year's Children's Store. Although we are not able to have our Christmas Fair, we are thrilled to create some magic and memories for the children with their beloved Children's Store. Families were each asked to contribute 20 handmade or natural items. In total, we received approximately 900 lovely treasures. The store was carefully set up and this week children, from both the Early Years Centre and OWS, will have the opportunity t...o "shop" during school hours and choose some items for themselves or their loved ones. Thank you to all the parents who made this possible. We are so excited to share this experience with the children. This store is a true testament to the spirit of our community which contributes so much to each and every child. (Okanagan Waldorf School and the Early Years Centre are adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education)

This past Friday all of our staff and Board members came together on zoom for our holiday celebration - we played games, made up poems, and had lots and lots of laughs. Since last Christmas the Early Years Centre opened and we welcomed many new educators to our campus - so a time to connect was greatly appreciated as we continue to build our amazing team in support of the children and families here at our elementary school and at our sister daycare facility. We wanted to th...ank our "hosts," Gumtree Catering, The BX Press, and UnderGround Kombucha. Each staff member went home (or was delivered) a beautiful charcuterie box (with vegetarian and gluten free options) and a choice of cider or kombucha. The food and drink were fantastic, and the service wonderful. Thank you to three amazing local companies who added greatly to our celebration - we all recommend each one! See more

The education at OWS is experiential. Students learn by doing. Subjects are introduced aurally, visually and kinaesthetically. Here is a photo of one student's work in Geology earlier this Fall. The topic was presented by the teacher through detailed lessons and chalkboard drawings and further supported by classroom reference books and the physical modelling of the Earth, and each of its layers. We love the detailed and artistic way Waldorf education brings subjects to stu...dents. We know that recreating their own drawings in their main lesson books is demanding and detailed work; however, it does fully immerse our students in the subject and supports engagement and retention. Interested in learning more? Please contact Trish in our administrative office at 250-547-9212, or at [email protected]. We offer education from Kindergarten through Grade 8 and accept mid-year transfers, where space exists.

In Grade 1 students start exploring math and numbers. At OWS math is introduced through stories, images, manipulatives, and movement as the qualities of each number are explored. Here are a couple recent main lesson book examples where children illustrated images representing the first few numbers. Education at OWS is experiential. Students learn by doing. Subjects are introduced orally, visually and kinaesthetically - even (and maybe most importantly) math! Understanding... is enhanced through stories and art. Striving to meet each child where they are strong and build where they are weak. If you are interested in learning more contact Trish at 250-547-9212 or at [email protected]. We are accepting new enrolments in most classrooms.

From chalkboard to main lesson book. We love the detailed and artistic way Waldorf education brings subjects to students. We know that recreating their own drawings in their main lesson books is demanding and detailed work; however, it does fully immerse our students in the subject and supports engagement and retention. Here is an example one student's record of her Anatomy lessons, as presented by the teacher through detailed lessons and chalkboard drawings and further supported by classroom reference books. Interested in learning more? Contact Trish at 250-547-9212 or [email protected]. We do accept mid-year transfers, where space exists.

The wonderful childcare facility that shares our campus has space in one of their infant/toddler rooms. If you know of a family that would like their young child in this nurturing environment on our beautiful campus, please spread the word.

Mondays are 'farm day' for our Grade 4 students. Students have been feeding and watering each Monday and helping repair fencing. The piglets were just born so the children loved learning about the early stages of their life as well yesterday. We hope you enjoy this little peak into the life and education of our Grade 4 students! At OWS our Grade 4 students visit the farm each week as part of their curriculum. Students work alongside the resident farmers on chores and proje...cts that need to be completed. While they work they learn about animal husbandry, develop skills associated with maintaining and fixing aspects of the property, gain work ethic as they tackle sometimes difficult or tedious tasks, and build resilience as they work outdoors no matter the weather. Best of all it gets the students out of their regular environment to build all of these critical capacities in a fun and rewarding way while connecting them with their greater community. If you are interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School, please contact our wonderful administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected]. We offer school tours, by appointment, and do accept mid-year transfers (where space exists). And once again huge thanks to Grassy Gnome Acres for hosting OWS each and every week!

TONIGHT (Friday, December 4th from 5-8pm) Vernon Teach & Learn is offering us their annual school PAC fundraising opportunity. Invite friends, parents and grandparents to shop for Christmas gifts with complimentary gift wrapping. At the till, remember to tell mention Okanagan Waldorf School and Vernon Teach and Learn will donate 20% of the sales back to us! This is a significant annual fundraiser for our school - it supports our teachers with supply purchases for our class...rooms and our early childhood educators with games and toys for the children at the Early Years Centre. And if you can’t make it tonight please consider shopping at Vernon Teach and Learn when you are able to support a local business that is continually supporting our community.

At OWS students have two foreign language classes each week. Our older students study French and our younger students Japanese. Here are some examples of our students' work in both French (Grades 5-8) and Japanese (Grades 1-4). Interested in learning more? Please contact Trish at 250-547-9212 or at [email protected].

Our mini school store is stocked with high quality supplies and hand-made gifts! Books, modelling beeswax, block crayons, crayons, pencils, kite paper, water colour paper and paint, wooden toys, paint brushes and skipping ropes, plus locally made beeswax candles, lotions, wool yarn, honey, toys and decoration....and more! Located in our administrative building, this mini store is a great place to get some high quality supplies for you or your children - the same items they us...e in their classrooms - and to shop for Christmas presents. We also have OWS toques, shirts, hoodies and coffee mugs. Come by the store and take a look - it is in our administrative portable at the end of the fire lane (see the campus map on the fence in our parking lot if you are unsure). Masks and hand sanitization upon entrance are required. If you are interested in purchasing an item, or visiting the store, but have questions please contact Trish at 250-547-9212 and she can help you out and/or put some items aside for you.

Our Grade 3/4 students completed a weaving project in handwork this week. Students used wool, a shuttle, and loom to create these colourful and beautiful pieces of art. Why is handwork an important part of the OWS curriculum? Because it provides a huge array of benefits for children. Not only does it show how the conceptual can become concrete, it also teaches simple and complex math, hand/eye/brain coordination, and significant amounts of resiliency. Have you ever had t...o undo your own work to correct a mistake? Or stick with a project over many weeks or months? Weaving takes time, perserverance and mindfulness. Students need to be focused on the task. Unlike knitting projects, you can't take your eyes off of your work when weaving. It engages their mind and hands and strengthens their focus and concentration. Weaving also complements the grade three curriculum, where students learn about farming and shelters and clothing. Of course, the best part, like all handwork projects, is the joy and pride students feel when their project is complete. Interested in learning more about the education at Okanagan Waldorf School? Please contact our administrative team at 250-547-9212 or [email protected].

If you took a step inside our "Middle School" classroom today, these are the chalkboards that would greet you. Geology, Physiology, and Anatomy. The current blocks for our grade 6, 7, and 8 students.