Senses' Revelation
Senses’ Revelation is our guiding impulse for this summer’s festival.
Revel in what your senses can reveal to you. Surrender to the beauty of
new sights, colours, textures, sounds, stories, songs and tastes. Fill up your
senses this summer with nourishment for the long inward journey toward
spirit revelation in midwinter. Refresh yourself in the soothing waters of
artistic renewal and community and kindle the flame of inspired action.
We welcome parents, educators and artists interested in working with their
senses to reveal meaning, joy and depth in all that you do. Join with our
international team of workshop leaders in a guided exploration of the arts and
ideas inspired out of anthroposophy in collaboration with other like-minded
individuals. This year we have expanded our festival to three weeks.
Welcome all!
“Art has a quality that can excite people not just once, but
can time and again directly give them joy. For this reason,
we directly connect the artistic element with what we want
to achieve in teaching.”
Rudolf Steiner
Click here to see the beautiful Summer Festival brochure in full colour (pdf format)
Festival Schedule
Week 1 - July 8 to 12Morning Workshops Science of Metamorphosis - Jonathan Code |
Afternoon Workshops Musicianship for the Teacher – Larry Glatt |
Week 2 - July 15 to 19Morning Workshops What are Words Worth? - Paul Matthews |
Afternoon Workshops Eurythmy - Rachel Ross |
Week 3 July 22 - 26Morning Workshops Art of Administration – Patrice Maynard |
AfternoonWorkshops The Power of Play – Blondine Maurice |
Daily schedule
8:30 to 8:55 singing
9:00 to 10:30 morning course
10:30 to 11:00 coffee break
11:00 to 12:20 morning course
12:30 to 2:00 lunch
2:00 to 3:15 afternoon course
3:15 to 3:45 tea break
3:45 to 5:00 afternoon course
Evening activities
Weekly lectures
Anthroposophic study
Coffee house
Workshop Descriptions
Week #1 July 8 to 12 – Morning
A Science of Metamorphosis with Jonathan Code
For several hundred years scientists have, through a largely analytic
and mechanistic approach, set out to solve the mysteries of the
universe. This has fostered a radical divorce of the knower from the
known. While we have gained a wealth of insight in the process,
Nature now holds up to us the mirror of our methods. Climate
change, faltering agriculture and social upheaval are revealed.
In this workshop we will explore the contributions of Goethe,
Steiner and others toward a science of life that can inform our
work as teachers, stewards of the earth and social collaborators.
Art of Teaching Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 Intensive preparation
and practice with David Hadden, Gero Theel, Suzanne Hill and Les Black
Explore the physical, psychological and spiritual development
of children and how the Waldorf curriculum meets age-specific
needs. We will dive into the essence of the year’s curriculum and
help each teacher create balanced lessons rich with imaginative
pictures, artistry and rigour. A teacher’s inner and artistic preparatory
work has the most profound effect on the education of children.
Please bring your recorders, resource materials and questions.
Waldorf Education Essentials with Merwin Lewis
Waldorf education is a creative revolution that asks for no less
than our complete transformation as educators and as parents.
This workshop offers an overview of Waldorf education from the
inside out. We will look at child development, rhythms of learning
and core principles that inspire our schools. We will experience
elements of Waldorf curriculum, works by Rudolf Steiner and
reflect upon our experiences as educators and parents.
Week #1 July 8 to 12 – Afternoon
Musicianship for the Teacher with Larry Glatt
Enhance your musical skills for both personal and professional
development. Participants will have time to build their confidence
in singing, recorder playing, musical games, leading songs and
conducting choirs. Every day will include both practice and
theory. An essential investigation into how music relates to the
evolving history of human consciousness can help us meet the
developmental needs of children. Please bring recorders.
Painting for the Teacher with Anna Gruda
Dive into colour and its formative forces. Deepen your knowledge of
the Waldorf visual art curriculum for Grades 1 through 8 and take a
glimpse into how this work extends into High School. We will work
on a number of projects using methods uniquely developed for teaching
art in Waldorf schools. These will help you to understand how
new materials and skills are taught to the students and take you
on an inner journey through the Waldorf visual arts curriculum.
Storytelling through the Grades with Dawne McFarlane
A good story satisfies both listener and teller, but what makes a good
story? We will explore the form and content of storytelling as a portal
into the Waldorf grade school curriculum and as a map of the child’s
developing imagination. Guided by seriously playful exercises, this
is a practical opportunity to develop capacities and skills for telling
prepared and improvised stories to your class and community. Please
bring a story you would like to work on, and discover new ones as well.
Week #2 July 15 to 19 - Morning
What Are Words Worth? Creative writing with Paul Matthews
Here is an opportunity for teachers, parents and writers to develop
their life of language and imagination. Through guided tasks in
writing and movement we will explore seriously and playfully,
individually and collaboratively, the creative dynamics of language.
Our emphasis will be on creative process rather than finished
work, finding ways to carry words rich in image, word-music
and rhythm into our classrooms, homes and places of work.
Deepening Anthroposophy with Warren Lee Cohen
Rudolf Steiner coined the terms anthroposophy and spiritual science to
describe a path of knowledge in which human beings are living images
of creative forces at work in the cosmos. This workshop is for anyone
who wishes to deepen their understanding of the essential nature of
freedom, the Christ Impulse, karma, evolution of human consciousness
and contemplative practice as tools for research into artistic, educational
and spiritual questions. This is an essential course for Waldorf
teachers and requires grounding in the core ideas of anthroposophy.
Meeting Karma in the ECE Classroom
Early childhood week with Rachel Ross
Early childhood educators have the monumental task of guiding
children into their bodies. They lay the foundations for all learning that
follows. We will review this remarkable phase of human development
and deepen our understanding of how the laws of karma manifest
in young children. We will learn ways to expand classroom routines
that help children with specific developmental and learning needs.
We will explore child study, the teacher’s inner life, parent work and
the impact of media on brain development. An understanding of the
core ideas of anthroposophy and Waldorf education is required.
Biodynamic Nutrition with Eva Cabaca
Learn to cultivate your relationship with food the biodynamic way,
from garden to table. We will observe the natural coexistence of
medicinal plants, weeds and crops in the outdoor classroom of the
Toronto Waldorf School garden. We will connect with the land through
observation, song, meditation, physical contact and work. We will
learn how to turn nature’s freshly harvested gifts into vital and vibrant
creations, such as lactic fermented vegetables, sun teas, sprouted
superfoods, wild salads, juices, herb salt and dehydrated snacks.
Week #2 July 15 to 19 - Afternoon
Eurythmy: the Key to Support Transformation
with Rachel Ross
Eurythmy provides an effective path to find the ‘key to the kingdom’. It
offers an opportunity to consciously transform our fallen natures. This
unique art of movement was created by Rudolf Steiner and continues
to evolve as we practice. It stands as an essential element of our
pedagogy and inner development and can facilitate healing. Eurythmy
supports both professional and inner work and thus strengthens
our ability to live the Pedagogical Law: who we are is the active
force that educates our students. Please bring eurythmy shoes.
Magic of Metalwork with Leed Jackson
Each metal has its own unique qualities, its signature. They respond
entirely differently to our efforts to work with them. As we seek to
shape, hammer, bend, braze and anneal them, their mercurial natures,
their essential resistance begins to shape us. We will work with iron
tools and templates to form copper, silver, lead, tin, carbon and silica. We
will transform these mysterious beings into beautiful and useful objects.
Weaving Colour into Light, Darkness and Form
Veil Painting with Jef Saunders
Thin, almost translucent pigments applied to water-colour paper
will slowly reveal the mysterious appearance of multiple tones
and shades of colour. After many thin layers a subtle form, either
abstract or a motif, will arise. Each wash or veil of colour challenges
a need for flexibility as the unknown slowly reveals itself. This is a
meditative process that both challenges and refreshes the soul.
Creative Felting with Heather Church
Felting is a wonderful craft for home, kindergarten or school.
Together we will explore the wonderful properties of wool
using warm water, soap and movement to turn colourful wool
fibres (roving) into beautiful and practical items such as toys,
bags, scarves and hats. We will learn how to use leftovers to
create small adornments for our larger felted creations.
Week #3 July 22 to 26 – Morning
Art of Administration with Patrice Maynard
Waldorf schools are part of a constructive revolution in our
thinking about human development as the unfolding of a mystery.
We’ll explore ways to lift administration to an art, promote
healthy relationships and create essential spaces for the vital
unfolding of administrative staff, teachers and parents in our
communities. Through discussing hot topics, working with karma
and sharing best practices, we’ll build wholesome and compelling
imaginations for effective administrative in our organizations.
Waldorf Classroom Planning and Practicalities
with Flora Seul-Jacklein
Good planning and organization can free up and guide teachers towards
a deeper understanding of their pedagogical work: the curriculum, the
developmental needs of their students and the process of learning.
They also create a framework for the teacher’s own learning that
can make the difference between authentic pedagogy, ‘winging
it’ or even burning out. We will explore best practices in planning,
dealing with the vastness of the material, student observation
and assessment, parent and collegial work. Anticipate the coming
year with joy and take concrete steps towards planning it!
Building Blocks for Waldorf Homeschooling
with Marg Beard
Explore essential building blocks for designing your Waldorf
homeschooling curriculum. Each day will include lively presentations,
movement and singing as well as time to work on your plans. We
will share core imaginations to sustain you and your children
through the year and help you find balance between all the
demands placed upon homeschoolers’ time and energy. Please
bring a three-ring binder, subject dividers and a calendar.
Week #3 July 22 to 26 – Afternoon
The Power of Play: Inner Clowning with Blondine Maurice
The red nose is the smallest of all the masks. Let it help you drop all the
others and reveal you to yourself. Games and warm ups will lead you
safely to know that inner clowning is not about being funny, although we
certainly do laugh a lot! Rather, clowning leads us on a grand journey
from the head to the heart. Encountering yourself and others in complete
innocence and wonder frees up the forces of childhood in each of us and
prepares us to be more present with our friends, colleagues and children.
Growing a Painting with Regine Kurek
We will approach the theme of biography by creating one large artistic
work. We will focus on the biography of the painting as it organically
develops through seven phases. Using watercolour and mixed media,
each participant will find their colour palette. Growing a painting is a
most wonderful, exciting and yet meditative way to develop form out
of colour. This process mirrors our own approach to life and can be
an inspiration for fresh impulses as our pictures speak back to us.
Human Form Divine: Sculpting with Warren Lee Cohen
The wisdom of the cosmos can be found in human anatomy, the visible
signature of our spiritual nature. We are after all the stage upon
which cosmic dramas are enacted. The form of the head reveals
the dynamic meeting of our pre-birth intentions with the external
resistance of the world. Through modelling the human head from
pre-birth through to old age, we can touch these opposing streams
that work from within and without, from past and future. These
Registration
Festival fee (includes course materials and snacks)
1 Week – $495 early registration
2 Weeks – $945 early registration – Extra discount!
3 Weeks – $1350 early registration – Extra discount!
Cash or cheques preferred. We also accept VISA and Mastercard.
Early registration ends May 25. Regular fees: individual weeks - $550,
2 weeks - $1050, 3 weeks - $1500. Half day registration $325.
All courses have limited openings and will be offered only when sufficient
enrollment is reached. All fees are due upon registration. Once registered,
you will receive a detailed course schedule with directions to the campus.
You may cancel your registration before June 8 and receive full refund
less $75 cancellation fee. No refunds available after June 8.
We reserve the right to cancel any course at 7 days’ notice, with full refund.
Lodging
A limited number of Bed and Breakfast spaces are available
with local families. If you would like to offer accommodation
to a festival participant and receive compensation please
let us know. Local hotels are listed on our website.
Lunch
Delicious vegetarian (mostly organic) lunches are available
by pre-order only. Lunches cost $50 for the week
(3 courses for only $10 per day!) and will be served in
the beautiful new dining room at Hesperus Village.
Scholarships
Limited work/scholarships may be available and will be awarded
on a first come basis. To be considered, please include a letter
describing your financial circumstances with your application.
Childcare at TWS Summer Camp
Toronto Waldorf School Summer Camp offers a full-day
camp for children (ages 4 to 12) at a reduced fee for festival
participants. To make reservations contact the camp at
647-210-8865 or camp@torontowaldorfschool.com.
Collaborating organizations
RSCT is grateful for the support of Toronto Waldorf School, Mercurius Canada, Hesperus
Village, Arscura – School for Living Art, My Child Myself and the Toronto Branch of the Anthroposophical Society of Canada.
To register contact
Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto
9100 Bathurst St., Thornhill, ON, L4J 8C7, Canada
905-764-7570 fax 905-889-3336 info@rsct.ca
www.rsct.ca
Reistration Form
Register by May 25 and save 10%
Secure your choice of workshops. Places are limited.
Personal details
Name
Address
City Prov./State
Postal code/zip
Email address
Phone
Profession/school
Workshop choices (specify title)
Week 1, July 8 to 12
Morning
Afternoon
Week 2, July 15 to 19
Morning
Afternoon
Week 3, July 22 to 26
Morning
Afternoon
Senses’ Revelation
Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto
July 8 to 26, 2013
Sponsored by Mercurius Canada
Workshop leaders
Marg Beard founded the Rosewood
Homeschooling group and taught her three children
through high school. She leads the Waldorf
homeschooling option of the Foundation Studies in
Anthroposophy distance course at RSCT, is a faculty
member of Chiron, a remedial support teacher
(HEART) and has her own consulting practice.
Les Black has been a class teacher through
three cycles at the Toronto Waldorf School. He is
trained in Spacial Dynamics and has a wide range
of athletic and coaching experience. He is an avid
creator and director of dramatic productions.
Eva Cabaca teaches gardening, science, nutrition
and herbal medicine. She applies biodynamic
principles to her work at the Toronto Waldorf School
teaching garden where she instructs both children
and adults. She is the author of Earthly & Divine.
Heather Church graduated from the Ontario
College of Art, Sunbridge College and Sophia’s
Hearth. She taught Waldorf kindergarten, always
exploring how to work more with children’s will.
She is the cofounder of My Child Myself Centre.
Jonathan Code is the Head of Programme
Team for the Hiram Education and Research
Department of the Crossfields Institute. He teaches
phenomenology and nature study to students of all
ages. He develops courses for staff at Ruskin Mill.
Warren Lee Cohen, MEd, BA Physics, is the
Director of Teacher Education at RSCT. He directed
the Foundation Studies program at Emerson
College and has been a Waldorf teacher for 20
years. He is an avid sculptor, baker and author of
Raising the Soul and Baking Bread with Children.
Larry Glatt, DMA, MA, MMus, has been a
music professor, Waldorf class teacher and music
teacher. He is a performing musician, composer and
recording artist. He teaches chorus, jazz band and
orchestra at the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School.
Anna Gruda is a graduate of OCAD and RSCT.
She teaches at the Toronto Waldorf School
and RSCT and has been a class teacher and
art teacher for over 20 years. She has worked
with combined grades and homeschoolers.
David Hadden, BA Music, BEd, is a highly
experienced Waldorf class teacher at the London
Waldorf School. He has been teaching there since
1980. His outside interests include watercolour
painting, music (saxophone/clarinet) and gardening.
Suzanne Hill, MEd, has been a Waldorf teacher
for the past 16 years in Toronto, New Orleans and
now at the Halton Waldorf School. She has helped
found a new school, taught combined grades and
completed her Masters degree in Waldorf education.
Leed Jackson, BSc Mathematics, earned
a sculpture diploma from Emerson College.
He apprenticed with a master jeweller.
Leed has been teaching high school science,
mathematics and metal craft at the Toronto
Waldorf School for over 18 years.
Regine Kurek is an anthroposophical art
therapist and biographical counsellor. She is
the cofounder of Arscura – School for Living
Art and works internationally developing art
and art therapy courses. She is dedicated
to art and personal development.
Merwin Lewis, MMus, MLS, co-founded the
London Waldorf School. Over 30 years he has
educated children and helped train a generation
of teachers. Poet, playwright and composer,
he is the first honourary recipient of RSCT’s
Waldorf Teacher Education certificate.
Paul Matthews led creative writing,
Foundation Studies and gymnastics at Emerson
College. He now travels widely, speaking his
poetry and encouraging others in the use of
imagination. His inspirational books include
Sing Me the Creation and Words in Place.
Blondine Maurice is a pioneer in ECE
Waldorf teaching, and of Inner Clowning at the
Rudolf Steiner Institute. Hers has been a rich
quest towards innocence and wonder. She is a
member of the clown team, Nose to Nose.
Patrice Maynard, MEd, is the leader for
Outreach and Development of the Association
of Waldorf Schools of North America
(AWSNA). She is a Waldorf teacher and music
teacher. Patrice is a passionate advocate
for renewal and pluralism in education.
Dawne McFarlane, MHSc, is a storyteller,
Waldorf teacher, dancer and Ontario
Arts Council grant recipient. She is a
member of Storytelling Toronto. She is the
coordinator for Professional Development
for Waldorf Teachers part-time at RSCT.
Rachel Ross, MEd, specializes in treating
children with developmental delays and learning
differences. Rachel is the director of HEART, and
contributes to teacher trainings around the world.
She studied therapeutic eurythmy in Dornach.
Jef Saunders is director and faculty member
of Arscura – School for Living Art. He is a
biography counsellor and anthroposophically
inspired art therapist. He currently divides
his work between patients and teaching.
Flora Seul-Jacklein has been a language
teacher at the Halton Waldorf School for
over 20 years. She has worked in public and
private schools and at university level. She
currently works as a mentor, and serves as a
member of the AWSNA Board of Trustees.
Gero C. Theel, MSEd, has been a class
teacher since 1997. A Waldorf graduate
himself, he has studied law in Germany and
in South Africa. He initiated and facilitated
a fathering group called “WalDads”. He has
taught in the USA, and now at TWS.
