Annual Events
Festivals
Like all Waldorf Schools, Ashwood notes and celebrates the rhythms of the earth and the cycle of the seasons. Such celebrations are a significant part of the life of the Ashwood community. The extended community is invited to attend many of the festivals and events. For dates, please see the Events Calendar.
A sample of annual events includes:
Grandparents' Day
Ashwood understands the important role grandparents play in the lives of its students. Each fall, the School hosts an event that allows grandparents to explore the campus, meet faculty, staff and board members, and enjoy student performances in music, poetry and acting.
Michaelmas
Michaelmas, in early Fall after the autumnal equinox, is celebrated to bid
farewell to the summer and welcome the fall. A celebration takes place outdoors
on the Ashwood main campus, and includes games, song, crafts, and food. Ashwood
welcomes the community-at-large to join in the festivities.
All Hallow's Eve
As an alternative to traditional Halloween events, the Ashwood faculty hosts an enchanting, fright-free early evening candlelit walk for families. As the costumed children wend their way silently through the gardens and woods, in and around bushes and a cottage, they may see princesses, gnomes, knights, dragons, and fairytale characters, all of whom silently appear and fade away in the gathering dusk. Many parents report that though the evening was simple and quiet, their children talked about all that they had seen for days afterward. Rather than assaulting little ones with the force of a nightmare, the All Hallow's Eve Walk strives to stimulate children's powers of imagination with the beauty of a gentle dream. The walk is followed by a story told round a bonfire and the sharing of freshly pressed hot cider and homemade cookies.
Winter and Spring Assemblies
In December and June, Ashwood students perform music, movement and recitation for the public. These events allow parents and the community-at-large to share in the accomplishments of the students.
May Festival
In late May, the Ashwood community hosts a celebration of the arrival of spring. A May pole dance, singing, games, costumes, and food add to the joyous event, which is held on the beautiful main campus.
For an expanded list of Ashwood-related events, please see the Events Calendar.