This week we begin to feel the turn of the season, as Autumn tiptoes towards us. As this happens, in Waldorf Schools, there is the lovely seasonal celebration of the Michaelmas Festival.

In Waldorf schools, the festivals are closely connected to the seasons and the changes that they bring within us and the natural world. Thus, Autumn is a time when nature is slowly going to sleep, drawing back within itself. We too may also begin to experience an increasing inward contraction. As summer light and warmth begin to fade, luminosity withdraws and descends into the earth. Since the summer solstice the fruits and flowers have begun to be drawn downward. After receiving the light without any effort during the summer months, humans too gather themselves in preparation for the cold and chilly contemplation of winter. What can be harvested from the summer months -not just from our gardens- but also from our experiences?

The Michaelmas Festival will include potatoes planted by the children at our spring festival and harvested by them in the coming weeks, as well as food brought by our families, a Michaelmas performance by the grades students, kite flying, a bonfire and much good cheer.

Provided:

• children’s play performance

• baked potato bar

• school tours available

Contributions:

• Plates, cutlery and cups for your family, picnic blanket, and beverages.

• Protein that can be cooked on a stick over the fire.