We are entering into the darkest days of the year; classrooms and hallways are filled with light. On Monday students in grades PreK through 5th grade had a rich discussion on the ways in which they enjoy the coziness of these darker days, they slow down like hibernating animals, and they bring light to each other through intentional kindnesses and acts of generosity. In Meeting for Worship we enjoyed the light of Advent Candles and thought about what it means to “hold someone in the Light”. The halls are decorated with suns, stars, full moons, crescent moons, candles, and fireplaces. Each was made by a child in school and lovingly hung by the 7th and 8th-grade students. The Christmas tree lights twinkle in the gym and children’s voices brighten our days.
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We have been busy practicing for the upcoming holiday concert. This week I sent home a calendar with the dates for all of the class performances. From the 6th grade production of Midsummer’s Night Dream, to the 8th grade’s rendition of Twelve Angry Men, to the Poetry Slam put on by 3rd, 5th and 7th grades, to the 4th grade New Jersey living museum, to second grades Antarctic Antics, to 1st Grade and Kindergarten’s play, everyone has a part to play and opportunities to practice facing down their nerves and standing up on stage. Every day students have opportunities to practice speaking to an audience. For instance, yesterday, First Grade students shared their habitat dioramas with their friends in Second Grade. Each child stood and talked about what they had learned about their particular habitat. Public performances, whether spoken, sung, or played on instruments build confidence in students. All alums speak of the importance of the class plays and opportunities to present their work to others. High school teachers and admissions directors share with me that WFS students routinely step into 9th grade with a high level of confidence and comfort in public speaking and in arranging their thoughts in an organized oral fashion.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful vacation. I will see you in 2022.
In the Light,
Margaret
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My favorite Christmas Picture books:
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and P.J. Lynch |
Santa's Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas by Hisako Aoki and Ivan Gantschev |
 A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote |
A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas (Author), Ellen Raskin (Illustrator) |