About TWS > Infrastructure @ TWS

October 23, 2008

It feels as though summer has finally let go and given way to the fall and yet as I reflect on how quickly my youngest child, Sydney, has settled into the wonderful rhythm of her Grade One class it feels like just yesterday that Shannon and I watched the Rose Ceremony from the balcony of the forum.

Sydney was quietly excited that day. She had an idea of her first morning because she had watched her older brother Trent the previous year. Sydney is never lacking for words (not unlike myself) and happily described the experience to us later. She talked about her Grade 12 partner, Viviane. When they were getting ready to come out Viviane asked her if she was nervous. Sydney, who is rarely fazed, admitted that she was. Viviane's response was one of only care and understanding: "It's OK, we all get nervous when we go on stage but don't be scared because I am right beside you". I asked Sydney if she was still felt nervous after Viviane's words and she very confidently smiled and said, "nope". I have not met Viviane but I would like to thank her for sharing that experience with Sydney. I know many of you reading this have shared in this wondrous first day, and I feel it can be helpful to recall those moments that remind us of some of the reasons we choose Waldorf.


I see my role as part of the TWS community working with the school and doing my best to help in any way that best serves our community. I enjoy being a part of the community and truly look forward to getting to know as many of you as I can. It sounds so cliché to say but I would like you to know I have a very "open door policy" and look forward to many conversations.

Over the last couple of years I have worked with several of you in the re-creation of the parent association, now called the Parent Circle. Like many of you, I believe that this important part of the community has been missing. Many hours were spent reviewing documents and discussing concepts to bring this to its current state. Special thanks should be given to several people who were involved: Catherine Daugherty, Kevin Moynagh, Diana Korn-Hassani and Victoria Orekhovsky. Catherine's experience at the Trillium Waldorf School in Guelph was a huge help in this work, but we took her away far too many times from her development work here at the school. Kevin Moyangh has thankfully taken up the lead role for the Parent Circle. They have already had their first meeting this fall and I know there are others booked for the upcoming months. If you have questions about the Parent Circle or want to lend a hand, contact Kevin directly, or leave a note for the Parent Circle at the front office. Watch for Parent Circle updates in this newsletter.

There are other changes to the Board this fall. We have gained new members and have lost some others. We will be introducing all these changes at the upcoming AGM. Last year at the AGM we had well over 100 people in attendance. Watch for your invitation coming in the next few days. It is an important evening you can attend to learn more about the financial picture and strategic plan of the school.

We will give you periodic updates on our Board work through this newsletter. At any time please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

At TWS, like all organizations, we face many challenges but I have the utmost confidence in every aspect of the Administration, the Faculty and Board that they will not only be met but exceeded. I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming years in my role as Board Chair but more in importantly as a fellow parent and friend.

Thank you,

Bill Harlow, Board Chair