1st Day of 1st Grade at Haleakala Waldorf School

We officially have a 1st Grader! William begin his journey at the Haleakala Waldorf School today. His teacher is Mr. Weis, who actually lived in Boulder for most of his adult life and used to teach at the Waldorf school in Boulder. Both of his children were born at the same hospital as William. Got to love the Boulder connection. 

The opening ceremony was beautiful. The auditorium was filled with all of the students and faculty to welcome the first graders. They played classical piano music while the 1st graders walked in for the ceremony. It was very peaceful and welcoming for them. Mr. Weis also played a beautiful Hawaiian song for the kids on the ukulelele during the ceremony, and told a story about Maui (the man the island is named for) and the mountain of Haleakala. 

Here is a picture of the  8th and 1st graders during the opening ceremony this morning. At the beginning of the year an 8th grade student is assigned to give a rose to a 1st grade student. Throughout the year, this 8th grade "buddy" will help him out around the school.

Each student was asked to bring a fresh flower for the classroom flower bouquet. William brought a hydrangea from our garden. 

On his first day he made this bracelet out of wool and took his first Japanese lesson. He will also be learning Spanish. 

The day before school started we had a class potluck at the school so everyone could meet each other and so the kids would be more comfortable on day 1. William had fun running around with his new friends. 

 

Here is William's classroom. He is the one in the back row with the yellow shirt. The teacher played them a welcoming song with his flute. 

We gathered in a circle for a prayer before dinner. Mr. Weis is in the middle. He has an excellent rapport with the students.