Festivals
Festivals are a vital part of our school life and curriculum as they celebrate the seasonal changes and acknowledge and incorporate central human values and virtues. The festival motifs are brought into the classroom through story, song, movement, drama and decoration. Some cultural festivals are observed only in conjunction with the specific curriculum of a particular grade while others are celebrated in the context of school-wide assemblies and related events.
The Autumn Festival Season reflects the bounty of the harvest as well as inner and outer preparation for the coming darkness of winter. 
Michaelmas, September 29, is a little-known festival in North America but is a major celebration in Waldorf Schools. It takes place near the autumnal equinox when daylight grows shorter. The festival is named for the archangel Michael, the protector of humanity, who inspires qualities of courage, initiative and steadfastness. The elementary and high school students, along with the faculty, participate in activities that reflect the values connected to these qualities as well as respect for nature through work in the garden, beach activities and more.
Halloween, October 31, is celebrated with merrymaking, age-appropriate stories and dressing up. Students wear costumes that follow their teacher’s recommendations. In keeping with the school’s emphasis on the development of the imagination, children are asked not to wear costumes depicting media, cartoon or gruesome images. Masks are not allowed.
Day of the Dead and All Souls’ Day, November 1, is marked by an assembly for Grades 1-12 to honor and remember those important people in our lives who have crossed the threshold.
Thanksgiving is celebrated in a school assembly the morning before the holiday. A food drive is held to benefit the Ignatian Services Food Pantry.
The Winter Festival of Lights Season reminds us of the light shining within each individual in the midst of the encroaching darkness of the season. School begins each Monday morning with a silent assembly in which the Grade 11 students present Eurythmy in the auditorium. Often during this season, the faculty and friends of the school present one or more of three medieval Christmas plays. The Paradise Play, appropriate only for students in grade 3 and up, tells the story of creation and the fall. The Shepherds’ Play, appropriate for all ages, tells the nativity story. The Kings’ Play, appropriate only for students in grade 6 and up, tells the story of the journey of the wise men.
Some classes and families join in the Garden of Light, a spiral pathway of pine boughs leading to a candle in the center. Chanukah is also a festival of light and many classes observe the festival with story, song, and the lighting of the menorah. 
The Spring Festival Season reflects nature’s breathing out, the growth of new plant life and the lengthening of the daylight hours. This season finds us celebrating our community with Grandparents and Special Friends Day as well as Music and Eurythmy Festivals. There may also be a school wide celebration of Earth Day. Younger students practice the Maypole dances and perform them at the May Fair, an open street festival celebrating the arrival of spring with games, activities, music, food and fun for the whole community.