Limited places for September 2025 – Find out More.
Limited places for September 2025 – Find out More.
Our Community
Our Community
For us, community exists globally, locally and in the classroom.
By celebrating the beauty of togetherness, we open our arms to our children, their parents and the people and places that surround us, strengthening bonds and instilling a wholesome sense of belonging.
By balancing the child’s emerging sense of self with a healthy connection to people and place, they can step into the world as confident and sociable adults, ready and able to contribute positively with respect for all.
In our school, community is a core value and underpins everything we do. By emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and shared experiences, children learn the importance of building meaningful relationships, not just within their school, but in the larger world. The school’s emphasis on seasonal festivals, nature-based learning, and global cultural traditions broadens their understanding of diverse communities and ecosystems.
These experiences instill a sense of responsibility and interconnectedness, helping children realise that they are part of a larger global family. Through this sense of belonging, children develop a deeper awareness of their role in the world and are empowered to contribute positively to their communities and the planet.
Festivals provide a meaningful way for children, teachers, staff, and the wider community to celebrate the passing of time and connect with the changing seasons. These celebrations cultivate a strong sense of belonging, not only to the school but also to the local community and the natural world. When families participate in these festivals, it strengthens the bond between the school and parents, creating a collaborative foundation that benefits the children and fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
In September, is known as the “festival of courage,” is inspired by the archangel Michael, who embodies strength and bravery. This festival honors the story of St. George, the humble peasant who, inspired by Michael, overcame great odds to slay the “dragon.”These celebration and performances bring the community together to honor courage and transformation.
Celebrated in November, is the “festival of compassion,” inspired by St. Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who gave up his rank and wealth to serve the poor. He is remembered for his act of kindness in sharing his cloak with a beggar. This festival invites the community to follow the light of their lanterns through the gathering darkness, symbolizing the path of compassion, empathy, and the beauty of sharing.
The Advent Spiral is a quiet, meaningful moment of carrying light in darkness and sharing it with others. In a softly lit room, we sit in silence as a single voice begins to sing and a candle is lit at the center of a spiral made of evergreen boughs—symbolizing life in the heart of winter. Each child, one by one, walks the spiral at their own pace, lighting a candle and placing it along the path. With each light, the spiral grows brighter, creating a pathway illuminated for those who follow. It’s a time of reflection, warmth, and shared hope.
In Waldorf schools, Candlemas marks the midpoint of winter, between the winter solstice and spring equinox, and is celebrated with seasonal crafts like candle-making, and songs, fostering themes of light, hope, renewal, and gratitude for the changing seasons.
The May Festival in a Waldorf school is a joyful celebration of spring’s arrival and the renewal of life. Bursting with color, music, and dance, it brings the whole school community together to honor the beauty and vitality of nature. Central to the festival is the maypole, symbolizing growth and harmony, as children weave intricate patterns with their ribbons through spirited dances. Seasonal songs, flower crowns, and outdoor festivities foster a sense of wonder, gratitude, and connection to the rhythms of the Earth. This celebration nurtures joy, community, and reverence for the natural world in a way that children carry with them.
We recognise that choosing a school is a big decision. We invite you to visit us and learn more about how a Waldorf education at Ringwood Waldorf School can benefit your child.
Address
Ringwood Waldorf School, Folly Farm Lane,
Ashley, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2NN
Open Term Time
Monday – Friday
8.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
© 2025 Ringwood Waldorf School | Website by Old Salt
