A Red Deer group hopes to give parents a new holistic option for their children’s education.
Five community members have formed a new nonprofit group, Questers of the Heartland Association, with the goal of starting a Waldorf Education-based school in Central Alberta by 2014.
The alternative education method believes in developing the student’s whole body through an artistic emphasis and practical activities in the classroom.
The method was developed by Austrian philosopher and teacher, Rudolf Steiner, in the early 1900s.
The group is hosting information session on the philosophy of the teaching d at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
A teacher from the Calgary Waldorf School will give an inside look into a Waldorf-based school.
Attendees can also sign up for a field trip to the Calgary Waldorf School on September 30.
The association is exploring the option of working with Wonderflow School House, a preschool/kindergarten in Red Deer which is based on the method.
Association member Iris Meehan said the group would like to start a kindergarten to Grade 8 school. Meehan said the group has discussed starting a school in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake or Innisfail but nothing is concrete.
Meehan, 61, said she would have liked to have the option for her children when they were in school.
“I like how the graduates come out and have this sense of belonging in the world,” said Meehan.
“For example you will be hard pressed to find Waldorf graduates on drugs.
“They know themselves. They have a feeling about where they belong. They are less likely to make bad choices.”
Wonderflow School House co-owner/co-founder Genevieve Wiart has run Wonderflow School House since 2007.
She has 50 students and their parents have expressed interest in furthering their children’s education in the Waldorf method.
There are Waldorf schools in Edmonton and Calgary.
“It’s a really sound education for children,” said Wiart.
“You work at this early level with socialization.”
She said parents have said children taught through the Waldorf method really know how to communicate their wishes, wants and thoughts in a calmer way and are good community members.”
For more information please contact 403-347-3101 or questersoftheheartlandassoc@gmail.com
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com