Last week, Ki Gaby took her Fifth-Grade class to the 2024 Southeast Pentathlon at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia. Eight schools from the Southeast, including the Garden School of Marietta, with over 100 students, participated in this event. Ki Matan accompanied the class as a movement teacher responsible for the games, Vinod Rayala as a chaperone, and Ridwan Ahmed as an event judge.
The Pentathlon is a rite of passage for fifth graders in Waldorf Schools worldwide. In fifth grade, the students first learn about Ancient Greece and its government, history, mythology, and culture, and then participate in the Pentathlon. Divided into the four city-states Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes, the students compete in five Olympic events:
Discus throw
Javelin throw
Long jump
Wrestling
Relay Race
The Pentathlon began on Tuesday evening with the lightning of the torch and the offering of odes to the Greek gods, which the students had written in preparation for the event. On Wednesday, our students trained and performed with unwavering dedication and hard work in front of judges in all five disciplines. On Thursday, the city-states showcased their skills to the parents who had traveled to the event, and each individual student participant was awarded medals for their outstanding achievements.
At the Pentathlon, the students had the opportunity to shine individually and collectively. Unlike in modern athletic competitions, the judges observed the athletes and recognized them for positive character traits, such as nobility, team spirit, compassion, determination, and grace in the competition. This unique approach to judging emphasizes the importance of character development and sportsmanship.
Throughout the event, our fifth-grade class was immersed in a rich program. On Tuesday evening, they presented the play "Pandora's Box" to the other participants, a unique opportunity for them to showcase their creativity. In return, they were treated to a variety of Greek songs, music, recitations, and dances from the other schools, expanding their cultural horizons. On Wednesday night, they had a memorable time learning to dance the Sirtaki and listening to a captivating storyteller from Atlanta, who shared a Russian fairy tale in the outdoor amphitheater.
A significant aspect of the event was the division of all participants into four city-states, fostering a sense of community and friendship. Throughout the event, the city-states not only trained together but also shared meals and cabins. This unique setup allowed our fifth-grade students to forge new friendships and bond with their peers from different schools. Witnessing how easily they connected and cheered each other during the games was heartwarming. After signing each other's t-shirts, all students left with a sense of belonging and camaraderie and a deep appreciation for the values and experiences they gained from the Pentathlon.
Lindsey, our school photographer, was at the Pentathlon taking pictures for The Waldorf School of Atlanta. While there, she captured some lovely photos of our students and wanted to share them with you all.
