Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: September 14-18, 2026
Dear Hummingbird Families,
Welcome back to school! We hope everyone had a relaxing and joyful Fall Break. Before the break, we had a magical week filled with beautiful golden colors in our Hummingbird Class as we celebrated the Day of Courage (Michaelmas). Through our stories and weekly activities, the children explored what it means to face challenges, overcome fears, and discover the courage within themselves.
In our story, this courage was symbolized by a stone hidden inside the dragon’s egg, a little reminder that something strong and precious can be found within us. By the end of our journey, the children proudly wore their crowns and courageous capes, which they helped dye with natural turmeric and beautiful marigolds. We discovered that we each carry a light within us, and together, we shine even brighter. As each child was presented with their golden cape, we shared a special song-verse:
Brave and true I will be,
Each good deed sets me free.
Each kind word makes me strong.
I will fight for the right,
I will conquer the wrong.
Each Hummingbird received this special symbol of courage, given with love and care. May their golden capes continue to remind them of the strength, resilience, and courage that are growing within them each day.
Our journey with the dragon has come to an end. Through this story, the children explored what it means to help a friend in need and to find courage when facing challenges. Our story began with a little Hummingbird caring for the forest and its creatures. When a dragon brought fear and worry, the Hummingbird discovered that courage does not mean having no fear, but finding the strength to take a brave step. With a caring heart, the Hummingbird came closer to the dragon, and the forest friends joined together. They discovered that courage grows when we care for one another and face challenges together. In the end, our little Hummingbird learned that even the smallest among us can carry a very brave heart.
As we begin a new week, we are excited to open the door to a new adventure during story time. Together, we will search for a missing golden kitty who has wandered into the autumn forest! The children will also begin exploring the color red. We began our journey with yellow, exploring through painting and classroom experiences a color that brings warmth and light, while noticing it in flowers, sunlight, and the world around us.
Now, as we begin our exploration of red, we invite the children to notice its warmth and liveliness. In the Waldorf Early Childhood approach, watercolor is not simply an opportunity to learn color names or create a picture; it is an invitation to experience color through the senses and the changing world around us. We begin slowly, spending time with one color before introducing another, allowing the children to notice its qualities and how it lives in nature. We look forward to watching this new color bloom in our classroom as we continue our journey through the seasons.
Class Reminders and Announcements:
Roots & Rhythm: We are excited to welcome Mari Cooper, who will lead an eight-session parent education series throughout the year. Through music, movement, and discussion, parents will explore the philosophy behind our Waldorf-inspired approach. Our first session will be held on October 3 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Participation is expected for new parents, and all parents are warmly encouraged to join.
Conference: Our Fall Conferences will take place from October 7th to October 9th. Please sign up here to schedule a time to meet.
October 3: Roots & Rhythm with Ki Mari from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (On campus, in-person)
October 8: Half day and Parent Conferences
October 9: No school and Parent Conferences
October 10: Community Workday
October 17: Fall Festival from 3:00-6:00 pm
Warmly,
Ki Isabela
