RHYTHM REPLACES STRENGTH by Susann Eddy

On behalf of the college of teachers, faculty, and staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all families. It has been wonderful to meet many new and returning families since the first day of school, as well as at the All Community Meeting last night. I shared that our school will celebrate the 50th anniversary next year, and that this is coinciding with the honor of our school hosting the annual 2016 AWSNA summer conference in June. (AWSNA is the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America -- Canada, Mexico, and the United States). DWS is an accredited member school of AWSNA.

The Detroit Waldorf School has alumni all over the world, and what they share in common is their love for the community that they were able to experience as they stepped into adulthood. Again and again, former students express how Waldorf education prepared them both academically and socially to find their place and purpose in the world. Innovation, resilience and social awareness are some of the capacities that they have developed to transform themselves and to meet the future successfully.

As we begin our year, we look forward to many experiences and accomplishments. Our days will be filled with new and exciting activities at school and at home, and for the benefit of our children, it is important to be mindful of healthy rhythms in our lives. A good daily rhythm supports a vibrant body and mind; regular meals, regular sleep and waking hours provide a balance between work and leisure times. By giving our children the gift of a rhythmical life both at school and at home, we give them a head start for their future life. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, coined the phrase “RHYTHM REPLACES STRENGTH”, which infers that much more can be accomplished when a healthy rhythm is present.

I wish you and your children a wonderful year that is filled with new learning experiences, joy and time to play!

Susann Eddy, College of Teachers Chair, Eurythmy Teacher and Therapeutic Eurythmist