Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Date: 2011-05-14
End Time: 6:00 p.m.

Michaelmas is the feast of St. Michael. St. Michael is known as the conqueror of the powers of darkness. The celebration of Michaelmas commemorates the archangel Michael, and the archetype Michael represents. There is the theme of good versus evil in the heritage of this story.

 The Feast of St. Michael commemorates the deed of the Archangel Michael as described in Revelations 12: 7-9. “…there was a war in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; …and the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, …was cast into the earth.” The Michaelic archetype is of overcoming or transforming evil that is faced through intelligence, courage and strength.

 Michael has been the champion of both Christian and Jew. He is a well-known figure in icon paintings – usually shown with a shield and lance, or fiery sword, gazing outwards while subduing the dragon underfoot. The date of Michaelmas, September 29, comes very near the perfect balance point of daylight and darkness in the year on the autumnal equinox. It can be a calling to us to strive for more of a balance of the forces of darkness and light as we discover new inner resources which can help us to grow towards life and light.

 Michael beckons us to find the spirit to come alive through the dying year. The flashing meteor showers are said to be the sword he wields for us; each falling meteor is made of iron – the iron we need to strengthen the resolution of the heart. The seed-thoughts of the summer can be harvested now as deeds – to find their place in the world among people, to generate a life of their own that goes on into the future.

 Waldorf education echoes the essence of Michaelmas. Each and every one of us has gifts to bring to the world. Michaelmas is a reminder of the process of human becoming as we strive toward our full human potential. For children, Michaelmas and these themes of courage are manifested in activities of the will.  The child’s will and imagination are nurtured by activities of the season (picking apples, harvest work, grinding grain, planting bulbs, etc.) and tales which tell of courage, strength and bravery…of facing fears. The imagery of shields, swords, dragons, and kites is associated with Michaelmas. The knight who takes up his shield and sword to “tame” the dragon. Kites flying that rise higher toward the heavens representing our own strivings toward our higher selves…our human spirit soaring. The cross that makes up the kite’s structure becomes transformed into a sword. These deeds and stories carry with them the universal “truths” this festival represents.

 During these days that we contemplate and celebrate Michaelmas, enjoy  these words of a song about Michaelmas by C.A. Lindenberg sung at this time of year:

 Michaelmas, Michaelmas the time to show both courage and form.

Look well around ~ Inside you must wake.

Trees may shake ~ I shall stand the storm!

Compiled by Donna Brooks

Resources: Festivals, Family and Food by Carey and Large, All Year Round by  Druitt, Fynes-Clinton and  Rowling & Michaelmas: The Festival of Human Becoming by S. Spitalny.

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Early Childhood Teacher Donna Brooks and Teacher’s Assistant Nicole Griffith perform the May Faire puppet show in the Sunflower Garden classroom. The beautiful story was featured twice during the event and was enjoyed by both children and parents alike.

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May Faire 2009 – Onlookers watch as the 4th & 5th grade students weave an intricate pattern with ribbons of the May Pole as they dance to music performed by the older students.  This was just one of the many fun events at the Water’s Edge School May Faire today.

Members of WES community should be aware of the following upcoming events:

May 15, Friday, 6:45 p.m., first Water’s Edge softball double-header at park across from the library on Main St.  Even if you’re not a player, please come out and cheer for the team!

May 16, 2-6 p.m., Saturday, May Faire.  Pony rides, music, puppet shows and more!  Open to the public.

May 25, Monday, Memorial Day Parade begins at Wauconda High School at 10 a.m. (lineup is at 9 a.m.) Some students will be riding on the float and others will be walking the route with us and handing out flyers.  Let’s show Wauconda some of our school spirit!

Parents of the 4th through 8th grade students, don’t forget your child’s upcoming play:

May 26, Tuesday, 7 p.m., 4th Grade Class Play at Federated Church of Wauconda

May 30, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. 5th-8th grade class play, The Miracle Worker, Matthews Middle School, Island Lake

Did You Know?

Every Thursday morning during the school year at Water’s Edge School there is a Bagel Breakfast!  This bountiful buffet of food donated by parents, family members, and friends of our school community is available every week.  This great event, put together by our PTO, helps raise additional funds for student field trips.  Please join us.  Better yet, bring a dish to share too!  Sometimes we even have a bit of music!

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Rumor has it that these will be available in poster and flyer version by tomorrow morning!  Please pick up some to share with local businesses, libraries, etc.  You may also contact Amy Howard (amy@rayndragon.com) for a PDF version if you would like to email announcements to your friends and family.

This year’s beautiful poster and sign designs were done by Laura Novotny.  Thanks Laura!

Parents – we still need a few volunteers for the festival, so please check the sign-up board in the lobby if you’d like to help.

Speaking of helping out, the Building and Grounds committee is looking for loving hands to tend our school grounds before the festival.  Please contact Christine Grafft to let her know when you might be able to lend some assistance.

Questions about our festival?  Please contact the school for more information:

watersedgeschool@sbcglobal.net

847-526-1372

150 West Bonner Road
Wauconda, IL 60084

May Faire will be held Saturday, May 16th, from 2-6 pm and is open to the public.  What a great opportunity for friends and family to come and visit the school!  Pony rides, live music, food, and lots of other fun activities are on the list for this year’s Faire.

Parents, faculty and staff alike may talk to Donna Brooks if they wish to help out with the Faire.  Volunteers are needed to assist with the Roots ‘n Shoots Café, decorations and activities.  Talk to Donna if you’d like to help, and check the  sign-up board in the lobby.

In other news, Water’s Edge School will be participating in the Memorial Day parade in Wauconda!  We are in search of a convertible vehicle with a hitch capable of pulling a trailer with a small boat for the children to ride in.  Please contact Susan Love if you have a vehicle you’d be willing to help us out with.