Rainbow Bridge Ceremony

The 1st day of school involved a wonderful Opening Ceremony that included the entire school. It began with each grade processing into the Sanctuary and having their teacher stand up and present the curriculum for the coming year. In some schools this may sound B..O..R..I..N..G - but not here! It sounded fantastical - stories of Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Native Americans. Norse Mythology as well as lots of fables, tales and legends. And, don't forget Eurythmy, handwork, foreign languages and woodworking. (Oh, and math & science too!)

Then the pièce de résistance...the crossing of the Rainbow Bridge for the 1st graders. Each 1st grader was taken from their seats by their kindergarten teacher and led to a waiting 8th grader. The 8th grader then presented the rising 1st grader with a rose and took the 1st grader to a specially decorated bridge that the 1st grader crossed alone and greeted on the other side by Ms. Crowely, the 1st grade teacher. Very sweet, very symbolic!

I tried to not worry too much about taking pictures. It's hard for me to let go - but in the end I think it's more important for me to be present in the moment versus photographing the situation!

I love this 1st picture, how nonchalantly he is walking into the Sanctuary - like he does this every day!

Checking out the processional of students

Ms. Crowley telling them something very serious!

Enthusiastically greeting his 1st grade teacher, and his 2nd grade teacher, and his 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade teacher...