About

The Waldorf Education Society of Edmonton (WESE) was founded June 4, 2002. Our mission is to facilitate Waldorf Education in many forms within the City of Edmonton. WESE serves multiple purposes; acting as a resource and advocate for the Prairie Waldorf Public School program at Avonmore School through the Edmonton Public School Board Alternatives Programs, primarily by arranging teacher education, assistance, and support.

To support our community and the development of The Prairie Waldorf School, we also operate programs for families of young Children, including Parent-Tot and Nursery school programs, at Avonmore school We facilitate adult education through parent study groups, workshops, and support the growth of Waldorf education by holding Annual Festivals and Fundraisers. We act as a liaison with AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America) and WECAN ( Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America) to uphold the standard and quality of Waldorf Education and maintain the use of the Waldorf Trademark for our programs. Most of all, we endeavour to nurture the children of our community through the principles of Waldorf education, which simultaneously supports us as families.

Since 2002, we have increased awareness and encouragement through monthly meetings, newsletters, and networking. We have formed study groups, childcare groups, playgroups, various puppetry and painting programs, and have facilitated the community in meeting together at seasonal festivals. As Of the start of the 2009/10 school year, we began to offer a Waldorf Kindergarten to Grade two program within the umbrella of the public education system. In the coming years our school will continue to grow a grade level each year until we have a full K-6 program with a possibility of going beyond. We welcome your involvement in any capacity.

Board Members

Diana Harrison, President

Diana Harrison believes in Waldforf education deeply in her heart. She Joined Wese in 2007 as keen volunteer, ready to serve this wonderful engaged community. Now in her second year as President Diana is learning and growing with this vital new life of the school. She originates from Liverpool England, but spent 10 years in Australia before coming to Canada to study philosophy. This is where she met her husband Christopher, they now have a 3 year old son called Darius. She realizes that the school is a bigger picture commitment and has recently decided to move from their treasured acreage near Devon to be closer .

Netta Johnson, Vice President

Since joining the board in 2002, she has held the position of President, Vice-President, and Secretary- Treasurer. She creates most of the society's ads and documents, including pamphlets and brochures. She replies to incoming WESE mail, helps with WESE fairs and events, (planning, set- up, and preparation), and places orders for the Waldorf toys and supplies. She maintains WESE email list, updates website documents. Her fabulous husband Andrew has built websites and cared for their two children, Oliver and Eloise, so she can attend events, reply to emails, and paint and build furniture for classrooms. Along with other WESE board members, she has worked to create the beauty of Waldorf education here in Edmonton, where she had the privilege to attend Park Allen Waldorf school herself in the 80’s.

Keely Scott, Vice President

Keely Scott has been on the WESE board since it's inception in 2002. She grew up on a ranch in the foothills, and moved to Edmonton in 2001. She lives with her husband (Jeremy) and children Sam (11yrs) and Freya (11 months) in Bonnie doon, She teaches Yoga, and sometimes does admin for various not-for profit Arts organizations.

She became inspired by Waldorf Education when she visited the Toronto Waldorf School, having befriended one of its graduates in University. There she witnessed a integrated system of education, felt the depth of their experiences, and realized the conscious raising potential that Waldorf Education could provide for students . It struck a deep chord within her and a feeling that Waldorf education should be available to all who would want it.

When the opportunity arose for her to help create such an education system in Edmonton, she leapt at it. After a number of preliminary meetings, a small group of keen parents and community members from the previous Parkallen Waldorf program, WESE was born.

Over the years she has served in many different capacities as a board member. In charge of: communications, community building, festivals, fairs, newsletters, study groups, lectures, education, recruitment, policy making, hiring teachers, long term planning, and society fundraisers. She currently she shares the role of VP with Netta Johnson. Through many ups and downs she remains committed to seeing Waldorf Education flourish in Edmonton. She is inspired by community and excited to continue to work to establish a strong foundation from which the school can grow for years to come.

Andrea Callin, Treasurer

Andrea Callin has been the Treasurer since she joined WESE in 2006. She was drawn to WESE because (like many first time parents) she was searching for a soul and spirit filling community. She has a 3-year-old daughter, Sasha, and a one-year-old son, Niko, who attend the parent tot classes. Her husband, Max Kante, is a tireless supporter. He not only supports Andrea in all the volunteer time it takes to be the treasurer, he also spends many hours building and fixing toys for WESE and doing many other odd jobs.

Kory Baker-Henderson, Volunteer Chair

From painting, writing, singing and performing to being a Drama teacher, a documentary film producer and, of course, a parent, creative arts has always been part of Kory’s life. She has taught parent and tot all the way to adults in various capacities and managed a variety of cultural, historical and recreational facilities. Today, Kory's heart is first with her husband Dwayne and her 2 children where she loves being a stay at home Mom. She also has a passion for developing and being part of vibrant, successful communities. One of her communities is the Monavie business community. Kory is delighted to be a part of this project with her husband, where they help people with their health and wealth with yummy, potently healthy juice. The second community is the eco/natural community. Kory is honored to be active within, and a part of this cause through participation and education with natural building, passive solar design, local community projects, natural parenting and baby wearing. And last, but certainly not least is the Waldorf community. Kory is so grateful to be the volunteer coordinator for WESE and have the opportunity to work with so many dedicated and talented volunteers. It is with great joy that she endeavors to empower others as we strive together to make a vibrant, welcoming, supportive, generous, loving and creative community for ourselves and our children.

Monica Maddaford, Registrar

Monica Maddaford is the lucky mama of two sweet little girls. She first became involved with WESE in the fall of 2007, when she started attending parent-tot classes with her now four-year-old (and the now two-year-old in utero!). She is entering her second term as WESE's registrar, and couldn't be happier to be helping to welcome new families into our wonderful community. Monica can often be seen knitting on the sly in the Wondergarten classroom.

Trisia Eddy, Secretary, Festival Co- ordinator

Trisia Eddy has been involved with the Waldorf Education Society of Edmonton since its inception in 2002. Her three children have grown up within this community, attending playgroups, meetings, and festivals, Heart and Hands with both May Louise and Rhonda, and eventually witnessing the birth of the Prairie Flower School with Edmonton Public Schools. She considers them to be the primary inspiration in her work with Waldorf education. The invaluable support of her husband and the deeply meaningful camaraderie of the hard-working mothers who make up the WESE board have sustained her energy through many growing pains and celebrations. Over the years, Trisia has held many roles with the WESE board, including treasurer, secretary, president, and festival co-ordinator. One of her most enjoyable positions has been as a Waldorf Parent-Tot instructor, watching children grow from babes-in- arms up to Nursery School! Outside of Waldorf, Trisia is a published poet, editor and book-maker, home- schooling mom, and community volunteer.

Lesley Hamilton, WESE Liaison with Edmonton Public Waldorf School Teachers

An experienced mother of three, and teacher, Lesley was hired on as a WESE staff member in 2008. Her positions with the school are varied, and have included Nursery School Aide and Caretaker, Nursery Substitute Teacher, Parent-Tot Program Leader, and Classroom Assistant for the grade 1/2. As an Edmonton Public School employee, Lesley also fills the valuable role of a substitute teacher for the Prairie Flower Waldorf School. As the WESE Board 1/2 teacher liaison Lesley works with the Waldorf School teachers and the board to communicate one another’s needs and ideas.