Festivals & Special Events
Along with the school's academic curriculum, we set aside time to mark the seasons, celebrate the world's great traditions, and cultivate a joyful community spirit.
Please visit our School Calendar for the latest information on events and happenings at WSL.
Rose Ceremony
At the beginning of each year, the eighth grade class welcomes incoming first graders in a beautiful ceremony. Each older child is paired with a younger child and offers a rose. At the end of the year this gesture of kindness is returned, as each first grader gives his or her eighth grade buddy a rose to celebrate their friendship and the milestone of graduation. There is hardly a dry eye in the auditorium!
Festival of Courage: Michaelmas
The festival of Michaelmas falls just after the autumnal equinox. Beginning in the sixth century, when surviving the northers winters was a very real challenge, people celebrated the courage of St. Michael, who overcomes dark forces with his sword of light. The festival encourages children to believe in their ability to overcome challenges and find new resolve for the tasks ahead. Learn More
Lantern Walk
As the days grow short and dark, the bleakness of the season is held at bay by the light of lanterns that the children make in class. Illuminated and held aloft, the lanterns shed their glowing light as the early childhood classes walk together through the field and conservation land with parents and teachers.
Autumn Assembly & Grand Morning
Late in November, a special assembly is held before the long weekend. Parents, grandparents and “grandfriends” are welcome to join us for this joyous occasion. Before the assembly, the School hosts a special morning program with a continental breakfast, presentations by faculty, and a chance for grandparents and grandfriends to observe their grandchildren’s classes.
Middle School Arts Evening
Held twice a year, this much-anticipated event gives students a chance to display their hard work in instrumental music, chorus, and eurythmy. For parents it is an affirmation of the rich and well rounded education students receive at WSL.
Mendenhall Benefit Concert
Bob Mendenhall's dream as Music Director at WSL was for every student to have the opportunity to take private music lessons. After his untimely death in 2003, the Mendenhall Scholarship Fund was established to benefit students at WSL who cannot afford the full cost of music lessons. This annual benefit concert features professional musicians who are parents, teachers, alumni, and friends of the school—all of whom donate their time and talents to what has become a signature event at WSL.
May Day
May Day is a traditional celebration of the arrival of spring and the return of the sun and flowers. On this day, all students, with their families and class teachers, gather to dance the maypole, sing seasonal songs, and watch a mock battle in which Lady Spring vanquishes King Winter. Strawberry shortcake is served, and families enjoy a picnic lunch.
5th Grade Pentathlon
This event recreates the original Olympic pentathlon of ancient Greece, including the five signature events: long jump, javelin, discus, wrestling, and 50-yard dash—plus a distance run. Fifth grade students train throughout the year for the event.