6th grader Deepjot Sohal arrives for Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. The Waldorf School of Garden City opened its doors on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, to over 350 nursery through 12th grade students. Continuing a Waldorf tradition, the school year began with a beautiful opening assembly where new first graders were welcomed to the lower school with the gift of a rose from a member of the senior class. In addition to class teachers sharing a wish for their class, parents and students met the School's new Faculty Chair, Ms. Sabine Kully. "Change and transformation are the cornerstones of life," said Ms. Kully. "Here at the Waldorf School we learn from the past, honor our traditions and embrace the challenges the future brings towards all. We use these to educate and guide young human minds towards responsible freedom and independence."

Students arriving on the first day were greeted by the sight of numerous improvements to the School's buildings and grounds, most notably, the expansion and renovation of the library. Over the summer months, many other improvements were made to the School including creation of a new main entrance, installation of energy efficient windows in classrooms and hallways, renovation of bathrooms, upgrades to the gymnasium's lighting system, and the addition of new lockers in the High School. Each of these improvements was made possible through the generosity of Board members, parents, alumni, alumni parents, faculty, staff and friends who contributed to the school's recent Capital Campaign.

Continuing a Waldorf tradition, the school year began with a beautiful opening assembly, at which the new first graders were welcomed by the gift of a rose from a member of the incoming senior class. Class teachers for each grade also shared a wish for their classes for the year - symbolized by a votive of candles. The school is also pleased to announce the arrival of Mrs. Marjorie P. Jean-Paul as the School's new Development Director . Mrs. Jean-Paul was introduced to the Waldorf School of Garden City, and Waldorf education, in 2004 when she helped conduct the School's first ever Capital Campaign as a member of the consulting team from Changing our World, Inc. Since that time, she has worked on a few major fundraising initiatives for Waldorf schools, including capital campaigns for Camphill Special School and the Shepherd Valley Waldorf School.

Seniors Abigail McGlone and Peter Olynciw try opening their new lockers with assistance from High School Science Teacher and Junior Class Co-Advisor Carolyn Ver Pault on Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. With a successful opening day behind them, the faculty, staff, and students at the Waldorf School of Garden City look forward to the challenges and rewards of the school year.

For more information about the school, please call (516) 742-3434 ext. 129 or visit www.waldorfgarden.org. The school will host a High School Open House on Monday, October 20th, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. (Also include Fall Fair Info)

Freshman Dylan Lashley tries opening his new locker on Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. CAPTIONS(L-R) 5th graders Skyla Davis, Sofia Patino, Lames El Gammal, Na Hee Hong, Isabella Beh and Persephone Naylor smile for the camera on Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. (L-R): Senior Brian Lindsay and 1st grader Andrew Churchill smile for the camera prior to the Opening Day Assembly at the Waldorf School of Garden City. (L-R) 8th grader Sophia Trikas presents a bouquet of flower to 8th Grade Class Teacher Kelly Beekman on Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. (L-R): 1st graders Daniella Kata and Josephine Modni meet with senior Meagan Gallagher prior to the Opening Day Assembly at the Waldorf School of Garden City. (L-R) 6th graders Jeriah Shambley, Deepjot Sohal and Duncan Naylor smile for the camera on Opening Day at Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. (L-R) 6th graders Empress Helwig, Alecia Greco, Celina Bertini, Charlene Brew and Genny Lyons smile for the camera on Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. 1st graders, their parents and 1st Grade Class Teacher Claudia Hart (right) enjoy breakfast with each other prior to the start of Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. 1st grader Armond Beausoleil meets with senior Andrew Schaeffer prior to the Opening Day Assembly at the Waldorf School of Garden City. A group of freshmen process into the School Auditorium for the Opening Day Assembly at the Waldorf School of Garden City. (L-R) 2nd graders Niholas Chiu and Justin Chau smile for the camera on Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. (L-R) 3rd graders Emma Keane, Sarah Keane, Emily Brew and Colleen DiLello smile for the camera on Opening Day at the Waldorf School of Garden City. A group of 1st graders and seniors process into the School Auditorium for the Opening Day Assembly at the Waldorf School of Garden City.