Red Deer Express 21
Small Business Week - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
City’s Wonderflow School House provides solid foundation for children BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Guiding young children via the virtues of respect, consideration and a solid educational foundation are some of the goals of the staff at Wonderflow School House. “It really started about 45 years ago,” explains Genevieve Wiart, director/ owner of the facility which is located at 5201 – 47 Ave. in the beautifully restored and historic Huestis House. “My sister and I were growing up on a farm in Central Alberta, and often when we played we would say that one day we would have a big old house and that we would be teachers of children.” Over the years, both women pursued training in education and a vision started taking shape. “I thought there is something between the pre-school and the daycare realm for families – there is something missing there.” Wiart and her sister Theresa Wiart later undertook training in Vancouver to become certified Kindergarten Waldorf teachers. Developed by Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education’s overarching goals is to provide young people the basis on which to develop into free, morally responsible and integrated individuals. Genevieve then started a small Wonderflow day home preschool in Red Deer. Theresa was also in the City, and helped to spread the word about the
blossoming project. Eventually, the Huestis House - a picturesque heritage home - became available and has proven the ideal setting for Wonderflow School House’s range of programs.
“IF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING, THE ENERGY IS THERE. AND SEEING THOSE YOUNG FACES EVERY MORNING JUST OPENS MY HEART.” GENEVIEVE WIART “So here was the dream come true. I was able to offer parents full-day possibilities, and it’s in a beautiful old home. It has that day home character of warmth for bridging a child from home to school. Plus, we offer Kindergarten. So we have really the whole gamut of early childhood (programs) right here.” Genevieve describes Steiner as a man who believed in a spiritual dimension to human beings. He also developed theories in agriculture, medicine and in architecture. Steiner also emphasized the thinking, feeling and the ‘willing’ or doing aspects of human nature. “Really, with a young child, we are working with their will.” From ages seven to 14, it’s more about feelings and then from 14 to 21, the particulars of thinking through life’s experiences
grows. “We are really about establishing that foundation – who they are, what they are here for and how to do it all with community.” The spiritual aspect is taught through moral teaching of the virtues, she said. “We have respect, kindness, gratitude, truthfulness with ourselves, with each other and with our earth.” There is also a focus on understanding the rhythms of life, as reflected in the seasons, for example. By the time children move on from Wonderflow School House, the staff want to see them carry a strong ability to both socialize with and respect others. The children are also taught about responsibility – they help with various duties such as clearing and washing their own dishes and folding laundry. The peaceful surroundings also serve to enhance the learning process. “It’s like a protected space where they aren’t bombarded by harsh colours, loud print or pictures,” she said. “I know the children feel that sense of simplicity.” Looking ahead, the ultimate goal would be to have the school’s programs expanded clear through to
UNIQUE STUDY – Genevieve Wiart, director/owner of Wonderflow School House, poses on the porch of the facility. A range of programs are geared toward children under the Mark Weber/Red Deer Express age of seven. Grade 12. For Genevieve, there couldn’t be a more fitting career path. “I love it. I come to work and just love it – I’m fed by it. I’m not getting younger, but I’m still feeling quite youthful,” she added with a laugh. “If you
faces every morning just opens my heart.” editor@reddeerexpress.com
té au Be
D
r Inc. éco
Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary! Special Event Planning, Designing, and Decorating. Phone: (403) 391-8819 or (403) 343-0067 Visit us online at: www.beautedecorinc.com
For All Your Work Related Needs... We Have You Covered!
DUHAMEL MANNING FEEHAN altalaw WARRENDER GLASS LLP
7610 EDGAR INDUSTRIAL DR. RED DEER, AB 403.314.0346
BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, NOTARIES
THOMAS G. LANGFORD 5233 - 49th Avenue Red Deer, AB T4N 6G5 Web: www.altalaw.ca
are passionate about something, the energy is there. And seeing those young
403.314.0346
OFFICE: (403) 343-0812 FAX: (403) 340-3545 Email: tglangford@altalaw.ca
www.thecoverallshop.ca
Established in 1990