Our Beginning
In the fall of 2017, Northern Lights School opened a kindergarten with a small group of seven students, a Waldorf-trained teacher Vicki McQueen, a group of dedicated families and a dedicated Board led by founder Arlene Thorn. Our mission is to be re-imagining education in Thunder Bay. Our vision to support the unfolding of each child through the head, heart and hands has sprouted.
The kindergarten is in the upstairs of the North McIntyre Recreation Centre. The space is open, light-filled and simple. Each object is beautiful and meaningful. The teacher has a calm warmth and clarity in her movements and speaking. The space is blessed with presence and a feeling of joy. The children are thriving. The parents are heartened and grateful.
Growing a Community
Northern Lights School has made a wonderful beginning. Our devoted families host monthly dinners in which we welcome the community, celebrate the students, enjoy the seasons and raise funds. Little by little families and friends are hearing about the school and coming to visit. The vision of an education for the head, heart and hands is becoming a real alternative to public education, which is moving toward early academics, technology and 'super schools'.
Northern Lights is a not-for-profit organization. Community support is needed to help cover startup costs and to support operations. Funds raised will help ground the school in these early years and build a foundation for future success.
Future Dreams
Our dream is to create a Waldorf-inspired holistic school in Northwestern Ontario. We are excited to imagine it growing up to grade 8. Your support in thoughts and donations will bring small steps forward and bear fruit in developing the school and a more human-centred future.
Thank you for supporting the future success of alternative education in Thunder Bay.
