Grade 5 Olympiad at Aurora Waldorf School

By Angela Del Franco, Phys Ed/Movement Teacher

During our Phys-Ed session this week, we had a thoughtful discussion about our preferred events from the Greek Olympics. We also talked about the admirable qualities we see in other Olympians, such as their strength, beauty, and nobility. 

The Greek Olympics this year included many Waldorf Schools warmly welcomed at AWS, in Aurora Buffalo. Each school was divided into six city-states and competed in six events: discus, jumping, javelin, running, sprinting, and wrestling - all in a single afternoon. The Olympics were held in honour of Zeus and athletes were requested to put their differences aside to compete in the games and be judged on their performance in all disciplines.  

Each participant stood out in their own way, whether it was reciting an ode to the gods, presenting a discus as an offering to Apollo, throwing a javelin with precision to form a heavenly arch, or running as fast as Hermes with his Talaria of Mercury (winged sandals). Athletes received medals as a symbol of victory.   

In the fifth-grade curriculum, students are encouraged to develop new skills that promote the discovery of their own abilities. Throughout the year, I have observed the student's cultivating endurance, perseverance, and attention to detail through their training with the javelin and discus. They prioritize safety and discipline while striving to improve every day, bringing their best selves to each event. I am truly proud of the potential for each student to utilize these qualities in their future endeavours.