Memorandum of Understanding brings new Waldorf school one step closer to fruition
A recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Squamish Waldorf School and landowner, Bob Cheema, will see up to 4 acres of land in Garibaldi Highlands allocated toward building a new school backing onto green space.
“We’ve explored many possible sites for a new school over the past few years, and the Cheema family has continuously supported us in our search for the ideal location” says Squamish Waldorf School board president, Corey McLachlan. “This MOU represents an exciting step forward for both our vision of a new Waldorf school and for the greater Squamish community. Many of our parents are avid hikers and mountain bikers, so the Cheema development resonates with our school community on several levels.”
Since it was founded in 2000, SWS has been operating on the site of a former Mennonite church. Together with Squamish’s population growth, an increasing demand for Waldorf education is putting a strain on the current school infrastructure. Over the years, staff and administration have been able to improvise to accommodate the needs of staff and students, but it is becoming more challenging to find off-site spaces for regular school activities such as music and theatre performances, and sports
“This MOU couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Squamish Waldorf principal, Gabriel Alden Hull. “Our school is bursting at the seams, and we are facing waiting lists in several classrooms for the 2018/2019 school year.
“We love our little school, but it was never designed to be a school and we’re outgrowing the space,” Alden Hull continues. “Our dream is to have a purpose-built facility that will better meet the needs of our students and staff, as well as the wider community. We are grateful for the Cheema family’s continued support of our vision.”