‘Glimmer, lantern, glimmer,

Little stars a-shimmer.’ 

The sky was clear and the wind seemed to blow the last light of the day from the sky as we lit up our Martinmas lanterns last Friday. 

At this time of year, we acknowledge that the days are shortening, the nights are getting longer and nature is coming to a period of rest. According to legend, St Martin, who was a Roman soldier stationed in France, came upon a beggar, and was so moved by the beggar’s poverty, that he cut his own cloak in half to give to the beggar. His story reminds us of the importance of acts of kindness during darker days. 

As the sun set, our kindergarten children lit the lanterns they had made and led our gathering in singing well-loved Martinmas songs. Then we set off on a winding walk, finishing in front of a roaring fire, with some hot juice and bread rolls (also made in kindergarten) to warm us from the inside out. 

Being part of a community is also a source of warmth and mutual support, and it’s at these times of celebrating festivals together, with both current and past pupils and their families, that we can really appreciate being part of something that is bigger than our small school. 

If you’d like to know more about why our seasonal celebrations are such an important part of our school life, or if you would like to talk to us about our curriculum or enrolment for your child, please get in touch by reaching out to us at info@moorlandwaldorf.org or on +44 (0)1287 661206.