Discover What’s Possible
Our loyal readers are well familiar with our school so perhaps we can consider this post as an invitation to extend an invitation! If you have friends, family and colleagues who share your commitment to a high-quality education, we hope you’ll share this.
At Walden International School, we believe education should spark curiosity, nurture character, and prepare students to thrive. Our Open House (Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) is your chance to experience this vision in action. Step into welcoming classrooms, meet passionate educators, and see how our learning environment helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Central to our mission is Making Good People—students who think deeply, act with integrity, and contribute positively to their communities.
Opening windows for learning
“At last, after our long journey, we have reached the beginning.” – Brian Herbert
Picture this: A Grade 8 student sits at the piano for their first lesson, fingers hovering over the keys. Across the hall, a JK student picks up their first crayon to draw a house. In the staff room, a teacher opens a book about a new method they’ve never tried.
What do they have in common? They’re all beginners. And that’s where the magic happens.
What Is a Beginner’s Mind?
The beginner’s mind is a mindset of openness, eagerness, and freedom from preconceptions. It’s like hitting a mental reset button—letting go of what you think you know to make room for fresh perspectives, deeper understanding, and new possibilities.
Preparing for re-entry
Summer is such a wonderful time for kids. They get to relax, explore new activities, and spend time with family and friends. But as August progresses, many parents start thinking about the upcoming school year. Transitioning from the laid-back days of summer to the busy schedule of school can sometimes feel a little overwhelming for children—and for parents too! Luckily, there are ways to help your child feel confident and excited about heading back to school in September.
One of the best things you can do is start shifting routines gradually. During summer, bedtimes and wake-up times tend to be later, and kids often stay up longer. As the new school year approaches, try to gently bring these times earlier, so your child’s body can adjust. Having a consistent sleep schedule helps children feel more rested and ready to learn each day. This also gives them a sense of stability, which can make the transition smoother.
Brains and bodies in motion
And here we are, school’s out and we’re again about to hear the seemingly constant refrain, “There’s nothing to do! What can I do?” Well, we’re here to help.
Summer break is the perfect time to let children’s imaginations soar, their bodies move freely, and their minds stay engaged—all while having fun. As parents and caregivers, our goal is to keep kids energized and eager to return to school in the fall, ready to learn and explore with enthusiasm. Remember, as J. M. Barrie beautifully said in Peter Pan, “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” When we believe in our children’s limitless potential and encourage their sense of adventure, we help them carry that confidence into every activity, every discovery, and every challenge. So, let’s explore some creative ways to fuel their summer days—activities that inspire, exercise, and delight both their brains and bodies
An investment in goodness
Imagine a place where every child feels seen, heard, and valued—not just for their achievements, but for the kindness they show each day. That’s what we strive for at our school. Our motto, “Making Good People,” is our promise to help students become thoughtful, respectful, and empathetic individuals.
Empathy and respect are at the heart of this vision. Empathy means understanding how someone else feels, even if their experience is different from your own. Respect is about treating everyone with care, listening to different ideas, and understanding that every person has value. When children learn these qualities, they become the kind of friends, classmates, and neighbors who make the world a better place.
One good person at a time
Our mission at Walden extends far beyond traditional education. Our core philosophy is embodied in our motto: "Making Good People." Inspired by Henry Thoreau’s reflections in "On Walden Pond," we focus on character development as the foundation of our educational journey.
In today’s world, academic achievement often takes center stage. However, at Walden, we have dual priorities—the formation of a respectful, collaborative community and a thorough academic foundation for every student. We believe that "from goodness grows greatness," a guiding principle that shapes everything we do. Our aim is to nurture individuals who are not only intellectually capable but also morally grounded and socially responsible.
The power of kindness, courage, and integrity
I was chatting with a friend recently about the firehose of challenges flooding society. From the sublime to the ridiculous, every day the news (wherever you get it) is charged with contrariness, polarizing views, and downright falsehoods. We lamented the apparent absence of leaders able to bring hope and light to the fore. Inevitably we came to talking about how we could make a difference with our devotion to making good people.
At Walden, we believe in the power of kindness, courage, and integrity. Our tagline, "making good people," reflects our mission to educate children academically and help them grow into caring and responsible individuals.
One of the quotes that inspire us is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.” This quote captures the essence of what we aim to instill in our students. It teaches us that being a hero doesn’t mean being fearless; instead, it means having the courage to keep going when things get tough, even just for a little bit longer.
The Spring Break dilemma
Every parent has heard their child say, “There’s nothing to do!” especially during breaks from school. With Spring Break coming up, it’s a good time to think about this common complaint.
At first, it sounds like a simple expression of boredom. But as parents, we might feel guilty, frustrated, or even annoyed. Sometimes, if we’re in a good mood, we might respond with energy—at least the first couple of times!
The problem is that we often react instead of respond, which usually doesn’t help either of us.
Diversions and bumps in the road
As the Head of School, I often reflect on what truly defines a successful educational experience. Recently, in a conversation with our Coordinators, we discussed an essential aspect of our philosophy here at Walden: while achieving high grades is important, it is the learning journey that holds the deepest value. This journey is where students discover not only academic knowledge but also personal growth and understanding.
At Walden, we believe that education is more than just the final grade on an assignment. It is about the process—the steps and experiences that lead to that grade. This process is filled with opportunities for our students to engage deeply with their learning. It is during this time that they encounter challenges, make mistakes, and experience the joy of discovery. These moments are crucial because they help shape resilient and curious learners.
Join Us for Our Open House on January 25, 2025!
As we step into a brand new year, we are reminded of the words of the English author and humorist, Terry Pratchett, who once said, “In the beginning there was nothing, which exploded.” This quote might seem a bit quirky, but it invites us to think about new beginnings and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for our children.
Every year brings fresh opportunities for growth and learning, and as parents, we play a crucial role in shaping our children’s educational journeys. We have dreams and aspirations for them, but the truth is, we cannot predict exactly how their futures will unfold. This uncertainty is what makes our commitment to their education so essential. It is our responsibility to provide them with an environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and personal development.
