School Structure
The Honolulu Waldorf School organizational structure is set up to serve the community of children, teachers, parents and friends.
Mission Statement
At the Honolulu Waldorf School we educate each child to find meaning, passion, and purpose in life and to contribute to the creation of a better world for all. Through a curriculum based on the developmental stages of the human being and on the integration of art and academics, our children learn to meet the world with clear and creative thinking, compassion and moral strength, and with the courage and freedom to act.
Board of Trustees
Board members hold fiduciary responsibilities that include fiscal, financial, and legal oversight, setting the school’s mission, long-term strategic planning, and fund development. The Board consists of parents, faculty, and outside community members who are committed to the school’s mission and vision. The Board hires, evaluates, and works closely with the Head of School. The Board is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the school.
Head of School
With a strong personal value and commitment to collaboration, the Head of School oversees and is responsible for all operations of the school including the educational program, finances, facilities, business, admissions, advancement, communications, works directly with parents and serves as the leader and direct supervisor for all faculty and staff. The Head of School is employed and evaluated annually by the Board of Trustees. The Head of School is the school’s liaison with the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Board Chair as well as Board Members.
Administrative Staff
Administrative Staff Members function in vital roles such as enrollment, marketing and communications, financial management, advancement, facilities management, and technology. The Administrative Staff see to the details of the daily running of the school so that students can learn, teachers can teach, and parents and Board members can be assured that the school is functioning well. The Head of School leads the Administrative Staff.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee is comprised of the Faculty Department Chairs and the Head of School. The Advisory Committee collaborates together to make programmatic decisions, implement pedagogical operations, and work directly with the Faculty.
Departments
While the faculty and staff work as a whole, there are also the parts of the whole that have their own focus as the developing child grows from Early Childhood through Middle School. Each department meets at least semi-monthly to discuss the children, the festival life, curriculum needs, and relevant business pertaining to the department. Decisions are made as needed. The departments include Early Childhood, Grades, and Middle School.
Mandate Committees
Mandate Committees are given the responsibility to make recommendations and decisions in the areas assigned. Decisions are made with support and/or collaboration with the Head of School. Groups can co-opt members of the community to assist in fulfilling group tasks. Mandate groups include the following:
- Advisory, Care Team
- Festivals
- Health/Safety/Facilities
- Literacy
- Math
Collegium
Full-time, salaried faculty and staff members comprise the Collegium and are committed to the principles of Waldorf education and the Honolulu Waldorf School. Collegium meetings are designated for intentional study and work to further develop our professional practice and strengthen/grow the school while staying grounded in our mission and values.
College of Teachers
Honolulu Waldorf School College of Teachers is an opportunity for faculty, administration, and Board members to voluntarily come together for Study. Through study and reflective discussion, we deepen our work with the principles of Waldorf education and our spiritual commitment to the school. The College of Teachers does not make decisions for the school. The College of Teachers is responsible for holding the larger spiritual aspects of the school and deepening the strength of our mission.