A Warm Welcome to Grade 1 with Schuyler

Grade 1 Sunflower Ceremony

The first day of Grade 1 at Sunrise Waldorf School is a moment children carry with them for a lifetime. It marks a beautiful transition—from the magical, unhurried rhythms of Kindergarten to a new realm where imagination blossoms into learning, and each story, song, and discovery sparks wonder.

We’re delighted to welcome Schuyler Witman as the new Grade 1 teacher. A longtime Salt Spring Island resident and former Sunrise teacher of Grades 4, 5, and 6, Schuyler brings deep experience, heartfelt insight, and a love for Waldorf education. At Sunrise, class teachers stay with their students for multiple years, guiding them through developmental and academic milestones with care and continuity.

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Schuyler shares, “In every setting I’ve taught in, I’ve found that the most important thing is creating a safe space—one of unconditional acceptance and belonging. The most successful thing I’ve done is help children feel safe.” Her former students can attest to this; one who experiences a degenerative eye condition said they felt incredibly supported by Schuyler as they navigated this scary and isolating health challenge during the difficult tween years. One parent added, "Schuyler is a deeply loved teacher by kids and parents alike. Her teaching style is full of joyful energy and fun and she creates a supportive environment for all. We were so lucky to have Schuyler in our daughter's life!"

Ms. Schuyler

As a mother of now-grown children, Schuyler says, “Becoming more emotionally literate helped me show my kids that it was okay—and safe—to express their feelings.”

While emotional safety is at the heart of her approach, Schuyler is also inspired by the rich, imaginative curriculum that defines the early grades. “I’m excited to bring learning through story, art, and fairy tales,” she says. “It’s such a magical way for children to meet the world.” As a professional musician, she looks forward to incorporating music into the daily rhythm of the class—through song, seasonal celebrations, and the pentatonic flute, in which she’s trained.

Schuyler also brings a strong connection to the natural world, which she sees as both a teacher and a place of healing. She recalls with joy her past Grade 4 animal block, when the classroom came alive with tree frogs, salmon, quail, and butterflies. Local hikes during the Home Surroundings block were another highlight. With training in outdoor education, she regularly partners with Indigenous knowledge keepers and is especially proud of her collaboration with Indigenous leaders in introducing Indigenous Trail Signs on Salt Spring Island.

Outside of the classroom, Schuyler enjoys gardening, dancing, caring for animals, and playing music with her band, the Selkies of Salt Spring, who will be performing this summer at the 39 Days of July festival.

We are truly grateful to welcome Schuyler back to the Sunrise faculty and know our community will be enriched by her wisdom, warmth, and creativity. One parent says, “We are thrilled for our son to begin his grade school journey at Sunrise Waldorf School with Ms. Schuyler. After two enriching years in the kindergarten program, he is eagerly looking forward to starting Grade 1! The education he has received, combined with the school's warm, supportive, and nurturing environment, has deeply resonated with our hearts, minds, and spirits. We feel truly grateful to be part of such a special community.”

Do you know a child who would thrive in our Grade 1 classroom? Sunrise is now accepting applications for Grade 1. Learn more at sunrisewaldorf.org or reach out to admissions@sunrisewaldorf.org.