Living Community Principles of Shining Mountain Waldorf School
Developed by and for the community | June 2010
Confidentiality/Transparency
We strive for clarity in our protocols and transparency in our processes so that all individuals impacted are appropriately informed in a timely manner, while maintaining professional confidentiality, while striving for the best possible outcome.
Communication
We strive to work with integrity and discretion with open-hearted, respectful interactions to create trust in our relationships. I hold myself and others accountable for clear communication and dialogue in our work. I will extend to others my trust in them and their work.
As a parent with a concern about a child, I will first seek permission to share a concern; I will strive to do so with openness, humility and the highest good of the child in mind. As the parent being approached, I will be openhearted and receptive, knowing that the highest good of my child is being held.
Respect of Others
When bringing forth a request or concern, I will strive to respect another’s time and space with clear and timely communication. I will commit to giving direct feedback when I feel I have been imposed upon.
When I have a concern, I will strive to not be attached to a particular outcome; I will seek to understand, use I-statements, work toward a solution, offer observations (not accusations), be open, and allow time for digestion.
3rd party conversations
In order to resolve a difficulty, a person should be present in conversations about him/her. If they are not present, we direct one another to include the person in the conversation. If there is a time when we have to speak about another in their absence, the conversation will be objective, responsible, constructive, and respectful, with the intention of making the situation better (holding the highest good for that person).
School Life / Home Life
We want to avoid personal judgments, recognizing both our individuality and our independence. Just as we are living beings, so are our principles living. We want to be continually curious as to how our children impact the classroom, contributing to and supporting a positive atmosphere. The work of the school is to provide Waldorf teaching. The role of the parents is to support this work. The school, teachers and parents are partners in creating Social Health.
Different “hats”
We value trust, confidence, openness and equity. We also recognize that an individual is perceived in his/her highest role of responsibility. Therefore, each individual has a responsibility to name any conflicts of interest they perceive, with tact and sensitivity, so that individual recusals can occur.
As our work continues over the coming years, we will hone our Living Community Principles. If you have suggestions, please contact a member of the Social Health Group.