WESE/WISE Gateways 2026

About this event

FRIDAY KEYNOTE & SATURDAY MORNING FOLLOW-UP TALK

BECOMING HUMAN; PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT ~ Patricia Rubano

A Biography and Social Art approach

What if we knew that the same forces that work in the sprouting seed or the circling stars are at work in our own lives? When we find our own unique life reflected in the archetypal journey of growth, development and transformation shared by all living things, we can gradually come to an understanding of the unique potential of human life as distinct and yet part of the wholeness and holiness of Life.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Friday ~ May 1st

6:30 pm ~ Registration opens

7:00-8:45 pm ~ Keynote speech - Becoming Human; Phases of Development with Patricia Rubano

Saturday ~ May 2nd

8:30 am ~ Registration opens

9:00-10:00 am ~ Keynote follow up with Patricia Rubano

10:00-11:45 am ~ Morning Workshops (Various Presenters)

11:45 am-Noon ~ Break

12:00-1:00 pm ~ Catered Lunch

1:00 pm-2:45 pm ~ Afternoon Workshops (Various Presenters)

2:45 pm-3:00 pm ~ Break

3:00 pm-onwards ~ Conference wrap-up

SATURDAY MORNING WORKSHOP OPTIONS

A. AWAKENING CONNECTION - Patricia Rubano

What if we knew that when we look into the face of another we are seeing a part of ourselves? Can we listen to others in a way that we hear our own lives in their story? Can my story help others see their experiences in a new light?

Come willing to look, listen and see what Life – ours and others’ – might tell us

B. FORCES AND FOLDS - Mary Conrod

In his view of the human being, Steiner believed multi-dimensional structures form the basis of humanity. Ranging from 2-foldness to 12-foldness, this presentation will strive to help you in developing a better understanding of your own unfurling, and those around you.

C. THE ART OF BAKING SOURDOUGH - Josh Thatcher

While learning the basics in a hands on experience, Josh ( owner of Hearth and Hive bakery) will offer simple tips and tricks to creating the perfect sourdough loaf.

D. CHILDREN, NATURE AND THE WONDER OF THE SEASONS - Esther McNairnay- ECE and forest school Provider

What can children's deep play in nature reveal about the shifting seasons as we truly experience them? When we support our children’s outdoor play we create a unique opportunity to connect deeply with our children, ourselves and the wonder of seasonal change in the natural world.

E. EURYTHMY - Simone Iafolla

Know Thyself through Movement in Space, with Form and Time. By engaging the past, the space behind us, the present, the space around us, and the future, the space in front of us, participants discover how conscious movement deepens insight and strengthens human connection which would otherwise remain concealed…

SATURDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOP OPTIONS

1.WINDOW TRANSPARENCIES - Brittany Phillpotts

Learn how to celebrate the seasons at home by creating whimsical window transparencies with simple materials!

2.MEDITATION & MINDFULLNESS APPLICATIONS: Exploring Exercises indicated by Rudolf Steiner - Christina Tozer

Through spoken word/discussion, interaction and information we will take a look at Rudolf Steiner’s six basic exercises as an avenue for thought process and soul development.

3.THE PHOTONIC ENERGY IN PLANT'S HIDDEN COLORS. IS THIS KEY TO HEALTH - Rositsa Bogdanova

Plants are carriers of the photonic energy of life. In a chromatography experiment, we will reveal some of the photo active compounds in herbs and learn how this photonic message has the potential to change our metabolism and health. We will craft a tincture from an herb that possesses such photo-chromatic abilities.

4.BUILDING CONNECTION TO THE SELF - Robin Smith-Mandel

How can well- being and ecological stewardship through the simple practice of planting, tending and observing cultivate a sense of reciprocal wellness for the individual and the Earth? Join robin for planting and conversation.

5.STAFF ONLY WORKSHOP - INFO TO BE ADDED

Fee Details

Before April 17th, Single* - $85

After April 17th, Single* - $100

Friday Evening Only - $20

Snacks & lunch are provided.

More about our Keynote Speaker, Paricia Rubano:

Patricia Rubano has spent much of her life focused on the young child as a Waldorf early childhood educator. She has continued to work with schools through mentoring, assessments and workshops as her own life turned to adult education and the pursuit of Biography and Social Art. A founding member of the board for the Center for Biography and Social Art, she is a faculty member and past director of their certificate training program. She helped to develop the Awakening Connections; Creating Community program for schools and Anthroposophic groups with her colleagues and offers workshops along with her husband on various topics. Over the past 50 years, Patricia has studied biographical counseling in England, taught in teacher training programs, completed the Level One training in Spacial Dynamics and taken part in other Anthroposophical endeavors along the way. She considers herself a human-being-in training grateful for company on the journey.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Waldorf Education Society of Edmonton