On Wednesday, May 14th, fifth grade Waldorf students from the Madison Waldorf School, City of Lakes Waldorf School, Minnesota Waldorf School, and Da Vinci Waldorf School joined Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School (PRWS) at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI  for the official opening of the 34th annual Pentathlon. 

These games have a long tradition in Waldorf Schools throughout the world as they arise out of the fifth grade curriculum where the students engage in the study of Greece and Rome. From early on in their experience at Waldorf Schools, children hear about the Fifth Grade Pentathlon, making it a much-anticipated milestone event. Throughout the school year, Ms. AnnaJo, our movement teacher, worked with Ms. Beck’s fifth grade class to prepare students to compete in: long-jump, sprinting, discus, javelin, and Greek wrestling. In tradition, on Wednesday afternoon, the fifth grade students sang Glorious Apollo in the school and then dashed down the hall to head off for the games with the entire PRWS student body wishing them good luck.

The students from all five schools (69 in total) were divided into five “City States”: Olympia, Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Ithaca. They participated in events and shared meals in these groups. On Thursday, May 15th, Greek gods, Zeus and Athena opened the games, holding the Pentathlon flame high. City State teams, led by their leaders, began their first contest and moved through each of the five events. High school students acted as witnesses, noting each student’s strengths, looking for a synthesis of Truth and Beauty in each event.

During the closing ceremony, each athlete received a medal to honor their participation and training. The festivities capped off with a delicious Greek Feast for the students, their parents and their teachers to celebrate their accomplishments.

Congratulations to the fifth grade students from all five participating Waldorf schools!