December Newsletter
- info9074873
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
December Newsletter
Calendar of Events
Friday 5th December Advent Spiral in Outdoor Shelter
Sunday 7th December Club Gaeilge Trip
Friday 12th December Student Council Christmas Colours Day
Sunday 14th December 12pm-3p.m. Christmas Fair Our School
Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th & Friday 20th December Christmas Concert Each child’s classroom
Friday 19th December Christmas School Assembly @ 9:20a.m.
Friday 19th December Christmas School Closed @ 12:15p.m.
Steiner Sharing Corner Supporting Children with Anxiety
Gratitude & Celebration
This newsletter is overflowing with thanks and appreciation for the ways our community comes together, shines, and nurtures one another.
What a joy our Martinmas Lantern Walk was. Seeing so many of you there, holding lanterns and hearts alight, was a beautiful reminder of the warmth and strength of our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us, the sight and feeling of our inner and outer lights glowing together was simply magical, and it nourished us all in ways words can scarcely capture.
We are also deeply grateful to all who attended Nell Smyth’s talk on Steiner Education. Her insights were truly inspiring, and the feedback she shared with us continues to ripple outward, touching our thinking and our hearts. The engagement, curiosity, and presence of everyone there made the event even more special.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who took the time to respond to the Code of Behaviour Questionnaire. Your thoughtful reflections are incredibly insightful, and they will play an essential role in shaping our School Code of Behaviour Policy, helping to ensure our school remains a nurturing and harmonious place for all.
We are so appreciative of the parents who cleared our outdoor space, shovelled wood chip, helped set up the Steiner Talk, prepared such wonderful, delicious food for our Open Day and who helped to share the joy of our school with visitors. Your generosity, time, and care created a spread that was not just beautiful but also a testament to the spirit of giving that defines our community.
Finally, our gratitude goes to the parents bringing in evergreen foliage for our Advent spiral and to all who will attend to witness our children walking the spiral with their apples and candles. Thank you for arriving on time, for maintaining a reverent space, and for holding such warmth and presence in your hearts. Watching our children move with care and wonder, surrounded by your attentive presence, will be a deeply moving experience.
In every small action, our community continues to shine brightly. Thank you to each and every one of you for your generosity, presence, and love.
Advent Spiral
Friday 5th December
We will have our Advent Spiral Walk on Friday 5th December in the infants’ classroom. Parents are welcome to attend their child’s class time. We ask that parents be outside 5 minutes before their child’s session, late commers will not be able to enter to keep the integrity of this sacred space. The space will be quiet and reverent.
Junior & Senior Infants
9:45-10:15a.m.
5th & 6th Class
10:20-11:10a.m.
2nd & 3rd Class
11:30-12:10p.m.
4th Class
12:15-1p.m.
1st & 2nd Class
1:45-2:20p.m.
We would be so grateful if parents could collect some greenery for the making of the spiral by Wednesday 3rd December, latest morning of Thursday 4th as we will be assembling the spiral on Thursday after school.
Advent Spiral -A Journey into Light, Stillness, and Renewal
The Advent Spiral is a quiet, reverent ceremony practiced in many Steiner–Waldorf schools during the weeks leading up to the winter solstice. It marks the deepening of winter, the turning of the year, and the inner preparation that accompanies this season of stillness. The ritual is simple, but every gesture, object, and movement is rooted in layers of symbolic meaning drawn from nature, rhythm, and the human soul.
What Happens in an Advent Spiral?
In a darkened room, teachers lay a large spiral on the floor, usually made of evergreen boughs. At the heart of the spiral rests a single central candle. One at a time, each child walks the spiral path carrying an unlit candle placed in a red apple. Moving slowly inward toward the central flame, the child lights their candle and then retraces the spiral path outward, placing the newly lit candle somewhere along the greenery.
As more and more children walk the path, the spiral glows ever more brightly. What begins in darkness gradually fills with warm light, an outer picture of the inner work of Advent: cultivating hope, stillness, reverence, and a quiet sense of anticipation.
The experience will be accompanied by soft piano music by our intern Manuel. Teachers guide with minimal words; the atmosphere itself becomes the lesson.
At its core, the Advent Spiral is a picture of inner awakening. Each child’s journey quiet, patient, individual adds to a shared light that grows throughout the ceremony. It teaches reverence without doctrine, peace without pressure, and wonder without spectacle.
In a season often filled with busyness and noise, the Advent Spiral invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that even in the darkest moment of the year, a small flame can bring warmth, hope, and renewal.
The Symbolism Behind the Spiral
The Spiral Form
The spiral is one of nature’s most ancient patterns, seen in pinecones, shells, flowers, fingerprints, and galaxies. In the Advent Garden, it represents the inward journey of self-reflection as the days grow shorter, the turning point of winter when inner light must be kindled before outer light begins to return, and the natural rhythms of life in which movement inward and outward forms a continual, living cycle. Walking the spiral mirrors the human experience: we must go inward to discover the light we carry and then bring that light back into the world.
The Apple Candleholder
Each child’s candle rests in a red apple. This is not arbitrary; it holds symbolic meaning. The apple contains the seed, hidden in darkness, waiting for the right time to sprout, and it represents the seed of potential—the gifts, strengths, and future that live within every child. Its round, earthly form mirrors the Earth itself, holding life in sleep through winter. The apple reminds us that even when we cannot yet see growth, something living is quietly preparing within.
Evergreen
Evergreens retain their verdant colour through the coldest months. In myths and traditions worldwide, they symbolize the endurance of life through darkness, the tree of life with its regenerative power, and the deep renewal and hope carried through the winter season. The evergreen spiral becomes a living picture of nature’s resilience, holding the green promise of spring during winter’s rest.
Candles
The candles symbolise love, which warms even the coldest moments, the eternal flame of spirit or inner goodness, and the light we nurture within ourselves, especially when the outer world is dark. As each child adds their light to the spiral, the room gradually transforms. The collective glow embodies the truth that every individual contribution matters; together we create warmth and illumination.
The Advent Verses and Their Meaning
In homes and classrooms, families may honour each of the four weeks of Advent with a simple verse and candle-lighting. Each week builds from the foundations of existence toward the human being.
First Week of Advent: Stones / The Earth
“The first light of Advent is the light of stones.Stones that live in crystals, seashells, and bones.”
The first week focuses on the mineral world, stillness, foundation, and the building blocks of life. Families may collect beautiful stones, shells, or crystals, grounding themselves in the quiet solidity of the Earth.
Second Week of Advent: Plants
“The second light of Advent is the light of plants.Roots, stem, leaf, flower and fruit by whom we live and grow.”
This week honours the plant kingdom, life that reaches upward toward light. Families may bring greenery indoors, make wreaths, or decorate with natural materials. In many cultures, this is the week the Christmas tree is chosen.
Third Week of Advent: Animals
“The third light of Advent is the light of beasts.Animals of farm, field, forest, air and sea.All await the birth in greatest and in least.”
The animal kingdom is celebrated through acts of care: feeding birds, baking treats for pets, noticing wildlife, or showing kindness to creatures that share our world.
Fourth Week of Advent: Humankind
“The fourth light of Advent is the light of humankind.The light of love, the light of thought, to give and to understand.”
The final week turns to humanity, our capacity for love, understanding, and conscious giving. Families may exchange kind words, create handmade gifts, or express gratitude for one another. This week completes the picture: from the foundations of Earth to the heights of human spirit.
Student Council Christmas Colours Day
Fundraiser In Aid of Cillian
Friday 12th December
Bring Cillian Home – Christmas Fundraiser!
This year, our Student Council is spreading some extra festive cheer to support Cillian, a brave student from Scoil San Proinsias who has been in hospital in Dublin since last February. His family and doctors are working tirelessly to bring him home, and we want to help make that possible!
You can join the fun by wearing your brightest Christmas colours, Santa hats, sparkly jumpers, reindeer antlers, or any festive outfit your child would like! Bring in €2, or any amount you wish to donate, to support Cillian’s long-term care and rehabilitation, including making his home accessible.
A huge thank you to everyone who donates, your generosity means so much to Cillian’s family. Let’s come together as a school community to make this Christmas extra special and Bring Cillian Home!
Christmas Fair
Sunday 14th December 12p.m.-3p.m.
Join us this Sunday, December 14th, from 12–3 p.m. at school for an afternoon brimming with festive cheer, community spirit, and seasonal magic. Families, friends, and loved ones, everyone is warmly welcome!
Step into a world of Christmas wonder and choose a stall that delights you,after all, the more the merrier!
Please note there will be no Endo’s pizza truck this year, so we’d be grateful for any savoury food contributions for the food table, as well as a few camping tables to help set up our festive spaces. Children are warmly encouraged to host their own stall and offer a small donation to the school in the Christmas spirit.
Expect joyful favourites like wreath-making, Dominque’s legendary punch, a mouth-watering food table, children’s pre-loved toy stalls, enchanting craft tables, and countless other festive treasures waiting to be discovered.
Behind the scenes, a wonderful team of parents is busy sprinkling the event with creativity and care, crafting a celebration filled with warmth, connection, and Christmas sparkle.
For more details, please contact our fabulous PTA at the Gate, through WhatsApp or email galwaysteinerpta@gmail.com.
If you need a little help getting into the Christmas spirit, this is the place to be!
Christmas Concert
You are in for a Christmas treat, each class will be holding a Christmas Concert in their classroom, and you are very welcome to join us.
Here are the times for each class:
Junior & Senior Infants
Wednesday 17th @ 1:30p.m.
1st Class
Friday 19th @ 11a.m.
2nd & 3rd Class
Wednesday 17th @ 2p.m.
4th Class
Thursday 18th @ 11 a.m.
5th & 6th Class
Thursday 18th @ 1:45p.m.
Club Gaeilge
Seó na Nollag, “An Fathach Leithleasach”
Sa Taibhdhearc ar an 7ú Nollag
Seó na Nollag/ Christmas Show
Bígí linn le haghaid seó na Nollag, “An Fathach Leithleasach”, sa Taibhdhearc ar an 7ú Nollag. Beimid ag dul chuig Supermacs roimh réidh, cosúil leis an mbliain seo chaite, agus beidh costas €10 ar an turas iomlán do ghach pháiste.
Is scéal draíochta é seo faoi Fhathach cantalach leithleasach a ruaigeann páistí óna ghairdín álainn, agus ina gcastar a shaol bun os cionn - an osclóidh an fathach cantalach a chroí agus a ghairdín a roinnt riamh arís?
Seo é an plean don lá:
12.30: Pick-up ó Chuan na Gaillimhe
12.40: Pick-up ó GETNS
13.00: Supermacs Westside
15.00: An Taibhdhearc
16.45 Ag fágáil An Taibhdhearc
17.00 Ar ais ag GETNS
17.10 Ar ais ag Cuan na Gaillimhe
Má tá suim agat cuidiú linn ar an lá beidh mile fáilte romhat. Chur tic sa bhosca ar líne.
_______________________________________
Join us for the Christmas Show “An Fathach Leithleasach” (The Selfish Giant) in the Taibhdhearc on Sunday 7th December.
This is a magical story of a grumpy Giant who banishes children from his beautiful garden, turning his world upside down - will the grumpy giant ever open his heart and share his garden once again?
We will be going to Supermacs before hand and the whole trip costs €10.
Itinerary:
12.30: Pick-up ó Chuan na Gaillimhe
12.40: Pick-up ó GETNS
13.00: Supermacs Newcastle
15.00: An Taibhdhearc
16.45 Depart An Taibhdhearc
17.00 Return GETNS
17.10 Return Cuan na Gaillimhe
If you are able to help on the day, you will be very welcome to join us. Just tick the box when booking.
Ó Laura & Ruth
Míle buíochas ó chroí, a Laura agus a Ruth, as bhur n-am agus bhur n-iarracht a thabhairt dár bpáistí, as na seisiúin iontacha Club Gaeilge a chruthú, agus as an nGaeilge a dhéanamh chomh spraíúil. Táimid fíorbhuíoch díbh as gach rud a dhéanann sibh! A huge heartfelt thank you to Laura and Ruth for dedicating your time and energy to our children, creating such wonderful Club Gaeilge sessions, and making learning Irish so much fun. We are truly grateful for all that you do!
Voices of Galway
Manuel Our Wonderful Intern will play in this!
Sunday 7th December @ 7:30p.m.
Swimming Days & Times starting in January 10 Weeks
1st, 2nd & 3rd Class
Tuesday 20th @ 10:45 a.m.
4th, 5th & 6th Class
Thursday 22nd @ 10:45 a.m.
Restorative Questions
In our school, we use Restorative Practice to help children resolve conflicts and repair relationships when problems arise. This approach encourages children to reflect on what happened, understand the impact of their actions, and work towards solutions that restore trust and connection.
We use restorative questions to guide this process. The questions help children clarify their thoughts and feelings at the time of the incident, consider what they have thought about it since, and reflect on how things could have been done differently. They also help children think about what needs to happen next to make things right.
It is important to ask the questions in this sequence, without changing the wording, and give children time to answer using their own words when they are calm, regulated, and ready to engage.
Here are the questions we use:
1. What happened?
2. What were you thinking of at the time?
3. What have you thought about it since?
4. Who has been affected and in what way?
5. How could things have been done differently?
6. What do you think needs to happen next?
Many parents have requested copies of these questions, finding them helpful to use at home to support reflection and problem-solving. We have restorative question cards available in the office if anyone would like one.
School Assembly
We will have our Christmas School Assembly on Friday 19th December to celebrate Christmas in our Outdoor Shelter @ 9:20a.m.
December School Closure
Our school will close @ 12:15p.m. on Friday 19th December for our Christmas Holidays and reopen on Monday 5th January.
Enrolments & Admissions
Our admissions will close on 9th January, so we warmly encourage everyone interested to submit their applications before then. We’d love for you to join our community, and getting your application in early ensures you won’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.
If you have any questions or need a little help along the way, we’re here to support you. We can’t wait to welcome new students. www.cngcns.com/admissions
School Calendar 2025/2026
School Start Date Thursday 28th August
Michaelmas Monday 29th September
October Midterm Monday 27th to Friday 31st October
Kindness Week 10th-14th November
Martinmas Friday 14th November
Staff Meeting ½ In ½ Out Monday 24th November
Advent Friday 5th December
Christmas Fair Sunday 14th December
Christmas Holidays Half Day Friday 19th December to Friday 2nd January
Brigid’s Day Monday 2nd February
Candlemas Tuesday 3rd February
Curriculum Framework Monday 9th February Full Day Closure Staff Training
February Midterm Thursday 19th to Friday 20th February
Staff Meeting ½ In ½ Out Monday 23rd February
Seachtain na Gaeilge 1st -17th March
World Book Day Thursday 5th March
Engineering Week 2nd-6th March
Patrick’s Day Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th March
Easter Holidays Half Day Friday 27th March to Friday 10th April
May Fair Friday 1st May
May Bank Holiday Mon 4th, Tues 5th & Wed 6th May
Curriculum Framework Monday 11th May Full Day Closure Staff Training
Staff Meeting ½ In ½ Out Monday 18th May
June Bank Holiday Mon 1st & Tues 2nd June
John’s Festival Monday 22nd June
Summer Holidays Half Day Friday 26th June
Steiner Sharing Corner
Supporting Anxious Children: Nurturing Calm and Confidence at Home and School
Anxiety in children can manifest in many ways-restlessness, fear of new experiences, withdrawal, or difficulty sleeping. As parents, our first step is to offer unconditional love and acceptance, creating a secure foundation from which children can explore their emotions. Steiner philosophy emphasises the whole child body, soul, and spirit so supporting anxious children involves gentle, holistic strategies that honour their inner life.
Regulation Strategies and Emotional SupportHelping a child regulate their emotions begins with tuning in to their needs. Naming emotions aloud (“I see you are feeling scared”) validates their experience, while consistent routines provide a sense of safety. Offering advance notice about changes such as trips, visitors, or transitions gives children time to mentally prepare, reducing anticipatory anxiety. Grounding activities, such as mindful walks, gentle stretching, or rhythmic movement (marching, clapping, swinging), help integrate body and mind, a principle at the heart of Steiner education.
Breathing Techniques and Mind-Body PracticesSimple, playful breathing exercises can help children regulate stress. For example, “balloon breathing” slowly inhaling to imagine a balloon expanding in the belly, then exhaling to deflate it encourages awareness and relaxation. Counting breaths or using visualizations like floating on a cloud can turn regulation into a fun, creative activity.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Energy WorkTapping gently on meridian points while speaking affirmations can help children release tension and calm anxious thoughts. Phrases such as, “Even though I feel scared, I am safe,” spoken in a playful, supportive tone, can empower children to feel more in control of their emotions.
Holistic RemediesSome families explore complementary approaches, including Bach flower remedies or homeopathy, as gentle support for emotional regulation. Remedies such as Mimulus or Rescue Remedy are often used for everyday worries and fears. It is important to consult knowledgeable practitioners to ensure safe and appropriate use for children.
Reflex Integration for AnxietyEarly developmental reflexes, such as the Moro (startle) reflex or fear-paralysis reflex, can influence a child’s response to stress. Gentle integration movements rolling, rocking, or guided stretching can help the nervous system feel secure and grounded, promoting emotional stability and reducing over-reactivity. Steiner-inspired movement practices, like eurythmy, can also support reflex integration while engaging imagination and body awareness.
Creating a Safe Emotional EnvironmentAbove all, children thrive when they feel understood and supported. Encourage imaginative play, storytelling, and creative expression to help them process fears in a safe, meaningful way. Modelling calm, consistent responses to stress teaches them that emotions are manageable and that they can navigate the world with resilience.
By combining heartfelt presence, gentle body-based practices, creative expression, and, when appropriate, holistic remedies, parents can nurture anxious children toward self-confidence and inner calm. Steiner philosophy reminds us that when children feel loved, seen, and guided, they can grow with both courage and joy.
We wish you many special moments filled with joy, love, and laughter this Christmas, and glimpses of renewal and clarity as you step into the New Year.
Happy Christmas & a Wonderful New Year!
Comments