September Newsletter

Gratitude & Celebration 

Thank you all for welcoming our new families, many have come to me to say so many of you have greeted them at the gate. They have felt your warmth, please continue to say hello!

Thank you to all who have come to prepare our school to welcome back our children, staff and families. Many hands really made light work. Thank you, it meant to much and we felt so supported. 

Thank you Tiarnan for arranging a bilingual Climate action play from Fregoli theatre on the 10^{th of} September. This is part of Galway City Councils Climate Inspirations festival -Communities in action. We’re really looking forward to it!

Welcome new staff members, interns & families

Welcome back Deirdre and welcome Ruth as a Job Share SNA in our school. Welcome our new interns Charlotte, Aline, Anna, Hannah, Mireia, Julia, Manuel and Maya.

Infants Hazel & Elinor & Charlotte

1^st & 2^nd Class Helena & Lorraine/Ruth & Aline & Anna

2^nd & 3^rd Class Kate & Lorraine/Ruth & Mireia & Hannah

4^th Class Deirdre & Edel & Júlia

5^th & 6^th Class Claire & Edel & Manuel & Maya

Warm welcome to all our new families who have joined our school community, as a parent said, ‘you’re like a sprinkle of magic’. We hope you are landing gently into a rhythm. 

Morning Meet & Greet

You are welcome to our Meet & Greet Mornings, starting this week! These will take place from 9:15-9:45a.m. in your child’s classroom, while the children enjoy outdoor activities under the supervision of a SET teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, learn about the rhythm of their day and week, hear about the themes and focus areas for the year, and ask any questions you may have about your child’s learning and experience. After each Meet & Greet, there will be a cuppa and a biscuit in our outdoor shelter, giving parents a relaxed chance to chat and connect with each other, especially welcoming new families. We warmly encourage you to join us, it’s a great way to start the year with connection & understanding for your child’s learning journey.

Junior & Senior Infants with Hazel

Tuesday 2^nd September 9:15-9:45am

Infant Cabin

1^st & 2^nd Class with Helena

Monday 8^th September 9:15-9:45am

1^st & 2^nd Class Cabin

2^nd & 3^rd Class with Kate

Tuesday 9^th September 9:15-9:45am 

2^nd Class Cabin

4^th Class with Deirdre

Thursday 11^th September 9:15-9:45am

4^th Class Cabin

5^th & 6^th Class with Claire

Wednesday 10^th September 9:15-9:45am

5^th & 6^th Class Cabin

Tag Rugby Skills

From Wednesday 24th September, children in 1st to 6th class will be hitting the astro pitch at Knocknacarra Community Centre for Tag Rugby skills with Phil! The sessions will run for five weeks and are all about having fun, learning new skills, and keeping active. This idea came straight from the children, parents, and teachers who wanted more sport in school and we’re so excited to bring it to life and keep everyone moving and playing together!

Our Board of Management Community Member

Our Board of Management is seeking a new Community Representative to join our committee. This role is vital in supporting the life of our school and bringing the perspective of the wider community. We are particularly looking for someone who understands and values the Steiner educational approach, and who is passionate about nurturing creativity, individuality, and holistic development in our children. Ideal candidates might include people who are involved in the arts, education, or sustainable living, and who can contribute their experience and insight to the board. If you know of someone who would resonate with our ethos and help guide our school’s future, we would love to hear from you. Please let me know helen.sherry@gretb.ie 

Hot Meals

We’re thrilled to share that, with the help and support of GRETB, our children will be enjoying hot meals sooner than anticipated, ahead of the expected six/eight-week delay! This is an exciting milestone for our school community. We are still finalising the details, so please look out for a separate email with all the information shortly. As this is a new initiative, we kindly ask for your flexibility and understanding as we work out the practical and logistical aspects.

Parent’s Coffee Morning

Friday 26^th September 10-11a.m

We would love to welcome all parents to our Parents’ Coffee Morning, held once per term, a relaxed, friendly space to chat, laugh, and connect with other parents in our school community. We put one in per term, put them in the diary…

Friday 26^th September 10-11a.m.

Wednesday 18^th February 10-11a.m.

Friday 15^th May 10-11 a.m.

Come along to meet new friends and catch up with familiar faces. Whether you’re new to the school or a familiar face, this morning is all about community, connection, and conversation. Even a quick visit is a wonderful way to feel part of the school family. So looking forward to it!

PTA AGM

Wednesday 1^st October @ 6p.m.

We are excited to invite you to our Parent Teacher Association Annual General Meeting, which will be held at the school on Wednesday, 1st October at 6:00 p.m.

We would love to see as many parents as possible join us in person! For those who are unable to attend physically, we’ll also be setting up a Zoom link so everyone can take part.

This is a wonderful opportunity for new parents to gather in a welcoming circle and meet our established parent community. We warmly encourage you to bring along some food to share as we celebrate the harvest together and of course, there will be tea!

During the evening, we will take time to express our gratitude and appreciation to our amazing PTA committee for all their hard work, as well as reflect on the year gone by.

We will also be electing a new Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and class representatives for each class. If you are interested in any of these roles, or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at helen.sherry@gretb.ie.

We really hope you can join us; it’s a chance to connect, celebrate, and help shape the year ahead!

Spanish Classes with Kate

Hola padres y madres! Hello to all parents!

I am excited to start extracurricular Spanish classes again. We sang, danced, played, cooked and had a great time last year, and the group learned a lot. 

I will be continuing to offer Spanish class every Wednesday, starting October 1st, to 3rd - 6th class, at a cost of €60 for 10 classes. Sign up by writing to me at muinteoircaitm@gmail.com 

I would love to begin doing Junior Spanish classes with Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st class and 2nd class. These would start at 3pm and last an hour, starting Tuesday September 30th at a cost of €60 for 10 classes.. The classes are taught through games, song and movement. 

My objectives are:

- develop a positive association with learning a foreign language (kids who feel that they CAN, tend to DO!)

- accustom the ear to Spanish, start to tune in the brain to the sounds of the language

- learn vocabulary and basic phrases

- lay a solid foundation for future language learning

If you're interested in your child joining the Junior Spanish Class, please email me at muinteoircaitm@gmail.com with your child's name and class.

The class will run if there are enough signups.

Un saludo,Kate

Drama Classes 

Exciting New Drama Classes with Sylvia Nolan – Enrol Now!

We’re thrilled to announce a six-week term of drama classes with Sylvia Nolan, running every Thursday from September 18 to October 23, right here at school!

Time: 2:50 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.Who can join? Open to children from 1st to 6th classCost: €45 per child for the full termPlaces are limited – Minimum of 10, maximum of 15 children

These fun and creative sessions are a fantastic way for children to build confidence, express themselves, and explore the world of drama in a supportive environment.

To register or find out more, please email s.nolan17@hotmail.com.

Spots will fill quickly, don’t miss out!

Irish Steiner Waldorf Education Conference 2025-Fostering Relationships, Sustaining Lifelong Learning

4^th & 5^th October 2025

Limerick School of Art and Design-TUS, Clare St. Campus V94 KX22 Limerick

We are delighted to invite you to a very special weekend of inspiration, community, and learning, hosted by IWEA & Bláthú. Taking place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October, this conference offers a rich programme of workshops, keynote talks, panel discussions, music, delicious meals, and lively evening entertainment. With topics ranging from early years creativity to adolescent wellbeing, storytelling, music, geometry, woodwork, and more, there is something for everyone interested in the unique gifts of Steiner education. This is a wonderful opportunity not only to deepen your own understanding, but also to connect with other parents, teachers, and friends of the movement. I’ll see you there!

Programme

Saturday 4th

• 11:15 – 12:15 Reception, refreshments, exhibition

• 12:30 – 12:45 Welcome & Singing (Cornelia Kudiabor)

• 1:00 – 2:15 Keynote: Learning From Each Other – Philip Reubke

• 2:30 – 3:00 Refreshments + IASWECE Raffle

• 3:15 – 5:15 Workshops (see below)

• 5:30 – 6:45 Panel: What makes Waldorf different? (Irish Waldorf alumni)

• 7:00 Dinner – Mammas Mona, Dani & Nicki’s Kitchen

• 8:30 – late Evening of entertainment – music, dance, play

Sunday 5th

• 9:15 – 9:30 Singing (Cornelia Kudiabor)

• 9:30 – 11:30 Workshops

• 11:45 – 12:15 Refreshments + IASWECE Raffle

• 12:30 – 1:30 Panel: Lifelong Play & Creativity – Reubke, Falcini, Pelaez

• 1:45 – 2:45 Lunch

• 3:00 – 3:30 Plenary & Farewell Song

Workshops (Sat 3:15–5:15 / Sun 9:30–11:30)

• BRMT & Literacy in Early Years – Niamh Ruiséal

• Play & Creativity in Early Years – Philip Reubke & Ulli F.

• Drama for Storytelling (Primary) – Nell Smyth

• Drama & Wellbeing (Adolescent) – Larissa Manley

• Kindergarten Songs in Irish – Marguerite Devane

• Student Qualifications Guide – Beth Sinacola

• Modelling (Beeswax & Clay) – Almut Woolard

• Whittling & Wood Carving – Almut Woolard

• Form Drawing (Younger children) – Gordon Woolard

• Projective Geometry (Older children) – Gordon Woolard

• Music in Waldorf Education – Cornelia Kudiabor

• Introduction to Sacred Geometry – Síle Prendergast

• Waldorf Games & Movement – Graham Roe

Booking

Full Weekend €140 – includes 2 workshops, meals & refreshmentsEarly Bird €110 until Fri 12th SeptDay Tickets Sat €80 / Sun €65

To buy tickets…

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-steiner-waldorf-education-conference-2025-tickets-1603411329449

Bí Cinealta Policy Implementation 

We are committed to implementing the Bí Cineálta policy in our school, to prevent and address bullying behaviour, ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, and included. The policy promotes a positive school culture built on empathy, trust, and restorative practices, where bullying is never tolerated, and kindness is actively encouraged. Parents play a vital role in supporting this policy by reinforcing the values of respect and empathy at home, encouraging their children to be brave upstanders rather than bystanders, and maintaining open communication with the school. By working together as a school community, we can ensure that our children grow in an environment where kindness, understanding, and responsibility are at the heart of daily life. Please find our Bí Cinealta Policy attached.

Restorative Practice 

In our school, we use Restorative Practice as a way of building and repairing relationships, supporting students to reflect on their actions, and finding positive solutions when conflict arises. A key part of this is the use of six simple questions during restorative conversations, which encourage children to think about what happened, who was affected, how others feel, and what can be done to make things right. This helps students to develop empathy, take responsibility for their behaviour, and learn healthier ways of managing conflict. Parents can support this approach at home by using similar reflective questions in everyday situations, encouraging their child to talk through challenges, consider the feelings of others, and think about positive steps to repair any harm caused. This consistency between home and school strengthens children’s ability to resolve difficulties respectfully and constructively.

Here are the questions we use:

1. What happened?

2. What were you thinking at the time?

3. What are you thinking now?

4. Who has been affected by what happened?

5. How have they been affected?

6. What needs to happen now to make things right?

We have handy Restorative Practice Cards with the questions on them in the office, feel free to call in for them.

Information for Parents on Supports for children with Additional Education Needs

If you ever find yourself concerned about your child, the first step is to contact us the school, we can guide you on the next steps and available supports. 

Depending on your child’s needs, parents may be advised to complete an Assessment of Needs (AON) through the HSE, visit their GP for referrals to services such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), or seek support from the Children’s Disability Team. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), and the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) are also key supports. 

For specific concerns such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, or speech and language difficulties, parents may pursue specialist assessments either through public services (though these can take time) or privately. Charities and community organisations, such as Galway Autism Partnership, Dyslexia Association of Ireland, and Jigsaw Galway, also provide valuable advice and support. You can connect with others in the school community who have experience navigating these steps and can share guidance and encouragement.

We are here to help, guide and support you & your child in every and any way we can. I have attached SET Info for Parents with all the information you may need.

Sarah Garry has finished up as our SENO and we have been assigned a Temporary SENO. Her name is Fiona Molloy, and her contact details are fiona.molloy@ncse.ie & 01-5391262. I will let you know the details of our newly assigned one when we know our permanent one.

Bloomberg Rhythmic Movement Technique BRMT

Bloomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT) is a gentle, therapeutic approach that uses natural, repetitive movements to support a child’s brain and nervous system development. Inspired by the motions infants make before walking, these exercises can help children improve coordination, balance, attention, memory, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. Regular practice can be especially beneficial for children with learning differences, ADHD, autism, or sensory challenges. BRMT is non-invasive, drug-free, and designed to strengthen neural pathways, promoting overall cognitive, motor, and emotional growth. Incorporating rhythmic movement into a child’s routine can provide a fun and effective way to support their learning and well-being.

Margit & I travelled to Kilkenny Steiner School over the Summer to train in Level Three of Bloomberg Rhythmic Movement Technique which focused on children’s reading, writing and spelling. 

I would love to continue meeting the parents who have learned five of the reflexes and start working with a new group of parents who are interested in learning about this amazing technique.

This journey would resonate with parents who have children who feel a lot of anxiety, show symptoms of ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ASD, delayed speech and are very sensitive.

The movement’s I will teach will take 5 minutes of practice every day or as much as possible over 6-8 weeks and then we will move onto a new one.

The result will be reduced anxiety, signs & symptoms of the above, more grounded, resilient and integrated self.

It would be great to find out what day/time would suit to meet parents to teach this. I can do it after school @ 3p.m. and anytime on a Friday during my admin day. I would do a weekday evening if there was a group of committed parents. It is so worthwhile. 

Please email me if you’re interested and when would suit you helen.sherry@gretb.ie 

For more info

https://www.blombergrmt.com/rhytmic-movement-training/

Creative Clusters 

We’re really excited to be heading into our second year of the Creative Clusters project with Merlin College, Merlin Woods NS, and Scoil Catríona N.S.. It’s a fantastic chance for our schools to work together, share ideas, and come up with creative projects that spark imagination and fun learning. After such a great first year, we’re looking forward to building on that success, making even stronger connections, and giving our students more opportunities to get creative and inspired.

School Calendar 2025/2026

School Start Date Thursday 28th August

Michaelmas Monday 29^th September 

October Midterm Monday 27th to Friday 31st October

Kindness Week 10th-14th November

Martinmas Friday 14^th November 

Advent Friday 5^th December 

Christmas Fair Sunday 14^th December 

Christmas Holidays Half Day Friday 19th December to Friday 2nd January

Brigid’s Day Monday 2nd February

Candlemas Tuesday 3^rd February

Curriculum Framework Monday 9^th February Full Day Closure Staff Training

February Midterm Thursday 19th to Friday 20th February

Seachtain na Gaeilge 1st -17th March

World Book Day Thursday 5^th March 

Engineering Week 2^nd-6^th March

Patrick’s Day Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th March

Easter Holidays Half Day Friday 27th March to Friday 10th April

May Fair Friday 1^st May

May Bank Holiday Mon 4th, Tues 5th & Wed 6th May

Curriculum Framework Monday 11^th May Full Day Closure Staff Training

June Bank Holiday Mon 1st & Tues 2nd June

John’s Festival Monday 22^nd June

Summer Holidays Half Day Friday 26th June

Michaelmas

The Festival of Courage

At our school, we mark the turning of the seasons with festivals that bring meaning and rhythm to the year. The first of these is Michaelmas (pronounced Mi-kel-miss), celebrated at the end of September.

Michaelmas was a harvest festival in Europe, but in Steiner education it is reimagined as a celebration of courage and community. It comes at the time of the autumn equinox, when the days and nights are balanced, and we begin to notice the shift towards darker evenings, cooler weather, and the gathering in of harvest. Just as nature turns inward to store strength for winter, we too seek to find and nurture an inner light that will carry us through the months ahead.

We often call this the Festival of Courage. The children hear stories of dragons and brave figures who find the strength to meet their challenges. These tales are not religious teachings, but imaginative pictures that speak to children’s own experiences: finding courage when they feel unsure, meeting new tasks with strength, and discovering that they can grow through difficulty. The story shows that courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to face our challenges with determination and light. It speaks deeply to children, giving them a picture of justice, bravery, and the will to meet life’s tasks.

Our traditions at Michaelmas include baking dragon bread, creating dragon crafts, painting in autumn colours, and reciting verses of courage. These simple activities weave the mood of the season into the children’s daily experience, giving them tangible ways to feel and celebrate inner strength.

Here is one of the verses we share at this time of year, which you might enjoy speaking together at home:

Michaelmas Verse

Brave and true will I be,Each good deed sets me free,Each kind word makes me strong.I will fight for the right!I will conquer the wrong!

Sword of courage brightly gleaming,Down to earth its light is streaming,May we see its shining raysIn the Winter’s darkest days.

Celebrating at Home

Families often ask how they might bring Michaelmas into their own lives. It can be simple and meaningful…Bake dragon bread together at home, light a candle at dinner and speak a verse or blessing of courage, tell a story of bravery, it might be a traditional dragon tale, or even a family story about someone who showed strength and spend time outdoors, noticing the seasonal changes and creating a small autumn nature table together.

Michaelmas reminds us that courage is not about being without fear, but about finding the strength to meet life’s challenges big or small. It also reminds us that we are stronger together, as a community. As we begin this new school year, may this Festival of Courage bring us light, warmth, and resilience for the months ahead.

Michaelmas Dragon Bread Recipe

Ingredients 

500 g (4 cups) strong white bread flour

7 g (1 packet) dried yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar or honey

300 ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water

2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Optional: seeds (sesame, poppy) for decoration

For the “eyes” and details:

• Raisins, olives, or small nuts

• Egg wash (1 beaten egg with a splash of water)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and oil/butter. Mix until it forms a soft dough.

3. Turn onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic

4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

5. Shape the dragon:

   • Punch down the dough.

   • Roll it into a long sausage shape for the body.

   • Twist or curve it like a dragon, leaving a tapered tail.

   • Pinch one end for the head.

   • Use small dough pieces for wings, horns, or spikes.

   • Press raisins or olives for eyes.

6. Place shaped dragon on a baking tray lined with parchment. Cover loosely and let rise 20–30 minutes.

7. Brush lightly with egg wash. Sprinkle seeds for texture on wings or body.

8. Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

9. Let cool slightly, then tell the story of St. Michael or dragons while slicing!

Steiner Sharing Corner

As we step into a new school year together, September invites us into a moment of both beginning and gathering. After the expansiveness of summer, this season gently draws us back into rhythm — into earlier bedtimes, family meals, and the steady cadence of school days. Rhythm is at the heart of Steiner education, for it offers children the security they need to grow with confidence and joy.

Each new school year is also a threshold, a doorway our children cross with quiet courage. Rudolf Steiner spoke often about the importance of beginnings, approached with reverence and mindfulness. As parents and teachers, we can mark these moments with small gestures that remind children that what they are entering into is meaningful, whether that is lighting a candle at breakfast on the first day, walking together to school, or simply pausing to notice, “This is the start of something new.”

Later this month, we will celebrate Michaelmas, a festival that honours courage, strength, and inner light as the days grow shorter. In the old story, Michael meets the dragon with bravery, not by force alone but with steadfastness and clarity. For children, this picture can be a gentle encouragement: each challenge, however small, is an opportunity to find their own strength within.

Stories are a beautiful way to bring these ideas alive for children. You may wish to share the following tale at bedtime this month. Its simple images can help children feel the comfort of rhythm, the hope of new beginnings, and the quiet courage that Michaelmas calls forth.

A Story for September

Once upon a time, there was a little star-child who lived in the wide, open sky. All summer long, the star-child danced and sparkled, free beneath the great sun. There were no clocks to watch, no bells to answer, only the songs of the breeze and the laughter of the rivers.

But one day, the star-child noticed that the evenings were coming sooner, and the air grew cool with a whisper of autumn. A golden figure appeared at the edge of the sky — it was Michael, carrying a shining sword of light.

“Little one,” Michael said, “the time has come to begin your journey again. Summer’s play is behind you, and now you must walk a path of rhythm and strength. Each step you take will help you grow.”

The star-child looked down at the earth below. It seemed a little daunting — so many new steps, so many doors to open. The child felt a flutter in the heart.

Michael knelt beside the star-child. “Courage is not the absence of fear,” he said gently. “It is the light you carry with you, even when the way feels dark. Each morning you rise, each evening you rest, these are the rhythms that will guide your feet.”

So the star-child took a deep breath, and with Michael’s blessing, stepped down to earth. There was the sound of children’s voices, the warm glow of classrooms, and the steady rhythm of the day welcoming the child in.

And whenever the star-child felt unsure, a quiet flame flickered inside — a reminder of Michael’s gift: that courage grows in the keeping of good rhythm, in the joy of new beginnings, and in the light that shines within every heart.

Extra-Curricular News

Our Steiner Inspired Afterschool

We are delighted to remind families about our Steiner Afterschool, a nurturing and creative space for children after the school day ends from 1:50-2:50p.m. for the Infant Hour or from 2:50-6p.m for all children.

The programme offers a safe, supportive, and imaginative environment where children can relax, play, and explore through activities that reflect the Steiner ethos.

Whether you need regular afterschool care or just an occasional place for your child, the team is there to welcome them warmly. For more information or to book a place, please contact: steinerafterschool@gmail.com

Club Gaeilge 

Here’s a Note from Laura…

A Chairde,

Mar scéal, tiocfidh muid ar ais, bhféidir ar an 22ú Meán Fómhair. Deimhneoidh muid e sin thar na seachtain amach romhain. 

Just by way of update, we're thinking of starting up again on 22^nd September. This is be confirmed over the next couple of weeks.

Le meas,

Laura

More information to come…

Music Generation

086 0109622

musicgenerationgalwaycity@gretb.ie

musicgenerationgalwaycity.ie

Music Generation are localising their services to Coláiste na Coiribe & Wellpark. They will no longer provide music classes in our school for now but hope to in the future. They would love their students to continue their love of music in Coláiste na Coiribe or Galway Community College, Wellpark. They are just finalising the timetable this week and I’ll send it on.

Community Events