October Newsletter
- info9074873
- Oct 10
- 12 min read
October Calendar of Events
1st October PTA AGM @ 6p.m.
1st October Spanish Class with Kate Starts
2nd October School Assembly
3rd October Register for Club Gaeilge
4th & 5th October Steiner Conference Limerick
Week 13th-17th October Baboró
14th October Enrolment Open
14th October Gordan & Almut Woolard Parent Talk @ 1:50-2:50p.m.
17th October Hallowe’en Costume Swap Shop
24th October Dress Up Day & Children’s Hallowe’en Disco!
24th October BRMT Drop-In Practice Session
End of October Parent Teacher Meetings
27th-31st October Midterm Break
11th November Open Day
Gratitude & Celebration
Thank you so much to all the parents who came to our Coffee Morning, there was such a buzz of chat and connection. Thank you so much Dominque & Ann for such yummy baking!
We had a wonderful celebration for our Michaelmas with stories, songs, poems and handmade dragons in our school assembly, dragon bread, dragon mandalas in nature and paintings. We hope this bravery and courage will take us through these darker colder days.
We had a first student council meeting with two representatives from each class. This is an opportunity for children to share their voice and ideas about their school life and how we can improve and support it. They had so many wonderful contributions that we have already started to act on.
Thank you so much Richard for coming into 1st & 2nd Class to do amazing Natural Ink Painting Workshop with the Children on Wednesday 22nd October.
Call Out for Seaweed & Glass Jars
We have a request for some seaweed for our raised beds, as nutritious blankets for over the winter. We also would love some glass jars, ideal for Martinmas Lanterns clean, without labels please. Thanks so much.
PTA AGM
Wednesday 1st 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!
Club Gaeilge Register by 3rd October
Monday’s 2:50-3:50p.m.
Outdoor Shelter
Join Club Óg-Ógras Chuan na Gaillimhe!
It is our intention to create a space for young people to make friends and have fun through Irish, helping them in their personal development and to achieve a sense of community and a grá for Irish culture and language, their peers and themselves.
Cost: €25 registration and €2 per Monday.
Time: 2:50 - 3:50 in the Shelter
Age Group: 4th, 5th & 6th class (Limited spaces available.)
Booking link will open at 1pm on Friday October 3rd
Contact Laura Lydon or Ruth Pinson on Ogograscnag@outlook.com with any queries.
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
School Assembly
Our school assembly on Thursday 2nd October in the outdoor shelter will focus on Michaelmas and Equality, bringing together Steiner festivals and the ETB Ethos qualities. Michaelmas encourages courage, resilience, and standing up for what is right. In this assembly, we will explore how these values connect with equality and how each of us can contribute to fairness, respect, and understanding in our community.
Assemblies like this help children come together and deepen our sense of community, while sharing performances, achievements and celebrations.
Irish Steiner Waldorf Education Conference 2025-Fostering Relationships, Sustaining Lifelong Learning
4th & 5th 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…
Gordan & Almut Woolard Maths and Clay Workshops
Parents Talk with Gordan on Steiner Education & Why we choose it
Tuesday 14th October @ 1:50-2:50p.m. Infant Classroom
Exciting Workshops with Steiner Educators & Mentors – Tuesday 14th October
We are delighted to welcome Gordon Woolard, a renowned Steiner education mentor, and his wife Almut to our school on Tuesday 14th October for a day of engaging workshops with our children.
Gordon Woolard will lead Mathematics sessions in each class, bringing his extensive experience in Steiner education to inspire curiosity and deep understanding in numbers and patterns.
Almut will host clay workshops, allowing the children to explore creativity, sensory learning, and artistic expression through hands-on work with clay.
Additionally, we invite parents to join a special talk in the Infant Room from 1:50–2:50 pm. Gordon and Almut will discuss:
Why choose Steiner Education
How children learn and develop in a Steiner environment
This is a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into Steiner education. We look forward to a day of learning, creativity, and inspiration!
Baboró
We are going to Baboró and we’re so excited!
Junior and Senior Infants
Be Kind @ Nun's Island Theatre
Thursday 16th October
1st/2nd
FEN @ Bank of Ireland Theatre, University of Galway
Monday 13th October
2nd/3rd Class
World's within Ireland's Wild Island @ Mick Lally Theatre
Thursday 16th October
4th Class
World's within Ireland's Wild Island @ Mick Lally Theatre
Thursday 16th October
5th/6th Class
The Little Prince @ Town Hall Theatre
Thursday 16th October
Orla has sent out the €12 payment link for show & bus. Thank you!
Samhain Hallowe’en Swap Shop
Friday 17th October 2-2:45p.m.
Infant Classroom
We invite you to take part in our Costume Swap Shop! If you have any gently used, homemade, or store-bought Hallowe’en costumes, please bring them to the office by Friday, 17th October.
When donating, kindly label the bag or costume with the age/size it fits. On the same day, from 2:00–2:45 p.m. in the infant classroom, all donated costumes will be sorted and made available for families to take home, ready to be reworn, reused, or upcycled.
Hallowe’en Dress Up
On Friday, 24th October, children are invited to dress up in costumes that are homemade, handmade, recycled, reused, or upcycled, if they wish. The theme is Samhain, Autumn, and/or Hallowe’en.
We are always so impressed by the creativity, care, and imagination that go into the costumes each year, and we look forward to seeing what the children create. We kindly ask that costumes are not frightening, so that they remain enjoyable for our younger and more sensitive children. Instead, we encourage designs that are celebratory, seasonal, and full of creativity.
Children’s Hallowe’en Disco
Organised by Our PTA
Friday 24th October 3-5p.m.
🎃👻 Hello Phantasmal Parents,
We'll have a haunted Halloween 👻 disco 🪩 this year ⚡and need your participation 💫 for
- deadly decoration and 'creepy' costume donations (they can be left in the office from Mon. 13.10.)
- ghoulish games (you organize and bring what you'll need)
- finger food (best if Halloween themed)
- set up on Thursday (23.10.) afternoon (tbc)
- clean up
👽🎃 Hair-raising, hilarious, home-made costumes welcome on all ages!
...that includes parents 😉💀
Bloomberg Rhythmic Movement Technique BRMT Drop-In
Outdoor Shelter
Friday 24th October 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Thank you all for contacting me with interest for learning more about BRMT. Parents have different days and times of availability, which makes it difficult to suit everyone.
I intend to have BRMT Drop-In practice sessions, where parents who have done it last year or who have an interest or who would like to have a calming morning are welcome to join. We will go through several movements that will help integrate active reflexes within us and our children.
The first drop-in session will be on Friday 24th October @ 9:30a.m. in the outdoor shelter.
This session would resonate with parents and children who feel a lot of anxiety, show symptoms of ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ASD, delayed speech and are very sensitive.
The movement’s you will experience 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.
If you have a yoga mat, please bring it as well as comfortable clothing.
For more info
Relate Exploration School
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We are delighted to be selected as a RELATE Exploration School by the NCSE. This year, with guidance from an NCSE liaison, our staff will implement the RELATE framework, which focuses on understanding and supporting student behaviour through a relationship-centered, regulation-first approach.
Through professional learning, seminars, and access to NCSE resources, our staff will continue to create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for all students. We sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their commitment and enthusiasm in making our school a place where every student can thrive.
Enrolments & Admissions
We are open for admissions & enrolments from October 14th for Junior Infants 2026 and all other classes. Our updated Admissions Policy, Admissions notice & application form will be on our website then.
Open Day
We will be having our Open Day on Tuesday 11th November from 3:30-4:30p.m. for parents and children to come for a tour of our school followed by an experiential Talk @ 6-7p.m. on Steiner Education for incoming, new and existing parents who wish know about Steiner Education. Please spread the word!
Parent Teacher Meetings
We will have our Parent Teacher Meetings from 13th to 24th October. Via Aladdin, we will be sending a link where you can choose a time and date to meet your child’s teacher.
School Closure
Our school will close for October Midterm from Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October inclusive.
Half In Half Out Staff Meetings
We will be having three Half in Half Out Staff Meetings this academic year to facilitate whole school planning & school self-evaluation process. Our school will close @ 12:15p.m. on these days:
24th November 2025
23rd February 2026
18th May 2025
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
Why Choose Steiner Education for Your Children
Choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Steiner education offers a unique approach that nurtures the whole child-head, heart, and hands. Rooted in the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, this form of education emphasises creativity, imagination, and a balanced development of intellectual, artistic, and practical skills.
One of the most distinctive features of Steiner education is its focus on age-appropriate learning. Rather than rushing children into academics, Steiner education introduces subjects at a time that aligns with natural stages of development. Early childhood is devoted to play, imagination, and building a strong sense of wonder. As children grow, they are gradually guided into more formal learning with rich stories, artistic activities, and hands-on experiences that bring subjects to life.
Another strength of Steiner education is its commitment to nurturing creativity and resilience. Children learn not only through books, but through music, drama, visual arts, gardening, and craft. These experiences foster deep engagement and help students develop problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a lifelong love of learning. Steiner classrooms are often filled with warmth, beauty, and rhythm, creating an environment that supports both wellbeing and curiosity.
Steiner schools also place a strong emphasis on social and emotional development. Community, cooperation, and respect for others are woven into the daily experience, ensuring that children feel a sense of belonging and responsibility.
Steiner education helps young people grow into well-rounded, thoughtful individuals who are prepared not only for exams, but for life. By honouring each child’s individuality while fostering a connection to the wider world, Steiner education aim to develop confident, compassionate, and creative human beings.
Careers and Paths of Steiner School Graduates
Graduates from Steiner Education often find themselves thriving in a wide variety of professions.
Creative and Artistic CareersBecause Steiner education places a strong emphasis on imagination, storytelling, music, drama, and the visual arts, many graduates feel at home in creative fields. Alumni frequently go on to become actors, musicians, visual artists, designers, writers, and architects. Their experience with hands-on crafts such as woodworking, painting, and textiles also leads some into artisan trades or careers in design and applied arts.
Science, Technology, and MedicineFar from being limited to the arts, Steiner graduates also enter highly academic and technical professions. Many become doctors, scientists, engineers, researchers, and IT specialists. The ability to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and view challenges from multiple perspectives helps them thrive in complex and innovative fields.
Education and Social ProfessionsThe social and emotional awareness fostered in Steiner classrooms often inspires graduates to pursue careers that involve caring for others and building community. Teaching, counselling, social work, and humanitarian work are common pathways, as graduates value contributing to the wellbeing of others and making a positive difference in the world.
Business and EntrepreneurshipThe independent thinking and creativity encouraged in Steiner education also translate well into business. Many graduates become entrepreneurs, founders of startups, or leaders in organisations where original thinking and adaptability are prized. They often bring fresh perspectives and an ethical approach to leadership.
A Diverse and Balanced OutlookWhat sets Steiner graduates apart is not that they enter any single profession, but that they are equipped with the flexibility, creativity, and confidence to pursue their unique passions. Whether in the arts, sciences, business, education, or trades, they tend to bring with them a strong sense of purpose, resilience, and the ability to think independently.
Steiner education is not about preparing children for one narrow path, it’s about giving them the skills, imagination, and confidence to forge their own. This is why you’ll find Steiner alumni thriving across such a wide range of fields, from medicine to music, engineering to entrepreneurship.
Extracurricular Afterschool Activities
Club Gaeilge
Thank you, Laura and volunteer parents, for leading and facilitating this wonder Club Gaeilge every Monday from 2:50-3:50p.m. If any parent would like to improve their Gaeilge you are very welcome to join and volunteer for this full Irish fun hour.
Music Generation
Knocknacarra Brownies
Brownies for girls aged 7yrs to 10yrs. Tuesday evenings 6.30-8.00pm in St. Josephs Room, Knocknacarra. At the back of St. John, the Apostle Church.
For further information, please contact Eileen O'Brien on 087 6675423 or Fiona O'Connor on 087 2261961.
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