01 July, 2010

July Bugle

A few days after the summer solstice we celebrated our annual St John’s festival at the Kildare Steiner School. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to say thank you to people who have helped us during the year, as well as inviting anyone who is interested in our school to come along to the open day. We had a bonfire ,barbie, pizzas made in our traditional cob oven and music and maypole dancing! It was a lovely evening. It even stayed dry and the full moon was magnificent.
Pictures below taken by Janet show some of our guests enjoying themselves on our wild range of climbing w equipment!

This year was special as we had to say a sad goodbye to two of our dear teachers. Claudia Brave, who has been involved with the school since its inception in 1988, and has recently taught the children handcrafts has retired to follow new adventures. Our kindergarten teacher Viola Laumans, who has been with the school in its current location for the last five years, has also gone on to pastures new….she is going to study a Masters in drama therapy in Maynooth, so good luck Viola. Both these friends and colleagues will be greatly missed by the whole school community.

One of our parents, Sinead O’Tiarnaigh, who has been training to be a Steiner teacher in Clare will be taking over in the Kindergarten from September. We are changing the format of our handcraft curriculum…so if you know of anyone who might be interested in teaching the children knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, or any other type of craft, please give me a call and let l me know…we would be interested in speaking to you. We are lucky enough to have two local artists coming to work with us in the new school year, making totem poles and crafts to celebrate St Brigid- we are indeed blessed!

We are continuing to enrol to the growing school throughout the summer, so if you or anyone you know is interested in finding out more please give me a call on 086 4005211
- Angie Ruane

01 June, 2010

Working with our gifts

t occurred to me recently that being part of a school community where people work with their gifts and give them willingly to the school is a great privilege. At the end of April we had a fundraising concert in Dunshane, organised by Dorly O’Sullivan, one of our teachers and an accomplished cellist (Dorly is pictured here playing the fiddle at last year’s St John’s festival). She co-ordinated both her own DARA quartet, and a host of other local classical artists who gave us a wonderful evening of music. Dorly uses her musical gift every day in the school where she teaches recorder and singing. We also host local musicians to teach our children violin and guitar, so we are very lucky.

In May one of our parents, Ger Loughlin organised two trad and folk concerts in the Moat, which were great craic (for adults and children!) and terrific fundraisers. Again the artists gave of their talents for free and we are particularly indebted to the wonderful local group Bunoscionn, as this was their second year running to support us in this way- if you see them advertised do go along – they are superb…..

Ger’s partner Carolina is a photographer and took the pictures for our new school brochure, which was then designed by Richard Lyons, another parent who had just completed a sponsored cycle ride to Hook Head and raised over 1,000 euro for the school. Isn’t it amazing what people can achieve, just with their raw talent and a will to help?

The craft group in the school is also something else….they got together last autumn and now have a thriving Friday morning group for parents, friends and anyone who wants to join really…. Pictured is Mags Kearney with some of the group’s handiwork. They have been concentrating on wet felting work and have made some really beautiful artefacts. They plan to extend their range next year and hold a series of workshops on other crafts such as spinning and willow weaving. We also hope to share some of these crafts with the children in the school who already learn knitting, tapestry, candle making and basket weaving. It is lovely to see the kids develop some of these ancient skills at the hands of people who have a natural skill and talent.

I think when the children see how the community comes together to share their gifts in this way it truly helps all of us to see how we can live our philosophy of educating the head , hands and heart in County Kildare. It is very powerful.

The School will be enrolling right through the summer, so if you are interested in finding out more about our holistic approach to education, contact Angie Ruane on 086 4005211 .

10 April, 2010

Native Irish Saplings Planted

March was a very special time for the Kildare Steiner School as the whole school community came together with the volunteers of the Native Woodland Trust to plant our wonderful gift of 1,500 native Irish saplings at our school in Gormanstown, near Dunlavin.

In just two miraculous days on the 26th and the 27th our school grounds were suddenly transformed with paths plants and all our wonderful trees. The little saplings we planted included oak, willow, beech, holly, cherry and other fruit trees. In order to protect these little babies from damage by the hare population they are all staked and enclosed by a green tube. They may seem small now, but they will grow rapidly and the children are going to have such fun watching and tending the woodland garden during this exciting process.

The planting also gave the community a great opportunity to do what it does best – work together to create and enjoy something beautiful. It was great to see parents, old friends, families and children alike all pitching in and sharing their energies…. The weather was unbelievably kind to us and after the planting the cob oven was fired up for home made pizzas, when the relaxing part of the day really started.

We should say once again we are indebted to the Native Woodland Trust who plant trees in schools right across Ireland and worked so hard with us to realise our own vision. We are also tremendously grateful to our anonymous Canadian donor, this amazing gift came out of nowhere to us and was truly magical.

The Kildare Steiner School is an independent non-denominational school for children aged three and a half to twelve years of age. If you would like to come and see our lovely school, or are interested in the extensive benefits of the Steiner approach to education, please contact me, Angie Ruane , on 086 4005211 or check out : www.kildaresteinershcool.org

06 July, 2009

Summer Activity Days @ Kildare Steiner School

Join us for fun and Joy!

Tuesday 14 July, 11am-3pm
Jam making with Caitilin (086 722 2058)
Bring: apron, clean jars and lids (5 or more if possible), tea towel, packed lunch, bread or scones, Age 6+, Max 14 people, Cost €20

Monday 20 July, 10.30am-3pm
Cob oven decoration with Kate (085 156 6339) & Angela
Bring: clothes that can be dirty, curving clay if possible, pizza dough and toppings for lunch, Age 6+, Max 16 people, Cost €10

Tuesday 21 July, 11am-3pm
Wet on wet painting with Mag (086 228 9237)
Bring: apron, wide paint brush and Steiner paint if possible, packed lunch, Age 4+, Max 14 people, Cost €5

Wednesday 22 July, 11am-12.30am
Tai Chi with John (086 813 1068)
Bring: Yoga mat, cushion, Age 10+, Max 12 people if rains – no limit if sun shines, No cost

Tuesday 28 July 11am-3pm
Cooking & Origami with Yuki (086 341 2006)
Bring: apron, knife, chopping board, ingredients of your choice, tea towel, Age 6+, Max 14 people, Cost €15

Tuesday 4 August 11am-3pm
Drum for fun with Ger (087 646 5465) & Kevin
Bring: Food to share, All age, Max no limit if sun shines, Cost: Donation appreciated

Monday 10 August 11am-11.45am
Yoga with Sinead Woods (085 102 7307)
Bring: Yoga mat or towel, Age 6+, Max 8, No cost

Saturday 29 August 11am-1pm
Polytunnel gardening with Liam (087 215 3332)
Bring: your favourite gardening tools, any home produce to share if available, All age, Max no limit, No cost

Terms and conditions
  1. Summer Activity Days @ Kildare Steiner School is a series of self-organised activity occasions. All age groups including adults are welcome.
  2. Booking needs to be done by texting to each activity leader one week before so that they know how many people are coming and they can contact the participants if necessary.
  3. Toddlers and those who are younger than the suitable age are welcome with accompanying adults. Toddler playground is open during the time that the activity is going on.
  4. People who are not currently with the Kildare Steiner School are also welcome.
  5. Please note that the Summer Activity Days are based on friendship and not a part of the School's formal service. We are sorry that neither the Kildare Steiner School nor parents involved can accept any liability in relation to the activities.
  6. Parents/guardian of children with specific health needs need to either accompany with the children or communicate clear instructions with the activity leaders of the day.
  7. Rooms and equipment need to be cleaned and tidied up at the end of the day to restore the order.
  8. Participants or their parents are liable for the damage to the School's property during the activity.
  9. The activity leaders reserve the right to ask participants to leave the activity if they cause any destruction to themselves or the others.
  10. The Allergen food policy needs to be respected by all the participants.

15 June, 2009

St John's Festival & Open Day

St. John’s Festival

And Open Day

26th June 5:30 pm


To celebrate the end of the Kildare Steiner School calendar year


BBQ (meat & vegetarian)

Pizzas from our new cob oven

and apple juice

will be provided


Music, Dance, Bonfire, Chat and Craic!

Hope you can make it!

24 April, 2009

Handwork group

There's a new hand work group starting this Friday 24th April.

After school dropoff, in the Parent and Toddler room; all are welcome. Bring ideas, material, books, etc.

Parent and Toddler has a roof!

As I’m sure you have all noticed, our little garden has had many worker gnomes visiting it recently. The cob oven and seating area has recently been given a fabulous roof. The foundations have been laid for a little gnome house. The pond has the beginnings of a bridge, and the sand pit is still inching its way to completion. That’s to say nothing of the herb and flower beds which are slowly popping up.
There is probably not a family in the school which hasn’t in some way contributed to creating this magic, so to you all we say thank you. With an extra special thank you to the people who have given up their weekends to assist.
The garden development is ongoing; we meet on a Monday morning. So anyone who would like to enjoy the spring, and allow their creativity to flow, please join us. Or if you would like to meet other parents in the school, please join us. Toddlers not required.
As always, if you know anyone who has preschool children who might enjoy meeting other parents at their stage of life, please let them know about the group. We meet Tuesday mornings 9am to 1pm. They can drop in at any time. For further information call Laura 086 853 9848.

22 April, 2009

Upcoming Fundraising Events

Many thanks to fundraising coordinator Mary Davies; the fundraising is amazingly active and productive.

Recent Events - Cello Concert
The recent cello concert was a great success, as was the raffle held there. Many thanks to Georg Martens, and to Dunshane for all their support. We raised €1000 for the school.

Traditional Music Nights
There are two great Traditional Music nights to look forward to at the Moate Theatre in Naas on 26th May and 2nd June. More on that to come.

Mini Marathon
Still time to get involved with the Mini Marathon; we have approximately 20 ladies walking for our school on the 1st June. This promises to be a great fun day. Sponsorship forms are available from Mary--remember, even if you're not walking, please take a sponsorship form and help collect for someone who is. It is looking like we will be organising a bus to take us up and back, leaving from the school.

Parachute Jump
A group of crazy parents and teachers are doing a parachute jump later in the summer! If anyone would like to know more about this, contact Angie.

Apple juice
A reminder that there is still some of our delicious apple juice left at €3.50 a bottle or €52 for a case of 16.

The Changing Scene

We hope you are enjoying the spring bulbs. The classes are working hard to create a beautiful garden in front of the school, using plants donated by a nursery. Soon, creepers will be twining around the pagoda, while little paths will wind around the cherry trees and flower beds.

The poly tunnel has gained a gravel path around it and a beech hedge. It looks ever so attractive. The next step is to get water to the tunnel, so that we can begin gardening. We need to have a mini-digger for a day. If you can help, please contact Gale at 045 406962.

20 March, 2009

Fundaraising Update/Ladies Mini-Marathon

Our fundraising efforts this year have done very well so far:

Raffle 4,000
Feile 1,500
Street collections 1,000
Carol singing 250
Coffee morning 900
Bag packing 200
Apple juice 3,560*

Total 11,350

*This is when all the apple juice has been sold – so please keep up your efforts

Although our work has been so productive so far, the funds raised are just covering our energy costs, so to keep the momentum going (and hopefully to complete some of the essential outdoor work), the Fundraising Team have met to try and outline possible ways of generating more income.

One super suggestion was the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon, which takes place on Monday, June 1st. If you would like to run, walk or jog the route, all you need to do is register online at:


Mary Davis has done up sponsor forms for the school and they are available either from her or any of the teachers. So, if you would like to do the mini-marathon yourself, or if you know someone that does it regularly and would like a great cause to support, please get a form!

THANKS AGAIN, EVERYONE!

More news soon of other fundraisers…

The Fundraising Team

10 March, 2009

Kildare Steiner School Fundraiser: Concert

"AMAZING CELLO SOLOS"

SOLOS not HEARD before
New transcriptions & free improvisations


Cello - Georg Mertens (Australia)

Music from Albeniz, Bach, Squire, Popper, Rachmaninov, and Mertens.
Georg Mertens' 'Erh Hu Imrpovisations' in which sounds are produced like
from another world.
visit: www.georgcello.com and 'YouTube'

__________________________________________________

FRIDAY April 3rd 7.30 pm

at DUNSHANE CAMPHILL COMMUNITY

Dunshane, Brannockstown, Naas, Co. Kildare

Bookings: Harvest Fare Blessington ph 045 891636
or Svantje at Kildare Steiner School ph 0851 574 267
also tickets at the door

Adults 20 € / Consc. 15 € / Child 10 €
(Includes complementary wine or juice)

02 March, 2009

Social Morning

Parents!

Come along and meet the other parents, have some coffee and a chat. Children are especially welcome. 9:30 a.m. (after school drop off) on Thursday, 5th March 2009 at Mary's house.

Need directions? Check for the flyer your child (should have) brought home, or give Mary a call.

23 January, 2009

Parent Evening

Dear Parents,

You are invited to a Parents Evening on Wednesday 4th February:
  • Classes 1-3 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Classes 4-6 at 8:30 p.m.
The teacher will be talking about what the children have been learning. It is also an opportunity for discussions and questions. Please let your teacher know if you will be attending!

23 November, 2008

Advent Garden - Sunday 30th November

The autumn leaves are changing their beautiful colour and the winds are getting colder. Winter time is on it's way. Together with the children, yourselves and friends, we would like to celebrate our Advent Garden this Sunday, 30th November at 4:30 pm at Dunshane Hall.
The Advent Garden is a quiet and magically filled opportunity for the children to begin the start of Advent. Walking through the garden, every child brings light into the darkness. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

The Teachers

Coffee Morning this Friday 28th November - 10am


Please join us this Friday for Coffee morning!
From 10 to 1pm
In aid of Kildare Steiner School


In the home of
Ray and Helen Nolan
The Orchard
Carnalway
Kilcullen
Co Kildare

For more detail 087 238 9376

09 October, 2008

Apple Picking Days...'tis the season!

A beautiful day is a day to cherish, but particularly so when one has the chance to join with your school community in supporting a fundraising event, build community spirit and just plain have a great time! On Saturday, the 27th of September, quite a few of our community had just such a day...
Svantje Mertens, teacher for Classes, 1-2-3 enjoys a day's effort up in the trees.

Dominic from the Kindergarten enjoys some picking time along with his fellow classmate!

Hard work never looked so fun! Above, a very hardworking Raymond carries his day's work to the lorrie for juicing.

The many luscious fruits of their labours...

Keep an eye out in the near future for Kildare Steiner School fresh apple juice for sale...it doesn't get any better than this on a beautiful day!

Feile na Samhna or "Festival of Halloween"

Please join us for a special Sustainability festival planned on Saturday, 1st of November in Newbridge at the Ryston Social Club. It is an all day, ongoing days event from 11am - 11pm.

As a community-based initiative geared up for fun and celebration of community, the objective of the Feile na Samhna is to create a space for people to meet, talk, learn and consider a range of positive solutions to address the challenges we face today in reducing our dependency on fossil fuel. The focus will be on fun, fusion and action!

This one day, colourful family friendly event will offer an opportunity to sample a range of workshops on traditional hand crafts and skills, informative talks on sustainable living, facilitated discussion forums as well as fantastic low-tech kids entertainment. Add to this a heritage exhibition compiled by local students and history renactment displays, local artists, dancers, performers and musicians and you have a tremendous day ahead!

This event was seeded from ideas inspired by the Transition Towns movement, the Community Powerdown Toolkit and FADA.

Please join us on Saturday, the 1st of November in Newbridge at the Ryston Social Club! See you there!

17 September, 2008

Planting Bulbs in your Garden?

Please consider making a Bulb Donation to the school!

Buying bulbs for your garden? Why not contribute some extra bulbs to help bring some lovely spring colour to the school?

Just place them in the boxes which can be found in the Kindergarten, Parent and Toddler Hallway and in the Main School...and enjoy the flowers when they arrive ☺

Questions, please contact Cliona by phone 087-1248036 or
email at clionamkelliher@gmail.com

12 September, 2008

First Parent Meeting for the Main School!

Dear Parents,

Our first Parent Meeting for the Main School, comprising classes 1-6 will be held Wednesday, the 1st of October. The meeting for Classes 4-6 will be at 7:30 pm, and subsequently at 8:30 pm for Classes 1-3.

Please plan to attend and know that your attendance is a show of support to our teachers who have invested a tremendous amount of time and energy to make sure the integrity of the Steiner curriculum remains intact, and the needs of our children are met. They are very interested in sharing their work and plans with us. This meeting will be essential in understanding the unique nature of our multi-grade classes this year. Please look for updates to confirm as the date approaches.

03 September, 2008

Annual Apple Picking Day - Date Changed to 27th September

Please join us for our annual Apple Picking Day! Last year, we picked, juiced, bottled and then sold our now famous Kildare Steiner School apple juice! Make a day of it!...bring a picnic with your family and spend any part of the day you're available. All are welcome. This became a successful fundraiser for the school, for which we hope to find repeat success!

Saturday, 27th September from 10-6am (previously 13th Sept)
The Orchard, Carnalway, Kilcullen

Any questions ask Helen 087-2389376

Last year in 2007...