This article is from page 18 of the 2006-05-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
THE number of pupils at Clare’s newest Steiner school is expected to double next September.
The founding teacher at Mol an Óige school in Ennistymon, Una Ní Ghairbhith, made the prediction on the basis of expressions of interest to date.
However, the school continues to await Department of Education recognition, its application having failed due to a “technical hitch” last month.
The school is to re-apply later this year, in time for the 2007-08 academic year.
“Currently, we have 13 on the roll and already have confirmation for a further eight for September, and based on expressions of interest, we should have double the number of pupils in the school for next September,” said Ms Ní Ghairbhith.
Two full-time and one part-time teachers are to be employed next term in response to the demand.
To date, the pupils have been educated by one full-time teacher and one-part time teacher, while others have also contributed.
The school is to hold talks tonight and next Tuesday on “Education for the Whole Child”, with Nell Smyth and Johnathan Angus as speakers.
Ms Ní Ghairbhith said that Steiner education revolved around the “head, heart and hand” of the pupil.
“One of the most rewarding things is that the pupils are so alive to the art of learning,” she said.
“We would never say that this is the way to educate your child. It is another way and people can come along and find out what we are doing here.”
Ms Ni Ghairbhith said that the teacher-pupil ratio at the school “offers a very individualised education”.
She added that it would have been a bonus to secure departmental recognition this year.
“It is disappointing that we failed because of a technical hitch, but there is great belief here in what we are doing.”
With no recognition, continuing fundraising and parents contributions are to fund the school.
Ms Ní Ghairbhith said that parents contributed €35 per week per child, and there was a scale of payments thereafter.
For two pupils it costs €45 per week and for three, it costs €50.
“The school supplies everything such as books, pens and music instruments,” she said.
There are talks tonight and next Tuesday on Steiner education at 7.30pm at the Ennistymon library.
For further information, contact 065 6836939.