"A 21st Century Big Picture: America and China  - The Looming Vice? The Coming Conflict?"

Is there a way between or shall we all be crushed? The economic crisis that began in 2007-08 was facilitated by the rapid injection of hundreds of millions of Chinese workers into the global economy and the resulting explosion of goods and credit. China's time has come, but so far, she has essentially been copying our economic practices and our errors. Like Britain 100 years ago, America's 'glories' are fading but the Americans' psychological anxieties and their mega military continue to grow – a dangerous combination.  Half way through the 20th century millions of families were scarred by the East-West conflict of the Cold War. Is that to be repeated in a different form? The signs are that the Western elite is preparing for it. Increasingly, the American elite sees itself as Britain in 1914 and China as Germany. Can their mania be stopped? How to understand the US-China relationship? Will the 1930s be repeated – a global economic crisis followed by the false 'solution' of a terrible war? In what sense are America and China both 'Atlantean' Powers? How can the rest of us find our way between this polar vice of the Eagle and the Dragon, without being crushed?  Are  Ireland, Britain and Europe to be America's 'auxiliaries' in this confrontation? We must find a way though to avoid a repeat of the scenario of 1914.

Terry's website is www.monju.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
   Venue:The Stag's Head (Upstairs)
   Date:28th June @7.30pm
   Admission: 8euro 

PRESS RELEASE

Whit.Sun. Open Day

On Whitsunday, 12^th June in Tuamgraney, Scarriff, “The Christian Community” will hold its Open Day, a festive occasion for neighbours and friends and an opportunity for all who are curious/interested to come and visit, ask questions/find out more.

The day will commence with Services in the chapel room (9.30am Children's' Service, 10.30am The Act of Consecration – a communion service for adults), to which all are welcome.

Over lunch and into the afternoon there will be a range of activities for children (including parachute games, a balloon race, juggling), Cultural/artistic/musical contributions, a talk introducing the aims of The Christian Community, light snacks and refreshments.

The Christian Community is a non-denominational movement for religious renewal, founded in Switzerland in the early 1920's. Meanwhile it has groups of friends and members in many countries of the world. It strives to bring the religious and the spiritual life closer together, through the sacraments on the one hand and through forms of expression such as the festivals, the arts, nature, on the other. In this way, The Christian Community hopes to contribute to society and the quality of the future.

For further details ring 061 640967 or visit www.thechristiancommunityireland.net.

The Irish Steiner Kindergarten Association

is inviting applications for the post of

National Co-ordinator.

Location: National Office, Mountshannon, Co.Clare

Responsible to: ISKA Council meeting quarterly.

Reporting to: The Chair of ISKA Council

Position: Part time, 20 hours per week

Commencing: June 2011

The National Co-ordinator will

• carry responsibility for the implementation of the organisation’s activities funded under the National Childcare Investment Plan, including Workshop Programme, Support to Members, Annual Conference.
• They will staff the public office, manage the ISKA Budgets, maintain adequate records, create annual action plans and submit reports as required to ISKA Council, Pobal and the OMCYA.
• The National Co-ordinator will have a good knowledge of Steiner Waldorf early childhood education and some knowledge of the situation of the Kindergartens in Ireland and the sector as a whole.
• They will have proven administrative and computer skills and they will demonstrate the ability to deal effectively with a wide range of activities and processes.
• They will have the ability to work in a self motivated manner and to take initiative where appropriate.

To request further information contact the ISKA Office

To apply for this position please submit your CV to the ISKA Office by Friday May 27^th 2011

Audrey Flynn
National Co-ordinator
Irish Steiner Kindergarten Association
Mulhare House, Main Street, 
Mountshannon, Co Clare
Office Hours 
Monday&Wednesday - 9am-3pm 
Tuesday - 11am-3pm
www.steinerireland.org - 00353 (0) 61 927944

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales. When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking." Albert Einstein

Seasonal Crafts and

Introducing Irish to the Young Child

with Cathy Lee & Niamh Ruiséal

at Crannóg na Leanaí

Ballymoney, Gorey, Co Wexford

Crafts, including Easter Egg Decorating, Chicks, Hares, etc plus Introducing Irish to young

children in the home and preschool.

Cathy Lee is the Kindergarten Teacher at Crannóg na Leanaí

Niamh Ruiséal is a Kindergarten teacher & a fluent Irish Speaker

All Materials included

Sat 2nd April 2011

9.30amRegistration-4pm

Cost: €40 (ISKA members €25)

Free for Assistants/EVS Students in Steiner Kindergartens if they are ISKA Members

possible to become a member on the day-€30 full €15 Associate membership

Bring and Share Lunch

Bookings– Cathy 087 6254863

Protecting Childhood
Recognising the Value of Childhood
A Workshop about Quality in Childcare Settings
for enthusiastic people around the young child
with
Helle Heckmann
(the Author of “Childhood's Garden
Shaping everyday life around the needs of young children”)
Sunday, 13th March 2011
9:30am – 4:30pm
(Including bring and share lunch break)
In: Ballyhall Kindergarten, Callan, Co.Kilkenny
Costs: 35€
For more details please contact:
0833840872 Cindy

Raheen Wood Steiner Secondary School’s (Alfa) performance of Shakespeare’s “All’s Well that Ends Well”
This play will be performed on the 31st March and 1st April in the Millenium Theatre in LIT Limerick at 7.00 pm. It will also be shown on April 5th in Ballytobin Kilkenny at 3.00 pm. Tickets are 5euros each and can be got by ringing 061-640798 to reserve. Concessions available.

Raheen Wood Steiner Secondary School (Alfa) is an initiative in Tuamgraney in East Clare which currently offers a richly developed and integrated full time secondary education based on the Steiner/Waldorf curriculum. Our holistic approach is dedicated to supporting the full development of human faculties, enabling our students to become socially responsible citizens, confident in their gifts and ready to meet a changing world. Our programme is based on multidisciplinary learning with a strong academic, environmental, and practical foundation. We support diversity in the different cultures, learning styles, and needs of our students. We are an experienced FETAC level 4 and 5 provider and are currently offering FETAC in many subjects for our students. http://alfaproject.org

Cosmic Music” 2 Talks by John S. Clarke
Hidden Aspects of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Bach’s Goldberg Variations were supposedly written at the behest of the Russian Ambassador to the Court of Saxony, who suffered from insomnia and had his personal musician Johann Goldberg perform the Variations for him as he lay awake at night. The Variations have long been an interest of John Clarke, a musician and music therapist in Camphill Ballytobin who found much in his research that will be of interest not only to musicians, but to anyone with a taste for history, literature or spirituality.
Castalia Hall, Camphill Community, Ballytobin, Callan
Friday 21 and 28 January 2011 at 8pm ( 2 parts )

Jonathan Angus writes:

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful midsummer weather.

I am writing to inform you that we have some positions still open on our Foundation Year in Anthroposophy course that will start the 10th September, 2010.

Our course features:

• Practical insights into many aspects of life, through a holistic and integrated world view first developed by Rudolf Steiner

• Opportunities for Self Understanding through a varied and fulsome Arts curriculum

• Possibilities for Spiritual Development through Inner Work and Meditative Exercises

We provide teachers who are local and from all around Ireland, as well as some of the finest international presenters. You have the potential over the course of the year to form significant and lasting relationships with a group of fellow seekers, in the inspiring setting of Raheen Wood Steiner School, on the edge of a beautiful old-growth forest near Tuamgraney, County Clare.

For those of you who have previously completed the Foundation Year with us, but not the Kindergarten Training, now might be the time for you to take the next step. We have a limited number of spots available in our Pedagogical Year as well.

Let me know soon if you are interested, or if you would like more information.

Most sincerely,

Jonathan Angus

5 School Lane, Mountshannon, Co Clare

jonathanangus@gmail.com

Early Childhood Education Programme

Foundations in Anthroposophy and Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten Teacher Training

The Early Childhood Education Programme is a member of the Teacher Education Circle, Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its graduates are recognised as having completed a full and valid training to be lead Kindergarten teachers

in Steiner Waldorf Schools and Early Years Centers the world over.

This course is not validated by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.

The Search for the Deep Self - A Social Sculpture

By Deborah Ravetz

On exhibit at the Art Space, across from McKernans Handweavers, Tuamgraney, Co Clare.

One evening only -- Saturday June 26^th 2010 at 7pm.

What is Social Sculpture? -

Joseph Beuys' concept of social sculpture was based on the view that society as a whole is one great work of art to which each person can contribute creatively.

All are welcome to come, view the exhibition and meet the artist.

Bring your friends.

For more information on Deborah Ravetz' work see www.becomingaself.org.

From the Summer Newsletter:

Celebrating 21 Years of the Anthroposophical Society in Ireland

Twenty one years ago, on Whitsunday 1989, the Anthroposophical Society in Ireland was founded. The council has been looking at ways to mark our 21st anniversary this year

In marking this occasion, it is worth noting that significant events occur in the heavens in May. The journal of the Astronomical Section of the Goetheanum has called 2010 “The year of the great opposition”. Jupiter and Saturn meet in a triple-opposition between Easter 2010 and 2011. This means that the planets stand diametrically opposite each other in the sky - one is rising in the east as the other sets in the west.

Such oppositions occur approximately every twenty or twenty one years, but what is especially significant at this time is where the planets are placed celestial event. Jupiter stands at the spring equinox point, in the constellation of Pisces, while Saturn stands opposite on the autumnal equinox in Virgo. These points are the gateways to spring and autumn, where the Sun crosses respectively north and south of the equator. Jupiter-Saturn Oppositions happen in this location only every several hundred years.

The first of these three oppositions happens on Whitsun, the 21^st anniversary of the Irish Society’s founding. It is interesting to read what Rudolf Steiner, in relation to new forms of technology, says about the Pisces and Virgo forces;

"It will be the task of the good, healing science to find certain cosmic forces that, through the working together of two cosmic streams, are able to arise on the earth. These two cosmic streams will be those of Pisces and Virgo. It will be most important to discover the mystery of how what works out of the cosmos in the direction of Pisces as a force of the sun combines with what works in the direction of Virgo. The good will be that one will discover how, from the two directions of the cosmos, morning and evening forces can be placed at the service of humanity: on the one side from the direction of Pisces and on the other side from the direction of Virgo.

...From the cooperation of what comes from Pisces and Virgo one will not be able to bring about anything harmful. Through this one will achieve what in a certain sense loosens the mechanism of life from the human being but will in no way found any form of rulership and power of one group over another... "

Dornach 25 November 1917, GA0178

May these healing forces carry us for ward to the next period of the Society’s biography. Rather than organising one single event to which not everyone may be able to travel, the council instead suggests that people arrange to meet locally on Sunday 24th May, to read Steiner’s Whitsun verse. Thus, wherever we are, members will have an opportunity to mark the event of our society’s “Coming of age”, knowing that the occasion is celebrated in many other places all over Ireland.

With warmest Greetings

The Council

Whitsuntide

June 2-5: International Early Childhood Care Conference, Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland.

Rudolf Steiner’s salutogenesis approach to infant pedagogy. The conference will focus on healthy and healing child development, care of children in their home environment, in playgroups, institutions and day-care centres, and in medical, nursing and therapeutic practices.Contact: Goetheanum. Tel: +41 (0) 61-7064444. Email: tickets@goetheanum.org

Application form can be found on http://www.goetheanum.org/3426.html (German) or for

the English version: http://ahasc.org.uk/events/index/

June 5-6: Dunshane:

Humans and Nature Spirits

Working and playing with Nature Spirits workshop Led by Tanis Helliwell, based on her book “Summer with the Leprechauns”. “This course will share with you the secrets of manifestation according to natural laws and the natural world so that you can be more effective in your work and world.” Further info phone 051 - 647947

Theory of Colour

This is a call for those who have worked with the Theory of Colour can meet together and share research. Contributions can be in the form of a talk, an artistic exercise or experimental presentation. The venue is a new village hall in the little seaside town of Portballintrae on the north Antrim coast, a few miles from the Giants’ Causeway in an area where nature forces are in dynamic interplay. MNany landscape artists live in this area to see the elements at work.

Cost: depends on numbers but no more than £30. Meals and lodgings not included.Transport: Buses to Portballintrae from Belfast. Nearest train station is Portrush.

Accommodation: camping, youth hostel, self-catering cottages, B&B and hotels all within walking distance of venue. Booking: Malin Starrett, 520 Antrim Road, Glengormley, Co. Antrim BT36, N.Ireland Tel: UK 0044 (0)28 909 25211

Goethean Science & Art Therapy

A series of three week end workshops exploring basic principles of Goethe's new science. We will engage Art Therapy to help us in following Goethe's trail artistically, using watercolors, clay and our splendid human imagination. Contents include Metamorphosis of the Plant, Comparative Studies on Bones, Theory of Color (selection), Newton's Experiments

11.30-17.00 Sat/Sun June 5/6, July

3/4 August 7/8 in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Facilitator: Klaus Klier, Art Therapist, Psychotherapist, Dublin

Price: € 100 (Materials and light refreshments included)

Group size max. 8 Pers. Please inquire online for program and application form

a.space.forsoul@gmail.com

or ring Klaus on (00353) 86 373 4662

Eithne the Pirate's Daughters

Performance March 19th and March 20th , 7:30 pm

Millenium Theatre, Limerick Institute of Technology

An original play performed by Raheen Wood Steiner School's class 7/8

This swashbuckling tale set in the 16th Century depicting heroes and heroines, spies and their masters, all eager for the acquisition

of new territories and the superb map making skills of Ben Reuben, the masterful Jewish mapmaker.

Set in Ireland, Portugal and Spain, the play shows how Donal O'Malley aids Ben Reuben to escape the Inquisition

and subsequently to secretly smuggle his maps while mistaken identities, dastardly attempts at subterfuge and espionage, confusion

and a sea battle rage about them.

This play comes out of our active learning programme, an approach which integrates many subjects and skills including history,geography, cartography, fencing, stage combat, tango, music and set building. Proceeds from the performances will go

to the the funding of the class trip to Italy to study Renaissance art and thinkers.

Christian Community

A reminder that there will be services on this Sunday in Tuamgraney

9.30am Children's service

10.30am Act of Consecration of Man

followed by refreshments and

a talk - Son of God, Son of Man in the Gospel of Mark

Childcare is provided during the Act of Consecration.

Donation requested

Contact:

Audrey Flynn

Correspondent for the Christian Community East Clare Congregation

and The Republic of Ireland

00353 (0)86 8887513

To contact Rev Malcolm Allsop 00353 (0)61 640967

The Christian Community House, Drewsborough,Tuamgraney, Co Clare

ECEP presents
Open courses at Easter 2010
6 - 10 April

You are very welcome to join our foundation year students in the week following Easter.
This year’s topics are:

An Overview of Waldorf Education with Eugene Schwartz
Exploring the Temperaments through Masks with Allmut French
Eutony with Helene Roitinger
Clay Modelling with Ian Castles

Each topic is presented as a course over 7 hours.This is made up of a 1½ hour session each day for 4 days, Tuesday to Friday plus a shorter 1 hour session on Saturday.
Dates: 6th – 10th April. Venue: Raheen Wood School, Tuamgraney, Co Clare
You can sign up for a single topic, and attend that session each day (€85 per topic) – OR – sign up for the whole week (€325 for the whole week course).
A warm and wholesome meal is available each day (pre booking essential, €50 for the week’s lunches)
Exact timings are still to be confirmed, but preliminary enquiries are welcome.
Contact training@steinerireland.org

Michael Miklis of the Biodynamic Association in Ireland writes:

"Dear Friends,

You are welcome to participate in the making of the 3 King's Preparation*

as indicated by Hugo Erbe

on Tuesday the 5th of January

at 3 pm

in Camphill Jerpoint

please bring a saleable vessel for your prep.

Voluntary contribution towards costs are welcome

Please take not that I will give a talk right after the Three Kings' Preparation making on

Astronomy and the use of the Sowing and Planting Calendar by Maria & Mathias Thun.

Cost for this event is € 10

Charts and Calendars extra

Tea and Coffee included

Weather permitting we will also locate visible constellations and planets so be warmly wrapped,

looking forward to see you all!"

Here are two items of news: the biodynamic calendar and DVDs for South African Waldorf Schools.

NOW AVAILABLE

*€ 11 P&P included*

Biodynamic Agricultural Association in Ireland

Camphill Jerpoint

Jerpoint

Co. KIlkenny

Tel 00353 051 347245

Light & Shadow Film

michael@lightandshadowfilm.com

www.lightandshadowfilm.com

In the run up to this Christmas I'm offering 25% off DVDs. For every 10 DVDs sold 1 DVD will be donated to help raise funds for the South African Waldorf schools.

I am originally from South Africa and my mother (Tessa Lovemore) has been working closely with the South African Federation of Waldorf Schools. There is a great demand and waiting lists for some of the schools yet they struggle with a lack of funding and experienced teachers.

My experience of what is happening now in South Africa is that there is still a legacy of the apartheid era affecting every aspect of life. Black Africans and coloured people of mixed origins who suffered under the apartheid regime are now suffering under poverty. The Waldorf schools are working to break down these barriers and create equality and an appreciation of differences.

You can watch a preview of the film and order copies through my website at www.lightandshadowfilm.com

Best wishes

Michael Lovemore

Spirit in Matter 2009

A series of public lectures exploring aspects of Anthroposophy, the worldview of Rudolf Steiner.

The Christmas Story in the Gospels of St.Matthew and St.Luke

The Wisdom of Contradiction

An Illustrated Talk by Martin Henry

The Christmas Story in the Gospels has warmed and nourished many hearts down through the centuries, yet on close examination the stories reveal apparent and indeed striking contradictions. One hundred years ago Rudolf Steiner sought to make sense of these contradictions and so lead to a fuller and truer understanding of the nature of Christianity and the events of 2,000 years ago, which can continue to warm our hearts and to enlighten our thinking into future centuries.

At

Castalia Hall

Camphill Community Ballytobin

Callan

On Friday 11 December 2009 at 8p.m.

All are welcome! - Admission free. Seasonal refreshments.

Enquiries to Martin Henry at 087 7713224 martin33@eircom.net

Spirit in Matter 2009
A series of public lectures exploring aspects of Anthroposophy, the worldview of Rudolf Steiner

Making the Invisible Visible
Practical techniques in the Art and Architecture of Rudolf Steiner

Rudolf Steiner, apart from his work in the realm of spirituality and its practical application in education, medicine etc. is also recognised as a pioneer of the “Organic” Architectural movement. His designs for the Goetheanum as headquarters for the anthroposophical movement in Switzerland are both original and breathtaking. The first building, which tragically burned down in 1922/3 was largely made of solid wood while its successor was possibly the first large scale reinforced concrete building in the world. Not only were these buildings themselves original but Steiner strove for new techniques in many materials to give expression to the aims of the building.

At
Castalia Hall
Camphill Community Ballytobin
Callan
On Friday 16 October 2009 at 8p.m.

All are welcome! - Admission free, contributions welcome!
Enquiries to Martin Henry
At 087 7713224 or mail to martin33@eircom.net

Parent and Child Group, Killaloe, Co Clare by Audrey Flynn Our best wishes to Dawn Dickey, former Kindergarten teacher at Raheen Wood Steiner National School and her baby Tala who with Brona Moriarity, Resource Centre Administrator and Raheen Wood School parent, are starting this Parent and Child group in Killaloe, Co Clare - Lucky parents and children to have this available to them. Parent and Child Group. Every Friday 10am-12. Inviting Dads, Mums, Mums-to-be, Grannies and Grandads, Childminders, Carers and anyone interested to attend a fun and relaxed morning featuring painting, baking, singing, storytelling, parenting study group, crafts to make and bring home & much more . . . following the holistic philosophy of Steiner/Waldorf Education Venue: Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Killaloe Contact: Brona 061-374741 or Dawn 085-1121524 (Donations or loan of natural toys, art materials and other Waldorf things needed. Kindly contact Brona and Dawn)

For news on Steiner Waldorf kindergartens check out the ISKA online newsletter:

ISKA_News_Auumn2009.pdf

or phone 061 927 944 for a paper copy