This article is from page 29 of the 2008-04-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 29 JPG
THERE was a spring in the step of staff, pupils, parents and neighbours of the Raheen Wood Steiner School in Tuamgraney at the weekend.
Saturday was the day that the school held it’s annual Spring Fair and Open Day on and the event was a double celebration, the school having gained recognition form the Depart- ment of Education recently.
“We’re just going through the proc-
ess now with the department in prep- aration for being fully recognised in September,’ said School Principal, Pierce O’Sheil.
“What is important is that now there is real choice for parents, on a parity where they don’t have to pay. That is a good thing and quite unu- sual in a rural area. In cities, people tend to have more choices, with be- tween multi-denominational schools and other options. Living in a rural area, the choice is not often there.”
The annual fair initially started as a fundraiser as until now, the school was not recognised and got no help from the department.
But although funding will be in place for next year, no school will ever turn down money which could benefit it’s students.
“The parents would be delighted if they thought they never had to do an- other fundraiser but the fair is more than that,” said Pierce. “It’s a great community day and people come to
have a cup of tea, to buy things and to enjoy the day,’ he added.
And enjoy it they did, with maypole dancing, puppet shows and numer- ous other children’s activities.
There were hand made crafts and gifts on sale and delicious food from the cafe, pizza oven, and barbecue.
The school is giving school tours to interested families any morning, Monday to Friday during the months of April, May and June. For further information telephone 061 921494.