It was a proud day for St Peter’s NS Dromiskin when Norma Foley, Minister for Education officially opened the Autism Classes on Wednesday October. This marked a historic milestone for the school which dates back to the 1830s and it is a major step forward in the provision of inclusive education in our community. A Guard of Honour welcomed the Minister to St Peter’s NS. These children represented the Students’ Council, Green Schools Committee and the Wellbeing Committee. Thank you to Alice and Noah, Student Council members who were chosen to address the Minister and invited guests in the school hall.
Chairperson, Catríona McKeown recalled that in September 2022 the Board of Management began the consultation process with the Department of Education to reconfigure two existing classrooms and add on two modular classrooms to the school grounds. Work on the autism classrooms and the modular building began in the summer of 2023 and we are delighted that building and grounds are finally completed this school year.
There are twelve pupils attending the Autism Classes, with two Autism teachers and four Additional Needs Assistants. We are incredibly proud to officially open the Autism Classes and we are grateful to Minister Foley for her support. This initiative will transform the lives of many children and their families. Our goal is to ensure that every child feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential. We highlighted the importance that the vision for an all-inclusive school would include meaningful and consistent access to wrap-around services such as Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Therapy and Respite Services for the children and their families. Ms Lynch acknowledged the generosity of the Parents’ Council and Ardee Credit Union for financing two sensory corridors which are accessible to all pupils.
Fr Gerry Campbell was delighted to take the opportunity to bless the extension and give a prayer in thanksgiving for a successful project completed.
The children of 5th class who are participating in the Peace Proms as Dynamic Strings played a few of their favourite tunes on their violins. We thank Róisín Morrow and Sharon Treacy Dunne for their continued support and dedication. The Minister took great pleasure in visiting both Autism Classes, meeting Ms O’Rourke and Mr Duffy, ANAs and pupils and all were delighted to join in the countdown to cut the red ribbon.
We thank Minister Foley for taking the time to meet and talk with the pupils, staff and families of St Peter’s. The weather was perfect to finish the celebration with an aerial shot of the staff and pupils creating the words ‘LE CHÉILE’ under the watchful eye of Dave Kinahan. A truly memorable day!
We are building a brighter future for all of us. Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile.
Photographs can be viewed here.