Mayo school celebrates official opening of major extension
A MAJOR extension to St. Anthony’s School, Castlebar, has been officially opened.
The ceremony was performed by Johnny Mee, a former chairman of the board of management at the education facility.
Mr. Mee said the development marks another huge step forward in the many facilities provided right across Mayo by the Western Care Association.
He stated: “Teaching students with special needs calls for a lot of patience, understanding and dedication. Most of all, it calls for love.
“St. Anthony’s is all about teamwork, members of the staff working together in a cohesive, unified manner so that those under their care get the best possible results.
“On a broader scale, here in Ireland we probably have one of the best educational systems in the world. Our young people can now more than hold their own with the best in any country.
“We in Ireland should be very proud of the great advances made over the years in our educational system and the sacrifices made by Irish parents to ensure their sons and daughters are given every opportunity to reach the top in their educational pursuits.
“At the same we should never neglect the ambitions and desires of those young people with special needs.”
Anna Sweeney, acting principal, thanked everybody associated with the school, past and present, for their exceptional leadership, guidance and dedication, the school’s success being reflected by its continued expansion.
She stated: We moved into our new build some time ago. Classes Senior A and B are enjoying lovely bright and spacious classrooms together with the rest of the school who enjoy our new Active room and Vista room.
“Senior C moved into the modular unit with its energy efficient option air to water heating system. Thank you to all who were involved in the planning and building of the two spaces.
“It has enhanced our school and made it possible for us to take on more students looking for placements.
“I feel privileged that we have such a wonderful school facility. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, SNAs and other staff, we have a wonderful school ready for you.
“All sensory rooms and extra equipment have been diligently fundraised for by us and the next project we will focus our efforts on is fundraising for our inside yard where the primary classes play.
“We are hoping to get new play equipment and soft surfacing for our youngest students next year.
“If anyone in their generosity wants to support our cause, please contact St. Anthony’s School or our fundraising efforts next year by following us on Facebook and our website.
“All the activities, teaching and care students receive here in St. Anthony’s School hinges on us having sufficient SNA support and we have students who need extra support who, unfortunately, we will be unable to accommodate next year.
“We just received the news that, even though we have only two school leavers and accepted five new students for the next school year, we will not be allocated any extra support, which is very disappointing.”