ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPEINING OF A PLAYGROUND AND SENSORY ROOM
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPEINING OF A PLAYGROUND AND SENSORY ROOM FOR ST. MARY’S SPECIAL SCHOOL
I’m told that Liam Murphy made a special plea to the Áras yesterday to put a word in with the “person upstairs” – to keep the rain away for this afternoon – after what I believe was a sensational downpur at about this time yesterday. Well I can assure Liam that all the calls were made - but just to be sure – we brought loads of ‘wellies’ and umbrellas.
Whatever about the prospects for the weather – I was absolutely delighted to get an opportunity to visit St. Mary’s - and to meet with the pupils, the parents - and the hard-work staff – at a truly great place. St. Mary’s is unique I think because of the great spirit of learning – the great care and love that the carers and teachers have for the children who come here for their education. It is a great tribute to those who give of their time and energy so generously – spending their time helping the children to learn about themselves – to look after themselves – to take their place in Irish society. The parents and children are very lucky to have so many people who are prepared to lend their help and support – to work at making St. Mary’s a warm and friendly place – a place that cares for the children.
Great praise must be given to the enormous role played by Rotary in the provision of facilities here at St. Mary’s. Their generosity over the years has been superb – with their help in equipping the gymnasium –and with the new playground that we’re opening today. I would like to give a special mention to the Mercy Sisters for donating the garden of Athlumney astle as playing fields in 1993 – and I would also like to pay tribute to the North Eastern Health Board for their help and support for St. Mary’s – particularly for their help with the sensory room. I know too that the Health Board have been working closely with the Department of Education for the children of the school.
The success of St. Mary’s is really a combination of a great deal of effort by a number of organisations and people. It is a ‘partnership’ between the Health Board, the Department of Education, the teachers, the carers, the parents - and the many volunteers who help with the school and the facilities. But it is a wider partnership as well – a partnership with some of the secondary schools in the area – a partnership that yields dividends both for the students of those other schools and the children at St. Mary’s. By giving those students experience in working with the children at St. Mary’s – they themselves are gaining invaluable experience and education in life and life skills - the benefits of which will stand to them in their later education and careers –when they move on to adulthood – playing their full role in society. I commend them on their valuable work – and I commend their schools in participation in this imaginative partnership.
In any school, the main focus is on education – learning to take your place in society – and to use your talents and skills to do that. The education and skills that we learn at school are not always measurable – it’s not always possible to pick up certificate or awards – it isn’t always about tests and certificates. As you go through school you learn to cope with your own situation – you learn how to deal with the challenges and obstacles that life puts in your way – and you learn how to take the opportunities that life presents. School is about developing the mind – and about releasing your talents. Your teachers and carers – and your parents and families – work hard to help you through school. They’re there to advise and support you - they are special to you. I want to pay a particular tribute to them for what they do for you – and for the loving and caring that helps you to get the best from your education.
You have a wonderful school here – a great place to learn and to be happy. It takes a lot of work and commitment to keep the place going – and a lot of dedication and care. I hope that the new playground and sensory room will open new horizons for all of you – and continue to make St. Mary’s a great place to come to school.