Big day for St Brigid’s team as two Dáil ministers call

There was no pomp or ceremony when Josepha Madigan, Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, visited St Brigid’s Special School in Mullingar last Friday - Lucy Harris, head of catering, popped the kettle on while the principal, Joanne Jordan, cracked open the custard creams and chocolate digestives. The emphasis was all on displaying the spectacular range of services on offer which the Minister declared were overwhelming.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Minister Madigan said this was her first official visit to Mullingar and she was impressed by the standard of facilities and services on offer at St Brigid’s. She marvelled at the expanse of the school and the amazing things they had done with the space available.

Minister Madigan who was on her way home from meetings at the Department of Education in Athlone, was accompanied by local Deputy Peter Burke, Minister for State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The two had worked together last year to secure an extra year at the school for students who were due to graduate.

The part played by the two deputies in securing this extra year was acknowledged by the deputy principal, Lorna Butler, who said it was great for the students and the school.

"I’m all yours!" declared the minister when Mrs Jordan invited her to take a tour of the school. However, they were stopped in their tracks by a determined Toni Gaye, secretary/receptionist at the school who insisted that the minister and her entourage have their temperatures taken before entering the school building.

On tour, accompanied by several members of staff, the minister viewed the outdoor classroom areas. Bernie Corroon, chairperson of the board of management remarked that the outdoor classrooms have added a whole new dimension to the school and are used extensively for all sorts of activities.

The principal, Mrs Jordan went so far as to say that these outdoor classroom are a small silver lining in the whole Covid experience. With the support of Mullingar Lions Club, St Brigid’s built three outdoor classrooms to accommodate face to face interaction.

Now art, maths, science, music, reading, sensory play, dance, drama, dance aerobics and much more are taught outside. Birthdays are celebrated outside, within Covid guidelines. The Minister admired the clever use of these outdoor areas and in particular the spectacular dream catchers that the pupils had made from hoola hoops.

Minister Madigan applauded Mrs Jordan and her staff on their innovation and the amazing things they have done at the school. She assured them that her "door is always open" if they need resources.

In rapid response, Mrs Jordan urged that the minister use her influence to have the speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services restored at St Brigid’s. These services were withdrawn because of Covid restrictions and are sorely missed, she said. The minister assured her that she would do whatever she could to help.

Paul Timoney, the arts teacher, introduced Minister Madigan to some of the arts students and explained to her an array of murals they had jointly designed and painted. The Minister chatted to the students about the murals, some of which will adorn walls in the sensory garden which the Minister also visited.

Out in the garden with its mature trees, set against the backdrop of the Royal Canal, it was easy to forget you were in the heart of a major midlands town and at the hub of a busy school, Minister Burke observed.

The jewel in the crown however, was the sensory rooms which were added last summer. They are warm, inviting and offer a wide selection of sensory experiences.

The principal, Mrs Jordan explained that some of the pupils need time out when they come to school and these rooms afford them tranquillity and a sense of security when they need to deal with their emotions.

John Maloney, the woodwork teacher and caretaker, took the group to the home economics room where the students learn life skills. "We made Christmas dinner in here for all the staff and students last year," remarked Mrs Jordan while Ms Butler added that the school is "very family orientated". Normally, they all celebrate in the school hall, but last Christmas, because of Covid, the celebrations were held in individual rooms, but Santa still arrived.

The resource teacher and covid officer, Helene Maguire introduced the guests to some of the students who were enthusiastic in their welcome.

As all enjoyed a cup of tea and a biscuit in the school kitchen, the Minister chatted to Gerard Heery, the computer science teacher, about her itinerary and the schools activities, and to other staff members before heading back to Dublin.

St Brigid’s School opened in 1984 and will have 85 students on its roll in September. It caters for young people from four to 18 years who have mild to moderate learning disabilities. The school has ten full-time and three part-time teachers, 15 special needs assistants and four ancillary staff.