Minister Naughton cuts ribbon on Curraghboy NS's new special class
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Minister for Education and Youth officially opened a new special classroom at Curraghboy NS on Friday last.
She visited the SMART polytunnel which has been created to support pupils in their understanding and knowledge of STEM and sustainability related projects.
A plaque to mark the opening of the special classroom at the school was unveiled during the visit, during which the Minister visited the classroom to meet with pupils and staff.
Speaking at the opening, sixth class students from Curraghboy NS welcomed the Minister.
"We are proud to share our school with you, a place where we learn, grow, and support one another every day. In our school we believe in doing our best, showing kindness and working together. Being kind and looking after each other is part of everything we do.
"We are proud of the inclusive environment we have, where every pupil is valued and supported to reach their full potential. Today, we are especially delighted to show you our ASD classroom, which is a very important part of our school. It ensures that every pupil has the support they need to learn and succeed.
"Our school strongly reflects the Department of Education's commitment to inclusion, ensuring that every child has equal access to a high quality and supportive learning environment."
School Principal Rory Leonard added: "Minister, we are deeply honoured by your presence today. Your visit is an important recognition of the work being carried out in small rural schools like ours. Worked built around inclusion, community, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
"Today marks an important milestone in the life of our school, as we officially open our ASD classroom. This is not simply a space in our building, it is a reflection of the core values our school represents. It represents our commitment to ensuring that every child is supported, included, and enabled to reach their full potential in a learning environment that meets their needs.
"In recent years there has been a clear and welcome national focus on inclusive education. Here in Curraghboy, we see that not as a policy requirement, but as a moral educational imperative. Inclusion is not something we do, it is who we are. Our pupils embody this ethos everyday. This shows what it means to live out Cinealtas. It is in these daily interactions that a truly inclusive school is built."
Fr Michael McManus was present on the day to bless the new classroom ahead of its official opening.
The Minister said that both projects in Curraghboy represent not just the building of bricks, or the creation of an innovative space but also illustrate the values of inclusion, opportunity, dignity, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
Minister Naughton said: “We are not simply opening new places of learning, we are opening doors to opportunity, to belonging and to the full participation of every child in our education system. I want to recognise the pupils of this school, those who will learn in these spaces and all pupils who will help shape a culture of acceptance and respect.
“In reference specifically to the new classroom for autistic pupils, inclusion is key. It is not just a policy, it is something we practice in the small everyday acts of kindness, understanding, and camaraderie between pupils. This school demonstrates that spirit brilliantly.
“I also want to recognise the leadership within the education sector including our planners, designers and those in the Department of Education and Youth who have helped shape this new classroom to meet the needs of the children into the future.
“As Minister for Education and Youth, I am proud of what we are beginning here, and I am also excited for what will be achieved in this new classroom in years to come. This classroom will not only support friendships and help pupils to overcome challenges, but it will also offer modern facilities and specialist resources designed to ensure that every pupil can succeed.”
The Minister extended her thanks to school Principal Rory Leonard, and Deacon Willie Gacquin, the chairperson of the Board of Management, for the invitation to attend the school.