Minister cuts ribbon on new special class at Curraghboy NS

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton was in South Roscommon to officially open a new special classroom at Curraghboy NS on Friday last.

A plaque to mark the opening of the special classroom at the school was unveiled during the visit, during which the Minister met 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," the local pupils said.

"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."

School Principal Rory Leonard said the school was "deeply honoured" by the presence of the Minister on Friday.

"Your visit is an important recognition of the work being carried out in small rural schools like ours."

He said the school was "built around inclusion, community, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive".

Mr Leonard noted that, 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."

Local parish priest 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.

"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," Minister Naughton said.

"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."

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.