Taking the extra step!

Staff and Parents Go the Extra Mile in Belfast Marathon to Support School’s SPiMs.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jacqueline-mccrystal?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=WA

A spirit of generosity and determination is on full display as staff and parents from our school community prepare to take part in the Belfast Marathon, raising vital funds for The Butterfly Room and The Rainbow Room; two specialist provisions that continue to transform the lives of our children.

Running not just for personal achievement but for a shared purpose, our staff and parents committed months of training to ensure that children in our school can access additional therapies, including speech and occupational therapy, beyond what is currently provided through EA provision. This commitment enriches the already rich resources that EA provide to enable our ethos to be so steeped in nurture advocating inclusion and diversity among all pupils. We are already benefiting from the kindness of our parents and the whole school community from a recent Coffee Morning in Cavanakeeran Community Centre. Our Classroom Assistants have been trained by an Occupational Therapist, and this training is being implemented daily across the whole school. We are also supported in school by a Speech Therapist whose impact has also been so significant to the lives of our children. Their efforts reflect the deep-rooted sense of community that defines our school and the unwavering commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

The Butterfly Room and The Rainbow Room have become integral parts of school life, bringing joy, progress and meaningful support to pupils who thrive from a network of support services. The impact of these provisions extends far beyond the children who directly access them; they enrich the families and the entire school community, fostering empathy, inclusion and celebration of every individual’s achievement.

Staff have spoken of the “palpable delight” these provisions bring, noting how pupils grow in confidence, communication and independence with the tailored support they receive. The additional therapies funded through initiatives like the marathon make a tangible difference, helping to bridge gaps and enhance the holistic development of each child.

As a school, we are immensely grateful not only to the staff parents who laced up their running shoes but also to the Education Authority for recognising and supporting the effectiveness of our provision. Their acknowledgment affirms the dedication of our staff and the strength of our inclusive ethos.

This remarkable effort serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. Thanks to the determination of our staff and parents and the continued support of the EA, The Butterfly Room and The Rainbow Room will continue to flourish, ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.