St. Eugene's PS open new ‘Specific Learning Unit’

The Mayor, Sandra Duffy, along with 7 years-old pupil Clodagh Doherty opened the St. Eugene’s Primary School’s new ‘Specific Learning Unit’ on Thursday last.

Clodagh will be the first pupil to benefit from last week's opening which will see pupils aged 4-7 years in Foundation and Key Stage 1 offered teaching in small groups and individually, all according to their needs. Each child will have a personal schedule tailored to their individual interests, abilities and needs.

To facilitate the new development, two former classrooms at the school’s junior site were re-developed into one large open space, furnished to a very high standard and specially adapted, with play and sensory equipment as well as an interactive smartboard. The room is set up into seven learning areas, to allow for routine-building and clear communication with pupils.

Principal, Mrs Carol Duffy said St. Eugene’s, who have been providing education for 150 years at Francis Street, can utilise this new unit to further enhance the needs of a full cross-section of the local school community and carry it forward well into the 21st century.

Fr. Paul Farren blessed the new classroom at the beginning of Thursday’s ceremony and wished everyone involved with the development best wishes and good luck in the years ahead.

Speaking at Thursday’s launch, Mr. Duffy continued: ‘Through the opening today, we are able to be fully inclusive, following through on our Catholic ethos, and indeed, welcoming everyone into our St Eugene's family.’

Those in attendance on Thursday include Laura Monaghan (School Improvement Officer, EA), Kerri McFarland (SEN Area Lead, EA), Michelle Ramsey (Principal, Model Primary School), Paul Bradley (Principal, Rosemount P.S.), Mary Delargy and Marguerite McNamee (Board of Governors) as well as teachers and pupils of St Eugene’s.

Mrs. Carol Duffy, Principal and the Mayor, Sandra Duffy pictured with Karinne and Neil Doherty and their children Claragh and Clodagh after last week’s opening at St. Eugene’s PS.

Mrs. Duffy said she hoped the new class will blend the splendour of St Eugene's historic past with modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

‘We have created a bright, welcoming environment which is a sanctuary for our pupils and I believe we can continue to serve this locality with specialist training and expertise, teaching pupils with a range of additional educational needs.

‘Our school motto ‘Do My Best’ underpins our work here, as we encourage all children to reach their full potential, celebrating their success inside and outside of school, and through the availability of this unit within a mainstream school, the children can also be integrated into mainstream classes when they are ready and when suitable activities are taking place.’

A further unit, serving Key Stage two pupils (aged 8-11 years) has already been approved for the Senior Site in St Eugene’s and will be developed in the near future.

Pupil Clodagh Doherty putting the finishing touches to the placing of the plaque at the St. Eugene’s PS Specific Learning Unit opening last week.

The Principal thanked all for attending Thursday’s opening and paid tribute to the city and district’s Mayor, Sandra Duffy for taking time out to visit the school.

She concluded: ‘We look forward to welcoming new pupils to become part of our St Eugene’s community, to thrive, achieve and grow into responsible citizens of the future.’

Welcoming the new development at St. Eugene’s, the Mayor responded saying it would provide much needed educational support and resources to pupils, parents and teachers at the school.

Pictured during last week’s Specific Learning Unit opening at St. Eugene’s Primary School, are from left, Karinne Doherty, parent, Aisling Canavan, teacher, Conall McElhinney, SEN Classroom Assistant, Neil Doherty, parent, Clodagh Doherty and Claragh Doherty.

‘It was a great honour for me to be invited to the school and to see at first hand the fantastic work being done on the ground to support and engage with pupils to ensure their educational needs are catered for.

‘I want to acknowledge the excellent work carried out by all the staff at the school and the parents in securing this learning unit and I wish the school every success for the future as it continues to prioritise the needs of its pupils.’