newsletter
It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2023. As you will see from this Newsletter, we’ve had a very busy year indeed! Our final term was full of social and educational experiences which were enjoyed by all.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish the staff and pupils of Offaly School of Special Education and their families a very happy Christmas. I hope 2024 brings good health and happiness to you all. Enjoy the holidays and see you on the 8th of January ☺
A brief look back at 2023
CHRISTMAS 2023
Green Class
Our Green Class as always got off to an early start celebrating the festive season. Thanks to Josh the Polar Express has been on repeat since September! The mischievous Elf on The Shelf has been up to his usual antics and everyone has been getting stuck in creating wonderful Christmas art.
Yellow Class
Our super photogenic Yellow Class have been up town posing on Santa’s Big Red Chair! Aren’t they a beautiful bunch! We are reliably informed that they have all made it onto the nice list!
Blue Class
Our blue class welcomed a new arrival in September when Vilte joined them. They have been having great fun getting to know their new friend. Holly and Eoghan have been under the weather this term but thankfully they have both made a great recovery and have even been joining in the Morning Programme with their classmates via Zoom! We look forward to welcoming them back to school in the New Year.
Aoibhín
Vilte
Eoghan
Red Class
Our Red Class have been very active this term with regular trips to Therapeutic Horse Riding Lessons and outings to the swimming pool. This active and inquisitive bunch love to be out and about discovering the world around them
Luke
Aoibhean n
Purple Class
Oh what fun it is to ride on …… a train, a car and a bus! Well, that’s exactly what our Purple Class did to embrace our Transport theme during the month of November. They travelled by train to Athlone, went by bus to the Slieve Bloom Mountains and went car spotting around the town, not to mention using toy vehicles to create some really interesting art! Look at their faces… full pure joy and wonder!
Donis Iarlaith
From nature walks to foot spas and striking self-portraits, our Silver Class have been enjoying a variety of activities this term. This lively lot love to be kept busy! Eoin
Kyle Oscar Owen
Orange Class
The Orange Class were busy bees this term enjoying their nature walks, exploring the theme ‘This is Me’, getting into the festive mood with their beautifully decorated classroom and enjoying some very messy play!
Jessica
Jessica Conor Lorcan
Halloween
Carol Service
Santy, Elf & Olaf
Fundraising
In 2023 our fundraising efforts awarded us with over forty thousand euro. To date this money has helped us afford several recreational resources and activities as well as some training for our staff. Here is a breakdown of what has been made possible …
Swimming
23 swimming sessions at Clara Pool. Plus, bus transport to same.
Therapeutic Horse-Riding Lessons
12 sessions of Therapeutic horse-riding lessons for the Red and Yellow classes. Plus, bus transport to same.
Behaviour Consultant
Staff training with a behaviour consultant (Katrina Duffy). Plus, one to one assistance to individual teachers
Social Events
Several social events including the purchase of celebratory cakes and refreshments
Excursions
Train journey to Athlone for the Purple class
Sensory Equipment
Replacement sensory equipment and playground equipment.
Christmas
Christmas decorations and tree.
In the New Year, we aim to increase the frequency and variety of therapies on offer and with the weather getting warmer, we hope to plan a lot more outdoor activities and excursions.
We would not be able to afford a fraction of the above were it not for the money raised in 2023 and we are eternally grateful to all who contributed to our fundraising efforts. It means the world.
