Unique exchange between special schools

A delegation from a special school in Kluczbork, Poland, visited Navan last week as part of a unique exchange programme with St Mary's Special School, Johnstown - the first of its kind in Ireland. St Mary's Special School principal Ambrose Lavery said that, to his knowledge, it was the first time such a project was undertaken in a special school in this country and that the aim was to broaden the horizons of the students, some of whom would never have left County Meath. A group of 18 from St Mary's Special School visited Kluczbork in June where they received a warm welcome and the reciprocal visit to Navan took place last week. The Polish group of 17 included the head of local government, Janusz Kedzia, the Deputy Mayor of Kluczbork, Andrzej Nowak; the mayor's spokesperson, Miroslaw Birecki; the school principal, Malgorzata Kwiring-Ponde,l and other school principals. A full programme saw the delegation enjoy a civic reception at the town hall, a reception with the Polish Ambassador, a visit to Aras an Uachtaran to meet President Mary McAleese, a tour of Dublin, a Polish/Irish Mass, a tour of MIDWAY Services, a gala dinner in the Newgrange Hotel and various workshops and seminars. "The exchange was a new departure and a unique, historic event. It was a great experience for all the children at St Mary's and their familiess and the staff. There was enormous work done by all the staff," said Mr Lavery. Some 70 pupils aged from four to 18 years attend St Mary's, which opened in 1977 at Athlumney and has since been located at the former Johnstown National School for eight years. Mr Lavery explained that the school offers a very full curriculum and part of that is to broaden the horizens of the students and build bridges and exchanges with other schools. Because a number of Polish children attend St Mary's, they developed a partnership with the school in Kluczbork and eventually twinned with it. He said: "It is a new chapter in the school's history to leave the shores of Ireland for the first time in 33 years." The Polish delegation enjoyed a packed programme during their stay last week and Mr Lavery said it was to give them the opportunity to experience Navan and Meath and see how Ireland responds to children aged four to 18 with learning disabilities. Mr Lavery said the group had overcome the boundaries of language and discovered that they had so much in common. The workshop with the town council also gave the delegation the opportunity to share ideas and discuss the services available. Mr Lavery said it is hoped that the links can be extended. A special Mass was held in Johnstown Church on Thursday night for the Polish and Irish communities, led by Fr William Coleman, and concelebrated by Polish Chaplain to the Meath Diocese, Fr Janusz. Mr Lavery said the Mass was a "very uplifting experience". Navan Mayor Phil Brennan said: "I would like to congratulate Ambrose Lavery, the principal of St Mary's Special School, on a very successful twin exchange with the special needs school at Kluczbork, Poland. I was delighted to meet the Polish delegation at the civic reception. We had very positive talks and hope to build on it in the coming months as a result of the exchange between the two special needs schools. There may be an economic benefit for the two towns also." Cllr Peader Tóibín also welcomed the delegation and paid tribute to the work carried out by Ambrose Lavery, Robert Callaghan and the other members of the board of St Mary's Special School. "Meath is served by this excellent school that allows children with disabilities reach their full potential. The teachers and the board of management have created a warm and welcoming environment for children to excel. It is of the utmost importance that funding for this service continues to its full extent and that parents and children can confidently access special needs secondary schooling in the county."