Staff and students of Gorey Hill School were delighted to welcome An Taoiseach, Simon Harris and Minister Hildegarde Naughton to officially open the school on Tuesday 7th January.
With a mission to provide a nurturing and supportive environment, Gorey Hill School is committed to fostering inclusive learning experiences tailored to the needs of each student. The school features state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced and committed staff.
“We are thrilled to welcome An Taoiseach and the Minister to officially open our school” said Kerrie Wickham, Principal of Gorey Hill School. “Our dedicated staff members have worked tirelessly to create an environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential.”
The new school boasts sensory rooms, adaptive technologies, outdoor learning and play spaces, ensuring that students receive a holistic education.
“We recognise that every child is unique and at Gorey Hill School we celebrate those differences,” said Dr Karina Daly, Chief Executive, WWETB. Karina thanked the Department of Education for inviting WWETB to become the patron of this new school. “I hope that this school will be used to its full capacity and that it becomes a haven where education is provided, along with a place to nurture good friendships, in a space that feels welcoming to all”, she said.
An Taoiseach Simon Harris said that he wanted “to acknowledge the incredible work that’s happening here in Gorey Hill today”. He commended the staff and said that he wished to thank them for their work, for example, with regard to individual education plans, designed specifically for each and every child. “I know from talking to the teachers and the SNAs, that they are already seeing progress in the children in this school, even in a very short space of time, and it’s great to see children being happy to return to school” he said.
The Taoiseach went on to say that he would like “to thank everybody who made this beautiful building a reality and I want to acknowledge the work required to get from concept to school, to happy children in such a short period of nine months, which is something I don’t take for granted.“
Government Chief Whip and Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, Hildegarde Naughton TD said “I am so happy to see Gorey Hill Special School officially opened. This is such an exciting and important day, especially for the children and young people who are at the very heart of everything we celebrate today.”
Concluding, Minister Naughton said “This school is a place where children will feel welcomed, supported, and valued for who they are. It will be a place where they can grow, learn, and achieve in a way that suits their unique strengths and abilities. Every child deserves to feel connected to their school and community which will be made a reality in the new special school here in Gorey.”