Cheeverstown school are seeking community support
By Aideen O'Flaherty
THE Cheeverstown School in Templeogue, which provides education to children with severe and profound learning disabilities, is currently running a Christmas raffle – with all of the proceeds going to the school.
A number of businesses have donated prizes for the raffle, which include two 32-inch LED Televisions, several Christmas hampers, wine and spirits, beauty products and One4All shopping vouchers.
Some of the prizes on offer at the raffle
Una Horkan, principal of the Cheeverstown School, said: “Our students require adapted, structured environments and specialised teaching to enable them to access the curriculum.
“Staff members are seeking funding on behalf of the school community, for the enhancement of our learning environment to help our very vulnerable students to reach their educational goals.
“This is key to their wellbeing and quality of life, which is highly dependent on what others can provide.”
Many of the school’s 24 pupils, who range in age from five to 18, are on the autism spectrum and non-verbal, and the staff teach them communication skills as a key aspect of their education.
“We teach them gestures and signs to use, and we facilitate their communication wherever we can,” added Ms Horkan.
“We have them using iPads, where they select pictures of the things that they need, and we give them visual timetables.
“We want them to be able to live a normal life and access what life has to offer, and to facilitate that.”
The funds from the raffle will be used to enhance the school’s learning environment, and to develop the school’s resource room.
Tickets for the raffle cost €5 for one, €10 for three, €20 for eight, or €50 for 25 tickets, and can be purchased at www.idonate.ie/raffle/cheeverstownraffle.
The raffle will be held on December 21.
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