Rays of Sunshine as new autism classroom opens

A NEW classroom in a pre-school for children with a diagnosis of autism was officially opened last weekend, with support from the community.

Rays of Sunshine officially opened its new classroom when blue and red ribbons were cut, a blue ribbon to represent the ‘fantastic autism community’ and a red ribbon symbolising the amount of ‘red tape’ pre-schools go through.

The ribbons were cut by Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Laura Donaghy, Independent councillor Alan Edge, past student Tarik Nugent and Katherine McKenna, founder of Rays of Sunshine.

Past student Poppy Kavanagh was also among the guests, alongside her mam Rosie who fundraised with other parents for the Firhouse-based pre-school earlier this year.

“The support and kindness we receive from our past parents, our centre and everyone in the community is amazing,” pre-school founder Katherine said.

“Altogether there was €2,436.59 raised to help fund new resources and furniture.”

She added: “When we were cutting the ribbon, we used a blue ribbon to represent the fantastic autism community.

“We also used the red ribbon as a symbol of the amount of red tape the new students, new parents and new teachers have to go through when opening a new classroom.”

According to Katherine, while it is “really important” that Rays of Sunshine is run to the highest standard, waiting for each Department to process information has delayed the new classroom’s start date of Monday, November 1.

“But I’m a half glass full person,” Katherine said.

“So, hopefully we will be welcoming everyone in very, very soon.”

Rays of Sunshine is based in the Firhouse Community and Leisure Centre.

For further information or to learn more call Katherine on 087 6410110, email raysofsunshinepreschool@gmail.com of follow Rays of Sunshine on Facebook.