Minister opens local school’s new facility

MINISTER for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton visited a Northside school recently to officially open its new Meditation Room.  

The facility at St Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle, is the result of a generous donation from the O’Brien Trust. 

“We are very grateful to the Very Reverend Msgr. Daniel O’Connor from the Archdiocese of Dublin, for supporting this initiative,” said John Moore, Deputy Principal of St Mary’s.  

“The Meditation Room forms part of St Mary’s strategic plan to improve the facilities for the wellbeing of our students. 

“The room was designed by the school with our specific needs in mind and incorporated research on sensory room design initiatives.  We are delighted that our sensory grass floor, calming forestry decal, mood lighting and bespoke seating has been a great success.”

According to Mr Moore, the Minister was “very impressed” with the initiative.

“But our ambition for this room does not end here,” he said. “Our next stage is the installation of an integrated sound system and overhead projector to facilitate imagery for reflection and relaxation.”

Following the the official opening, Minister Bruton addressed the Sixth Year Senior Prefects and met Transition Year students who had been fundraising for Temple Street Hospital. He then toured the school during which future development plans were discussed.

“Many thanks to the Minister for giving his time so generously and we look forward to seeing more initiatives and future development plans taking place,” added Mr Moore.