St Michael’s House Special National School Baldoyle celebrates a victory! 

Padraig Conlon 13 May 2021
Pictured left to right; Megan McGrane (SNA), Leona Downey (SNA), Cllr Joan Hopkins, Warren McMahon, Nicky Byrne, Lynn Bray (SNA), Nevin Sanu, Steph Wall (Class Teacher), Elaine Duffy (SNA), Martin McDonagh

St Michael’s House Special School Baldoyle was celebrating recently after a group of their students completed a truly outstanding achievement.

This is a school that prides itself on supporting both teaching and learning with an emphasis on celebrating all their pupil’s accomplishments.

Over the last two months four of their students, Stephen Cooke, Martin McDonagh, Warren McMahon and Nevin Sanu, have been working towards a very specific and exciting goal by walking, running and cycling to complete a Marathon total of 42km.

Martin McDonagh

Nevin Sanu

Warren McMahon and Nicky Byrne

Stephen Cooke

Their challenge was with Kids Marathon Ireland who have supported them greatly and gave them top tips to keep active while keeping them on target every week.

Once the students had successfully completed their challenge at the end of last month the school called on two special guests, Westlife star Nicky Byrne and local Councillor Joan Hopkis, to present the boys with their medals.

Class Teacher Steph Wall told Northside People of the wonderful feat of their four young pupils.

“We pride ourselves in every achievement and celebrate every win in our class, so it was only right to go all out for this big day!” she said.

“As a class, we are extremely active and love to get out for walks and cycles. “By doing this we put a real sense of purpose to our movement breaks which made them more meaningful to the boys.”

On Friday April 30 they had a celebration in the beautiful Sensory Garden in the school.

“There was great excitement in our class on the day,” Steph continued.

“We were so lucky to have two special guests, Nicky Byrne and Councillor Joan Hopkins.

“Ann Higgins (school principal) introduced the two special guests and the athletes followed in to finish their last KM!

“They were met and greeted by the whole school community cheering them on.

“This was not just about receiving a medal.

“It is about the feeling of pride within themselves, a sense of purpose, increased fitness levels and bringing a sense of purpose in our movement breaks in school,” she said.

“Through taking part in this, we have provided the pupils with equal opportunities to benefit from different aspects of school life.

“Many schools take part in Kids Marathon Ireland, and we were honoured to take part.

“We go to McDonalds every Friday and when they heard about the wonderful achievement, they kindly offered us free meals for the day.

“To make the day more special and memorable, Mr Price generously donated us balloons, and Dave Lyndsay donated four Goody Bags from Cadburys Ireland!”

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