A new campaign has been launched to raise funds for Kilkenny’s first autism centre at St Canice’s co-ed national school, which will cost a total of €500,000.
For the last four years, St Canice’s School has had to use rented accommodation for its autism class. The new suite of rooms will now have accommodation for two classes, as well as a large sensory/play room.
Eleven pupils will attend the new facility in September, and 12 students will attend the centre the following year. With two teachers and three special needs assistants working in the centre, this facility will provide pupils with access to mainstream classes and also the benefits of low numbers, with one-to-one tuition where needed.
However a shortfall of €250,000 needs to be raised for the building project, which is scheduled to be completed in time for the new school year on September 1 2011.
To kick-start the campaign, parents and staff of the school organised a school fete. The day was a huge success, raising a whopping €8,000, thanks to the generosity and support of both the families and businesses in the local community and beyond.
A cheque for €8,000 was presented to the school by members of the St Canice’s Parents Association. This funding will be used to fully equip a new sensory classroom for children attending the school’s new purpose-built autism centre.
The school is now appealing to parents, past-pupils and friends, to support its €10 Buy A Brick fundraising drive to raise the outstanding €250,000. For just €10, you can play your part in making the first autism centre attached to a mainstream school in Kilkenny city a reality.
To Buy a Brick, simply send a cheque for your desired amount (made payable to St Canice’s co-ed NS ), along with your contact details, to The Principal, St Canice’s co-ed NS, Granges Road, Kilkenny. Alternatively, an account has been set-up at AIB Bank in High Street and donations can be lodged using the following details: St Canice’s Co-Educational School, No 2 Account, Account Number 15961511.
