Students at Dublin special school celebrate results day

Students at St John of God Special School in Islandbridge, Dublin, experienced a momentous occasion as they received their results for the new Senior Level 1 and Senior Level 2 programs, marking a historic achievement for students with special needs in Ireland.

This year's results day was particularly significant as it was the first time students participating in these specialized programs received their Leaving Cert results and certificates. Fran Hyland, the Principal of St John of God Special School, described the event as "history in the making." She emphasized the immense effort the students invested in their studies and stated that their hard work deserved to be formally recognized.

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This is a bit of history in the making today. The students in our school are one of the first cohorts in the country who have received their Level 1 leaving cert results. It's massive for them, they've put so much work into it and their efforts deserve to be marked today.

Excitement filled the air as eight final-year students, accompanied by their parents and siblings, gathered for tea and cake. Teacher Katie Mullen delivered the good news, confirming that all students had passed and presenting them with their certificates. Leah Cormack was among those celebrating, with her mother Rachel expressing immense pride and gratitude for the school's phenomenal support.

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She was jumping for joy, which was amazing to see, she's worked really hard, an importantly her teachers and the SNAs (Special needs assistants) have worked phenomenally hard with her. It's a momentous day and we're so unbelievably proud of her.

"She deserves acknowledgement for her achievements and I think for young adults like Leah, that is so vitally important," Rachel said, emphasizing that students with special needs contribute significantly to society and deserve recognition. Leah will now transition to Adult A Services to continue developing her independence. Another student, Zach Daly, who has attended the school for five years, also celebrated his success, with his mother Natasha expressing mixed feelings about his departure but optimism for his future.

Teacher Katie Mullen organized the ceremony to ensure her class had a similar experience to other Leaving Cert students receiving their results at school. She noted that the students had worked diligently for two years on the program, underscoring the importance of this milestone for them.

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She deserves acknowledgement for her achievements and I think for young adults like Leah, that is so vitally important. They add and give so much to our society, and they should be recognised, which they are being today, for all that wonderful effort and work with all their other peers regardless of what schools they attend or their abilities in life. So it's truly wonderful.