Christmas trees for Mírmeara

‘Piece of the puzzle’ - that’s what ‘Mírmeara’ stands for in English.

Mírmeara Autism Class, Kiladangan NS, was established in 2006 to provide access to primary education for children with a diagnosis of autism in the Nenagh area. The class aims to develop pupil-specific inclusive education for pupils aged 4-13 years of age. There is a junior and senior class with 12 pupils enrolled in the classes and many more accessing the resources, facilities and experience of the special class for autism, a smaller part of the larger school.

We are delighted to have them as our partner for the Christmas Tree Festival and a visit to the school and discussion of all they do was eye-opening. There are regular studies for the students but extra activities that would help many of us. Every Wednesday is an ‘activities day’ and the range is interesting and informative.

In six-to-ten-week blocks, the variation goes from taekwondo to using the sensory equipment in the Nenagh public library (which is open to all). Currently, the group is visiting businesses in Nenagh to learn how they work and serve the community. Money is being raised for a monkey bar play area for senior students at the school. Several years ago, money was raised for a play area for the younger children but there is nothing for the older ones except a soccer pitch and not everyone wants to play soccer. This will give every student the chance to exercise and play outside, something we are told often is missing for many of our young people, as well as helping in sensory regulation and social skills.

These are needs especially for autistic children, as autism is considered to be a developmental disability affecting how they relate to others, communicate with people and decide how they ‘fit in’ with the rest of the world. As a spectrum condition, there are a variety of ways and degrees for each person to be affected.

This is one of the reasons such small classes and personal attention are both necessary and successful. Collection of plastic bottles from donors, especially Fitness Factory, for recycling has been a big fundraiser, with all money going into the special bank account. They have over €1,000 now but need €15,000 for the site, including both play and safety equipment.

Please join us for the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Nenagh - December 11-15 - and help support both the Nenagh Union of Parishes and this worthy school for autistic children.