Building the wall - affirming the dream

 BUILDING THE WALL     

Another piece of our dream was becoming reality.  Lesli-Ann Belnavis, the artist (and Art Therapist) and Stefan, the sculptor were walking and discussing what new textures were going to be added to the wall.  Bianca, the jeweler was sitting watching them, hands busy twisting copper wire into tiny orbs.  Berger, the carpenter (handyman) was threading coloured, plastic balls onto cable.  I watched from the classroom as our art wall began to take shape, going from a dream to a reality.  It was a great day!

Beginning as part of a garden/playground in our school for very special children, the wall has become so much more than I had hoped.  Our space keeps evolving - it has gone from building site rubble to dirt with a concrete pathway. It has gone from zinc fences to concrete walls and our dirt is giving way to grass.  We endured days of noise as boulders were broken into beautifully cut limestone that shine in the sun and that with each fracture, held the promise of tiny fossils.  Trees, many given by friends, have been planted promising shade, fruit, flowers and bird nests. Really, it is all about the vision for the future, while celebrating the present work along the way.

The once sad perimeter wall is now the focus of young creative energy.  This wall which was  intended to provide visual and tactile stimulation to wake up the senses of our children with severe learning challenges, is waking up the creative energy in ALL of us.  This creation of the wall is now part of the long road, an affirmation of the goal, and the belief in our children is stirring all of us to walk together to achieve it.   We say thanks to the Digicel Foundation and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, for believing that our children deserve an environment reflecting their joy of life and for sharing the belief that no matter the child, they deserve nothing less. Thanks to all of you who have given of themselves in this process.  Most of all though, thanks to our children for challenging us to journey with them daily.  A wall usually built to keep people out, has become a symbol of inclusion and an affirmation that believing in our children is a belief shared by many. 

Finally, as I gaze at that wall, it purely and simply speaks "Happiness", happiness for the dream that is finally becoming reality, happiness for the wonderful people and organizations that are making it possible and happy that the children will have one more reason to smile when they come to our school every day. I end this post with a simple and powerful word..................Gratitude............... that says it all!!!

                         Hillary Sherlock- Principal