There’s a school in east Regina with only about 30 students, far fewer than what is normally required to keep open. But this one is special and on February 13 it celebrated a 40^th anniversary with an open house. “We celebrate a lot here. Part of that is because life is so previous in our building. We have also had to face the passing of many students so any reason to celebrate is a reason to party,” said School Principal Rolande Burant-Maher.

Established 40 years ago by Sister Marion McGuigan RNDM it’s specifically for children with intellectual disabilities. “We try to foster a loving and peaceful, comfortable environment for our students but we also try and foster an environment where all individuals are valued and they reach their full capacity,” said Rolande Burant-Maher.

The 30 students ranging in age from three to 22, most are in wheel chairs and most are non-verbal communicative. There are no traditional classrooms. Instead the rooms are specially equipped with tactile devices, visual communication aids and what are called “calming rooms.” They have special swings, bean bag chairs, fibre optic lights and music. One is also equipped with special lifting devices so staff can lift the student for placement on any of the room’s facilities. One student has even developed, with the help of staff, her own form of communication. A series of photos of her posted on a wall show different attitudes, motions and hand positions each indicating a specific meaning. Computers have special tactile attachments that make it simple to move the mouse around the screen.

Burant-Maher said the school curriculum is very different from a regular school. “Each child is on a personal program plan and it’s based on their needs. We do a lot of functional life skills.” The school has a staff of 20 including four classroom teachers, three medical assistants and a team of instructional assistants. The school also provides parents and care givers with information on the various community services available to them and their children.

Students don’t graduate with a diploma but leave the program at age 22. “We have a big graduating and farewell party for them,” said Burant-Maher. They then go into community programs she said but there is a long waiting list for those. “It’s a real need in our community.”

One of those attending the open house was Sister Agnes Fillion, RNDM who with Sister McGuigan was the first teacher when the school opened. “We never had the equipment they have now. There is so much love here, you can just feel it. It’s beautiful!

Jean Vanier School is part of the Regina Roman Catholic School system and all staff are employees of the school board.