Saplings top performers in Laya Super Troopers Programme
Saplings Special School in Mullingar has been recognised as one of the top performing Term 1 schools in the Laya Super Troopers programme, celebrating pupils’ enthusiasm, creativity, and engagement in promoting health, wellbeing, and family activity.
Now in its 11th year, Laya Super Troopers remains Ireland’s only health homework programme, and has helped 1 million children and their families to live healthier, more balanced lives through fun weekly challenges.
The pupils at Saplings Special School embraced activities in the three pillars of the programme – Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellbeing – including creating healthy snacks, participating in outdoor movement sessions, and practising mindfulness.
Lisa Shaw, assistant principal II at Saplings Special School, said: “Our pupils loved taking part in the weekly health and wellbeing challenges, and this recognition is a wonderful way to celebrate their creativity and dedication.”
Rebecca Trevor, head of Marketing and Consumer Sales at Laya healthcare, added: “We’re thrilled to celebrate Saplings Special School for their enthusiasm and creativity in bringing the Laya Super Troopers programme to life. By supporting this initiative, Laya healthcare aim to instil healthy habits in children from a young age, helping them develop positive routines for life.
“The programme is developed to include children, families and schools ensuring healthy habits are instilled in all areas of a child’s ‘triangle of influence’ – peers, teachers and families.”
Each recognised school receives a €500 bursary to support new wellbeing or physical activity initiatives.
The Laya Super Troopers initiative, developed and managed by Real Nation in partnership with Laya healthcare, is free for all primary schools in Ireland. Each participating school receives classroom resources, pupil wall charts, and teacher materials to make health and wellbeing an active part of school life.
For more information, see Layahealthcare.ie/supertroopers.
20th anniversary
The Saplings Parents Association are hosting a fundraising dinner dance to mark the 20th anniversary of the school on April 24 next in the Greville Arms Hotel. All funds will go directly towards therapy hours, sensory equipment, communication tools, and improving the learning environment our children depend on every day.
In an appeal for support, the group of parents wrote “on behalf of our incredible children”.
“For 20 years, Saplings has been a lifeline for children with autism and complex needs – a place where they are understood, supported, and given the chance to grow in ways many never believed possible.
“Our children face challenges that most people never have to think about. Every child in Saplings requires a fully tailored, individualised programme to support their unique needs, ensuring they receive the specific therapies, structure, and supports that help them thrive.
“A sudden noise that others ignore can feel painful. A tiny change in routine can turn their whole world upside down. Words may sit inside them, trapped, with no safe way out. Learning requires structure, patience, and specialised support every step of the way.
“And yet, every day, our children try again. They push forward. They show bravery that humbles us. But they cannot do it without the therapies that help them connect with the world.
“Therapy is life-changing. It is the moment a non-verbal child uses a communication device to say ‘mam’ for the first time. It is the calm that comes when a child who once felt overwhelmed learns to regulate their senses. It is the relief of watching a child express emotion through music when words are too hard. It is the breakthrough that gives a family hope.
“These essential therapies – occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, behavioural and emotional support, and music therapy – are what allow our children to communicate, to cope, to participate, and to find joy. And heartbreakingly, many of these supports are not funded, leaving families to shoulder the cost alone.
“On April 24, as Saplings marks its 20th anniversary, we are hosting a fundraiser to ensure these vital therapies can continue. All funds will go directly toward therapy hours, sensory equipment, communication tools, and improving the learning environment our children depend on every day.
“We are kindly asking for your support through sponsorship, a donation, or a spot prize for our raffle. Every contribution – big or small – helps give our children the future they deserve.
“Thank you for taking the time to read our letter, and for seeing the children behind our words. Thank you for believing in their right to a life filled with possibility, dignity, and hope.”
Donations can be made at idonate.ie; and for more details or to get involved, make contact at PA.Saplingsmullingar@outlook.com.