At Joseph H. Kennedy Public School, one example of how students are supported is through the recent installation of the Snoezelen multi-sensory environment. Snoezelen is an engaging environment that combines various sensory experiences to educate, stimulate, relax, calm, or energize.
After repurposing, renovating, and refitting an existing classroom within Joseph H. Kennedy Public School, the multi-sensory room was completed at the end of November and was revealed to students before the December holiday break. The Snoezelen room was virtually designed by the Canadian company FlagHouse, based on the recommendations from the agencies that support the students at Joseph H. Kennedy Public School. Each piece of sensory equipment has been carefully selected to help support individual student needs while also being generic enough to ensure as many students as possible can benefit from its use.
The multi-sensory room has been in use for almost one month, and students are already beginning to use and thoroughly enjoy the space. “Students access the space individually or in small groups for short intervals throughout the day with the support of a teacher or educational assistant. The Snoezelen multi-sensory room is available to students of every grade as needed,” explains Acting Principal Erin Van Clieaf. “The room is used as part of some students’ sensory diet and also as a way to help students relax or feel energized during moments when this extra support may be beneficial,” continues Erin.
Laura Michaud, Classroom Teacher for the HUB at Joseph H. Kennedy Public School, shares, “there are so many students who use the sensory room and families are also excited about this new space.” One family of Joseph H. Kennedy shares their positive feedback, “wow this is AMAZING! Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen for our kids!”
Through the installation of this multi-sensory space, in addition to other ongoing initiatives, DSB1 is committed to helping our students feel supported and inspired in their learning and development.