Co Down School brought back student P4 after two years thanks to the creation of a specialized medical and recreational class.
Gabe Irvine was born with a severe respiratory condition and a congenital heart defect and was unable to attend classes for two years at Millis Elementary School during the coronavirus because she was clinically at risk.
The young man underwent three open-heart surgeries and had a ventilator and oxygen before entering school.
Now the school administration has created a special room where Gabe can go when she needs rest and specific medical care.
The room has a direct link to her P4 class, allowing her to be seen by her classmates and continue learning when they need to use their room.
Gabi was able to return to school in February 2022 after 24 months when an approved vaccine for vulnerable children became available.
(Photo: Live by Justin Kernogan/Belfast)
Her mother, Lindsey Graham – who also works as a class assistant at the school – told Belfast Live how she’s letting them get a specialist room to get back to normal.
She said, “Gabi was born with a heart condition and had three open-heart surgeries, then she started a mile in elementary school and kindergarten and went to her because she had a tracheostomy. At the time he had a fan and oxygen. So even in school, she came a long way.”
“When Covid started, we had to isolate ourselves because Gabe was considered clinically very weak, so we were mostly isolated for two years the day we went back to school when we got out of P2.
“It was helpful because I was nervous about him when he went to school because he was ashamed of using a nebulizer or being a fan. It was so good knowing he didn’t have to worry about that, or even that he, tired, didn’t have to think about finding somewhere else comfortable for him or her.
“It is great to come back and get help from this room because he can still come to school, although we are sorry about the Covid. He can still come and take lessons here and see friends. I will be back now. In fact he is back to his normal life.”
At the time of the lockdown, Lindsey, a mother of three, took care of Gabe’s medical and educational needs from home when the family was isolated.
He added, “I feel like I’m lifting weights. They spent two years at home, mostly in solitary.” There were times when the coronavirus numbers were very low, so we could have seen a family member or someone come home, but they were very few. And far apart.”
(Photo: Live by Justin Kernogan/Belfast)
Millis Elementary School Principal, Ian McManus, said Gabe is an “inspiration,” and the staff and students are thrilled to be back at her school.
He said, “If Gabby is in class and needs a break, she can go to her class/lounge. He has a sofa there, all the materials in the class and a direct link in the class.”
“I think everyone has become very familiar with Zoom, so Gabi has a Zoom link from Gaby’s Room to the classroom if she needs it. He can also do it in his AGP room. Then she has a private, full-size handicapped bathroom with all these facilities.
“Gabi’s return has sparked excitement not only among her friends, but also throughout our school community. It reveals the highest level of diligence and courage and is an inspiration to all.”
Source: Belfastlive

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