Arvalee School was delighted to welcome Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, on Thursday 2nd October.
During his visit, Mr Quinn met with pupils and staff and praised the school’s strong culture of respect, inclusion, and advocacy.
“Meeting the children of Arvalee and hearing them express their rights in their own ways was truly inspirational,” said Mr Quinn. “Children’s rights must not only live in classrooms, but at every level of community and government. Arvalee shows us what that looks like in practice.”
Pupils shared their experiences of being listened to, supported, and valued. Some spoke about how, outside of school, people don’t always understand their needs — a reminder of how important Arvalee’s advocacy work is.
Head Boy Matthew O’Donnell said:
“I love coming to Arvalee. Here, I feel listened to and part of the community — and that means a lot.”
Head of Pupil Voice, Colleen Henna, added:
“It’s so important for our pupils to have their say in a safe place, where they know they’re respected. Sometimes behaviour comes from anxiety or challenges that others don’t see, and here those moments are understood, not judged.”
Parents also spoke of their trust in the school.
Principal Jonathan Gray said:
“Everything we do at Arvalee begins with the child. We support our staff so they can give every pupil the care, opportunities, and understanding they deserve. If it’s not for the child, it’s not for Arvalee. We are building a future where every child feels safe, where their anxieties are understood, and where they can learn, grow, and belong fully in their community.”
Arvalee continues to develop opportunities for pupils to learn alongside peers, build confidence, and strengthen their sense of belonging — seeing the brilliance in every child, every day.
