Mrs Michelle Toner, parent of Rebecca in Year 8 came to St Paul’s recently to speak to a group of Year 8 Art and Design pupils about her craft work and her involvement with autism at a local level.

Michelle’s eight year old daughter Louise, a pupil at nearby Rathore School for Special Needs was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and a half years old.

Michelle became involved in craft making activities as a form of self therapy, while staying at home looking after Louise. Michelle currently works as a classroom assistant at Jonesborough Primary School, while Louise is at school. She makes and sells her products as part of her fundraising for autism.

Only last weekend Michelle was involved in a Christmas Craft fare raising much needed funds for local children with autism. The pupils were delighted to see the range of craft examples shown and were able to handle all of the items for closer inspection. Michelle makes cards for all occasions, small needle point samplers which can be used as book marks, small stuffed toys and an extensive range of Christmas tree decorations. Michelle brought along some very unusual and individual wreaths, giving lots of ideas and inspiration to our pupils.

Pupils were keen to ask lots of questions about autism and her craft items. This proved to be a very beneficial learning experience for all of our pupils in attendance. St Paul’s would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Mrs Toner for her time and commitment to St Paul’s, and wish her every success for the future.