Jessie de Garis Blue Plaque to be unveiled

At 9.15am, on the morning of 9th November 1948, Floraville School for Handicapped Children opened to five children for their first day at school.

The founder and headteacher was Jessie de Garis, and the opening of the terrace house in Vauvert, adjoining Vauvert School, marked the beginning of Special Education provision in Guernsey.

In her lifetime, Jessie transformed the lives of hundreds of vulnerable young children by her dedication to serving their needs with devotion, compassion and professional expertise. She lobbied for additional resources and particularly advocated for the appointment of specialist staff.

Jessie was headteacher of Valnord school from 1953 to 1976, only resigning to take up the position of Guernsey’s first full time Educational Psychologist. In her new role, she was able to carry on her work with children and their families on an individual basis, as well as helping to shape the expansion of Special Educational Services in the island. Jessie retired in 1983 after a long and successful career. Her legacy lives on today in the form of the Guernsey Special Education Service.

The plaque will be unveiled on Tuesday 11th February at 10.30am at Floraville, Vauvert by the Bailiff and children from Le Rondin School. The road will be closed for a short time to allow for the event.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Guernsey Blue Plaque scheme recognises past Guernsey people who have made
important contributions to the Bailiwick and the wider world. It is also intended to enhance
awareness amongst the island population and visitors about these people and where they
lived or worked.