Latest news with #SchoolsofSanctuary
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Charity which asked children as young as five to write Valentine's Day cards for asylum seekers is reported to watchdog
A charity which asked children as young as five to write Valentine's Day cards for asylum seekers has been reported to a watchdog. Schools of Sanctuary, a small refugee-sector charity, launched the programme in primary schools across Britain last year. On February 14, 2024, children were asked to send messages of 'love and solidarity' by making handmade cards for asylum seekers. Slogans inside cards included, 'You're welcome here!', and 'I love refugee rights, stop the Rwanda scheme.' In another card, an accompanying poem read: 'Roses are red, violets are blue, refugees are people, just like me and you.' Schoolchildren were also encouraged to discuss topics such as 'kindness, humanity, and equality', and to raise money for local charities with their class or wider school. Some cards featured an orange heart, which represents compassion for those fleeing war and is inspired by the refugee nation flag, according to Together With Refugees. Regarding the matter, Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, previously said 'children as young as five shouldn't be used to push political agendas'. And now, Sir Gavin Williamson, former Tory Education Secretary, has asked the Charity Commission to probe the branch of the City of Sanctuary charity. He alleged Schools of Sanctuary were 'engaging in political activity', and acting in a way that was not 'consistent with its charitable purpose', The Telegraph reported. And while a Commission spokesperson confirmed has received a complaint of 'alleged political activity' concerning City of Sanctuary, it has yet to make any decision. On its website, the Schools of Sanctuary described itself as 'a registered charity and therefore apolitical. 'Our primary focus is the dignity and humanity of individuals seeking safety and the creation of a kinder, more compassionate society – not the politics surrounding immigration policies.' However, the MP said there were 'numerous' examples where the charity acted politically, including their Valentine's Day Card scheme. He argued such initiatives encouraged people to participate in 'overtly political activity', noting a post including a card which read: 'Stop the Rwanda Scheme'. The former education secretary also claimed the charity's literature referred to the UK's asylum system as 'deliberately hostile' to those fleeing to Britain. Its resource pack also said government legislation fed into 'anti-immigrant sentiment, racism, and stressing community cohesion.' The Charity Commission has yet to reach a conclusion on the report, but if it decides to launch an inquiry and misconduct is found, it can instruct a charity to take action. Among the local authorities to partner with the Schools of Sanctuary Network is Labour-run Birmingham City Council. While teachers cannot promote political views in the classroom there is no suggestion that writing the Valentine's Day cards broke the law. A City of Sanctuary UK spokesperson said: 'We follow all Charity Commission guidelines and are confident that we are working within our charitable aims, we will fully cooperate with any Charity Commission investigation.'
Powys County Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Brecon High School awarded School of Sanctuary status
A South Powys high school has become the first in the county to be awarded School of Sanctuary status. Brecon High School has been given the title in recognition of its efforts to welcome people seeking sanctuary, including refugees and asylum seekers. Councillor Pete Roberts, Powys County Council's cabinet member for a learning Powys, said: "We are incredibly proud of Brecon High School for leading the way in Powys. "This award is a powerful reflection of the school's dedication to compassion, inclusion, and community. "It sets a shining example for other schools in the county and shows what can be achieved when we work together to create safe and welcoming spaces for all learners." The school have carried out a number of activities to embed the ethos behind Schools of Sanctuary. Pupils in stages learn about migration and the history of refugees, as well as attend talks and take part in workshops. Students have raised funds for a refugee charity in the area, and a charity supporting Ukraine. The School of Sanctuary Award is part of a national movement, with more than 600 schools across the UK now recognised for their efforts in supporting sanctuary seekers. The School of Sanctuary Award is part of a growing national movement, with more than 600 schools across the UK having now been granted the award.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
See pictures from Bunclody Community College awards ceremony
The awards ceremony included an illustrious and varied list of awards to present, reflecting the enormous amount of work undertaken by students and staff during the year. According to Deputy Principal Sandra O'Toole, the awards presented reflected the WWETB Core Values of Excellence in Education, Care, Equality, Respect and Community. She also highlighted that the awards did not just relate to academic grades, but were presented to pupils with an undeniable passion for their chosen subjects. "While there were numerous Excellence in Education awards there were also awards given out to those who show a love of their subject (Spirit of Awards), those who show a great work ethic and those who have contributed to the Care, Equality, Respect and Community of the school,' she said. .A number of students also received a Gold Award for 100 per cent attendance this year. There was also a year long initiative to encourage students to read more and the school received the Well Read Award. "Music was provided by our very talented musicians and singers and a number of our Sixth year students gave their final solo performances before their graduation,' she added proudly. Ms Maire Finn, Schools of Sanctuary co-ordinator thanked the school community for their continued support to keep BCC as a Champion School of Sanctuary and awarded a number of students for their exceptional work during the year. School Principal Mr Jay Murphy reflected on the year just gone and on the enormous effort and dedication shown by pupils and staff, during the year. He talked about the future plans for the school the new school building coming on track in 2025, and how new subjects such as Agricultural Science are now onstream. He also thanked the Parent's Council for all their hard work over the past ten years and the Board of Management, the Student Council, staff and students of Bunclody Community College for all their hard work and support throughout the year. He commended the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Classes of 2025 for their diligence, hard work and resilience in the face of many challenges over the last few years and he wished them well in their exams in June. A presentation was also made to Niamh Redmond who completed her Leaving Certificate Applied in 2024. She received the Fergal Quinn Award for the highest Leaving Certificate Applied results in the region. Prizewinners: Attendance: Gosia Baczek, Emma Fielding, Sean Kehoe, Jack Murphy, Jake Ryan, Jake Sunderland, Leah Hayes, Megan Redmond, Sophie Roche, Meaghan Tobin. Solas Awards: Brogan Doherty, Emma Cleary, Libby Moore Nolan, Cody Cash, Darragh Redmond, Grace O'Neill, Harry Pender Jordan, Josh Kilbride, Padraig Nolan Kenny, Thomas Larkin, Noah Kearns, John Redmond. Music Awards: Best female vocal performance: Junior: Katie Bradley Byrne, Senior: India Mernagh. Best male vocal performance: Junior: Sam Bolger, Senior: Cillian Jeffers, Overall Performer of the Year: Artem Havrylchenko, Spirit of Music: Rory Doyle. Positive Behaviour Winners (from each year): Pauric Cahill, Sophie Roche, Jake Ryan, Danny Farrell, Amy Cloke. Core Values: Care: Samantha McCormack, Dylan Bailey, Equality: Brogan Doherty, Katie Nolan, Community: Teigan Farrell, Taylor Roberts, Respect: Botond Olah, Amy Cloke Excellence in Education: First Year (overall): Emma Fielding, Jack Morris, Katie Nolan, Dylan Bailey Second Year (overall): Lucy Lux, Bree Murphy, Emily Walshe, Freya Binions Third Year (per subject): Thomas Larkin, Conall Murphy, Aaron Sharlott, Sam Bolger, Patrycja Ryl, Artem Havrylchenko, Karolina Ryl, Josh Kilbride, Ariadna Plata Garcia, Gracie Gahan, Keelan Redmond, Grace O'Neill, Jake Sunderland, Pauric Rooney. Fifth Year (overall): Brogan Doherty, Cillian Jeffers, Emilia Siekierska. Sixth Year (per subject): Nessa Keane, Kate McGlynn Green, Sophie Roche, Aleksey O'Shea, Niamh Murphy, Rachel Doyle, Aine Roche, Kellie Cloke, Josh Kearns, Meaghan Tobin, Abbie Doran Walsh, Sam McCormack. Spirit of Subject: Third year: Thomas Larkin, Amy Walshe, Martin White, Karolina Ryl, Conal Murphy, Josh Kilbride, Joao Marcos, Dmytro Kohut, Gracie Gahan, Rick Cullen, Geovanna Pereira, Katie McNamara, Artem Havrylchenko Sixth Year: Sophie Roche, Josh Kearns, Leah Hayes, Abbey Murphy, Sam McCormack, Niamh Murphy, David Henderson, Caoimhe Egan Green, Lisa Kenny, Aine Roche, Kellie Cloke, Libby Moore Nolan, Emma Ryan. Diogras (Consistent worker) Award (First, Second and Fifth): Hannah Watchorn, Harry Jordan, Shannon Meyer, Taylor Ronan, Jake Ryan, Johnny Connors, Anna Mahon, Lexie Byrne, Jake Morris, Ben Doyle, Jasmine Murphy, Teigan Dunbar, Skye Hosey Doyle, Mark Jeffers, Emily Doran Doyle, Rebecca Fraser, Evie Bolger, Yulii Kasianchuk Class Spirit: Leah Hendrick, Jack Morris, Johnny Connors, Katlyn Redmond, Jake Morris, Max Farrell, Amy Cloke, Ariadna Plata Garcia, Katie Tobin O'Reilly, Pairic Cahill, Abbey Doran Walsh, Libby Moore Nolan. Sports: Junior Football Player of the Year: Eoin Raleigh, Junior Hurling Player of the Year: Cathal Treacy, Senior Camogie Player of the Year: India Mernagh. Senior Girls Football Player of the Year: Abbey Murphy, Senior Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Brandon Nolan, Corey Nolan, Junior Basketball Player of the Year: Cian Kavanagh, Tyler Power. Top Scorer in Basketball: Cian Kavanagh, Emma Fielding, Bri Murphy. Meitheal Leaders: (24/25): Corey Nolan, Michaela Byrne, Holly Redmond, Pairic Cahill, Cillian Jeffers, Mark Jeffers, Katie Murphy, Jack Cashe, Katie Tobin O'Reilly, Sophie Levingstone, Kate Breen.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford secondary school raises spirits with flag day celebrating identity and inclusion
New Ross Standard Today at 22:00 Flag Week 2025 at Good Counsel College was a vibrant celebration of national identity, student voice, and inclusion. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has grown from a modest 2020 Flag Day into a week of student-led events showcasing creativity, leadership, and a shared commitment to a more inclusive school community. This year's programme opened on May 12, with a welcome from fifth year student Colt Belleno and concluded on May 20, with a moving flag-raising led by sixth year Nicholas Venn Wall. At its core, Flag Week continues to honour the values of Thomas Francis Meagher – peace, unity, and respect – while encouraging reflection on identity and belonging in modern Ireland. A standout moment was the visit from Schools of Sanctuary, where ambassadors from Botswana, Somalia, and Ukraine shared moving stories of migration and resilience, reminding us that the Tricolour belongs to everyone who calls Ireland home. Throughout the week, students shared the countries and cultures they identify with through presentations, posters, and digital content on the Flag Week 2025 Hub which was created by fifth year student, Patrick Conway, with support from Bobby Lanigan. Tuesday's ceremony included a stirring performance by past pupil and Pipe Major, Jack Ronan, with a formal address on Meagher's legacy, MC'd by fifth year, Cormac Fleming. Speeches from Jason Little, Alejandro Espadas Rivero (Mexico), Bobby Lanigan, and third year student, Maurizio Toselli (Italy) reflected on identity and unity. The first years were introduced to Thomas Francis Meagher through a presentation by Johawn Shawn in fifth year and Eimantas Cejauskas in third year, followed by an engaging and entertaining quiz led by Michael Power and his team. Other highlights included a student visit to the Multicultural Fair at St. Mary's; art and photo displays led by Killian Walsh and Bobby Lanigan; a school flag redesign, now proudly flown; and a competition to create a new Good Counsel College anthem. Flag Week 2025 wasn't just a commemoration, it was a bold, student-driven vision for Ireland's future.
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wicklow student shares struggles with identity - ‘For so long, I existed in the in-between'
Born in Ireland to a South African mother and a Nigerian father, St Mary's College, Arklow student Divine Luke-Letlhake said that 'for so long, I existed in the in-between' as she delivered a moving speech about the puzzle of her identity and the three cultures, histories and perspectives woven into who she is. The speech came at a ceremony that crowned St Mary's College the first Wicklow school to be awarded 'Champion School of Sanctuary' status, which rewards institutions displaying the highest level of inclusion 'For so long, I existed in the in-between,' she said. 'Too South African for Nigeria, too Nigerian for South Africa, too Irish for either. The world wanted a single answer, a neat little box, and I had none to give. 'But then I found something different – here, in my school. A place where culture wasn't a barrier but a bridge. A place where my differences weren't questioned but celebrated. A place where I didn't have to prove my belonging – it was simply given. 'Here, I am not just Irish. Not just South African. Not just Nigerian. I am all of them, fully and proudly.' Intent on creating an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive, especially for students seeking sanctuary, a committee of St Mary's students and teachers signed up for the Schools of Sanctuary initiative – which supports schools in making inclusion a central part of their identity – in March last year. After enlisting the commitment of the whole school community, students and faculty set about threading the sanctuary message through the fabric of the school, embedding it in the curriculum and recognising all faiths, religious festivals and languages, with the sanctuary committee displaying a flag for each of the school's nationalities in a prominent place. Over the past year, the school has hosted a myriad of insightful and colourful cultural events and excursions, including a 'Wear Red Day' fundraiser in aid of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, and a hugely popular Culture Day, which saw 60 students share 39 different cultures through posters, flags, artefacts, videos, and traditional food and dress. As part of their remit to share the sanctuary message, students from a neighbouring school were invited, with St Mary's TY students recording interviews on the day before posting them on social media. ADVERTISEMENT In November, following devastating flooding in Spain, the school hosted a bake sale that raised €143 for impacted communities, with two of the school's Spanish students receiving a letter of acknowledgement from the Irish Red Cross. Marking a special day on its sanctuary journey, St Mary's recently welcomed visitors for their School of Sanctuary monitoring visit, which culminated in the award of Champion School of Sanctuary status. Hosting representatives from Schools of Sanctuary Ireland, teachers and students from a Champion School of Sanctuary, SETU and Carlow College staff, Sanctuary ambassadors, and Schools of Sanctuary co-ordinator Tiffy Allen, the event saw the student committee lead a tour, sharing the many ways the school celebrates inclusion, and diversity. Among the highlights of the day was the cultural showcase, which featured a vibrant flag parade, personal stories, poetry recited in various languages, dance, and a sharing of cultural traditions. Reflecting on the school's journey and its champion status, teacher Karen Fanning praised the school's commitment to the initiative, including the St Mary's Sanctuary team, which comprises 40 students and four teachers – herself, Goretta Rochford, Deirdre Dalton and Eimear Kavanagh. 'It was a proud moment for everyone at the school when we welcomed our guests for the Sanctuary monitoring day, where we were delighted to receive our Champion Schools of Sanctuary status,' she said. 'We're the first school in Wicklow to get champion status, and it's a big achievement for the school to get that. 'Once you become a School of Sanctuary, the next stage is getting awarded a Champion School of Sanctuary, which involves a monitoring day where a team from Schools of Sanctuary comes in, walks around and checks out if the atmosphere is one of inclusion. They look for things like if there are flags for all nationalities, and if there is an acknowledgement of all cultures and signs in different languages. 'The students put on a showcase for the visitors, which included students from other schools, parents, local politicians, and representatives from Ceist and the board of management. 'We have 38 nationalities in the school, so we had a flag parade. Some students spoke, including four girls from Syria who had to leave because of the war, with other girls giving little facts about their culture and a lot of them reading in their own language. 'The staff are immensely proud of their brave and talented students who took to the stage with confidence and pride in their identity. It was student-led and student-run, and they deserve so much credit. 'When we started this initiative, we didn't know what way it was going to go, but as the months have gone on, we've realised how much it means to the students involved just to tell their story and to have a space to be heard,' Karen said. 'Now, the ethos of the School of Sanctuary is embedded in all aspects of school life. It is reflected in our commitment to inclusion, welcome, and respect — evident in every classroom, during break and lunchtime, and throughout the wider school community. 'We have hosted so many fantastic events during this journey, and while big events are important and give students a chance to share their unique culture, our aim is inclusion every day, not just the big days. 'We want all in our school community to understand that all are welcome here regardless of their immigration status. This is not a short-term project, this is a culture we will achieve and maintain over time. 'We couldn't have achieved all this, or our champion status without the support of the entire school community. A big thanks to the sanctuary team and our principal Aidan Ward, who was fully behind the initiative from the outset and supported it in every way possible.'
