On March 13th, Schools of Sanctuary had the pleasure of awarding Bridgetown College as a Champion School of Sanctuary.
School of Sanctuary representatives attended a monitoring session and this coincided with the college’s Multicultural day. On the day we were welcomed by some of the students from the school and directed to the gym where stands had been set up to celebrate the 24 nationalities in the college. There was food and facts about all the countries. The monitoring team spoke to students about their experiences as part of schools of sanctuary. It was clear to see the enthusiasm of these students, the pride they feel for their countries and their gratefulness at being part of Schools of Sanctuary which they feel has given them the opportunities to celebrate their cultures and educate other students about their countries.
We were then taken on a tour of the school by two wonderful students whose pride in their school and the work they have undertaken as part of Schools of Sanctuary was clearly evident.
Walking through the school it was clear that Schools of Sanctuary is something that is now embedded in the school. We could see how different departments within the school got involved. There were also School of Sanctuary logos, fun displays, and impressive art work around the school.
We then had a chance to go through the collegeâs portfolio where evidence of Learn, Share and Action was again displayed. We were very impressed by the way the school decided to make printed versions of their portfolio, which were eagerly taken by the teachers and students of four or five neighbouring schools which were invited to participate in the Intercultural Day – a great way to âshareâ which some visiting Champion Schools hope to replicate.
There was clear evidence of learning and strong commitment to action through the many different things the committee has worked on such as:Â
- Posters with facts about the countries in the school
- The adoption of the Ubuntu theme – âI am because we areâ
- Students shown the movie âThe Swimmersâ and hearing from Sanctuary Ambassadors
- A multi-lingual Sanctuary Library
- Whole school Workshop run by Trocaire
- Language Posters
Senior Management took new students on a trip to Hook Head and it was lovely to see senior management taking time to build connections with their students, and to hear their enthusiasm about sanctuary. This is a school where everyone wants to learn more and there is a wonderful sense of openness that impressed the team.
It is great to see that targets and actions have been added to the schoolâs DEIS plan which shows a commitment to continuing and growing on the work already started. The school has adopted the lighthouse as a symbol of welcome, protection and safety, something very palpable in all aspects of school life.
The monitoring team included Champion teachers Mary Kehoe (team leader), Jenna Rossiter, Rena Sinnott, Sanctuary Ambassadors Mummy Mokhalo and Adeyinka Ogunbowale, Emily O Rourke from Wexford Local Development, Kayleigh Butler from Rosslare Direct Provision, and SoS team members Olga and Tiffy.  Â
As well as several local schools and many parents and neighbours, the Intercultural Day was visited by the local press, Wexford People, with Simon Bourke writing this report: