Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy is now a Champion School of Sanctuary, becoming the 12th school in County Wexford to achieve this, following their monitoring visit on Thursday 3rd April 2025.
The monitoring team included representatives of Wexford Local Development, Wexford FC, Sanctuary Ambassadors, Champion SoS teachers and student representatives from Bridgetown College.
As soon as we entered the school, the student centered approach was very evident, with members of the Sanctuary committee greeting us and giving the monitoring team a wonderful tour of their school, showing great insight and understanding of the issues and challenges experienced by those in their school community and how their sanctuary ethos is truly embedded throughout all areas of the school, offering many varied approaches and options to support and encourage all students.
The warm welcome we received, clearly demonstrated the atmosphere of inclusivity in the school. The vibrant artwork and displays around the school, reflecting the diverse cultures and ethnicities of the student body, conveying a sense of belonging and ownership. It was evident that students were comfortable in their environment, fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning, growth and development.
Many aspects of the visit were outstanding as Coláiste Bríde showed how they are embracing diversity, including all nationalities and status as well as people with neurodiversity and other minorities. It was evident that there was dedication to inclusivity permeating throughout the school, fostering a sense of community and respect for all backgrounds.
The Sanctuary committee who led our visit had a really clear understanding of Sanctuary, showing great pride in how Sanctuary is being implemented throughout their school environment. These students were a shining example of the importance of enabling student voice and it was extremely clear that these students are inspiring leaders in Coláiste Bríde. These students would also deliver great peer to peer learning outcomes if given the opportunity to help other schools and students in their Schools of Sanctuary journey.
A whole school approach to Sanctuary was very clear in Coláiste Bríde, the Star Project and Yellow Flag Programme ran alongside other extra-curricular activities like knitting and gardening club, the neurodivergent club, with its wonderful displays and the Empathy Across Borders area.
Coláiste Bríde’s monitoring day coincided with their Intercultural Day Celebration, this was a true experience of the value and warmth of the Coláiste Bríde community. The huge number of students participating and their enthusiasm and positive energy really added to the experience, alongside the involvement and attendance of their families and the wider Enniscorthy community at the event.
Coláiste Bríde have a great understanding of what it means to be a Champion School of Sanctuary, through their environment, ethos and values and their Monitoring Day was a great celebration of diversity and equality in the school. Coláiste Bríde is a shining light for kindness and integration in the deepest sense.