In a momentous occasion for Dunamase College, the school has been recognised as a Champion School of Sanctuary by School of Sanctuary Ireland.
This prestigious honour marks Dunamase College as the first school in Laois to receive such an accolade, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for all.
The celebration took place on Wednesday, December 13, when the School of Sanctuary Ireland monitoring team visited Dunamase College to witness firsthand the remarkable efforts made by the students and staff to foster inclusivity.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Deputy Principal Claire Fitzgerald, setting the tone for a day filled with inspiring presentations from the school’s Le Chéile committee.
A standout moment occurred with a request from the monitoring team for Dunamase College students, to stand up and say hello and welcome in their native languages to show the diversity that is on our school.
The Le Chéile committee took center stage, presenting a comprehensive portfolio showcasing the school’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space.
The committee’s dedication to fostering unity and understanding was highlighted through various activities, including a captivating traditional Indian dance performance.
The festivities reached a poignant conclusion with Henry Ncube reading his winning My ETB Creative Multimedia Learner poem, “Our Little Community,” encapsulating the essence of Dunamase College’s commitment to building a close-knit and supportive community.
As the monitoring team explored the school premises, students proudly showcased the Welcome Corridor — a vibrant display adorned with flags representing the school’s diverse nationalities, a multilingual Wall of Welcome, and a World Map illustrating the global reach of the school’s community.
The monitoring team then posed questions to the Le Chéile committee, seeking insights into what distinguishes Dunamase College as a School of Sanctuary.
The articulate responses and genuine enthusiasm resonated, ultimately leading to Dunamase College being bestowed with the title of Champion School.
The entire Dunamase College community is so proud of this significant achievement, a testament to their dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The school looks forward to continuing its journey as a beacon of diversity and understanding, setting an inspiring example for other schools across Laois and beyond.
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