Offaly national school recognised as a Champion School of Sanctuary
Charleville National School, Tullamore, is celebrating a major achievement after officially being recognised as a Champion School of Sanctuary
Charleville National School, Tullamore, is celebrating a major achievement after officially being recognised as a Champion School of Sanctuary.
This honour will likely come as no surprise to those familiar with the school’s warm, inclusive and welcoming reputation within the community.‘
Schools of Sanctuary- Ireland’ is a national initiative which recognises schools that actively promote inclusion, equality, kindness and welcome for all, particularly for families and children coming from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Schools work towards creating environments where every child feels safe, valued and respected, while celebrating diversity throughout the entire school community.
Achieving Champion School of Sanctuary status is regarded as a significant honour and reflects a school’s long term commitment to inclusion and belonging.
Principal Gloria Mollison first set out on the journey towards becoming a School of Sanctuary, with teachers Ms Róisín Gleeson and Ms Amy Fletcher leading the campaign throughout the school. Together, they established a dedicated student committee whose members met regularly, sharing ideas and helping to promote inclusivity and kindness throughout the school community.
The initiative quickly became a whole school effort, with staff and students enthusiastically embracing a wide range of activities, competitions and projects celebrating diversity, belonging and respect.
The school’s chairperson, Reverend Isaac, also offered his full support throughout the process.
When the School of Sanctuary committee visited Charleville National School on May 10th, they were welcomed into every classroom and given a tour of the school, where children proudly showcased the many projects and initiatives they had undertaken.
Committee members were deeply impressed by the atmosphere within the school and by the genuine warmth and inclusivity evident among pupils and staff alike.
The visitors remained for lunch and enjoyed entertainment from the children, while also speaking with parents about the positive experiences their families have within the school community.
Charleville National School is home to children from many different countries, cultures, traditions and language backgrounds, creating a wonderfully rich and vibrant school environment. Diversity is embraced wholeheartedly within the school, contributing to the strong sense of belonging that exists throughout the entire community.
Following their visit, the committee officially recognised Charleville National School as a Champion School of Sanctuary, praising the exceptionally high standard of inclusivity, kindness and welcome shown by the staff, students and wider school community.
The committee noted that they were “unbelievably impressed” by the atmosphere created within the school, a testament to the care, compassion and community spirit that is clearly at the heart of Charleville National School.