Champion School of Sanctuary recognition for secondary school in Offaly
Killina Presentation Secondary School, Rahan warmly welcomed the monitoring team for their Schools of Sanctuary Champion Status visit in what was truly a wonderful day for all involved
Killina Presentation Secondary School, Rahan warmly welcomed the monitoring team for their Schools of Sanctuary Champion Status visit in what was truly a wonderful day for all involved. From the moment visitors arrived, there was a strong sense of kindness, inclusion, and community spirit visible throughout the school.
The monitoring team included Schools of Sanctuary Coordinators, community representatives, educators, a Sanctuary Ambassador, and youth and community advocates from across the Midlands region. The visit was organised with the support and dedication of Dara Byrne and the Schools of Sanctuary committee, who have been leading this work in the school with great care and commitment since beginning their journey in 2024.
The day began with a lovely introduction from the student committee, made up of approximately 20 students from a diverse range of year groups. Students spoke confidently about their Schools of Sanctuary journey and the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone within the school community.
The Principal spoke proudly about the school, highlighting its unique rural setting while serving a wide catchment area around Tullamore and beyond. As a CEIST school with over 30 nationalities represented, the school community clearly values respect, belonging, and intercultural understanding.
One of the highlights of the morning was a beautiful performance from students in the special classes alongside TY and fourth-year students, who performed a song using Lámh sign language. It was a powerful reflection of the school’s inclusive ethos and commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and involved.
Students then led a tour of the school with great confidence and pride. Throughout the building, there were visible signs of sanctuary and welcome, including multilingual displays, flags, artwork celebrating diversity, and student-created displays promoting inclusion and anti-racism.
Students spoke knowledgeably about calm spaces within the school, wellbeing supports, guidance counselling, and the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels safe
and supported.
The monitoring team was especially impressed by the school’s neurodiverse supports and inclusion policy. Students demonstrated a genuine understanding of neurodiversity and spoke naturally about respect, kindness, and inclusion for all members of the school community. A neurodiversity wall and inclusive visual displays further reflected this commitment.
The school library showcased a wide range of books exploring migration, refugee experiences, racism, neurodiversity, and personal journeys from around the world. Students also spoke about
initiatives such as European Day of Languages, Polish Day celebrations, the Zambia Immersion Programme, and the strong support available for students learning English as an additional language. The monitoring team had the opportunity to visit an EAL class and hear directly from students about their experiences within the school.
Cross-curricular learning was strongly evident throughout the visit. Students highlighted how intercultural learning is embedded across many subject areas including Home Economics, where foods from around the world are explored, as well as Maths, Science, SPHE, and Art, where diversity and global awareness are actively celebrated. Students had also engaged with the Sanctuary Ambassador “Inside Story” programme, watched the film New Boy in SPHE, and participated in initiatives such as the Show Racism the Red Card competition and Shoebox Appeal.
The school’s strong connections with parents and families were also evident through translated materials, invitations to school events, and efforts to ensure all families feel included and welcomed within the school community.
Members of the monitoring team reflected on how clearly the Schools of Sanctuary principles of Learn, Action, and Share are embedded throughout everyday school life. It was especially encouraging to hear how all staff are aware of and supportive of the school’s Sanctuary journey,
with plans already in place to encourage future first-year students to become involved in the committee and continue this important work into the future.
The Sanctuary Ambassador on the monitoring team commented on how strongly students understood what sanctuary truly means and how confidently they spoke about inclusion, belonging, and empathy for others.
Overall, the monitoring team was deeply impressed by the warmth, care, and authenticity visible throughout Killina Presentation Secondary School. It was clear that this work has developed meaningfully over time and is now deeply embedded within the culture of the school community. Killina Presentation Secondary School is exceptionally deserving of Champion School of Sanctuary Status. The school should be incredibly proud of the work achieved and the welcoming environment created for all students. Through their dedication to inclusion, respect, and understanding, they are helping to shape young people into confident, compassionate, and globally aware citizens.