Woodbrook College – Bray’s First Champion Secondary School of Sanctuary!
Many congratulations to Woodbrook College, which is now proudly installed as County Wicklow’s third Champion School of Sanctuary. The staff, students and management demonstrated a strong commitment to all aspects of sanctuary, and the monitoring team loved the day spent there.
The school, teachers and Sanctuary Committee brought us on a lovely tour of the school, where we met many students and teachers who spoke very clearly about how sanctuary makes the school a better place for themselves and their friends. This included participating in a lovely International Day where we were treated to songs, speeches and delicious food. The public event concluded with a moving speech from Divine Luke Letlhake. This speech is attached to the report and was deeply inspiring to all students, teachers, team members and guests present.
The Monitoring team was as follows:
Linda Stapleton, St Cronan’s NS Champion SoS, Bray
Divine LukeLetlhake, Sanctuary Ambassador &|Head Girl, St Mary’s Champion SoS, Arklow
Jessie Ola-Morris, Sanctuary Ambassador and SoS Volunteer, DCU student
Mohammed Abbasher, Sanctuary Ambassador, SETU student
Gordon Ogutu, Sanctuary Ambassador, DCU Researcher
Margaret Birchall, Sanctuary Librarian, Wicklow Libraries of Sanctuary
Tiffy Allen, Schools of Sanctuary Coordinator
Here are some quotes from the team.
This is not just a place of learning, but a sanctuary where every student is valued and supported.
Talking to refugee parents was amazing, and highlighted how the school not only supports students but also parents benefit from the genuine sense of care and belonging.
I was very impressed by the CSPP Human Rights and Media classes, which provide students with knowledge and tools…to counter disinformation and racism.
What stood out for me was the genuine celebration of diversity… and displays of many different flags, languages, traditions, foods, songs and dances… we enjoyed talking to children who were so proud to share their background and personal stories.
We will be passing on what we learned in assembly in our own school next week!
It was wonderful to hear how refugee issues are being woven into different areas of the curriculum (for example, refugee statistics during a maths lesson).
This is not just a staff-led initiative but students at all levels are actively participating. I spoke to several students who told me how welcomed and included they felt in the school. This is all clearly embedded in the school culture. Not just a one-time effort.
I have no doubt that they will continue to build on this work and be a shining light for other schools in the future.
School’s Gallery of Pictures- Showing School’s Culture, Teachers, Students and Community
