Leixlip's Coláiste Chiaráin The Only Kildare School To Receive 'School Of Sanctuary' Award

Tuesday, 11 February 2025 12:10

By Hannah Kelly

Coláiste Chiaráin Leixlip. Photo via Coláiste Chiaráin Leixlip Facebook page

The award celebrates schools that are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background, and is awarded to ten schools nationwide

Coláiste Chiaráin Leixlip is to be honoured with the prestigious 'School of Sanctuary' title at a ceremony in TU Dublin today.

The award celebrates schools that are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background, and is awarded to ten schools nationwide.

Coláiste Chiaráin Leixlip is the only Kildare school to receive this years recognition.

Speaking on this morning's Kildare Today show to discuss the award was Coláiste Chiaráin teacher, Ms Mairead McDonnell.

"It is so important for our young people today to feel like they belong in their communities", she said.

"We have been a champion of that in Coláiste Chiaráin for many, many years now with our Stand Up group and now with our Inclusion and Diversity Committee".

The Kildare school is also celebrating its fifth year of its key initiative, Culture Day.

Described as a “trip around the world,” this event showcases the rich diversity of the school’s student body through celebrations of food, music, dress, and culture.

In its first year, there were 13 stands from different countries and minorites, however that number has now grown to 35, including stands for the traveller community and neurodiversity.

This morning, 15 members from Coláiste Chiaráin travelled up to TU Dublin to receive their award and will also present the work they have done to achieve the School of Sanctuary award.

You can listen back to the full interview here: