School of Sanctuary

In Year 1, we read the book 'The Day War Came'. The children thought about what the word 'home' meant to them and how they would feel if they lost their home. 

Refugee Week 19th- 23rd June

In Year 1, we watched a video about refugees. We discussed the journey of a refugee and shared all the ways we show inclusion and celebrate diversity. 

School of Sanctuary

As a school, we are working towards becoming a School of Sanctuary. But what does this mean?

School of Sanctuary is a national network of over 300 primary and secondary schools all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Being a 'School of Sanctuary,' means welcoming and supporting refugees along with people from all different backgrounds. We want to educate the children at our school about the human right to sanctuary and help them make sense of the world so that they can become responsible citizens and to create positive change in their communities.

As a 'School of Sanctuary,' we strive to build an inclusive and supportive school community, which helps the most needy and vulnerable.  

What is a School of Sanctuary?

• A place that fosters a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, including asylum seeking and refugee families.
• Educates the whole school community about the human right to sanctuary and identifies practical means for schools to demonstrate that commitment.
• Builds empathy and intercultural awareness through promoting the voices and contributions of people seeking sanctuary, encouraging an understanding of the experiences of displaced people and helping to combat stereotypes

What are we doing to become a school of Sanctuary?

All of our learning at St. Edward’s Catholic Primary School is rooted in our Gospel Virtues and Catholic Social Teaching but we are committed to turning this learning into action

We have already taken part in many activities to promote a positive culture of welcome, inclusion and a kinder treatment of all asylum seekers and refugees, but at the heart of what we do lies turning our learning into action.

A significant symbol is the orange heart. Each class has an orange heart displayed in their classroom that all of the children have signed to say that they want to support refugees and peace in the world.

It is an orange heart because it encourages us to have a heart for refugees, orange is also the colour of the refugee flag and finally orange is the colour of life belts; which will have protected so many people and families on dangerous journeys they have had to make.

If you can support our school community in anyway with this work, please contact enquiry@stedward.bham.sch.uk . We will be grateful for any help you can offer.