School of Sanctuary

St. Mary’s has done a lot of work with children, parents and staff around issues of welcome, sanctuary and justice for all who are part of our community. We are working towards becoming a School of Sanctuary but…  what is a School of Sanctuary?

A School of Sanctuary:

• Is 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.

St. Mary’s have already signed up to be a supporting organisation with the City of Sanctuary and we have committed to the City of Sanctuary pledge which will be displayed in our front reception office;

“We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to).
We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our context. We expect our branches or local groups (if any) to support their local City of Sanctuary group if one exists, and will facilitate contact between them and their local City of Sanctuary group.”