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Sharing Flavours from Around the World

As part of our International Week, we held a Food Tasting Event on Thursday, 6th of June, where families brought in delicious dishes from their cultures to share with the school community.

The prefab was filled with the amazing sights and smells of food from around the world – from savoury favourites to sweet treats. All the students, staff, and parents had the chance to taste, learn, and connect through food.

It was a joyful and memorable afternoon, with plenty of full tummies and happy faces! A big thank you to all the families who contributed – it was a feast to remember.

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International games during our International week  

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International games during our International week  

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International Games 🌍🎉
As part of our International Week, we explored traditional playground games from around the world—led by our wonderful School of Sanctuary student leaders! They taught the other children the rules, where each game comes from, and helped everyone join in the fun.

Ampe – A fast-paced clapping and jumping game from Ghana that had us laughing and leaping.
Five Stones (Balza) – A classic Brazilian game that tested our reflexes and coordination.
Eagle's Nest – A lively game from Zimbabwe where teamwork and speed were key.
Rooster King (Rooster Tail) – A hopping game from India full of giggles and quick moves as we protected our tails!

A big thank you to Dia, a Brazilian member of our staff, for her fantastic support—especially with teaching Balza! (Game above in the video)
We loved learning how children play in other parts of the world. Fun really is a universal language!

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Our Family Fun Day on Monday, 27th of May was a huge success and a perfect reflection of the warmth and spirit of our school community. Organised by our fantastic Parents' Association, the event took place on a sunny day filled with laughter, fun, and togetherness.

Children enjoyed a wide range of activities, from classic games and face painting to making balloon creations and visiting the much-loved petting zoo. There was something for everyone – and smiles all around!

One of the highlights of the day was the friendly and energetic tug of war between parents and kids, which had everyone cheering and laughing. Prizes were won, memories were made, and the joy of being together as a community could be felt everywhere.

Events like these remind us of what it means to be a School of Sanctuary – a place where every family feels welcome, included, and valued. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make it such a special day!

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Flag Parade – Celebrating Our Heritage

On Thursday, 6th of June, our school held a wonderful Flag Parade to celebrate the amazing diversity in our community. Students proudly marched with flags representing their family heritage, with over 25 nationalities celebrated on the day.

Each country was introduced with a fun fact, languages spoken, and a big cheer from the crowd! Some children wore jerseys or had their faces painted to show their pride.

The atmosphere was full of joy, colour, and unity – a perfect example of what it means to be a School of Sanctuary where everyone is welcome and every culture is valued.

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Parental involvement in the school community is greatly valued and encouraged.
There are a variety of activities that parents can enjoy with the children in the school, such as Open Nights, Maths for Fun, Stay and Play, Crafting for Fun, Baking, and many more wonderful opportunities to connect, create, and learn together.

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As part of our School of Sanctuary journey, all classes have been learning about refugees and the experiences of people seeking safety.
Children across the school watched videos, listened to stories, and had thoughtful discussions about what it means to be a refugee. They also learned about well-known people who were once refugees and the contributions they’ve made around the world. We're proud of how respectful, curious, and open-hearted our students have been throughout this learning.

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Kids Meet A Refugee | Kids Meet | HiHo Kids

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Welcome to Our School Padlet!

At New Ross Educate Together, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all our students. As a multi-denominational school, we celebrate diversity and encourage respect, kindness, and curiosity in everything we do.

Our dedicated staff work to ensure that every child feels valued and supported, providing a rich and engaging educational experience in a safe and caring atmosphere. We believe that learning should be joyful, creative, and meaningful, helping our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

In partnership with parents and the wider community, we strive to help every child reach their full potential, building confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

We hope this Padlet gives you a glimpse into the vibrant and inclusive spirit of our school, where every student is encouraged to thrive and be themselves. 🌟

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In October, we held elections to form our School of Sanctuary Committee, giving students the opportunity to take an active role in shaping our journey. Our newly elected committee is passionate about making a positive impact and working towards a more inclusive and welcoming school environment.

As one of their first initiatives, they encouraged students and staff to sign a pledge, committing to actions that promote kindness, respect, and inclusivity in our school community. This pledge is a symbol of our collective effort to ensure that everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.

With the enthusiasm and dedication of our committee, we are excited to continue taking steps towards making our school a true School of Sanctuary!

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Our Journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary School 

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Our Journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary School 

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Our School of Sanctuary Journey!

Our journey towards becoming a School of Sanctuary is well underway!

We began with a meeting between our teachers, where we explored ways to make our school a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone. As part of this, our teachers also taught students about the message of School of Sanctuary, helping us all understand the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusion.

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Visit from Our  School of Sanctuary Ambassador

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Visit from Our  School of Sanctuary Ambassador

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On November 27th, 2024, Tiffy, a School of Sanctuary Ambassador, visited our school to support us on our journey towards becoming a School of Sanctuary.

She had a wonderful conversation with our support teacher, Seán, about the aims of the School of Sanctuary and the steps we have taken so far. Tiffy also commended our principal, Therese, our Home School Liaison Officer, Marie, and the entire staff for their dedication and hard work in making our school a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.

During her visit, Tiffy met with staff and our School of Sanctuary Committee, praising them for their dedication, passion, and understanding of the School of Sanctuary values. She also took the time to visit some of our classes, sharing her insights and experiences. Her words were both inspiring and encouraging, and we are excited to continue our efforts to ensure our school is a true place of sanctuary for everyone.

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Following the pledge, our School of Sanctuary Committee took the next step by visiting each class to share the message of sanctuary. They spoke about the three key principles of a School of Sanctuary:

1️⃣ Learn – Understanding what it means to seek sanctuary and why inclusivity is so important.
2️⃣ Take Action – Finding ways to make our school a welcoming and supportive space for all.
3️⃣ Share – Spreading awareness and encouraging others to embrace the values of kindness and respect.

By leading these discussions, the committee helped all students gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a School of Sanctuary and how we can work together to uphold these values every day.

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🌍💬 "Our Home Language Library is a celebration of who we are. It’s a place where everyone can find stories in the languages that feel like home. It helps us share our cultures, feel proud of our roots, and welcome others to learn with us." 💖📚

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Our amazing EAL teacher, Sinéad, set up an EAL Committee to support and include students from all language backgrounds. The group meets every Friday and runs Conversation Clubs to help students build confidence speaking English and to create a sense of belonging. 🗣️💬

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As part of our School of Sanctuary journey, we celebrate important cultural events and holidays that promote inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all.

Black History Month

In October, we began with Black History Month, exploring the achievements, contributions, and stories of Black individuals throughout history. Using a range of books and resources, we engaged in meaningful discussions and learning activities that deepened our understanding of diversity and equality.

By recognizing and celebrating different cultures and histories, we continue to make our school a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (20th January)

We marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day by reflecting on his powerful message of equality, justice, and peace.

Our School of Sanctuary Committee visited each class, asking students what they knew about Dr. King and encouraging thoughtful discussions about his impact and the importance of standing up for what is right. These conversations helped deepen our understanding of fairness, kindness, and inclusion.

To celebrate his legacy, we also created MLK "Big Words" artwork, inspired by his famous speeches and the powerful words he used to bring about change. This creative display reminds us of the importance of using our voices for good and making our school a welcoming place for all.

"The time is always right to do what is right." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By learning from the past, we continue working towards a more inclusive and compassionate future

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A Warm Welcome from Our School of Sanctuary Committee 🤗📦

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A Warm Welcome from Our School of Sanctuary Committee 🤗📦

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Our School of Sanctuary Committee has added a special personal touch to our school’s Welcome Pack! They included a photo of the committee, along with a kind and thoughtful message to help new students feel supported from the very beginning.

The message welcomes new pupils to our school community and offers reassurance that the committee is always here to help. They also shared simple advice on how to get involved and contribute to the positive, inclusive spirit that makes our school such a welcoming place for everyone.

A small gesture with a big impact — making sure every new student feels like they belong from day one. ❤️

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International Mother Language Day – Celebrating Our Diverse Voices

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International Mother Language Day – Celebrating Our Diverse Voices

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International Mother Language Day – February 26th 🌍🗣️

On February 26th, we celebrated International Mother Language Day, recognizing the importance of linguistic diversity and the many languages spoken in our school community.

In the lead-up to the day, our School of Sanctuary Committee worked hard to collect a list of the different languages spoken in our school. They also gathered names of students who were interested in getting involved — greeting the school in their home languages and taking part in a special video.

To start the day, lots of students greeted the school over the intercom in their home languages, showcasing the beautiful variety of languages spoken by our students and families. As part of the celebration, a “Hello” video was filmed and featured students saying greetings in a number of different languages — a lovely way to recognise and appreciate our linguistic diversity.

Throughout the day, each class also enjoyed a fun language quiz, and to celebrate their enthusiasm and effort, our School of Sanctuary Committee proudly presented certificates to the winning classes.

By embracing and celebrating the many languages spoken in our school, we continue to make our community more inclusive, welcoming, and enriched by diversity.

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Greetings from Our School – Celebrating Languages and Cultures

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Wear Red Day – Give Racism the Red Card 🟥

Today, we wore red to show that we stand against racism.
As part of Wear Red Day, some of our children wrote kind and powerful messages on the back of red cards to help spread the message that everyone deserves respect, kindness, and equality.

A big thank you to our School of Sanctuary Committee for visiting classes, putting up posters, and helping everyone understand the importance of treating others fairly.

💬 And thank you to everyone who took part today — by wearing red, writing messages, or simply joining in, you helped make a difference. Together, we're saying NO to racism and YES to inclusion, respect, and unity. ❤️

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Multicultural Celebration at St. Mary’s Secondary School 🌍🎲🍱

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Multicultural Celebration at St. Mary’s Secondary School 🌍🎲🍱

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Eight of our students — including three members of our School of Sanctuary Committee — were invited to visit St. Mary’s Secondary School for a special multicultural event.

We had the chance to take part in an exciting multicultural board game and enjoy international food tasting. It was a brilliant way to learn more about different cultures and traditions from around the world.

A huge thank you to the dedicated students and staff at St. Mary’s for making us feel so welcome. We learned so much and really enjoyed the experience!

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Learning About the Muslim Religion During Ramadan 🌙🕌

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Learning About the Muslim Religion During Ramadan 🌙🕌

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As part of our commitment to inclusion and understanding, students have been learning about the Muslim religion and the importance of Ramadan.

We explored why Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, including the values of kindness, self-control, reflection, and giving to others. Children learned about fasting, prayer, and the way families come together to celebrate Iftar in the evening.

This learning has helped us all to appreciate different beliefs and traditions, and to show respect for those in our school community who are observing Ramadan.

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Cake Sale Fundraiser for Over the Rainbow Play Therapy 🎂🌈

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Cake Sale Fundraiser for Over the Rainbow Play Therapy 🎂🌈

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We held a cake sale to raise funds in support of children receiving play therapy through Over the Rainbow Playterm.

The event was a great success — thank you to all the students, families, and staff who baked, bought, and supported the cause! 🍰🧁

All proceeds will go towards helping children access the support they need through play-based therapeutic sessions. Together, we’re helping to create a safe and caring space for every child to thrive.

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Our children love exploring different flags from around the world, and recently they got creative by building flags using colourful Plus-Plus blocks!

These fun, jigsaw-style construction pieces were perfect for designing flag patterns — and the results were amazing!

The activity sparked lots of curiosity and discussion about countries and cultures, while also helping develop fine motor skills, teamwork, and creative thinking.

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EAL Projects – Learning About Our Home Countries 🌍✏️

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EAL Projects – Learning About Our Home Countries 🌍✏️

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Our EAL (English as an Additional Language) students have been working on fantastic projects about their home countries or countries of origin.

As part of the project, they explored interesting facts such as the population, flag, leaders, climate, and geography of each country. Some even included photos, drawings, and key phrases in their home language!

This was a wonderful way for students to celebrate their identity, build confidence in English, and teach others about the places that are important to them. We loved learning from each other and seeing the pride students took in sharing their culture.

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​On International Women's Day, our school celebrated by engaging students in learning about remarkable women throughout history. Classes participated in reading sessions featuring stories of influential women, fostering discussions about their achievements and contributions.

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🌱 Our Green Schools Journey

We are very proud to have earned our Green Flag through lots of hard work and teamwork across the whole school.
Our Green Schools Committee helps monitor recycling and water use, checks the water meter, and does a great job encouraging everyone to take care of our environment.

We celebrated World Ocean Day and Climate Action Week with climate conversations and school-wide activities. We even received an award from the County Council for our efforts!

We’ve picked litter on the beach, planted a garden with flowers and vegetables, and collected materials for building our very own bug hotel.

Together, we’re learning how to make small changes that help protect our planet — and that makes a big difference.

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Classes are organised in the community also. Some are simply for leisure and an opportunity to connect with other parents e.g. yoga, gardening etc. While others are aimed at personal development e.g. well-being and English Conversational Classes.

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Best Walking Group - St. Patrick's Day Parade 

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Best Walking Group - St. Patrick's Day Parade 

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On behalf of the school, congratulations to all the children and parents who took part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and won 1st prize!
A huge thank you to the Parents' Committee, who did a fabulous job creating a wonderful float. We are so proud of everyone’s creativity, teamwork, and community spirit!

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We are proud to run a Thrive Club after school in collaboration with the School Completion Programme.
Children take part in a wide range of fun and creative activities such as quizzes, clay work, art, crafting and outdoor games. It’s a safe, welcoming space where children can build friendships, express themselves, and have fun.

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First and Second Class created artwork of the Colosseum to celebrate Italy for European Day on the 9th of May. Their work highlights Italy’s rich history, culture, and language, and shows how every country brings something unique to our shared European community.