First school in Pembrokeshire wins School of Sanctuary award
First school in Pembrokeshire wins School of Sanctuary award
--
A Pembrokeshire school’s commitment to being a safe and welcoming place for people seeking sanctuary has been recognised with an important accolade.
Pembroke Dock Community School is the first school in the County to be awarded a national School of Sanctuary award.
It joins a national network of more than 380 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for those seeking sanctuary.
The school has welcomed families from war-torn countries, including Syria and Ukraine, and is committed to learning about the about the reasons for migration and displacement as well as the impact that this has on families.
It also provides a safe space for those having troubles at home or those that need to feel more secure.
Pembroke Dock Community School is a Gold Rights Respecting School under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, having dully embedded the principles into the school ethos and curriculum.
This includes ensuring that refugee children enjoy the same rights as all children.
School of Sanctuary Lead, Jenny Cottrell said: “It is an honour and a privilege to work closely with our refugee families. I’ve been humbled by their experiences and resilience.”
Headteacher Michele Thomas said: “I’m really proud of our whole school community, where the pupils have learnt about what it means to be seeking sanctuary.
“We have embedded concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion by taking action and pupils understand why some people are forcibly displaced.
“To know that our school is enriched by new arrivals, and how we support learners from all backgrounds so that they feel welcome, supported and included is extremely important.”
Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, congratulated the school on its achievement.
“Pembroke Dock Community School staff and pupils should all be extremely proud of the work they have done to ensure that not just children seeking sanctuary but all children have a place to feel safe and secure.”
First school in Pembrokeshire wins School of Sanctuary award
PRESS RELEASE: Force records nearly 1,000 instances of stalking in one year
Nearly 1,000 incidents of stalking have been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in the past year, the force has revealed as it marks Stalking Awareness Week.
Pembrokeshire’s top progressive farmers are encouraged to apply for Baron de Rutzen Award
If you farm in Pembrokeshire and can demonstrate your farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture then the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourage you to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award.
Paddleboard business owner sentenced to 10 years and 6 months for gross negligence manslaughter
A paddleboard business owner has been jailed for 10 years and 6 months for gross negligence manslaughter following the deaths of four people in 2021.
Making a splash at record-breaking swimming gala
A record-breaking number of Pembrokeshire pupils have made a splash at a Sport Pembrokeshire Disability Swim gala.
Golf, goals, sixes and aces: Community Clubs success
Bats, balls, clubs and racquets were the order of the day at a busy Haverfordwest Community Clubs event held earlier this month.
Charitable donations fund ECG machines worth £14,000 for Withybush Hospital
Thanks to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board – has purchased two new Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines worth over £14,000 for the Emergency Department at Withybush Hospital.
A little tree with a huge history has been planted in Pembroke Dock, renewing unique connections between the town and Japan which span 138 years.
A little tree with a huge history has been planted in Pembroke Dock, renewing unique connections between the town and Japan which span 138 years.
100-meter abseil raises over £3,500 for Intensive Care Unit
100-meter abseil raises over £3,500 for Intensive Care Unit