Multicultural Portlaoise school first in Laois to win Champion Sanctuary status

Dunamase College in Portlaoise is celebrating a lovely award for its welcoming ethos to different cultures around the world.

The young Irish English bilingual secondary school, patroned by Laois Offaly Education and Training Board, has been awarded certification as a Champion School of Sanctuary.

School of Sanctuary Ireland gave the honour, which makes Dunamase College the first school in Laois to receive such an

accolade, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for all.

Henry Ncube reciting his poem at Dunamase College. 

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Deputy Principal Claire Fitzgerald, setting the tone for a day filled with inspiring presentations from the Le Chéile committee.

A standout moment occurred with a request from the monitoring team for Dunamase College students, to stand up and say hello and welcome in their native languages to show the cultural diversity in the school.

The Le Chéile committee took center stage, presenting a comprehensive portfolio showcasing the school's commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space.

The committee's dedication to fostering unity and understanding was highlighted through various activities, including a captivating traditional Indian dance performance.

The festivities reached a poignant conclusion with Henry Ncube reading his winning My ETB Creative Multimedia Learner poem, 'Our Little Community' encapsulating Dunamase College's commitment to building a close-knit and supportive community.

As the monitoring team explored the school premises, students proudly showcased the Welcome Corridor—a vibrant display adorned with flags representing the school's diverse nationalities, a multilingual Wall of Welcome, and a World Map

The monitoring team then posed questions to the Le Chéile committee, seeking insights into what distinguishes Dunamase College as a School of Sanctuary. The articulate responses and genuine enthusiasm resonated, ultimately leading to

Dunamase College being bestowed with the title of Champion School.

The school principal is Dympna Kelly.

"The entire Dunamase College community is so proud of this significant achievement, a testament to our dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

"We all look forward to continuing its journey as a beacon of diversity and understanding, setting an inspiring example for other schools across Laois and beyond," she said.

Founded only seven years ago, Dunamase College / Coláiste Dhún Masc, is rapidly growing with 580 pupils, using three tempororary buildings in Portlaoise town centre.

Their first ever Leaving Cert class celebrated results this year. 

A new school is planned by the Department of Education to be built on the town's outskirts on the Timahoe Road with capacity for 1,000 pupils.