LOVE IS LOVE!
This week is Stand Up! Awareness Week. This is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of homophobic and transgender bullying. Here in St. Mary's Academy we have been busy educating ourselves on the issues most affecting LGBT+ students.
Mr. Doyle and his team of Art Students put alot of effort into decorating the corridors and facade of the school with posters and slogans raising awareness of our treatment of each other. Staff enjoyed a delicious Rainbow Cake baked by Mr Doyle's wife. On Tuesday, staff members donned colours of the rainbow, in solidarity with LGBT+ students of ours who need our understanding and support.
TY students introduced their YSI project "iBelong" where they hope to deal with the inclusion of all students with respect to how they feel about themselves here in school. TY students are working with Ms Walshe in promoting the notion that all of us must feel a sense of belonging here in school. On Monday they organised a Workshop with Youth leaders from The Vault's CRYS team. Second Year students were invited to attend. All students were provided with a leaflet of terms, tips and advice. We were reminded of our school's policy on Bullying .
SPHE Teachers and CSPE teachers were provided with resources from Mr Clowry on Gender Equality and treatment of people
Everyone agreed the experiences were very worthwhile. If anyone has any concerns or worries they can speak to their Year Head, Ms McKeon or contact the team in the Vault.