School of Sanctuary

Some of our students learnt about refugees and asylum seekers when we were preparing for the visit of ‘Little Amal’ the refuge puppet. We made orange hearts and a few took them to meet Amal in Birmingham.

We have had links with St Chad’s Sanctuary over the last few years and have been sending donations at Christmas. We asked Abi, who runs the sanctuary, what was needed and we decided this year again to focus our Advent charity on helping refugees and asylum seekers. We are also collating Christmas hampers for our local community as there are many struggling, especially at the time of this pandemic.

Each year group was asked to bring a different item from the list. Some brought, stationery, some toiletries but an overwhelming amount of staff and students brought in good quality recycled clothing. They watched a video in assembly giving them more of an insight into why asylum seekers and refugees need so much help when they arrive to our city.

Our 6th form team, Hannah, Catherine and Keziah helped collate the clothes with Mrs O’Driscoll, Mrs Keeves and Mrs Roberston Rogers and they delivered the items with Mr Jaep to St Chad’s Sanctuary. Some forms collected money and the form tutor ordered the items online. We were also able to buy energy drinks, umbrellas and wheelie suitcases. We are truly blessed with the generosity of our staff and students.

We hope that soon, we may become a School of Sanctuary.

Anna O'Driscoll
Lay Chaplain