Seven Cork schools awarded quality mark for LGBTQ+ inclusion

Seven Cork schools are among the first in the country to be awarded the LGBTQ+ quality mark for their commitment to inclusion.

Bandon Grammar, Coláiste Pobail Naomh Mhuire, Cork Educate Together, Kinsale Community School, Maria Immaculata Community College, North Monastery, Patrician Academy, and St Aloysius were among 37 schools awarded at a celebratory event in Dublin.

The schools involved in the LGBTQ+ quality mark, run by 'Belong To', have worked for 18 months to create an environment where all students feel safe.

Principal of Maria Immaculata, Niall Murphy, said: “We have seen students be more comfortable within themselves and sharing their stories with peers and staff.

“The rainbow colours are visible throughout the school on steps, walls, digital devices, etc, to show that we are a community that wishes to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.”

Inclusive

Guidance counsellor of St Aloysius school, Kate Whalley, said that they wanted to make their school inclusive, but lacked clarity until the team at 'Belong To' helped them.

“Teachers who would have felt uncertain with how to approach the subject of LGBTQ+ in their classes felt much more assured after the training, and were more confident in talking through issues of gender identity and sexual orientation with students,” Ms Whalley said.

“Being able to demonstrate that we, as a staff, were unconditionally accepting of them, regardless of their identity or orientation, has definitely strengthened our bond with students.”

Ethos

Principal of Cork Educate Together, Colm O’Connor, said: “Inclusivity is a founding ethos of the school and we have worked with our staff, student, parents, and the local community to ensure that our school is welcoming for all LGBTQ+ students.

“The process has helped students to take ownership in creating the environment that feels most welcoming to them. They have organised Stand Up Awareness Week, lobbied for inclusive bathroom signs, and highlighted the visibility of LGBTQ+ families and individuals across the school.”

Principal of The Patrician Academy, Elaine O’ Regan, said the recognition “reflects not only the strides we have made in creating a safe space for all students and our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, but we will use this achievement as a springboard to further enhance our practices and ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and valued”.

Programme co-ordinator Claire Dunlea, from North Monastery, said their school had an Ally Group and supportive teachers and SNAs.

“We have revised and updated many school policies, incorporating inclusive language in official documents and establishing clear guidelines for addressing LGBTQ + issues,” Ms Dunlea said.

Empowered

Bandon Grammar’s quality mark co-ordinator, Caroline Lynch, said: “When we set out on this programme, we were thinking specifically of our LGBTQ+ students, but now we see it has benefitted all of our students and staff. Students feel more empowered to stand up for each other and to express themselves.”

She read from an email sent by students that said: “Thank you so much for everything today. The love and support you are creating at the school, and striving to keep, is beautiful.”