Challenging racism - BCS awarded a Yellow Flag
Blackwater Community School in Lismore are among those awarded a Yellow Flag for their work on challenging racism and discrimination.
The local school was among 14 schools recently recognised for their work aiming to build inclusivity and anti-racist school environments and communities, at a ceremony in the Button Factory Studios, Dublin.
The Yellow Flag as part of its assessment, asked over 14,000 teachers, pupils, parents and guardians, representing 113 different ethnicities, their views on the extent of intercultural recognition and teaching in their school.
Guided by teacher Claire Lane, students at the school implemented clearly defined anti-racism policies and parents and students now feel confident that if racist incidents occur, they will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with, with help and support given to all involved.
"We adopted an Anti- Racism Policy which is visually displayed around the school building and most importantly, the policy clearly defines between bullying versus racism and the whole school community was involved in its creation,"
Ms Lane said upon receiving the flag.
CREATING 'WONDERFUL MEMORIES'
Student at Blackwater Community School, Mariia Adamchyk, said that there is a ‘support and encouraging’ community at the school.
“The Yellow Flag programme was our opportunity as students to allow our community to prosper even more. Working together in the Diversity Commitee we shared our excitement and passion with all students about our goal for Blackwater Community School becoming a more intercultural school. Teachers, students, SNAs, parents, office staff, caretaking and secretarial staff worked together, supporting the events and activities held.
“Our designated Yellow Flag area is a reminder to all our school community and visitors that each and every person is embraced into all aspects of school life. New friendships emerged from the experience. We created some wonderful memories together as we look forward to many more in the future,” Mariia said.
CLEAR SCHOOL POLICY
A statement from the school read: “All school members know where to report and record racial incidents. All staff have received training in defining and responding to racial incidents. The whole school policy promotes race equality, where all students are provided with opportunities to celebrate their own values and those of others, appreciate diversity and develop respect for others".
“We encourage students to acquire the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to recognize and challenge examples of racism they may meet in their lives. The policy enables this. Lastly, we ensure Blackwater Community School is a safe and welcoming place for all its members by providing an environment on which this policy is based in which racist assumptions, attitudes and behaviours are continually challenged,” it concluded.