Dear Lord,

Bless all who seek refuge on our earth. Meet their needs for safety and for home. Move the hearts of your people to show them welcome. Cause wars to cease and bring justice to the nations so that no one will need to flee again.

Amen

A School of Sanctuary:

• Is a place that fosters a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, including asylum seeking and refugee families.

• Educates the whole school community about the human right to sanctuary and identifies practical means for schools to demonstrate that commitment.

• Builds empathy and intercultural awareness through promoting the voices and contributions of people seeking sanctuary, encouraging an understanding of the experiences of displaced people and helping to combat stereotypes. 
  
  (Ref: School of Sanctuary Website)

As a school, we united again on Monday 21st March 2022 to raise awareness of the plight of refugees across the globe. We also made one final push to persuade the Government to reconsider the 'Borders Bill'. 

Everybody at St Thomas More has been saddened by terrible events that have unfolded in Ukraine. Across the school, our prayers have been with the people who have lost loved ones or have been displaced from their homeland. We have held prayer services in class and are collecting clothing to be sent to refugees fleeing from the war. 

My name is Ahmad.
I have been sharing stories of my Grandfather's experiences in Syria with my classmates.  

Throughout the Season of Lent, children across the school will be living out the action of 'almsgiving' by raising money to support St Chad's Sanctuary. 

Here is just one example: Year 6 are 'Growing a Pound'! 

Mrs Madia revisited one of her favourite stories to highlight the troubles faced by refugees. 'Rachel's Story...' is inspirational tale about overcoming adversity and always hanging onto hope.

Here is Mr Jordan sharing the powerful story of 'Oranges in No Man's Land'. It is an inspiring tale of a young girl, orphaned and refugeed by war, who tries her hardest to keep the rest of her family safe.