SJV School of Sanctuary
A School of Sanctuary is a school that is committed to creating a culture of welcome, inclusion, and safety for everyone, especially those seeking refuge from conflict, persecution, or hardship. It is a place where children, families, and staff feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances.
At St John Vianney Catholic Primary School, we are proud to be working towards the School of Sanctuary Award, recognising our efforts to foster compassion, understanding, and solidarity within our school and wider community.
SJV School of Sanctuary
Our Values
As a Catholic school, our mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We believe in:
- Dignity and respect for every person
- Compassion and kindness in action
- Justice and peace for all
- Welcoming the stranger, as taught in Matthew 25:35-40
These values align beautifully with the School of Sanctuary ethos, and we strive to live them out in all we do.
St John Vianney School of Sanctuary Charter
We, the pupils, staff, governors, and families of St John Vianney Catholic Primary School, commit to the following principles as part of our journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary:
- Welcome All
We will ensure that every child and family feels safe, valued, and included, regardless of their background or story.
- Educate for Understanding
We will teach our children about the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, promoting empathy and global awareness.
- Celebrate Diversity
We will honour the cultures, languages, and traditions of all members of our school community.
- Stand in Solidarity
We will speak out against injustice and support those in need, inspired by our faith and the example of Jesus.
- Create Safe Spaces
We will provide emotional and practical support to help all children thrive, especially those who have experienced trauma or displacement.
- Reflect and Improve
We will regularly review our practices to ensure we are living out our commitment to sanctuary and inclusion.
If you are interested to find out more about School of Sanctuary:
- https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org
- Other sources of support or information:
https://refugeeweek.org.uk
https://www.redcross.org.uk
