St Joseph’s first Westmeath school awarded for LGBTQ+ inclusion
St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge are the first school in the county to be awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The school recently finished an 18-month programme embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion across their people, policies and practices.
The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is run by Belong To, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation, and students, teachers and principals from 37 schools received their award at The Foundry, Google Headquarters in Dublin.
The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative is a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion in post-primary schools that involves the whole school community.
Over the course of 18 months, schools are supported in implementing evidence-based actions in key areas, which research shows improves the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark was created with support from Google.org.
Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia remain a significant challenge for LGBTQ+ students. In Ireland, 76% of LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school. The schools involved in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark have worked to create an environment where all students feel safe and supported.
Speaking at the event, Jack Chambers, Minister of State and TD for Dublin West, said: “We know a supportive school environment can have a hugely beneficial impact on the wellbeing and attainment of LGBTQ+ students. Together, we need to address the anti-LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination that remains prevalent in our society.
“The government are committed to ensuring the safety, equality and inclusion of all students, including our LGBTQ+ students, by creating safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for all.”
Amee Dunne, Q Mark coordinator at St Joseph’s Secondary School, said they have been working for a number of years to ensure an inclusive learning environment for all students. “We introduced a gender neutral uniform and gender neutral bathrooms, and the Quality Mark Process was an opportunity to formalise the work already carried out and to improve our efforts with expert support/advice.
“Through a variety of training options, our staff developed an acute understanding of the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ students. They developed skills required to effectively support our LGBTQ+ students, facilitating environmental change. With more curriculum links developed, our LGBTQ+ students feel that they are represented.
“Our Ally Commitee gives LGBTQ+ students a strong voice to continue to create positive change in our school community. The Quality Mark Process has ensured a safe and supportive learning environment for our LGBTQ+ students. We wish to sincerely thank Belong To, our management team, staff and students for this tremendous achievement of receiving the Quality Mark Award.”