On Friday 13th June, Steelstown PS proudly took part in 'A Day of Welcome' as part of our ongoing commitment to Schools of Sanctuary. This special day gave our P4-7 children the opportunity to engage in a powerful learning experience that deepened their understanding of the challenges faced by refugees around the world. Throughout the day, the children took part in a carefully planned refugee simulation activity across our school grounds. They moved through various areas representing stages of a refugee journey - leaving home, facing uncertainty, encountering borders, and seeking safety. The activity encouraged empathy, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience and courage of people forced to flee their homes.
We were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Ruairi McHugh, along with the principal of Lisnagelvin PS, Mr. Colin Torrens and a representative from the North West Regional College, Fiona Hamilton, to observe the children's learning in action. They spoke to the pupils about the importance of compassion, understanding, and the vital role young people can play in creating a more welcoming and inclusive society. The day concluded with time for reflection and our pupils shared with our visitors what they had learned. We prayed a prayer for refugees on return to the classroom.
We are incredibly proud of how thoughtfully and maturely our students approached this experience. Their empathy and curiosity were clear to see, and the day served as a powerful reminder of the kind of inclusive, compassionate community we strive to be. Thank you to all our visitors, staff, and more importantly, our pupils, for making this Day of Welcome so meaningful.
