Enniscorthy Community School recently took part in the annual Stand Up Week from November 4th to 8th, a vibrant and impactful week aimed at promoting inclusivity, respect, and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. This year’s theme, "Community," was at the heart of the week’s activities, underscoring the importance of building a supportive and safe environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
This year’s Stand Up Week was especially significant as the school is in the process of obtaining its Quality Mark from Belong To, a national organization that supports LGBTQ+ young people. The Quality Mark recognizes schools that go above and beyond to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students. We had a visit from the educational officer from Belong To on Monday to check in on our progress.
The week kicked off as usual with the raising of our progressive pride flag, raised this year by our Deputy Principal Ms Tina Merriman and a Transition year student Ryan Kacey Fox. The school community comes out to cheer on the raising of the flag. Throughout the week all year groups take part in a presentation, this is aimed at opening up a conversation on equality and inclusivity within the wider community. Cllr Aidan Browne sat down for a meeting with our LGBTQ+ students council to address issues around inclusivity and safety in the town of Enniscorthy. The meeting was a huge success and plans have been put in place to address some issues.
Throughout the week there was a poster competition from exceptionally talented students, a bake sale in aid of an LGBTQ+ charity and a rainbow disco in the canteen Friday lunchtime. Overall this was a week that not only celebrated our LGBTQ+ students but listened and learned from them how to create a more safe and inclusive space not only in our school but in the whole community.