By Michelle Crean

Local students went to great efforts on Friday last to highlight a very important message about inclusion.

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Staff and students in Killarney Community College came together for 'Stand Up Awareness Week' as part of a national campaign where second-level schools take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

All staff wore a rainbow colour and students wore rainbow coloured accessories to show their support for the campaign as Killarney Community College is a diverse, inclusive, accepting, and welcoming safe space for everyone.

The majority of students made a particularly great effort in terms of wearing rainbow coloured accessories were awarded house points.

During the week, the LGBTI+ flag was hanging proudly in the school canteen. Transition Years decorated the General Purpose area with informative posters, and in SPHE classes, students learned about LGBTI+ terminology and history.

"It's important that school is a safe and inclusive place for anyone attending regardless of their race, sex, religion or sexuality," Principal, Stella Loughnane, said.

"I'm delighted that our school community marked the occasion and brought great colour while highlighting a very important message. One of the key words of our mission statement is inclusion making this awareness day a very apt one."