Message from the headteacher

I wonder how you have been talking about the situation in Ukraine in your family. When the news broke my kids were staying with their mum in half term but both of them rang me as soon as they could to discuss it. Normally when they ring they are asking for money or a forgotten charging cable, so I knew that the story had shaken them.

I discussed the matter at length with my PSHE class on Wednesday. We talked about what we could do to try and support those Ukrainians affected. Somehow or other we arrived at the donate page of UNICEF and it was fairly inevitable from there (they are a very persuasive lot) that I would have to donate a substantial sum, live in the lesson.

The next morning Tommy F in Y8 and some sixth form girls had independently arrived at the conclusion that we needed to do something as a school and at that moment Mrs Weightman Edge sent me the image below.

Students and staff will now be invited to bring items listed above to either Wheeldon or Bowler Halls and we will arrange the transfer of these items to The Whitworth.

If you have items, please do consider taking them to the Whitworth as well (if you have a van we could use your help…).

I’ve included some links below for you to consider if you are not quite sure how to discuss these worrying developments with children.

(From the Department of Education): Help for school and college teachers, and families to talk to students regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine: We believe schools and colleges are well equipped to handle any questions they may be receiving from students regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, the Education Hub contains some useful advice and resources for schools and colleges: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/help-for-teachers-and-families-to-talk-topupils-about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-and-how-to-help-them-avoidmisinformation/?utm_source=1%20March%202022%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19 &utm_campaign=DfE%20C19

This may also be useful for families and young people themselves. Link provided by the www.mentalhealth.org.uk:- Talking to your children about scary world news https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/talking-to-your-children-scary-world-news

For my part I have been using Newsround a lot. Whether you are an adult or a child it sometimes helps (me at least) to have news simplified and key terms, normally used without explanation in news bulletins, broken down.

Do have a good weekend and consider helping out on Monday with the Whitworth Appeal.

We are Highfields.

A Marsh Headteacher