Dear Parents/Carers,
The past few months have been extremely challenging, not just here in the U.K. but right across the world. The current pandemic is causing much fear and anxiety, and this has been even more compounded by the recent reminder that racial inequality continues to impact negatively on British society, the USA and across the globe.
At Grafton School (See Equalities Duty), we have always valued and celebrated the diversity of our wonderful “Grafton Family”. We firmly believe that no one should experience less favourable treatment or discrimination because of their ethnicity, colour, or national origin. As educators, therefore, we feel passionately, that it is our duty to work for a better, fairer and more just world for our pupils to inherit.
Andy’s Assembly this week highlights the friendship of two girls, from a different ethnic background with a fence as a barrier to that friendship. The moral of that story is that there should be no barriers in our world but love, caring and kindness within a society that is fair and treats all people as equals. It is the fairness and equality of our society that will allow us to thrive as human beings, to form friendships that very often can last a lifetime and to share morals and values that will shape us as strong citizens within a fair and just society.
In the coming week, we are setting ‘Seesaw’ work based on PHSE and P4C which will hopefully, help you as parents/carers to answer and discuss some of the more challenging questions that your children may have raised after the recent painful events in America. It is crucial that we provide, as parents, carers and educators, a safe forum for children to share their feelings, their understanding of what is happening around them and to expect some responses that will make them feel safe, loved and cared for by the world they live in.
Below, you will find some links, reading lists, power points and philosophy for children (P4C) lessons that will help you, as parents/Carers, provide hope and positivity for all our children……our future.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
by Martin Luther King
Books and resources to support you and your children with discussions about race and equality.
https://content.acsa.org/articles/26-children-books-on-race-racism-resistance
26 children’s books to support conversations on race, racism …
content.acsa.org › articles › 26-children-books-on-race…
37 Children’s Books to help talk about Racism & Discrimination
coloursofus.com › 37-childrens-books-to-help-talk-abo…
Information on protests
George Floyd: Why are there huge protests in the US and around the world
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52813673
For parents who want to explain racism to young children
Elmo’s dad explains racism & Black Lives Matter in this informational video.
Equaliteach – how to talk with children and young people about race and racism
https://equaliteach.co.uk/how-to-talk-with-children-and-young-people-about-race-and-racism/
With lots of love and very best wishes to you all!
Nitsa Sergides
Headteacher
Andy Turnock
Associate Head
&
The Senior Leadership Team & Staff
P4C Lessons
Equalities Duty
In Year 6, the children have been completing work to prepare them for secondary school. One of the tasks was to write a letter to a teacher who has inspired them and had an impact on their lives. Teagan in Orange Class took that a step further and wrote a letter to Grafton School. Please read her letter; is it beautifully written and sums up our school.
Grafton School Is Waiting For You
Written by Nitsa Sergides
Composed by Juwon Ogungbe
Singers
Roz Porter Tibbey
Rebekah Andrews
Helena Blake
Lauryn Cabey
Edited by
Georgios Ignatiou