Issue 959: 4th March 2022 – Sweyne Park School

HEADLINES

Events in Ukraine

As you will no doubt be aware, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused understandable concern here in the UK and across the world. The events have had a particularly strong impact upon young people, who are often encountering worrying new stories online and in social media. It is important that we do everything that we can to reduce children’s anxieties in relation to this, reassuring them and pointing them in the right direction for reliable information on the conflict.

As parents, there are several things you can do to help in this regard:

Reassure your child that there is little chance of Britain becoming involved in an armed conflict with Russia. While this does remain a possibility, it is highly unlikely, given Britain’s membership of NATO.

Talk openly with your child about the conflict and any concerns they might have. Several organisations have produced advice regarding this – you may find the links below helpful:

Remind your child that it is completely normal to feel concern about what is happening in Ukraine and to worry about what is happening to people there. This is empathy, which is a powerful and important human emotion. Talking about these issues can help us to process these feelings, especially if they are overwhelming.

Remind your child that social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, are not reliable sources of information. Many videos and/or stories on social media are shared because of their sensationalist nature and the fact that this generates lots of views or ‘likes’, but these stories cannot necessarily be verified. Reputable organisations such as the BBC, ITV and Sky should be used for reliable information on the conflict.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. If you would like any further advice or have any concerns at all, please do feel free to contact us at the school.

Year 9 Options Evening – 10th March 2022

We will be hosting our annual Options Evening on 10^th March 2022.

The evening will start at 6.00pm, with the Open Pathway talk at 6.30pm and the EBacc Pathway talk at 7.15pm. Both talks will take place in the Main Hall, and members of the Year 9 Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Year 9 parents/carers and pupils, and are delighted that we can, once again, hold this important event in person.

Coats

As you know, during the colder months and due to the need for increased levels of ventilation in school, pupils have been allowed to wear their coats around the building and in the classroom. However, now that Spring has sprung, and the central heating is on, there are no areas which are too cold or not conducive to effective learning. Therefore, pupils will next week be notified that we will be returning to full school uniform, including a school jumper, with no outer layers permitted from Monday 14^th March. Your support with this would be much appreciated. As a reminder, please click on the links below to access our school uniform policies:

Key Stage 3 and 4 Uniform Policy

Sixth Form Uniform Policy

Year 9 Assistant Head of Year

I am sorry to say that Mrs Bilby is no longer working at the school. I am sure you will all join me in wishing her well for the future. As such we are looking to appoint a new Non-Teaching Assistant Head of Year, and I will, of course, write again as soon as I have more news to share.