Unfolding Events in Ukraine

We understand that the events unfolding in Ukraine may be very concerning and distressing for our students and their families, both for those students who are directly impacted by the crisis and others who may be troubled and worried by news as it emerges.

The thoughts of Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form are very much with the families of our community who are impacted by the events. If your family is affected by the events, please do contact your child's Raising Standards Leader so that we can ensure that students are supported appropriately in school.

To ensure that students are supported, both tutor time and assembly discussions this week will include a focus on the Ukraine situation. Staff have reviewed the government guidance on talking to students about the events to ensure that they are able to have productive and supportive conversations with students. Additionally, families may wish to refer to some or all of the following resources in order to talk to children about the issues and events:

Supporting your child if they see upsetting content online about what is happening in Ukraine (Childnet)

https://www.childnet.com/blog/supporting-your-child-with-upsetting-content/

We should not hide from children what is happening in Ukraine (Schools Week/Children's Commissioner)

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/we-should-not-hide-from-children-what-is-happening-in-ukraine/

How to talk to children about what's happening in Ukraine and World War Three anxiety (Metro) https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/24/how-to-talk-to-children-about-whats-happening-in-ukraine- 16163133/

Help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and how to help them avoid misinformation (Department for Education)

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/help-for-teachers-and-families-to-talk-to-pupils­ about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-and-how-to-helQ-them-avoid-misinformation/

Additionally, a number of students have expressed an interest in supporting humanitarian efforts to help Ukrainian refugees. We are supporting UK-Aid, a local charity which is sending a number of lorries with aid on 24 March. You can support the charity either with a donation via ParentPay or by students bringing in any of the following to tutor time:

• new underwear (women and children)
• washing powder/ bottled washing liquid (no capsules)
• shower gel
• toothbrushes/toothpaste
• shampoo/conditioner
• nappies/baby wipes
• women's sanitary products
• new towels

All donations should be received no later than 17 March.

Yours sincerely

Mrs M Townsend

Deputy Headteacher