Letter from Parent #1
RE: Israel/Gaza
Dear [Headteacher's Name],
I'm writing as a concerned parent who is reaching out about the impact that the situation in Gaza is having on our children and teachers. I am sure you yourself have seen the upsetting videos and images in the news and online. Just within our home and circle of friends, it has been negatively impacting us and we are all in agreement about how much worry and confusion the situation is causing.
As parents, we look to the school to guide and support our children through these tough times. I feel it is important that our children learn to understand the world around them, and schools are a key part in achieving that. It would be a disservice to our children if only certain “easy" topics are addressed in schools, while difficult ones are ignored. Not speaking about Gaza and Israel will also put in our children’s minds the idea that some people are not as important as others. We need to reinforce ideas of respect, understanding, and compassion.
I am certain that you have already considered how best to support the school community. I wanted to suggest a few more things that I think would be helpful.
Please consider the following;
The emotional wellbeing of our children and their teachers is so important, particularly now. I am available to discuss this further and will support the school in any way I can.
Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name]
Suggested reading:
https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/north-africa/israel/palestine
https://www.unicef.org/sudan/stories/here-how-talk-your-children-about-conflict-and-war
https://banksyexplained.com/the-segregation-wall-palestine-2005/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2023/10/9/israel-hamas-war-in-maps-and-charts-live-tracker?blm_aid=0&blm_aid=3846405121
Link to download as a doc
Dear [Headteacher's Name],
I'm writing as a concerned parent who is reaching out about the impact that the situation in Gaza is having on our children and teachers. I am sure you yourself have seen the upsetting videos and images in the news and online. Just within our home and circle of friends, it has been negatively impacting us and we are all in agreement about how much worry and confusion the situation is causing.
As parents, we look to the school to guide and support our children through these tough times. I feel it is important that our children learn to understand the world around them, and schools are a key part in achieving that. It would be a disservice to our children if only certain “easy" topics are addressed in schools, while difficult ones are ignored. Not speaking about Gaza and Israel will also put in our children’s minds the idea that some people are not as important as others. We need to reinforce ideas of respect, understanding, and compassion.
I am certain that you have already considered how best to support the school community. I wanted to suggest a few more things that I think would be helpful.
Please consider the following;
- Extra mental health support: can we get resources to help our children and teachers cope with their feelings about this issue?
- Informative sessions: PSHE lessons and assemblies directed to help young people distinguish real news from misleading information, and encourage smart thinking about what they find online. I understand this is already part of the PSHE curriculum. A reminder would be helpful.
- Safe spaces for them to express themselves whether through art or prayer. It would be great if they had a dedicated place to share their thoughts on the conflict respectfully and without bias.
- Keeping parents updated: please let us know what the school is doing and how best we can support our children at home, especially regarding mental health and wellbeing.
- Strengthening our community: activities that build understanding and respect among all at school, reflecting our shared values.
The emotional wellbeing of our children and their teachers is so important, particularly now. I am available to discuss this further and will support the school in any way I can.
Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name]
Suggested reading:
https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/north-africa/israel/palestine
https://www.unicef.org/sudan/stories/here-how-talk-your-children-about-conflict-and-war
https://banksyexplained.com/the-segregation-wall-palestine-2005/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2023/10/9/israel-hamas-war-in-maps-and-charts-live-tracker?blm_aid=0&blm_aid=3846405121
Link to download as a doc
