Without input from the parents and pupils, schools will simply take the easy path. And that means silence when it comes to the situation in Palestine.
Teachers who would like to speak out will find it easier if they know they have the support from parents and pupils.
So it is vital that parents and pupils TELL teachers and heads how they feel.
In this page we aim to
Teachers who would like to speak out will find it easier if they know they have the support from parents and pupils.
So it is vital that parents and pupils TELL teachers and heads how they feel.
In this page we aim to
- Upload a few pro-forma letters that parents and pupils can use to lobby the school
- Give information, and links to other sources, for teachers
Focus: Parents & Pupils
Use the sample letters below as the basis for lobbying the school.
Pick the one that resonates with you the most.
Use it as it is, or personalise it. And if you have ideas that we haven't included please let us know.
As mentioned above: we need to empower teachers, and push heads. So it would be helpful if you let us know who you write to. And if you know of teachers who would engage then we can approach them directly, without breaking confidentiality, please let us know.
Pick the one that resonates with you the most.
Use it as it is, or personalise it. And if you have ideas that we haven't included please let us know.
As mentioned above: we need to empower teachers, and push heads. So it would be helpful if you let us know who you write to. And if you know of teachers who would engage then we can approach them directly, without breaking confidentiality, please let us know.
Template letters from PARENTS
Letter in response to silence of schools regarding the genocide
The letter below was created by group of parents in Woking area in response to many schools staying silent on the Genocide in Gaza and how different the response was 2 years ago for Ukraine. Their children are speaking about it too. The letter is a template for parents who wish to communicate with their child's school and in particular request that the school holds a Special Assembly for Nakba Day 2024. or on another suitable date to acknowledge the genocide and starvation currently taking place in Gaza.
Dear [ADD HEADTEACHER’S NAME],
Request for a school assembly to acknowledge the human catastrophe in Gaza and reflect on the 1948 Nakba.
I am the parent of child [ADD NAME] in year [ADD YEAR] and I would like to request that the school holds a special assembly to acknowledge the 1948 Nakba in Palestine and the current human catastrophe in Gaza. As a family, we are horrified by what we are watching on our TV screens and are concerned about what our teenage children may be discovering on social media. Following the attacks on Israeli civilians there was rightly an outpouring of support for them and their families, but in my opinion, this has not been replicated in the response to the more than 32,000 civilian deaths of Palestinians in Gaza, of which over 72% are women and children (as of March 2024).
Request for a school assembly to acknowledge the human catastrophe in Gaza and reflect on the 1948 Nakba.
I am the parent of child [ADD NAME] in year [ADD YEAR] and I would like to request that the school holds a special assembly to acknowledge the 1948 Nakba in Palestine and the current human catastrophe in Gaza. As a family, we are horrified by what we are watching on our TV screens and are concerned about what our teenage children may be discovering on social media. Following the attacks on Israeli civilians there was rightly an outpouring of support for them and their families, but in my opinion, this has not been replicated in the response to the more than 32,000 civilian deaths of Palestinians in Gaza, of which over 72% are women and children (as of March 2024).
Letter from Parent #1
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.
Read more ...
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.
Read more ...
Letter from Parent #2
Dear [Headteacher's Name],
I am writing to you as a concerned parent [or child] at your school. While the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza unfolds, the school has not only remained largely silent, but has done nothing to encourage its students from expressing their concerns. This stands in contrast to the school’s vocal responses to past humanitarian crises. Clearly, the school has decided that defending the human rights of Palestinians is too politically controversial. I ask you to consider how this must feel to your pupils, some of whom may come from a Palestinian background, and others who will now question the school’s supposed moral values.
While we condemn the inhuman and illegal attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians, Israel has retaliated by escalating its medieval blockade of a population of 2 million people. In the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guiterez, the October 7 attack did not occur in a vacuum. It can only be understood in the context of “56 years of suffocating occupation” perpetrated by Israel against an innocent Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank.
Read more ...
I am writing to you as a concerned parent [or child] at your school. While the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza unfolds, the school has not only remained largely silent, but has done nothing to encourage its students from expressing their concerns. This stands in contrast to the school’s vocal responses to past humanitarian crises. Clearly, the school has decided that defending the human rights of Palestinians is too politically controversial. I ask you to consider how this must feel to your pupils, some of whom may come from a Palestinian background, and others who will now question the school’s supposed moral values.
While we condemn the inhuman and illegal attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians, Israel has retaliated by escalating its medieval blockade of a population of 2 million people. In the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guiterez, the October 7 attack did not occur in a vacuum. It can only be understood in the context of “56 years of suffocating occupation” perpetrated by Israel against an innocent Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank.
Read more ...
Letter from Parent #3
Dear [Headteacher's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. As a parent of a child attending [School Name], I wish to express my admiration for the exemplary manner in which North Halifax Grammar School has approached the sensitive issue surrounding the Israel/Gaza conflict (see attached letter). Their recent correspondence to parents serves as an outstanding example of addressing complex global issues within the educational framework, and I believe it resonates deeply with the British values we hold dear.
I would like to respectfully request that [School Name] consider breaking the silence on this topic, not to politicise our children, but to educate them in the spirit of ongoing dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding. As noted in the commendable letter from North Halifax Grammar School, they have provided their students with a platform to voice their concerns and have actively encouraged a school-wide engagement in the pursuit of peace and justice. This initiative not only supports the right to express oneself, as highlighted in British values, but also fosters a sense of global citizenship among students.
I hope this letter finds you well. As a parent of a child attending [School Name], I wish to express my admiration for the exemplary manner in which North Halifax Grammar School has approached the sensitive issue surrounding the Israel/Gaza conflict (see attached letter). Their recent correspondence to parents serves as an outstanding example of addressing complex global issues within the educational framework, and I believe it resonates deeply with the British values we hold dear.
I would like to respectfully request that [School Name] consider breaking the silence on this topic, not to politicise our children, but to educate them in the spirit of ongoing dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding. As noted in the commendable letter from North Halifax Grammar School, they have provided their students with a platform to voice their concerns and have actively encouraged a school-wide engagement in the pursuit of peace and justice. This initiative not only supports the right to express oneself, as highlighted in British values, but also fosters a sense of global citizenship among students.
Template letters from PUPILS
Letter from Pupil #1
Dear [Headteacher’s Name],
I'm writing because some students and teachers are feeling upset and worried about what's happening in Gaza and Israel.
We have seen pictures and stories online that are scary, confusing and horrifying, especially for us as children. It's hard for us to understand, and it makes us feel upset. Did you know that a Palestinian who has reached their 18th birthday would have survived 5 wars already? We care a lot about people, especially those who are suffering.
We think it’s important that our school helps in whatever way we can. We can help everyone feel supported in our grief and also in understanding things more clearly.
These are my ideas:
Read more ...
I'm writing because some students and teachers are feeling upset and worried about what's happening in Gaza and Israel.
We have seen pictures and stories online that are scary, confusing and horrifying, especially for us as children. It's hard for us to understand, and it makes us feel upset. Did you know that a Palestinian who has reached their 18th birthday would have survived 5 wars already? We care a lot about people, especially those who are suffering.
We think it’s important that our school helps in whatever way we can. We can help everyone feel supported in our grief and also in understanding things more clearly.
These are my ideas:
Read more ...
