A joint statement from Lewisham Primary Headteachers.
Lewisham Leaders stand together to condemn the unlawful murder of an innocent black man George Floyd in Minneapolis . We stand united in our commitment to tackle and challenge racism, address inequality and call out discrimination. Black people are 40 times more likely to be stopped and searched in the UK . Young black people are nine times more likely to be locked up in England and Wales than their white counterparts, while BAME offenders are far more likely than others to be jailed for drug offences. As educators of a school population which is 76% Black and ethnic minority we cannot remain silent. The murder of George Floyd must prompt careful reflection about racism in Britain today, and the extent to which it shapes our values, politics and economic life. Our community needs and deserves to feel safe in the belief that its leaders condemn all acts of racism and violence and moreover that they believe racism is an abhorrence that we as Lewisham Leaders reject. Lewisham Leaders have a duty to address systemic racism in our society and we uphold this in our united condemnation of the unlawful murder of an innocent black man George Floyd.
Black Lives Matter in Lewisham
A message form Pinaki Ghoshal, Lewisham’s Executive Director for Children and Young People and Angela Scattergood, Director of Education.
The Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan has published a statement on behalf of Lewisham Council in response to the killing of George Floyd in the United States. You can read the full statement here: https://lewisham.gov.uk/articles/news/black-lives-matter-in-lewisham
We believe that our schools and settings are key to tackling racism and other forms of discrimination. We will support all Lewisham schools and settings in their commitment to standing against racism and injustice, alongside and in solidarity with the local and global Black community.
#BLACKLIVESMATTER
Sir Francis Drake Primary School has always been a warm and welcoming place for everyone; we believe it always will be. Three of our core values are respect, fairness and compassion. We are always here for you, regardless of your race, sexuality, gender, religion or anything else which makes you, you.
Today and every other day, all of us at Sir Francis Drake stand as one with our black pupils, staff, parents and the entire BAME community in condemning racism. #BlackLivesMatter
Keeping in Touch
Parents, this is a ten minute video from the Association of Online Safety specialists, it provides a good round up of all the main online safety issues to consider. It advises parents to be more vigilant during this time of increased online activity and offers some good signposts to keep children safe online. Parents Online Safety Film
Remember to keep up to date with what is going on in the world by checking the Newsround website or by reading First News. Click here for the Newsround home page. Click here for the most recent edition of First News.
We can still provide a childcare place for eligible children. We need confirmation from your employer about your critical worker status and what times you need to work. If you need to access this service please email emergency@sfdprimary.co.uk for an application form. Remember, this is emergency childcare only to be used as a last resort when there is nobody else at home or available to look after your children. They are safer at home. With less children, there is also less risk to the staff coming in to do this supervision.
Parents, remember it is okay to go for a walk with your child to get some fresh air as long as you strictly observe the social distancing rules. Watch this video to see what that means https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51989370
It does lift your spirits to walk in the sunshine for a bit, but remember, no playgrounds or play equipment and no meeting up with friends, just a walk!
