Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Supporting wellbeing after the Manchester Attack
We are deeply saddened by the recent attack in Manchester, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. Events like this can be distressing, even for those not directly involved, and it is natural that children and young people may experience feelings of worry, fear, or sadness.  We understand that incidents of this nature can cause worry and distress for children and young people. At school, our focus is on supporting their wellbeing , offering reassurance, space to talk if they wish and age-appropriate guidance that helps them feel safe.

If you think your child needs support, please do not hesitate to reach out. We also encourage any student to do so themselves. Whether they want to talk with a teacher, a member of the pastoral team, or simply need a safe space, support will be available.

YES! For schools – Youth Empowerment Seminar
Please see the attached letter for full details of a 10 week course, after school on Mondays from 2.45pm – 3.45pm.  This initiative is offered as part of our AMBIT extracurricular programme and places are very limited and offered on a first come first served basis.  The course runs from Monday 3^rd November to Monday 19^th January – booking details are via the QR code on the attached letter.

Young Minds ‘Hello Yellow’ Day – Friday 10^th October
The Townley community are asked to join us for Hello Yellow on Friday 10th October and wear a yellow accessory in a bid to brighten up the country by wearing yellow and fundraising for Young Minds to show young people they’re not alone. You are able to donate on Arbor via the school shop.

There are days when all of us struggle with how we are feeling. Things can get tough, and it can be difficult knowing how to cope. For so many young people, when this happens, they don’t always get the help they need, when they need it. They don’t know where to turn, who to talk to, or even if anyone else feels the same. No young person should feel alone with their mental health. But together, we can change this. By wearing yellow and donating what you can this October, you can show unwavering support to those in need. Every donation helps Young Minds to create vital mental health resources, campaign for local support hubs and run their essential Parents Helpline. Please find further details regarding the parent and carer helpline here https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/.

John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2025
We are extremely proud to share that another Townley student has been shortlisted for the final of the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2025.  As we explained in last week’s email, there were over 65,000 entries from students worldwide, making this an extraordinary achievement. Townley stands out as one of only a handful of state-funded schools globally to have not just one, but now four students reach the finals. We are now delighted to also send huge congratulations to Hannah T-B on this remarkable success!

Live, work, or study in Bexley? Bexley Community Safety Partnership wants to hear from you!
Help them make Bexley safer for everyone by sharing how safe you feel in your area. Tell them what anti-social behaviour and crime concerns you and what changes you want to see.  The survey is quick, anonymous, and helps shape the direction of the Community Safety Partnership. Complete the survey before 31st October.

EBSA Parent/Carer Support Group
Please see the attached flyer for details of the forthcoming support group, being held by Bexley Educational Psychologists, On Thursday 4^th December.

Parent and School Communication
I would like to use our weekly communication as an opportunity to remind parents and carers that when wishing to contact the school, they should do so via admin@townleygrammar.org.uk. This means emails will be directed to the most appropriate person. I would also like to remind all members of the school community that teachers may take up to 48 hours, two working days, to reply. This is important when supporting our staff's wellbeing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance for them, ensuring they remain happy at work and able to continue delivering exceptional teaching and learning within the classroom. Thank you in advance for helping us support them by using the correct school communication channels

Finally, I have really reflected on whether to include the following point however, I feel it s important to address a recent trend that my senior team and I have observed.  While the number of incidents is small, we have noted an increase in interactions with parents and carers - both on the telephone and via email - that have unfortunately lacked courtesy and respect towards our staff.

Please know that the Townley staff work extremely hard and are committed to your children's success; they strive daily to provide a wide range of enriching experiences. However, we also recognise that everyone - young people and professionals alike - makes mistakes sometimes. Of course I understand that your children are your priority and as such, I understand that you will of course want to raise any matter with the school promptly; all I ask is that when you contact the school to raise concerns, you use the appropriate channels and communicate with courtesy and respect. We all want the same thing: your children to have a wonderful educational experience, and achieving it requires all of us working together.

Kind regards,

Miss S Totty
Interim Headteacher